AHN JAN 11 2018 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, january 11, 2018 Vol. 75, No. 2

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

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“The Only Newspaper in the World That Gives a Tinker’s Dam About the North Peace.”

ski club plans for winter games

huskies struggle to start 2018

noble son comes home

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Council considers tax rate increase matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Catherine Ruddell (left) takes over as co-ordinator of Peace Gallery North from Lisa MacLean.

Gallery rings in new year with new curator matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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A familiar face is returning home to manage Peace Gallery North. Catherine Ruddell will take the helm from Lisa MacLean, whose last day as manager will be Jan. 11. “If I could take the gallery and all the wonderful people in Fort St. John’s cultural community with me when I leave, I would very much love to do that,”said MacLean, who started last June and plans to move back to Vancouver with her partner, who is retiring, after a vacation in Mexico. “The people have been

amazing. I’ve loved being here, loved the gallery and the cultural centre, but I’m really happy to leave it in Catherine’s capable hands.” Ruddell returned home in December after a year in Prince George, where her partner was completing master’s studies. During that time, Ruddell said she was able to focus on her art practice and personal brand while working at the city’s Two Rivers art gallery. “I’m happy to be back,” said Ruddell. “Moving away gives you a bit of perspective and I think we take for granted our small town connections.” Expect Ruddell to focus on

those connections as she adjusts to her new job in the heart of the city—kitty corner from the Whole Wheat and Honey Cafe that she managed for years. Driving more foot traffic into downtown shops, and linking the gallery with tourism spots like the museum and visitor centre will be among her priorities to connect visitors and viewers with local artists. “I really do believe a community is built around personal connections,” Ruddell said. “We understand each other better when we know more of each other’s stories, and that’s how people tend to interpret art.”

Property sales up, prices down in Fort St. John matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Real estate sales in Fort St. John were up more than 14 per cent in 2017, spurred by a surprising uptick around the Christmas season. According to year-end stats released by the BC Northern Real Estate Board, 455 properties exchanged hands in Fort St. John in 2015, up from 397 sold in 2016. Total sales for the year were valued at $174.2 million, up from $161.5 million in 2016. Of the 218 single-family homes sold, the average selling price was $391,000, though half sold for less than $378,000, the board noted. “Fort St. John saw a 3.5 per cent drop in the price of the average family home, though there was an increase in sales

activity year-over-year and a noticeable increase over the Christmas season, which may have been a result of the announcement in December of the continuation of the construction of the Site C dam,” the board noted in its report. Another 25 parcels of vacant land were sold in the city, along with 44 half-duplexes, 54 homes on acreages, and 59 manufactured homes. “We were doing showings up to Christmas Day, which is unheard of,” said Leah French, a realtor with Century 21. “From showings, move-ins, listings, and sales, we were all looking at each other, ‘What’s going on? Why’s there so much activity?’ “It was just a really positive way to end the year,” she said. Though specific numbers weren’t provided by the board,

the holiday season push from home buyers was likely caused by a number of factors, including certainty brought about by the NDP government’s December approval of the Site C dam, an uptick in oil and gas activity, and the city remaining a buyer’s market heading into 2018, according to French. Buyers were varied, from first-timers new to town, to residents either upgrading or downgrading their homes, according to French. “We’re seeing that carry on into the new year. We’re expecting nothing but good things, especially by spring we’re hoping prices will come up,” French said. At the end of 2017, there were 662 properties listed through MLS in the Fort St. John area, up from the 642 properties at the end of 2016.

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Fort St. John councillors are considering a tax rate increase this year to help maintain city services. Council got its first look Monday at the draft $59.1-million operating budget for 2018, which pays for the day-to-day costs of running the city, from civil servant salaries, to fire, police, bylaw, transit and recreational services. The budget estimates a 2.17 per cent increase in tax rates to meet the city’s revenue needs and maintain services—this, after already cutting budget creep and departmental contingencies by 23 per cent, or $754,000. “We have a balanced budget,” David Joy, general manager of corporate services, told council. “We are going to pinch every penny we can before we give you this first draft.” The city saw its overall assessments, used to calculate municipal taxes, drop 4.95 per cent. The average single-family home dropped 4.6 per cent, from $387,000 to $369,000 year-over-year. The budget proposes an increase in residential tax rates to $4.86 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $4.75, meaning homeowners who saw their property values drop on par with the city average will pay less this year. Homeowners who saw their property values stay the same will pay around $40 more come tax time—about 11 cents a day, with the average resident paying $6.24 per day for city services. The city would have to trim spending by another $604,000 or find the same amount in new revenue to hold the line on tax rates, Joy told council. The city has already cut $754,000 in discretionary budgets, and will pay less in interest charges after paying off a loan for the city’s water treatment plant in 2017. “If we’re always under budget, it’s time to revise the 2018 budget to be more realistic,” Joy said of discretionary cuts and the city’s approach to budgeting. Council will set tax rates later this spring. See BUDGET on A4

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A2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

Local News

contents A2 A2 A3 A6 A9 B1 B5 B6

Weather Humour News Opinion Business Sports Arts Classifieds

CHEQUE PASS SPLASH The Fort St. John Rotary Club gave the city $20,000 over lunch Jan.4, 2018, to put toward the Rotary Spray Park. It’s the club’s third annual payment to the city for the park’s refurbishment, expected to be complete next summer. Funds were raised through the club’s golf tourney in June and through legacy brick sales. The club is raising $100,000 for the park, as is Sunrise Rotary.

this week’s flyers M&M Meats Jysk Walmart Home Hardware The Brick No Frills Save-On Foods Staples Safeway Shoppers Drug Mart Peavy Canadian Tire

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What Is The Most Stressful Job Of All? WEATHER WOES: Last week, the weather was the big story across North America. A late week blizzard attacked North America, from the Canadian Maritimes all the way down to Florida. For the first time in 30 years they had snow and ice in Tallahassee. It was cold enough to freeze your Hassee off your Talla.

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

121.9

Fort St. John

129.9

PENGUIN PARTICULARS: Here in the West, we suffered through extremely cold weather earlier in the week. It was so cold, the Calgary Zoo moved the penguins indoors. Hey, excuse me, but aren’t penguins supposed to live in cold temperatures? A penguin that doesn’t like the cold? That’s like an eagle that’s scared of heights.

WAITING WOES: A new study shows waiting tables is one of the most stressful jobs. When I was young I worked as a waiter. My best day ever was when a customer choked on food. I performed the Heimlich manoeuvre on him—after aiming him at a lady who undertipped.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

MOVIE MEMO: The numbers show 2017 movie attendance was down across Canada. A lot of people didn’t visit a movie theatre all year. I guess they realized there are other places they can do their texting.

sure they do a good job. And who can blame her? Nobody wants to sit on a dirty throne. MEANWHILE, IN HOLLYWOOD: Actor George Clooney says he gets lots of offers, but he’s too rich to act in movies anymore. But if George is such a great actor, surely he could get work by ACTING being poor. But then I guess the studio would pay him millions for doing that. Which would make George’s money problem worse. That’s tough. Gee whiz, George is in a bad situation!

MOON MEMO: There’s a report the Russians will build a hotel on the moon. I predict the Moon Hotel rooms will be nice, but the restaurant will have no atmosphere.

BLIZZARD BLAME: Experts said the cold snap was caused by something they call a BIKE BULLETIN: And speaking of the Polar Vortex. I wonder if that could be canmoon, here’s something strange: A study t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html celed outCanada by an Equator Swirly. Have you shows there are more motorcycle accidents Fort Nelson N/A noticed how TV weather forecasters blame GOOGLE GROCERIES: Google an- when there’s a full moon. So, never try to other areas for blizzards? They always say nounced it will offer real time information moon someone while riding a motorcycle. Groundbirch cold weather comes from someplace else. on grocery store lineups. You can check N/A It comes from the Arctic. Or it comes from online to see where the long lineups are. MEANWHILE, IN CHINA: Starbucks anRussia. Just once I’d like to hear the weathWhen I go to the grocery store I always nounced during 2018 it plans to open five Chetwynd N/A er guy tell the truth. Like, the Peace Coun- take a different store’s bags with me, so new stores per week in China. The Chinese Home  Environment and naturaltry resources  Weather information  Weather  Local  granted. British Columbia cold snap was caused by a teenager in they don’tforecasts take me for spend billions at Starbucks. I wouldn’t want Tumbler Ridge N/A Fort St. John who disobeyed his mom and to compete with Starbucks for all the tea in left the refrigerator door open. TOMATO TROUBLE: The CBC repor- China. ted there could soon be a shortage of toPrince George 115.9 RINGO REPORT: Former Beatle Ringo matoes. A BLT will be bacon, lettuce, and ASTEROID DISASTEROID: Scientists say Observed at: Fort John Airport 9:00 AM MST Tuesday 9 January 2018 Starr is now SIR Ringo. He was awarded a St.turnip. a huge asteroid will pass within six million Current Conditions Hythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html N/A- Environment British knighthood for his services to mumiles of Earth next month. That’s too close sic. Also for being an inspiration to ugly, SAFE STUDY: An accident study shows Condition: Drifting Snow Temperature: -23.1°C Wind: NNW 26 gust 36 for comfort, but not close enough for panic. wrinkly old guys. 2017 was the safest year inkm/h a long time I prefer to be comfortable when I panic. Grande Prairie 105.9 Pressure: 102.2 kPa Dew point: -26.9°C for air travel. Although there were some Tendency: Rising Humidity: 71% Wind C… -36 LIZ LAFF: According to a report in a Lon- injuries at the airport. Several security Calgary 108.7 don newspaper, Queen Elizabeth spies on agents suffered sprained Visibility: 5fingers km from Bob Snyder can be reached at: the janitors at Buckingham Palace to make over enthusiastic frisking. chewsthenews@fastmail.com Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Edmonton 104.6 Alberta-B.C. border

N/A

Fort St. John, BC

-23°C

Fort Nelson, BC

Forecast Victoria Current Conditions 126.7 B.C. avg

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

137.1

Vancouver

Tue 9 Jan

Alberta Avg.

Wed

Pressure: 103.0 kPa Tendency: Rising 108.6

-23°C -20°C* Snow

Thu

Condition: Light 11 Jan Snow 128.7 10 Jan

CAD$ per litre, prices as of January 9. Source: GasBuddy.com

Issued: 5:00 AM MST Tuesday 9 January 2018 FORT JOHN Observed at: ST. Fort Nelson Airport 9:00 AM MST Tuesday 9 January 2018

-25°C 40%

Chance of ﬂurries

Forecast General notice

Tonight Tue Wed The contents of this Night newspaper are protected by10 Jan 9 Jan copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

-25°C

Sunny

Night Thu 11 Jan

-24°C -30°C All other rights are reserved-29°C -23°C -23°C -29°C 60% and commercial use is Chance of ﬂurries Clear Clear prohibited. To make any use of Periods of light Clearing Sunny this material you must first snow obtain the permission of the * Denotes abnormal temperature trend owner of the an copyright.

Fri Sat Temperature: -23.4°C 12 Jan 13 Jan Dew point: -27.1°C Humidity: 72%

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

Sun Mon Wind: NW 10 km/h 14 Jan 15 Jan Wind C… -31 Visibility: 24 km

-20°C

-9°C

-1°C

2°C

Night Fri 12 Jan

Night Sat 13 Jan

Night Sun 14 Jan

Mon 15 Jan

FOR CURRENT ROAD A mix of sun and Sunny A mix of sun and A mix of sun and CONDITIONS cloud cloud cloud IN THE PEACE REGION, Issued: 5:00 AM MST Tuesday 9 January 2018 FORT NELSON PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW.

-19°C -27°C Clear Sunny

-10°C -19°C Clear Sunny

-3°C -11°C Clear Sunny

http://www.drivebc.ca/

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-10°C

Sunny

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Tonight Night Night Night Night Night Environment Canada Local For further information contact Today Snow. Amount 2 to 4 cm. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40. Temperature falling to minus 24 this afternoon. Weather Forecasts the managing editor at Cold wind chill minus 36. Risk of frostbite. (250)-785-7669 Tonight Cloudy with 60 percent chance of ﬂurries. Wind north 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light late this evening. Temperature steady near minus 24. Cold wind chill minus 36. Risk of frostbite.

250-785-5631 -26°C Wed, 10 Jan

Mainly cloudy

Night

Thu, 11 Jan Today Night Fri, 12 Jan Tonight

Wed, 10 Jan

http://www.drivebc.ca

-35°C -36°C -28°C -22°C -15°C Mainly cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries in the morning. Clearing in the afternoon. Wind up toLined 15 FR Clothing km/h. Temperature steady near minus 25. Cold wind chill minus 30. Risk of frostbite. Coveralls, Bibs, Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear. Low minus 29. and Jackets Sunny. High minus 25. Periods of light snow Clear. Low minus 30. ending this morning then cloudy. 60 percent chance of flurries over southern sections late this morning and this afternoon. Wind up to 15 km/h. High minus 23. Cold wind chill minus 33. Risk of frostbite. A mix of sun and cloud. High minus 20. Mainly cloudy. 40 percent chance of flurries over southern sections. Wind up to 15 km/h. Low minus 26. Cold wind chill minus 32. Risk of frostbite.

BAFFIN 2018-01-09, 9:48 AM Clearing in the morning. Wind up to 15 km/h. High minus 23. Cold wind chill minus 33. Risk of frostbite. SPARTACUS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 A3

Local News

Teen killed in Taylor Bridge accident

learn to read and write

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Family Literacy Day will take place Jan. 27 in Fort St. John after city council proclaimed the occassion earlier this week to promote reading and writing skills in the community. According to Jessica Kalman, executive director of the FSJ Literacy Society, more than 500,000 British Columbians struggle with basic literacy skills. Her organizaton will be promoting literacy related events and activities on Literacy Day. “Literacy is especially important when it comes to children and families,” Kalman says. “When families learn together, they build good habits around literacy and learning,share ideas, build strong family connections, develop independent thinking, and gain confidence.”

District seeks new caretaker for Peace Island Park One of the Peace Region’s busiest campgrounds needs a new caretaker. Barb Bell is retiring from her post after a decade of managing the park, leaving the District of Taylor looking for someone to take over. The district issued a request for expressions of interest on Jan. 5, after a previous request for proposals late last year received zero bids. After taking on the job as caretaker in 2008, Bell’s contract ends Jan. 31, 2018, and the district is looking to have a new caretaker in place by April 15. The 109-hectare park — owned by BC Hydro and leased back to the district to maintain and operate — stretches for three-anda-half kilometres along the Peace River, and is home to more than 150 campsites and a boat launch. The park is also home to the Rocky Mountain Fort Museum, and plays host to the annual Worlds Invitational Gold Panning Championships, World Jet Boat Championships, and Fort St. John Petroleum Association family campout weekend, among others events. The park sees an average of 7,000 visits a year, with visits peaking at 9,472 in 2015.

