AHN JAN 19 2017

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 2017 VOL. 74, NO. 3

SERVING FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

$1.50 INC. GST.

alaskahighwaynews.ca

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

PLAYGROUNDS ARE BIG BUSINESS

PREDATORS MAKING A NAME

TAYLOR THOMAS A RISING STAR

BUSINESS A9

SPORTS B1

ARTS B6

Local fire dispatch services heading south Directors decry lack of transparency in emergency services decision JONNY WAKEFIELD & MATT PREPROST reporter@dcdn.ca, editor@ahnfsj.ca

When You Are Out in the Field, Time IS Money.

QUALITY PARTS, EXPERT SERVICE!

HoursMon-Fri: 8am - 5pm Sat: 8am - Noon

9224 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC (250) 785-0463

Peace River Regional District officials have approved a contentious plan to outsource fire dispatch services to a Vancouver Island-based company.

At a meeting Jan. 12, PRRD board members voted 7-5 to enter a five-year agreement with Courtenay-based North Island 9-1-1. The agreement, which will see North Island 9-11 provide fire dispatching to the entire region, is expected to cost $635,477.

The PRRD approved the contract in a closed meeting Dec. 9 after the cost of its existing contract was set to spike. The board publicly endorsed the deal Thursday.

Representatives from Fort St. John, Tumbler Ridge, Taylor, and Pouce Coupe voted against going with North Island.

READ MORE • North Island 9-1-1 president confident in service /A4 • Fire dispatch talks blazing front and centre /A6 • PRRD to release fire dispatch documents /A7 Opponents of the decision were apprehensive about outsourcing emergency services to a far away region without knowledge of local roads and geography.

Regional district directors from around the region say they were bombarded with phone calls after news of the board’s decision became public this week.

Fort St. John Coun. Byron Stewart spoke against the board’s decision, saying Thursday’s vote was a chance for “sober second thought.�

See DISPATCH on A3

JONNY WAKEFIELD PHOTO

A packed gallery at last week’s Peace River Regional District meeting.

After Hours - Leave Message

‘I couldn’t negotiate the Peace Valley’ JONNY WAKEFIELD & MATT PREPROST

CONTACT US

reporter@dcdn.ca, editor@ahnfsj.ca

phone 250-785-5631

fax 250-785-3522

email circulation@ahnfsj.ca

online alaskahighwaynews.ca

facebook AlaskaHighwayNews

twitter @AHNnewspaper

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Taeuk Nam receives his Governor General Academic Bronze Medal from North Peace Secondary School Principal Randy Pauls on Jan. 13.

Math protĂŠgĂŠ earns Governor General award ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Taeuk Nam wasn’t all that surprised to learn he would be a recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal. “I was expecting it,� he said during a visit to his old high school to receive the medal on Jan. 13.

The 2016 North Peace Secondary School grad, who is currently attending Uni-

versity of BC in Vancouver studying general science, earned the medal by having the highest average grades during his Grade 11 and 12 years.

NPSS Principal Randy Pauls said he had Nam as a student for the first time in distance education, where Nam completed Math 10, 11, and 12 during his Grade 9 year. “It doesn’t happen very often in one’s career when

you see a math protÊgÊ come through those kinds of things,� said Pauls, who noted that Nam also scored in the very high 90s on his provincial exams.

Nam, who has taken advanced math courses for fun, says he would eventually like to follow his mathematical pursuits into teaching or research. “We’re very proud of what Taeuk has accomplished,� said Pauls.

PAVING 100 Canadian

Residential • Commercial • Industrial Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots

Hudson’s Hope Mayor and Site C dam critic Gwen Johansson says her community needed to get something out of the contentious BC Hydro project, but says she “couldn’t negotiate the Peace Valley.�

Johansson said she recused herself from negotiations with the Crown corporation, aimed at reaching a deal on the $8.8-billion project under construction 80 kilometres downstream.

The deal was announced Jan. 12, but a BC Hydro news release included statements from Coun. Dave Heiberg instead of the mayor. “I have always said I couldn’t negotiate the Peace Valley,� Johansson said in an email. “At the same time, I have recognized that if decision-makers choose to ignore the growing body of evidence that Site C is not a good project, I cannot stand in the way of my community getting at least something for the enormous losses we will bear because of it.� “We are fortunate that Councillor Heiberg was available and willing to step in and head our negotiating team.�

See NEGOTIATE on A3

FREE ESTIMATES

250.719.0686

% COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL GRAVEL SALES AND DELIVERY

Owned

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

33490

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 2017 VOL. 74, NO. 3

SERVING FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

$1.50 INC. GST.

alaskahighwaynews.ca

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

PLAYGROUNDS ARE BIG BUSINESS

PREDATORS MAKING A NAME

TAYLOR THOMAS A RISING STAR

BUSINESS A9

SPORTS B1

ARTS B6

Local fire dispatch services heading south Directors decry lack of transparency in emergency services decision JONNY WAKEFIELD & MATT PREPROST reporter@dcdn.ca, editor@ahnfsj.ca

When You Are Out in the Field, Time IS Money.

QUALITY PARTS, EXPERT SERVICE!

HoursMon-Fri: 8am - 5pm Sat: 8am - Noon

9224 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC (250) 785-0463

Peace River Regional District officials have approved a contentious plan to outsource fire dispatch services to a Vancouver Island-based company.

At a meeting Jan. 12, PRRD board members voted 7-5 to enter a five-year agreement with Courtenay-based North Island 9-1-1. The agreement, which will see North Island 9-11 provide fire dispatching to the entire region, is expected to cost $635,477.

The PRRD approved the contract in a closed meeting Dec. 9 after the cost of its existing contract was set to spike. The board publicly endorsed the deal Thursday.

Representatives from Fort St. John, Tumbler Ridge, Taylor, and Pouce Coupe voted against going with North Island.

READ MORE • North Island 9-1-1 president confident in service /A4 • Fire dispatch talks blazing front and centre /A6 • PRRD to release fire dispatch documents /A7 Opponents of the decision were apprehensive about outsourcing emergency services to a far away region without knowledge of local roads and geography.

Regional district directors from around the region say they were bombarded with phone calls after news of the board’s decision became public this week.

Fort St. John Coun. Byron Stewart spoke against the board’s decision, saying Thursday’s vote was a chance for “sober second thought.�

See DISPATCH on A3

JONNY WAKEFIELD PHOTO

A packed gallery at last week’s Peace River Regional District meeting.

After Hours - Leave Message

‘I couldn’t negotiate the Peace Valley’ JONNY WAKEFIELD & MATT PREPROST

CONTACT US

reporter@dcdn.ca, editor@ahnfsj.ca

phone 250-785-5631

fax 250-785-3522

email circulation@ahnfsj.ca

online alaskahighwaynews.ca

facebook AlaskaHighwayNews

twitter @AHNnewspaper

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Taeuk Nam receives his Governor General Academic Bronze Medal from North Peace Secondary School Principal Randy Pauls on Jan. 13.

Math protĂŠgĂŠ earns Governor General award ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Taeuk Nam wasn’t all that surprised to learn he would be a recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal. “I was expecting it,� he said during a visit to his old high school to receive the medal on Jan. 13.

The 2016 North Peace Secondary School grad, who is currently attending Uni-

versity of BC in Vancouver studying general science, earned the medal by having the highest average grades during his Grade 11 and 12 years.

NPSS Principal Randy Pauls said he had Nam as a student for the first time in distance education, where Nam completed Math 10, 11, and 12 during his Grade 9 year. “It doesn’t happen very often in one’s career when

you see a math protÊgÊ come through those kinds of things,� said Pauls, who noted that Nam also scored in the very high 90s on his provincial exams.

Nam, who has taken advanced math courses for fun, says he would eventually like to follow his mathematical pursuits into teaching or research. “We’re very proud of what Taeuk has accomplished,� said Pauls.

PAVING 100 Canadian

Residential • Commercial • Industrial Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots

Hudson’s Hope Mayor and Site C dam critic Gwen Johansson says her community needed to get something out of the contentious BC Hydro project, but says she “couldn’t negotiate the Peace Valley.�

Johansson said she recused herself from negotiations with the Crown corporation, aimed at reaching a deal on the $8.8-billion project under construction 80 kilometres downstream.

The deal was announced Jan. 12, but a BC Hydro news release included statements from Coun. Dave Heiberg instead of the mayor. “I have always said I couldn’t negotiate the Peace Valley,� Johansson said in an email. “At the same time, I have recognized that if decision-makers choose to ignore the growing body of evidence that Site C is not a good project, I cannot stand in the way of my community getting at least something for the enormous losses we will bear because of it.� “We are fortunate that Councillor Heiberg was available and willing to step in and head our negotiating team.�

See NEGOTIATE on A3

FREE ESTIMATES

250.719.0686

% COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL GRAVEL SALES AND DELIVERY

Owned

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

33490

A2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

CONTENTS Humour........................................ A2 Weather ....................................... A2 Local News .................................. A3 Opinion ....................................... A6 Business ...................................... A9 Sports ........................................... B1 Arts & Culture ............................ B5 Community................................. B9

DOG DAYS OF WINTER

THIS WEEK’S FLYERS No Frills Walmart Shoppers Drug Mart Canadian Tire M&M Food Market London Drugs Jysk Save On Foods Safeway The Source Rona Home Hardware Sears Sung’s

10,075 8,552 9,438 10,071 8,529 7,405 8,057 10,204 10,067 7,495 10,547 9,310 10,204 5,500

Correction The third annual North Peace Martial Arts Championships takes place March 11, not Feb. 25 as was reported in last week’s edition.

—AHN

GAS WATCH

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Duke and Dot have a romp at the dog park at Toboggan Hill last week.

Horror movies and toxic snow GLOBE GAG: We start news chewing in Hollywood, where last week the Golden Globe Awards were handed out. Movie critics are saying the Oscars will be a repeat of the Golden Globes. My wife would not let me watch the Golden Globes and she won’t let me watch the Oscars. That’s because I sit there complaining: “I don’t know any of these people! Who are these people? Are these people movie stars?”

keep the name, but add “Eh” to the end. iPHACT: Last week was the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone. Back then I didn’t buy an iPhone because opening and closing my flip phone was the only exercise I got. A study shows in 10 years, the average iPhone customer has owned seven iPhones. And walked seven million miles searching for their lost iPhone charger.

Bob Snyder CHEWS THE NEWS

to answer the survey. Here are things to remember on Friday the 13th: • Never walk under a ladder, or Darth UTILITY FUTILITY: With the recent Vader’s cape.

SNOW STUFF: Beijing, China issued • Never trust a black cat that dyes itself a “Toxic Snow” alert, their recent heavy KNOWBEFOREYOUGO prolonged cold snap across the province, BC Hydro reports electricity use at an allwhite. snowfall was loaded with dangerous pollutime high. That whirring sound you can • Never step on a sidewalk crack, espetion. How dangerous is the snow in Beijing?

PREVAILING PRICES hear is the sound of electric meters spincially during an earthquake.

Each tiny snowflake is shaped like a skull ning.

That sobbing sound is the sound of • Never try to break a mirror with a and crossbones. You know snow is polluted Dawson Creek ohn, BC - 7 Day Forecast109.9 - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html BC Hydro customers opening their elecrabbit’s foot. when you’re shovelling your sidewalk and tric bills.

• Never buy a lucky horseshoe from a you notice your shovel has dissolved.

Fort St. John 112.9 horse selling shoes door-to-door.

ICE NOT NICE: Icy sidewalks in EdDRONE DETAILS: A Canadian commonton prompted the city and Alberta JACKSON JEST: A British TV show pany now sells a drone that can fly Alberta-B.C. border N/A Health Services to recommend residents about Michael Jackson created quite through the air at 100 miles per hour. They walk like a penguin to avoid falling. That’s a controversy. Michael is portrayed by say it’s aimed at guys who have a buddy Fort Nelson N/A ridiculous. You cannot walk like a penguin Joseph Fiennes. He’s English. And he’s who owns a pathetic drone that flies at Environment and natural resources  Weather  Weather  Local forecasts British Columbia unless you wearinformation a tuxedo. white.

What’s next: A  movie about Diana only 90 miles per hour.

Ross starring the old lady duchess from Groundbirch N/A HORROR HA HA: Now in theaters, a Downton Abbey?

MILK MEMO: Canadian dairy proCanadian-made movie that’s described as ducers are nervous about the incoming on, BCChetwynd - 7 Day Forecast -112.9 Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html one Canada of the scariest horror films ever made: FANTASTIC PLASTIC: In Vancouver, Trump administration. Canada restricts The Bye Bye Man. The title comes from the a woman who is not a qualified doctor imports of milk from the U.S. The modObserved at: Fort St. John Airport 3:00 PM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017 Tumbler Ridge 122.9 “bye bye” you’ll be saying to any food you was charged with doing plastic surgery in ern supermarket has many types of milk. recently ate when you upchuck during the her basement. She was arrested after she Almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, rice Condition: Mostly Cloudy Temperature: 4.7°Ca nose job. Yeah, she really Wind: SSW 12 km/h violent scenes in the movie. botched blew it. milk, coconut milk. If you walk a cow Prince George 106.9 (You know there’s a problem if the plastic through your local supermarket you’ll Pressure: 99.1 kPa Dew point: 0.1°C Visibility: 24 km 13: Friday was supposedly an unlucky surgeon uses Play-Doh instead of Botox) make it feel very insecure. You will also Tendency: Hythe day—Friday the 13th. In an Internet Humidity: 72% make the supermarket manager very mad.

N/A Falling survey, one in 20information people said they will not YUK: In business news, Amer Weather  Weather  CANUCK  British Environment and natural resources Local forecasts Columbia the house all day. That’s actually one ican Apparel clothing has been bought Bob Snyder can be reached at: Grande Prairie 103.4 leave in 19. They didn’t count the 13th person by a Canadian company. They’re going to chewsthenews@fastmail.com

St. John, BC

urrent Conditions

5°C Nelson, BC Calgary

100.9

Edmonton 97.9 urrent Conditions orecast Vancouver

Tue 7 Jan Victoria

Condition: 120.9 Mostly Cloudy Wed Thu Pressure: 98.9 kPa 19 Jan 18 Jan 124.9 Rising Tendency:

CAD$ per litre, prices as of Jan. 17.

Source: GasBuddy.com

5°C

nly cloudy

FORT ST. JOHN Temperature: -9.2°C Fri Sat Dew point: -10.7°C 20 Jan 21 Jan Humidity: 89%

3°C 40%

Chance of rain showers or flurries

recast GENERAL NOTICE

onight Tue

0°C 40%

Chance of flurries

-2°C

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

-10°C

A mix of sun and cloud

19 Jan

are reserved 1°C All other rights -4°C

-6°C

-11°C

30%

-12°C Chance of flurries

and commercial use is 40% 40% prohibited. To make any use of -3°C -8°C* nce of rain Chance of rain this material you must first

rs or flurries showers or flurries obtain the permission of the of sun and Periods of snow owner of the copyright.

Night Thu

-11°C Chance of flurries 40%

Night Fri

20 Jan

Chance of flurries

ssued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017 cloud

For further information contact editor at onight the managingNight

70%

Sunny

CONDITIONS REGION, PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW.

Night Sun

22 Jan

-15°C

-15°C

Chance-17°C of flurries

-16°C Cloudy 30%

-9°C FOR CURRENT ROAD

A mix of sun and A mix of sun and IN THE PEACE Issued: 11:00 AM PST Tuesday 17cloud January 2017 cloud

21 Jan

40%

-10°C

Chance of flurries

FORT NELSON Night Sat

The contents of this Night Wed newspaper are protected by 7 Jancopyright and may 18 Jan be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

y ght

Wind: SSW 6 km/h Sun Mon Wind Chill: -13 22 Jan 23 Jan Visibility: 48 km

N/A

B.C. avg

-9°C

Observed Fort Nelson Airport 3:00 PM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017 WEATHER & at:ROAD REPORT Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017

Chance of flurries

30%

Mon http:// www.drivebc.ca/ 23 Jan

#listView&district=Peace

-16°C

A mix of sun and Sunny WeatherPhone cloud

http://www.drivebc.ca Night Night

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

Night Mainly cloudy. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature steady near plus 5.

250-785-5631

Cloudy. 40 percent chance of rain showers or flurries before morning. Wind southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40.

Low plus 1.

10°C 18 Jan

-23°C in the morning.

-22°C Cloudy. -14°C 40 percent chance -15°C of rain showers or flurries Wind southwest -22°C 20 km/h gusting to 40. High

30%

plus 3. 30% ds of light Cloudy Chance of flurries Cloudy Clear Chance of flurries Clear with 40 percent chance of rain showers or flurries. Low minus 4.

snow

19 Jan Cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries. High zero. notes an abnormal temperature trend chance of flurries. Low minus 6.

Cloudy periods with 30 percent

ssued: 11:00 AM PST Tuesday 17 January 2017

Insulated FR 17-01-17 3:07 PM Coveralls

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A3

LOCAL NEWS

Man charged with attempted murder after pub stabbing MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj,ca

One man has been charged with attempted murder after sending another man to Alberta hospital with stab wounds last week.

Police were called to On The Rocks Pub Wednesday, Jan. 11, around 10:43 p.m., after a 30-year-old man was stabbed and taken to hospital by friends, Fort St. John RCMP said in a statement. The victim was stabilized at the local hospital and flown out of the province for further treatment, according to police. However, officials couldn’t immediately confirm where the victim was flown to, or his immediate condition.

Court records show Kevin John Lesowski, born 1985, is charged with one count of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 8 and is not currently in custody.

He has not been convicted of the charge.

The incident is isolated, as the parties involved were known to each other, police said.

JONNY WAKEFIELD PHOTO

Mayor Gwen Johannson NEGOTIATE from A1

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Fort St. John RCMP collect forensic evidence outside of On The Rocks Pub in Fort St. John last week.

nnette A eeder R

FOR RENT CALL ANNETTE 250-793-4394

- ANNETTE REEDER PREC

Personal Real Estate Corp

9817 - 115 AVE ADULT ORIENTED HOME, QUIET LOCATION, 2 BR, 2 FULL BATHS SOLARIUM, FIREPLACE, 2 CAR GARAGE $1,500 NO STRATA FEES

250.793.4394

8112-90 AVE-DUPLEX–NEW FLOORING & PAINT, 3 BR ( LARGE MASTER); 2 BATHS, FENCED YARD, APPLIANCES; ASKING $1500. AVAIL JAN 2017

areeder@telus.net

8514-86 ST. DUPLEX , 4 BR; 2 BATHS; FULL BSMT; NEW FLOORING & PAINT, ASKING $1500. AVAIL JAN LOVELY COUNTRY HOME & GARAGE -ON 5 ACRES CHARLIE LAKEVIEW-4268 SF; 5 BR; 4 BATHS; FIREPLACE, WALK-OUT BSMT- GREAT VIEW. $2,700. MO

check website: www.annettereeder.com

FEATURED: EXECUTIVE COUNTRY HOME WITH GARAGE

DISPATCH from A1

$6 99 ,0 00

WOW! SPECTACULAR PANORAMIC VIEW OF CHARLIE LAKE FROM THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THIS HOME, WRAP-AROUND DECK AND MASTER BEDROOM. ON 5.6 ACRES, 2164 SF MAIN PLUS WALK-OUT BASEMENT; GORGEOUS KITCHEN WITH APPLIANCES & EAT-AT BAR; FIREPLACE & VAULTED CEILING IN LIVINGRM; 5 BEDRMS, 4 BATHS (MASTER BR HAS A LOVELY SPA ENSUITE); HUGE WINDOWS FOR GREAT LIGHT AND VIEWS; NEWER HEATED DOUBLE GARAGE; GORGEOUS YARD, AND EVEN PASTURE FOR HORSES. MORE PICS ON MLS R2130818. CALL/TEXT ANNETTE FOR YOUR PRIVATE VIEWING 250-793-4394

5 LAKEVIEW ACRES - HOME & GARAGE

11204-100 AVE

$895,000

$9 49 NO ,0 W 00

3160 SF BUNGALOW WITH FULLY DEV BASEMENT; 4 BEDRM; 3 BATHS; LOVELY KITCHEN; VAULTED CEILING IN OPEN LIVINGRM; LARGE WINDOWS TO ENJOY THE GORGEOUS VIEWS; CONCRETE BSMT HAS WOOD STOVE IN THE HUGE FAMILYRM; 6” WALLS, TRIPLE PANE WINDOWS; HORSE SHELTER & PASTURE. MAKE YOUR OFFER

3760 SF HOME, 3 CAR GARAGE, TRUCK SHOP; 6 ACRES

WELL MAINTAINED 4082 SF BUILDING; FRONT OFFICE & RETAIL; CARETAKER SUITE; 2 CAR WASH BAYS; 1 BAY LUBE PLUS EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES; NEW TORCH ON ROOF; CLEAN ENVIRONMENT ASSMT. PH/TEXT ANNETTE FOR INFO & VIEWING 250-793-4394

LAND FOR SALE 250-793-4394

RESIDENTIAL - 4.7 ACRES ON 283 CAMPBELL RD- THE LOWEST PRICE AROUND - $149,900

LOCATED ON SUNNYSIDE DR. THIS HOME HAS 1880 SF MAIN FLOOR PLUS 1880 SF WALK-OUT CONCRETE BSMT; 3 CAR HEATED GARAGE; WATER WELL; LAGOON; INCL APPLIANCES & HOME WARRANTY; SEPARATE DRIVEWAY FOR 40X60 TRUCK SHOP (14' DOORS); GAS HEAT; ATTACHED APARTMENT. CALL ANNETTE 793-4394 PRICE REDUCED MAKE AN OFFER

ROSE PRAIRIE FARMLAND- 320 ACRES WITH APPX 50 ACRES CULTIVATED, REST USED FOR CATTLE PASTURE; SOME NEW FENCING, OIL LEASE REVENUE $4,800 YR. ASKING $260,000.

PHONE ANNETTE FOR DETAILS .

$2 39 ,0 00

AIRPORT SUB . 2 ACRES

10407 - 99 ST. TAYLOR 2 STOREY PLUS A BASEMENT ,THIS HOME IS NESTLED IN THE TREES ON 2 ACRES AND PROVIDES LOTS OF PRIVACY; HUGE LIVINGRM WITH A WOOD STOVE, AND DININGRM; 4 BR, 2 BATHS, DEVELOPED BSMT; GAZEBO; WORKSHOP.;FENCED YARD;ETC. .YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS ONE. CITY WATER AND SEWER.MOTIVATED SELLERS WANT AN OFFER.

JUST LISTED, 2011 - 16 WIDE HOME ON ITS OWN 50'X150' LOT 3 BDRM, 2 FULL BATHS, NEW HARDWOOD FLOORING, 5 APPLIANCES. MOTIVATED SELLERS LOOKING FOR AN OFFER! PH/TEXT ANNETTE FOR INFO AND VIEWING 793-4394

GARY REEDER REALTY LTD. "SPOUSES SELLING HOUSES"

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

TOLL FREE 877-785-4394

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

R0021217136

“This resolution was made in a closed meeting, which meant we as a board of directors could not discuss (this) with our constituents,” Stewart said in a prepared statement. “What I’m asking of the board of directors at this time is to vote and allow the voices of the citizens we represent to be heard and to be considered.”

“I think this was a bad decision by our board,” he added.

“I think this was bad politics, and a disservice to the citizens we represent.”

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman said she opposed discussing the deal in the closed meeting—a decision taken because the discussions concerned negotiations with a private company.

Don McPherson, Mayor of Tumbler Ridge, said his constituents hadn’t had time to weigh the proposal. “This is the first chance they’ve had to come out and say something about it, and I think that’s wrong,” he said.

Stewart said the board’s decision puts lives in danger.

“I guarantee a short time down the road it’s going to be a life, and we’re going to hear about it,” he said. “And we’re talking about dollars.”

Taylor Coun. Betty Ponto said more public discussion was needed to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of residents.

“If there’s a huge increase in costs, and if residents are prepared to absorb those costs, we need to listen to that and move in that direction,” she said.

“I believe (Coun. Heiberg) has done the best that could be done in very difficult circumstances and I thank him for the many hours devoted to trying to get some benefits for Hudson’s Hope,” Johansson said.

Under the agreement, Hudson’s Hope will receive $1 million, which includes $268,000 to establish an infrastructure trust fund; $442,000 to recognize land impacts caused by the Site C reservoir; $150,000 to upgrade Alwin Holland Park and fund other shoreline recreation development; $80,000 to support community planning; and $20,000 to support emergency rescue services.

“This agreement provides the foundation for a sustainable and thriving community that supports individuals and families with quality community services and infrastructure, a variety of recreational opportunities and support for local service providers,” Coun. Heiberg said in a prepared statement.

The agreement also provides for BC Hydro to fund the revitalization of the Atkinson property to include a new 25 to 33-lot subdivision, the building of a “demonstration home” in the subdivision for use by a local doctor or other community services professionals, as well as the building of a permanent boat launch and seasonal dock and day use area on DA Thomas Road and at Lynx Creek.

The district and BC Hydro will also establish a community engagement committee to facilitate operational communications, and a dispute resolution process.

Johansson has been one of the fiercest critics of the project, which the B.C. government approved in 2014. Hudson’s Hope, pop.

1,012, would be one of the communities most impacted by the project.

The district has been negotiating with BC Hydro for years over the Site C project, saying it is the municipality most impacted by the dam’s development—standing to lose 1,037 hectares of land to statutory right-of-ways, as well as taxes from prime property for development along the Peace River shoreline.

INTEROUTE CONSTRUCTION LTD.

NORTHEAST DIVISION

A4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

New fire dispatcher confident in serving the Peace despite distance MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

CITY BEAT

R0011363862

Fort St. John Fire Chief Fred Burrows says the department has invested more than $1 million over the last decade to improve its fire dispatch service. “The technology was to our benefit, and other departments in the region were able to experience benefits from our expenditure and technology advancement,” he says.

Updates from January 9, 2017 Council Meetings PROCLAMATIONS

The month of January 2017 was proclaimed as “Crime Stoppers Month” in the City of Fort St. John. At the 2016 year end, the Northeast BC Crime Stoppers Society had handled 330 tips in the region, with 115 from Fort St. John. Five rewards were approved with the total value of the rewards being $2,095. The 2017 theme for Crime Stoppers Month is ‘See Something, Hear Something, Say Something’.

2017 BUDGET PRESENTATION

At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation on the 2017 Capital Budget. Proposed capital budget projects for 2017 total $49,865,847 of which $24,000,000 is funded from the Peace River Agreement. Five Project Components were presented: C1 Transportation, Roads, Sidewalks; C2 – Facilities & Grounds; C3 – Water & Sewer; C4 – Capital Overview; and C5 – Capital expenses related to one-time projects. Included was a breakdown of where funding comes from, the budget for 2017 and forecast number for 2018 – 20121. Detailed information was provided for each of the projects. Future meetings will be scheduled to allow for further review and input from both Council and members of the public.

TOURISM FORT ST. JOHN BOARD MEMBERSHIP AMENDMENT

Council approved the recommendation from the Tourism Fort St. John Board to amend their board membership as follows: Doug Parcells – Former Director of Operations with Pomeroy Lodging to be removed from the Board and replaced by Graeme Jenkins, the new Director of Operations with Pomeroy Lodging. The Board consists of individuals who live, work or conduct business in the City of Fort St. John and are typically individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to support the City in forwarding its tourism development objectives.

DISPLAY OF MINOR HOCKEY MEMORABILIA AT THE POMEROY SPORT CENTRE

Council received a letter from Fort St. John Minor Hockey with regards to Minor Hockey memorabilia being displayed at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. It was noted that championship banners recognize the hard work of young athletes and Council directed staff to hang banners at City facilities including the Pomeroy Sport Centre.

NDIT LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – GRANT APPLICATION Council approved an application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Local Government Management Internship Program for funding for the City of Fort St. John to host a Local Government Management intern. The grant being requested is $35,000 and the City is committed to providing training and exposure opportunities for an intern. The City believes it is important for local governments to promote careers in local government as many people are unaware of the opportunities that exist. This can be a beneficial program for both the organization and the individual.

BYLAWS A Public Hearing was held for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2364, 2016 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2365, 2016. The subject land of the proposed bylaws is located at 8907 – 112th Avenue and is owned by St. Martin’s Anglican Church. The purpose of the bylaws is to facilitate the development of a church. Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2364, 2016 changes the designation of the subject property from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Institutional (IT) and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2365, 2016 changes the zoning from Single Family Residential (R1) to Institutional (IT). Following the Public Hearing, Council read the bylaws for the third time and adopted them by title only.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS A Committee of the Whole Meeting is tentatively scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Monday January 23, 2017.

The Regular Meeting will follow at 3:00 p.m.

All meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

www.fortstjohn.ca

The head of the Peace Region’s new fire dispatch provider says residents will get “top-rate” service when North Island 9-1-1 begins taking emergency calls.

North Island 9-1-1 President Larry Samson said his organization prides itself on its mapping system, which currently serves 51 fire departments over 56,000-square kilometres on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

“We cover a vast geographical area and dispatch a wide variety of fire departments,” said Samson, also a councillor for the city of Campbell River.

“We pride ourselves on our mapping systems. We have no concerns we’ll be able to provide an excellent, top-rate service for the Peace River.”

Peace River Regional District officials approved the contentious plan to outsource fire dispatch services to the organization last Thursday. The five-year agreement is expected to cost $635,477, and will see North Island 9-1-1 handle fire emergency calls out the Campbell River Fire & Rescue Dispatch Centre instead of the Fort St. John and Dawson Creek fire departments.

North Island 9-1-1 is managed by and serves six regional districts, including Alberni-Clayoquot, Comox Valley, Mt. Waddington, Nanaimo, Powell River, and Strathcona.

It employs 11 dispatchers, with two on duty 24-7, Samson said. It also employs one full-time staffer dedicated to keeping its mapping systems updated, and another full-time staffer to handle its communications and power infrastructure.

Bryan Pearson, deputy secretary for North Island 9-1-1 and senior IT manager for the Comox Valley Regional District, said the organization’s 911 system is able to pinpoint the location of calls either through address databases for landlines, or through the XY co-ordinates provided by GPS through cellphones.

“We still ask that person to verify their location, because depending on how many cell towers the phone is being picked up by, it will … impact your exact location,” he said.

“It may change it from 100 metres in some areas, or, if you’re in deep forest cover, it could be larger than that. If you’re in a wide open area with direct view to the sky and the GPS satellite system, you can be down to metres or even centimetre accuracy.

“We can’t control that, so dispatchers will always ask for you to provide some set of locational information so what they see on the mapping screen as your position that they have a good feeling that’s where the location is,” he said.

The system has been using GPS-based phone locational information for the last six years, Pearson said. A full-time mapper is tasked with layering the system with kilometre markers on roads, significant landmarks, and colloquial names used to describe areas. They also collect new building and road information, as well as aerial photography from the regional districts, while updating the system monthly with digital road atlas data provided by the province.

The organization will work with the PRRD and local fire departments to add as much data to its mapping system that it can, Pearson said.

“We tend to go after all the resources we can to get the picture that we need in order to provide good locational information to our dispatchers,” he said.

‘A JOB AHEAD OF THEM’ Still, Fort St. John Fire Chief Fred Burrows is worried how dispatching services will transition between his department and North Island 9-1-1, from interfacing technology between the two agencies, to ensuring the company understands the intricacies of his department’s response area.

“They have to get their heads around the fact there’s a lot of of landscape between here and where we meet up with Fort Nelson, all the resource roads, farm roads, even some of the ranches that go back into there,” he said.

“They really will, I believe, have a job ahead of them.”

The department receives calls from people based on ranch locations, road markers, and other local identifiers, he said.

STRATHCONA REGIONAL DISTRICT

Larry Samson, president, North Island 9-1-1

“If you know where a ranch or a road location is, then you can ask the right questions so that person can find exactly where they’re going,” he said.

“But if you just take a call out of the blue and it tells you it’s the white rock at Goodlow and then go four kilometres north and three kilometres west, they don’t know the right questions to ask around that information. That’s going to be the struggle, I believe, for us.”

The City of Fort St. John submitted a bid to provide fire dispatch for the 11 fire departments in the Peace Region, a move Burrows said would have saved the regional district more than $1 million over five years as it would have no longer paid the Dawson Creek department for dispatch services. The two departments are currently reimbursed the equivalent of two full-time first-year firefighters to provide the service.

“There was all sorts of discussion around tax increases but that wasn’t true,” Burrows said.

The Fort St. John department has invested more than $1 million in its dispatching services over the last decade, Burrows said, including a dispatch centre built to meet National Fire Protection Association standards in its new fire hall, complete in 2013.

That includes being able to transmit call data directly into the department’s fire trucks, while the dispatch centre is self-sufficient with its own standby power and HVAC system in the event of emergencies, Burrows said. The centre is staffed each day by one of the department’s trained firefighters, he added.

“We put a lot of effort into that room and cost, never knowing in the back of the regional district’s mind that this was going to happen in the future,” he said.

“When you put a dispatch room and then you put the technology into that, we’re way over over a million dollars in expenditure to make sure we provide best possible dispatch service to the residents of the North Peace.

“The technology was to our benefit, and other departments in the region were able to experience benefits from our expenditure and technology advancement,” he said.

Nevertheless, Burrows expects a professional and courteous transition when the dispatch services move over, and will share any information if needed.

“Ultimately we’re still receiving calls for our community. It’s going to be important that a) everything goes well and b) we’re looking out for our residents at the same time,” he said.

OFFICIALS INVITED FOR TOUR Samson said North Island 9-1-1 bid on the contract as it has the staffing capacity to handle calls from Peace River—roughly 2,000 calls per year— and noted technology advancements are leading to the centralization of dispatching services.

“Rather than these smaller dispatch centres, you’re starting to see them become more of a regional dispatch centre,” he said.

“Peace River, granted, is on the northern end, but the technology that we have now is such that we could be dispatched from Houston, Texas, or dispatched from anywhere, and the technology is there to allow us to do it.”

He invited regional officials for a tour of his dispatch centre to understand its capabilities and alleviate concerns.

“I think it’s important for board members who have questions to come and see our dispatch centre,” he told CBC News.

“I invite them to come down, have a look at our dispatch centre, have a look at our mapping system, so we can show how top-notch it is.”

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A5

LOCAL NEWS

Drilling activity could rise with AltaGas propane plans A propane export terminal on B.C.’s West Coast will give producers new access to world markets, but an industry group says it’s too early to say what impact the project will have on Northeast B.C. On Jan. 3, AltaGas announced its plan to build a $450-$500 million propane export terminal on Ridley Island near Prince Rupert— the first such facility on Canada’s Pacific coast.

Half of the 1.2 million annual tonnes of propane will be sourced from AltaGas’s Townsend facility north of Fort St. John, which the company announced it was upgrading late last year.

“Talking to the producers, things are kind of getting landlocked up there in the northeast, so anything that provides another outlet for one of their commodities is a huge advantage,” said Dan Woznow, AltaGas vice president of energy exports.

“This is one portion of the gas,

the propane, but if (producers) can get a higher value for that, that may open up other opportunities for drilling in the upstream.”

The Ridley Island facility will be just ten days from Asian markets, compared to 25 days from competing facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast. AltaGas operates a similar propane export facility in Ferndale, WA. While the terminal, will provide an outlet for Northeast B.C. propane, Energy Services B.C. Executive Director Art Jarvis said it was too early to

Site C workforce 36% local in November There were nearly 1,800 workers on the Site C dam project last November, with 36 per cent of them living in the Peace Region, according to BC Hydro’s latest employment numbers.

According to the utility’s November 2016 employment report released Tuesday, there were a total of 1,796 workers on the project that month, with 648 of them listed as Peace River Regional District primary residents.

Of the dam’s workforce, 1,382 were employed as construction and non-construction contractors, including the 648 locals who amount to 47 per cent of that workforce.

In addition, BC Hydro said there were 120 workers employed by subcontractors on the dam.

The dam employed 414 engineers and project team members in November.

Overall, BC Hydro says 1,471 workers on the dam

are from British Columbia, or 82 per cent of the overall workforce.