China has stake in Site C contract Chinese investors stand to profit from the Site C dam project, thanks to a takeover of a Canadian company that leads a consortium tapped by BC Hydro as the preferred bidder on the dam’s spillway and generating station contract. With a 30% share, Aecon Group Inc. leads the consortium that BC Hydro announced on December 21 would be the preferred bidder for the spillway and generating station contract, which is expected to be worth at least $1.2 billion. Other partners in the consortium include Dragados Canada, Inc. (27.5%), Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd. (27.5%), and EBC Inc. (15%), according to an Aecon news release. One day after BC Hydro announced that the AeconFlatiron-Dragados-EBC Partnership (AFDE) had been named as the preferred contractor, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved a $1.5 billion takeover of Aecon by CCCC International Holding Ltd. CCCC is the overseas financing arm of China C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Construction Co. Ltd., a state-owned, publicly traded construction company headquartered in Beijing. Aecon’s shareholders approved a plan of arrangement that will see CCCC International acquire all of Aecon’s shares at $20.37 per share, with 99.4% of Aecon’s shareholders approving the takeover.

The friendly takeover is still subject to a review under the Investment Canada Act. Aecon has experience working on hydro-electric dams in B.C. In 2014, it was one of the partners that won the contract to modernize the John Hart hydro-electric dam in Campbell River in 2014. Following a review by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC), which determined the Site C dam is not likely to be completed on time or on budget, the NDP government decided to complete the project nonetheless. Cancelling it would have meant covering $4 billion in sunk costs, termination fees and site remediation, with nothing to show for it. The project’s new estimated cost is now $10.7 billion – more than $2 billion over the last budget of $8.3 billion. The largest contract was for the main civil works, which is still underway. That contract was awarded to a consortium called Peace River Hydro Partners for $1.7 billion. One of the partners, Petrowest Corp., is now in receivership, after lenders called in their loans, and was terminated from the partnership. The second largest contract for Site C is for the spillway and generating station. BC Hydro has not publicly stated how much that contract would be worth. But it is likely to be worth at least $1.2 billion, which is how much the contract was estimated to be worth in a report by Deloitte that had

been unintentionally released during the BCUC’s review of the Site C dam. The contract for the spillway has not been formally awarded yet. BC Hydro said it still must come to terms with the preferred bidder – AFDE – before a final contract is awarded. The AFDE Partnership was one of four bidders shortlisted in the competition for the spillway contract. Others were Bechtel Canada Co., Peace River Hydro Partners 2 and Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co. During peak construction, the spillway and generating station contract is expected to employ up to 1,600 people, according to BC Hydro. As per the NDP’s commitment to require project labour agreements on all the remaining work on Site C, BC Hydro stated that the AFDE Partnership has signed a project labour agreement with three unions: the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 115, the Construction and Specialized Workers Union (CSWU) Local 1611 and the Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers (CMAW). The agreement obliges the consortium employ up to 25% of its workforce as apprentices. The third largest contract, to build the new transmission lines, has not been awarded yet. A request for proposals for that contract went out in September. —Business in Vancouver

A Dawson Creek teenager was killed Jan. 5 after a single vehicle accident on the Taylor Bridge. The accident closed the bridge around 2 a.m. before reopening to traffic during the noon hour. The teen, who is not being named, was the only occupant of the vehicle and was ejected during the accident because he was not wearing a seatbelt, according to RCMP. He was pronounced dead at the scene. “Passersby did start lifesaving measures, however, were unsuccessful,” said Sgt. Tim Paulmert of the RCMP’s Peace Region Traffic Services division. The age of the teen was not provided, but Paulmert did say he was under 18 and from Dawson Creek. The investigation continues, and slippery road conditions and mechanical defects are believed to have contributed to the crash. Paulmert urged motorists to drive to road conditions and to wear their seat belts, especially given the warm and changing weather conditions that brought freezing rain overnight. “Seatbelts are designed to keep you in the engineered life space of the vehicle,” he said. “Modern vehicles are designed to crumble around the passengers to keep them as safe as possible in the event of a collision.”

Fort St. John’s first baby of 2018 is a girl

Fort St. John’s first baby of 2018 is a girl. Hannah Dawn Hofer was born at the Fort St. John Hospital Jan. 2 at 7:20 a.m., weighing in at seven pounds and eight ounces, Northern Health says. Hannah’s parents are Marie and Kevin Hofer from the South Peace Colony. The family has declined to provide a photo or be contacted by media. The first baby born in the Peace Region this year was also a girl. Camilla Nora Taylor was born at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital at 7:25 a.m., to mom Tricia and dad Ryan of Bay Tree, Alta. B.C.’s first baby of 2018 was also a girl, delivered at Surrey Memorial Hospital just after midnight on New Year’s Day. The girl’s parents are mother Manpreet Kaur Nijjar and father Hardip Singh Shergill, though a name for the baby has not yet been decided, according to media reports.

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LOCAL NEWS

Ski club unveils day lodge plans ahead of 2020 BC Winter Games MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Eliza Stanford, president of the Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club, talks about plans for a day lodge for the trails at Beatton Provincial Park.

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The Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club is gearing up for its role in the 2020 BC Winter Games. Club president Eliza Stanford gave some early details Jan. 4 of a plan to build a new day lodge next year in the lead up the Games. “If you build it, they will come has been our ethos,” Stanford told a lunch meeting of the Fort St. John Rotary Club. The 1,500-square foot open concept lodge will be built near the entrance to the ski trails at Beatton Provincial Park, which will be the site of the Game’s Nordic skiing events. The club needs the lodge to administer those race events, but beyond that, the club has been working to build a lodge as a social hub and resting place for skiers, and have programming space as the club continues to grow. The lodge would be lit by a skylight and heated by a wood stove, while an accessible outhouse would be built nearby. “We need more space because we have more people now,” Stanford said, noting the club recently built a shop at the trails last fall. “It’s going to be really simple to maintain because we want it to be as

easy as possible for future generations to look after.” The lodge will cost an estimated $400,000 to build, and work begins this month to turn rough sketches into architectural and engineering designs, Stanford said. From there, the club will be able to refine the cost of the project and start applying for grants to fund construction later this spring. If all goes to plan, the club would start building the lodge in spring 2019 with a public opening set for later that winter. Fort St. John was announced as the host city for the 2020 Games last March, with up to 1,500 athletes between the ages of nine and 19 expected to be here to compete, along with around 600 coaches, managers, and officials. The Games will include archery, badminton, curling, diving, gymnastics, downhill and crosscountry skiing, snowboarding, speed skating, karate, judo, figure skating, and more. Events will take place in school gymnasiums, including North Peace Secondary School and the Ma Murray Community School, the Pomeroy Sport Centre, the North Peace Arena, the North Peace Leisure Pool, and Big Bam Ski Hill. Fort St. John last hosted the BC Winter Games in 1984.

If approved, the city will collect roughly $31.7 million in property taxes this year. The city’s overall operating budget is propped up by other the sale of services, investment returns, a slice of Peace River Agreement funds, and other income. Declining property values are among the biggest revenue pressures this year, with the city expecting to collect $325,000 less in property taxes and government grants in lieu of taxes. The city is expecting a $306,000 increase in the sale of services, mostly bulk water sales as residential sales decline, along with a $363,000 increase in ice rentals, program fees, business licences, and penalties. “Part of looking at past year trends, if we’re over budget consistently, then we adjust the budget,” Joy said. Of the $59.1-million budget, salaries and benefits will account for 40 per cent, or $23.7 million. That’s a 3.8 per cent increase year-over-year. The city is holding the line on staffing increases in 2017, according

to council’s growth-related staffing policy, though the city will see three new full-time equivalent positions added: a water sewer plant operator, an environmental compliance coordinator, and two part-time positions for residents with developmental disabilities as part of a new partnership between the city, its union, and the Association for Community Living. Meanwhile, the city has budgeted $2.1 million for operating projects this year, including $360,000 to fund the Community Development Institute and another $289,847 on its membership in the Northeast BC Resource Municipalities Coalition. It has also budgeted $115,000 for downtown action plan implementation, as well as $150,000 and $75,000 to develop a winter city strategy and public art policy, among others. The budget can be viewed on the city’s website.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 A5

LOCAL NEWS

City’s $57.1M capital plan approved Fort St. John city councillors approved a $57.1 million capital spending plan on Monday. The budget for 2018 was passed unanimously with no discussion, and authorizes city staff to begin applying for project funds through its Peace River Agreement with the province. One-third of the 2018 draft

budget—$18.9 million—has been earmarked for roads and related infrastructure, including a $5.3-million rebuild of 92A Street between 87 and 94 avenues. Overall, $8.7 million has been earmarked for local and collector road upgrades, including roughly $3 million for improvements to sections of 103, 111, and 113 avenues north of 100 Street. The draft budget also calls for $14.4 million in spending on facilities and buildings. That includes $4 million in major renovations to Centennial Park, and another $1.2 million to

develop a festival and “frostival” plaza that would include a permanent stage and structure for public events. The city has also set aside $750,000 for a fire training centre, which it notes will allow the department to train locally instead of travelling. The city has budgeted $500,000 for dog park development. Another $1 million is budgeted for trail development, $3 million to start detailed design of a new RCMP detachment, and $354,000 for cultural centre improvements, and $225,000 in cemetery upgrades.

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Three open houses will be held mid January. Come out and share your thoughts and feedback!

SURVEY

What A YEAR!

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

A draft North Peace Oﬃcial Community Plan (OCP) has been created with your feedback! Let the Peace River Regional District know if it's what you want!

A survey will be available from January 2–19th at: prrd.bc.ca/NPOCP

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For more information please contact: Claire Negrin — Planning Services Manager Email: Claire.Negrin@prrd.bc.ca Phone: 250-784-3200

Thurs January 11 (5pm–8pm) Baldonnel Elementary School Fri January 12 (3pm–9pm) Pomeroy Sport Centre Sat January 13 (1pm–6pm) Charlie Lake Community Hall

July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B

m o c . s r e s i u r c o r e z e l mi

events such as the current World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. It also includes security upgrades to protect the city network from hackers. The bulk of the city’s capital plan for 2018, $24 million, is funded with provincial monies under the Peace River Agreement, which compensates the city for industrial development in the region. The rest is funded by grants, development charges, reserves, federal gas tax funds, and borrowing for local area service projects, which is recouped through property taxes.

North Peace Fringe Area OCP

rving you today.

se We look forward to

son Creek. 400 Highway 2, Daw 250.782.7752

The city plans to spend its $16.9-million water and sewer budget in 2018 on new fire hydrants, reservoir cleaning, developing a long-term water supply plan, and building a water resource recovery centre. The city has budgeted another $4 million for new equipment and machinery. The city has budgeted just over $1 million on IT infrastructure upgrades, a good chunk set aside for network upgrades at the pool, arena, and Pomeroy Sport Centre to be able to broadcast and meet public demand for data during public

prrd.bc.ca

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A6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 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

regional manager

William Julian wj@ahnfsj.ca

managing editor

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

sports reporter

Dillon Giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

sales manager

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sales associate

Brenda Piper

bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

circulation manager

Lynn Novack

circulation@ahnfsj.ca

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

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

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Prescriptions shouldn’t plunge us into poverty

remember clearly the first time I went to pick up a prescription after I was enrolled in an extended health benefits program. The pharmacist bagged up my wee bottle of pills and said, “that will be five dollars.” It was the Ikea commercial startthe-car moment. I tapped my debit card on the machine, he stapled the bag closed with the receipt inside, passed it to me, and I backed away from the counter slowly. Five dollars? My mind was swimming with questions. Did someone just make a big booboo? Is he going to call me back in a moment and tell me he had made a mistake? You see, our family had not been a member of an extended health benefits program for years and years. Both my husband and I did contract work, which makes it more difficult, but not impossible, to get extended health care coverage. Pure laziness was probably the reason why I never pursued getting the extra coverage. Now that my new job came with the extended plan, I was getting my first taste of cheaper prescriptions. Most, but not all, dental work was covered with the plan, our eyeglasses were subsidized—heck, I could get massage therapy and have some of it covered. Extended health and benefits is a beautiful thing and after you have a taste of it, going back to paying full price for things is difficult. It was with this in mind that I recently went to fill a prescription for someone who is a senior. There were two medications that required filling and, as I waited patiently at the pharmacy for them to be completed, I rummaged in my purse for a $20 bill to pay for the pills. She had told me Pharmacare would cover most, if not all, of the cost, and that $20 should cover everything.

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

The pharmacist called me to the counter with the announcement, “Your prescription is ready!” and I walked up with money in hand. “The total is $104.25, please,” she told me and then waited. I was horrified. One hundred dollars for the prescriptions? Was it because it was almost year end and the max amount of coverage had been exceeded? I asked. I needed an explanation before I went back with the pills and the receipt for compensation. Why so much? The one prescription was free; the second prescription was a medication for nausea called Ondansetron, otherwise known as Zofran. That medication was the culprit. It was not covered by the plan unless you had applied for special authority coverage. I vaguely recalled a time that I had chatted with a girlfriend who was going through chemotherapy and she had remarked how expensive Zofran was, but that it was the only medication that helped her nausea. Apparently, things had not changed and Zofran was still very expensive. The entire experience got me thinking about the high cost of being sick. Sure, we pay very little for our MSP, but when it comes down to the extras like medication, physiotherapy, etc., we pay quite a bit. What happens to those individuals who

do not have extended medical or a special plan or a safety net? Two years ago when I had shingles (a horrible experience), I was given two prescriptions. The first was an anti-viral, the second was a pricey medication called Lyrica to stop any nerve pain. I had no drug coverage at the time and I dropped well over $200 at the pharmacy that day. In the end, I didn’t need to take any of the expensive nerve pain medication, but I had already paid for it. I recall another experience where I had accompanied a friend to the doctor who was suffering from debilitating migraines. It ended up being a brain tumour, but that is a story for another day. On this day, he was prescribed some very strong and expensive tablets for the migraine. I recall him trying to use his debit card and him not having enough money for the pills: I think the five tablets were over $100 and he was on a provincial government employee extended health plan! I remember shaking my head and thinking that we can’t afford to be sick. Why am I rambling? What am I trying to say? Admittedly, I have been ignorant about the cost of medications and how difficult it can be for those who have to pay large sums of money each month to stay alive. I can’t imagine how stressful and horrible it must be to have to make the choice between paying for groceries or medicine: both are life sustaining. It is tragic to be diagnosed with something that requires daily life-saving medication and it is equally tragic when that same medication places someone in poverty. Follow Judy on Twitter @judylaine

What might we see of Site C in 2024?

ast forward to January 2024. Site C is still neither on time or on budget. When the project was first proposed in 2010, the cost was estimated at $6.6 billion. In 2017, with a BC Utilities Commission prying out the truth about the project from BC Hydro, it was not on time or on budget—so, the project cost was updated to $10.7 billion and the newly-minted NDP gave its blessing for construction to continue. Between the years of 2018 to 2020, Site C experienced changes in project milestones and contractors with cost containment more successful than in past years. But, in 2021, the north bank of the Peace River valley reared its ugly head once again. Since project initiation, there have been issues with the north bank, but this time is different. Summer rains similar to those that occurred in 2011 and 2016 have once again caused slope failure and the formation of new tension cracks. For many project opponents, this has been a continued and frustrating issue. The argument that this is not the right place to build a dam holds significant weight and such issues are a constant reminder. Project costs have increased dramatically because of delays and costs of mitigation efforts.