There were no temporary foreign workers on the project in November, according to BC Hydro, and there were 26 managers working through the federal International Mobility Program.

A total of nineteen apprentices were employed in November.

—Staff

ALL SMILES HERE

market is doing and where the price is going.”

Local leaders have stressed the need to find other outlets for the regions natural gas and other commodities should the province’s liquefied natural gas plans stall. AltaGas decided to shelve its Douglas Channel LNG project last year due to low prices.

Construction on the Ridley Island facility is expected to start this year. It will create 200 to 250 construction jobs, as well as 40 to 50 permanent jobs.

say what impact the facility will have on the region.

The facility will be supplied by rail and road instead of a fixed pipeline, meaning AltaGas will source the remainder of its product wherever it can get the best price.

“It’ll be all about price, wherever they can buy that propane the cheapest,” said Jarvis, whose organization represents energy industry contractors in Northeast B.C. “As for local impact, we won’t see that until we see what the

20

%

off

all

products

Haircut and foils or color on regular length hair

$99

*

* Extra for long hair and special is with select stylists.

R0011361875

JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

Open Late Wed, Thurs & Fri till 8pm Gift Certificates Available 10442 100 Street 250-787-1552 www.hairbin.com

10440 100 Street, 250-787-1553 www.hbhealthspa.com

“Best Salon & Best Spa” 2016

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 60 (Peace River North) KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR THE 2017/2018 YEAR All Peace River North Elementary Schools are now accepting Kindergarten Student Registrations • Children who will be five (5) years of age by December 31, 2017 are eligible for registration in Kindergarten at their local schools.

• Registration for Kindergarten students for the 2017/2018 school year will take place in all Elementary Schools during regular school hours.

• Please register directly at your home school. If you are uncertain of the school boundaries (catchment areas) please contact the nearest school. To maximize the opportunity that your child will be accommodated at your local school it is strongly recommended that you register at your earliest convenience.

• French Immersion Kindergarten Is available at École Central Elementary School of the Arts only.

Please call the school (250-785-4511) for further information regarding the French Immersion program. For students entering Grade One, French Immersion is also a possibility at Ecole Central depending on space.

• Busing will be provided for rural Kindergarten programs. Availability and times vary from school to school so please call your school for the appropriate details.

If you have further questions, please contact Mr. Stephen Petrucci, Assistant Superintendent at (250) 262-6017.

Have News ???

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Taylor DeVos and classmate Rachel Leung dropped by city hall on Jan. 16 to give councillors a much-needed break from budget discussions, and filmed them as part of a digital media assignment. DeVos and Leung are showcasing Fort St. John in music video, set to the song Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.

email Us news@ahnfsj.ca

If you are injured, choose the right legal team.

Our experience, expertise and past results give you the confidence to focus on your recovery while we focus on your claim.

Ryan Irving

Max Russmann

Leah Volkers Amelia Martin

Allyson Edwards

R0011355731

James Cotter

Contingency fees available—no recovery, no fees. WE DO NOT ACT FOR ICBC. Contact us for your free, no obligation personal injury consultation.

Tel: 250-785-5252 • Tf: 1-800-243-5353

www.nixonwenger.com

Michael Yawney

TRUSTED. RESULTS.

R0011363898

PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILD’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE And PROOF OF RESIDENCE

A6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Opinion

CONTACT US MATT PREPROST 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

by Glacier Media Tel: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522 Online at alaskahighwaynews.ca

regional manager

William Julian wj@ahnfsj.ca

managing editor

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

reporter

Aleisha Hendry ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

sports reporter

Scott Donovan sports@ahnfsj.ca

sales manager

Ryan Wallace rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

sales associate

Brenda Piper

bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

circulation manager

Lynn Novack

circulation@ahnfsj.ca

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Send your letters to: editor@ahnfsj.ca Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters must be accompanied by a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) and your full name.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel.

Please keep letters under 600 words. We ask that submissions protest the policy - not the person.

Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of the Alaska Highway News.

NATIONAL NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL The Alaska Highway News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.

If you have concerns about editorial content, please let us know first. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES The Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories and photography produced by staff.

Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms.

Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

Second class mail registration No. 0167

Fire dispatch talks blazing front and centre

A

s the Peace River Regional District has entered a five year agreement with a Vancouver Island-based service provider, many in the region are accusing the talking heads of, perhaps, burning down the house.

Last week, PRRD board members voted 7-5 to enter a five-year agreement with North Island 9-1-1. The agreement, which will see the group provide fire dispatching to the entire region, is expected to cost $635,000-plus. Since then, the air has been ablaze with fire dispatch discussions. It seems the issue has inflamed people, and sparked debate.

Once those familiar tones come across the radio, and if you are you’re there fast enough, you may find yourself in the driver’s seat of a fire engine or rescue unit. If you are slower in response, perhaps you can make the second truck.

In the time it takes for trucks to roll, communication is happening and a fast response of any kind falls apart when dispatch doesn’t know the area, or can’t direct responders to the actual location of an incident.

There are all kinds of stories. The address could be heard wrong, transposed wrong, or, in the 21st century, technology simply gets it wrong. In the end it is still the same: wrong.

Perhaps the error is simple like Fourth Avenue West is actually Fourth Avenue East.

Perhaps it is Old Lake Road versus Lake Road, and the two are an hour apart.

I was once on an engine dispatched to 48th Avenue. Every firefighter on the rig knew there was no such street, or address on it in the city. Our department, a fire department in the wrong city was dispatched.

I’ve watched someone faint in a public park, called 911 and proceeded to watch the ambulance circle the park for 10 minutes as the driver clearly had no idea the road he needed to drive down to access the park.

There are all kinds of stories.

The address could be heard wrong, transposed wrong, or, in the 21st century, technology simply gets it wrong. In the end it is still the same: wrong.

Good thing the call wasn’t serious, but no one knew that at the time.

Fanning the flames. It doesn’t matter how detailed the street and rural maps and other municipal-specific information, or schematics of locations of schools, community centres, floor plans are at a dispatcher’s fingertips, things fall through the cracks. Local landmarks, colloquial terms and/or directions that are local customs will not be picked up from dispatch services area located on the other side of a mountain range, over some the Pacific Ocean and onto an island.

Fort St. John Councillor and PRRD Director Byron Stewart spoke on the colloquial.

Know the difference between the Kiskatinaw Bridge and the old one? Many just don’t know there is an original curved one. It happens with over a century of change as those with institutional knowledge changes and (sounding old here) the Google Map App on the iPhone is just plain wrong.

Gathering steam. I remember a call about an accident on the TransCanada Hwy. There the direction is easy: either drive north or south of the city. However, when one particular call came in, the information relayed from dispatch was immediately recognizable, even though dispatch didn’t have a hot clue what the colloquial terminology meant.

“The accident is just south of the ‘Million dollar cr#!!er …?...,’” was what was relayed very questioningly, but every firefighter on the truck, or listening on the radio, knew im-

mediately, and precisely, where the accident was located.

As to the process of the decision made—I understand being in camera and behind closed doors for negotiations. However, what seems to get the public red-hot on this is the closed-door nature of the decision.

This subject should have been blazing front and centre, burning in a public discussion forum from the get go.

Look, the fact is the fire puns are hard to extinguish. Regardless of how the decision was made, dispatch services being farmed out is not uncommon. Many communities in the U.S. are in the midst of this battle right now. Hoopeston, Illinois, is in the middle of a fight to get their local dispatch service.

While the town had their own service for 911 and non-emergency calls for years, since September services are provided from outside of the community and many are sounding off.

This is also not new, nor revelatory business for the Peace Region. 911 is farmed out of Prince George RCMP. Kamloops takes calls for BC Ambulance in this area. E-Comm will take over initial 911 calls from PG, who currently forward fire calls to Dawson Creek fire departments. Last week’s decision means E-Comm will forward fire calls to North Island 911, which will then dispatch local fire departments.

During the scorching PPRD inferno/fracas on Thursday, Chetwynd Mayor Merlin Nichols cast a two-fold spell during the debate…

“I don’t have confidence in North Island helping us with a crisis when they have a crisis of their own,” he said.

“I don’t think a Fort St. John dispatcher has anymore knowledge of Chetwynd than anyone else.”

—Rob Brown is the managing editor of the Dawson Creek Mirror and a former volunteer firefighter in rural Alberta.

Community chatter (PRRD approves outsourcing fire dispatch services, alaskahighwaynews.ca, Jan. 12) “Guarantee there will be screw ups just like when ambulance services changed, there are problems with them, police, hydro when trying to get directions already, so now can add fire to that, very angry about this.”

— Malcolm Dutchak, via Facebook “The firemen are against it that it will cost lives. Save a few bucks lose a few lives. Glad they care about our lives over the cost.”

—Amanda Botbijl, via Facebook “With all the wildfires we had this past season you would think they’d prioritize better” —Tamera Thomas, via Facebook “We want names, who voted this through,

I know who didn’t but put the other names out there. I’m sure they will NOT be elected again. Instead of going forward, we always seem like we are going backwards, shame on you!”

—Wendy Perreault, Via Facebook “It’s all dollars and no sense!”

—George Deigh, via Facebook “Very bad decision shame on you time for new directors of prrd” —Donald Pepper, via Facebook “This is a very bad move. Could be disastrous!!”

—Margaret Scanlon, via Facebook “Saving money at the expense of the people.”

—Eva Beaton

“This is disgusting!!! Cannot hardly wait for election time.”

—Tammy Gregoire, via Facebook “They do not know where places are and seem to think most of the area is in Alberta!

Needs to be dispatched locally!”

—Suzanne Fuller, via Facebook “Given the frequency of power outages on Vancouver Island, and also the potential for earthquakes, I hope the new dispatch centre has power back up for emergencies.”

—A Cartwright, alaskahighwaynews.ca “That will be fantastic when the only road they know will be the Alaska Highway. There had to be other ways to save 300K per year.”

—“Rusty”, via alaskahighwaynews.ca

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A7

LOCAL NEWS

PRRD to release fire dispatch documents, chair says JONNY WAKEFIELD & MATT PREPROST reporter@dcdn.ca, editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) will release documents related to a closeddoor decision to outsource fire dispatch services at its next meeting.

On Jan. 12, the PRRD publicly confirmed its decision to enter a fire dispatch services contract with North Island 9-1-1 after an hour of heated debate.

The new contract will see fire dispatch services moved to Vancouver Island. Some worry the out of town operators won’t have the local knowledge to dispatch fire crews to remote areas, putting lives and property at risk.

Fort St. John, Taylor, Pouce

Coupe and Tumbler Ridge voted against the proposal, saying it would cost local jobs and endanger public safety.

The region received three responses in its request for a new fire dispatcher last year— including North Island, Fort St. John and E-Comm.

The board approved the five-year, $635,477 contract with the Vancouver Islandbased company at a closed meeting Dec. 9, but publicly endorsed the decision last week. Supporters say the new contract will come at a significant costs savings.

In an interview with the CBC, Board Chair and Area C Director Brad Sperling said documents set to be released at the next board meeting will show why the board opted

against the local proposal.

“Once those reports are public, which should be by the next meeting, I can show exactly where my concerns were, but between now and when those reports are made public, it would just be hearsay,” he said.

“I had no problem with Fort St. John’s bid with their price point—I had concerns with some of their levels of service and safety and those questions couldn’t be answered for me.”

The district’s current policy is to discuss contract negotiations privately and confirm any decision in a public meeting.

MAYOR DEFENDS FIREFIGHTERS The City of Fort St. John fired back at Sperling, noting

in a statement that Sperling’s comments were the first time concerns over the city’s service and safety levels were raised.

The city cited a 2013 report that found 95 per cent of alarm calls were answered within seven seconds and that 99 per cent of alarms were answered within eight seconds.

“I would like to express council’s pride in our fire department,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said in a statement.

“These dedicated and professional people go above and beyond to ensure our safety. I am very disheartened and disappointed that a decision based on dollars is now being defended at the expense of the reputation of these dedicated people.”

The city said its bid to the

PRRD to provide fire dispatch services for the entire region amounted to a $140,000 difference per year. Over five years, that places the city’s bid at roughly $1.3 million.

Fort St. John Coun. Byron Stewart criticized the board’s move to make the decision at a closed meeting.

“This resolution was made in a closed meeting, which meant we as a board of directors could not discuss (this) with our constituents,” Stewart said Jan. 12. The union that represents fire fighters in Fort St. John also came out against the proposal.

Shortly after the vote, Sperling moved to release the documents in the consent calendar of the next meeting.

That meeting is set for Jan. 26.

Hudson’s Hope ready to celebrate old man winter TOM SUMMER For the Alaska Highway News

Originally from Valemount, Emily Nusse is a relative newcomer to Hudson’s Hope, but the similarities shared by the small towns have made her feel at home.

Nusse brings more than five years of experience in the recreation and hospitality industry, making her a natural fit as the new community events co-ordinator for the district.

Nusse also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Recreation Management from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and has demonstrated great passion for the outdoors in her work as ski instructor at Red Mountain Resort.

“These events are important because they create a sense of community pride amongst residents and participants,” said Nusse, who’s organizing the district’s winter carnival this year.

“They remind everyone that for such a small community we have an array of activities and recreation opportunities available. It’s a great way to showcase to visitors and people considering to move to Hudson’s Hope that this community is a fun place to live with a great quality of life.”

This year will mark the eighth annual Winter Carnival, a community event created in late 2009 by Nusse’s predecessor, Greta Goddard. Goddard is a longtime resident of Hudson’s Hope, having taught at Hudson’s Hope School for many years, as well as running her own fitness program.

The first Winter Carnival was inspired by the spirit of the Olympic games, complete with a torch relay.

“It really grew and grew, over the years. So much participation from the public, and support from local businesses. The event speaks loudly to the character of the incredible community here in Hudson’s Hope,”

Goddard said.

Carrying on the tradition, Nusse has called on local talent to help create some new additions, alongside previous favourites. These include a Bollywood-style dance class, and a public belay demonstration of the newly-installed climbing wall at Hudson’s Hope School.

The eight-day celebration starts Jan. 28 and finishes on Feb. 4.

Day 1 will begin with an opening ceremony, followed by a hockey game with the Minor Hockey league, and finish with activities at the Snowed Inn Cafe at the Pearkes Centre.

Day 2 is a ski day, with the public encouraged to come check out the slopes at the Hudson’s Hope Ski Hill.

In addition, figure skating and dance shows will be on display at Hudson’s Hope Arena.

Day 3 will see a Snow Day of activities at Cameron Lake, and curling hosted by the Curling Club at the curling arena.

Day 4 features story time at the Hudson’s Hope Public Library, snowshoeing at Hudson’s Hope Arena, and drop-in classes for kids, teens, and adults; hosted by Northern Rockies Karate.

Day 5 is bingo at the New Horizons Senior’s Club, and the abovementioned Bollywood-style dance class.

Day 6 celebrates fitness with local gym Fit for Life at the Pearkes Centre.

Cross-country skiing will also be offered at the Hudson’s Hope Arena.

Day 7 enjoys a change of scenery with games, sleigh rides, and outdoor skating at the Beryl Prairie Fire Hall.

Day 8 saves the newest attraction for last: the climbing wall at Hudson’s Hope School. The Recreation Society is also hosting their Adventure Zone at the Pearkes Centre. The celebration will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring a dinner social and quick auction.

TOM SUMMER PHOTO

Volunteer Amber Booker (left) and events co-ordinator Emily Nusse are gearing up for Hudson’s Hope’s eighth annual Winter Carnival, set to begin Jan. 28.

Make KPMG your next career move KPMG in Fort St. John is currently looking for an Senior Audit Accountant to provide audit and accounting services in the owner managed enterprise sector.

What you bring to the role: You possess a combination of a CPA designation and public accounting firm experience of at least two years. Your experience includes completing audits, reviews and preparing notice to reader working paper files, preparation of financial statements and corporate tax returns. You are a detail oriented

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.

team player who boasts excellent communication skills and Imagine your family is anywhere in the world! Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online.

have established and maintained strong client relationships.

So, why choose KPMG? Learn more and apply at kpmg.ca/careers.

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

© 2017 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (”KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Coming Soon:

Rotary Online Auction March 11-19, 2017 Bidding Starts March 11 To Donate items or Services: contact info@dcrotary.ca or 250-719-1674

www.dcrotary.ca

A8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

R0011352332

LOCAL NEWS

GLASS HOUSE FIR PELLETS, SPF PELLETS & STOVES

AUTO GLASS

in stock

R0011212976

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

Vehicle incidents at Site C minor, common on wintertime sites, WorkSafeBC says JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

2 Bedroom & 2 Bathroom Condos

279,900

Give yourself the gift of travel! Receive a

$2000 TRAVEL VOUCHER when you purchase a Signature Pointe condo

Show Home Hours Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 4pm #101 11205 105th Ave. Fort St. John, BC

Kevin Pearson | 250.787.6737 Personal Real Estate Corporation

PRICE INCLUDES:

• GST • 2 Parking Stalls with Power • Modern Gym • Games Room with Pool Table, TV & Lounge Area • Storage Lockers • Quartz Countertops • Stainless Steel Appliances & Blinds • In-floor Heating • 9’ Ceilings • Views of Country Hills • Across from Man-made Lake & Walking Trails

R0011327985

STARTING AT $

B.C.’s worker safety regulator says a series of vehicle incidents that led to a brief shutdown at the Site C dam worksite last week were minor and relatively common on wintertime construction sites.

WorkSafeBC officials confirmed Jan. 10 that they were aware of “several incidents that have occurred recently” at the dam site, involving rock trucks, heavy earth haulers and an excavator.

BC Hydro briefly paused work on the North Bank of the Peace River last week after what a spokesperson called a “series of minor vehicle incidents.” Work resumed later that day.

In an email, WorkSafeBC spokesperson Erica Simpson said BC Hydro was not required to report the incidents under the Workers Compensation Act. “All were minor in scope and none involved any worker injuries,” WorkSafeBC spokesperson Erica Simpson said in an email. “These incidents took place over a period of time and none were immediately reportable to WorkSafeBC.” Employers are required to report incidents that involve serious injury or death of a worker, a major

structural failure, release of a hazardous substance, or fires and explosions. None of the incidents in question met those descriptions, Simpson said.

In winter and extreme cold conditions, equipment and vehicles often experience issues such as loss of traction, slipping off a road, sliding/ skidding,” she wrote. “If an incident is minor in scope– not uncommon on a large civil construction project of this size and scope–it is not necessarily immediately reportable to (WorkSafe).”

“As with all projects of this scope and size, our officers inspect on a regular basis looking at health and safety program issues and operational compliance with health and safety during various phases of the construction process.”

Site C is an $8.8 billion hydroelectric project on the Peace River near Fort St. John.

It is expected to flood around 83 kilometres of the Peace River Valley, and is among the largest infrastructure projects in B.C. history.

According to the project’s first annual report, there have been no serious injuries or fatalities on site. Contractors and employees have filed 194 “near miss” reports, 82 equipment or property damage reports and recorded three “lost time” incidents.

Elizabeth Chi | 778.256.2888 Personal Real Estate Corporation

Visit our virtual tour at www.signaturepointe.ca

Kevin Pearson

kevin@kevinpearson.ca www.kevinpearson.ca

250.787.6737

Personal Real Estate Corporation

IMPOSTORSYNDROME.COM

Dr. Valerie Young will be the lead keynote at the 2017 Spark conference.

Looking to expand your Business?

Doc to talk imposter syndrome Check these great options... at upcoming Spark conference 12627 Charlie Lake Frontage

This 12,360 sq ft office & shop, with shipping/receiving area,is located on 4.88 acres of I-1 zoned property in Charlie Lake. Great highway frontage. Office features office space, reception area, lunch room, 2 washrooms plus a 3 piece washroom for shop area. The 12’ ft ceilings offer light and space for your clients and employees. The impressive shop boasts 20 ft ceilings, 3 phase 600 amp electrical, radiant heaters with fans. Doors are 16x19 with 20x30 concrete apron, and 16 X 16.

You will also enjoy the 480 sq ft receiving area.

More info at www.century21.ca/101116277

$2,990,000

9801 Swanson St

Great opportunity on this light industrial zoned property.

Ideal location offers excellent accessibility and exposure for your business, just off the Airport Road, and minutes to town and hwy. With large home and shop this is perfect for crew housing or home based business. The 3840 sq ft shop is in pristine condition and features 20`ceilings, and 11 X 24 Mezzanine. 2668 sq ft home waiting for you! Boasting 7 bdrms, 2.5 bth, and a fantastic enclosed patio/ hot tub room

More info at www.century21.ca/101200315

$2,475,000

10215 Beaver Road

In city limits, this 0.89 acre C3 zoned property is perfect for your business. There 2835 sq ft shop has 2 12’ doors. Blocks to the Alaska Hwy, this property offers easy access for you and your associates. Loads of potential.

More info at www.century21.ca/101198621

$499,000

14924 Stoddart Creek Road

Wonderful opportunity to own a like-new home, phenomenal shop all on 160 acres on Stoddart Creek Road. Built in 2014, this 1700 sq ft home features 3 bdrms, and 2 bths,.

The custom built home boasts high end finishes including triple pane windows, in floor heat throughout, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, Electrolux Appliances with induction oven, HRV heat exchanger, and ensuite bath in Master bdrm, with Airtub and custom shower.

More info at www.century21.ca/101129362ww

$1,500,000

Dr. Valerie Young has been announced as the lead keynote speaker for the upcoming Spark Women’s Leadership Conference in May. The conference takes play at the Pomeroy Hotel in Fort St. John May 16 and 17, and will centre around the theme ‘Inspired by Tough.’

Young, an internationally known speaker and writer, will give attendees a presentation on overcoming the so-called “imposter syndrome.”

Young authored the award-

winning book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It, and has become a leading expert in confidence building.

Young has shared her advice to thousands across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, conference organizers say.

Registration for the conference opens in February.

For more, visit sharingthespark.com —Staff

Chocolate festival reimagined as date night for couples Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Peace Arts Gallery Society’s annual celebration of chocolate is getting a face-lift this year.

The usual Chocolate Festival has been re-imagined as an adult-oriented evening called Fire & Ice: An Event in Chocolate.

The event will feature chocol-

ate sampling from professional bakers, a bar with chocolate inspired drinks, and a silent auction with plenty of goodies for that special someone.

Fire & Ice takes place Feb. 11 at the North Peace Cultural Centre. For more information, call 250-785-1992.

— Staff

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A9

Business

MATT PREPROST 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

- Trevor Zahara

The playground tycoon Designer of the new playground in the Fort St. John McDonald’s has ties to region ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

You never know when a Swiss army knife will come in handy.

When the giant novelty scissors wouldn’t cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Fort St. John McDonald’s new playground, Trevor Zahara saved the day by pulling out his Swiss army knife and getting the job done.

Zahara is the president of Peak Play Environments, the company responsible for the new playground, and was on hand for the opening.

“It is wonderful coming back to this community and having roots here and seeing the family values and community values that (owner Bryan Boresky) brings to the table is a stellar example for anyone in business,” he said.

So how does one become a playground tycoon?

Zahara grew up on a homestead on the banks of where the Smokey River meets the Peace River in Alberta, but he spent his fair share of time in the B.C. Peace Region.

As his grandparents owned the North Pine General Store, he and his family spent a lot of time in the region.

“I remember crawling around as a kid in the basement around the inventory that was left over after the store shut down and seeing the gas pump outside,” said Zahara.

In the mid-1980s, Zahara was working at a treatment facility for emotionally disturbed children and making toys and furniture out of wood as a hobby, when he was asked if he could build a backyard playground for a local family.

From there, the idea was planted. In the summers, he worked on designing and building playgrounds, and would work doing commercial renovations in the winters.

It wasn’t until 1995, when his company landed the contract to supply McDonald’s with playgrounds that Zahara became a full-time playground provider.

He’s responsible for all the restaurant’s playgrounds in Western Canada and has opened playgrounds all over the world.

He attributes his drive and focus to his experiences growing up.

“I grew up on a farm where you have to be smart about your expenditures and where you focus your enterprise—I learned a fantastic work ethic there and I bring that to what I do today.”

Zahara has worked with Boresky for the last 15 years, in both his Fort St. John and Dawson Creek locations, and has always been impressed with his commitment to the community.

Want to learn more about Rotary?

Join Us!

Club of Dawson Creek

Rotary ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Trevor Zahara, president of Peak Play Environments, designed the new playground in the Fort St. John McDonald’s.

“He pushes the envelope on what he pushes in the community because he supports the community and the community supports him, and that’s very good for my business.”

Zahara is a strong believer in an active lifestyle, which is what a playground essentially stands for.

He noted that while he worked on installation of the FSJ playplace, he witnessed parents and grandparents leading children through the structure, which he was pleased to see.

“It engages the family to participate together and engage in physical movement,” he said, which can lead to “confidence building and growth and agility and strength. For the family that can engage their children in those types of activities, you can’t go wrong.”

Zahara feels movement is important for everyone at all stages of life.

“I think movement is so crucial for us.

You know if you’re pondering one of the challenges we face in life, go for a walk.

Get some movement, get some exercise, and I think that offers an opportunity for being positive.”

Doig River sees $144K for pipeline, wildlife programs

Tuesdays at NOON at the George Dawson Inn or ROTARY CLUB OF DAWSON CREEK

e s i r “Service n u S Above Self”

Fridays at 7:00am at the Dawson Creek Curling Club

Imagine your family is anywhere in the world!

Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online.

How do you learn as a family?

Tell us: #FamilyLiteracyDay

fl

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

REGISTER NOW for

Trades & Apprenticeships INTAKE START DATES January to May 2017

BOARD OF GOVERNORS NLC’s Board of Governors is empowered by the College and Institute Act of British Columbia to manage, administer, and direct the affairs of the College.

If you would like more information on the activities or decisions of the Board or to view Board meeting minutes, go to the College website at nlc.bc.ca, visit your local campus library to view a paper copy, or request a copy from your local Campus Administrator.

Automotive Service Technician Level 2

Feb. 20

Carpentry Level 3

Feb. 27

Electrical Foundation

Feb. 6

Oil and Gas Field Operations

Feb. 6

Plumber Level 3 Professional Cook Level 1

Feb. 6

Professional Cook Level 2

Mar. 20

Welding Apprenticeship

Jan. 30

April to June 2017 Automotive Service Technician Level 3

Apr. 18

Carpentry Level 4

May 8

Plumber Level 4

Apr. 24

Welding Apprenticeship

1-866-463-6652 nlc.bc.ca

Feb. 20

May 1

Register online at nlc.bc.ca through the Apply Now link, email study@nlc.bc.ca or call 1-866-INFO-NLC to speak with Campus Services

371/17.01.19-AHN/MIRROR-B0D-L

The province is contributing $144,000 in funding to train members of the Doig River First Nation in pipeline craftsmanship and wildlife monitoring.

The funds have already helped trained 10 members in pipeline craftsmanship, with eight employed with Surerus Pipeline on the $235-million Plateau pipeline project, according to the province.

“This community-based skills training project is successfully connecting Doig River First Nations members to good jobs in the resource sector and helping to build a better future for all of us,” Doig River Chief Trevor Makahaday said in a statement.

The training programs will support 21 Doig members, according the province. The pipeline training is conducted in Fort St. John by Ready4Work Industry Training, while the University of Northern British Columbia will lead the wildlife monitoring certificate program in the Doig community.

The funding is being provided through the province’s $30-million Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund.

—Staff

“If you’re pondering one of the challenges we face in life, go for a walk.”

CONTACT US

A10 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

The Year Ahead:

MP Bob Zimmer

at

FORT MOTORS 2014 Ford Explorer Sport

2014 Ford F-150 XLT

Heated/cooled leather, sunroof, b/u camera Stk#n80635

Remote start, Sirius, tonneau cover Stk#N00028

was $34,900

was $28,900

now

$29,900

Ford F150 FX4

now

$26,900

2014 Ford F-150 Platinum

Heated/ cooledleather memory seats, b/u camera Stk#n58404

Heated/cooled leather, sunroof, memory seats Stk#N21572

was $45,900

was $45,900

now

$42,900

2014 Dodge Journey RT

now

$42,900

2014 Chevrolet Traverse LS

Heated seats/ steering wheel, DVD player, sunroof Stk#N99418

P/W, P/L, b/u camera, 3rd row seating Stk#N27721

was $23,900

was $24,900

now

$21,500

2015 Ford Explorer Sport

now

$22,900

2015 Ford Focus S

Remote start, memory seats, b/u camera Stk#N98242

Standard transmission, p/w, p/l Stk#N37491

was $45,900

was $15,900

now

$44,500

2015 Ford Escape SE

now

$14,900

2016 Ford Explorer Sport

Sirius, b/u camera, keyless entry Stk#N51178

Heated/cooled leather and steering wheel, NAV, sunroof Stk#N29577

was $22,900

was $46,900

now

$20,900

now

$43,900

FORT MOTORS 11104 Alaska Road, Fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-6661 | Toll Free: 1800-282-8330 www.fortmotors.ca

Local MP Bob Zimmer has his work cut out for him this year as he and his federal Conservatives continue to press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s feet to the fire, and with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump expected to shake up North American relations.

When the Liberals went against the grain of their political base last year with approvals of Pacific NorthWest LNG and the Trans Mountain and Line 3 pipelines, the moves even caught Zimmer slightly by surprise.

However, he concedes the government can’t simply say no to every resource development project when there are national social programs to fund.

In 2017, Zimmer looks ahead at how Canada will bargain with President Trump, the future leader of his Conservative Party, and reflects on juggling the his work load in Parliament and his family life at home.

before. Before TPP, we actually had different agreements. They were not as wide-ranging as the TPP is, but we’ve traded with those countries and we’ll continue to trade with those countries.

AHN: Your party will be electing a new leader this year, and certainly has an interesting slate of candidate.

What will you be looking for from leadership hopefuls, and what will the next leader need to do in order to be successful in the next election?

BZ: I’ve already said I’m supporting Andrew Scheer.

The reason why is Andrew has always had a message of uniting conservatives, not just conservatives that belong to the party, but conservative people in general. We have different spectrums in different parties, there’s liberal parts that are conservative. I think it’s appealing to those conservatives Alaska Highway News: across the country, and Andrew What was your biggest is committed to that and trying accomplishment as MP in to bring us all together.

2016?

I see Kevin O’Leary as an Bob Zimmer: I think just to interesting addition to the contribute to the yes decision for race. He’ll bring a lot more Pacific NorthWest LNG. I think profile and a lot more attention getting the accelerated capital to the debates. I think that’s cost allowance and getting the something we should look export licence extended, that forward to. I embrace Kevin little contribution to make it coming. I talked to Kevin about a viable project to me was the three weeks ago in Ottawa and most rewarding. We just are had a good conversation with waiting for it to be announced him. Whatever happens at the to proceed, but that’s my biggest end of the day, I think it will be so far. good for the party.

AHN: What was the most surprising moment in Canadian politics for you last year?

BZ: I was surprised to see some of the things going on in the Liberal Party, just how quickly things seemed to return to normal for that particular party, even though I have some friends on that side of the aisle.

But it’s surprising it’s happening this quickly for a prime minister that’s that popular.

Just surprising to see the winds changing that dramatically. The polling numbers are changing.

To see some of the influence and the access fundraisers, etc., the Clinton-esque type campaigning, when we see that on the Canadian side it’s quite alarming. To happen this soon in the new mandate, it was interesting to see.

AHN: What are the priorities for your opposition government in 2017?

BZ: For me, especially from our side, is trade with the new President-elect Trump.

Softwood lumber being one of them, he’s committed to renegotiating TPP and NAFTA. For myself, personally, I’m going to be in Washington late January just to try to meet the new administration, meet key members, and try to have a conversation that Canada is their biggest trading partner and we want to make sure it stays that way.

Most comments the new administration has made has had its focus on Mexico, but the softwood lumber agreement really involves Canada for the large part, and I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

We want to be pre-emptive and get down there and have some good conversations before anything is written in stone.

AHN: Incoming U.S president Donald Trump won’t be signing on to the TPP, effectively killing the deal.

How does this decision impact your work as critic for the AsiaPacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative?

BZ: It’s quite dramatic, but I think Canada is its own country.

We’ll have our own negotiating with those particular countries, Japan and the Asian countries.

We’ve negotiated with them

AHN: What was your proudest personal moment in 2016?

BZ: I still pinch myself that I have this job. Being present for President Obama’s address to Parliament and getting to sit there in Parliament, to be a part of that, to me, it’s one of the privileges and honours of this job. I disagree with President Obama on a lot of things but just to be in that particular role, it’s an honour for me to be there as a representative of Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies.

Part of being a dad and living in Fort St. John, we moved back over the summer, but watching my daughter play on an allgirls hockey team in Fort St. John and watching my son play hockey, he plays at Notre Dame in Saskatchewan, and I say sometimes the best part of my week is getting there Saturday mornings and watching the hockey game with a cup of Tim Hortons.

AHN: What’s one thing you want to try in 2017?

BZ: I say there’s always two kinds of people in Ottawa: those who are really good golfers and those who don’t have time to golf.

I’m the latter, so I’m not really good at personal time. My goal I guess, is personal, but I have so many roles in Ottawa that sometimes you wonder if you’re doing them all effectively. So it’s just to be more effective at each individual role I have. I’ve been Asia-Pacific Gateway critic now for a few months and deputy critic for families, children and social development for a year or more. So there’s different things like that I want to be better at, and that happens as time progresses.

AHN: What’s one book recommendation you have for readers this year?

BZ: Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper by Jody Mitic, that’s the book I’m currently reading. It’s a really great story. It’s our version of American Sniper, I guess, I’d say even better. A good story, and it’s true, and I’ve met Jody and he’s a good guy.

Visit alaskahighwaynews.ca to read more from this interview.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A11

LOCAL NEWS

Eco-cash up for grabs

HOUSE FIRE INVESTIGATED

Schools in Fort St. John still have time to enter for the chance to win cash for new technology.

Ten environmentallyconscious schools from across Canada have the chance to earn $25,000 for sharing their eco-innovations in the Su-

perpower Your School contest through Staples.

Any schools doing projects or initiatives to help the environment are able to enter.

The entry deadline is Jan. 31.

Visit www.staples. ca/environment for more information.

HAVE YOU BEEN FORCED TO SWITCH YOUR MEDICATION? BC PharmaCare has expanded its Reference Drug Program as of December 1, 2016, which means that if you use PharmaCare, your medicine might have been switched with a different product at the pharmacy.

Patients affected by this policy of medication substitution are those who take medication for high blood pressure (hypertension), angina, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn, ulcers, high cholesterol, muscle pain, or arthritis.

Has this policy caused you any issues, have you experienced any medical problems, new or increased costs, or other concerns (i.e., more trips to the doctor/hospital)?

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU.

FORT ST. JOHN FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTO

The City of Fort St John Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 12:23 AM Tuesday morning on the Swanson Lumber Road.

Upon arrival, crews reported a mobile home with heavy smoke and flames coming from the attic. Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the early hours of the morning and extinguished the fire by 3:24 AM. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The premises is currently under 24-hour surveillance.

Our survey is open January 9-28, 2017 from Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Call 604-800-8251 or 1-800-313-0737 www.betterpharmacare.org

U.S. energy market outlook a sobering read in gas country

SPECIAL DELIVERY...

2017 EIA Energy Outlook shows troubling trends for Canadian natural gas

Surging exports and a declining dependence on foreign oil are two trends the Canadian oil and gas industry would welcome—if they were happening here instead of next door.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook, released Jan. 5, instead presents a grim picture for Canadian oil and gas— one where producers are increasingly competing with their largest market.

The report, released Jan. 5, highlights declining foreign imports and steadily growing exports as two of the big trends in U.S. energy. A net importer of energy products since 1953, the U.S. is expected to become a net exporter of energy by 2026 thanks to a major ramp up in hydraulic fracturing.

The amount of oil and gas U.S. customers pipe in from Western Canada is expected to decline through 2040, while Eastern Canada is expected to buy more American natural gas due to its close proximity to the Marcellus Shale.

Meanwhile, U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) exports are expected to surge to more than 10 billion cubic feet a day. The first shipload of American LNG landed

Let’s Art program kicks off Students can stretch their artistic muscles thanks to a new program being launched this month.

Put on by the Peace Arts Gallery Society and the North Peace Cultural Centre, the Let’s Art after-school program will introduce kids aged five to 14 to the arts through the exploration of different mediums.

Students will have sessions with qualified instructors with a variety of artistic backgrounds.

Sessions will run Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 p.m. with different mediums on each day.

Tuesday will focus on 2D work such as drawing, painting, textile and collage. Wednesdays will be 3D art, looking at basic skill development in sculpture.

Fridays will be an open studio where students can finish a project or work on a piece of their own.

For more information, call 250-787-0993.

— Staff

in Japan earlier this month, raising more questions about whether B.C. LNG projects can be competitive in a flooded market.

The report is troubling news for businesses in natural gas producing regions like Northeast B.C., Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathleen Connolly said.

“If the U.S. is our only customer, it’s not looking very positive for us,” she said. ”If we see what they’re talking about in terms of developing reserves in America, they’re not going to need our natural gas.”

Chelsie Klassen, a spokesperson with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said the report isn’t all bad news for the Canadian energy industry.

While the headlines have focused on the U.S. becoming a net exporter of energy, the country will still rely on Canadian crude oil to fuel its economy.

“If you read through the details of the report, what you’ll find is the U.S. will continue to be a net importer of crude oil at seven million barrels per day,” she said.

Klassen added the recent approvals of the Trans Mountain pipeline and Pacific NorthWest LNG would help diversify Canada’s energy markets.

R0011357146

JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

OY! It’s a B ÉAZAR I EL TIMAT R ELÉAZAR WALTE arents: ter P ifer Wal & Jenn Samuelaby’s Weight: B z 8lbs 6o 1” 2 Length: , 11:22am , 2016 Dec. 21 St. John, BC Fort

IRL! It’s a G SIEBERT IA M A IN : AL Parents iebert elli S Bill & N’s Weight: Baby 12oz 6lbs 0cm 5 Length: 7, 1:11pm 201 Jan. 6, owon, BC Won

It’s a GIRL! IYLA VICTORIA TEETER Parents: Desirae Jeannotte & Luke Teeter Baby’s Weight: 6lbs 12oz Length: 51.5cm Dec. 23, 2016, 9:54pm Fort St. John, BC

It’s a BOY! NASH HARTLEY HARVEY COOPER Parents: Chase Cooper & Tanya Bell Baby’s Weight: 5lbs 13oz Length: 19” Jan. 11, 2017, 9:55pm Fort St. John, BC

It’s a BOY! RYKER ARTHUR VAN ESCH Parents: Ryan & Whitney Van Esch Baby’s Weight: 8lbs 8oz Length: 20.5” Dec. 31, 2016, 8:03pm Fort St. John, BC

Drop off or m ail yo ur FRE E b anno unce irth The ment to: High Alaska 9916 way New -98 S s, John t., Fort S t.

V1J 3 T8 or em a il : comp os ahnf e@ sj.ca

It’s a GIRL! LEXI AKYLENKO Parents: Willi & Alexandra Akylenko Baby’s Weight: 7lbs 13oz Length: 50cm Jan. 14, 2017, 6:51am Charlie Lake, BC

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

Northern

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

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

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

Lights Published by the NLC Communications Department January 2017

World-class chefs visit the Professional Cook training class

NLC dancers go viral!

Bhangra in the Snow is a video taken on the Fort posted it to Facebook and YouTube.

St. John Campus and posted to the NLC-International The dancers practiced twice a week for the Facebook page, and viewed over 282,000 times, semester, honing their skills.

“I am honoured to be able to spend time with the with 318 comments by January 12th. The YouTube video received 280,221 views in the last 28 days. The international students,” said Cleo Baker, International video can be viewed on NLC’s Education Program and Student Support Clerk. “It has made my YouTube channel at youtube.com/ This video has been viewed all world a better place. They have watch?v=jU7DZVHMrKs. over the planet, with the most The video also received over worked so hard and are so humble views coming from India.

5,000 shares, and reached media about this. I believe the video is – June Stanley so popular because it shows how news outlets CBC, MooseFM, NLC Web Content Assistant Energetic City and more. much fun we were having.”

The plan is to continue with follow-up videos of “After watching a YouTube video of Bhangra dancing on the East Coast, the dancers thought it Bhangra to highlight the community and region. would be great to make a video showcasing their “The students have already received requests from dancing here at Northern Lights College,” explained a local school to come and dance,” said Handley.

Kathy Handley, Fort St. John Campus Administrator. “While the group didn’t film at -30º, it is still a great “Cleo Baker came up with an idea to Bhangra in example of NLC ‘Doing winter well!’ ” the snow, and that is just what they did! Dance Handley congratulated everyone who made the instructor and business management student Jitesh video possible, especially the International Education Rajan choreographed this dance just for this specific department team, the Fort St. John Campus Student performance.”

Council for supporting these kinds of student After some quick organization and parking lot activities, and the expertise of the Marketing staff for prep by the Facilities staff, the NLC Marketing producing the video. department took some footage, created the video, and Well done everyone!

“

The Professional Cook training class on Dawson Creek Campus was recently visited by two worldclass chefs, invited by NLC Chef Instructor Michael French.

“I had the pleasure of meeting these two guests,” said Rod Cork, Chair of the Trades and Apprenticeships department. “It was great to have these world-class industry representatives come in and work with our students.”

Chef Marton Sipos grew up in Hertfordshire, UK, before working across Europe in pastry kitchens with some of the best in the world.

“I enjoyed coming to Northern Lights College,” said Sipos. “This group of students is really keen and engaged.”

Executive Chef Ken Buckland grew up in Montreal, and worked in various kitchens across Canada before being recruited by Spectra Food Services and Hospitality, and moving to Dawson Creek.

Chef Sipos (second from left) and Chef Buckland (second from right) stand with NLC Professional Cook students and instructors.

A12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

PEACE REGION

COURT DOCKET A look at what happened in Peace Region courts for the week ending Jan. 13. There were no cases up for disposition in Fort Nelson, Hudson’s Hope, Tumbler Ridge or Chetwynd.

Fort St. John Law Courts:

• Rylan Edward Birkbeck (born 1996) was sentenced in Prince George to one year probation with a suspended sentence and assessed $200 in victim surcharges for assault and mischief $5,000 or under and assessed $400 in victim surcharges for four counts of breach of an undertaking or recognizance, committed in Fort St. John.

Dawson Creek Law Courts:

• Michael Bruce Ramstead (born 1992) was handed a suspended sentence, 18 months probation, a 10-year firearms ban, ordered to provide a DNA sample, and assessed a $500 victim surcharge for one count of trafficking a controlled substance, • Braden Douglas Wilson (born 1992) was fined $500 and assessed a $150 victim surcharge for one count of wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

• Wayne Bradley Pizzey (born 1968) was sentenced to 15 days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of breaching a probation order; handed a further 15 days in jail, a three-year driving ban and assessed another $150 in victim surcharges for one count of driving while prohibited and one count of breaching an undertaking or recognizance; and was handed a further 50 days in jail and three-year driving ban, along with another $50 victim surcharge for another count of driving while prohibited/license suspended.

• Matthew Leonard Burke (born 1989) was sentenced to six days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for failure or refusal to provide a breath or blood sample • Robert Franklyn Lafferty (born 1980) was fined $1,500, handed a one-year driving ban, and assessed a $225 victim surcharge for one count of driving while prohibited.

• Glen D. King (born 1989) was handed a $1,500 fine, a $450 victim surcharge and 12 months probation on a charge of assault.

• Anthony S. Bottle (born 1971) was given a $1,000 fine, a $150 victim surcharge and a year’s driving prohibition after being found guilty of the lesser included offence of driving without due care and attention.

• Daniel L. Ryan-Hunter (born 1988) was handed a $500 fine and a $150 victim surcharge on a charge of breach of probation. He was given a conditional sentence of 60 days, a one-year probation order and a $100 victim surcharge on a charge of breach of probation. On a charge of driving while prohibited, RyanHunter received a $1,500 fine, $225 victim surcharge and a 12-month driving prohibition.

• Jesse C. Vandergoes (born 1977) received a zero-day jail sentence and a $100 fine on a charge of breach of probation.

Vandergoes received a $500 fine and a $75 victim surcharge after being found guilty of the lesser included offence of driving without a driver’s licence.

• Cindy J. Belcourt (born 1962) received 12 months probation, a $100 victim surcharge and a 12-month suspended sentence on a charge of theft $5,000 or under.

—Matt Preprost, Jonny Wakefield

NORTHEAST BC REALTY

SASSY HARDT PHOTO

Fort St. John RCMP stationed outside of the Scotiabank in Fort St. John on Jan. 16.

Police seek bank robbery witnesses Police are searching for witnesses to a robbery at the Scotiabank in Fort St. John on Monday.

According to RCMP, a lone man entered the bank around 4:34 p.m. Jan. 16, produced what appeared to be a black handgun, and de-

Specializing in Commercial Real Estate

©2017

blue safety gear outfit.

Police are urging any witnesses who saw the suspect in the area to call the detachment at 250-7878100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

—Staff

Copper stolen from BC Hydro work sites Police are asking for the public’s help to solve a copper wire theft from a BC Hydro site earlier this month.

BC Hydro reported a “substantial” amount of copper wire was stolen from two of its work sites in Fort St. John

on Jan. 5, police say.

The wire was stolen from a site on the Alaska Highway and East Bypass Road, and from another side at the railroad crossing bridge in Baldonnel.

Police believe the theft

took place between Jan. 2 and 5.

Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment at 250-7878100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

—Staff

Police search for trailer, snowmobile thief Fort St. John RCMP are asking for the public’s help to identify a truck believed to be involved in a trailer and snowmobile theft earlier this month.

Police say they recovered the trailer and snowmobile

Jan. 4 after they were found abandoned in a ditch on Todd Road just north of Taylor. The items were returned to their owner, however, police say they were seen around 9 p.m. the previous night hitched to an

unknown truck in the area.

Anyone with information on the truck is asked to call the detachment at 250-7878100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

—Staff

RON RODGERS

Ltd.

Phone 250 785 4115

manded cash from the bank tellers.

The man ran out the back doors and down a back alley past the Salvation Army and may have entered a black SUV-type vehicle, police say.

He was wearing a black balaclava and a two-piece

OWNER / MANAGING BROKER Email: ron@northeastbc.com

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

11+ACRES COMMERCIAL LAND ALONG HIGHWAY

STAND OUT location for mall complex, Hotel, RV park, Auto Dealership, Mixed commercial/residential Development Located at major easterly traffic lit entrance to city with large residential and commercial growth in the area

ASKING $6.5 Million

DEVELOPMENT LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE Fort St John 4.5+ ACRES LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

City services at property line Located just off the highway with paved access to level property

150’x120’Commercial Lot

Asking $1.299 million

Fenced with metal storage on site CORE DOWNTOWN FSJ

MLS® C8009489

Price based on recent appraised value

FOR SALE

Asking $485,000

Located North of the Charlie Lake Scales

31.34 ACRES

NOT IN THE ALR

MLS® C8007129

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL LAND PLUS 3 buildings on site; 4,737sf+/- main office/shop; gas heating and 3 phase power, drinkable well water and plumbing to lagoon system, telephone and great highway exposure 30’x50’ shop; 16’ overhead door, water & power to shop, heated metal clad building 28’x32’ warehouse; o/h radiant heat, mezzanine

Asking $1.58 Million

Call Ron for info or to arrange viewing MLS® C8008471

0.576Acre Commercial Lot corner lot by highly used traffic circle.

Retail Strip Mall, daycare, office...all needed in the area!

Asking $699,000

Loads of water front property along Snider Creek and Blueberry River.

Rail runs through property Access off south from 272 Road (with potential access from Ade Kat Road just off Apsassin West Road and Snider Creek Drive).

With over 930+ acres to develop, the possibilities are endless; trails for hiking, snowmobiling, quads or horses, build your home overlooking the waterfront and enjoy the view, take advantage of season fishing and hunting on your own land.

There is even room to operate your business from here (give the Regional District a call to learn more about the land use regulations for this site).

This is undeveloped land just waiting for someone to make it their home and/or income producing property ASKING $750,000

MLS® 8009724

115+ room motel REDUCED NOW Asking $4.8 Million

50’x122’ Commercial Lot 3,000+sf two story home (circa 1998) attached 2 car garage 5 bedrooms, 4 bath, formal dining & living room divided by 3-faced fireplace, 10 ‘ ceiling in fully finished basement, country setting front porch, PLUS 2,400sf shop with 14’ overhead doors to fit RV and horse trailer parking & second floor space…Fenced acreage with man-made fish pond, horse shelters and pasture, just under 10 acres of land (ALR)

Stripped, fenced & ready for Development Central Downtown FSJ area

Asking $154,900 MLS® N4507275

Development Opportunity

MLS ® C8003641

adjacent Alaska Highway, Building over 44,770sf (22,385sf+/-per floor), plus 18,000+sf public area with existing commercial leases, Business & Liquor Licenses!

OWNER’S MOTIVATED

Owners’ retirement plan is your OPPORTUNITY to take on this well established service business!

FOR SALE 4.455 ACRES Light Industrial

FENCED, NO SERVICES GREAT VISIBILTY AND ACCESS OFF HIGHWAY!

4.5+ acres Commercial Land

MLS® C8006711

MLS® R2089480

Julia Frontage Road Just north intersection of HWY 97 ALASKA HIGHWAY AND HWY 29 TO HUDSON’S HOPE

Shares includes

Will consider all qualified offers - share or asset

NEWLY incorporated into the city boundary

NOW ASKING $695,000

930+ acres LAND FOR SALE adjacent to the Blueberry

MLS® N4506822

Executive Country Home with Potential for Future Development

ASKING $1.48 Million

MLS® C8005117

50’x150’ Commercial Lot Located by new commercial development in downtown FSJ

Asking $139,000 MLS® C8000963

9 truck water delivery with over 25 years of providing a necessary service to the area!

ASKING $1.498 Million Share Purchase MLS® N4507327

Confidentiality agreement required for info

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR COMMERCIAL, RETAIL OR INDUSTRIAL LEASE SPACE, 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.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A13

LOCAL NEWS

The Year Ahead: Area C Director Brad Sperling

SENDING THEIR LOVE

Brad Sperling is a relative newcomer to the Peace River Regional District board, first elected in November 2014 to represent Electoral Area C. But he’s no stranger to the region, having lived in Charlie Lake for 10 years and Fort St. John for 35 years.

Sperling has worked for the past 35 years as a carpenter, building skills sure to come in handy after being elected chair of the PRRD board late last year.

In 2017, Sperling looks ahead at economic diversification, the health of Charlie Lake, and the importance of citizen health in the upcoming provincial election.

AHN: What direction will you be looking to guide the district’s budget deliberations for 2017?

BS: What should be done every year, due diligence. Stop the waste, use it properly for the benefit of the area.

AHN: Electoral Area C withdrew from the North Peace Economic Development Commission in late 2016. What prompted the withdrawal, and what alternative processes/ organizations are in place to coordinate development in the area?

BS: As important as economic development is, you need to have proper and basic services for that growth. My focus is to use those services for the people and businesses that are there now so that we can have proper growth in the future.

AHN: Concerns over the health of Charlie Lake took on renewed prominence in the community last year. What actions will you be pushing the PRRD to take to address the concerns, and what direction would you like to see development take surrounding the lake?

BS: Charlie Lake is healthy, maybe too healthy. By working with the conservation society and FLNRO we will find a balance.

AHN: Fort St. John continues to expand its border, while planning for the North Peace Fringe Area OCP continues to be developed.

What progress on that OCP can residents look forward to in 2017, and how do you see the needs of Fort St. John being balanced with rural residents living in the fringe areas?

BS: The OCP will be completed in 2017. As for balance between the city and Area C, more emphasis will be put on working together and still retaining our identity.

AHN: With a provincial election approaching, what will you be listening for from candidates on the campaign trail?

BS: Issues that concern the district.

Although the economy is always on our minds, I believe the issue surrounding health care in this area is still #1.

ZER0 FORT CITY

CHRYSLER

%

EVENT NEW 2016 DODGE JOURNEY CVP 25,584

was $

21,989

21,998

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523

156

$

/BW

SK# 16J414

*0% to 84 months on SXT and higher models

30,989

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

108

$

*0% for up to 84 months

NEW JEEP WRANGLER SPORT 4X4 2DR was $

NOW

16,998

$

$

from

NEW 2016 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT MANUAL was $

NOW

NOW

20,989

was $

27,998

SK#16PA70

NEW 2016 DODGE DART SE MANUAL NOW

$

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

23,998

188

$

169

$

SK# 16W296

*0% available up to 72 months

SK#16D15

*0% for 36 months and up to 84 on SXT and higher models

NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS ON IN-STOCK REMAINING 2016’S NEW JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 28,339

was $

NEW 2016 CHRYSLER 200 LX

NOW

25,998

$

23,998

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from

163

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

169

$

/BW

*0% available for up to 48 months and 84 months on North and higher models

SK#16CK19

NEW 2016 RAM 1500 REG CAB 35,714

was $

33,704

was $

24,998

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

177

$

SK#16R318

NEW 2016 DODGE CHARGER R/T “SCAT RACING PACK” 65,664

NOW

29,998 $ 208

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

was $

NOW

NEW DODGE GR CARAVAN CVP 31,339

was $

56,998

NOW

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

23,998

$

*0% to 84 months

FORT CITY

SK#16JR426

*0% for up to 60 months and 84 months on North and higher models

$

363

SK#16TW334

*0% for 36 months and up to 84 on SXT and higher models

NEW 2016 JEEP RENEGADE SPORT 4X4

NOW

Price Leader

NOW

28,989

was $

$

fill

R0011361584

Brad Sperling: Diversify and retain our industries. With the uncertainty of LNG, we need to push for value-added development.

Forestry, we need to lobby the province to ensure the allowable cuts stay in this area to support local jobs and business. Agriculture, the one constant for the area when the other industries are down, needs to be protected.

As the area grows, more emphasis needs to be put on infilling or utilization of unproductive soil.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Shopper’s Drug Mart’s had a big donation for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. Last fall, the Love You campaign gave residents the opportunity to donate to the Foundation by purchasing a paper leaf, apple, butterfly, or bird that was then displayed in the store.

Between that, and a raffle for flight vouchers from West Jet, Shopper’s Drug Mart was able to raise $32,495, which goes towards the foundation’s Eastern Star Children’s Fund. Pictured: Shoppers Drug Mart District Manager, Dale Bobby; WestJet Station Manager, Wayne Davidson; Shoppers Drug Mart FSJ Store Owner, Irvin Tang; Shoppers Drug Mart FSJ Manager, Tammy Koponyas; Hospital Foundation Chief Development Officer Jessica Kalman.

151

$

SK#16CH177

CHRYSLER *0% for 84 months

SK#16C34

8424 Alaska Road Fort St. John 250-787-5220 | 1-877-787-5220 www.fortcitychrysler.ca

DL#10428

Alaska Highway News: As the new chair of the Peace River Regional District, what are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the PRRD in 2017, and what momentum from 2016 will you be looking to build upon?

ALL 0% RATES AND PRICES ARE GOOD TILL CLOSE OF DAY JANUARY 31ST 2017. PAYMENTS ARE ALL CALCULATED BI WEEKLY OVER 84 MONTHS  THE RAM 1500, JOURNEY CVP, CHRYSLER 200 LX, AND CHEROKEE SPORT ARE ALL CALCULATED AT 3.49% 0% AVAILABLE FOR SHORTER TERMS, AND/OR HIGHER MODELS THE WRANGLER SPORT IS CALCULATED AT 1.99%, AND THE RENEGADE SPORT AT 2.99% 0% AVAILABLE FOR SHORTER TERMS AND/OR HIGHER MODELS THE DART, GR CARAVAN, CHALLENGER AND PATRIOT ARE ALL CALCULATED AT 0% INTEREST RATE FOR 84 MONTHS. ALL PAYMENTS INCLUDE LOCAL TAXES AND FEES OF $523.00. INTEREST RATES ARE O.A.C, AND NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS ARE O.A.C AS WELL. PRICES ARE FOR REMAINING IN STOCK 2016 UNITS ONLY, ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY IF DEALER TRADE IS NEEDED. AL UNITS WERE AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PRINTING, BUT DUE TO LIMITED STOCK, SOME UNITS MAY SELL FAST. PICTURES ARE FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY AND UNITS MAY NOT BE EXACTLY AS ILLUSTRATED. SEE DEALER FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.

A14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Hunting in the night for those elusive northern lights Darcy Shawchek THE F-STOP

L

ately, it has been tough for me to find the northern lights through the thick blanket of moisture that has been festering over the Peace Region for almost the entire winter. But persistence and a small fortune in gasoline, cheesy popcorn, and coffee has made it possible in some instances.

Plan your trip I use aurora watch apps and webpages to find out how strong the auroras will be on any given night. There are three common levels of strengths: green means weak, yellow means moderate, and orange means strong. The uncommon level of red generally means “holy gonchcakes!” Make sure you bring lots of liquids, and cheesy popcorn for the show.

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

Taken in Rose Prairie the night before the Super moon. Settings were F3.5, six seconds at 1600 ISO.

If it’s cold, bring a set of mitts, hat, scarf, hot gels, snow pants, and boots. Don’t forget your spare batteries, strong tripod, and make sure that you have your memory card.

Gauge the clouds It’s kind of hard to shoot through them clouds, but in

most cases they will break up late at night during mid-cycle.

Figure out what direction they are traveling and plan your trip the opposite way. If you travel with the clouds, your chances of seeing the auroras is “nope, not happening.”

Get away from the city

Tree and brush clearing: Taylor to Dawson Creek

We will be removing/pruning trees and brush along the route of our 138 kilovolt transmission line between Taylor and Dawson Creek. The route is west of the Alaska Highway from Taylor to the top of South Taylor Hill and east of the highway from there to Dawson Creek. Please be aware of our contractor vegetation crews and equipment. Later this year, we will begin replacement of some poles and power line equipment to bring the line up to as-new specifications. Property owners along the power line route have been previously notified about this work in writing.

When: Time:

January 3 to February 28, 2017 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

To learn more about this work, please contact us at 250 561 4858. For more information about our vegetation management practices, please visit bchydro.com/trees.

5222

Publication: Size: Insertion date: Deadline:

Alaska Highway News (Fort St. John) 6.171” x 5.5 (77 Lines) Jan 12 & 19 Mon Jan 9 @ noon

It is very important that you travel away from all unnatural light pollution. I like to travel 40 to 400 kilometres away on most occasions. Being away from unnatural light is my main goal when shooting the auroras. Being near town will lessen the visibility of the northern lights greatly.

So let’s say it’s supposed to be a good night for auroras. You’re driving around and you don’t see nothing—kind of depressing right? Hint: Stop the truck, turn off the lights, put your Facebook away, stuff your face with cheesy popcorn, get out of the truck, and let your eyes adjust. They might be dim, they might be awesome—you won’t really know until your eyes adjust to the dark and you swallow your popcorn.

Setting up the shot Make sure that your camera is on “M” mode, set your F-Stop to the smallest number it can go, and you are at an ISO ranging from 1000 or greater (and you have a mouth full of cheesy popcorn. You are going to want to expose at lengths between six and 30 seconds depending on your ISO and how bright the auroras are.

The hardest part of setting up is focus. There is a trick.

Turn auto focus off, stuff your face with popcorn, look through the viewfinder, and

Persistence and patience The lights might boom or they might leave you skunked.

If you get bored and pack up, you’re not doing it right. Grab some popcorn and get comfy.

Sit in the truck if you have to and run your camera remotely or be a diehard like myself and stand there until you freeze your stuff. When I go out and shoot, I usually slice my hand and paint war on my face with… no. Don’t do that, but be persistent. Don’t give up. Frame your shots nicely, use a wide angle lens, shoot lots, and cover the sky. It will happen if you try hard.

Darcy Shawchek is a photographer based in Fort St. John, who is on a mission to capture the breathtaking and majestic Peace River area through the lens, day or night.

Email him your photography questions at dr.shawchek@ gmail.com

Get checked out at library Read Dating ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

E V SA

try to focus as best you can on a bright light far off in the distance or a star. Then, while the camera is on the tripod, switch to live view mode. Zoom in on the light or star and fine tune your focus while zoomed.

Note: you are not using the zoom on the lens. On your camera are two buttons (+) & (-) which allow you to zoom in on what is being displayed on the LCD screen.

When was the last time you were checked out?

Such is the question for the Fort St. John Public Library’s upcoming Read Dating event on Feb. 4.

If “read dating” sounds a lot like “speed dating,” it’s because the premise is the same. Participant will have mini “dates” with different people, only here; it’s to talk about books.

There’s absolutely no pressure on people at Read Dating, said Fort St. John Public Library Program Co-ordinator Morgan Churchill. The idea is to make new friends and talk about books.

“There are worse places to make a romantic connection,” Churchill said.

“Instead of it being a singles event where you’re looking for a romantic partner, we wanted it to be a fun opportunity to get out and meet other people who like books.”

Participants don’t even have to be single—anyone that loves a good book and likes to talk about books, be they single, married or otherwise, is welcome to take part. Bring a book, magazine or movie you think would be a good conversation starter—it doesn’t have to be a deep reflection of your soul, said Churchill.

The idea came about after Churchill heard about similar events at the Vancouver and Prince George libraries. While

those events were meant to be a singles mixer, Churchill wanted to make the Fort St. John event more about making friends than pressure people to find a date.

“It’s just a good opportunity to be exposed to some new books,” she said. “Maybe you really like to read true crime and haven’t stepped out of that zone in awhile, and you’ll meet someone who can show you some great historical fiction or fantasy and decide those are books and authors you’d like to try.”

Those that are interested in participating have to register at the library, and if they’re of a mind can make up a name that describes their reading habits.

“If you’re into intrigue books, you could call yourself Tom Clancy,” said Churchill. “If you like literary romance, you could be Jane Austin.”

Read Dating is an event for people 19 year and older, which is part of the library’s growing adult-oriented programming.

The library also offers Ugly Crafts, which is creative play for adults that takes place the third Thursday of the month, and Board Games and Brews, held at Casey’s Pub the first Wednesday of the month.

“We’re having a lot of fun growing our adult programming, so people can check our website to see what else if offered for adults,” said Churchill, adding that the library is open to ideas for what adults in the community would like to see.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A15

LOCAL NEWS

Men’s basketball league looks to extend its reach Players wanted for league action this spring KEVIN BUCHHOLZ For the Alaska Highway News

Are you interested in playing basketball in town?

Well if your answer is even a maybe, then you’re encouraged to look into the FSJ Men’s Basketball League, a weekly meeting of likeminded guys who will give you a workout along with some exciting basketball action with some of the best players this city has to offer.

“The league is currently looking for individuals interested in taking part in their upcoming spring league,” says league commissioner and referee Ben Rauscher. “We are looking to have four teams of eight, though we have allowed for pick up players in the past.”

An inexpensive registration will get you one game a week for eight weeks, jersey rental, fulltime refs and scorekeepers—a pretty reasonable price point compared to other sports in the city.

“I’ve just about recouped my costs on the jerseys. We would use any surplus budget to purchase other league items, like new basketballs and a sports-specific first aid kit,” Rauscher says.

The league is currently running a drop-in night on Wednesday evenings at North Peace Secondary from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. That’ll set you back the cost of a large coffee, but Rauscher is hoping to get enough people inter-

ested to continue with league play.

And speaking from experience, it is a good time with many great players.

“The fall league ended with Team Black beating Team Blue in the finals, getting a little revenge for a hard loss to them in the spring league in (overtime),” Rauscher recalls, attributing the victory to the presence of all-star center Dan Penner, who previously played for Carleton university.

“He was absent from the spring final and they only lost by one point.”

There are many talented basketball players in the city, Rauscher continued, from Jon Zaleski, the center for Team Red, or Team White’ss forward Nick Donnelly. Alex Neily plays point guard for Team Black.

“It’s just hard to get people who are able to play consistently.” Explaining why he doesn’t run a longer season.

Rauscher would like to run a longer season, but acknowledged the difficulty in getting players to play consistently.

“Past league president Aaron Olsen and I discussed it and we decided that an eight week season would allow for more people to be able to play consistently,” he said.

Anyone interested in playing, is encouraged to get in contact with the league at fsjpioneer@ hotmail.com, or just drop-in and see how you stack up against Wednesday nights until the league starts.

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

The FSJ Men’s Basketball League is currently running a drop-in night on Wednesday evenings at North Peace Secondary from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who donated to our annual Toy Drive.

And a Huge thank you to our local dealerships for helping make the toy drive so successful.

Aspol Motors Browns’ Chevrolet Buick GMC Capital Ford Inland Auto Centre Peace Country Toyota And great big thank you goes out to our organizer Danny Schilds and all the volunteers who helped transport, sort and package all the donations received from our very genorous community!

a c . s r e s i u r c o r e z www.mile

A16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

WE WANT YOUR TRADE.

TRADE IN TODAY, AND GET UP TO $1,500 BONUS ON YOUR NEW ELIGIBLE VEHICLE *

2017 SILVERADO 1500

LEASE DOUBLE CAB CUSTOM 4WD FROM

$199 @ 1.9 % BI-WEEKLY

FOR

LEASE RATE

24 MONTHS

WITH $2,850 DOWN. BASED ON LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $40,402 †.

(INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI, $500 LEASE CASH, $2,500 DELIVERY CREDIT, EITHER $1,500 TRADE-IN BONUS OR ADDITIONAL $1,500 DOWN PAYMENT)

AVAILABLE BEST-IN-CLASS TOWING UP TO 12,500 LB. (5670 KG) 4,5

INCLUDES

$1,500

SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB LTZ Z7 1 MODEL SHOWN

TRADE-IN BONUS

ALBERTACHEVROLET.COM OFFERS END JANUARY 31ST .

2017 CRUZE HATCH

LEASE LT AIR & AUTO FROM $123 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:

$62 @@ 0.5% FOR FOR 48 $0 WEEKLY

LEASE RATE

MONTHS

INCLUDES

$1,000

TRADE-IN BONUS

DOWN PAYMENT

BASED ON LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $21,943 †. (INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI $1,000 LEASE CASH, EITHER $1,000 TRADE-IN BONUS OR ADDITIONAL $1,000 DOWN PAYMENT)

STANDARD APPLE CARPLAY TM2 AND ANDROID AUTOTM2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT3 REMARKABLE FUEL EFFICIENCY 6.2L/100KM HWY ¥¥

CRUZE PREMIER MODEL SHOWN

THE NEW 2017 TRAX

LEASE LS FWD AIR & AUTO FROM $134 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:

$67 WEEKLY

@

0.5% 48 $0 FOR

LEASE RATE

MONTHS

INCLUDES

$1,000

TRADE-IN BONUS

DOWN PAYMENT

BASED ON LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $23,689 †. (INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI, EITHER $1,000 TRADE-IN BONUS OR ADDITIONAL $1,000 DOWN PAYMENT)

STANDARD APPLE CARPLAY TM2 AND ANDROID AUTOTM2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 4G LITE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT3 AVAILABLE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

TRAX LTZ MODEL SHOWN

2017 EQUINOX

LS FWD STARTING FROM:

FREIGHT, PDI, AND $23,995 (INCLUDES A $5,000 CASH CREDIT)

PLUS GET

$1,000

TRADE-IN BONUS

CASH PURCHASE PRICE ¥

ONSTAR 4G LTE WITH WI-FI® HOTSPOT CONNECTIVITY3 SIX AVAILABLE ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES

EQUINOX PREMIER MODEL SHOWN

ALL ELIGIBLE VEHICLES COME WITH:

CHEVROLET

COMPLETE CARE

2

YEARS/48,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY OIL CHANGES **

5

YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ▲

5

YEARS/160,000 KM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ▲

ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA CHEVROLET DEALERS. AlbertaChevrolet.com 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition 4WD (1CX, L83, K05, PCP, RC7, SFZ, Z82), Cruze Hatchback LT Air & Auto (1SD, K05), Trax LS Air & Auto (1LS, KPK, PCQ), Equinox LS FWD (1LS, K05) equipped as described. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in Alberta Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. * Offer valid January 4 to January 31, 2017. Credit is tax-inclusive and applies to the purchase, lease or finance of an eligible new 2017 vehicle from dealer inventory. In order to be eligible for this incentive, customers must trade in a vehicle that they own (vehicle must have been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive sixty (60) days) to the selling dealer OR terminate their existing lease (any brand) and re-lease an eligible new vehicle. Credit amount will vary depending on vehicle purchased: $1000 towards the purchase of a new 2017MY Chevrolet car, crossover, mid SUV, mid pickup, or full size van; or $1500 towards the purchase of a new 2017MY Chevrolet LD/HD pickup or full size utilities. The following vehicles are excluded from this offer: Spark LS, Malibu L, Bolt EV, Camaro ZL1, Colorado 2SA. Customers who do not qualify for Trade In Bonus Days must add a down payment equivalent to the Trade In Bonus Incentive to achieve stated pricing. Customers must take delivery on or before January 31, 2017 to be eligible for this incentive. Limited time offer may not be combined with certain other offers and cannot be redeemed for cash. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to modify, extend or terminate these offers, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. † Offer valid at participating dealers to eligible retail lessees in Canada who enter into a lease agreement with GM Financial and who accept delivery between January 4 to January 31, 2017. Eligible 2017 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition 4WD/Cruze Hatchback LT Air & Auto/Trax LS Air & Auto: Lease based on a lease purchase price of $40,402/$21,943/$23,689, which includes $500/$1,000/$0 lease cash (tax exclusive), $2,500/$0/$0 available manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) and either $1,500/$1,000/$1,000 manufacturer-to-consumer (tax inclusive) Trade-In Bonus or additional $1,500/$1,000/$1,000 down payment in lieu of Trade-in Bonus. Bi-weekly payment is $199/$123/$134 for 24/48/48 months at 1.9%/0.5%/0.5% interest rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. The $62/67 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments of $123/$134. $2,850/$0/$0 down payment is required ($4,350/$1,000/$1,000 down payment is required if not eligible for Trade-in Bonus). Total obligation is $13,194/$12,720/$13,920, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $28,464/$9,558/$10,104. Consumer may be required to pay Dealer Fees. Price and total obligation exclude license, insurance, PPSA, registration, taxes and optional equipment. Excess wear and tear charges not included. Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. See your dealer for conditions and details. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company to verify eligibility. Annual kilometre limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometre. Security deposit may be required. Payment may vary depending on down payment/trade. ¥ Purchase price includes a cash credit of $5,000 Manufacturer to dealer, (Tax exclusive) and applies to cash purchases of new 2017 Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD models at participating dealers in Canada. Purchase price of $23,995 includes freight, air tax but excludes license, insurance, registration, dealer fees and taxes. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $5,000 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Dealer may sell for less. Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details. ¥¥ Fuel consumption ratings based on GM testing in accordance with Government of Canada approved test methods. Refer to vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca for details. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. 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. 4 Requires Double Cab LTZ 2WD or Crew Cab Short Box LTZ 2WD with available 6.2L V8 engine and Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. 5 Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Large Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. ◊ The Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Equinox (tie), Chevrolet Silverado HD and LD, and Chevrolet Tahoe received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study, based on 80,157 total responses, evaluating 245 models, and measures the opinions of new 2016 U.S. vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. The Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Silverado HD, and Chevrolet Camaro received the highest numerical scores in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, based on responses from 33,560 U.S. original owners of 2013 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership about problems experienced in the past 12 months, surveyed in October-December 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com ** The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark 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. See dealer for details.

A2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

CONTENTS Humour........................................ A2 Weather ....................................... A2 Local News .................................. A3 Opinion ....................................... A6 Business ...................................... A9 Sports ........................................... B1 Arts & Culture ............................ B5 Community................................. B9

DOG DAYS OF WINTER

THIS WEEK’S FLYERS No Frills Walmart Shoppers Drug Mart Canadian Tire M&M Food Market London Drugs Jysk Save On Foods Safeway The Source Rona Home Hardware Sears Sung’s

10,075 8,552 9,438 10,071 8,529 7,405 8,057 10,204 10,067 7,495 10,547 9,310 10,204 5,500

Correction The third annual North Peace Martial Arts Championships takes place March 11, not Feb. 25 as was reported in last week’s edition.