Jeff Richert COMMUNITY VIEWS

The Site C jobs hype is wearing off. With project completion expected to occur next year in 2025, talk in the Peace Region now is how few dam-related jobs there will be after all the money is spent. A predicted 80 longterm jobs attached to a project, with a now estimated $14-billion price tag, have many people scratch there heads as they question if all of this was worth it in the end. People are reminded of the experiences of Hudson’s Hope residents after the W.A.C. Bennett and Peace Canyon dams were completed. Meanwhile, the Alberta power auction in 2017 proved to be a turning point in the Canadian energy market and the beginning of the end for large dam projects in Canada. Advances in solar cell and battery technology have proven a game changer in the southern United States, with ever-increasing amounts of privately-generated power being sold back into the grid and the surplus of

energy continuing unabated. Energy markets have become more regional and highly competitive with utility companies aggressively cutting rates in order to survive in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive marketplace. Ironically enough, there are more dams scheduled for removal in the U.S than ever before. In the end, the lesson many British Columbians have learned from Site C is an important one. Legacy projects compromised by political motives have cost taxpayers dearly and never live up to expectations. People have become well aware that BC Hydro should have always addressed its energy needs through conservation measures first and an incremental approach second. This would have shielded ratepayers from the risk associated with large projects such as Site C, and placing further burden on ratepayers and their children’s pocket books. The problem with energy conservation and small energy projects becomes quite clear. It does not buy votes, even though it was always in our best interest. Jeff Richert lives in Taylor and ran as an independent candidate in Peace River North in the 2017 B.C. election.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 A7

op-ed

Views on the News Site C a train wreck in slow motion It has been a month now since the BC government announced that Site C would continue. The accounting rationale used by Premier Horgan makes absolutely no sense in light of the findings from the recent BCUC review, and the much greater financial woes of continuing the project. The Site C dam went through the environmental assessment process as a $7.9-billion proposed project, and was bumped up to $8.8 billion when the Christy Clark Liberal government decided to approve it just three years ago. Energy Minister Bill Bennett assured us that price was rock solid, but he was wrong. It took the BCUC review to drag the truth out of a reluctant BC Hydro that the project was indeed over budget and behind schedule already, and Premier Horgan decided to keep this going as a now $10.7-billion project on December 11. Why does anyone accept this as a good idea, or why is this even acceptable? Even if one ignores the enormous negative impacts and lost opportunity of flooding a diverse river valley for one sole purpose, as Premier Horgan apparently has done, the economics absolutely make no sense. At just over two years into construction, this project has chewed up $2 billion while the price tag has gone up, you guessed it, $2 billion. This is like slowly walking up the down escalator while throwing money in the air. At this rate, Site C can’t even get to the “point of no return.”

In the unlikely scenario that there are no further cost overruns, it will now cost us as much to finish Site C as we were told the entire project would cost just two years ago. So, all the money spent so far has literally been thrown away by running over budget. With that in mind, and combined with the final report from the BCUC, the only logical decision was to terminate Site C. However, a very unhappy looking Premier Horgan and two ministers made the opposite announcement. It’s noteworthy that just two days later, Alberta announced a new Canadian record low purchase price of just 3.7 cents per KW for 600 MW of wind energy. By comparison, that’s about 2.5 times cheaper than the break -even price for Site C power. Alberta had only planned on purchasing 400 MW, but they decided to lock in for 50% more power at those low prices. By the way, it will only cost $1 billion to build that 600 MW of wind energy, while Site C at $10.7 billion is 1100 MW. These are the sort of numbers energy economist Robert McCullough spoke about in the BCUC review, and that BC Hydro tried to discredit. So, while there were smiles all around at that Alberta press conference, I can understand why Horgan and his ministers looked so sad; I just cannot understand the decision. For many of us who took part in the BCUC review process, that decision is shocking and unacceptable. Premier Horgan has been invited to appear at the Site C Summit in Victoria on January 26 to explain. Allowed to continue, the remaining years of construction

NORTHEAST BC REALTY

will be a train wreck in slow motion with ongoing geotechnical problems, expropriations, trampling of Treaty rights, and destruction of the river valley in full view. Will Site C now be completed? I would say the jury is still out on that. Thank God this valley does seem to have nine lives, and we pray that the valley and those who care for it will persevere in the end. —Ken Boon , Bear Flat

Re: ‘PETTIT: Waking up to clean energy in 2018,’ Op-ed, Jan. 4, 2018 Our friend Don has once again left out a few realities in his analysis: Ontario’s hydro rates are a little over double what we pay in BC. Ontario has also capped their hydro rates this year with the government picking up the deficit (expected to be $1 billion per year). — Bob McGowan, via Facebook What the hell is green about wind energy? Worst most inefficient energy ever produced. Wind doesn’t always blow. Wind mills need lots of maintenance. A river never quits running. Dam it! — George Wayne Morris, via Facebook Even with the increase in BCs population, our electricity usage has actually gone down as the population increased. Explain to me again why we need Site C, if we are using less energy than before? — Joel Letendre, via Facebook

Another great day for winter cycling Re: ‘100 Street bike lane a danger to riders and business,’ Letters, Jan. 4, 2018 Local Blizzard Bicycle Club rider Pat Ferris getting some winter miles Friday, Jan. 5. The clear, salted 20 k of city trails are a great asset to the locals. He is getting ready for the busy Blizzard club schedule starting mid-March featuring road, mountain and duathlon cycling events. This city’s club is one of the biggest clubs in BC and has been active for 36 years. All ages. The club membership of

Specializing in Commercial Real Estate

TURNKEY OPERATIONS BUSINESS, LAND & BUILDING TURNKEY OPERATIONS

— Pat Ferris, Fort St. John

RON RODGERS

Ltd.

Phone 250 785 4115

75+ enjoys two mountain bike circuits as well as a wide range of local North Peace paved cycling routes. The club is active March through to October. There are over 100 events plus training and fun rides. One big event will be June when a contingent will be in Victoria to contest the National Road Championships. You can check them out at www.blizzardbikeclub.com for more information. The 2018 schedule will be announced March 1, 2018.

OWNER / MANAGING BROKER Email: ron@northeastbc.com

NEBC is located at NEBCRealty.com 10220 101 Ave. Fort St John BC V1J 2B5

Specializing in Commercial Real Estate BCNCC MLS® 2011 thru 2016 TOP COMMERCIAL Realtor TOP DOLLAR and/or MOST NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD for BCNREB MLS®

New Frontier Bar & Grill in Fort St John

BUILDING: 7500sf buildings with seasonal patio, commercial kitchen (includes all appliances and equipment), interior design with country design including dance floor, DJ booth, 2 open bars, stage for live music, lounge seating LAND: 0.66 Acres Lot on 100 Ave with paved parking & alley access BUSINESS: Includes business name and all social and promotional materials, all kitchen and bar equipment, office and club furnishings, most décor, AND LIQUOR LICENSE (subject to BC Liquor transfer approval), club shuttle service vehicle, 1600sf storage shop and additional C-Can storage along rear alley. Business is currently open 2 nights a week with DJ and occasional live entertainment. Potential to extend operating hours and expand commercial kitchen use to include private parties and happy hour specials. Excellent Income Producing Opportunity!

LOOKING FOR A NEW PROFESSIONAL CAREER - THEN CHECK OUT THIS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY WHERE YOU OWN IT ALL!

Asking $2.2 Million

MLS® C8013087 Please DO NOT Discuss With Staff or drop in during business hours. Call Ron for Details and Financial information. Two Year non-disclosure/confidentiality agreement required prior to provision of detailed information.

For Sale 30,640sf Building on 4 Acre Land ASKING $1.79 Million 10500 13 Street Dawson Creek BC GREAT DEVELOPMENT SITE IN THE HEART OF DAWSON CREEK Call Ron to arrange viewing - Owner would consider reasonable offers

Land & Building in “As-Is, Where-Is” condition. Contents not included in asking price. MLS® 166295

FOR SALE

Light Industrial Dawson Creek BC

Dock Terminal Facility

9.68 Acre corner lot 12,000sf Main Building consists of 15 dock level bays, 3300+sf office. Additional Buildings 7200+/-sf shop with 3 drive thru bays and 1600sf storage shop

ASKING $2.5 Million Exclusive

For Lease Alaska Highway Frontage 5740sf +/- shop AVAILABLE NOW Asking $10sf 1600sf office space 101 Ave FSJ Handicap accessible avail now Asking $13sf 3756sf commercial space 960sf warehouse with 1200 shop and 770sf retail space Asking $13sf Commercial/ Industrial Office & Shop

60’x50’ shop, 3359sf main floor office, 2430sf 2nd floor

OFFICE SPACE avail now 2000sf 4+office space FSJ Asking $17.10sf Shop and Office on 102 St 3136sf space or 2045sf working space Asking $17.38sf

Newly renovated & refurbished two level building 2940sf main floor 1380sf upper floor currently seats 120

HIGHWAY FRONTAGE

valued into the asking price which represents the Development Land value only). Land located

along East By-Pass Road just south of the Fort St John Hospital, east of schools, parks/recreation, and residential development and north of commercial and retail. This area of the city is part of the long term expansion plan and definitely worth looking at if you are an investor or developer.

ASKING $2.48 Million MLS® C8015396

FOR SALE LAND & BUILDINGS 31.34 Acres Light Industrial Land and Buildings

Alaska Highway Frontage North of the Scales

well water / lagoon, 3 phase power

Asking $1.395 Million MLS® C8008471

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada, and a leading cause of disability. FAST, highlights that the quicker you act, the more of the person you save.

Full commercial kitchen which produces smoked meats, in-house breads & soups, signature cocktail, appies & decadent desserts. (Food Primary Liquor license for 180 seating)

3000sf building on 60’x130’ Lot Available now Asking $17.50sf

MLS® 169867

FOR SALE LAND & BUILDING FORT ST JOHN, BC Commercial Industrial

Main building consists of; Unit A 4450sf - 3 overhead doors large shop area drive thru from yard to back alley. Unit B 3834sf - 2 shop overhead doors & offices Open Storage – has electrical outlets (good for storing equipment or vehicles

Asking $1.5 million

36.36 Acres Development Land along East By-Pass Road recently incorporated into the City of Fort St John boundary. This property plays a significant role in the upcoming City Official Community Plan and future development within the expanding city growth plans - the City is open to all development concepts. Manager's home on site with lagoon & cistern currently leased (not been

Asking $16sf

FOR SALE Land, Building & Business Assets Dawson Creek, BC

Asking $935,000

For Sale DEVELOPMENT LAND

MLS® C8015910

Downtown 2nd floor Office space 262sf, 181sf Asking $685-$750/month Contact Ron for more info

All leases unless otherwise noted are asking rate plus triple net and applicable taxes MLS® C8008152, N4507350-1, C8007090, C8012224, C8005649, C8012192, C8002685

FAST: Face – is it drooping? Arms – can you raise both? Speech – is it slurred or jumbled? And Time, to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency service right away. Not enough Canadians recognize the signs of stroke and know what to do. Stroke is the number three killer of Canadians, and one of the leading causes of disability. There are an estimated 62,000 strokes in Canada each year; that is one every nine minutes. Yet, more than 80 per cent of Canadians who have a stroke and make it to the hospital will survive, with varying degrees of recovery. Be informed and know the signs - www.heartandstroke.ca In lieu of cards/gifts this holiday season, this ad is donated on behalf of NorthEast BC Realty’s clients, suppliers and Ron & Theresa Rodgers

IF YOU WANT MORE INFO ABOUT COMMERCIAL, RETAIL OR INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE, CALL RON RODGERS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NORTH EAST BC AREA Information is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale, or buyers already under contract. All measurements and information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed and should be verified.

A8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

THE 2018 SILVERADO 1500

$185

LEASE A DOUBLE CAB CUSTOM EDITION FROM:

BI-WEEKLY

2.5 % 48 FOR

LEASE RATE

MONTHS

WITH $3,300 DOWN PAYMENT. BASED ON A LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $39,603† (INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI, $2,000 COMBINED LEASE CASH AND $1,000 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS*)

FEATURES: STANDARD APPLE CARPLAY™ 2 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 2 CAPABILITY ONSTAR® 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT 3 (3GB/3-MONTH TRIAL) CLASS-EXCLUSIVE AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL N HTSA 5-St ar O ve rall Ve hicle S core1

SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB LTZ Z71 MODEL SHOWN

CHEVROLETOFFERS.CA

OFFERS END JANUARY 31 ST.