—AHN

GAS WATCH

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Duke and Dot have a romp at the dog park at Toboggan Hill last week.

Horror movies and toxic snow GLOBE GAG: We start news chewing in Hollywood, where last week the Golden Globe Awards were handed out. Movie critics are saying the Oscars will be a repeat of the Golden Globes. My wife would not let me watch the Golden Globes and she won’t let me watch the Oscars. That’s because I sit there complaining: “I don’t know any of these people! Who are these people? Are these people movie stars?”

keep the name, but add “Eh” to the end. iPHACT: Last week was the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone. Back then I didn’t buy an iPhone because opening and closing my flip phone was the only exercise I got. A study shows in 10 years, the average iPhone customer has owned seven iPhones. And walked seven million miles searching for their lost iPhone charger.

Bob Snyder CHEWS THE NEWS

to answer the survey. Here are things to remember on Friday the 13th: • Never walk under a ladder, or Darth UTILITY FUTILITY: With the recent Vader’s cape.

SNOW STUFF: Beijing, China issued • Never trust a black cat that dyes itself a “Toxic Snow” alert, their recent heavy KNOWBEFOREYOUGO prolonged cold snap across the province, BC Hydro reports electricity use at an allwhite. snowfall was loaded with dangerous pollutime high. That whirring sound you can • Never step on a sidewalk crack, espetion. How dangerous is the snow in Beijing?

PREVAILING PRICES hear is the sound of electric meters spincially during an earthquake.

Each tiny snowflake is shaped like a skull ning.

That sobbing sound is the sound of • Never try to break a mirror with a and crossbones. You know snow is polluted Dawson Creek ohn, BC - 7 Day Forecast109.9 - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html BC Hydro customers opening their elecrabbit’s foot. when you’re shovelling your sidewalk and tric bills.

• Never buy a lucky horseshoe from a you notice your shovel has dissolved.

Fort St. John 112.9 horse selling shoes door-to-door.

ICE NOT NICE: Icy sidewalks in EdDRONE DETAILS: A Canadian commonton prompted the city and Alberta JACKSON JEST: A British TV show pany now sells a drone that can fly Alberta-B.C. border N/A Health Services to recommend residents about Michael Jackson created quite through the air at 100 miles per hour. They walk like a penguin to avoid falling. That’s a controversy. Michael is portrayed by say it’s aimed at guys who have a buddy Fort Nelson N/A ridiculous. You cannot walk like a penguin Joseph Fiennes. He’s English. And he’s who owns a pathetic drone that flies at Environment and natural resources  Weather  Weather  Local forecasts British Columbia unless you wearinformation a tuxedo. white.

What’s next: A  movie about Diana only 90 miles per hour.

Ross starring the old lady duchess from Groundbirch N/A HORROR HA HA: Now in theaters, a Downton Abbey?

MILK MEMO: Canadian dairy proCanadian-made movie that’s described as ducers are nervous about the incoming on, BCChetwynd - 7 Day Forecast -112.9 Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html one Canada of the scariest horror films ever made: FANTASTIC PLASTIC: In Vancouver, Trump administration. Canada restricts The Bye Bye Man. The title comes from the a woman who is not a qualified doctor imports of milk from the U.S. The modObserved at: Fort St. John Airport 3:00 PM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017 Tumbler Ridge 122.9 “bye bye” you’ll be saying to any food you was charged with doing plastic surgery in ern supermarket has many types of milk. recently ate when you upchuck during the her basement. She was arrested after she Almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, rice Condition: Mostly Cloudy Temperature: 4.7°Ca nose job. Yeah, she really Wind: SSW 12 km/h violent scenes in the movie. botched blew it. milk, coconut milk. If you walk a cow Prince George 106.9 (You know there’s a problem if the plastic through your local supermarket you’ll Pressure: 99.1 kPa Dew point: 0.1°C Visibility: 24 km 13: Friday was supposedly an unlucky surgeon uses Play-Doh instead of Botox) make it feel very insecure. You will also Tendency: Hythe day—Friday the 13th. In an Internet Humidity: 72% make the supermarket manager very mad.

N/A Falling survey, one in 20information people said they will not YUK: In business news, Amer Weather  Weather  CANUCK  British Environment and natural resources Local forecasts Columbia the house all day. That’s actually one ican Apparel clothing has been bought Bob Snyder can be reached at: Grande Prairie 103.4 leave in 19. They didn’t count the 13th person by a Canadian company. They’re going to chewsthenews@fastmail.com

St. John, BC

urrent Conditions

5°C Nelson, BC Calgary

100.9

Edmonton 97.9 urrent Conditions orecast Vancouver

Tue 7 Jan Victoria

Condition: 120.9 Mostly Cloudy Wed Thu Pressure: 98.9 kPa 19 Jan 18 Jan 124.9 Rising Tendency:

CAD$ per litre, prices as of Jan. 17.

Source: GasBuddy.com

5°C

nly cloudy

FORT ST. JOHN Temperature: -9.2°C Fri Sat Dew point: -10.7°C 20 Jan 21 Jan Humidity: 89%

3°C 40%

Chance of rain showers or flurries

recast GENERAL NOTICE

onight Tue

0°C 40%

Chance of flurries

-2°C

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

-10°C

A mix of sun and cloud

19 Jan

are reserved 1°C All other rights -4°C

-6°C

-11°C

30%

-12°C Chance of flurries

and commercial use is 40% 40% prohibited. To make any use of -3°C -8°C* nce of rain Chance of rain this material you must first

rs or flurries showers or flurries obtain the permission of the of sun and Periods of snow owner of the copyright.

Night Thu

-11°C Chance of flurries 40%

Night Fri

20 Jan

Chance of flurries

ssued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017 cloud

For further information contact editor at onight the managingNight

70%

Sunny

CONDITIONS REGION, PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW.

Night Sun

22 Jan

-15°C

-15°C

Chance-17°C of flurries

-16°C Cloudy 30%

-9°C FOR CURRENT ROAD

A mix of sun and A mix of sun and IN THE PEACE Issued: 11:00 AM PST Tuesday 17cloud January 2017 cloud

21 Jan

40%

-10°C

Chance of flurries

FORT NELSON Night Sat

The contents of this Night Wed newspaper are protected by 7 Jancopyright and may 18 Jan be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

y ght

Wind: SSW 6 km/h Sun Mon Wind Chill: -13 22 Jan 23 Jan Visibility: 48 km

N/A

B.C. avg

-9°C

Observed Fort Nelson Airport 3:00 PM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017 WEATHER & at:ROAD REPORT Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 17 January 2017

Chance of flurries

30%

Mon http:// www.drivebc.ca/ 23 Jan

#listView&district=Peace

-16°C

A mix of sun and Sunny WeatherPhone cloud

http://www.drivebc.ca Night Night

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

Night Mainly cloudy. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. Temperature steady near plus 5.

250-785-5631

Cloudy. 40 percent chance of rain showers or flurries before morning. Wind southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40.

Low plus 1.

10°C 18 Jan

-23°C in the morning.

-22°C Cloudy. -14°C 40 percent chance -15°C of rain showers or flurries Wind southwest -22°C 20 km/h gusting to 40. High

30%

plus 3. 30% ds of light Cloudy Chance of flurries Cloudy Clear Chance of flurries Clear with 40 percent chance of rain showers or flurries. Low minus 4.

snow

19 Jan Cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries. High zero. notes an abnormal temperature trend chance of flurries. Low minus 6.

Cloudy periods with 30 percent

ssued: 11:00 AM PST Tuesday 17 January 2017

Insulated FR 17-01-17 3:07 PM Coveralls

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A3

LOCAL NEWS

Man charged with attempted murder after pub stabbing MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj,ca

One man has been charged with attempted murder after sending another man to Alberta hospital with stab wounds last week.

Police were called to On The Rocks Pub Wednesday, Jan. 11, around 10:43 p.m., after a 30-year-old man was stabbed and taken to hospital by friends, Fort St. John RCMP said in a statement. The victim was stabilized at the local hospital and flown out of the province for further treatment, according to police. However, officials couldn’t immediately confirm where the victim was flown to, or his immediate condition.

Court records show Kevin John Lesowski, born 1985, is charged with one count of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 8 and is not currently in custody.

He has not been convicted of the charge.

The incident is isolated, as the parties involved were known to each other, police said.

JONNY WAKEFIELD PHOTO

Mayor Gwen Johannson NEGOTIATE from A1

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Fort St. John RCMP collect forensic evidence outside of On The Rocks Pub in Fort St. John last week.

nnette A eeder R

FOR RENT CALL ANNETTE 250-793-4394

- ANNETTE REEDER PREC

Personal Real Estate Corp

9817 - 115 AVE ADULT ORIENTED HOME, QUIET LOCATION, 2 BR, 2 FULL BATHS SOLARIUM, FIREPLACE, 2 CAR GARAGE $1,500 NO STRATA FEES

250.793.4394

8112-90 AVE-DUPLEX–NEW FLOORING & PAINT, 3 BR ( LARGE MASTER); 2 BATHS, FENCED YARD, APPLIANCES; ASKING $1500. AVAIL JAN 2017

areeder@telus.net

8514-86 ST. DUPLEX , 4 BR; 2 BATHS; FULL BSMT; NEW FLOORING & PAINT, ASKING $1500. AVAIL JAN LOVELY COUNTRY HOME & GARAGE -ON 5 ACRES CHARLIE LAKEVIEW-4268 SF; 5 BR; 4 BATHS; FIREPLACE, WALK-OUT BSMT- GREAT VIEW. $2,700. MO

check website: www.annettereeder.com

FEATURED: EXECUTIVE COUNTRY HOME WITH GARAGE

DISPATCH from A1

$6 99 ,0 00

WOW! SPECTACULAR PANORAMIC VIEW OF CHARLIE LAKE FROM THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THIS HOME, WRAP-AROUND DECK AND MASTER BEDROOM. ON 5.6 ACRES, 2164 SF MAIN PLUS WALK-OUT BASEMENT; GORGEOUS KITCHEN WITH APPLIANCES & EAT-AT BAR; FIREPLACE & VAULTED CEILING IN LIVINGRM; 5 BEDRMS, 4 BATHS (MASTER BR HAS A LOVELY SPA ENSUITE); HUGE WINDOWS FOR GREAT LIGHT AND VIEWS; NEWER HEATED DOUBLE GARAGE; GORGEOUS YARD, AND EVEN PASTURE FOR HORSES. MORE PICS ON MLS R2130818. CALL/TEXT ANNETTE FOR YOUR PRIVATE VIEWING 250-793-4394

5 LAKEVIEW ACRES - HOME & GARAGE

11204-100 AVE

$895,000

$9 49 NO ,0 W 00

3160 SF BUNGALOW WITH FULLY DEV BASEMENT; 4 BEDRM; 3 BATHS; LOVELY KITCHEN; VAULTED CEILING IN OPEN LIVINGRM; LARGE WINDOWS TO ENJOY THE GORGEOUS VIEWS; CONCRETE BSMT HAS WOOD STOVE IN THE HUGE FAMILYRM; 6” WALLS, TRIPLE PANE WINDOWS; HORSE SHELTER & PASTURE. MAKE YOUR OFFER

3760 SF HOME, 3 CAR GARAGE, TRUCK SHOP; 6 ACRES

WELL MAINTAINED 4082 SF BUILDING; FRONT OFFICE & RETAIL; CARETAKER SUITE; 2 CAR WASH BAYS; 1 BAY LUBE PLUS EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES; NEW TORCH ON ROOF; CLEAN ENVIRONMENT ASSMT. PH/TEXT ANNETTE FOR INFO & VIEWING 250-793-4394

LAND FOR SALE 250-793-4394

RESIDENTIAL - 4.7 ACRES ON 283 CAMPBELL RD- THE LOWEST PRICE AROUND - $149,900

LOCATED ON SUNNYSIDE DR. THIS HOME HAS 1880 SF MAIN FLOOR PLUS 1880 SF WALK-OUT CONCRETE BSMT; 3 CAR HEATED GARAGE; WATER WELL; LAGOON; INCL APPLIANCES & HOME WARRANTY; SEPARATE DRIVEWAY FOR 40X60 TRUCK SHOP (14' DOORS); GAS HEAT; ATTACHED APARTMENT. CALL ANNETTE 793-4394 PRICE REDUCED MAKE AN OFFER

ROSE PRAIRIE FARMLAND- 320 ACRES WITH APPX 50 ACRES CULTIVATED, REST USED FOR CATTLE PASTURE; SOME NEW FENCING, OIL LEASE REVENUE $4,800 YR. ASKING $260,000.

PHONE ANNETTE FOR DETAILS .

$2 39 ,0 00

AIRPORT SUB . 2 ACRES

10407 - 99 ST. TAYLOR 2 STOREY PLUS A BASEMENT ,THIS HOME IS NESTLED IN THE TREES ON 2 ACRES AND PROVIDES LOTS OF PRIVACY; HUGE LIVINGRM WITH A WOOD STOVE, AND DININGRM; 4 BR, 2 BATHS, DEVELOPED BSMT; GAZEBO; WORKSHOP.;FENCED YARD;ETC. .YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS ONE. CITY WATER AND SEWER.MOTIVATED SELLERS WANT AN OFFER.

JUST LISTED, 2011 - 16 WIDE HOME ON ITS OWN 50'X150' LOT 3 BDRM, 2 FULL BATHS, NEW HARDWOOD FLOORING, 5 APPLIANCES. MOTIVATED SELLERS LOOKING FOR AN OFFER! PH/TEXT ANNETTE FOR INFO AND VIEWING 793-4394

GARY REEDER REALTY LTD. "SPOUSES SELLING HOUSES"

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

TOLL FREE 877-785-4394

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

R0021217136

“This resolution was made in a closed meeting, which meant we as a board of directors could not discuss (this) with our constituents,” Stewart said in a prepared statement. “What I’m asking of the board of directors at this time is to vote and allow the voices of the citizens we represent to be heard and to be considered.”

“I think this was a bad decision by our board,” he added.

“I think this was bad politics, and a disservice to the citizens we represent.”

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman said she opposed discussing the deal in the closed meeting—a decision taken because the discussions concerned negotiations with a private company.

Don McPherson, Mayor of Tumbler Ridge, said his constituents hadn’t had time to weigh the proposal. “This is the first chance they’ve had to come out and say something about it, and I think that’s wrong,” he said.

Stewart said the board’s decision puts lives in danger.

“I guarantee a short time down the road it’s going to be a life, and we’re going to hear about it,” he said. “And we’re talking about dollars.”

Taylor Coun. Betty Ponto said more public discussion was needed to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of residents.

“If there’s a huge increase in costs, and if residents are prepared to absorb those costs, we need to listen to that and move in that direction,” she said.

“I believe (Coun. Heiberg) has done the best that could be done in very difficult circumstances and I thank him for the many hours devoted to trying to get some benefits for Hudson’s Hope,” Johansson said.

Under the agreement, Hudson’s Hope will receive $1 million, which includes $268,000 to establish an infrastructure trust fund; $442,000 to recognize land impacts caused by the Site C reservoir; $150,000 to upgrade Alwin Holland Park and fund other shoreline recreation development; $80,000 to support community planning; and $20,000 to support emergency rescue services.

“This agreement provides the foundation for a sustainable and thriving community that supports individuals and families with quality community services and infrastructure, a variety of recreational opportunities and support for local service providers,” Coun. Heiberg said in a prepared statement.

The agreement also provides for BC Hydro to fund the revitalization of the Atkinson property to include a new 25 to 33-lot subdivision, the building of a “demonstration home” in the subdivision for use by a local doctor or other community services professionals, as well as the building of a permanent boat launch and seasonal dock and day use area on DA Thomas Road and at Lynx Creek.

The district and BC Hydro will also establish a community engagement committee to facilitate operational communications, and a dispute resolution process.

Johansson has been one of the fiercest critics of the project, which the B.C. government approved in 2014. Hudson’s Hope, pop.

1,012, would be one of the communities most impacted by the project.

The district has been negotiating with BC Hydro for years over the Site C project, saying it is the municipality most impacted by the dam’s development—standing to lose 1,037 hectares of land to statutory right-of-ways, as well as taxes from prime property for development along the Peace River shoreline.

INTEROUTE CONSTRUCTION LTD.

NORTHEAST DIVISION

A4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

New fire dispatcher confident in serving the Peace despite distance MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

CITY BEAT

R0011363862

Fort St. John Fire Chief Fred Burrows says the department has invested more than $1 million over the last decade to improve its fire dispatch service. “The technology was to our benefit, and other departments in the region were able to experience benefits from our expenditure and technology advancement,” he says.

Updates from January 9, 2017 Council Meetings PROCLAMATIONS

The month of January 2017 was proclaimed as “Crime Stoppers Month” in the City of Fort St. John. At the 2016 year end, the Northeast BC Crime Stoppers Society had handled 330 tips in the region, with 115 from Fort St. John. Five rewards were approved with the total value of the rewards being $2,095. The 2017 theme for Crime Stoppers Month is ‘See Something, Hear Something, Say Something’.

2017 BUDGET PRESENTATION

At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation on the 2017 Capital Budget. Proposed capital budget projects for 2017 total $49,865,847 of which $24,000,000 is funded from the Peace River Agreement. Five Project Components were presented: C1 Transportation, Roads, Sidewalks; C2 – Facilities & Grounds; C3 – Water & Sewer; C4 – Capital Overview; and C5 – Capital expenses related to one-time projects. Included was a breakdown of where funding comes from, the budget for 2017 and forecast number for 2018 – 20121. Detailed information was provided for each of the projects. Future meetings will be scheduled to allow for further review and input from both Council and members of the public.

TOURISM FORT ST. JOHN BOARD MEMBERSHIP AMENDMENT

Council approved the recommendation from the Tourism Fort St. John Board to amend their board membership as follows: Doug Parcells – Former Director of Operations with Pomeroy Lodging to be removed from the Board and replaced by Graeme Jenkins, the new Director of Operations with Pomeroy Lodging. The Board consists of individuals who live, work or conduct business in the City of Fort St. John and are typically individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to support the City in forwarding its tourism development objectives.

DISPLAY OF MINOR HOCKEY MEMORABILIA AT THE POMEROY SPORT CENTRE

Council received a letter from Fort St. John Minor Hockey with regards to Minor Hockey memorabilia being displayed at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. It was noted that championship banners recognize the hard work of young athletes and Council directed staff to hang banners at City facilities including the Pomeroy Sport Centre.

NDIT LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – GRANT APPLICATION Council approved an application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Local Government Management Internship Program for funding for the City of Fort St. John to host a Local Government Management intern. The grant being requested is $35,000 and the City is committed to providing training and exposure opportunities for an intern. The City believes it is important for local governments to promote careers in local government as many people are unaware of the opportunities that exist. This can be a beneficial program for both the organization and the individual.

BYLAWS A Public Hearing was held for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2364, 2016 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2365, 2016. The subject land of the proposed bylaws is located at 8907 – 112th Avenue and is owned by St. Martin’s Anglican Church. The purpose of the bylaws is to facilitate the development of a church. Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2364, 2016 changes the designation of the subject property from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Institutional (IT) and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2365, 2016 changes the zoning from Single Family Residential (R1) to Institutional (IT). Following the Public Hearing, Council read the bylaws for the third time and adopted them by title only.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS A Committee of the Whole Meeting is tentatively scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Monday January 23, 2017.

The Regular Meeting will follow at 3:00 p.m.

All meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

www.fortstjohn.ca

The head of the Peace Region’s new fire dispatch provider says residents will get “top-rate” service when North Island 9-1-1 begins taking emergency calls.

North Island 9-1-1 President Larry Samson said his organization prides itself on its mapping system, which currently serves 51 fire departments over 56,000-square kilometres on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

“We cover a vast geographical area and dispatch a wide variety of fire departments,” said Samson, also a councillor for the city of Campbell River.

“We pride ourselves on our mapping systems. We have no concerns we’ll be able to provide an excellent, top-rate service for the Peace River.”

Peace River Regional District officials approved the contentious plan to outsource fire dispatch services to the organization last Thursday. The five-year agreement is expected to cost $635,477, and will see North Island 9-1-1 handle fire emergency calls out the Campbell River Fire & Rescue Dispatch Centre instead of the Fort St. John and Dawson Creek fire departments.

North Island 9-1-1 is managed by and serves six regional districts, including Alberni-Clayoquot, Comox Valley, Mt. Waddington, Nanaimo, Powell River, and Strathcona.

It employs 11 dispatchers, with two on duty 24-7, Samson said. It also employs one full-time staffer dedicated to keeping its mapping systems updated, and another full-time staffer to handle its communications and power infrastructure.

Bryan Pearson, deputy secretary for North Island 9-1-1 and senior IT manager for the Comox Valley Regional District, said the organization’s 911 system is able to pinpoint the location of calls either through address databases for landlines, or through the XY co-ordinates provided by GPS through cellphones.

“We still ask that person to verify their location, because depending on how many cell towers the phone is being picked up by, it will … impact your exact location,” he said.

“It may change it from 100 metres in some areas, or, if you’re in deep forest cover, it could be larger than that. If you’re in a wide open area with direct view to the sky and the GPS satellite system, you can be down to metres or even centimetre accuracy.

“We can’t control that, so dispatchers will always ask for you to provide some set of locational information so what they see on the mapping screen as your position that they have a good feeling that’s where the location is,” he said.

The system has been using GPS-based phone locational information for the last six years, Pearson said. A full-time mapper is tasked with layering the system with kilometre markers on roads, significant landmarks, and colloquial names used to describe areas. They also collect new building and road information, as well as aerial photography from the regional districts, while updating the system monthly with digital road atlas data provided by the province.

The organization will work with the PRRD and local fire departments to add as much data to its mapping system that it can, Pearson said.

“We tend to go after all the resources we can to get the picture that we need in order to provide good locational information to our dispatchers,” he said.

‘A JOB AHEAD OF THEM’ Still, Fort St. John Fire Chief Fred Burrows is worried how dispatching services will transition between his department and North Island 9-1-1, from interfacing technology between the two agencies, to ensuring the company understands the intricacies of his department’s response area.

“They have to get their heads around the fact there’s a lot of of landscape between here and where we meet up with Fort Nelson, all the resource roads, farm roads, even some of the ranches that go back into there,” he said.

“They really will, I believe, have a job ahead of them.”

The department receives calls from people based on ranch locations, road markers, and other local identifiers, he said.

STRATHCONA REGIONAL DISTRICT

Larry Samson, president, North Island 9-1-1

“If you know where a ranch or a road location is, then you can ask the right questions so that person can find exactly where they’re going,” he said.

“But if you just take a call out of the blue and it tells you it’s the white rock at Goodlow and then go four kilometres north and three kilometres west, they don’t know the right questions to ask around that information. That’s going to be the struggle, I believe, for us.”

The City of Fort St. John submitted a bid to provide fire dispatch for the 11 fire departments in the Peace Region, a move Burrows said would have saved the regional district more than $1 million over five years as it would have no longer paid the Dawson Creek department for dispatch services. The two departments are currently reimbursed the equivalent of two full-time first-year firefighters to provide the service.

“There was all sorts of discussion around tax increases but that wasn’t true,” Burrows said.

The Fort St. John department has invested more than $1 million in its dispatching services over the last decade, Burrows said, including a dispatch centre built to meet National Fire Protection Association standards in its new fire hall, complete in 2013.

That includes being able to transmit call data directly into the department’s fire trucks, while the dispatch centre is self-sufficient with its own standby power and HVAC system in the event of emergencies, Burrows said. The centre is staffed each day by one of the department’s trained firefighters, he added.

“We put a lot of effort into that room and cost, never knowing in the back of the regional district’s mind that this was going to happen in the future,” he said.

“When you put a dispatch room and then you put the technology into that, we’re way over over a million dollars in expenditure to make sure we provide best possible dispatch service to the residents of the North Peace.

“The technology was to our benefit, and other departments in the region were able to experience benefits from our expenditure and technology advancement,” he said.

Nevertheless, Burrows expects a professional and courteous transition when the dispatch services move over, and will share any information if needed.

“Ultimately we’re still receiving calls for our community. It’s going to be important that a) everything goes well and b) we’re looking out for our residents at the same time,” he said.

OFFICIALS INVITED FOR TOUR Samson said North Island 9-1-1 bid on the contract as it has the staffing capacity to handle calls from Peace River—roughly 2,000 calls per year— and noted technology advancements are leading to the centralization of dispatching services.

“Rather than these smaller dispatch centres, you’re starting to see them become more of a regional dispatch centre,” he said.

“Peace River, granted, is on the northern end, but the technology that we have now is such that we could be dispatched from Houston, Texas, or dispatched from anywhere, and the technology is there to allow us to do it.”

He invited regional officials for a tour of his dispatch centre to understand its capabilities and alleviate concerns.

“I think it’s important for board members who have questions to come and see our dispatch centre,” he told CBC News.

“I invite them to come down, have a look at our dispatch centre, have a look at our mapping system, so we can show how top-notch it is.”

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A5

LOCAL NEWS

Drilling activity could rise with AltaGas propane plans A propane export terminal on B.C.’s West Coast will give producers new access to world markets, but an industry group says it’s too early to say what impact the project will have on Northeast B.C. On Jan. 3, AltaGas announced its plan to build a $450-$500 million propane export terminal on Ridley Island near Prince Rupert— the first such facility on Canada’s Pacific coast.

Half of the 1.2 million annual tonnes of propane will be sourced from AltaGas’s Townsend facility north of Fort St. John, which the company announced it was upgrading late last year.

“Talking to the producers, things are kind of getting landlocked up there in the northeast, so anything that provides another outlet for one of their commodities is a huge advantage,” said Dan Woznow, AltaGas vice president of energy exports.

“This is one portion of the gas,

the propane, but if (producers) can get a higher value for that, that may open up other opportunities for drilling in the upstream.”

The Ridley Island facility will be just ten days from Asian markets, compared to 25 days from competing facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast. AltaGas operates a similar propane export facility in Ferndale, WA. While the terminal, will provide an outlet for Northeast B.C. propane, Energy Services B.C. Executive Director Art Jarvis said it was too early to

Site C workforce 36% local in November There were nearly 1,800 workers on the Site C dam project last November, with 36 per cent of them living in the Peace Region, according to BC Hydro’s latest employment numbers.

According to the utility’s November 2016 employment report released Tuesday, there were a total of 1,796 workers on the project that month, with 648 of them listed as Peace River Regional District primary residents.

Of the dam’s workforce, 1,382 were employed as construction and non-construction contractors, including the 648 locals who amount to 47 per cent of that workforce.

In addition, BC Hydro said there were 120 workers employed by subcontractors on the dam.

The dam employed 414 engineers and project team members in November.

Overall, BC Hydro says 1,471 workers on the dam

are from British Columbia, or 82 per cent of the overall workforce.

There were no temporary foreign workers on the project in November, according to BC Hydro, and there were 26 managers working through the federal International Mobility Program.

A total of nineteen apprentices were employed in November.

—Staff

ALL SMILES HERE

market is doing and where the price is going.”

Local leaders have stressed the need to find other outlets for the regions natural gas and other commodities should the province’s liquefied natural gas plans stall. AltaGas decided to shelve its Douglas Channel LNG project last year due to low prices.

Construction on the Ridley Island facility is expected to start this year. It will create 200 to 250 construction jobs, as well as 40 to 50 permanent jobs.

say what impact the facility will have on the region.

The facility will be supplied by rail and road instead of a fixed pipeline, meaning AltaGas will source the remainder of its product wherever it can get the best price.

“It’ll be all about price, wherever they can buy that propane the cheapest,” said Jarvis, whose organization represents energy industry contractors in Northeast B.C. “As for local impact, we won’t see that until we see what the

20

%

off

all

products

Haircut and foils or color on regular length hair

$99

*

* Extra for long hair and special is with select stylists.

R0011361875

JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

Open Late Wed, Thurs & Fri till 8pm Gift Certificates Available 10442 100 Street 250-787-1552 www.hairbin.com

10440 100 Street, 250-787-1553 www.hbhealthspa.com

“Best Salon & Best Spa” 2016

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 60 (Peace River North) KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR THE 2017/2018 YEAR All Peace River North Elementary Schools are now accepting Kindergarten Student Registrations • Children who will be five (5) years of age by December 31, 2017 are eligible for registration in Kindergarten at their local schools.

• Registration for Kindergarten students for the 2017/2018 school year will take place in all Elementary Schools during regular school hours.

• Please register directly at your home school. If you are uncertain of the school boundaries (catchment areas) please contact the nearest school. To maximize the opportunity that your child will be accommodated at your local school it is strongly recommended that you register at your earliest convenience.

• French Immersion Kindergarten Is available at École Central Elementary School of the Arts only.

Please call the school (250-785-4511) for further information regarding the French Immersion program. For students entering Grade One, French Immersion is also a possibility at Ecole Central depending on space.

• Busing will be provided for rural Kindergarten programs. Availability and times vary from school to school so please call your school for the appropriate details.

If you have further questions, please contact Mr. Stephen Petrucci, Assistant Superintendent at (250) 262-6017.

Have News ???

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Taylor DeVos and classmate Rachel Leung dropped by city hall on Jan. 16 to give councillors a much-needed break from budget discussions, and filmed them as part of a digital media assignment. DeVos and Leung are showcasing Fort St. John in music video, set to the song Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.

email Us news@ahnfsj.ca

If you are injured, choose the right legal team.

Our experience, expertise and past results give you the confidence to focus on your recovery while we focus on your claim.

Ryan Irving

Max Russmann

Leah Volkers Amelia Martin

Allyson Edwards

R0011355731

James Cotter

Contingency fees available—no recovery, no fees. WE DO NOT ACT FOR ICBC. Contact us for your free, no obligation personal injury consultation.

Tel: 250-785-5252 • Tf: 1-800-243-5353

www.nixonwenger.com

Michael Yawney

TRUSTED. RESULTS.

R0011363898

PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILD’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE And PROOF OF RESIDENCE

A6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Opinion

CONTACT US MATT PREPROST 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

by Glacier Media Tel: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522 Online at alaskahighwaynews.ca

regional manager

William Julian wj@ahnfsj.ca

managing editor

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

reporter

Aleisha Hendry ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

sports reporter

Scott Donovan sports@ahnfsj.ca

sales manager

Ryan Wallace rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

sales associate

Brenda Piper

bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

circulation manager

Lynn Novack

circulation@ahnfsj.ca

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Send your letters to: editor@ahnfsj.ca Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters must be accompanied by a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) and your full name.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel.

Please keep letters under 600 words. We ask that submissions protest the policy - not the person.

Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of the Alaska Highway News.

NATIONAL NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL The Alaska Highway News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour.

If you have concerns about editorial content, please let us know first. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES The Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories and photography produced by staff.

Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms.

Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

Second class mail registration No. 0167

Fire dispatch talks blazing front and centre

A

s the Peace River Regional District has entered a five year agreement with a Vancouver Island-based service provider, many in the region are accusing the talking heads of, perhaps, burning down the house.

Last week, PRRD board members voted 7-5 to enter a five-year agreement with North Island 9-1-1. The agreement, which will see the group provide fire dispatching to the entire region, is expected to cost $635,000-plus. Since then, the air has been ablaze with fire dispatch discussions. It seems the issue has inflamed people, and sparked debate.

Once those familiar tones come across the radio, and if you are you’re there fast enough, you may find yourself in the driver’s seat of a fire engine or rescue unit. If you are slower in response, perhaps you can make the second truck.

In the time it takes for trucks to roll, communication is happening and a fast response of any kind falls apart when dispatch doesn’t know the area, or can’t direct responders to the actual location of an incident.

There are all kinds of stories. The address could be heard wrong, transposed wrong, or, in the 21st century, technology simply gets it wrong. In the end it is still the same: wrong.

Perhaps the error is simple like Fourth Avenue West is actually Fourth Avenue East.

Perhaps it is Old Lake Road versus Lake Road, and the two are an hour apart.

I was once on an engine dispatched to 48th Avenue. Every firefighter on the rig knew there was no such street, or address on it in the city. Our department, a fire department in the wrong city was dispatched.

I’ve watched someone faint in a public park, called 911 and proceeded to watch the ambulance circle the park for 10 minutes as the driver clearly had no idea the road he needed to drive down to access the park.

There are all kinds of stories.

The address could be heard wrong, transposed wrong, or, in the 21st century, technology simply gets it wrong. In the end it is still the same: wrong.

Good thing the call wasn’t serious, but no one knew that at the time.

Fanning the flames. It doesn’t matter how detailed the street and rural maps and other municipal-specific information, or schematics of locations of schools, community centres, floor plans are at a dispatcher’s fingertips, things fall through the cracks. Local landmarks, colloquial terms and/or directions that are local customs will not be picked up from dispatch services area located on the other side of a mountain range, over some the Pacific Ocean and onto an island.

Fort St. John Councillor and PRRD Director Byron Stewart spoke on the colloquial.

Know the difference between the Kiskatinaw Bridge and the old one? Many just don’t know there is an original curved one. It happens with over a century of change as those with institutional knowledge changes and (sounding old here) the Google Map App on the iPhone is just plain wrong.

Gathering steam. I remember a call about an accident on the TransCanada Hwy. There the direction is easy: either drive north or south of the city. However, when one particular call came in, the information relayed from dispatch was immediately recognizable, even though dispatch didn’t have a hot clue what the colloquial terminology meant.

“The accident is just south of the ‘Million dollar cr#!!er …?...,’” was what was relayed very questioningly, but every firefighter on the truck, or listening on the radio, knew im-

mediately, and precisely, where the accident was located.

As to the process of the decision made—I understand being in camera and behind closed doors for negotiations. However, what seems to get the public red-hot on this is the closed-door nature of the decision.

This subject should have been blazing front and centre, burning in a public discussion forum from the get go.

Look, the fact is the fire puns are hard to extinguish. Regardless of how the decision was made, dispatch services being farmed out is not uncommon. Many communities in the U.S. are in the midst of this battle right now. Hoopeston, Illinois, is in the middle of a fight to get their local dispatch service.

While the town had their own service for 911 and non-emergency calls for years, since September services are provided from outside of the community and many are sounding off.

This is also not new, nor revelatory business for the Peace Region. 911 is farmed out of Prince George RCMP. Kamloops takes calls for BC Ambulance in this area. E-Comm will take over initial 911 calls from PG, who currently forward fire calls to Dawson Creek fire departments. Last week’s decision means E-Comm will forward fire calls to North Island 911, which will then dispatch local fire departments.

During the scorching PPRD inferno/fracas on Thursday, Chetwynd Mayor Merlin Nichols cast a two-fold spell during the debate…

“I don’t have confidence in North Island helping us with a crisis when they have a crisis of their own,” he said.

“I don’t think a Fort St. John dispatcher has anymore knowledge of Chetwynd than anyone else.”

—Rob Brown is the managing editor of the Dawson Creek Mirror and a former volunteer firefighter in rural Alberta.

Community chatter (PRRD approves outsourcing fire dispatch services, alaskahighwaynews.ca, Jan. 12) “Guarantee there will be screw ups just like when ambulance services changed, there are problems with them, police, hydro when trying to get directions already, so now can add fire to that, very angry about this.”

— Malcolm Dutchak, via Facebook “The firemen are against it that it will cost lives. Save a few bucks lose a few lives. Glad they care about our lives over the cost.”

—Amanda Botbijl, via Facebook “With all the wildfires we had this past season you would think they’d prioritize better” —Tamera Thomas, via Facebook “We want names, who voted this through,

I know who didn’t but put the other names out there. I’m sure they will NOT be elected again. Instead of going forward, we always seem like we are going backwards, shame on you!”

—Wendy Perreault, Via Facebook “It’s all dollars and no sense!”

—George Deigh, via Facebook “Very bad decision shame on you time for new directors of prrd” —Donald Pepper, via Facebook “This is a very bad move. Could be disastrous!!”

—Margaret Scanlon, via Facebook “Saving money at the expense of the people.”

—Eva Beaton

“This is disgusting!!! Cannot hardly wait for election time.”