THE 2018 CRUZE SEDAN LEASE AN LT AUTO FROM $98 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:

$49 @ 0.5 % FOR 60 WEEKLY

LEASE RATE

MONTHS

WITH $1,395 DOWN PAYMENT. BASED ON A LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $20,819† (INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI, $2,250 COMBINED LEASE CASH AND $500 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS*)

FEATURES: STANDARD HEATED FRONT SEATS 16” ALUMINUM WHEELS STANDARD APPLE CARPLAY TM2 AND ANDROID AUTOTM2 CAPABILITY

CRUZE SEDAN PREMIER MODEL SHOWN

THE NEXT-GENERATION 2018 EQUINOX LEASE AN LS FWD FROM $129 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:

$65 @ 2.0 % FOR 60 WEEKLY

LEASE RATE

MONTHS

WITH $1,200 DOWN PAYMENT. BASED ON A LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $25,514† (INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI, $1,500 COMBINED LEASE CASH AND $500 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS*)

FEATURES: STANDARD REMOTE VEHICLE START SYSTEM AND HEATED FRONT SEATS STANDARD REAR VISION CAMERA AVAILABLE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

EQUINOX PREMIER AWD MODEL SHOWN

ALL ELIGIBLE MODELS COME WITH

CHEVROLET

COMPLETE CARE:

2 YEARS/48,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY

OIL CHANGES**

5 YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN

WARRANTY

▲

ONSTAR® 4G LTE WITH WI-FI® HOTSPOT 3

ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA CHEVROLET DEALERS. ChevroletOffers.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the retail purchase or lease of a 2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition, Cruze Sedan LT Auto and 2018 Equinox LS FWD equipped as described. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in the Alberta Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only on select vehicles delivered from January 3, 2018 – January 31, 2018. * Limited time lease offer valid to eligible lessees in Canada who obtained credit approval and enter into a lease agreement with GM Financial, and who accept delivery from January 3, 2018 – January 31, 2018 of a select new or demonstrator 2018 MY Chevrolet vehicle. 2018 MY vehicles not eligible for this offer are Spark LS, Malibu L, Colorado 2SA, Camaro ZL1 and Bolt EV. Total Lease Value consist of $1,500 manufacturer-to-dealer New Year Lease Bonus (tax-exclusive), the GM Card Application Bonus (tax-inclusive), and may include manufacturer-to-dealer lease cash (tax exclusive) (“Lease Cash”). Lease Cash applies to select vehicles and value depends on model purchased: $1,500 on new 2018 Spark (excl LS), Sonic, Impala, Malibu (excl L), Cruze Hatch, Camaro (excl ZL1), Corvette, Volt, Equinox, Traverse, Silverado HD, Silverado LD Reg Cab, Colorado (excl 2SA), Tahoe, Suburban, Express, City Express; $2,000 on new 2018 Silverado LD Double Cab $2,250 on new 2018 Cruze Sedan; $2,500 on new 2018 Trax; $2,750 on new 2018 Silverado LD Crew Cab. GM Card Application Bonus applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card or current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders. GM Card Application Bonus credit value depends on model purchased: $500 GM Card Bonus on new 2018 Sonic, Cruze, Malibu (excl 1VL), Camaro (excl ZL1), Volt, Equinox, Trax (excl 1SV); $750 GM Card Bonus on new 2018 Impala, Corvette, Colorado (excl 2SA), Traverse, City Express, Express; $1,000 GM Card Bonus on new 2018 Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado LD & HD. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Conditions and limitations apply. Void where prohibited. See Dealer for full program details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. † Lease based on a purchase price of $39,603/$20,819/$25,514 for a 2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom/Cruze Sedan LT Auto/Equinox LS FWD, includes $3,870/$0/$0 manufacturer-to-dealer cash delivery credit (tax exclusive), $500/$750/$0 manufacturer-to-dealer lease cash (tax exclusive), $1,500 manufacturer-to-dealer New Year Lease Bonus (tax exclusive) and $1,000/$500/$500 manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (tax inclusive). Bi-weekly payment is $185/$98/129 for 48/60/60 months at 2.5%/0.5%/2.0% lease rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. The $0/$49/$65 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments of $0/$98/$129. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $3,300/$1,395/$1,200 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $22,452/$14,115/$17,880 plus applicable taxes. Taxes, PPSA, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $20,003/$7,064/$9,347. 1 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score applies to 1500 series vehicles. U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program(www.SaferCar.gov). 2 Vehicle user interfaces are products of Apple and Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. 3 Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Service plan required. Available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot requires WPA2 compatible mobile device and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T. Services vary by model, service plan, conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on select vehicle models and in select markets. Vehicle must be started or in accessory mode to access Wi-Fi. ** The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2017 or 2018 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV, Bolt EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ▲ Whichever comes first, fully transferable. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for complete details.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 A9

Business

Unemployment drops more than half in 2017 “The gains in 2017 were almost all in full-time work, and were mainly in health care and social assistance; construction; and finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing,” Stats Canada noted in its survey. BC Stats has yet to release a detailed, sector by sector analysis of provincial job numbers for December. Overall, Canada added 79,000 jobs in December and 423,000 jobs for the year, ending 2017 with unemployment at 5.5 per cent. Stats Canada noted employment grew in natural resources (+15,000), construction (+51,000), and manufacturing (+86,000). Job gains in the natural resource sector, up 4.6 per cent, followed “heavy losses” in 2015 and 2016, Stats Canada said. “Another ridiculously strong employment report that is marked by over 150,000 new jobs in two months gives the (Bank of Canada) full reason to look through a transitory soft patch in the economy,” Derek Holt, vice-president of Scotiabank Economics, wrote in a note to investors. He said the odds of the central bank hiking its benchmark rate for the third time in less than one year “are not 100% given ongoing uncertainties” such as NAFTA and new stress tests for some mortgages. “But in our judgment they are high enough to make the change to our forecast which previously anticipated a hike in April,” Holt said.

- Kerry France, Fort St. John Public Library

Land Act Notice of intention to apply for a disposition of Crown Land

British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority from Vancouver, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for a Statutory Right of Way for a Power Line situated on Provincial Crown land located from the Peace River to Groundbirch. The Lands File for this application is 8015961. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Charles Mercanti, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRORD, at: 100, 10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7 or by email to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to February 17,2018. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. For more information and a map of the application area, please visit: www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ ApplicationPosting/index.jsp. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

5446

— with files from Business in Vancouver

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

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

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Dawson Creek, BC

R0051169490

Unemployment in Northeast B.C. plummeted by nearly six percentage points in 2017. The region finished the year with 4.6 per cent unemployment in December, down from 10.5 per cent at the end of 2016 and the start of the year, according to Statistic Canada’s Labour Force Survey released Jan. 5. Unemployment dropped steadily throughout 2017 with an uptick in the oil and gas sector that brought major projects including Pembina Pipeline’s Northeast B.C. expansion project, AltaGas’s Townsend expansion and North Pine liquids facility, and the Tower and Sunrise natural gas plants, among others. Spending on petroleum and natural gas drilling and exploration rights also hit $173.25 million in 2017 after a dismal record low of $15.1 million in 2016. Employment with the Site C dam peaked at 2,633 workers in June, with 771 Peace Region workers reported on the project that month. In a labour force of 39,300, the region saw 37,500 people employed in December. Another 1,800 were unemployed. The region’s unemployment—which is not broken down by municipality—is good for the second-lowest in B.C. for the month, behind the southwest Lower Mainland, which recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent. It’s also on par with B.C.’s unemployment rate of 4.6 per cent, the lowest in Canada. The province added 83,000 jobs last year.

“Our patrons are voracious borrowers of children’s books, often borrowing up to the limit in one visit.”

A10 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

BUSINESS

Assessments and the holiday spending hangover

ell, I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season filled with family, friends, and cheer. January is the month when any overspending hits home as the bills come rolling in and the assessment notices are sent out. Assessments! That’s a bad word that starts with A. The BC Assessment Authority released 2018 assessments in early January. You have 30 days to appeal your assessment if you think the assessed value is inaccurate. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS AND PROPERTY TAXES

TOGETHER, WE

BC Assessments reports your assessed value as of July 1 the previous year. Your taxes are calculated based on the mill rates applicable in your area. BC Assessments states, “the most important factor is not how much your assessed value has changed, but how your assessed value has changed relative to the average change for your property class in your municipality or taxing jurisdiction. If your property value change is lower than average change for your property class, your taxes may possibly decrease. If your property value change is similar to the average change for your property class, the taxes will likely remain the same. If your property value change is higher than the average change for your property class, your taxes will likely increase.

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LOOK UP YOUR ASSESSMENT ONLINE As of Jan. 2, 2018, you can check your assessments online at www.bcassessment. ca. Under this portal, you can confirm the basic details of your property. If any of the property information is inaccurate, there are instructions on how to correct this information. Any change in information may impact your assessed value and a review should be requested. There is an appeal guild on the BC Assessment website that will talk you through the appeal process. Commercial, industrial, and investment portfolio owners may wish to have a more in-depth review of their

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.

portfolio to ensure it is in alignment and you are not overexposed to unnecessary tax liability. Professional advisors can advise of any necessary appeals and assist in understanding any potential tax liabilities. FORECAST Overall market trends in Fort St. John indicated a decline in value for the average priced house in 2017. Expectation for the assessment portfolio would show this decline. There is market based evidence that indicates the decline for higher end housing and rural acreages may be slightly higher, however, market evidence may not show this for the July 1 valuation date. This trend may be more evident later in the year. IMPACT As explained earlier, assessments and taxes are closely related. If you are concerned about increasing taxes it is advisable to show up for the City of Fort St. John budget meetings in early January. This allows for public input on how tax dollars are spent. Inform, educate, and analyze. In 2016, the city assessment’s portfolio dropped in value. The city cut budget spending to remain in alignment with tax revenue. The city offers great information on their website regarding taxes and budget at www.fortstjohn.ca/ budget. Happy New Year! Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

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WE VALUE YOUR PROPERTY AS MUCH AS YOU DO. If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, you should receive your 2018 property assessment in the mail early in January. If you haven’t, call us toll-free at 1-866-valueBC. Access and compare property assessment information using our free assessment search service at bcassessment.ca. The 2018 assessments are based on market value as of July 1, 2017.

Al as ka Hi gh wa y Ne ws

If you have questions or want more information, contact us at 1-866-valueBC or online at bcassessment.ca. The deadline

• informative • innovative • indepth www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

to ﬁle an appeal for your assessment is January 31, 2018.

For more property information, assessment highlights and videos visit

bcassessment.ca We Value BC

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 A11

Local News

rcmp handout

Police seize 500 fentanyl pills in NYE bust Four men face charges after police in Fort St. John seized 500 fentanyl pills on New Year’s Eve, police say. Officers raided a home in the 9000 block of 96A Avenue at 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2017, where the pills, along with $7,000 in cash, were found and seized under a search warrant, Fort St. John RCMP said in a news release. Four men were arrested and held in custody while the search took place. They were released after the search was completed, and will be summoned

once appropriate charges are laid, police say. “This seizure reinforces our commitment to keep our streets and community a safer place to be,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Perret, acting detachment commander, in a statement. Numerous requests to police for more information about the men and the possible charges were not returned. A search of court records show that no charges have yet been laid in regards to the file.

peace region

• Wayne William Karlin (born 1981) was given a one-year probation order, handed a five-year discretionary firearms ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault. • Douglas Andrew Kapacila (born 1968) was fined $1,000, handed a twoyear driving ban, and assessed a $150 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • Cory Joe Miskenack (born 1988) was given nine days in jail, handed a one-year probation order, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of undertaking. • Ryan Eric Whitehead (born 1995) was received four days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of probation.

court docket A summary of what went on in Peace Region courts for the weeks ending Dec. 29 and Jan. 5. Fort St John Law Courts • Allan Ross Budnick (born 1967) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year driving ban, and assessed a $150 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. Budnick was further fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for another count of driving with a suspended licence. • Colby Lynne Davis (born 1996) was ordered to provide a DNA sample, given an 18-month probation order with a suspended sentence, handed a mandatory firearms ban for 10 years less a day, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for trafficking in a controlled substance. • Michael John Fraser (born 1966) was handed 12 months probation with a suspended sentence and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault and assault with a weapon.

Dawson Creek Law Courts • Steven Wayne Grey (born 1975) was sentenced to 15 days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer. Grey was sentenced to another 15 days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of undertaking.

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A12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

Local News

Feminist fiction, biography history in the books top library lending list matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Handmaids, math wizards, and colourful children topped the Fort St. John Library’s lending list in 2017. The library’s statistics for the year are full of must-read tidbits on local reading habits and how the library continues to evolve in the digital age. For instance, children’s picture books were the most borrowed genre, accounting for more than 33,000 of the library’s physical circulations. The number one most borrowed book was Robert Munsch’s Purple, Green and Yellow, a story about a young girl named Brigid on the search for the perfect marker. “Our patrons are voracious borrowers of children’s books, often borrowing up to the limit (25) in one visit,” said Kerry France, director of library services, in an email. The second most borrowed genre was media, including DVDs and audiobook CDs, with 11,318 circulations. Top of the charts was the CBC family drama TV series Heartland. Adult fiction was the third most borrowed genre, with 11,255 circulations, and with readers showing a wide interest in new titles, bestsellers, mysteries, and legal dramas, said France. Topping that list was Margaret Atwood’s classic The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel about sexual slavery set in a totalitarian United States, and has recently been adapted into a TV series. Adult non-fiction was the fourth most borrowed genre at more than 10,000 circulations, with readers searching out selfhelp, cooking, and parenting books, as well as biographies.

Topping the lending list was Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, a biography about the achievements and contributions of black female mathematicians at the NASA space agency. Meanwhile, library memberships were up two per cent to 1,083, but visits were down seven per cent to 82,812 in 2017. The library is still calculating its programming stats, but preliminary numbers show a 15 per cent increase from 8,215 attendees in 2016, France said. “As a trend, we generally see ebbs and flows in visits year to year, but experienced surges of increases in 2014 through 2016,” said France. “Obviously, library visits (through the door) can be influenced by many factors submitted Photo within the community outside In November 2017, the Baldonnel Women’s Institute met at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum. After the the library’s control such as meeting, they presented the curator Heather Sjoblom with two history books that had been put together by Ruth population or demographic Large. The books tell about Baldonnel WI members from the earliest days up until recently. Pictured, from left: shifts, as well as economy. Sjoblom, Ruth Large, and Norma Currie, past president of Baldonnel WI. The continued and steady rise in digital circulations may also affect visits; once a person Top 5 - Children’s Picture has a membership, they can decrease years ago when #4 - All the Light We Cannot Books continue borrowing digitally digital borrowing came on the See by Anthony Doerr #5 - Night School by Lee indefinitely without ever scene and continued to rise.” #1 - Purple, Green and Yellow The library serves 34,159 Child entering the library.” by Robert Munsch The library saw its physical people in Fort St. John and #2 - Moira’s Birthday by collection circulation— electoral areas B and C in the Top 5 - Adult Non-Fiction Robert Munsch books, DVDs, magazines, Peace River Regional District. #3 - Frozen by Victoria Saxon audiobooks, and CDs—drop The majority of the its funding #1 - Hidden Figures by #4 - The Sunken Treasure by seven per cent to 111,405. It’s comes from the City of Fort Margot Lee Shetterly Britt Allcroft digital collection circulation— St. John, at 57.6 per cent, or #2 - The Oh She Glows #5 - What a Bad Dream by ebooks, digital magazines, $397,000, with the regional Cookbook by Angela Liddon and provincial #3 - The Inconvenient Indian Mercer Mayer movies, ancestry databases— district was up seven per cent to governments also providing by Thomas King Top 5 - Media/DVDs 18,886. Another 13,000 people funding alongside donors and #4 - Barron’s IELTS Superpack (A study guide logged on to the library’s sponsors. #1 - Heartland (TV Series) for the International English public computers. #2 - The Revenant Language Testing System; a “It has been a trend for Top 5 - Adult Fiction #3 - The Adjustment Bureau standardized test of English FSJPL’s physical circulation to #4 - Sully language proficiency for decrease by three to seven per #1 - The Handmaid’s Tale by #5 - The Legend of Tarzan, non-native English language Margaret Atwood cent each year,” France said. tied with London has Fallen speakers.) “This is likely due in part to #2 - The Widow by Fiona #5 The Ultimate Cookbook by and Anne of Green Gables the rise of digital circulations, Barton Lisa Fielding as we began seeing the #3 - Home by Harlan Coben

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. Vener Sabacan Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjcatholic.ca MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism. MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 3 months before the wedding. ********** ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am KIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am **********

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: Mike Donovan Phone: 250-787-7702 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.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 A13

Local News

Hunters, trappers cautioned over Site C work

Special Delivery

Hunters and trappers are being asked to be mindful and cautious around Site C transmission line construction being carried out south of the Peace River. Work is underway to build a 75 kilometre, 500-kilovolt line between the Peace Canyon

generating station and the planned Site C substation, and crews will be working along various sections of the route, BC Hydro says. “The safety of the public and our employees is our number one priority,” the company said in a notice. “To ensure the safety of the public and our crews, please watch for signs that indicate active work areas and do not hunt or shoot in areas where construction could be

occurring.” The line is being built on an existing right-of-way and is planned to continue through to 2024.