—Tammy Gregoire, via Facebook “They do not know where places are and seem to think most of the area is in Alberta!

Needs to be dispatched locally!”

—Suzanne Fuller, via Facebook “Given the frequency of power outages on Vancouver Island, and also the potential for earthquakes, I hope the new dispatch centre has power back up for emergencies.”

—A Cartwright, alaskahighwaynews.ca “That will be fantastic when the only road they know will be the Alaska Highway. There had to be other ways to save 300K per year.”

—“Rusty”, via alaskahighwaynews.ca

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A7

LOCAL NEWS

PRRD to release fire dispatch documents, chair says JONNY WAKEFIELD & MATT PREPROST reporter@dcdn.ca, editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) will release documents related to a closeddoor decision to outsource fire dispatch services at its next meeting.

On Jan. 12, the PRRD publicly confirmed its decision to enter a fire dispatch services contract with North Island 9-1-1 after an hour of heated debate.

The new contract will see fire dispatch services moved to Vancouver Island. Some worry the out of town operators won’t have the local knowledge to dispatch fire crews to remote areas, putting lives and property at risk.

Fort St. John, Taylor, Pouce

Coupe and Tumbler Ridge voted against the proposal, saying it would cost local jobs and endanger public safety.

The region received three responses in its request for a new fire dispatcher last year— including North Island, Fort St. John and E-Comm.

The board approved the five-year, $635,477 contract with the Vancouver Islandbased company at a closed meeting Dec. 9, but publicly endorsed the decision last week. Supporters say the new contract will come at a significant costs savings.

In an interview with the CBC, Board Chair and Area C Director Brad Sperling said documents set to be released at the next board meeting will show why the board opted

against the local proposal.

“Once those reports are public, which should be by the next meeting, I can show exactly where my concerns were, but between now and when those reports are made public, it would just be hearsay,” he said.

“I had no problem with Fort St. John’s bid with their price point—I had concerns with some of their levels of service and safety and those questions couldn’t be answered for me.”

The district’s current policy is to discuss contract negotiations privately and confirm any decision in a public meeting.

MAYOR DEFENDS FIREFIGHTERS The City of Fort St. John fired back at Sperling, noting

in a statement that Sperling’s comments were the first time concerns over the city’s service and safety levels were raised.

The city cited a 2013 report that found 95 per cent of alarm calls were answered within seven seconds and that 99 per cent of alarms were answered within eight seconds.

“I would like to express council’s pride in our fire department,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said in a statement.

“These dedicated and professional people go above and beyond to ensure our safety. I am very disheartened and disappointed that a decision based on dollars is now being defended at the expense of the reputation of these dedicated people.”

The city said its bid to the

PRRD to provide fire dispatch services for the entire region amounted to a $140,000 difference per year. Over five years, that places the city’s bid at roughly $1.3 million.

Fort St. John Coun. Byron Stewart criticized the board’s move to make the decision at a closed meeting.

“This resolution was made in a closed meeting, which meant we as a board of directors could not discuss (this) with our constituents,” Stewart said Jan. 12. The union that represents fire fighters in Fort St. John also came out against the proposal.

Shortly after the vote, Sperling moved to release the documents in the consent calendar of the next meeting.

That meeting is set for Jan. 26.

Hudson’s Hope ready to celebrate old man winter TOM SUMMER For the Alaska Highway News

Originally from Valemount, Emily Nusse is a relative newcomer to Hudson’s Hope, but the similarities shared by the small towns have made her feel at home.

Nusse brings more than five years of experience in the recreation and hospitality industry, making her a natural fit as the new community events co-ordinator for the district.

Nusse also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Recreation Management from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and has demonstrated great passion for the outdoors in her work as ski instructor at Red Mountain Resort.

“These events are important because they create a sense of community pride amongst residents and participants,” said Nusse, who’s organizing the district’s winter carnival this year.

“They remind everyone that for such a small community we have an array of activities and recreation opportunities available. It’s a great way to showcase to visitors and people considering to move to Hudson’s Hope that this community is a fun place to live with a great quality of life.”

This year will mark the eighth annual Winter Carnival, a community event created in late 2009 by Nusse’s predecessor, Greta Goddard. Goddard is a longtime resident of Hudson’s Hope, having taught at Hudson’s Hope School for many years, as well as running her own fitness program.

The first Winter Carnival was inspired by the spirit of the Olympic games, complete with a torch relay.

“It really grew and grew, over the years. So much participation from the public, and support from local businesses. The event speaks loudly to the character of the incredible community here in Hudson’s Hope,”

Goddard said.

Carrying on the tradition, Nusse has called on local talent to help create some new additions, alongside previous favourites. These include a Bollywood-style dance class, and a public belay demonstration of the newly-installed climbing wall at Hudson’s Hope School.

The eight-day celebration starts Jan. 28 and finishes on Feb. 4.

Day 1 will begin with an opening ceremony, followed by a hockey game with the Minor Hockey league, and finish with activities at the Snowed Inn Cafe at the Pearkes Centre.

Day 2 is a ski day, with the public encouraged to come check out the slopes at the Hudson’s Hope Ski Hill.

In addition, figure skating and dance shows will be on display at Hudson’s Hope Arena.

Day 3 will see a Snow Day of activities at Cameron Lake, and curling hosted by the Curling Club at the curling arena.

Day 4 features story time at the Hudson’s Hope Public Library, snowshoeing at Hudson’s Hope Arena, and drop-in classes for kids, teens, and adults; hosted by Northern Rockies Karate.

Day 5 is bingo at the New Horizons Senior’s Club, and the abovementioned Bollywood-style dance class.

Day 6 celebrates fitness with local gym Fit for Life at the Pearkes Centre.

Cross-country skiing will also be offered at the Hudson’s Hope Arena.

Day 7 enjoys a change of scenery with games, sleigh rides, and outdoor skating at the Beryl Prairie Fire Hall.

Day 8 saves the newest attraction for last: the climbing wall at Hudson’s Hope School. The Recreation Society is also hosting their Adventure Zone at the Pearkes Centre. The celebration will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring a dinner social and quick auction.

TOM SUMMER PHOTO

Volunteer Amber Booker (left) and events co-ordinator Emily Nusse are gearing up for Hudson’s Hope’s eighth annual Winter Carnival, set to begin Jan. 28.

Make KPMG your next career move KPMG in Fort St. John is currently looking for an Senior Audit Accountant to provide audit and accounting services in the owner managed enterprise sector.

What you bring to the role: You possess a combination of a CPA designation and public accounting firm experience of at least two years. Your experience includes completing audits, reviews and preparing notice to reader working paper files, preparation of financial statements and corporate tax returns. You are a detail oriented

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.

team player who boasts excellent communication skills and Imagine your family is anywhere in the world! Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online.

have established and maintained strong client relationships.

So, why choose KPMG? Learn more and apply at kpmg.ca/careers.

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

© 2017 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (”KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Coming Soon:

Rotary Online Auction March 11-19, 2017 Bidding Starts March 11 To Donate items or Services: contact info@dcrotary.ca or 250-719-1674

www.dcrotary.ca

A8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

R0011352332

LOCAL NEWS

GLASS HOUSE FIR PELLETS, SPF PELLETS & STOVES

AUTO GLASS

in stock

R0011212976

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

Vehicle incidents at Site C minor, common on wintertime sites, WorkSafeBC says JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

2 Bedroom & 2 Bathroom Condos

279,900

Give yourself the gift of travel! Receive a

$2000 TRAVEL VOUCHER when you purchase a Signature Pointe condo

Show Home Hours Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 4pm #101 11205 105th Ave. Fort St. John, BC

Kevin Pearson | 250.787.6737 Personal Real Estate Corporation

PRICE INCLUDES:

• GST • 2 Parking Stalls with Power • Modern Gym • Games Room with Pool Table, TV & Lounge Area • Storage Lockers • Quartz Countertops • Stainless Steel Appliances & Blinds • In-floor Heating • 9’ Ceilings • Views of Country Hills • Across from Man-made Lake & Walking Trails

R0011327985

STARTING AT $

B.C.’s worker safety regulator says a series of vehicle incidents that led to a brief shutdown at the Site C dam worksite last week were minor and relatively common on wintertime construction sites.

WorkSafeBC officials confirmed Jan. 10 that they were aware of “several incidents that have occurred recently” at the dam site, involving rock trucks, heavy earth haulers and an excavator.

BC Hydro briefly paused work on the North Bank of the Peace River last week after what a spokesperson called a “series of minor vehicle incidents.” Work resumed later that day.

In an email, WorkSafeBC spokesperson Erica Simpson said BC Hydro was not required to report the incidents under the Workers Compensation Act. “All were minor in scope and none involved any worker injuries,” WorkSafeBC spokesperson Erica Simpson said in an email. “These incidents took place over a period of time and none were immediately reportable to WorkSafeBC.” Employers are required to report incidents that involve serious injury or death of a worker, a major

structural failure, release of a hazardous substance, or fires and explosions. None of the incidents in question met those descriptions, Simpson said.

In winter and extreme cold conditions, equipment and vehicles often experience issues such as loss of traction, slipping off a road, sliding/ skidding,” she wrote. “If an incident is minor in scope– not uncommon on a large civil construction project of this size and scope–it is not necessarily immediately reportable to (WorkSafe).”

“As with all projects of this scope and size, our officers inspect on a regular basis looking at health and safety program issues and operational compliance with health and safety during various phases of the construction process.”

Site C is an $8.8 billion hydroelectric project on the Peace River near Fort St. John.

It is expected to flood around 83 kilometres of the Peace River Valley, and is among the largest infrastructure projects in B.C. history.

According to the project’s first annual report, there have been no serious injuries or fatalities on site. Contractors and employees have filed 194 “near miss” reports, 82 equipment or property damage reports and recorded three “lost time” incidents.

Elizabeth Chi | 778.256.2888 Personal Real Estate Corporation

Visit our virtual tour at www.signaturepointe.ca

Kevin Pearson

kevin@kevinpearson.ca www.kevinpearson.ca

250.787.6737

Personal Real Estate Corporation

IMPOSTORSYNDROME.COM

Dr. Valerie Young will be the lead keynote at the 2017 Spark conference.

Looking to expand your Business?

Doc to talk imposter syndrome Check these great options... at upcoming Spark conference 12627 Charlie Lake Frontage

This 12,360 sq ft office & shop, with shipping/receiving area,is located on 4.88 acres of I-1 zoned property in Charlie Lake. Great highway frontage. Office features office space, reception area, lunch room, 2 washrooms plus a 3 piece washroom for shop area. The 12’ ft ceilings offer light and space for your clients and employees. The impressive shop boasts 20 ft ceilings, 3 phase 600 amp electrical, radiant heaters with fans. Doors are 16x19 with 20x30 concrete apron, and 16 X 16.

You will also enjoy the 480 sq ft receiving area.

More info at www.century21.ca/101116277

$2,990,000

9801 Swanson St

Great opportunity on this light industrial zoned property.

Ideal location offers excellent accessibility and exposure for your business, just off the Airport Road, and minutes to town and hwy. With large home and shop this is perfect for crew housing or home based business. The 3840 sq ft shop is in pristine condition and features 20`ceilings, and 11 X 24 Mezzanine. 2668 sq ft home waiting for you! Boasting 7 bdrms, 2.5 bth, and a fantastic enclosed patio/ hot tub room

More info at www.century21.ca/101200315

$2,475,000

10215 Beaver Road

In city limits, this 0.89 acre C3 zoned property is perfect for your business. There 2835 sq ft shop has 2 12’ doors. Blocks to the Alaska Hwy, this property offers easy access for you and your associates. Loads of potential.

More info at www.century21.ca/101198621

$499,000

14924 Stoddart Creek Road

Wonderful opportunity to own a like-new home, phenomenal shop all on 160 acres on Stoddart Creek Road. Built in 2014, this 1700 sq ft home features 3 bdrms, and 2 bths,.

The custom built home boasts high end finishes including triple pane windows, in floor heat throughout, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, Electrolux Appliances with induction oven, HRV heat exchanger, and ensuite bath in Master bdrm, with Airtub and custom shower.

More info at www.century21.ca/101129362ww

$1,500,000

Dr. Valerie Young has been announced as the lead keynote speaker for the upcoming Spark Women’s Leadership Conference in May. The conference takes play at the Pomeroy Hotel in Fort St. John May 16 and 17, and will centre around the theme ‘Inspired by Tough.’

Young, an internationally known speaker and writer, will give attendees a presentation on overcoming the so-called “imposter syndrome.”

Young authored the award-

winning book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It, and has become a leading expert in confidence building.

Young has shared her advice to thousands across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, conference organizers say.

Registration for the conference opens in February.

For more, visit sharingthespark.com —Staff

Chocolate festival reimagined as date night for couples Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Peace Arts Gallery Society’s annual celebration of chocolate is getting a face-lift this year.

The usual Chocolate Festival has been re-imagined as an adult-oriented evening called Fire & Ice: An Event in Chocolate.

The event will feature chocol-

ate sampling from professional bakers, a bar with chocolate inspired drinks, and a silent auction with plenty of goodies for that special someone.

Fire & Ice takes place Feb. 11 at the North Peace Cultural Centre. For more information, call 250-785-1992.

— Staff

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A9

Business

MATT PREPROST 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

- Trevor Zahara

The playground tycoon Designer of the new playground in the Fort St. John McDonald’s has ties to region ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

You never know when a Swiss army knife will come in handy.

When the giant novelty scissors wouldn’t cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Fort St. John McDonald’s new playground, Trevor Zahara saved the day by pulling out his Swiss army knife and getting the job done.

Zahara is the president of Peak Play Environments, the company responsible for the new playground, and was on hand for the opening.

“It is wonderful coming back to this community and having roots here and seeing the family values and community values that (owner Bryan Boresky) brings to the table is a stellar example for anyone in business,” he said.

So how does one become a playground tycoon?

Zahara grew up on a homestead on the banks of where the Smokey River meets the Peace River in Alberta, but he spent his fair share of time in the B.C. Peace Region.

As his grandparents owned the North Pine General Store, he and his family spent a lot of time in the region.

“I remember crawling around as a kid in the basement around the inventory that was left over after the store shut down and seeing the gas pump outside,” said Zahara.

In the mid-1980s, Zahara was working at a treatment facility for emotionally disturbed children and making toys and furniture out of wood as a hobby, when he was asked if he could build a backyard playground for a local family.

From there, the idea was planted. In the summers, he worked on designing and building playgrounds, and would work doing commercial renovations in the winters.

It wasn’t until 1995, when his company landed the contract to supply McDonald’s with playgrounds that Zahara became a full-time playground provider.

He’s responsible for all the restaurant’s playgrounds in Western Canada and has opened playgrounds all over the world.

He attributes his drive and focus to his experiences growing up.

“I grew up on a farm where you have to be smart about your expenditures and where you focus your enterprise—I learned a fantastic work ethic there and I bring that to what I do today.”

Zahara has worked with Boresky for the last 15 years, in both his Fort St. John and Dawson Creek locations, and has always been impressed with his commitment to the community.

Want to learn more about Rotary?

Join Us!

Club of Dawson Creek

Rotary ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Trevor Zahara, president of Peak Play Environments, designed the new playground in the Fort St. John McDonald’s.

“He pushes the envelope on what he pushes in the community because he supports the community and the community supports him, and that’s very good for my business.”

Zahara is a strong believer in an active lifestyle, which is what a playground essentially stands for.

He noted that while he worked on installation of the FSJ playplace, he witnessed parents and grandparents leading children through the structure, which he was pleased to see.

“It engages the family to participate together and engage in physical movement,” he said, which can lead to “confidence building and growth and agility and strength. For the family that can engage their children in those types of activities, you can’t go wrong.”

Zahara feels movement is important for everyone at all stages of life.

“I think movement is so crucial for us.

You know if you’re pondering one of the challenges we face in life, go for a walk.

Get some movement, get some exercise, and I think that offers an opportunity for being positive.”

Doig River sees $144K for pipeline, wildlife programs

Tuesdays at NOON at the George Dawson Inn or ROTARY CLUB OF DAWSON CREEK

e s i r “Service n u S Above Self”

Fridays at 7:00am at the Dawson Creek Curling Club

Imagine your family is anywhere in the world!

Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online.

How do you learn as a family?

Tell us: #FamilyLiteracyDay

fl

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

REGISTER NOW for

Trades & Apprenticeships INTAKE START DATES January to May 2017

BOARD OF GOVERNORS NLC’s Board of Governors is empowered by the College and Institute Act of British Columbia to manage, administer, and direct the affairs of the College.

If you would like more information on the activities or decisions of the Board or to view Board meeting minutes, go to the College website at nlc.bc.ca, visit your local campus library to view a paper copy, or request a copy from your local Campus Administrator.

Automotive Service Technician Level 2

Feb. 20

Carpentry Level 3

Feb. 27

Electrical Foundation

Feb. 6

Oil and Gas Field Operations

Feb. 6

Plumber Level 3 Professional Cook Level 1

Feb. 6

Professional Cook Level 2

Mar. 20

Welding Apprenticeship

Jan. 30

April to June 2017 Automotive Service Technician Level 3

Apr. 18

Carpentry Level 4

May 8

Plumber Level 4

Apr. 24

Welding Apprenticeship

1-866-463-6652 nlc.bc.ca

Feb. 20

May 1

Register online at nlc.bc.ca through the Apply Now link, email study@nlc.bc.ca or call 1-866-INFO-NLC to speak with Campus Services

371/17.01.19-AHN/MIRROR-B0D-L

The province is contributing $144,000 in funding to train members of the Doig River First Nation in pipeline craftsmanship and wildlife monitoring.

The funds have already helped trained 10 members in pipeline craftsmanship, with eight employed with Surerus Pipeline on the $235-million Plateau pipeline project, according to the province.

“This community-based skills training project is successfully connecting Doig River First Nations members to good jobs in the resource sector and helping to build a better future for all of us,” Doig River Chief Trevor Makahaday said in a statement.

The training programs will support 21 Doig members, according the province. The pipeline training is conducted in Fort St. John by Ready4Work Industry Training, while the University of Northern British Columbia will lead the wildlife monitoring certificate program in the Doig community.

The funding is being provided through the province’s $30-million Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund.

—Staff

“If you’re pondering one of the challenges we face in life, go for a walk.”

CONTACT US

A10 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

The Year Ahead:

MP Bob Zimmer

at

FORT MOTORS 2014 Ford Explorer Sport

2014 Ford F-150 XLT

Heated/cooled leather, sunroof, b/u camera Stk#n80635

Remote start, Sirius, tonneau cover Stk#N00028

was $34,900

was $28,900

now

$29,900

Ford F150 FX4

now

$26,900

2014 Ford F-150 Platinum

Heated/ cooledleather memory seats, b/u camera Stk#n58404

Heated/cooled leather, sunroof, memory seats Stk#N21572

was $45,900

was $45,900

now

$42,900

2014 Dodge Journey RT

now

$42,900

2014 Chevrolet Traverse LS

Heated seats/ steering wheel, DVD player, sunroof Stk#N99418

P/W, P/L, b/u camera, 3rd row seating Stk#N27721

was $23,900

was $24,900

now

$21,500

2015 Ford Explorer Sport

now

$22,900

2015 Ford Focus S

Remote start, memory seats, b/u camera Stk#N98242

Standard transmission, p/w, p/l Stk#N37491

was $45,900

was $15,900

now

$44,500

2015 Ford Escape SE

now

$14,900

2016 Ford Explorer Sport

Sirius, b/u camera, keyless entry Stk#N51178

Heated/cooled leather and steering wheel, NAV, sunroof Stk#N29577

was $22,900

was $46,900

now

$20,900

now

$43,900

FORT MOTORS 11104 Alaska Road, Fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-6661 | Toll Free: 1800-282-8330 www.fortmotors.ca

Local MP Bob Zimmer has his work cut out for him this year as he and his federal Conservatives continue to press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s feet to the fire, and with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump expected to shake up North American relations.

When the Liberals went against the grain of their political base last year with approvals of Pacific NorthWest LNG and the Trans Mountain and Line 3 pipelines, the moves even caught Zimmer slightly by surprise.

However, he concedes the government can’t simply say no to every resource development project when there are national social programs to fund.

In 2017, Zimmer looks ahead at how Canada will bargain with President Trump, the future leader of his Conservative Party, and reflects on juggling the his work load in Parliament and his family life at home.

before. Before TPP, we actually had different agreements. They were not as wide-ranging as the TPP is, but we’ve traded with those countries and we’ll continue to trade with those countries.

AHN: Your party will be electing a new leader this year, and certainly has an interesting slate of candidate.

What will you be looking for from leadership hopefuls, and what will the next leader need to do in order to be successful in the next election?

BZ: I’ve already said I’m supporting Andrew Scheer.

The reason why is Andrew has always had a message of uniting conservatives, not just conservatives that belong to the party, but conservative people in general. We have different spectrums in different parties, there’s liberal parts that are conservative. I think it’s appealing to those conservatives Alaska Highway News: across the country, and Andrew What was your biggest is committed to that and trying accomplishment as MP in to bring us all together.

2016?

I see Kevin O’Leary as an Bob Zimmer: I think just to interesting addition to the contribute to the yes decision for race. He’ll bring a lot more Pacific NorthWest LNG. I think profile and a lot more attention getting the accelerated capital to the debates. I think that’s cost allowance and getting the something we should look export licence extended, that forward to. I embrace Kevin little contribution to make it coming. I talked to Kevin about a viable project to me was the three weeks ago in Ottawa and most rewarding. We just are had a good conversation with waiting for it to be announced him. Whatever happens at the to proceed, but that’s my biggest end of the day, I think it will be so far. good for the party.

AHN: What was the most surprising moment in Canadian politics for you last year?

BZ: I was surprised to see some of the things going on in the Liberal Party, just how quickly things seemed to return to normal for that particular party, even though I have some friends on that side of the aisle.

But it’s surprising it’s happening this quickly for a prime minister that’s that popular.

Just surprising to see the winds changing that dramatically. The polling numbers are changing.

To see some of the influence and the access fundraisers, etc., the Clinton-esque type campaigning, when we see that on the Canadian side it’s quite alarming. To happen this soon in the new mandate, it was interesting to see.

AHN: What are the priorities for your opposition government in 2017?

BZ: For me, especially from our side, is trade with the new President-elect Trump.

Softwood lumber being one of them, he’s committed to renegotiating TPP and NAFTA. For myself, personally, I’m going to be in Washington late January just to try to meet the new administration, meet key members, and try to have a conversation that Canada is their biggest trading partner and we want to make sure it stays that way.

Most comments the new administration has made has had its focus on Mexico, but the softwood lumber agreement really involves Canada for the large part, and I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

We want to be pre-emptive and get down there and have some good conversations before anything is written in stone.

AHN: Incoming U.S president Donald Trump won’t be signing on to the TPP, effectively killing the deal.

How does this decision impact your work as critic for the AsiaPacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative?

BZ: It’s quite dramatic, but I think Canada is its own country.

We’ll have our own negotiating with those particular countries, Japan and the Asian countries.

We’ve negotiated with them

AHN: What was your proudest personal moment in 2016?

BZ: I still pinch myself that I have this job. Being present for President Obama’s address to Parliament and getting to sit there in Parliament, to be a part of that, to me, it’s one of the privileges and honours of this job. I disagree with President Obama on a lot of things but just to be in that particular role, it’s an honour for me to be there as a representative of Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies.

Part of being a dad and living in Fort St. John, we moved back over the summer, but watching my daughter play on an allgirls hockey team in Fort St. John and watching my son play hockey, he plays at Notre Dame in Saskatchewan, and I say sometimes the best part of my week is getting there Saturday mornings and watching the hockey game with a cup of Tim Hortons.

AHN: What’s one thing you want to try in 2017?

BZ: I say there’s always two kinds of people in Ottawa: those who are really good golfers and those who don’t have time to golf.

I’m the latter, so I’m not really good at personal time. My goal I guess, is personal, but I have so many roles in Ottawa that sometimes you wonder if you’re doing them all effectively. So it’s just to be more effective at each individual role I have. I’ve been Asia-Pacific Gateway critic now for a few months and deputy critic for families, children and social development for a year or more. So there’s different things like that I want to be better at, and that happens as time progresses.

AHN: What’s one book recommendation you have for readers this year?

BZ: Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper by Jody Mitic, that’s the book I’m currently reading. It’s a really great story. It’s our version of American Sniper, I guess, I’d say even better. A good story, and it’s true, and I’ve met Jody and he’s a good guy.

Visit alaskahighwaynews.ca to read more from this interview.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A11

LOCAL NEWS

Eco-cash up for grabs

HOUSE FIRE INVESTIGATED

Schools in Fort St. John still have time to enter for the chance to win cash for new technology.

Ten environmentallyconscious schools from across Canada have the chance to earn $25,000 for sharing their eco-innovations in the Su-

perpower Your School contest through Staples.

Any schools doing projects or initiatives to help the environment are able to enter.

The entry deadline is Jan. 31.

Visit www.staples. ca/environment for more information.

HAVE YOU BEEN FORCED TO SWITCH YOUR MEDICATION? BC PharmaCare has expanded its Reference Drug Program as of December 1, 2016, which means that if you use PharmaCare, your medicine might have been switched with a different product at the pharmacy.

Patients affected by this policy of medication substitution are those who take medication for high blood pressure (hypertension), angina, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn, ulcers, high cholesterol, muscle pain, or arthritis.

Has this policy caused you any issues, have you experienced any medical problems, new or increased costs, or other concerns (i.e., more trips to the doctor/hospital)?

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU.

FORT ST. JOHN FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTO

The City of Fort St John Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 12:23 AM Tuesday morning on the Swanson Lumber Road.

Upon arrival, crews reported a mobile home with heavy smoke and flames coming from the attic. Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the early hours of the morning and extinguished the fire by 3:24 AM. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The premises is currently under 24-hour surveillance.

Our survey is open January 9-28, 2017 from Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Call 604-800-8251 or 1-800-313-0737 www.betterpharmacare.org

U.S. energy market outlook a sobering read in gas country

SPECIAL DELIVERY...

2017 EIA Energy Outlook shows troubling trends for Canadian natural gas

Surging exports and a declining dependence on foreign oil are two trends the Canadian oil and gas industry would welcome—if they were happening here instead of next door.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook, released Jan. 5, instead presents a grim picture for Canadian oil and gas— one where producers are increasingly competing with their largest market.

The report, released Jan. 5, highlights declining foreign imports and steadily growing exports as two of the big trends in U.S. energy. A net importer of energy products since 1953, the U.S. is expected to become a net exporter of energy by 2026 thanks to a major ramp up in hydraulic fracturing.

The amount of oil and gas U.S. customers pipe in from Western Canada is expected to decline through 2040, while Eastern Canada is expected to buy more American natural gas due to its close proximity to the Marcellus Shale.

Meanwhile, U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) exports are expected to surge to more than 10 billion cubic feet a day. The first shipload of American LNG landed

Let’s Art program kicks off Students can stretch their artistic muscles thanks to a new program being launched this month.

Put on by the Peace Arts Gallery Society and the North Peace Cultural Centre, the Let’s Art after-school program will introduce kids aged five to 14 to the arts through the exploration of different mediums.

Students will have sessions with qualified instructors with a variety of artistic backgrounds.

Sessions will run Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 p.m. with different mediums on each day.

Tuesday will focus on 2D work such as drawing, painting, textile and collage. Wednesdays will be 3D art, looking at basic skill development in sculpture.

Fridays will be an open studio where students can finish a project or work on a piece of their own.

For more information, call 250-787-0993.

— Staff

in Japan earlier this month, raising more questions about whether B.C. LNG projects can be competitive in a flooded market.

The report is troubling news for businesses in natural gas producing regions like Northeast B.C., Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathleen Connolly said.

“If the U.S. is our only customer, it’s not looking very positive for us,” she said. ”If we see what they’re talking about in terms of developing reserves in America, they’re not going to need our natural gas.”

Chelsie Klassen, a spokesperson with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said the report isn’t all bad news for the Canadian energy industry.

While the headlines have focused on the U.S. becoming a net exporter of energy, the country will still rely on Canadian crude oil to fuel its economy.

“If you read through the details of the report, what you’ll find is the U.S. will continue to be a net importer of crude oil at seven million barrels per day,” she said.

Klassen added the recent approvals of the Trans Mountain pipeline and Pacific NorthWest LNG would help diversify Canada’s energy markets.

R0011357146

JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

OY! It’s a B ÉAZAR I EL TIMAT R ELÉAZAR WALTE arents: ter P ifer Wal & Jenn Samuelaby’s Weight: B z 8lbs 6o 1” 2 Length: , 11:22am , 2016 Dec. 21 St. John, BC Fort

IRL! It’s a G SIEBERT IA M A IN : AL Parents iebert elli S Bill & N’s Weight: Baby 12oz 6lbs 0cm 5 Length: 7, 1:11pm 201 Jan. 6, owon, BC Won

It’s a GIRL! IYLA VICTORIA TEETER Parents: Desirae Jeannotte & Luke Teeter Baby’s Weight: 6lbs 12oz Length: 51.5cm Dec. 23, 2016, 9:54pm Fort St. John, BC

It’s a BOY! NASH HARTLEY HARVEY COOPER Parents: Chase Cooper & Tanya Bell Baby’s Weight: 5lbs 13oz Length: 19” Jan. 11, 2017, 9:55pm Fort St. John, BC

It’s a BOY! RYKER ARTHUR VAN ESCH Parents: Ryan & Whitney Van Esch Baby’s Weight: 8lbs 8oz Length: 20.5” Dec. 31, 2016, 8:03pm Fort St. John, BC

Drop off or m ail yo ur FRE E b anno unce irth The ment to: High Alaska 9916 way New -98 S s, John t., Fort S t.

V1J 3 T8 or em a il : comp os ahnf e@ sj.ca

It’s a GIRL! LEXI AKYLENKO Parents: Willi & Alexandra Akylenko Baby’s Weight: 7lbs 13oz Length: 50cm Jan. 14, 2017, 6:51am Charlie Lake, BC

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

Northern

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

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

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

Lights Published by the NLC Communications Department January 2017

World-class chefs visit the Professional Cook training class

NLC dancers go viral!

Bhangra in the Snow is a video taken on the Fort posted it to Facebook and YouTube.

St. John Campus and posted to the NLC-International The dancers practiced twice a week for the Facebook page, and viewed over 282,000 times, semester, honing their skills.

“I am honoured to be able to spend time with the with 318 comments by January 12th. The YouTube video received 280,221 views in the last 28 days. The international students,” said Cleo Baker, International video can be viewed on NLC’s Education Program and Student Support Clerk. “It has made my YouTube channel at youtube.com/ This video has been viewed all world a better place. They have watch?v=jU7DZVHMrKs. over the planet, with the most The video also received over worked so hard and are so humble views coming from India.

5,000 shares, and reached media about this. I believe the video is – June Stanley so popular because it shows how news outlets CBC, MooseFM, NLC Web Content Assistant Energetic City and more. much fun we were having.”

The plan is to continue with follow-up videos of “After watching a YouTube video of Bhangra dancing on the East Coast, the dancers thought it Bhangra to highlight the community and region. would be great to make a video showcasing their “The students have already received requests from dancing here at Northern Lights College,” explained a local school to come and dance,” said Handley.

Kathy Handley, Fort St. John Campus Administrator. “While the group didn’t film at -30º, it is still a great “Cleo Baker came up with an idea to Bhangra in example of NLC ‘Doing winter well!’ ” the snow, and that is just what they did! Dance Handley congratulated everyone who made the instructor and business management student Jitesh video possible, especially the International Education Rajan choreographed this dance just for this specific department team, the Fort St. John Campus Student performance.”

Council for supporting these kinds of student After some quick organization and parking lot activities, and the expertise of the Marketing staff for prep by the Facilities staff, the NLC Marketing producing the video. department took some footage, created the video, and Well done everyone!

“

The Professional Cook training class on Dawson Creek Campus was recently visited by two worldclass chefs, invited by NLC Chef Instructor Michael French.

“I had the pleasure of meeting these two guests,” said Rod Cork, Chair of the Trades and Apprenticeships department. “It was great to have these world-class industry representatives come in and work with our students.”

Chef Marton Sipos grew up in Hertfordshire, UK, before working across Europe in pastry kitchens with some of the best in the world.

“I enjoyed coming to Northern Lights College,” said Sipos. “This group of students is really keen and engaged.”

Executive Chef Ken Buckland grew up in Montreal, and worked in various kitchens across Canada before being recruited by Spectra Food Services and Hospitality, and moving to Dawson Creek.

Chef Sipos (second from left) and Chef Buckland (second from right) stand with NLC Professional Cook students and instructors.

A12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

PEACE REGION

COURT DOCKET A look at what happened in Peace Region courts for the week ending Jan. 13. There were no cases up for disposition in Fort Nelson, Hudson’s Hope, Tumbler Ridge or Chetwynd.

Fort St. John Law Courts:

• Rylan Edward Birkbeck (born 1996) was sentenced in Prince George to one year probation with a suspended sentence and assessed $200 in victim surcharges for assault and mischief $5,000 or under and assessed $400 in victim surcharges for four counts of breach of an undertaking or recognizance, committed in Fort St. John.

Dawson Creek Law Courts:

• Michael Bruce Ramstead (born 1992) was handed a suspended sentence, 18 months probation, a 10-year firearms ban, ordered to provide a DNA sample, and assessed a $500 victim surcharge for one count of trafficking a controlled substance, • Braden Douglas Wilson (born 1992) was fined $500 and assessed a $150 victim surcharge for one count of wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

• Wayne Bradley Pizzey (born 1968) was sentenced to 15 days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of breaching a probation order; handed a further 15 days in jail, a three-year driving ban and assessed another $150 in victim surcharges for one count of driving while prohibited and one count of breaching an undertaking or recognizance; and was handed a further 50 days in jail and three-year driving ban, along with another $50 victim surcharge for another count of driving while prohibited/license suspended.

• Matthew Leonard Burke (born 1989) was sentenced to six days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for failure or refusal to provide a breath or blood sample • Robert Franklyn Lafferty (born 1980) was fined $1,500, handed a one-year driving ban, and assessed a $225 victim surcharge for one count of driving while prohibited.

• Glen D. King (born 1989) was handed a $1,500 fine, a $450 victim surcharge and 12 months probation on a charge of assault.

• Anthony S. Bottle (born 1971) was given a $1,000 fine, a $150 victim surcharge and a year’s driving prohibition after being found guilty of the lesser included offence of driving without due care and attention.

• Daniel L. Ryan-Hunter (born 1988) was handed a $500 fine and a $150 victim surcharge on a charge of breach of probation. He was given a conditional sentence of 60 days, a one-year probation order and a $100 victim surcharge on a charge of breach of probation. On a charge of driving while prohibited, RyanHunter received a $1,500 fine, $225 victim surcharge and a 12-month driving prohibition.

• Jesse C. Vandergoes (born 1977) received a zero-day jail sentence and a $100 fine on a charge of breach of probation.

Vandergoes received a $500 fine and a $75 victim surcharge after being found guilty of the lesser included offence of driving without a driver’s licence.

• Cindy J. Belcourt (born 1962) received 12 months probation, a $100 victim surcharge and a 12-month suspended sentence on a charge of theft $5,000 or under.

—Matt Preprost, Jonny Wakefield

NORTHEAST BC REALTY

SASSY HARDT PHOTO

Fort St. John RCMP stationed outside of the Scotiabank in Fort St. John on Jan. 16.

Police seek bank robbery witnesses Police are searching for witnesses to a robbery at the Scotiabank in Fort St. John on Monday.

According to RCMP, a lone man entered the bank around 4:34 p.m. Jan. 16, produced what appeared to be a black handgun, and de-

Specializing in Commercial Real Estate

©2017

blue safety gear outfit.

Police are urging any witnesses who saw the suspect in the area to call the detachment at 250-7878100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

—Staff

Copper stolen from BC Hydro work sites Police are asking for the public’s help to solve a copper wire theft from a BC Hydro site earlier this month.

BC Hydro reported a “substantial” amount of copper wire was stolen from two of its work sites in Fort St. John

on Jan. 5, police say.