$800-million resurgence in oil and gas land sales in 2017. Spending in Western Canada hit $793.93 million last year, the Daily Oil Bulletin reports, up fourfold with producers locking up 1.77 million hectares of land for exploration and development. That’s up from a paltry $217.51 million in spending in 2016, and $375.78 million in 2015, according to the Bulletin. Spending was largely concentrated in Alberta, which

B.C., Alberta lead 2017 land sale resurgence Interest in the Montney and Duvernay plays in B.C. and Alberta powered a near

IT’S A GIR Hannah DawL n Parent Kevin & Mars: ie H Baby’s Weigh ofer t: 4 lbs 8 oz Length: 18 in s Date: Jan. 2, ches 20 Time: 7:20 18 Fort St. Johnam , BC

IT’S A BOY Dax Fowlie Parent Bryce & Van s: essa Baby’s WeighFowlie t: 9 lbs 3 ozs Length: 22 cm Date: Oct. 30 s , 2017 Time: 1:09 Fort St. Johnpm , BC

IT’S A GIRL Leah Parents: Ronen & Mel itta Chubynski Baby’s Weigh t: 7 lbs 8 ozs Length: 50 cm Date: Jan. 4, s 20 Time: 3:41 am18 Wonowon, B C

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

IT’S A G Abigail Ruth IRL Imogen Parents: Krystal & Anderson-GosJon se Baby’s Weigh lin t: 9 lbs 3 oz Length: 22 in s Date: Jan. 3, ches 20 Time: 5:10 18 Fort St. Johnam , BC

IT’S A BOY Declan Stephe n Coy Parent Timothy & A s: lliso Baby’s Weighn Coy t: 8 lbs 2 oz Length: 21 in s Date: Jan. 2, ches 20 Time: 7:49 18 Fort St. Johnpm , BC

IT’S A BOY Toven Lei William Myt f ron Parents: Michaela Bjo rs & Layne Myt eth Baby’s Weighron t: 7 lbs 6 Length: 19 3/ozs 4 Date: Jan. 6, inches 2018 Time: 3:35 Fort St. John , BC

IT’S A BOY Spencer Alexa nder Parents: Lacey Beaum & Max Braum ont Baby’s Weighanol t: 8 lbs 10 Length: 20 3/ ozs 4 Date: Jan 4, inches 20 Time: 10:11 18 Fort St. John am , BC

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

ended the year with $556.39 million in bids, much of that spent on land in the East Shale Basin Duvernay, according to the Bulletin. In B.C., spending was up to $173.25 million in 2017 after plunging to a record low of just $15.1 million in 2016. Two sales were largely responsible for the large jump in the province —a $35.13-million licence east of Dawson Creek and a $77-million licence at Inga.

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement & baby’s photo to:

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

The Alaska Highway News, 9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8 or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

House

of the

CARTERSVILLE

The Cartersville is a two-story, threebedroom duplex with bathrooms on both levels and plenty of separation between the units. The only shared walls are between the garages, powder rooms and patios. Because the units are mirror images of each other, only one will be described. Slender wooden posts bound a front porch easily large enough to accommodate a porch swing or other outdoor furniture. The front railing creates privacy, while adding nostalgic charm.

Stepping inside, you move through the entry vestibule into the living room. A roomy coat closet is straight ahead, across from stairs leading to the secondﬂoor bedrooms. The kitchen and dining room are linked at the rear, with only a peninsular counter and raised eating bar between them. Counters wrap around three sides of the kitchen, while cupboards line two and ﬁll the space above the refrigerator as well.

Note the small counter next to the refrigerator. This is an ideal spot for a telephone, with cookbook storage on the shelves below. Laundry appliances, a powder room, and garage access are mere steps away. Wide windows at the rear and side of the dining room (or eating nook, if you prefer) let in plenty of natural light, creating a sunny space for starting the day. And when temperatures climb, meals can move outside. Sliding glass doors provide easy patio access and can be left open to increase air circulation in summer.

Cartersville

Owners’ Suite 13' x 11'

DUPLEX UNIT A First Floor 657 sq.ft. Second Floor 615 sq.ft. Living Area 1272 sq.ft. Garage 306 sq.ft. Total Dimensions

Bedroom 10'6" x 11'

Three bedrooms are upstairs in the Cartersville. Two are in the front and the owners' suite is at the back. While it shares the upper bathroom, it does have a private dressing area with a basin, and a roomy walk-in closet. Associated Designs is the original source for the Cartersville 60-017. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

UNIT A

Owners’ Suite 13' x 11'

PLAN 60-017

Bedroom 9'2" x 10'

UNIT B 657 sq.ft. 615 sq.ft. 1272 sq.ft. 306 sq.ft. 52' x 49'

Bedroom 9'2" x 10' Bedroom 10'6" x 11'

2000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Dining 11'6" x 10'6"

Patio 13'2" x 8'

Dining 11'6" x 10'6"

Kitchen

UNIT B

Kitchen

Up Garage 12'2" x 24'

Living 12'6" x 14'

Entry

Living 12'6" x 14' Entry

Porch

Arlen Brekkaas REDUCED

$275,000

• 55+ townhouse living • 3 bedrooms, 2 baths • garage and basement for extra space

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

$299,900

• Modern plan and colours, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths • Nice residential area and walking distance to amenities

REDUCED

$289,900 • Clean & tidy! • Close to amenities

• Large lot with good access

$299,900

• 1 bedroom, 2 bath • lots of upgrades recently including furnace, paint, flooring, and a bunch of basement finishing too! • close to shopping and walking distance to school

$385,000

• one block from Bert Ambrose and Kin Park • 3 bedrooms, 3 baths • Privacy and family!

$49,900

• Lots of recent renos • big yard space with good fence • lots of space to park and play too!

$329,900

• 3 bdrm 2 bath • Shiny new with yard space • Full warranty here

$549,900

4 bedrooms, 3 baths • full, finished basement • nearly 3500 sq.ft. of living space

$239,900 • 3 bedrooms, 2 bath • within 5 blocks of 3 schools, easy access to public transit

• • • •

$625,000

5 bedroom, 3 bath 2,818 sq. ft. huge RV parking area and a cul-de-sac lot garage that fits a good-sized truck

$449,900 • Finch area estate styling • Double garage and well landscaped yard •Modern and easy, this is a home to call your own.

$252,900

• 2 bedrooms, 2 bath • Appliances Included Washer/Dryer Combo, Stove • Underground parking

A14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

On faith and stewardship “Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15)

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

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

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

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

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) An important warning today: Even though you are interested in discussions about shared property, inheritances and insurance issues, this is a poor day to sign paperwork. Don’t agree to anything important. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Don’t agree to important decisions with partners or close friends today. Just keep things light. Avoid spending money on anything other than gas and food. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) At work today, just keep to business as usual. Don’t volunteer for anything. Avoid important decisions. Just coast today. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) This is a wonderful, creative day! It’s easy for your mind to think outside of the box. Write down your clever ideas, and see how they look tomorrow. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) You might want to hunker down and relax at home today, which is not a bad idea. However, don’t buy anything for your home or a family member. Spend money only on gas or food. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) This is a confusing, indecisive day. You’re not sure if you’re coming or going! Just relax. Avoid important decisions. Don’t shop for anything other than food or gas.

For Thursday January 11, 2018

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Today you are tempted to shop, because you’re thinking a lot about money and finances. However, this is a poor day to go shopping. Don’t purchase anything except gas or food.

PEACE REFLECTIONS

upon Canada’s beautiful, vast lands, and he calls for a happy reconciliation between man and nature in Canada. Globally, the world isn’t doing much better. Millions of acres of ancient rainforests and jungles have been cleared, waters are over-fished and wildlife has been steadily depleted. Natural resources have been plundered without a thought for conservation. The vast majority of the population lives in cities and utilizes fossil fuels, which contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Legislated programs for a cleaner, healthier world are inconvenient and expensive. Food is a money-driven commodity, and though factory-style production guarantees more profits, genetically modified foods and chemical agriculture have a detrimental effect on the environment. Moreover, the mass production of meat is unethical. Chickens are raised in wire cages, and pigs live their entire lives crammed into unlivable stalls. Indeed, factory meat production is cruel and divergent in terms of the guiding principles of stewardship. Ironically, the way back is through the traditional Indigenous spirituality that European Christianity worked to extinguish. After hundreds of years of trying to eradicate the spiritual practices of Aboriginal peoples, it is the adoption of these very practices that will replenish the earth and return man to the God-given mandate of stewardship as it was intended. The Peace is a place of many peoples and many 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, please send it to: angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

A Poem for New Drivers

Dear Annie: Your predecessor Ann Landers published a poem called “Dead at Seventeen” to get the attention of new drivers and impress upon them SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) the dangers and responsibilities Today feels loosey-goosey. You’ve of driving a car. Might you have lost your sense of direction. that on file somewhere? I have That’s OK; this happens to all a 17-year-old granddaughof us now and then. Just keep ter with a new driver’s license, whom I’d like to see it. -- Shirley things light. in Indiana SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Dear Shirley: This poem has Follow your impulse to lie low or work alone or behind the scenes, been making an impression on teens for decades now and is as because today is a bit squirrely. relevant as ever. Here it is. You can’t count on anything. “Dead at Seventeen,” CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) by John Berrio You will enjoy hanging out with good friends today, especially female acquaintances. It’s a social, easygoing day. (Don’t agree to anything important.)

ccording to the theological principle of stewardship, humans are commissioned by God to care for all of creation, which includes animals and the environment. In the Christian religions that forcibly ushered in so many Aboriginal peoples, there is a belief that man is steward of the earth. When God created heaven and earth, he commanded that humans be the stewards of His creation, and yet, mankind has plundered the earth rather than nurtured it. Aboriginal religions in Canada acknowledge the sacred, the supernatural and the natural. In that spiritual tradition, humans are but one species among many. For Aboriginals, mankind is called to live as one with all creation rather than designated as lords and masters of the land and all other life. Christianity significantly altered life for Indigenous peoples. Generations of First Nations peoples in Canada suffered under destructive government policies such as the residential school system and the Indian Act in 1885. European Christians looked upon the land and all other species living upon the land as their property to be used at will. Aboriginal peoples held, and continue to hold, a much different viewpoint. Canadian conservationist Harvey Locke is recognized as a world leader in large landscape conservation. His goal is to create a continuous corridor for wildlife from Yellowstone National Park in the United States to the Yukon in Northern Canada. Locke says that the world must set aside half of the land for conservation. He also says that currently Canada is lagging behind its G7 partners when it comes to nature conservation. Locke claims that Canada, as a nation, is colliding with nature. He maintains that humans in Canada have a dysfunctional relationship with other species living

Angela Griffin

Agony claws my mind. I am a statistic. When I first got here I felt very much alone. I was overwhelmed by grief, and I expected to find sympathy. I found no AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) sympathy. I saw only thousands During discussions with bosses, of others whose bodies were as parents and VIPs, this is a poor badly mangled as mine. I was day to volunteer for anything given a number and placed in or agree to anything important. a category. The category was Postpone making decisions until called “Traffic Fatalities.” another day. The day I died was an ordiPISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) nary school day. How I wish I You will love to do something had taken the bus! But I was different today, because you’re too cool for the bus. I rememeager to explore the world! You ber how I wheedled the car are curious, and you want to out of Mom. “Special favor,” I know more. Talk to people from pleaded. “All the kids drive.” different backgrounds and other When the 2:50 p.m. bell rang, I cultures. Enjoy your day! threw my books in the locker ... free until tomorrow morning! I ran to the parking lot, excited at

like this? Why did I have to look at Mom’s eyes when she faced the most terrible ordeal of her life? Dad suddenly looked very old. He told the man in charge, “Yes, he’s our son.”

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

the thought of driving a car and being my own boss. It doesn’t matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off -- going too fast, taking crazy chances. But I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slow. I heard a crash and felt a terrific jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream. Suddenly, I awakened. It was very quiet. A police officer was standing over me. I saw a doctor. My body was mangled. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of jagged glass were sticking out all over. Strange that I couldn’t feel anything. Hey, don’t pull that sheet over my head. I can’t be dead. I’m only 17. I’ve got a date tonight. I’m supposed to have a wonderful life ahead of me. I haven’t lived yet. I can’t be dead. Later I was placed in a drawer. My folks came to identify me. Why did they have to see me

The funeral was weird. I saw all my relatives and friends walk toward the casket. They looked at me with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen. Some of my buddies were crying. A few of the girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked by. Please, somebody -- wake me up! Get me out of here. I can’t bear to see Mom and Dad in such pain. My grandparents are so weak from grief they can barely walk. My brother and sister are like zombies. They move like robots. In a daze. Everybody. No one can believe this. I can’t believe it, either. Please, don’t bury me! I’m not dead! I have a lot of living to do! I want to laugh and run again. I want to sing and dance. Please don’t put me in the ground! I promise if you give me just one more chance, God, I’ll be the most careful driver in the whole world. All I want is one more chance. Please, God, I’m only 17. 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, JANUARY 11, 2018 A15

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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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

EASEL EMBOSS FABRIC FLOSS FOLIAGE FRAMING GLUES JEWELRY JOURNAL KNITTING KNOTS MAT

• • • • • • • • • • • •

MOLD PAINT PASTELS PENCILS POTTERY RUSTIC SCRAPBOOK SEWING STICKERS WAX WOOD YARNS

TODAY’S PUZZLE

11. Israeli city

13. Formed a theory 17. Remove

24. Type of light 25. Repeats

26. Certified public accountant

27. River in eastern France

28. Returned material authorization (abbr.) 29. Special __: military group

35. Ribonucleic acid 36. Not even

37. Power transmission belt 38. Doctor of Education

40. Type of nerve 41. Types of tops

42. Large primate

8. Female parent

12. Succulent plants 14. OJ’s judge

15. Czech river

16. Embarrassing predicament

18. NHL legend Bobby 19. Sunfish

20. One who acclaims

46. Walked in a celebratory way

47. South American mountain chain 49. Jai __, sport 50. Consumed 51. Firm 56. Pubs

57. Leafy drink 58. Cured

1. Crush

2. Razorbill genus

3. “Full House” actress Loughlin 4. Bluish green

5. Garlic mayonnaise 6. Attacks repeatedly 7. Secretion

8. Special instance

9. A handsome youth loved by Aphrodite

32. Baleen whale

33. Leaf-footed bug genus 34. Treasure

39. Tanzanian shilling

64. Myanmar ethnic group

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

59. Northern wind of 10. Tree genus in the 21. On the __: running France mahogany family away 60. Tax collector 22. Oklahoma’s “Wheat Capital” 61. Respite from the sun 23. The Golden State 62. American spy FINISH 26. Merrymake Aldrich 30. Siberian nomads 63. Central Standard Time 31. Pock-marked

43. Flooded, low-lying land

START 44. Gritty

45. Gets up 47. Stake

48. Not the most

49. Swedish rock group

52. Expresses pleasure

Material for your weekly game page

ll How do basebaol? players stay co

53. Expression of boredom

54. Queen of Sparta

55. Where Adam and Eve were placed at the Creation

What runs but doesn’t get anywhere? A: A fridge.