The wire was stolen from a site on the Alaska Highway and East Bypass Road, and from another side at the railroad crossing bridge in Baldonnel.

Police believe the theft

took place between Jan. 2 and 5.

Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment at 250-7878100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

—Staff

Police search for trailer, snowmobile thief Fort St. John RCMP are asking for the public’s help to identify a truck believed to be involved in a trailer and snowmobile theft earlier this month.

Police say they recovered the trailer and snowmobile

Jan. 4 after they were found abandoned in a ditch on Todd Road just north of Taylor. The items were returned to their owner, however, police say they were seen around 9 p.m. the previous night hitched to an

unknown truck in the area.

Anyone with information on the truck is asked to call the detachment at 250-7878100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

—Staff

RON RODGERS

Ltd.

Phone 250 785 4115

manded cash from the bank tellers.

The man ran out the back doors and down a back alley past the Salvation Army and may have entered a black SUV-type vehicle, police say.

He was wearing a black balaclava and a two-piece

OWNER / MANAGING BROKER Email: ron@northeastbc.com

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

11+ACRES COMMERCIAL LAND ALONG HIGHWAY

STAND OUT location for mall complex, Hotel, RV park, Auto Dealership, Mixed commercial/residential Development Located at major easterly traffic lit entrance to city with large residential and commercial growth in the area

ASKING $6.5 Million

DEVELOPMENT LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE Fort St John 4.5+ ACRES LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

City services at property line Located just off the highway with paved access to level property

150’x120’Commercial Lot

Asking $1.299 million

Fenced with metal storage on site CORE DOWNTOWN FSJ

MLS® C8009489

Price based on recent appraised value

FOR SALE

Asking $485,000

Located North of the Charlie Lake Scales

31.34 ACRES

NOT IN THE ALR

MLS® C8007129

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL LAND PLUS 3 buildings on site; 4,737sf+/- main office/shop; gas heating and 3 phase power, drinkable well water and plumbing to lagoon system, telephone and great highway exposure 30’x50’ shop; 16’ overhead door, water & power to shop, heated metal clad building 28’x32’ warehouse; o/h radiant heat, mezzanine

Asking $1.58 Million

Call Ron for info or to arrange viewing MLS® C8008471

0.576Acre Commercial Lot corner lot by highly used traffic circle.

Retail Strip Mall, daycare, office...all needed in the area!

Asking $699,000

Loads of water front property along Snider Creek and Blueberry River.

Rail runs through property Access off south from 272 Road (with potential access from Ade Kat Road just off Apsassin West Road and Snider Creek Drive).

With over 930+ acres to develop, the possibilities are endless; trails for hiking, snowmobiling, quads or horses, build your home overlooking the waterfront and enjoy the view, take advantage of season fishing and hunting on your own land.

There is even room to operate your business from here (give the Regional District a call to learn more about the land use regulations for this site).

This is undeveloped land just waiting for someone to make it their home and/or income producing property ASKING $750,000

MLS® 8009724

115+ room motel REDUCED NOW Asking $4.8 Million

50’x122’ Commercial Lot 3,000+sf two story home (circa 1998) attached 2 car garage 5 bedrooms, 4 bath, formal dining & living room divided by 3-faced fireplace, 10 ‘ ceiling in fully finished basement, country setting front porch, PLUS 2,400sf shop with 14’ overhead doors to fit RV and horse trailer parking & second floor space…Fenced acreage with man-made fish pond, horse shelters and pasture, just under 10 acres of land (ALR)

Stripped, fenced & ready for Development Central Downtown FSJ area

Asking $154,900 MLS® N4507275

Development Opportunity

MLS ® C8003641

adjacent Alaska Highway, Building over 44,770sf (22,385sf+/-per floor), plus 18,000+sf public area with existing commercial leases, Business & Liquor Licenses!

OWNER’S MOTIVATED

Owners’ retirement plan is your OPPORTUNITY to take on this well established service business!

FOR SALE 4.455 ACRES Light Industrial

FENCED, NO SERVICES GREAT VISIBILTY AND ACCESS OFF HIGHWAY!

4.5+ acres Commercial Land

MLS® C8006711

MLS® R2089480

Julia Frontage Road Just north intersection of HWY 97 ALASKA HIGHWAY AND HWY 29 TO HUDSON’S HOPE

Shares includes

Will consider all qualified offers - share or asset

NEWLY incorporated into the city boundary

NOW ASKING $695,000

930+ acres LAND FOR SALE adjacent to the Blueberry

MLS® N4506822

Executive Country Home with Potential for Future Development

ASKING $1.48 Million

MLS® C8005117

50’x150’ Commercial Lot Located by new commercial development in downtown FSJ

Asking $139,000 MLS® C8000963

9 truck water delivery with over 25 years of providing a necessary service to the area!

ASKING $1.498 Million Share Purchase MLS® N4507327

Confidentiality agreement required for info

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR COMMERCIAL, RETAIL OR INDUSTRIAL LEASE SPACE, 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.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A13

LOCAL NEWS

The Year Ahead: Area C Director Brad Sperling

SENDING THEIR LOVE

Brad Sperling is a relative newcomer to the Peace River Regional District board, first elected in November 2014 to represent Electoral Area C. But he’s no stranger to the region, having lived in Charlie Lake for 10 years and Fort St. John for 35 years.

Sperling has worked for the past 35 years as a carpenter, building skills sure to come in handy after being elected chair of the PRRD board late last year.

In 2017, Sperling looks ahead at economic diversification, the health of Charlie Lake, and the importance of citizen health in the upcoming provincial election.

AHN: What direction will you be looking to guide the district’s budget deliberations for 2017?

BS: What should be done every year, due diligence. Stop the waste, use it properly for the benefit of the area.

AHN: Electoral Area C withdrew from the North Peace Economic Development Commission in late 2016. What prompted the withdrawal, and what alternative processes/ organizations are in place to coordinate development in the area?

BS: As important as economic development is, you need to have proper and basic services for that growth. My focus is to use those services for the people and businesses that are there now so that we can have proper growth in the future.

AHN: Concerns over the health of Charlie Lake took on renewed prominence in the community last year. What actions will you be pushing the PRRD to take to address the concerns, and what direction would you like to see development take surrounding the lake?

BS: Charlie Lake is healthy, maybe too healthy. By working with the conservation society and FLNRO we will find a balance.

AHN: Fort St. John continues to expand its border, while planning for the North Peace Fringe Area OCP continues to be developed.

What progress on that OCP can residents look forward to in 2017, and how do you see the needs of Fort St. John being balanced with rural residents living in the fringe areas?

BS: The OCP will be completed in 2017. As for balance between the city and Area C, more emphasis will be put on working together and still retaining our identity.

AHN: With a provincial election approaching, what will you be listening for from candidates on the campaign trail?

BS: Issues that concern the district.

Although the economy is always on our minds, I believe the issue surrounding health care in this area is still #1.

ZER0 FORT CITY

CHRYSLER

%

EVENT NEW 2016 DODGE JOURNEY CVP 25,584

was $

21,989

21,998

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523

156

$

/BW

SK# 16J414

*0% to 84 months on SXT and higher models

30,989

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

108

$

*0% for up to 84 months

NEW JEEP WRANGLER SPORT 4X4 2DR was $

NOW

16,998

$

$

from

NEW 2016 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT MANUAL was $

NOW

NOW

20,989

was $

27,998

SK#16PA70

NEW 2016 DODGE DART SE MANUAL NOW

$

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

23,998

188

$

169

$

SK# 16W296

*0% available up to 72 months

SK#16D15

*0% for 36 months and up to 84 on SXT and higher models

NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS ON IN-STOCK REMAINING 2016’S NEW JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 28,339

was $

NEW 2016 CHRYSLER 200 LX

NOW

25,998

$

23,998

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from

163

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

169

$

/BW

*0% available for up to 48 months and 84 months on North and higher models

SK#16CK19

NEW 2016 RAM 1500 REG CAB 35,714

was $

33,704

was $

24,998

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

177

$

SK#16R318

NEW 2016 DODGE CHARGER R/T “SCAT RACING PACK” 65,664

NOW

29,998 $ 208

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

was $

NOW

NEW DODGE GR CARAVAN CVP 31,339

was $

56,998

NOW

$

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

+ TAXES AND FEES of $523 from /BW

23,998

$

*0% to 84 months

FORT CITY

SK#16JR426

*0% for up to 60 months and 84 months on North and higher models

$

363

SK#16TW334

*0% for 36 months and up to 84 on SXT and higher models

NEW 2016 JEEP RENEGADE SPORT 4X4

NOW

Price Leader

NOW

28,989

was $

$

fill

R0011361584

Brad Sperling: Diversify and retain our industries. With the uncertainty of LNG, we need to push for value-added development.

Forestry, we need to lobby the province to ensure the allowable cuts stay in this area to support local jobs and business. Agriculture, the one constant for the area when the other industries are down, needs to be protected.

As the area grows, more emphasis needs to be put on infilling or utilization of unproductive soil.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Shopper’s Drug Mart’s had a big donation for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. Last fall, the Love You campaign gave residents the opportunity to donate to the Foundation by purchasing a paper leaf, apple, butterfly, or bird that was then displayed in the store.

Between that, and a raffle for flight vouchers from West Jet, Shopper’s Drug Mart was able to raise $32,495, which goes towards the foundation’s Eastern Star Children’s Fund. Pictured: Shoppers Drug Mart District Manager, Dale Bobby; WestJet Station Manager, Wayne Davidson; Shoppers Drug Mart FSJ Store Owner, Irvin Tang; Shoppers Drug Mart FSJ Manager, Tammy Koponyas; Hospital Foundation Chief Development Officer Jessica Kalman.

151

$

SK#16CH177

CHRYSLER *0% for 84 months

SK#16C34

8424 Alaska Road Fort St. John 250-787-5220 | 1-877-787-5220 www.fortcitychrysler.ca

DL#10428

Alaska Highway News: As the new chair of the Peace River Regional District, what are the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the PRRD in 2017, and what momentum from 2016 will you be looking to build upon?

ALL 0% RATES AND PRICES ARE GOOD TILL CLOSE OF DAY JANUARY 31ST 2017. PAYMENTS ARE ALL CALCULATED BI WEEKLY OVER 84 MONTHS  THE RAM 1500, JOURNEY CVP, CHRYSLER 200 LX, AND CHEROKEE SPORT ARE ALL CALCULATED AT 3.49% 0% AVAILABLE FOR SHORTER TERMS, AND/OR HIGHER MODELS THE WRANGLER SPORT IS CALCULATED AT 1.99%, AND THE RENEGADE SPORT AT 2.99% 0% AVAILABLE FOR SHORTER TERMS AND/OR HIGHER MODELS THE DART, GR CARAVAN, CHALLENGER AND PATRIOT ARE ALL CALCULATED AT 0% INTEREST RATE FOR 84 MONTHS. ALL PAYMENTS INCLUDE LOCAL TAXES AND FEES OF $523.00. INTEREST RATES ARE O.A.C, AND NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS ARE O.A.C AS WELL. PRICES ARE FOR REMAINING IN STOCK 2016 UNITS ONLY, ADDITIONAL CHARGES WILL APPLY IF DEALER TRADE IS NEEDED. AL UNITS WERE AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PRINTING, BUT DUE TO LIMITED STOCK, SOME UNITS MAY SELL FAST. PICTURES ARE FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY AND UNITS MAY NOT BE EXACTLY AS ILLUSTRATED. SEE DEALER FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.

A14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Hunting in the night for those elusive northern lights Darcy Shawchek THE F-STOP

L

ately, it has been tough for me to find the northern lights through the thick blanket of moisture that has been festering over the Peace Region for almost the entire winter. But persistence and a small fortune in gasoline, cheesy popcorn, and coffee has made it possible in some instances.

Plan your trip I use aurora watch apps and webpages to find out how strong the auroras will be on any given night. There are three common levels of strengths: green means weak, yellow means moderate, and orange means strong. The uncommon level of red generally means “holy gonchcakes!” Make sure you bring lots of liquids, and cheesy popcorn for the show.

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

Taken in Rose Prairie the night before the Super moon. Settings were F3.5, six seconds at 1600 ISO.

If it’s cold, bring a set of mitts, hat, scarf, hot gels, snow pants, and boots. Don’t forget your spare batteries, strong tripod, and make sure that you have your memory card.

Gauge the clouds It’s kind of hard to shoot through them clouds, but in

most cases they will break up late at night during mid-cycle.

Figure out what direction they are traveling and plan your trip the opposite way. If you travel with the clouds, your chances of seeing the auroras is “nope, not happening.”

Get away from the city

Tree and brush clearing: Taylor to Dawson Creek

We will be removing/pruning trees and brush along the route of our 138 kilovolt transmission line between Taylor and Dawson Creek. The route is west of the Alaska Highway from Taylor to the top of South Taylor Hill and east of the highway from there to Dawson Creek. Please be aware of our contractor vegetation crews and equipment. Later this year, we will begin replacement of some poles and power line equipment to bring the line up to as-new specifications. Property owners along the power line route have been previously notified about this work in writing.

When: Time:

January 3 to February 28, 2017 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

To learn more about this work, please contact us at 250 561 4858. For more information about our vegetation management practices, please visit bchydro.com/trees.

5222

Publication: Size: Insertion date: Deadline:

Alaska Highway News (Fort St. John) 6.171” x 5.5 (77 Lines) Jan 12 & 19 Mon Jan 9 @ noon

It is very important that you travel away from all unnatural light pollution. I like to travel 40 to 400 kilometres away on most occasions. Being away from unnatural light is my main goal when shooting the auroras. Being near town will lessen the visibility of the northern lights greatly.

So let’s say it’s supposed to be a good night for auroras. You’re driving around and you don’t see nothing—kind of depressing right? Hint: Stop the truck, turn off the lights, put your Facebook away, stuff your face with cheesy popcorn, get out of the truck, and let your eyes adjust. They might be dim, they might be awesome—you won’t really know until your eyes adjust to the dark and you swallow your popcorn.

Setting up the shot Make sure that your camera is on “M” mode, set your F-Stop to the smallest number it can go, and you are at an ISO ranging from 1000 or greater (and you have a mouth full of cheesy popcorn. You are going to want to expose at lengths between six and 30 seconds depending on your ISO and how bright the auroras are.

The hardest part of setting up is focus. There is a trick.

Turn auto focus off, stuff your face with popcorn, look through the viewfinder, and

Persistence and patience The lights might boom or they might leave you skunked.

If you get bored and pack up, you’re not doing it right. Grab some popcorn and get comfy.

Sit in the truck if you have to and run your camera remotely or be a diehard like myself and stand there until you freeze your stuff. When I go out and shoot, I usually slice my hand and paint war on my face with… no. Don’t do that, but be persistent. Don’t give up. Frame your shots nicely, use a wide angle lens, shoot lots, and cover the sky. It will happen if you try hard.

Darcy Shawchek is a photographer based in Fort St. John, who is on a mission to capture the breathtaking and majestic Peace River area through the lens, day or night.

Email him your photography questions at dr.shawchek@ gmail.com

Get checked out at library Read Dating ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

E V SA

try to focus as best you can on a bright light far off in the distance or a star. Then, while the camera is on the tripod, switch to live view mode. Zoom in on the light or star and fine tune your focus while zoomed.

Note: you are not using the zoom on the lens. On your camera are two buttons (+) & (-) which allow you to zoom in on what is being displayed on the LCD screen.

When was the last time you were checked out?

Such is the question for the Fort St. John Public Library’s upcoming Read Dating event on Feb. 4.

If “read dating” sounds a lot like “speed dating,” it’s because the premise is the same. Participant will have mini “dates” with different people, only here; it’s to talk about books.

There’s absolutely no pressure on people at Read Dating, said Fort St. John Public Library Program Co-ordinator Morgan Churchill. The idea is to make new friends and talk about books.

“There are worse places to make a romantic connection,” Churchill said.

“Instead of it being a singles event where you’re looking for a romantic partner, we wanted it to be a fun opportunity to get out and meet other people who like books.”

Participants don’t even have to be single—anyone that loves a good book and likes to talk about books, be they single, married or otherwise, is welcome to take part. Bring a book, magazine or movie you think would be a good conversation starter—it doesn’t have to be a deep reflection of your soul, said Churchill.

The idea came about after Churchill heard about similar events at the Vancouver and Prince George libraries. While

those events were meant to be a singles mixer, Churchill wanted to make the Fort St. John event more about making friends than pressure people to find a date.

“It’s just a good opportunity to be exposed to some new books,” she said. “Maybe you really like to read true crime and haven’t stepped out of that zone in awhile, and you’ll meet someone who can show you some great historical fiction or fantasy and decide those are books and authors you’d like to try.”

Those that are interested in participating have to register at the library, and if they’re of a mind can make up a name that describes their reading habits.

“If you’re into intrigue books, you could call yourself Tom Clancy,” said Churchill. “If you like literary romance, you could be Jane Austin.”

Read Dating is an event for people 19 year and older, which is part of the library’s growing adult-oriented programming.

The library also offers Ugly Crafts, which is creative play for adults that takes place the third Thursday of the month, and Board Games and Brews, held at Casey’s Pub the first Wednesday of the month.

“We’re having a lot of fun growing our adult programming, so people can check our website to see what else if offered for adults,” said Churchill, adding that the library is open to ideas for what adults in the community would like to see.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 A15

LOCAL NEWS

Men’s basketball league looks to extend its reach Players wanted for league action this spring KEVIN BUCHHOLZ For the Alaska Highway News

Are you interested in playing basketball in town?

Well if your answer is even a maybe, then you’re encouraged to look into the FSJ Men’s Basketball League, a weekly meeting of likeminded guys who will give you a workout along with some exciting basketball action with some of the best players this city has to offer.

“The league is currently looking for individuals interested in taking part in their upcoming spring league,” says league commissioner and referee Ben Rauscher. “We are looking to have four teams of eight, though we have allowed for pick up players in the past.”

An inexpensive registration will get you one game a week for eight weeks, jersey rental, fulltime refs and scorekeepers—a pretty reasonable price point compared to other sports in the city.

“I’ve just about recouped my costs on the jerseys. We would use any surplus budget to purchase other league items, like new basketballs and a sports-specific first aid kit,” Rauscher says.

The league is currently running a drop-in night on Wednesday evenings at North Peace Secondary from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. That’ll set you back the cost of a large coffee, but Rauscher is hoping to get enough people inter-

ested to continue with league play.

And speaking from experience, it is a good time with many great players.

“The fall league ended with Team Black beating Team Blue in the finals, getting a little revenge for a hard loss to them in the spring league in (overtime),” Rauscher recalls, attributing the victory to the presence of all-star center Dan Penner, who previously played for Carleton university.

“He was absent from the spring final and they only lost by one point.”

There are many talented basketball players in the city, Rauscher continued, from Jon Zaleski, the center for Team Red, or Team White’ss forward Nick Donnelly. Alex Neily plays point guard for Team Black.

“It’s just hard to get people who are able to play consistently.” Explaining why he doesn’t run a longer season.

Rauscher would like to run a longer season, but acknowledged the difficulty in getting players to play consistently.

“Past league president Aaron Olsen and I discussed it and we decided that an eight week season would allow for more people to be able to play consistently,” he said.

Anyone interested in playing, is encouraged to get in contact with the league at fsjpioneer@ hotmail.com, or just drop-in and see how you stack up against Wednesday nights until the league starts.

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

The FSJ Men’s Basketball League is currently running a drop-in night on Wednesday evenings at North Peace Secondary from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who donated to our annual Toy Drive.

And a Huge thank you to our local dealerships for helping make the toy drive so successful.

Aspol Motors Browns’ Chevrolet Buick GMC Capital Ford Inland Auto Centre Peace Country Toyota And great big thank you goes out to our organizer Danny Schilds and all the volunteers who helped transport, sort and package all the donations received from our very genorous community!

a c . s r e s i u r c o r e z www.mile

A16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

WE WANT YOUR TRADE.

TRADE IN TODAY, AND GET UP TO $1,500 BONUS ON YOUR NEW ELIGIBLE VEHICLE *

2017 SILVERADO 1500

LEASE DOUBLE CAB CUSTOM 4WD FROM

$199 @ 1.9 % BI-WEEKLY

FOR

LEASE RATE

24 MONTHS

WITH $2,850 DOWN. BASED ON LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $40,402 †.

(INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI, $500 LEASE CASH, $2,500 DELIVERY CREDIT, EITHER $1,500 TRADE-IN BONUS OR ADDITIONAL $1,500 DOWN PAYMENT)

AVAILABLE BEST-IN-CLASS TOWING UP TO 12,500 LB. (5670 KG) 4,5

INCLUDES

$1,500

SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB LTZ Z7 1 MODEL SHOWN

TRADE-IN BONUS

ALBERTACHEVROLET.COM OFFERS END JANUARY 31ST .

2017 CRUZE HATCH

LEASE LT AIR & AUTO FROM $123 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:

$62 @@ 0.5% FOR FOR 48 $0 WEEKLY

LEASE RATE

MONTHS

INCLUDES

$1,000

TRADE-IN BONUS

DOWN PAYMENT

BASED ON LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $21,943 †. (INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI $1,000 LEASE CASH, EITHER $1,000 TRADE-IN BONUS OR ADDITIONAL $1,000 DOWN PAYMENT)

STANDARD APPLE CARPLAY TM2 AND ANDROID AUTOTM2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT3 REMARKABLE FUEL EFFICIENCY 6.2L/100KM HWY ¥¥

CRUZE PREMIER MODEL SHOWN

THE NEW 2017 TRAX

LEASE LS FWD AIR & AUTO FROM $134 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:

$67 WEEKLY

@

0.5% 48 $0 FOR

LEASE RATE

MONTHS

INCLUDES

$1,000

TRADE-IN BONUS

DOWN PAYMENT

BASED ON LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $23,689 †. (INCLUDES FREIGHT, PDI, EITHER $1,000 TRADE-IN BONUS OR ADDITIONAL $1,000 DOWN PAYMENT)

STANDARD APPLE CARPLAY TM2 AND ANDROID AUTOTM2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 4G LITE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT3 AVAILABLE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

TRAX LTZ MODEL SHOWN

2017 EQUINOX

LS FWD STARTING FROM:

FREIGHT, PDI, AND $23,995 (INCLUDES A $5,000 CASH CREDIT)

PLUS GET

$1,000

TRADE-IN BONUS

CASH PURCHASE PRICE ¥

ONSTAR 4G LTE WITH WI-FI® HOTSPOT CONNECTIVITY3 SIX AVAILABLE ACTIVE SAFETY FEATURES

EQUINOX PREMIER MODEL SHOWN

ALL ELIGIBLE VEHICLES COME WITH:

CHEVROLET

COMPLETE CARE

2

YEARS/48,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY OIL CHANGES **

5

YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ▲

5

YEARS/160,000 KM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ▲

ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA CHEVROLET DEALERS. AlbertaChevrolet.com 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition 4WD (1CX, L83, K05, PCP, RC7, SFZ, Z82), Cruze Hatchback LT Air & Auto (1SD, K05), Trax LS Air & Auto (1LS, KPK, PCQ), Equinox LS FWD (1LS, K05) equipped as described. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in Alberta Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. * Offer valid January 4 to January 31, 2017. Credit is tax-inclusive and applies to the purchase, lease or finance of an eligible new 2017 vehicle from dealer inventory. In order to be eligible for this incentive, customers must trade in a vehicle that they own (vehicle must have been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive sixty (60) days) to the selling dealer OR terminate their existing lease (any brand) and re-lease an eligible new vehicle. Credit amount will vary depending on vehicle purchased: $1000 towards the purchase of a new 2017MY Chevrolet car, crossover, mid SUV, mid pickup, or full size van; or $1500 towards the purchase of a new 2017MY Chevrolet LD/HD pickup or full size utilities. The following vehicles are excluded from this offer: Spark LS, Malibu L, Bolt EV, Camaro ZL1, Colorado 2SA. Customers who do not qualify for Trade In Bonus Days must add a down payment equivalent to the Trade In Bonus Incentive to achieve stated pricing. Customers must take delivery on or before January 31, 2017 to be eligible for this incentive. Limited time offer may not be combined with certain other offers and cannot be redeemed for cash. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to modify, extend or terminate these offers, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. † Offer valid at participating dealers to eligible retail lessees in Canada who enter into a lease agreement with GM Financial and who accept delivery between January 4 to January 31, 2017. Eligible 2017 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition 4WD/Cruze Hatchback LT Air & Auto/Trax LS Air & Auto: Lease based on a lease purchase price of $40,402/$21,943/$23,689, which includes $500/$1,000/$0 lease cash (tax exclusive), $2,500/$0/$0 available manufacturer to dealer delivery credit (tax exclusive) and either $1,500/$1,000/$1,000 manufacturer-to-consumer (tax inclusive) Trade-In Bonus or additional $1,500/$1,000/$1,000 down payment in lieu of Trade-in Bonus. Bi-weekly payment is $199/$123/$134 for 24/48/48 months at 1.9%/0.5%/0.5% interest rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. The $62/67 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments of $123/$134. $2,850/$0/$0 down payment is required ($4,350/$1,000/$1,000 down payment is required if not eligible for Trade-in Bonus). Total obligation is $13,194/$12,720/$13,920, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $28,464/$9,558/$10,104. Consumer may be required to pay Dealer Fees. Price and total obligation exclude license, insurance, PPSA, registration, taxes and optional equipment. Excess wear and tear charges not included. Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. See your dealer for conditions and details. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company to verify eligibility. Annual kilometre limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometre. Security deposit may be required. Payment may vary depending on down payment/trade. ¥ Purchase price includes a cash credit of $5,000 Manufacturer to dealer, (Tax exclusive) and applies to cash purchases of new 2017 Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD models at participating dealers in Canada. Purchase price of $23,995 includes freight, air tax but excludes license, insurance, registration, dealer fees and taxes. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $5,000 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Dealer may sell for less. Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details. ¥¥ Fuel consumption ratings based on GM testing in accordance with Government of Canada approved test methods. Refer to vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca for details. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. 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. 4 Requires Double Cab LTZ 2WD or Crew Cab Short Box LTZ 2WD with available 6.2L V8 engine and Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. 5 Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Large Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. ◊ The Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Equinox (tie), Chevrolet Silverado HD and LD, and Chevrolet Tahoe received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study, based on 80,157 total responses, evaluating 245 models, and measures the opinions of new 2016 U.S. vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. The Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Silverado HD, and Chevrolet Camaro received the highest numerical scores in their respective segments in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, based on responses from 33,560 U.S. original owners of 2013 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership about problems experienced in the past 12 months, surveyed in October-December 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com ** The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark 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. See dealer for details.

Sports & Leisure GOLF COURSES HAD ROUGH YEAR

CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

MUSEUM LOOKING AHEAD

SPORTS B4

B

THURSDAY JANUARY 19, 2017

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

PHONE: 250-785-0463

ARTS B5

Predators making their mark on northern hockey The girls’ regional hockey team has talent from all over the northern half of the province SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

Just coming off a win at a tournament in Fairview, the LB Energy Predators are a U18 female team of top-shelf players from around the north.

“We’re a regional team with players from as far as Vanderhoof, we’re looking to do our best to make it to provincials,” said Coach Rob Larson.

This weekend they locked horns in the ladies division of the third annual KFC Old Posts tournament in Dawson Creek, showing off their fluency in the universal language of hockey.

“I just started playing with the Predators this year,” said Taiylor Dingwell, who usually plays for the Clearview Colts as left wing. She was picked up by the Preds because of Larson.

“Rob Larson used to coach the Clearview team,” said Dingwell.

The team moves through the season with only one loss, suffered at the

tournament in DC to the Sturgeon Lake Chill.

While the Preds often play in the top tier of the Peace Country Female Hockey League, it was the contrast between Old Timers’ rules and the aggressive hockey they’re used to that led them astray.

The ladies racked up some penalties, for which they lose points, according to the rules of the tournament.

“You get two points for winning each period, two for winning the game, two for the shoot out win, and two points for the least amount of penalties,” said Terry O’Dwyer, who organizes the tournaments.

But that didn’t dishearten the Clearview player, who said it’s interesting playing on the team. “(I) got to meet a whole bunch of new people. It’s (a little) weird because a lot of these girls, I’m used to seeing on other teams,” laughed Dingwell.

The Predators play next in a tournament in William’s Lake in mid-February.

‘ICE CATCH

SCOTT DONOVAN PHOTO

Taiylor Dingwell played with the Clearview Colts before earning a spot on the LB Energy Predators this season.

Killbillies looking for fresh meat to join league

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Devaney Franklin and Buzz Jones had some great luck on a recent ice fishing expedition on Moberly Lake.

Owing to the fact that there are extended ice times scheduled at the North Peace Arena this summer, the Energetic City Roller Derby Association will be calling off the jam early this year.

But that doesn’t mean the Killbillies won’t be looking to add depth and talent to their team this year.

“We want the league to continue to grow and thrive in the community,” said Aleisha Hendry, one of the league’s board members.

And that’s why the league will host its annual Fresh Meat night on Feb. 8 at Casey’s Pub for those curious about what roller derby is all about. ”Anyone who is interested in the sport is encouraged to come out. We want as many as we can get,” Hendry said.

After all, the team is being forced to play in a shortened season. Instead of having the ice out of the arena in early April, as is the usual case, the city is is pushing it back, so the derby team can’t get in to practice until the end of April.

And with ice going back into the arena in early July, that will make for a small window for the team to get themselves to try and improve as a team.

“That is the goal for the team and league this year,” Hendry said.

The Killbillies have made vast improvements the last couple years regardless of its size. Currently the team is ranked 40 out of 195 in Canada, according to the website, Flat Track Stats.

Not bad for a league drawing from its players from a city the size of Fort St. John.

The team is also excited to see what it can become under second-year head coach Eric Roy. After spending all of last season learning and coaching the game, the team finished with only two losses in tournament play.

Where The Peace Comes For Ford 250.782.8589 • 1.888.992.9604 1609 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC

capitalford.ca

SIDELINE VIEW

“(Eric) is competitive and inclusive, which has been working well,” said fourth-year player and league president, Jenna Hildebrand, aka Jennacide.

“He has a relaxed attitude and likes to push us to be better.”

The Killbillies will be doing a lot of travelling this season, taking part in tournaments to get the most bang for their derby buck.

They will be heading to Prince George for the annual Northern Exposure tournament April 22-23, and will head east of there in May for the Tournament on Elm Street, hosted by the North Coast Nightmares in Terrace.

The Killbillies will also head to Calgary in May for the annual Flat Track Fever tournament in May. Watch the Facebook page, Energetic City Roller Derby Association (Fort St. John), for updates on home games and other information about the upcoming season.

GET THE DEAL YOU WANT ON THE FORD YOU WANT

COMMUNITY MINDED

Capital Motors

Kevin Buchholz

500

$

This week’s customers are Stephen & Linda Strandquist from Dawson Creek. The Stranquist’s had a scary experience when they wrote off their old vehicle. Safety was on their mind when talking to Kelly about a new vehicle. The new F-150 is the only full size truck on the market to be a IIHS top safety pick and that’s what they chose, with a winter tire package of course!

Why not get yourself a Capital Deal from Kelly today?

AND ELIGIBLE COSTCO MEMBERS RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

PLUS

YEAR-END BONUS CASH

1,000

$

ON MOST 2016 AND 2017 FORD MODELS

B2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

Crystal Cup keeps pond hockey tradition alive

GET THE PUCK!

SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

The Fort St. John Huskies had a winning weekend against the Grande Prairie JDA Kings on Jan. 13 and 14. The Huskies won 3-2 in overtime on home ice, and won again 6-2 on the road on Sunday.

Pond hockey evokes images of kids rushing home from school to lace up their skates, tape up their sticks, and drop a puck or road apple onto the nearest frozen body of water and start up a scratch game.

Afterwards, it’s hot chocolate with your mitts and toque beside the stove to dry for another big day tomorrow.

Now, under the lights and televised in arenas around the world, hockey is a billion dollar sport -- not that you didn’t know that.

Pond hockey tournaments still exist, though, and there are more production values than when you were a kid.

“Tents, toilets, skid-steers, light towers, tables and chairs. We set everything up. We have two guys there for two or three days,” said Tyler Soule, GM for Peace Country Rentals.

This year will mark the sixth Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge as part of the City of Fort St. John’s High on Ice Festival, Feb. 17-19.

The time of year presents challenges, not just because it’s in the middle of the oil and gas season, but because of brisk February weather blowing across the lake.

“Because there’s six or eight (canvas) tents involved, we have to keep them in the shop over night, warm them up, so they can still be set up at -20 C without breaking,” Soule said.

Peace Country Rentals has been in Fort St. John for 40 years, and they’re showing their gratitude.

“We just like to support the community, we don’t see a lot out of it except seeing the event able to go on.”

The Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge takes place on Charlie Lake, with food, drinks and live music each night.

For more information, visit www. thecrystalcup.ca

Team comes out of retirement for tournament SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

This year was the third annual KFC Old Posts Hockey tournament, with one team coming out of a 22-year retirement to win it all.

The ‘94-’95 Midgets AA provincial champs banner hangs high in the Dawson Creek Memorial arena.

“That team has come together from all over, after not having seen each other for years, to

play in this tournament,” said Terry O’Dwyer, who organizes the tournament Formerly the Louisiana Pacific Thunder, the 94-95 champs came back as the DC Thunder to win their division.

Besides hosting a legacy team, the tournament also had a regional girls midget team comprising of players from across the Peace.

“They’re based out of Dawson Creek. They have some girls out of Clearview, Fort. St

R0021217976

John, Fort Nelson and further,” said O’Dwyer.

The tournament had five divisions and 20 teams. The DC Thunder won the A division, while Fort Nelson won the B. Tumbler Ridge won the C division and the Stl. Chill out of Sturgeon Lake took the women’s division.

The tournament was a round robin, using Old Timers’ hockey rules.

“That means no slap-shots, no body-checks, no high stick-

ing ... it’s pretty clean,” O’Dwyer said.

“You get two points for winning each period, two for winning the game, two for the shootout win, and two points for the least amount of penalties.”

Referee Tokey Roberts from Dawson Creek refs 120 games a year. Saturday morning he was reffing a game between the Stl. Chill and Tumbler Ridge.

“It’s good for the community.

They bring money into the city.

It’s good for the city,” he said.

For Sturgeon Lakes’ girls’ midgets team head coach Clyde Goodswimmer, it’s about getting more ice time for his players, and experiencing as much of the game over the season as possible.

“We want to play more games, try to get some more playing time. This is fun,” he said.

Goodswimmer says he’s been coaching the team for a long time.

“They’re all like my kids.”

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

This Week: The RSM Classic

This week, the PGA Tour will travel to Sea Island, Georgia for the RSM Classic. The tournament is held at the Defending: Kevin Kisner Seaside Golf Club. Seaside was Winning Score: 22-under par originally built as a nine hole Winning Share: $1,026,000 course by legendary English architects Colt and Alison in 1929. In 1973, Joe Lee designed Marshside Nine. These two distinct nines were transformed into the current world-class Seaside course in 1999 by Tom Fazio. Seaside is prominently placed on Golf Digest’s list of “Top 100 Courses in the United States.”

Seaside Course Sea Island, Ga. 7,055 yards, Par 70

Golf TV Schedule PGA Event: RSM Classic Day Time Thu, 11/17 1:30pm-4:30pm Fri, 11/18 1:30pm-4:30pm Sat, 11/19 1:30pm-4:30pm Sun, 11/20 1:30pm-4:30pm

Pat Perez shot a final round Tournament Results 4-under par 67 to win the 1. Pat Perez OHL Classic at Mayakoba Score: -21 Earnings: $1,260,000 on Sunday. Perez defeated 2. Gary Woodland third-round leader Gary Woodland Score: -19 by two strokes on the Greg Earnings: $756,000 Norman-designed El Camaleon 3. Russell Knox Score: -18 course. Perez, who also won the Earnings: $476,000 2009 Bob Hope Classic, charged from way back in the field with a 9-under 62 on Saturday. The 40-year-old former Arizona State player birdied five of the first eight holes and had a bogey on the par-four 12th.