5. Residue

44. Intestinal pouches

CLUES DOWN

Why was the math book sad?

A: Because it had too many problems .

1. Make ale

42. Changed

to A: They sit next their fans.

CLUES ACROSS

A16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

perspectives

The Power of Pessimism

e’ve all heard of the power of positive thinking, but we hear a lot less about the power of negative thinking. When it comes to our fate upon this planet, it’s knee-jerk pessimism that really worries me. What is the human race according to the pessimists? (The online world, not to mention general conversation, is filled to overflowing with this.) Humanity is a cancer, a virus, a murderer, a killer destroying everything in its path. There can be no bright future as long as we’re around, and the world would be better off without us. End of story. Sorry, I don’t buy it. It’s too easy. Pessimism just gets us off the hook. This almost gleeful trashing of the human race seems to make us feel better, as if by hating ourselves and what we are doing to the planet we are somehow separate from it, allowing us to rise above it and wash our hands of it. This reflexive negativity is not only contagious, it is, in my opinion, destructive and disempowering. Not what we need right now. Not what we’ve ever needed. Sure, there’s a ton of evidence to support global pessimism. I have a whole library of books that explain in great detail exactly the mess we have gotten ourselves into on our finite little ball of rock, and most media (both conventional and social) feed on negativity, catastrophe, problems, strife and death. Lots of pessimistic evidence there! Some pessimism is dutiful alarmringing: shock people into action before it’s too late! I fear (and the evidence supports) that instead, these well-meaning folks are numbing people to sleep. Catastrophe fatigue is real and rampant. For the first 20 years of my life as an environmental activist, I was driven by a sense of impending doom. Certainly pessimism can be a motivator to action: I wrote letters, started grassroots groups, organized picket lines and media events. Overall, I believe my efforts were beneficial, and there continues to be a huge and essential role for protest.

spin a yarn

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

But I slowly but surely burned out. Too much negativity, too much sadness, too much frustration. Bummer. So, about 20 years ago, I flipped 180 degrees. Instead of putting my energy into tearing down what I saw as bad and destructive, I would put my energy into building up the world I wanted to see. Rather than piling up evidence of our imminent doom, I began to collect evidence of progress, information about positive alternatives, and how some of our greatest thinkers were seeing a way through our troubles and how we actually could build a better world. From this viewpoint, our problems are all opportunities. We actually know what to do, and we are waking up and beginning to do it. Global poverty and hunger are in rapid decline, while levels of global education are rapidly rising. We have figured out how to control acid rain and ozone depletion. We’re waking up to problems of biodiversity and climate chang,e and beginning to take action on a global scale. And we know how to make clean energy on a cost-effective and massive scale by using the renewable powers of nature, the infinite powers of sun and wind, from the heat of the earth and the tidal pull of the moon. No, we are not inherently evil. We are not committing pre-mediated planetary murder. We are not intentionally melting the polar ice caps. We have stumbled, half asleep, into a bad situation that we don’t want, that we’re not prepared for and poorly equipped to handle. But we are beginning to handle it. Sure, there’s evil, corruption, conspiracy and hatred in the world. There always has been and there always will be. So what? We’re going to build a better world anyway—and we’ve already begun.

matt preprost Photo

Alex Neilson of the the North Peace Spinners and Weavers uses a Turkish drop spindle to produce yarn during St. Distaff’s Day Jan. 6 at the museum. This day traditionally marked the first day back to work following the twelve days of Christmas. In the Middle Ages, women of all classes resumed their spinning on this day, using a distaff and drop spindle.

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Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY JANUARY 11, 2018 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Huskies hoping to get over the hump against Navs DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

It wasn’t quite the start to 2018 as the Huskies would’ve liked last weekend, but they did get a big 10-0 win over the Sexsmith Vipers before it was over. The Huskies fell 3-2 to the County of Grande Prairie Kings on Jan. 5, after leading the Kings 2-0 in that game. The loss was the Huskies third in a row going back to the final two games in December 2017. Nevertheless, the Huskies rebounded big Jan. 6 against Sexsmith to bring their record to 18-6. With 36 points, the Huskies sit in third, three points behind the Dawson Creek Jr. Canucks but with four games in hand. “It’s good to get the rust off, you never really want to blow a two-goal lead. Tonight we did a much better job defensively, we want to build and go forward from there,” said Huskies Head Coach Todd Alexander after the Sexsmith game. The Huskies continue to get offense from all lines, as seven different players scored against the Vipers, but the star of the game was Gary Loewen who got his first ever hat-trick at the junior level. “It felt great. I didn’t like how I played (Friday) night, but tonight I felt good out there and hopefully I can keep it going from here on out,” Loewen said. The three goals brought Loewen’s goal total to 14 on the year, and his 38 points

The drawback of sports fandom Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Jacob Lang goes hard into the boards during the Huskies 10-0 win over the Sexsmith Vipers Jan. 6.

are first on the Huskies. That is also good enough for sixth in the league in scoring. The Huskies are back at home Jan. 12 against the Fairview Flyers before going on the road Jan. 13 to play the North Peace Navigators. The defending champion Flyers are in fifth with 25 points, and the Huskies have had no trouble with the Fairview team this year, winning all three games against them so far. However, the Navigators

have been giving the Huskies a tough time. Fort St. John is only 1-3 against North Peace this year, and the Huskies will have to beat them to stay near the top of the standings. The Navigators (18-7-1) currently sit in second with 37 points. “We have to play a whole hockey game against (the Navigators). We don’t play terrible games but I don’t think we’ve played our best games against them,” Alexander said.

Those are the teams where we shouldn’t have to motivate the guys to play hard, but for some reason we haven’t quite got there.” The Navigators, who knocked the Huskies out of the playoffs last season in seven games, have outscored Fort St. John 13 to 8 in four games this season. “The Navigators game will be the challenge of the weekend for sure. Outworking them is what we have to do,” said Loewen.

Denny Morrison qualifies for 2018 Olympics DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John’s Denny Morrison achieved the unthinkable on Saturday, Jan. 6, qualifying for his fourth Olympic Games after he was in a motorcycle crash in 2015 and suffered a stroke in 2016. Morrison qualified for the men’s 1500m, in which he is a former world champion, with a time of 1:44:13 at the 2018 Long Track Team Selections in Calgary, finishing second behind teammate Vincent De Haitre. Morrison has been provisionally named to the Canadian Long Track Speed Skating Olympic Team for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games. The official team was announced Jan. 10 after press time. Morrison has been working hard to get back to this point, but now that he has, he isn’t content with just making the team. “It leaves me inspired to do even more. I’ve been setting realistic goals for myself and now a realistic goal is a podium in South

DAVE HOLLAND/ SPEED SKATING CANADA

Denny Morrison, third from left, (back), stands on the podium with Vincent De Haitre and Antoine GelinasBeaulieu after the 1500m Olympic qualifying race.

Korea,” Morrison said. “It’s a huge milestone today and a huge victory for myself and the overall team. I also hope it’s a victory for other stroke survivors or others that have gone through something similar to me, to know that you start with the goal post close and

then keep moving them further.” Richard Stickel, head coach of the Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club, was in Calgary this weekend during the trials, and spoke to Morrison a couple times. Morrison was determined to make the team, Stickel said,

and he could see it coming together with each race. “I’m really impressed. The week after his crash, he said that he’d be back. He’s been adamant and been making such big strides lately, his times have been coming down so much lately it’s been amazing.”

hen you invest a lot of personal time and money in following a team, you put yourself at risk of being disappointed. Any fan of the Edmonton Oilers or Vancouver Canucks can attest to this, especially this season. Luckily, I am not a fan of either of those teams. I am, however, a fan of a bunch of other bad teams, and the worst part about being a fan of bad teams is that they eventually make you sad. When your team is always a loser, you tend to get your hopes up whenever that team has even the smallest ounce of success. When they inevitably let you down, life gets sucked out of you, you become really tired and want to sleep, and you find yourself wondering how long it will be until the team will be successful again. I felt like this last Saturday night, when the Los Angeles Rams, this, after having their best season since 2003 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2005, lost painfully in the first round of the playoffs. It’s a pretty tough way to go out for a team that was expected to go further. I instantly forgot how happy I had been all season and found myself doubting the team’s ability to be good again next year, even though all signs say they should be. The thing with being sad about sports, though, is that it never lasts long. Usually, it’s just a couple hours or the rest of the night. In extreme cases, it lasts the whole next day. But, every single time, without fail, you get over it. That’s a good thing, but it also makes you wonder if the feeling is that fleeting when your team wins a championship, too. I wouldn’t know anything about that. It’s the same with local sports. You enjoy the ride all season, but then a big loss spoils your night. I’m certain players get sad and disappointed if they lose, and those losses drive them to be better next season. Both the Flyers and Huskies are using last year’s disappointment to fuel their successful seasons so far. It will be interesting to see what takes place in the coming months. Anyway, just two nights later on Monday, I was watching the NCAA College Football National Title Game between Georgia and Alabama. And, yes, I know nobody in Canada cares about American college sports. It was a phenomenal game, and Alabama won for the fifth time in 10 years. I hate Alabama, but I wasn’t even upset, that’s how good this game was. I also had completely moved on from the Rams loss. Being a sports fan is a fickle business. I think it’s cool to be that passionate about something, no matter what it is. All I know is I won’t feel that way again until May, when the Toronto Maple Leafs will lose in the second round of the NHL playoffs to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

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Local Sports

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The Ross H. Maclean Peewee Flyers were recently announced as one of 10 semi-finalists for the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup.

Peewee Flyers a semi-finalist for Good Deeds Cup Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

A Fort St. John minor hockey team may win a different kind of championship in the coming weeks. On Jan. 5, during TSN’s broadcast of the World Junior gold medal game between Canada and Sweden, the Fort St. John Ross H. Maclean Peewee Flyers were announced as one of 10 semi-finalists for the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup. The Flyers have spent the last two months doing good deeds off the ice, from collecting donations for the Salvation

Army to bringing senior citizens out to the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and shovelling community driveways. The team’s goal was to give back to the community. “It means a ton to these kids and everyone involved with this team to be in the top 10 across Canada for the Good Deeds Cup,” said Dave Alexander, head coach of the Flyers. “Any time you can come together and give back, it’s a great feeling to help others and it lifts you up as well.” The winning team gets $15,000 for the charity of its choice, a one-minute

feature on TV, and an awards ceremony in its hometown, among other things. The Flyers have been clear from the start—this isn’t just about winning a Cup. It’s about giving back to the community and instilling character in its players. “The kids are starting to realize how much support comes from the community and they have fun giving back,” Alexander said. Videos submitted by the semi-finalist’s showcasing their good deeds will be revealed Jan. 15 on Chevrolet Canada’s YouTube channel. Fans are encouraged to watch their team’s video to help them

become one of the three finalists. “We’re looking forward to the next step and getting our video out to show what we’ve done for the community, and hopefully we get lots of support back in return,” said Alexander. Other semi-finalists include the PNW Group (Whitehorse, YK), the Twisters (North Halton, Ont.), the Warriors (Paradise, Nfld.), the Bears (Smith Falls, Ont.), the Oilers (Okotoks, Alta.), the Red Devils (Quinte West, Ont.), the Ice Cats (Clearview, Ont.), the Huskies (The Pas, Man.), and the Sabres (Flamborough, Ont.).

Elks prepare for busy next four weeks, hosting two events The Canada Cup 2 in Calgary Jan. 5 and 6 was the first meet of a busy four weeks of action for Fort St. John Elks speed skaters. Coach Richard Stickel took five skaters to Calgary, and two, Yuna Lovell and Brooke Braun, had personal best times. “Our skaters did very good, and all had really good skates. We are a younger club, so most of them aren’t going to finish in the top at these R0021217976

national meets, but they are skating very well,” Stickel said. The Elks will now train hard for the next two weeks in preparation for the B.C. Long Track Championships at the Pomeroy Sport Centre Jan. 20 and 21. The top two in each division at this meet will get to go to the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships in Quebec City Feb. 10 and 11. Two Elks skaters were Canadian

champions last year—Lovell and Josh Telizyn—and both are skating well again this year, Stickel said. After the provincial meet, the club will only have two more weeks to prepare to host Canada Cup 3 and the Canadian Junior Long Track Championships Feb. 2 to 4. “Doing these meets back to back is quite a bit of work, but we have a lot of people helping out and a lot of

volunteers,” Stickel said. The top four male and female skaters of each division at the junior championship will qualify for Canada’s World Junior team. “At provincials we have a bunch of good skaters that will do well. For the junior championships it’s mostly about gaining experience for our skaters, but I think they’ll have good results,” said Stickel.

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

This Week: Sony Open in Hawaii

Last Week: Johnson won the Tournament of Champions

Each January the Sony Open in Hawaii attracts 144 of the world’s greatest golf professionals to the Waialae Country Club on the island Defending: Justin Thomas of Oahu. Two notable events have Winning Score: 27-under par happened at the Sony Open. In Earnings: $1,080,000 the 1983 Sony Open, Isao Aoki became Japan’s first winner on the PGA Tour. He holed out a wedge shot on the 72nd hole to beat Jack Renner by a stroke. Then, in 2007, at the age of 16 years and 4 days, amateur Tadd Fujikawa became the second youngest player ever to make a 36-hole cut in an official PGA Tour event. Waialae Country Club Honolulu, Hawaii 7,068 yards, Par 70

Golf TV Schedule Sony Open in Hawaii Day Time Thursday 7:00pm-10:30pm Friday 7:00pm-10:30pm Saturday 7:00pm-10:30pm Sunday 6:00pm-10:00pm

Golfing News

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF GOLF

Golf Trivia Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods won a PGA Tour event in each of their first 11 seasons. Who is the only other golfer to accomplish that record? a) Vijay Singh b) Phil Mickelson

c) Dustin Johnson d) Justin Rose

Answer: c) Dustin Johnson

Dustin Johnson turned a Tournament Results two-shot lead into a runaway 1. Dustin Johnson Sunday at Kapalua in the Score: -24 Earnings: $1,260,000 Sentry Tournament of 2. Jon Rahm Champions with a show of power Score: -16 Earnings: $735,000 that included one of the best shots he 3. Brian Harman never saw. He hit driver on the 433Score: -15 yard 12th hole that went 432 yards Earnings: $461,000 and 6 inches, the signature moment in a final round devoid of drama. “If I can play like that every week, I’m going to win a lot of times,’’ he said. He finished at 24-under 268. The eight-shot margin of victory was his largest ever.

The PGA Tour and its tournaments generated more than $180 million for charitable causes in 2017, surpassing last year’s record amount by approximately $14 million. The announcement brings the all-time total generated for charity by the PGA Tour to $2.65 billion. The TOUR surpassed $1 billion in 2005 and $2 billion at the beginning of 2014. Unlike other professional sports organizations, the PGA Tour relies on more than 100,000 volunteers annually to run its tournaments, and the vast majority of its tournaments are structured as non-profit organizations designed to donate 100 percent of net proceeds to charity.

Lessons from the Golf Pro Some high-handicap golfers don’t break 100 because they are weak on their short game. A good place to practice this short game is to play a testy Par 3 course. Here you will use mostly your #7, #8, #9 and wedges. A round or two each week on this format will surely sharpen your skill with short irons. Concentrate on the club selection and learn when to pitch and when to chip. Good shots here make easier putts and better scores. Set-up properly in comfort. Watch as the ball comes off the clubface, down the line to the pin. Think pin. It works better than thinking water or bush. A little quick hint: Always tee up on a par three. This allows you to strike the ball safely avoiding all-too-common thin hits. Think positive. If you think you can, you will.

Player Profile

Dustin Johnson

Turned Professional: 2007 FedEx Cup Ranking: 2nd World Ranking: 1st PGA Tour Wins: 17

FedEx Cup Standings Through Jan. 7, 2018

1) Pat Perez

761 pts. / 3 top tens

2) Dustin Johnson 718 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Patton Kizzire 713 pts. / 3 top tens

4) Patrick Cantlay 609 pts. / 1 top tens

5) Austin Cook 601 pts. / 1 top tens

FedEx Cup Standings continued... Player Points 6) Justin Thomas 586 7) Brendan Steele 586 8) Justin Rose 550 9) Brian Harman 478 10) Chesson Hadley 458

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 B3

Local Sports

Flyers start crucial Coy Cup play-in series this week Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Sr. Flyers dropped their first game of 2018 3-2 to the Grande Prairie Athletics Jan. 6. The 9-4 Flyers remain in first place in the West Division, but the Athletics are now only a point behind them in second place. The Flyers have two very important but different games this week, both against the Dawson Creek Sr. Canucks at home. The first is a NPHL league game Jan. 11. The Flyers have lost both games to Dawson Creek this season, the most recent being a 6-0 beatt-down on Dec. 7. It will be a slightly different Dawson

Creek team this time around, as the Sr. Canucks have had to drop two players due to a ruling that came down in December, saying the team had violated Hockey Alberta rules by having too many imported players from Alberta. As a result, the Sr. Canucks had four wins taken away from their record, and dropped to the bottom of the West Division. “I didn’t even know the rule existed personally, but it’s there for a reason, I guess,” said Andrew Leriger, the Flyers’ head coach. “I feel for Dawson, they have a good squad, but I’m sure they’ll still be a good team.” The second game of the week is Jan.

14 at 2 p.m. Instead of a league game, this is the first game in a best-of-three series to determine who will represent the Peace Region at the 2018 Coy Cup in Williams Lake. “It’s been years since Dawson has gone after the Coy Cup, but I’m excited to see what happens. They should be good games,” said Leriger. Leriger is glad the two teams didn’t go by regular NPHL standings to determine who went to Williams Lake, as has happened in years past. Though these three games make January an even busier month than it already is, Leriger welcomes the added games. An interesting wrinkle is that Hockey B.C. rules are different from Hockey

Alberta, so, for Coy Cup games, both teams can have 30 players on the roster to choose from, and are allowed to ice players who don’t normally participate in NPHL games. Expect to see a couple new players on both sides of the ice on Sunday. The next game in the Coy Cup series is Jan. 18 in Dawson Creek at 8:30 p.m., and the third, if needed, will be back in Fort St. John on Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. The Flyers will get a needed boost for these upcoming games, as both Reid Campbell and Cole Calliou will return from injury this week. Adam Horst returned from injury against the Athletics and looked good, scoring a goal in the loss.

beef congress champion

supplied Photo

The U18 Girls Northern Strikers team held its own at the New Year’s Annual Indoor Soccer Tournament in Red Deer Jan. 5 to 7. The girls competed in Tier I of the adult tournament, going 1-1-2, only losing one game. The team finished fourth.

NPSS sports return to action NPSS sports teams finally return to action this weekend after a long and healthy break. Both senior basketball teams head to Grande Prairie this weekend for the Stonebridge Hotel Wolves Senior Basketball Classic Tournament. Both teams will look to continue their

strong tournament play so far this season. The junior girls basketball team plays their first games of the season at the Correlieu Junior Girls Basketball Tournament in Quesnel. The girls have practiced hard all season and are looking forward to the challenge.

dillon giancola Photo

Shannon Trask of Rafter SJ Angus in Montney shows off her 2018 Grand Champion Open Heifer at the 20th annual Peace Country Beef Congress Jan. 5. The two-day event ran last weekend at the Lakota Agriplex in Dawson Creek, with ranches from all over the Peace Country showing their cattle.

WEEKLY PRO RACING UPDATE Postseason Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

Jeff Gordon among 2018 inductees to Motorsports Hall of Fame The milestone 30th Annual Induction Ceremony presented by Bridgestone is set for Tuesday, March 13 at The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach. Honorees include drag racing car builder John Buttera, Indianapolis Motor Speedway founder Carl G. Fisher, four-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, record-setting pilot - and world-famous billionaire - Howard Hughes, motorcycle great Fred Merkel, three-time Indianapolis 500 champion owner U.E. Pat Patrick and sports car legend Bob Tullius. Jeff Gordon changed the face of NASCAR when he entered the sport in the 1990s. The Vallejo, California native is third all-time in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wins (93) behind Richard Petty (200) and David Pearson (105). Gordon is fourth all-time in Monster Energy Series titles with four (1995, ‘97, ‘98, 2001), behind seven-time champions Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson.

Racing History

Darrell Waltrip raced in the Cup Series until 2000. When did he get his last victory? a) 1992 b) 1994

c) 1996 d) 1998

Answer : a) Darrell Waltrip won his last race in 1992.

January 10, 1971 - On this date, Ray Elder, a west coast driver, beat all of the regular series veterans in an upset at the season opening Motor Trend 500 at Riverside in California. Elder won 47 races on the NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model Series, which is the second most all-time victories. He was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in its first class in 2002.

Racing Trivia

Darrell Waltrip Born: Feb. 5, 1947 Cup wins: 84 Cup top-tens: 390 Cup championships: 3 Darrell Waltrip is a 3-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, winner of the 1989 Daytona 500, and the first 5-time winner of the Coca-Cola 600 (formerly the World 600), the Series’ longest race (1978, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1989). Waltrip was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, February 5, 1947. Starting his driving career in go-karts at age 12, Waltrip entered his first stock car race just four years later. Waltrip began racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR’s top racing series, at age 25. He got his first Cup victory at Nashville International Raceway, May 10, 1975, at age 28, in the Music City 420. Waltrip went on to win 83 more NASCAR Cup Series races during his career. He still holds many NASCAR records, more than a decade after his retirement as an active driver. He had 12 wins at Bristol Motor Speedway, seven of which were consecutive wins beginning in 1981, and ending April 1, 1984, (a track and Cup Series record for any driver, all time). Waltrip also became the first NASCAR driver to be awarded $10 million in race winnings. He is a 2-time winner of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award, (1989, 1990), was the “American Driver of the Year”, (1979, 1981, 1982), and was named “NASCAR’s Driver of the Decade”.

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B4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

LOCAL SPORTS

Ditch the pills when it comes to detoxing and cleansing

BROWN WINS MVP

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Hunter Brown of the Fort St. John Bantam Flyers was the top scorer and MVP at the Edmonton Invitational Bantam Tournament of Champions Dec. 27 and 31. The Flyers were the “B” champions at the 38th edition of the tournament.

ith 2018 in full swing, some of you may be thinking of a cleanse or detox to rid your body of the December food fest. You’re not alone in those thoughts, I’m sure. But, are cleanses and detox diets necessary? The human body is amazing and has many organs and mechanisms in place to naturally detoxify itself, including the liver, urine, feces, and sweating. The weight that is often lost during a cleanse is usually water weight, and once the cleanse is finished you’re likely to gain the weight back because it wasn’t fat that you lost in the first place. There is little scientific research on the benefits of cleanses and on the toxins that are actually eliminated during a cleanse. In other words, cleanses might not be necessary. Some aspects of cleanses are excellent and will be beneficial to you: drinking plenty of water, eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day, staying away from alcohol and processed foods, ensuring that you get a good night’s sleep, and working up a sweat through

Stephenie Sutherland HEALTH HACKS

exercise multiple times a week. If a detox diet makes you eat healthier, sleep better, and feel better, then that’s great, but those positives can be achieved without a pill, extreme methods, or starvation. For one week, try to drink plenty of water, go to bed earlier, eliminate processed foods and alcohol, add fruit and vegetables to every meal, and do some moderate physical activity every day. You will notice benefits even with these little changes. 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 NWJHL STANDINGS TEAM Canucks Navs. Huskies Kings Flyers Vipers Blades

GP 28 26 24 27 26 27 26

W 19 18 18 16 12 7 2

L 8 7 6 9 13 19 24

OL 1 1 0 2 1 1 0

TP 39 37 36 34 25 15 4

NWJHL RESULTS

NPHL STANDINGS

Kings 3, Huskies 2 January 5

TEAM West Division Flyers Athletics Sr. Canucks

Huskies 10, Vipers 0 January 6

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

GP W L SL

13 12 12

18 17 11

9 4 8 3 5 6

0 1 1

NWJHL GAMES Flyers at Huskies January 12, 8:00 p.m. Huskies at Navigators January 13, 8:00 p.m.

PHONE: 250-785-0463

NPHL GAMES Sr. Canucks at Flyers January 11, 8:30 p.m. COY CUP PLAY-IN GAME 1

East Division Pirates Huskies Regals Comets

15 16 15 15

9 7 6 5

6 9 8 9

0 0 1 1

18 14 13 11

Sr. Canucks at Flyers January 14, at 2:00 p.m. GOT SPORTS NEWS? SPORTS@AHNFSJ.CA

Silver Willow

4-H Report Hello readers,

Happy Belated Holidays! Here is a short review of what has happened so far.

On December 10 The club had a Christmas party, during which we exchanged gifts for the secret Santa, feasted on pizza and went sledding. Thank you to Kacey, and the Gilbert Family for letting us use their cabin.

On December 17 The beef members had their weigh in and the highest average gain was 2.38 pounds. On January 6 Some members went to the Beef Congress and learned about judging and looked at the many displays.

On January 7 Silver Willows had a meeting, and decided what who was doing for the communications, that are only one month away(!), chose a barn theme, animal names, and learned some things about presenting. Thank you to Ms. Taylor for the excellent informative presentation. Big thank you to our club previous buyers for supporting a local group and broadening our horizons by funding our futures.

250.785.2116 | 9511 - 85th Ave, Fort St. John

Bella Lucas-Jarnagin Silver Willow 4H Club Reporter

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 B5

arts & culture

Brian Van Wyk Photo

Adam Kirschner, performing under the name Noble Son, is playing in Fort St. John on Jan. 19.

Noble Son comes home to the Lido matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

You can write about love and take it seriously, or you can write about love and know nothing matters much at all. And, one day, you can spring up from a rut and write about love in a panic, an eight-track album quickly taking shape over the course of 12 days. So it was for Fort St. John’s Adam Kirschner, who performs under the name Noble Son and brings his new album Joy in Violence to the Lido on Jan. 19. “This album, when I was finally able to step away from it a little bit, I realized it tells the story of a lot the ladies and women I’ve been fortunate to have in my life, the good parts and bad parts of that,” Kirschner says from a tour stop in Oliver. “It sounds a bit cliche, because love is such an easy topic to write about, but this album came out completed and challenging.” The 29-year-old folk singersongwriter began a 17-date provincial tour in support of Joy in Violence in Chilliwack Jan. 5. Kirschner began writing Joy in Violence last April, during what he called a low place and not caring much for what listener’s thought of the content—bluntly honest and frank writing, he says. “Some of the content is

really intimate, describing the ugly parts of relationships that aren’t that great,” he says. “It’s definitely the most honest and transparent I’ve ever managed to be on a record.” He brought those tracks to the private home studio of American folk duo Shovels and Rope in Charleston, South Carolina, along with some friends and let the surroundings help polish the finished sound. “We were four dudes trapped in this little studio, sweating it out in the South Carolina heat. When you listen to this record, you feel like you’re sitting in that studio with us,” Kirschner says. “I’m huge fan of theirs (Shovels and Rope). We’re playing on their drums, their piano. The album, because of that, has this really authentic Southern sound to it that I feel you can’t really capture unless you’re down there.” Kirschner, a voice actor by day, is probably more known as the voice of the Vancouver Canucks, or for his voiceover work for Tim Hortons, Stub Hub, and Harley Davidson. He has a couple of cartoons in the works, too. But it’s through Noble Son where he’s able to reflect on Zen Buddhism and weave its beliefs through his music. Joy in Violence will be his first full-length LP after

releasing a pair of EPs in 2013 and 2015. “I found Zen Buddhism at a time I was struggling with a lot of anxiety. A lot of people deal with it nowadays. It was one of the only things that seemed to help,” Kirschner says. “How we define our reality makes our reality, and that informs all of the songwriting. You can write a love song and take it seriously, or write a love song and know that nothing really matters. “I like to think that there’s a certain level of self deprecation and self awareness in my music, that I don’t take myself as seriously as it might soundssometimes,” he says. As for audiences? It’s been interesting to watch them take to the new album, Kirschner says. “It’s been great. It’s super vulnerable now being on the road and singing these songs, and seeing a 60-year-old woman listen to me describe intimate moments with a girl who was maybe into some weird stuff,” he says. Noble Son plays the Lido Jan. 19, with Lorissa Scriven, Ryaan Sebastiano, and Naomi Shore also scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8. Noble Son and Shore will play shows in Dawson Creek at the District Jan. 17 and at the Rolla Pub Jan. 18.