Golfing News

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF GOLF

Golf Trivia Which golfer won the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 strokes? a) Tiger Woods b) Phil Mickelson

Last Week: Pat Perez won the OHL Classic

c) Ernie Els d) Payne Stewart

?

Answer: a) Tiger Woods finished at 12-under par in the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez finished in 2nd, at 3-over, 15 strokes behind.

The Zurich Classic played in New Orleans annually is rumored to become a team event starting in 2017. The event will feature 80 teams of two. Both members of the winning team will receive the two-year Tour exemption that typically accompanies a victory in an official event, and each winning player will receive 400 FedEx Cup points. A regular tournament offers 500 points to the winner and 300 to the runner-up. The PGA Tour has not had an official team event on its schedule since 1981. The Walt Disney World Golf Classic was the last official PGA Tour tournament that used a team play format.

Lessons from the Golf Pro One of the big faults that the amateur golfer finds is when they hit a shot into trouble. A professional can find a way to escape disaster, but the general rule for an amateur is that trouble leads to more trouble. The one shot that causes the amateur the most trouble is when a tee shot goes into the woods. We’re so mad when our shot is out of the fairway and in a tree that it usually leads to a second erratic shot. Consequently, most people race up to find the shot, just grab a club and hack away. Instead, a more sensible plan is the best course of action. Picking the right club with the proper loft is essential. Too much loft could lead to your shot going into the overhanging leaves. Not enough loft will result in the ball getting hung up in the woods again.

Player Profile

Pat Perez

Turned Professional: 1997 FedEx Cup Ranking: 3rd World Ranking: 332nd PGA Tour Wins: 2

FedEx Cup Standings Through Nov. 13, 2016

1) Hideki Matsuyama 850 pts. / 2 top tens

2) Justin Thomas 614 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Pat Perez

606 pts. / 2 top tens

4) Brendan Steele 556 pts. / 1 top tens

5) Rod Pampling 507 pts. / 1 top tens

FedEx Cup Standings continued...

Player Points 6) Cody Gribble 426 7) Scott Piercy 351 8) Russell Knox 333 9) Brooks Koepka 316 10) Gary Woodland 316

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

Top 10s 2 3 3 1 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 B3

LOCAL SPORTS

Big Bam Ski Hill opens for the 2017 season SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

Big Bam opened last Sunday at noon with great attendance, thanks to local donations, and in spite of a 500 gallon diesel theft before the weekend.

Big Bam Ski Hill President Jody Mather was getting ready to groom the slopes Friday night for the non-profits’ first big opening in two years, when things went wrong.

“We just started climbing the hill (in the Snowcat) and the (fuel) alarm went off. This machine was just fuelled up in late November from donations. We would have been all set for winter,” said Mathers, as both the grooming machine and a holding tank were found empty.

But all hands were on deck, with one last final donation by Tyler Wheat of T.A.C.C. Welding, after Wheat saw a post

online about the theft Friday.

“I saw a post on Facebook that someone had come down and stole all their diesel. So I thought I would help out and drop some off,” Wheat said, while emptying his tidy tank into the hill’s Snowcat on Sunday.

“We’ll be down next weekend if this warm weather doesn’t melt all the snow.”

There were lots of families busy teaching one another how to strap on their skis and boards.

One of the year’s first attendees was Jan Koci, from the Czech Republic.

“I’ve been in Fort St. John for two years, this is great,” Koci said about his first time on the hill.

Big Bam is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., just south of the bridge in Taylor, every Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check www.bigbam.ca.

SCOTT DONOVAN PHOTO

Jan Koci was one of many snow aficionados who took in opening day at Big Bam Ski Hill.

Flyers come alive to take down Dawson Creek Canucks SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

It was anything but a snoozefest Tuesday, Jan. 10, as the Fort St. John Flyers came alive in the third to beat the Dawson Creek Canucks 3-2 at the North Peace Arena.

The game was more tranquil than usual between the rivals, as the Canucks had some of their rowdier players in bed with the flu.

“We have lots of guys who are battling the flu right now,”

said Canucks coach Travis van Spronsen.

“We had a full roster today and then on the boss we were short, there’s not much you can do. We called a couple of juniors and duked it out with 11 guys.”

Still, the Canucks gave Fort St. John a skate for their money.

Shots on net were 12-2 for DC early in the first, giving Troy Hunt a good work out in net.

The Flyers would catch up by Zamboni time, 14-13. That ex-

tra shot may be why the Canucks ended the first in the lead, 1-0.

“We can’t squander games, especially when a team shows up shorthanded. Josh (Round, Canuck goaltender) is a big boy.

He played a good game,” said Flyer’s coach Andrew Leriger.

At 16:56 of the second period, Dawson Creek scored again, Connor Rose with an assist. The rest of the first half of the period looked like synchronized swimming, as the same plays

went back and forth. Even the Flyer’s star line of Adam Horst, Jeff Shipton, and Rick Cleaver moved at a slower pace.

“They still dominated a lot, they cycled really well. (But) getting the puck to the net just wasn’t their game tonight,” said Leriger.

The third saw a power play for the Canucks carry over, while shots on net sat at 33-19.

The Flyers came out furious, scoring two to match up the game. In the last 1:29 of the

period, Jake Ebner tipped one in and the score was 3-2 at the buzzer.

Despite 12 penalties and an exciting third period, it was a relatively tame game for the rivalry.

“Dawson was missing all their big guns, to me it goes back to our guys looking at a short bench and not being willing to play hard,” Leriger said.

The Flyers lost 5-4 in Grande Prairie the same day, and will host Spirit River on Jan. 19.

WEEKLY PRO RACING UPDATE Postseason Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

Bobby Allison

Teams, drivers, tracks, media partners, Monster Energy and NASCAR have been meeting to discuss prospective changes to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Changes could involve the format of the races themselves and how points are awarded for them. If implemented, the changes could address the length and format of Cup races and may result in race breaks, similar to other series where “heat” formats are used to break up the competition to feature multiple, shorter races rather than one longer one. NASCAR introduced heat races to its secondary series, the Xfinity Series, last year, although only for a handful of races. It could not be determined how far along the discussions are, but timing is of the essence as NASCAR’s season starts in mid to late February. Its season-opening media tour, when major announcements are often made, is in two weeks in Charlotte.

January 16, 1949 - Marshall Teague won the opening race of the NASCAR season by driving his 1939 Ford to the win in the Nascar modified division race. Only 38 of the 75 cars that started the event finish the race. Teague competed in 23 NASCAR Grand National races from 1949 to 1952, winning seven of them.

Born: Dec. 3, 1937 Cup wins: 84 Cup top-tens: 446 Cup championships: 1

During the course of his career, Bobby Allison accumulated 84 victories, making him fourth all-time, tied with Darrell Waltrip, including three victories at the Daytona 500 in 1978, 1982 and 1988. In 1972 he was voted national Driver of the Year for winning ten races and taking 11 poles (including a record 5 straight) and again in 1983 when he claimed his only championship.

On June 19, 1988, Allison was almost killed, suffering massive head injuries in a crash at Racing Trivia Pocono Raceway which forced his retirement Bobby Allison’s first Cup from driving in NASCAR. In 1992, his younger Series races was the 1961 son, Clifford Allison, died in a practice crash Daytona 500. Which driver for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at won that race?

Michigan International Speedway. Allison was elected to the International Motorsports Hall of a) Marvin Panch c) Cotton Owens Fame in 1993. Bobby Allison was a car owner b) Bobby Allison d) Ned Jarrett for numerous drivers from 1990 to 1996, most notably Mike Alexander, Hut Stricklin, Jimmy Spencer, and Derrike Cope.

?

Answer : a) Marvin Panch won the 1961 Daytona 500.

“Get The Good Stuff”

STOP

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

BY AND PICK UP YOUR

FREE

9224-100 St., Fort St. John

250-785-0463

55

R0011358416

Racing History

R0021159210

B4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

Golf course facing several issues and concerns SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

Lone Wolf Golf Course’s 2016 season had plenty of sub-par moments, with both challenging weather and economics coming into play at the tee-off.

The season saw more than 60 days interrupted by weather.

In his year end report to council, golf course manager David Callum wrote that while the course wintered well, a lack of snow cover in the valley kept the ground frozen deeper and longer than past years, taking away the course’s regular three to five-week jump on other local clubs. The lack of snow, plus excessive rain and fog, also required additional personnel be hired to deal with underground infrastructure.

Drainage was a problem with the excessive rain, causing bunkers to have standing water in them, contributing to the bite of what was already a cruel mosquito season for Taylor. Luckily, Taylor Elementary heeded the call “fore” help, painting birdhouses to try and ward off the pests, said Callum.

Concerning the economy, Callum noted that green fees

were down, golf car rentals were down, and course users switched from premium spirits to bottom shelf bourbons.

However, the club accurately foresaw and planned for a 15 per cent decrease in individual memberships.

There were successes in the report. The club strategized with a Corporate Partners incentive program, targeting companies of 100 employees or more that had avid golfers already on staff. The more players a company had, the cheaper it would be per player, leading regular players to twist the arms of casuals into signing up. This led to 171 new corporate players.

While the course struggled with labour overages due to misplaced employee hours for older equipment repairs and turf maintenance, volunteers stepped forward to help teach 100 junior golfers. The program was a hole-in-one and was recognized by the B.C. Golf Association for their efforts.

While less tournaments were planned for 2016 and some cancelled, the Lone Wolf Classic sold out in advance with participants from local com-

FILE PHOTO

Lone Wolf Golf Club had some issues last season.

munities swinging along side golfers from as far as Edmonton and Calgary, council read.

Spring saw the introduction of the Taylor Farmer’s Market on site. Sundays throughout the summer, various vendors peddled their wares under tents in the shade. Feedback was positive, with the market’s social media page reaching hundreds

of followers, said Callum.

The club also engaged with the community in other ways, having local sports teams out for team building events, and hosting major barbecues for both Canfor and Spectra.

The report also highlighted a new-for-2016 Lone Wolf mobile app. Features include GPS and scoring. It was a successful

SCOREBOARD NWJHL

NPHL

Standings as of Jan. 17 GP W L OTL 1 Flyers 22 15 7 0 2 Navigators 24 15 9 0 3 Huskies 23 12 9 2 4 Jr. Canucks 21 12 9 0 5 JDA Kings 24 10 11 3 6 Vipers 24 5 17 2

PT 30 30 26 24 23 12

Standings as of Jan. 17 East Division GP 1 Falher 18 2 Grimshaw 17 3 Valleyview 18 West Division 1 Athletics 19 2 Flyers 20 3 Canucks 18 4 Rangers 18

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

PHONE: 250-785-0463

NAMHL W 9 9 1

L OTL 8 1 8 0 16 0

15 3 15 5 9 8 6 11

1 0 0 1

PT 19 18 3 31 30 19 13

Standings as of Dec. 13

GP 1 Whitecourt Wolverines 21 2 Peace River Royals 23 3 GPAC Storm 23 4 NEBC Trackers 21 5 Fort McMurray Barons 24

introduction for its first year, with 770 downloads.

In his conclusion, Callum said that while the weather, economy, and mosquitoes could have played through, the club brought in 95 per cent of revenue budgeted for the challenging season, proving Lone Wolf has what it takes to stay on the pro tour.

ERBHL W 17 14 10 9 3

L 4 6 7 8 15

T 0 3 6 4 6

PT 27 20 20 13 11

Standings as of Dec. 13 1 Fort McMurray Barons 2 GPAC Coyote North Ltd Storm 3 Fort St. John Flyers Whitecourt Wolverines 5 Peace River Sabres

GP 22 20 19 20 22

W L T PT 16 6 0 32 13 7 0 26 9 8 2 20 5 13 2 12 4 15 3 11

LAKESHORE 4H Community Club were Ashley Pugh and Hannah Harmon, so big thank you to them for doing that.

Now, for the main upcoming event, communications! All 4-H members must do a speech, speak and show, demonstration, and/or a educational display in order to achieve. This helps kids practice their public speaking and to become more confident when speaking.

So good luck to all 4-H members and don’t forget to have fun!

Jolene Drschiwiski

R0011358448

We ended the year with our Christmas party. We went sledding down Pugh’s driveway. Lots of people from our 4-H club attended. We also had chilli to warm us up afterword, it was delicious!

To kick off the new year a few of our beef members went t the beef congress at Dawson Creek on January 7th. This year at the Beef Congress we focused mainly on practicing our judging skills. There is also a new activity called the farmer’s Olympics. Each year a few people think of games that have something to do with farming that the kids could compete against each other in.

This year the Olympics coordinators

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 B5

Arts & Culture

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

“Restaurants and pubs are constantly trying to hop on the bandwagon to support their local artists.

It’s awesome.”

— Taylor Thomas, B6

FSJ Museum ready to celebrate regional milestones ALEISHA HENDRY

MUSIC ON THE MENU

Q&A

ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Heather Sjoblom

This year is full of historical significance for not only the country, but also the community.

Canada marks its 150th birthday, but closer to home it’s the 75th anniversary of the Alaska Highway.

Heather Sjoblom, curator of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum, said the significance of the highway should to be acknowledged.

“It’s amazing how much the Alaska Highway has changed things,” she said.

“We were a completely different small, muddy town in the middle of nowhere with no sidewalks, and now we’re such a big community centre and a lot of that has to do with the Alaska Highway and how that changed things in terms of opening the area to resource development, both the good and the bad aspects of it.”

As is such, the museum’s theme for the year is all about the Alaska Highway.

For those who may not know much about the famous highway, the museum is hosting a documentary night on Jan. 20 that will feature original film footage and photographs from back during the highway’s construction.

For Black History Month, the museum will have presentations on Feb. 10 about the African-American soldiers and the role they played in the building of the highway.

On March 18 and 24, there will be Night at the Museum events with members of the community playing people who helped impact the community during construction of the Alaska Highway.

What’s something you’d like to accomplish this year?

Explore more of Canada for the 150th anniversary of confederation.

Do you have a book/movie/TV recommendation?

Lawrence Hill’s The Illegal. It says a lot about immigration and how we treat one another.

What was your proudest moment of 2016?

More than doubling the number of educational programs and guided tours at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum from 22 in 2015 to 48 in 2016.

The museum will also be hosting two temporary exhibits, one coming from Saskatchewan and the other being developed locally.

The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery is sending up an exhibit of trench art—carved pieces of wood, shells and other items that were created by soldiers in the trenches during WWI, as well as work done in POW camps. This exhibit will run from May to mid-August.

Then in late-August, a local exhibit of Rudy Schubert’s photographs of the region will be on display, curated by museum intern Kathleen Ogilvie, who has been going through hundreds of negatives to scan and catalogue for the exhibit.

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Steve Kennedy plays some tunes during a live music set at Original Joe’s last weekend. The restaurant is home to live music every Friday night.

Looking ahead, Sjoblom would like to see more done to preserve the heritage of Fort St. John and the Peace Region.

She said that Pat Ferris’ project on Facebook, Heritage Buildings of the North Peace, has been a good start.

“One day down the road it would be nice to have some kind of heritage designation process and a local government that cares more about preserving heritage than they do now,” she said.

Back in February 2016, the Peace River

Regional District decided not to implement a heritage bylaw that would have seen new protections for historic sites in Northeast B.C. While Sjoblom is appreciative that the PRRD does provide the museum with funds to move and repair old buildings, such as the Allen homestead, she would like to see more done locally.

For more information on the Fort St. John North Peace Museum’s 2017 activities, call 250-787-0430 or visit www.fsjmuseum.com

R0011358452

House

of the

k e e W

BRENTWOOD

on gray days.

Skylights also illuminate the vaulted kitchen, while the nook has glass on three sides. Storage and counter spaces are abundant. A large walk-in pantry is nearby, and lazy Susan shelving allows full access to corner cupboards. The built-in desk is handy for keeping tabs on household accounts, and a large utility room is just steps away.

The owners' suite is nothing short of elegant. Its most outstanding feature is the sun-brightened exercise room with a sunken exercise tub. Other luxuries include: a double vanity, soaking tub, shower with a seat, and huge walk-in closet.

Both of the Brentwood's secondary bedrooms boast walk-in closets, window seats and direct access bathrooms.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Brentwood 30-007. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Brentwood

Exercise 8'6'' x 20'

PLAN 30-007 Living Area 3348 sq.ft.

Garage 779 sq.ft.

Dimensions 89' x 77' 3000 SERIES

Patio Nook 13' x 10'6''

Bedroom 11'10'' x 14'8''

Vaulted Kitchen 16'2'' x 12'8''

Vaulted Family 20'2'' x 15'8''

Owners’ Suite 17' x 15'10''

www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Bedroom 13'2'' x 13'8''

Up to Attic Den 11'4'' x 11' Living 16'4'' x 22'

Entry

Dining 14' x 14'8''

Utility 11'2'' x 13'8''

Solitude and sociability. The estatesize Brentwood has plenty of room for both. And despite an obvious stateliness, it's not stodgy.

Multipaned windows brighten an entrance showcased by a lofty keystone-arch portico, and a wealth of multipaned windows sparkles across the brick veneer front facade. Shutters provide dashes of color contrast.

Double doors in the bright, high-ceilinged entry open into formal rooms on either side. Both dining room and living room have stepped ceilings, crown moldings and wide bay windows. A fireplace warms the living room, which is easily large enough to accommodate a grand piano. Sliders connect this space to a cherry-paneled den, similarly linked to the owners' suite.

Natural light washes into the vaulted family room through three large skylights and a wall of rear windows. Another fireplace, nestled into a corner by the windows, offers color and warmth

Storage 11'2'' x 9'4''

Porch

Garage 23'4'' x 24'

© 2017 Associated Designs, Inc.

Arlen Brekkaas

$339,900

In airport sub. Water and sewer, full finished basement 5 bedrooms and detached double garage.

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

$329,900

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

$679,900

5 bedrooms + office, 9' walls up & down, huge entrance from garage and RV parking too!

$269,900

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

$384,900

$164,900

$479,900

Quiet location, close to schools, nice sq ft and room sizes all with a mortgage helper too! Lots of upgrades and fresh paint here with single garage and no RV restrictions for parking! Excellent value property here!

Land or rental investment made easy! Low cost place to call your own is ready for quick occupancy and you can be a home owner now!

Finch area estate styling with classic rooms and great kitchen storage space! Double garage and well landscaped yard where you can enjoy the front courtyard too! Modern and easy, this home is a home to call your own.

$925,000

$539,900

$299,900

5000 sq ft of living space and a waterfront view 10 minutes to town with a mom-in-law suite too? Yes, it's true! On site sewer system means no big bills for service and 3 years new means all the modern amenities and none of the fix up or maintenance of the older ones! Too many features to describe so you will just have to come and see them yourself!

2 acres, house with garage, 28 x38 detached garage with carport, and mom-in-law suite with a lake view and 9 min to Fort St John! Charlie Lake sewer system in place and lots of windows to soak in the trees! Unique property with potential for growth or subdivision.

3 bed duplex with mud room entrance!

Fenced yard, alley parking added for extra storage space too! Appliances included and furniture negotiable.

$479,900

Superb home in quiet Concorde Park with RV space and south facing back yard. Fully finished, laundry in master ensuite and double garage too!

$1,200,000

Springtime sunrise over Tea Creek Valley will fill your home with natural sunlight where you can sit and enjoy the start of the day in professionally designed, restaurant quality kitchen. 10' walls and glass to match brings in the quiet peacefulness of your surroundings like every home should. The second floor has its own laundry room for the 4 bedrooms service and the master suite is a resort quality retreat space to relax and recharge in.

$229,900

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

$299,992

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

B6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

R0011352386

ARTS & CULTURE

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Taylor Thomas (right) and Angelica Thrift joined forces for a three-hour set as Wisely Crystal at Good Ole’ Dayz on Jan. 14.

Singer Taylor Thomas looks to expand her repertoire as she settles into northern living Plenty on the go for young chanteuse, including collaborations with local musicians, dinner theatre Director Stanley Kubrick called the practice needle dropping, while Quentin Tarantino says it helps him get a handle on his writing. Indeed, bringing a score to moving performance is something that dates back to the origins of theatre.

“The music comes with the writing, the editing. Sometimes it is simply tunes we are into at the time or that sound good on a certain day,” local writer-director-newspaper editor Matt Preprost said during a recent music rehearsal for the upcoming dinner production Colosseum.

“When we thought let’s go with a live soundtrack, we thought the most exciting part would be getting together with the band. Here we are.”

While Colosseum is a dinner theatre presented in four acts, the play concerns the restaurant Colosseum, and the cast of character Preprost and cowriter Rob Brown have filled it with. The main attraction, one could say, is the live in-house band. The players are: Taylor Thomas, Catherine Johnson, Joel Primeau, Mathew Savard and Michael Vanzandwyk, along with a handful of cast members gracing the stage.

Singer-songwriter Thomas leads the ensemble, christened Anno Domini and her Sirens, for the production.

“I have done a live score for plays, but the concept behind this is something I’ve never seen before,” said Thomas, 19.

“I am thrilled to be a part of it.”

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ

R0011358446

CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM JANUARY 20 TO JANUARY 26

SING Nightly 6:30, 9:30 Weekend Matinee: 12:30, 3:15

PATRIOTS DAY Nightly: 6:55, 9:55 Weekend Matinee: 12:55, 3:55

MONSTER TRUCKS Nightly: 6:45, 3D 9:20 Weekend Matinee: 12:45, 3:30

Thomas has been keeping busy herself since moving to Fort St. John in August 2015, and has a few swords in the fire beyond Colosseum.

She is looking to start a group that doesn’t just play for a fictitious restaurant owner during a production at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre.

“Tanisha Ray, Brin Murphy and myself are all working hard on getting a repertoire together,” she said, noting their first concert rolls Jan. 27 at Original Joes in Fort St. John. Thomas will also play the Rolla Pub on Jan. 21.

The musicians are cementing themselves in Fort St. John’s burgeoning music community, especially Thomas, who co-ordinates open mic nights every Thursday at Good Ole’ Days, as well as live music nights every Friday at Original Joes.

“The music scene in the Peace Region is ever-growing,” Thomas said. “Restaurants and pubs are constantly trying to hop on the bandwagon to support their local artists. It’s awesome.”

Thomas began singing at an early age and has been playing piano since she could walk, although she concedes she never had musical influences in her family as a child.

Being placed in a musical theatre class by accident when she was attending school in California proved fortuitous, as she ended up being given solo after solo, and was one of 15 students selected to be part

of her school’s “select singers” choir in Grade 10.

From there, she said she joined every choir she could get into, and eventually taught herself how to play guitar.

“I am currently working on learning to play more lead guitar, which is slow going, and always looking to play more instruments,” she said.

Thomas made the move north from the Okanagan after her significant other got a job here to start his aircraft maintenance engineer career.

“Although some people I have talked to say they regret moving up north I am not one of those people,” Thomas said.

When it comes to pacing music with live theatre, Colosseum co-writer and actor Rob Brown said the two aspects inform each other.

“The strategy was to listen.

Think about the role of music to help carry scenes more or less or to drop clues,” said Brown.

Thomas and the band are a few weeks out from integrating with the cast of actors in Colosseum, Preprost said.

Thomas is looking forward to the live aspect of Colosseum.

“I can honestly say I’ve never been a part of a something quite like this. Colosseum is very unique and something you don’t want to miss,” she said.

Colosseum takes to the stage February 14, 24, and 25 at the Pomeroy Hotel in Fort St. John.

Visit stagenorth.ca for more.

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

SPLIT Nightly: 7:05, 10:05 Weekend Matinee: 1:05, 4:05

XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE Nightly: 9:40 3D 7:15 Weekend Matinee: 4:15, 3D 1:15

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 B7

ARTS & CULTURE

A VERY MERRY UNBIRTHDAY TO YOU!

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTOS

Dr. Kearney Middle School musical theatre students fell down the rabbit hole during their run of Alice in Wonderland Jr. at the North Peace Cultural Centre last week.

Cabbage manages to transcend time G

reen cabbage patches dapple the Peace River valley landscape. This simple, locally grown vegetable has been eaten by kings since the Pharaohs of Egypt. For thousands of years in Europe and Asia, people depended on fermented cabbage for nutrition in winter. The Peace River valley is no stranger to its delicious, refreshing, and medicinal flavours.

Fermented cabbage is a medicinal dish for winter. It has an abundance of vitamin K, vitamin C, and dietary fibre.

Cured, it stores antibodies and digestive bacteria our immune and digestive systems need to fight off illness.

Chefs in ancient times served cabbage to sooth ulcers from stress and alcohol.

The Roman nobleman Pliny the Elder recommended it to counter drunkenness and cure hangovers. Ancient Egyptians also ate cooked cabbage at the beginning of meals to reduce the affects of wine intoxication.

Cabbage is a cure for historic holiday drinking.

The basic science behind fermented cabbage is the same as wine: lactic acid and the bacteria that love them. Bacteria cultures produce an environment that preserves the cabbage. Vinegar formation kills HOROSCOPE

ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) For the next four weeks, you will be more popular. You might join a club, group or organization.

Enjoy being friendly!

TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) People in authority will admire you during the next four weeks.

Because of this, you have an advantage. Go after what you want!

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) If you can travel in the next four weeks, do so. Do anything that will expand your horizons, because you want adventure and a chance to learn something new.

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) During the next four weeks, your focus will be on shared property, shared responsibilities and issues related to inheritances, insurance matters, taxes and debt.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Partnerships and close relationships will be a strong focus for you during the next four weeks. You will find that you can reflect upon your style of relating with others and learn something from it.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) You will be eager to be productive and effective in everything you do during the next four weeks. That’s why you will want to do an excellent job!

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Fun vacations are tops on your

Judah Koile

FROM THE FARM TO THE TABLE

the general population of yeast allowing the vinegar mother to grow. This slows the decay of cells and traps minerals, vitamins, and antibodies for winter time use.

We give many names to fermented cabbage. It’s called Curtido in Salvador, Suan cai in China, Kimchi in Korean, and Sauerkraut in Europe: in essence, the same medicinal, delicious, easy-to-digest winter food. In all corners of the earth, post-holiday meals are filled with fermented cabbage and love.

“People remember the different variations of ... cabbage based on their mothers and grandmothers. It’s not just about food. Eating something as traditional as this is a cultural experience, one that is spiritual and nostalgic. It manages to transcend time; it’s food for the soul,” food writer Gil Marks once said.

1L sauerkraut 300g butter 600g of diced bacon 15 med sized peeled potatoes 3 small diced onions 2 full heads minced garlic 1kg pasta flour 6 eggs 25ml oil 200 ml water

Filling Sauté bacon, adding onions and garlic after it becomes crispy. Cook onions until translucent and caramelized. Cook potatoes separately in salt water and mash. Add bacon mix to the mashed potatoes, season to taste with salt/pepper and cool in fridge.

Perogy dough Add eggs, salt and water to the flours and mix well until it forms a dough ball. Add water as necessary. Knead by hand or in a mixer until the dough is smooth and without lumps.

Plastic wrap and place in fridge to rest for two hours.

Cut, weight and roll equal sized balls of dough. If the dough is too tight and hard simply let it rest longer. With your hands or with a rolling pin, roll balls into 1/4 inch or thiner disks.

Fill the centre of the disk with seasoned potato and symmetrically incapsulate, twisting or pinching dough to seal the one long edge. The seal it is your signature so make it beautiful.

Strain sauerkraut and sauté with butter, herbs, and a dash of honey salt and pepper. Put perogies in boiling water until the flour in the dough is cooked and they float. Strain and combine with sauerkraut, add dash of sour cream or your favourite soft cheese, mix well without breaking the perigees.

Serve onto a platter over large decorative cabbage leaves and hard boiled eggs seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Judah Koile is a Fort St. John chef and co-owns The BEAM with his wife, Jiwon Kim. Koile has more than a decade of culinary experience, and has worked in restaurants across Canada and South America.

Homemade Bacon Perogies steamed in Sauerkraut and butter

For Thursday January 19, 2017

menu throughout the next four weeks. If you can’t get away on a vacation, then enjoy the arts, social outings, parties, sports events and playful times with kids.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) During the next four weeks, your focus will turn to home, family and domestic issues.

Many of you will want to cocoon more at home as well.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) The pace of your days will accelerate during the next four weeks, because you will be busy taking short trips, running errands, talking to people and reading, writing and studying more. Busy you!

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Your mind will be on money, finances and cash flow more than usual during the next four weeks. Trust your moneymaking ideas!

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Because the Sun in your sign for the next four weeks, you have a chance to replenish yourself for the coming year. It also will attract favourable situations and important people to you.

PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Work alone or behind the scenes throughout the next four weeks, because this will serve your best interests. It’s a good time to make goals for the year ahead.

The Sky Is Falling Dear Annie: I’m a sophomore in high school. Lately, I’ve been having some anxiety. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but it’s this sense of impending doom, as if something very bad is about to happen. For example, I’ll be lying in bed and suddenly I’ll be overcome with dread, thinking the ceiling is about to collapse on me or just some vague bad thing is going to happen. Then I get this feeling that if I just complete some gesture -- making the bed and then getting back in or turning the light on and then back off -- I’ll prevent the disaster from happening. It’s bizarre, but I feel the need to complete these actions every time the anxiety flares up.

So far, I have managed to keep these spastic episodes to myself; not even my close friends know.

But lately, they’re becoming more frequent and intense.

For instance, I work at a clothing store on the weekends, and the other day, I was ringing a woman up, removing the security tag off the blouse she was buying, when all of a sudden, that overwhelming feeling of panic crept up on me, and I felt as if I absolutely had to put the security tag back on and then remove it again -- four times.

The woman kind of gave me a confused chuckle, and I tried to pretend it hadn’t happened.

It wasn’t a big deal, but I worry I’ll do more stuff like that in the future.

I know, of course, that my

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

random gestures aren’t going to stop something bad from happening. But knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to suppress the urge. What’s going on? Is this normal stress? Am I crazy? -- Feeling Neurotic Dear Neurotic: You’re not crazy, but it sounds as if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The kind of “magical thinking” you describe -- think of it as making up your own personal superstitions -- attempts to provide some semblance of control over the external world. Many people who experience magical thinking were raised in chaotic, unstable households and developed obsessive-compulsive disorder as a coping mechanism.

Visit the International OCD Foundation at https://iocdf.org for more information, and talk to your parents, a school counselor and/or your physician about therapeutic treatments.

Dear Annie: This is in response to “Confused Mom,” whose young daughter keeps being disappointed by her unreliable, mostly absent father.

When I kept having to tell my children that Dad was not coming, the kids were getting angry with me, as though it were my

fault. I finally realized that their dad needed to be the one to tell them he would not be coming; this way, he would hear the disappointment in their voices. So from then on, I would hand the phone to one of my children when Dad got ready to break his plans.

The children were so happy to see “Good Time Charlie” on the weekends, while I was the one who raised them on a daily basis, with all the rules. Both of my children turned out pretty darn well, and they still loved their father -- but they understood that he was not a great father. He was only the man who had walked out of their lives when they were 5 and 7.

“Confused Mom,” when your children get much older, they will realize who the good parent was, but I know it hurts to watch a child growing up with expectations and having her heart broken every time her father does not show up. My heart goes out to you.

On the plus side, my children had a great stepfather for 18 years, until he passed away.

There is hope for someone else to love your child. -- Been There, Done That

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

B8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

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

R0011358757

Coffee Corner

CONTACT US

$409,000 27 Princess Crescent MLS# R2108112 It’s not every day that a 5 bedroom/2 bath home with double detached, heated garage in Princess Cres. hits the market!

$279,900 402 11004 102 Avenue MLS# R2076069 Condo living at its best! 2015, 2 bdrm, 2 bath upper level condo

$369,900 8916 98 AVE MLS# R2126969

$309,900 11727 98A STREET, MLS# R2110876

Solid value here 1/2 duplex located in the NE end of Fort St John and a block away from the Bert Ambrose School

Immaculate 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in a great neighbourhood.

All the best for 2017 $899,000 13546GOLFCOURSEROAD,MLS#R2126842

Outstanding view from this quality built home by C. Haugan Const.

$279,000 9308 N 97 HIGHWAY MLS# R2076516 Prime R5-zoned land with 10.82 acre building site located just 15 minutes NW of Fort St John

$485,000 8415 98 AVENUE, MLS# R2097361 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with over 2300 sq ft of living space

$315,000 8319 87 STREET MLS# R2124002

Beautiful new 1/2 duplex offering a very spacious main floor layout

Clue

Find the correct word, joining the first word then joining the second word

TODAY’S PUZZLE

14. Harper, Bruce and Robert E. 15. Ammunition 17. Scheduled to arrive 22. Sour or bitter in taste 23. Closed automobile 24. Philemon (abbr., Biblical) 25. “Throne of Glass” author Sarah 26. A way to give information 28. 55122 MN 29. Scenic French fabric 32. Apothecaries’ unit Clue 36. No seats available 38. Extraordinary intellect 40. Solomon Islands Copyright © 2008, Penny Press capital riage CLUES ACROSS 3. World’s longest 43. Furrow river 39. Team cheer 1. Punished 44. Principal ethnic 41. Lingering sign of 4. Canned 10. Cartoon feline group of China 12. Productive land injury 5. Giant’s Hall of 45. Collectable 42. Brews 13. Playfully misFame Linebacker 46. Rouse Find the correct word, joining the first 44. Mix with society chievous one 6. Worn to Mecca 51. Not those word then joining47.the Typesecond of health-word 15.

Liquorice7. Fanatical parti54. Serviette care plan flavored seeds san 55. Coalition with a 48.

Spanish baby 16. Changed or 8. Rapturous delight common purpose modified 49. Expression of 9. Southern 56. Maple genus sympathy 18. Used to Redbelly ____ (min- 57. Localities strengthen and 50. Openwork fishnows) 58. Asian ox harden steel ing fabric 10. Weekday 59. Let it stand 19. Extinct flightless 52. Farm state 11. Seaman 60. Title of respect bird of New Zealand 53. Weak-willed 12.

A way to bless 64. Exist 20. Atomic #63 (Yiddish) 21. Missing soldiers 56. Madwort PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS 24. Payment (abbr.)

61. Cause to expand 27. Blood-sucking 62. S. Am. procyoAfrican fly nids 30. Erstwhile 63. Former German tennis champion 31. Used to have (Scottish) 65. Professional intent on career 33. ___ Ming: Houston Rocket player CLUES DOWN 34. CNN’s founder 1. Black-eyed & 35. Volcanic craters sugar snap 37. 2-wheeled car2. Czech River

Clue

Find the correct word, joining the first word then joining the second word

TODAYS PUZZLE

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 B9

Community

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

“He truly believed having literacy skills was the way out of poverty and he took it upon himself.”

- Dan Davies

Fort St. John to mark 50 years celebrating Robbie Burns Night ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

The Ode to the Haggis is an important part of any Robbie Burns celebration.

Highland dancing is also needed for a good Robbie Burns Night.

way out of poverty and he took it upon himself. He came from a dirt-poor family, and due to learning to read and write, he became the upper echelon in Scotland.”

Robbie Burns Night is celebrated coast to coast in Canada and around the world, and involves a large meal, with special addresses and toasts to the men and women in attendance, and a special address to the haggis.

The 50th annual Robbie Burns Night takes place Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at Immaculata Hall.

For more information, call Davies at 205-787-5847.

SCOTT DONOVAN PHOTO

Two-year-old Nolan Ulrich sits with donations for the Salvation Army.

Birthday lessons in giving, not just receiving SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

Two-year-old Nolan Ulrich got a birthday lesson in giving instead of getting last Tuesday afternoon in downtown Fort.

St. John.

“Two toonies and an envelope!”

Holly Ulrich borrowed a unique idea from a friend to celebrate her son Nolan’s birthday. Instead of relatives sending gifts, she asked family to send a toonie in an envelope for him and a toonie in an envelope to buy goods for the Salvation Army.

“They (the Salvation Army) said some of the items that they needed were fresh produce,

eggs, milk, anything like that,” Ulrich said.

The pair came in with a generous box of groceries that was welcomed by Jismi Joseph, community ministries worker for the Salvation Army. She was impressed with the lesson Ulrich was showing her son, saying that sort of thing happens only about twice a year.

“It’s awesome,” Joseph said.