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM JANUARY 12 TO JANUARY 18

THE COMMUTER Nightly: 7:15, 10:00 Matinees: 1:00, 4:00

PADDINGTON 2 Nightly: 6:30, 9:30 Matinees: 12:30, 3:30

INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY Nightly: 7:00, 9:40 Matinees: 12:45, 3:40

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

JUMANJI 2 Nightly: 6:40, 9:50 Matinees: 12:15, 3:50

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI Nightly: 6:50, 10:05 Matinees: 12:00, 3:20

B6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

Classifieds

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NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT LAND ACT Announcements

Announcements

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

Take notice that British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority from Vancouver, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for an amendment to a Licence of Occupation for Reservoir tree clearing situated on Provincial Crown land located at the Peace River near Wilder Creek. The Lands File for this application is 8015830. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to FrontCounterBC, at 100, 10003-110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, or by email to AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be received by MFLNRORD up to February 7, 2018. MFLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

Announcements

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Coming EvEnts

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

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

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

Obituaries

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5631 785- 522 0 5 Ph: 2 0-785-3 5 Fx: 2 AND MAYBE SOMEONE WILL

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Obituaries

Coming EvEnts

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of

Trevor Haughian

of Fort St. John who passed away suddenly, Jan 3, 2018, at 47 years of age. A celebration of life will be held at a later. Condolences may be made in memory of Trevor to the Fort St. John Mental Health & Addiction Unit in Fort St. John.

communityclassifieds.ca

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. 1-800-581-8288

Obituaries

Cremation arrangements entrusted to the care of Hamre’s Funeral Chapel.

47052

Announcements

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

LANGEVIN, Gary J. July 27, 1944 − December 24, 2017 Our beloved Gary left us after a short but hard fought battle with cancer. Gary is survived by his wife Joan of Big Valley, AB his son Shawn of Fort MacMurray, AB, and daughter Charlane of Saskatoon, SK, five grandchildren, Brandon, Katlin, Ashley, Kaylee, and Lindsey and two great grandchildren Sophia, and Vera Lynn. Gary is also survived by his siblings Ron (Marlene), Elaine, Mary Jane, Phillip, and Michael (Arlene) and his step sons Robbie (Lisa) and Ryan (Kristi), plus five step grandsons, Carter and Parker and Ethan, Aiden, and Kristian, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Gary’s working career was spent almost entirely with the BC Forest Service in various capacities. A career that spanned nearly 33 years, most of it spent at Fort St John. After Gary left the Forest Service, he followed his heart and his love of the mountains, and went guiding for a few years. He then moved on to some oilfield work, and put his love of "butchering wood", as he put it, to good use, building for a few years. Throughout his life, Gary’s absolute passion and joy remained his beloved Quarter Horses; his prized Blue Roans were the pinnacle of his breeding program. When Gary met Joan he moved with his horses to Big Valley, AB where he continued to breed his good Blue Roans. Gary and Joan married on July 1st, 2016 in the Grand Canyon, and were so looking forward to many more adventures after Joan’s retirement this year. Donations in Gary’s name may be made to the BC or AB chapters of the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Please use caution along the Site C project transmission line corridor The Site C project is starting work in the 75-kilometre transmission line corridor between the Site C dam site and the Peace Canyon Dam. Safety is our top priority and BC Hydro is asking hunters and trappers to use caution along this corridor. Please watch for signs that indicate active work areas and do not hunt or shoot in areas where construction could be occurring.

No service by request.

Alaska Highway News

a p a r t o f yo u r c o m m u n it y

General employment

Coming EvEnts Cribbage Tournament Sunday January 14, 2018 1:00pm Sharp every Sunday for 10 weeks- Senior Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Ave. Dawson Creek BC. Tell all your friends to come and join in the fun and prizes. $5.00 per person, lunch included. For more Info contact: Lillian 250-782-4057 Mary 250-782-6628 SPONSORED BY GCM Laundry Service

For more information: • Visit the project website: sitecproject.com • Call the toll-free project line: 1-877-217-0777 • Email the project team: sitec@bchydro.com

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Advice from a Hire Authority

LegaL/PubLic Notices

When it comes time to hire new staff, do you look forward to the hours upon hours that it takes? Time to place an ad, time to read through dozens of resumes, time to interview candidates, time to test their skills…

Hire us first

ManageMent/

At Macenna Staffing Services we can do all that for you and then some, saving you and your business time by shortlisting the top candidates for the job; pre-screening only those that qualify. Plus we can test typing skills and computer aptitude with programs like Word, Excel, even Windows itself.

Reference #105-701-18/23

Tourmaline Oil Corp. is developing an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) under British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management Act and associated regulations. The purpose of this renewal 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 associated communities such as Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Hudson Hope, Chetwynd, 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: • Vantage XRT, VP480, Clearview, Milestone, Navius VM, Escort, Tordon 22K, Banvel VM, MCPA Amine 600, Truvist, Esplanade SC, Transline, Lontrel 360, Garlon, Arsenal. • Active ingredients are: Aminopyralid, metsulfuron-methyl, diflunfenzopyr, MCPA, Picloram, Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba, Aminocyclopyrachlor, Indaziflam, Clopyralid, Glyphosate, Triclopyr. The proposed duration of the IPMP is from May 1, 2018 to April 30th, 2023. Maps and the draft IPMP document are available and may be viewed upon request by phoning at the following address or by contacting the agent: Tourmaline Oil Corp. 9920 – 98A Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 1S2 Phone 250-262-2033 Agent: E-Qwest Consulting Ltd. 250-766-2677 email – e-qwest@shaw.ca 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.

Announcements

R0011508820

| f. 250.785.4795 | e. apply@macenna.com | www.macenna.com

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

ManageMent/

− Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required − At least 5 years of operational leadership ex− perience in a mining environment or similar heavy industry required − Solid supervisory level experience − Total commitment to health and safety

The next time you’re hiring, consider Macenna Staffing Services first. 10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367

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!

ORICA OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR − Support of three mines located in Perry Creek, Willow Creek and Brule, which are lo− cated in the Chetwynd/Tumbler Ridge, BC area.

And did we mention we already have hundreds of resumes on file?

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

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

Announcements

Send your resume to Janet.Blair@Orica.com with "Operations Supervisor − Tumbler Ridge, BC" in the Subject line

Announcements

Coming EvEnts 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. 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 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!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 B7

Classifieds General employment

Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 4 children ages 8, 6, 3, & 5 months. Full-Time Livein only. Duties include: Care for the younger children at home. Make beds and do laundry. Light house cleaning. Working hours 8am4pm Monday-Friday Weekends off. $10.25/hr or $1640/mth. Must speak English. Related Experience necessary. Prefer high school graduate or someone with higher education and/or caregiver training. Call 250219-2291/250-4679112 or email: salverene01@yahoo.com

TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING BCCSA/WCB Certified FSJ: Jan. 17 &18, 20 & 21, 23 & 24 PG: Jan. 27 & 28, 30 & 31 1-866-737-2389 or roadsafetytcs.com

LegaL/PubLic Notices

For Sale MiSc 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.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

One 1997 Mercury Sable VIN 1MEFM50UXWG647437 Josef Wallace will be offered for sale on Jan 30, 2018 to recover unpaid repair costs under the Bc Repairer’s Lien Act. The outstanding invoice totals $66.53, plus $380 in accrued interest & storing fees. Bids will be accepted until 9 am Jan 30,2018 and the sale will take place at 8227-100 Ave FSJ. To View or for more info call 250-261-5896.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Misc FarM EquipMEnt WANTED TO BUY Pull Behind Post Pounder. Power Take-Off or Gas Powered. 250-843-6847 or 250-784-7160

Business OppOrtunities

IndustrIal/ CommerCIal

Commercial & Office

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 168 SF Single office in a clean, professional building, centrally located at 9907-99Ave. Bright with a large window and immediate access to main lobby and customer entrance. Lots of client parking available, wheel chair accessible building & washrooms. Tenant will have access to shared coffee room $12.85/SF plus Triple Net and gst. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY for details contact Gary at (250)261-1214 or by email at gary@ggreeder.com GARY REEDER REALTY LTD

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Space for Lease and Rent. Pouce Coupejust outside Dawson. From 1200 sq ft of office or 2800 sq ft of

HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions/ COPD? Restrictions in Walking/ Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1844-453-5372.

shop with small

ApArtments/ Condos for

R0011352381

Domestic Help WanteD

upstairs “great accom” to a 4800 sq ft shop with fenced yard. www.silexpoucecoupe.ca available now.

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

Book Your Ad Now!

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

ApArtments/ Condos for

SuiteS For rent

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

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

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

Land for SaLe

Steel BuildingS / granarieS

Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

FORT ST. JOHN RURAL 243 ACRES Property possesses a large agricultural plot surrounded by tracts of timber and rolling hills. Perfect property for a family home or recreational hunting cabin. $350,000. 778−927−6634 chase@landquest.com

Houses for sale

Before I start my day I like to DIVE into the for the most current, up to date local news!

STEEL BUILDING SALE... “REALLY BIG SALE-EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!!” 21X22 $5,190 25X24 $5,988 27X28 $7,498 30X32 $8,646 35X34 $11,844 42X54 $16,386. One end wall included.

3BR/1BA DAWSON CREEK $289,900 Newly renovated home, ready to move in, large back yard with potential, close to schools, hospital, and 10 minute walk from downtown. 250−219−3711 Deepeterson19@msn.com

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Pioneer Steel

9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8 Ph. 250.785.5631 • Fax. 250.785.3522

1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

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www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

LegaL/PubLic Notices

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Reference #107-702-18/23

Chinook Energy (2010) Inc. is developing an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) under British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management Act and associated regulations. Under these regulations this plan is required to be renewed every five years. The purpose of this renewal 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 & Northern Rockies Municipality and proximity to communities such as Fort St John, Dawson Creek, 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 by ground application. The common names and some example(s) of trade names of the herbicides proposed for use under this plan include: • Vantage XRT, VP480, Clearview, Navius VM, Escort, Tordon 22K, Banvel VM, MCPA Amine 500, Truvist, Esplanade SC, Transline, Lontrel 360, Garlon, Arsenal. • Active ingredients: Aminopyralid, metsulfuron-methyl, diflunfenzopyr, MCPA, 2,4-D, Picloram, Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba, Aminocyclopyrachlor, Indaziflam, Clopyralid, Glyphosate, Imazapyr, Triclopyr.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 2294, (KRONHARDT) 2017 District Lot 2167, PRD Wonowon

Proposal: To rezone the subject property from R-2 (Residen�al 2 Zone) to HC (Highway Commercial Zone) to permit the opera�on of a campground.

The proposed term of the IPMP is 5-years from May 1, 2018 to April 30th, 2023. A draft copy of IPMP document is available and may be viewed upon request by contacting the applicant or agent below:

E-mail – darrent@chinookenergyinc.com

Agent: E-Qwest Consulting Ltd. 2579 Sylvia Road, Lake Country, BC V4V 2R8 Phone 250-766-2677 E-mail – e-qwest@shaw.ca

Any person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, 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.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

This no�ce 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). Wri�en comments or concerns accepted. Chris Cvik, Chief Administra�ve Officer

For more informa�on:

When: Tuesday, January. 23, 2018 at 7 pm

Where: Wonowon Elementary School & Community Hall, 19211 Petrocan Subdivision Wonowon B.C

www.prrd.bc.ca

Development Services Department Tel: 250-784-3200 Fax: 250-784-3201 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

diverse. vast. abundant.

47994

Applicant: Chinook Energy Inc. 1000, 517-10th Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2R 0A8

Whether you want an adrenaline fueled adventure or tranquil get-away, this magazine is packed full of ideas to help you...

EXPLORE

THE NORTH

ACTIVITIES IN OUR REGION | PHOTO CONTEST | CAMPGROUND LISTINGS | AND MUCH MORE ! Distribution | 17,500 copies distributed to BC Parks, Regional Tourism, Information Centres and Participating Advertisers

INVESTMENT:

Format | Glossy magazine

Half Page (7” x 4.7” or 3.42” x 9.5”) $600

Distribution Date | Friday, May 25, 2018 Deadline | Friday, April 27 2018

Full Page (8” x 10.5” with .25” bleed) $1000

Quarter Page (3.42” x 4.71”) $300

Contact Ryan or Brenda today

250.785.5631

Alaska Highway News

For the best in LocaL news, sports and Features

“Bringing Home tHe news since 1944”

B8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018

“Get The Good Stuff” 250-785-0463

9224 - 100th Street

2017 / 18

NHL GREAT CANADIAN

HOCKEY TOUR ENTRY DEADLINE: THURSDAY, FEB. 1 at 5PM DRAW AT THE LIDO

SUNDAY, FEB. 4 at 5PM Doors open @ 3PM

Fort City

www.arctichottubsfortstjohn.com

Financing available

Always Proud To Support Our Community!

10008 97 Ave - Open until 10 pm 9316 Alaska Rd N - Open until 11 pm

SEMI-FINALISTS WEEK #1 EMMA CALLIOU WEEK #2 CHRISTOPHER EVANS WEEK #3 BLAKE MITCHELL WEEK #4 DEB MIEDEMA WEEK #5 DONNA CARLSTROM WEEK #6 JENELLE RUSSELL WEEK #7 DENISE PERRET WEEK #8 REID BREKKAS WEEK #9 TINA BELCOURT

8424 Alaska Road North, Fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-787-5220 1-877-787-5220

9424 100 St | Fort St. John, BC 250 785-3006

www.fortcitychrysler.ca

Drop off entry form at one of the participating businesses

2017-18 NHL GREAT CANADIAN HOCKEY TOUR NAME:________________________ AGE:__________________

ADDRESS:_____________________ PHONE #: ___________________ CELL#_______________________

MUST BE 19 OR OLDER TO ENTER

SEMI-FINALISTS WEEK #10 REGAN GOERTZ WEEK #11 MORGAN ROBINSON WEEK #12 ANDREA MORROW WEEK #13 MELISSA WILLSON

ONLY 5 QUALIFIERS REMAINING ! GET YOUR ENTRY IN TODAY!!

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN: 2 tickets/1 hotel for 12 nights and airfare.

GAMES

CITIES

Tuesday February 20, 2018

Colorado @ Vancouver

Thursday February 22, 2018

New York Islanders @ Toronto

Saturday February 24, 2018

Philadelphia @ Ottawa

Monday February 26, 2018

Philadelphia @ Montreal

Tuesday February 27, 2018

Nashville @ Winnipeg

Thursday March 1, 2018

Nashville @ Edmonton

Friday March 2, 2018

New York Rangers @ Calgary

Alaska Highway News Phone: 250-785-5631 • Fax: 250-785-3522