“Usually people just get together with friends and family for presents and that sort of thing, for birthdays.”

If you’re able to share with those in need, the Salvation Army is looking for cereal, juice, fresh produce and more.

Call 250-785-5891 for more information.

R0011363997

It’s a long-standing tradition in Fort St. John to honour the national poet of Scotland with a night of food, dancing, bagpipes, and other Scottish delicacies.

The Masons and the Knights of Columbus co-host the 50th annual Robbie Burns Night on Jan. 21 and will feature music from the Rotary Pipe Band, Highland dancers from Studio 2 Stage performing traditional Scottish dances, poetry readings, and more live music from local band Trainwreck.

And, of course, there will be plenty of piping hot haggis.

“Some people seem to think if they come to Robbie Burns Night, they have to eat the haggis,” said organizer Dan Davies.

“But there’s nobody there at the end of the food table with a spoon, shoving it in your face.

“It is optional.”

Robbie Burns was a pioneer of the Romanticism literary movement in the mid-1700s.

Despite growing up in poverty and hardship on a farm, Burns learned to read and write from his father and went on to become the writer of some of the world’s most famous poetry and lyrics.

“Literacy was actually very important to Robbie Burns,” said Davies. “He truly believed having literacy skills was the

Sponsored by: Saundersons Electric Limited - Your Friendly Neighbourhood Electricians

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Lutheran Church 9812 108 Ave Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m.

Rev. Enid Pow ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 9:30 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m.

Holy Communion BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m.

Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-7870089 Next Feast Info.

250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Vener Sabacan Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjcatholic.ca MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism.

MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 3 months before the wedding. ********** ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am KIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am **********

CoMMUNITY CHURCH CHARLIE LAKE CoMMUNITY CHURCH Lead Pastor: Alfred Reschke Associate Pastor: Jared Braun 250-785-1723 fax: 250-785-4136 clcc@pris.ca SUNDAY SCHooL: 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP: 10:40am 1st left turn off Alaska Highway past the Charlie Lake Store. ********** PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Pastor: Andy Wiebe Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings.

Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869

Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:15am & 11:00am ********** MENNoNITE MoNTNEY MENNoNITE CHURCH SUNDAY MoRNING: Sunday School & Worship: 9:30am SUNDAY EVENING: 2nd & 4th Sundays: 7:00pm Everyone Welcome!

Pastor Warren Martin Phone: (250) 827-3231 ********** NoNDENoMINATIoNAL CHRISTIAN LIfE CENTRE “Associated with “Fellowship of Christian Assemblies” “King Jesus is Lord Over the Peace” 8923-112th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 6G2 website: www.christianlifefsj.ca Ph: 250-785-4040 fax: 250-785-4021 Pastor Steve Oboh Principal of Christian Life School: Garry Jones Everyone Welcome Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00am Nursery available and Sunday School is held during the sermon for ages 3-12 years.

Christian Life Centre is “Home of Christian Life School” ********** foRT ST. JoHN NATIVE BIBLE fELLoWSHIP Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wed., Night Bible Study: 7:30pm Pastor John A Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** GIDEoNS INTERNATIoNAL Fort St. John Camp Ray Hein 250-827-3636 John Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** NoRTHERN LIGHTS CHURCH INTERNATIoNAL (Rose Prairie, BC Sunday Service: Pre-Service Prayer: 10:30am Worship Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome ********** THE SHELTER CHURCH “...the Lord will be a shelter for His people” Joel 3:6 9808-98A Ave. fort St. John, BC 250-785-3888 SUNDAY SERVICE: 10am Pastor: Oral Benterud 250-785-9151 ********** PENTECoSTAL THE PENTECoSTALS of foRT ST. JoHN Phone: 250-787-9888 Pastor: Jason McLaughlin Sunday 10am Service, Sunday School Youth Sunday 11am Worship Service Tuesday 7pm Prayer

Wednesday 7pm Bibile Study Friday 7pm Youth ********** PENTECoSTAL ASSEMBLIES of CANADA EVANGEL CHAPEL 10040-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-3386 Fax: 250-785-8345 Lead Pastor: Tony Warriner Sunday Services: 9:30am, 11:00am www.evangelfsj.com ********** The Journey 10011-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-6254 Pastor: Larry Lorentz Services: Sundays: 10:30am Tuesdays: 7:00pm ********** PRESBYTERIAN fort St. John Presbyterian Church 9907-98th St., fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-2482 fax: 250-785-2482 12:30 p.m. - Pie and Coffee 1:00 p.m. - Worship Service Everyone is invited to participate ********** REfoRMED TRINITY CoVENANT CHURCH Sunday Service: 10:00am Meets at the Quality Inn Northern Grand 100th Ave & 98th St., fort St. John, BC Elder: Mike Donovan Phone: 250-787-7702 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 fax: 250-785-2788 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.

R0021161774

B10 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

© 2016 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 32, No. 8

In 1999, biologist Sonke Johnsen discovered a deep-sea octopus called Stauroteuthis syrtensis that has developed glowing suckers on its tentacles.

This species lives about 2,500 feet down in the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists in a research submarine were able to capture several of these small octopuses which are about the size of a fist.

There are more than 150 species of octopus, all with eight tentacles. These soft-bodied invertebrates (animals without a backbone) range in size. One species is no bigger than your thumb, while the Pacific giant octopus grows to be ten or more feet from the tip of one tentacle to another and can weigh up to 50 pounds.

The life of an octopus is one of constant peril. Crabs and small fish like to dine on their eggs and young.

A grown octopus must always watch out for other predators in the sea.

To escape from a predator, an octopus will squirt out a cloud of ink. Thousands of feet down, where the sea is already inky black, they squirt a glow-in-the-dark ink.

The octopus can change color whenever it wishes. Danger causes it to turn pale and excitement causes it to “blush.” Its skin is covered with bumps and warts. To hide, an octopus can not only change its skin color, it can also raise and lower its bumps to make itself warty or smooth.

Certain kinds of octopus can become almost transparent and nearly “disappear” from a predator.

How many octopuses can you find hiding here?

What’s Missing?

The most deadly predator is the moray eel.

It can slip into the same crevice where the octopus hides. Its strong jaws can tear off an octopus’ tentacle!

In the laboratory, away from the sub’s bright lights, they saw the tentacles glow blue-green.

“It would be as if your hand turned into a light bulb,” Johnsen says.

Build Strength

Strengthen your legs, arms and torso with these exercises each day.

Stand straight up with your arms extended. Slowly raise your left foot out to one side.

Balance on one leg that way for 10 seconds. Repeat.

Why did suckers turn into light bulbs? Adapting to the deep ocean is the most likely cause of the change. Blue-green light travels the farthest through water and is useful for attracting prey and mates.

Stand up straight and extend your arms out to the side.

Rotate your arms in small circles. Gradually increase the size of the circles you make.

Stand up straight with your hands on your hips. Rotate your upper body as far as you can in each direction 10 times, as smoothly as possible.

Look through the newspaper and cut out pictures of feet, heads, arms and bodies. Put the pictures back together in new ways to make silly creatures.

Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

Place your palms together and stick your elbows out. Now press your hands together as hard as you can for five seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Standards Links: Physical Education: Use a variety of basic and advanced movement forms.

Complete the grid by using all the letters in the word EIGHT in each vertical and horizontal row. Each letter should only be used once in each row.

Some spaces have been filled in for you.

If an octopus loses a tentacle, it can grow a replacement.

Find the octopus that has only seven tentacles.

Q: What did the boy octopus say to the girl octopus?

Look through the newspaper for eight (8) pictures or words of each of the following: • food • animals • prices • fall pictures • 3-digit numbers

Standards Link: Science: Compare and sort common objects.

ANSWER: I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand.

Eight of a Kind

Pretend you have a pet octopus.

Describe what life is like with this pet. Be imaginative! Do you take your octopus for walks? Is it trained?

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 B11

PERSPECTIVES

INTO A VALLEY OF GHOSTS M

onday morning rush hour, just north of Prince George, British Columbia.

As we drive up Highway 97 toward Chetwynd and into the Peace River Country, a southbound pickup truck passes at an intersection. The windows are tinted, but the occupant in the back is still visible: a severed moose head with antlers so immense they fill the entire cab. Bloodshot eyes stare skyward as if to plead, Why me?

Moose meat is revered as the beef of the north—it’s a valuable commodity and part of the reason we have driven fifteen hours across most of British Columbia with a rented canoe lashed to our roof. It’s late September, the peak of hunting season in the north, and a prime destination for many hunters is the same place we’re headed: the Peace River valley, about 1,100 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, where an estimated 20 percent of British Columbia’s entire moose kill takes place.

Most British Columbians do not know that their province stretches east of the Rocky Mountains and includes a mighty chunk of North America’s great interior plain. Long after most of the continent had been carved up, its best agricultural land settled, the Peace remained remote and largely unpopulated. Despite its great natural wealth—coal, oil and gas, plus hydro and vast tracts of arable farmland—surveyors spilled into the Peace region only a couple of years before World War I. That sense of pristine remoteness is largely gone now, as this once underdeveloped fringe of the province has been transformed beyond recognition, into what business types like to call an “economic engine.”

I’m riding shotgun beside Ben Nelms, twenty-seven, a photojournalist who shoots for Reuters, the Canadian Press, Bloomberg and many other media outlets.

He is one of those strange life forms known as a “millennial”—he chews tobacco, doesn’t flinch at drinking gin straight out of the bottle and spends entire restaurant meals not looking up from his phone.

Ben is a talented photographer as well, a natural as it were, and a steady hand at the wheel.

I’m a freelance journalist, the equivalent in the media ecosystem of a coyote: I scavenge for stories, often gorging on the scraps left behind or missed by mainstream outlets. Over the years I have developed a fascination, a beat of sorts, focused on what the financial markets call “commodities”—things like copper, trees, natural gas and even staple foods (moose futures do not yet exist, to my knowledge). So when I first heard about a big hydroelectric project proposed way up in the northeast corner of BC, out of sight and apparently out of mind, I resolved to know more.

Ben was a fitting partner in this endeavour. We resolved to tackle the Peace River valley, which I had taken to calling “the valley of ghosts.” That’s because the 83-kilometre stretch of river we planned to paddle, between the town of Hudson’s Hope and just upstream of Taylor (south of Fort St. John), is the exact section that will be destroyed

by BC Hydro’s newest mega -hydro project, the recently approved Site C dam. In the next decade, a 60-metre-high mountain of compacted earth will likely stretch more than a kilometre across the main stem of the river, causing the waters behind it to swell into a 93-square-kilometre artificial lake, drowning a stretch of rich farmland. The waters will also swallow fifty islands and a valley that is habitat for farmers, ranchers, trappers and innumerable creatures big and small.

We had come to document a landscape on the verge of an apocalyptic flood.

In coming here, our initial

BENJAMIN NELMS PHOTO

Clearing the trees to make way for the dam.

BENJAMIN NELMS PHOTO

Paddling down the Peace River.

BENJAMIN NELMS PHOTO

Children play along the bank of the Peace River at Bear Flat.

BENJAMIN NELMS PHOTO

The Peace River Valley.

ambition was to ignore the noise surrounding Site C, 17 including the NIMBY versus “jobs at any cost” battle waging in the Peace Country itself, and be agnostic about our assignment. Keep it simple.

But we would soon find ourselves floating down the Peace River into an Edgar Allan Poe–sized political maelstrom we had not anticipated. Before this was over, we would have to render judgment.

What was the real cost of

Site C? As we discovered, it’s a story about wildlife, farmland, natural gas and electricity— and the trade-offs our society collectively makes to live in comfort. It’s about the real cost to be paid, both financially and otherwise, to reap the benefits of 5,000 gigawatt hours of new energy from the Peace River.

And it is about much more: the Peace Valley has been a prosperous home to humans for over 10,000 years. How many

stories and lives, human and otherwise, will be erased when the next great flood rises to engulf the Peace River valley? __ This is an excerpt from new book, The Peace in Peril, by Christopher Pollon, with photographs by Ben Nelms; published by Harbour Publishing (2016). Available at your local bookstore and at amazon.com and chapters.ca

B12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

WALTER BECKER April 25, 1930 to January 9, 2017

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING EVENTS

GET RESULTS!

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

Reach almost 2 million people in 107 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad

OBITUARIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New In Town...

Getting Married...

Had A Baby...

New in Business...

R0011352389

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Isabel Epp

born December 28, 1924 passed on quietly and peacefully the morning of January 16, 2017 in her Peace Villa room.

Special thanks to Care givers, nurses and others on Bluebell Lane who cared for and loved Isabel over these past 3 years.

She will be missed by family and friends. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Isabel can be made to the Fort St John Hospital foundation.

Condolences and funeral service information can be placed or found at www.hamresfuneral.com

1-866-669-9222

community

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

Carolynn Theoret 250-262-0078 Baby

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Grandma was born Theresa Evelyn but went by the name Evelyn. She was born in Edmonton, Alberta on July 12, 1929 to Fred and Theresa Alleyn.

She had an older brother Joe, an older sister Helen and one younger sister Mary, who still lives in Penticton with her husband, Max.

OBITUARIES

Muriel passed into the presence of Jesus with her family by her side on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the age of 78 years. She will be remembered and sadly missed by her children: Diane Davis (Glenn) of Vernon, BC, Gordon Barrett (Joanne) of South Korea, Stewart Girbav (Pat) of Fort St. John, BC, Carol McDowell (Rob) of Ymir, BC, Diana Brandt of Salmon Arm, BC, and George Barrett of Prince George, BC, sister Shirley Owens of Delta, BC, brother Keith Hamilton (Pat) of Tsawwassen, BC, 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Muriel was sadly predeceased be her husband Harry James Barrett. Muriel was always doing things for others. She volunteered as much as she could at home and abroad. Her love for her Lord was always evident.

She touched many lives with her generous and kind heart. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Bethel Pentecostal Church, 945 Main Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 5E3 with Pastor Don Schneider officiating.

Interment to follow in the summer in Dawson Creek, BC. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.providencefuneralhomes.com. 250-493-1774

In 1957 Maureen was born, in 1958 Robert was born, in 1960 Colleen was born and in 1962 Brian was born. If you are doing the math, that is 4 children under the age of 5. It is no wonder that she had that beautiful white hair.

A fond memory for Maureen was Grandma enjoying family summers at the lake in St. Albert, while as kids they had the time of their lives. Those long days swimming and playing on the beach, then the treat of buying penny candy at the corner store.

R0011365507

Her pride and joy was her family and she delighted in keeping them all shiny and clean. Her home was immaculate at all times. Each day of the week was designated for a duty. Sunday was busy getting the family to mass on time and then preparing a full roast beef dinner before settling in for the Walt Disney show. Monday was laundry, Tuesday was baking yummy cookies and cakes, as dessert was served every night.

Wednesday errands, etc. Thursday was likely furniture rearranging day.

She was extremely organized and practical, she even hand knit the children’s mittens and socks and sweaters.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES R0011365485

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Grandma was not a huge animal lover although she did tolerate 2 dogs, 2 cats, rabbits, gerbils, fish, ducks, turtles, and Brian’s favourite "sea monkeys". I’m sure we all remember Rufus and his daily battles with the

mail slot. Robert recalled a time when Grandma came home from dropping Grandpa at work and exclaimed, "I saw a cougar"! After much questioning it was determined she saw a racoon. As I said, not a huge animal person although the zoo was quite varied at the Casey house over the years.

Executive Director Fort St John Hospital Foundation

Required experience: • Management, budgeting: five years • Non-­‐profit fund development: five years

Required education: • Bachelor’s or diploma in Fundraising/Business or related field

Requirements: Minimum 5 years’ experience in non-­‐profit and fund development planning and management • Budget planning and management experience • Proven skills to successfully communicate including written, interpersonal, organizational, negotiation and presentation skills • Experience with a wide range of development activities including capital campaigns, direct mail, legacy, and endowment giving, estate giving, major gifts, and special events • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification is an asset • Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers • Proficiency in MS Office database software • Knowledge of investment principals, charitable gift vehicles, tax and estate planning • Recent satisfactory performance and attendance records • Advocates and supports a culture of patient comfort and care and demonstrates an understanding of hospital needs and able to collaborate with the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa Residential Care needs

Two years later she decided with a little bit of persuading, to move to Dawson Creek where her three young grandchildren lived. I was 12, Emily was 9 and Luke was 6.

Grandma seemed to fit quite easily into the small town rituals. The church was a huge part of her life. She joined the CWL and made many friends in Dawson Creek. Back in the early 70’s Grandma started a CWL at CFB Edmonton and attended many conventions throughout the years all across Canada and met many like minded women.

Grandma was diagnosed with incredibly debilitating Alzheimer’s. She functioned fairly well for a few years until one night the neighbour called and said Grandma was outside wandering in a snow storm in her nightgown in November. We knew the time had come that she couldn’t remain alone in her home. Not to mention the skipped meals and meds and the various appointments that were missed. Dr. Ashwell made a request and Grandma moved into Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek in February 2011. She lived there for 2 years and then she transferred to Sunset Lodge in Victoria in 2013. Grandma could not have been in more capable hands then when she resided at both of these long term care homes. The staff at both facilities should be wearing wings as all of them were like angels to Grandma.

Grandma passed very peacefully in her sleep while holding the hands of both Brian and Maria on December 10th, 2016. We are all very comforted to know that she is now at peace and resting with her husband in Heaven with the Lord.

Submit resumes with a cover letter that includes salary expectations and date available to begin work to fsjhf@northernhealth.ca.

TENDERS

TENDERS

TENDERS

− Eulogy read at the service by grandson Blake Rose

TENDERS

INVITATION TO TENDER

Funeral Service for the late

Survived by his loving wife, Marion Sawchuk and daughter Rhonda Sawchuk, and brother and sister Alec Sawchuk and Ann Drebit Tony was born in Weeks, Saskatchewan and later moved to Dawson Creek, BC, where he pursued a long time career as an Operating Engineer local 115 and a proud brother to the Masonic Lodge #126. Tony was well known in the pipeline industry as he had been on some very notable projects all across the country for many years. His fellow friends and workers would often state that behind the controls of a dozer would be his final fate. He later moved to Merritt, which was his final resting home. He was a local Legion member where he enjoyed a bottle of Budweiser beer with good friends.

Tony was generous by nature and known to be quite a character with a witty sense of humor like no other; he loved to make people laugh.

His wishes were not to have any services, but in the celebration of his memory we will have a bonfire and BBQ in the upcoming summer months. He would prefer that we share stories, laugh and have a toast to a life well lived. All that knew him will be welcome.

FORT ST. JOHN PUBLIC WORKS “2017 – 2020 Bulk Petroleum Products” and “2017 – 2020 Fuel Products”

will be held

Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00am from the Catholic Church of the resurrection.

Prayer service will be held

Friday, January 20, 2017 at 7:00pm from the Catholic Church of the Resurrection. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Marguerite to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Kidney Dialysis Fund. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

OBITUARIES

COMING EVENTS

Celebration of Life for DARRIS LYNN FREDERICKSON

Darris Lynn was given the gift of life on March 25, 1955 in Dawson Creek where she lived the majority of her very short life.

Darris was an amazing beautiful person that was truly loved, is missed and will always be cherished.

She lived many different experiences from remote area mining, truck driving and much more.

But her passion was sewing, Darris was a very talented seamstress, “like no other”!

Darris stayed at home and sewed for a living so she could raise her Sonya, whom she followed to Alberta, and on Feb. 28, 2015 Sonya gave her a grandson “Nash”. The love between those two was tremendous! Their eyes would light up when they met.

Darris was very much at peace during our last precious times together, saying bravely “We have to make the best of a bad situation”.

Please come & join our family and friends to remember a wonderful person Darris (Raven).

January 21, 2017 at 3:00 pm at the

Dawson Creek Curling Rink lounge.

Reception and beverages to follow.

“Bringing Home tHe news since 1944”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Marguerite Dierkhising

SAWCHUK, Anthony T. July 4, 1936 − January 4, 2017

For the best in LocaL news, sports and Features

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FUNERAL SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DAWSON CREEK BADMINTON CLUB From Sept. 19, 2016 to April 26, 2017 Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 7:30-9:30 pm Central Campus Gym Dawson Creek Do not play on any statutory or school holidays.

Go on the school website to check on the holidays Please pay before you start playing.

Players under 16 years must have an adult with them.

You will need clean gym shoes and a racquet.

Contact Dan or Judy Pandachuck: 250782-4783 Exhibition Opening for Angela Fehr: A Walk in the Peace Friday, February 3rd @ 7pm to 9pm at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery This event is free and open to the public.

JAN 21- COUNTRY MUSIC DANCE-Music

by Let ‘R’ Rip at the Senior Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Ave, Dawson Creek.

Dance from 8:30- 12:30 Admission includes lunch. 19 years and over welcome. For more information phone Fred at 250-7822192 or Linda at 250843-7418 ANNOUNCEMENTS 1533 Week of 1.09.2017

•

FUNERAL SERVICES

Grandma was a homemaker until Brian was 13 years old, and she went back to work as a switchboard operator at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. She loved going to work and dressing up everyday in a suit as well as high heels. Grandma retired in 1995. She attended and really enjoyed going to live stage productions and going to the cinema to watch movies. Grandma did a little bit of travelling, going to Australia to visit her sister Helen and husband Emil, and several trips to Disneyland. I’m sure Emily and Luke remember riding Thunder Mountain Rollercoaster while grandma’s magic purse was flying straight out on her arm as we rounded the corners at high speed. She returned to Edmonton on several occasions as she had many friends and lots of memories there.

Position: Full time

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

With Grandpa in the military they moved often during their early years.

They started in Edmonton then over to Vancouver, after that Arlington, Virginia, next back to Canada, first Ottawa, then back to Edmonton, and off to Victoria, and lastly to Vancouver, where Grandpa retired in 1980.

Twice Grandpa was posted overseas, 6 months to Germany and 3 months to Japan. Poor Grandma having 4 small children to look after.

Grandpa passed away three years after retirement in August 1983 while Grandma continued to work another 12 years. So retirement together as a couple sadly didn’t happen.

Muriel Blanche Barrett

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

You Should Call

R0011365510

Grandma attended catholic schools in Edmonton and after graduating high school she went on to attend business school. She became a switchboard operator at CFB Griesbach military base in Edmonton. At that time she met her husband, Robert T. P. Casey. Shortly after they met, Grandpa went off to Korea and did a tour of duty. Upon return from Korea they got married on May 15, 1954 in Edmonton.

Friends of the Library meet Monday, February 27th at 10am

Bonnie Carlson 250-827-3132 Community & Bridal

R0011362586

He is survived by his wife, Mae, children Cecil(Nicole), Jerry(Margret), Fred(Pearl) and Violet(Wayne), 10 grandchildren and 14 grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the nurses and Dr. Brussow for the care that he received.

CASEY, Theresa Evelyn December 10, 2016

R0011363827

R0011363794

COMING EVENTS ART CLASSES UNTIL JUNE 30: Each day a different skill for after school youth DAWSON CREEK ART GALLERY: 3:30 to 5:00PM 250782-2601

ANNOUNCEMENTS

R0011365493

Classifieds

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

Sealed Tenders clearly marked “2017 – 2020 Bulk Petroleum Products” and “2017 – 2020 Fuel Products” will be received at the main reception desk of City Hall no later than 2:00 pm, local time, Thursday, January 26, 2017.

Tender documents may be obtained at City Hall during regular working hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or online at www.fortstjohn.ca.

Sealed tender submissions are to be addressed to the attention of Don Demers, Director of Public Works, and mailed or delivered to the City of Fort St. John: 10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all Tenders or to accept the Tender deemed most favourable in the interest of the City. Additional information maybe be provided by Don Demers, Director of Public Works or Jeremy Garner, Roads Superintendent at 250-787-8150.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

B R E A ST CA N C ER VENDING MACHINES B U S I N E S S OPPORTUNITY. Brand New Launching across Canada. Exceptionally High Cash Income with Rewarding Lifestyle.

Financing Available. Full Details CALL NOW 1-866668-6629 Website www. vendingforhope.com BUSINESS SERVICES

www.fortstjohn.ca

DENIED Canada Pension Plan disability benefits?

Under 65 and want to apply for CPP disability benefits? Disabilit y Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Call 1-877-7933 2 2 2 w w w. d c a c . c a .

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

SANDMAN INNS RURAL BC recruiting management couples, both full-time and part-time roles available. Ask us about our great employee perks and accommodation.

Send resumes to jobs@ s a n d m a n . c a

M E D I C A L T R A N S C R I P T I O N! In- demand career!

Employers have work-athome positions available.

Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!

FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com/400OT 1-800-5666 8 9 9 E x t:4 0 0 OT. HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered.

Order online at www.treetime. ca or call 1-866-873-3846.

New growth guaranteed.

HEALTH CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability?

Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government.

Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/ free-assessment

LEGAL SERVICES

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/ Licensing loss? Travel/ Business opportunities?

Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entr y Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction.

Fr e e C o n s u l t a t i o n 1- 8 0 0 - 3 47-2 5 4 0.

SERVICES GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 105 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www. communityclassifieds.ca o r 1- 866 - 669 -9222.

STEEL BUILDINGS

STEEL BUILDING SALE...”REALLY BIG SALE IS BACK-EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!” 20X19 $5,145 25X27 $5,997 28X27 $6,773 30X31 $8,110 35X33 $11,376 40X43 $13,978. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036 www. pioneersteel.ca

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 B13

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

Take notice that Springbuck Inc. from Osoyoos, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Licence of Occupation for aggregate quarrying situated on Provincial Crown land located near the Sikanni Chief River.

The Lands File for this application is 8015879.

Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Joyce Veller, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100, 10003-110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, (250) 7873438. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to February 11,2017.

2017. MFLNRO may not be able to January 30, 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.

MILE 0 QUILTERS GUILD: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7PM at Calvin Kruk Performing Arts Centre in Dawson Creek Peace Country Roots Group hold their monthly meeting Sunday, February 26th at 1:30pm, located in the small building in the NAR Park.

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.

South Peace Historical Society will be holding their monthly meeting Wednesday, February 15th at 2:00pm at the Station Museum The Peace River Songwriters Group will be meeting Tuesday, February 9th at Faking Sanity at 7:30pm

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

R0011360753

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

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Take notice that 0858703 BC Ltd. from Kelowna, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Quarry situated on Provincial Crown land located at Pine River (Oreo Road).

The Lands File for this application is 8015850.

Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Joyce Veller, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100-10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 7873438. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to February 2, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/ index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after February 14, 2017.

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.

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

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

Save the Dates July 7, 5:00 pm to July 9, 2017 at 3:30 pm for the 23rd 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 2017 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!

The South Peace Arts Society will be holding their monthly meeting Thursday, February 9th at noon at the Art Gallery The South Peace Community Arts Council will be holding their monthly meeting Tuesday, February 14th at noon at the Calvin Kruk Centre.

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

Thursday January 26,2017-10am until 11:30am -at the New Beginnings Baptist Church- 10221-18th St, Dawson Creek-T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is celebrating their 30th Anniversary. We are a Chapter in a not-forprofit weight loss organization (www.tops.org) For more information call Marg (780-864-5205) or Mary ( 250-7826628)

Urban Systems Ltd. Field Inspector (Temporary) Our Fort St. John office has an opening for a temporary Field Inspec− tor for municipal infras− tructure based inspec− tion work in the BC Peace Country. Our ideal candidate will have 5−10 years of relevant experience.

Visit our website for more details: www.urbansystems.ca

R0011352370

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

CLASS ONE TRUCK DRIVERS

LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services Inc. Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia

LaPrairie Works is a diversified and growing transportation specialist. We come with over 25 years of operating experience in Western Canada, and our core business areas include on and off highway hauling, oilfield services, mine contracting and site services.

We are currently recruiting permanent full time Class One Drivers to expand our local team of transportation and logistics professionals in the Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia. The ideal candidates will fulfill the following criteria:

• Demonstrated initiative with solid HSE fundamentals and sound work ethic.

• Off-­‐Road & Mountain experience • Ability to apply and remove tire chains • Ability to work Day and Night Shifts • Valid Class 1 license & Driver abstract in good standing • Load Securement and First Aid Training • Ability to complete / maintain accurate Driver Hours of Service Records • Able to understand and communicate in English

LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services offers a competitive compensation program for qualified candidates.

Please forward current resume and abstract to:

Human Resources Department Email: careers@laprairiegroup.com Fax: (403) 767-­‐9932

We encourage all who are qualified and interested to apply in confidence, However, only those in consideration will be contacted.

R0011360765

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

DISPOSAL OF LAND In accordance with Section 26 of the Community Charter, notice is hereby given that the City of Fort St. John intends to sell the land legally described as That Part of Section 32, Tp. 83, Rge 18, W6M, Peace River District Shown as Closed Road on Plan EPP63141 (Lane Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw No. 2326, 2016) to Ditmarsia Holdings for $117,500.00. This parcel of land was previously a road rightof-way which was closed. This land will be amalgamated with adjacent parcels.

Inquiries regarding this disposition of land may be directed to Janet Prestley, Director of Legislative and Administrative Services at (250) 787-8153.

www.fortstjohn.ca

CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN APPLICATION FOR OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT

The applicant, the City of Fort St. John is seeking an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment to the parcel located at 9404 93rd Avenue and described as REM Lot D, Plan PGP41348. The intent is to change the land use designation from General Commercial (GC) to High Density Residential (HDR).

This land use change is proposed to facilitate the construction of a 50 unit residential structure as defined by the Community Measures Agreement between the City of Fort St. John and B.C. Hydro.

Interested parties are invited to an open house on January 25th, 2017 between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm at: Northern Grand Hotel (Crown Room) 9830 100th Avenue Fort St. John, BC This open house is being held by the applicant to seek public input which will be included in their upcoming application to Council.

For additional information please feel free to contact Moira Green, Director of Strategic Services at 250 787 8150.

www.fortstjohn.ca

CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN APPLICATION FOR OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT

BLUEWAVE ENERGY IS HIRING SEASONAL DRIVERS IN DAWSON CREEK & FORT ST. JOHN To apply visit parkland.ca or drop your re− sume off to: 2801−92nd Avenue, Dawson Creek or 10816−89th Avenue, Fort St. John.

Bluewave Energy is a brand of Parkland Fuel Corporation

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

TRUCKING & TRANSPORT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

R0011362543

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

R0011361661

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

R0011363830

SAMPLE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT LAND ACT

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

For Hire: caregiver to look after my 2 children; 4 year old girl and 3 year old boy. Permanent, full time at a rate of 11.50/hour for 40 hrs/week. Completion of Secondary School : some college/CEGEP/ vocational. 1 to 2 years experience supervision or care for children.

Accommodation available on a live-in basis at no cost, but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: supervise and care; assist/guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children’s activities and may perform light housekeeping. Applicatant may apply via email: joan24garcia@ yahoo.

CURRENTLY HIRING Full Time Class 1 Fuel Truck Drivers for Dawson Creek. Apply by E-mail to northernpetrojob@gmail.com. **Drug Screening Required** Competitive Wage and Benefits. Oilfield tickets required, willing to train the right person. Peace Country Petroleum Sales Ltd. 8704-21 Street Dawson Creek, BC V1G 5A6 Phone: 250-782-5801 Fax: 250-782-5884 Website: www.peacecountrypetroleum.com

The applicant, the CIty of Fort St. John, is seeking an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment to the parcel located at 9904 94th Street and described as Lot 3, Block 8, Plan 3102. The intent is to change the land use designation from INSTITUTIONAL to Medium Density Residential (MDR) and High Density Residential (HDR).

This land use change is proposed to allow for future subdivision of the lot. Interested parties are invited to an open house on January 25th, 2017 between 5:00pm and 7:00pm at: Northern Grand Hotel (Crown Room) 9830 100th Ave. This open house is being held by the applicant to seek public input which will be included in their upcoming application to Council.

For additional information please feel free to contact Moira Green, Director of Strategic Service at 250.787.8150.

www.fortstjohn.ca

R0011363857

Classifieds

Book Your Ad Now!

B14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Alaska Highway NEWS 785-5631

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

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

HOUSES FOR SALE

− Heavy Equipment Operators o Dozer o Excavator o Grader o Rock Truck

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

'Spouses Selling Houses'

Licensed Carpenter/Renovator master of many jack of all trades. Quality, efficient, workmanship, customer satisfaction guaranteed. Tom 262-0185

Experienced Equip− ment Operators Kledo Construction Ltd. is accepting re− sumes for the fol− lowing positions in the Fort St. John & Fort Nelson areas:

HOUSES FOR SALE

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

PROPE HOUSES FOR SALE 25

HOUSES FOR SALE

RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT 3 BDRM, 2.5 BTH DUPLEX FOR RENT. NEW FLOORING UPSTAIRS. FULL BASEMENT (PARTIALLY FINISHED).

AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 1ST. 8514 - 86TH STREET, NO PETS, NO SMOKERS. $1,500/MTH PLUS UTILITIES. CHARLIE LAKE EXECUTIVE 5 BR 4 BATH HOME. LARGE GARAGE ON 5.6 VIEW ACRES. SO MANY GREAT FEATURES. CALL ANNETTE FOR INFO. IT'S A BEAUTY 250-793-4394

Annette 793-4394

3 BDRM, DUPLEX FOR RENT. FAMILY ROOM ON MAIN FLOOR. FULL BASEMENT. AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 1ST. 8804 - 89TH AVENUE. SMALL PET FRIENDLY, NO SMOKERS. $1,400/MTH PLUS UTILITIES.

Gary Reeder Realty Ltd. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY- 9803-102 ST

2 DUPLEX UNITS WITH BASEMENTS

LAND AND BLDG. FOR SALE-11204-100 AVE

OFFICE BLDG. IDEAL FOR A TRAINING CENTER WITH CLASSROOMS, KITCHEN FACILITIES, BATHROOMS AND SHOWERS, LARGE RECEPTION AREA, 9388 SQ FT ON TWO FLOORS, OWNER WILL SELL UNDER LEASE PURCHASE WITH 20% OF RENT TO BE APPLIED TO THE SALE PRICE, TERMS NEGOTIABLE, CALL ANNETTE OR GARY FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

8514-86 ST- 4 BR, 2 BATHS- JUST RENOVATED NEW FLOORING,PAINT,ETC.-NOW $299,500 8516-86 ST- 3 BR, 2 BATHS- FULL BASEMENT. NOW $295,000 BUY ONE SIDE OR BOTH UNITS FOR OWN USE OR RENTALINCOME.MAKEANOFFER!

INCLUDES BUILDING- 4282 SF, CARETAKER SUITE, FRONT OFFICE/RETAIL, 3 BAYS ON 2 LOTS; PLUS EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES FOR CAR WASH AND LUBE CENTRE. WELL MAINTAINED, GREAT LOCATION, CONTACT ANNETTE FOR INFO & TO VIEW BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 250-793-4394

8512 - 77 STREET

COMMERCIAL SPACES AVAILABLE

10407-99TH STREET – TAYLOR

FINANCIAL SERVICES

− Class 1 Driver o Lowbed o Box Truck w/ Pup o End Dump

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS Open 7 days/week 8am - 8pm 1-855-527-4368 Apply at:

*Minimum of 3 years experience w/ preference given to those with Con− struction operating experience. kledooffice @kledo.ca No Phone Calls

www.credit700.ca

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

ESTATE SALE 3 BEDROOM 100 AMP SERVICE. SOLD AS IS WHERE IS. $235,000 MLS#R2123243

WORKSHOPS LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

MISSING PERSON

FORT ST. JOHN - 2017 WINTER & SPRING PROGRAMS SIX WEEKS - 2½ HOUR SESSIONS - FREE SELF-MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS Chronic Pain

Jan 28th to Mar 4th, Saturdays 9:30am to 12pm

Diabetes

April 1st to May 13th, Saturdays 9:30am to 12pm

Chronic Conditions

Jason Dean Brien has been missing since 2009. His last known whereabouts was Fort St. John, BC. This December Jason will be 47 years old.

If you know where Jason is please contact Rosberg Sawatzky LLP (att: Lee Sawatzky) at 604-530-5570.

April 1st to May 13th, Saturdays 1pm to 3:30pm

Workshops held in the Fort St. John Hospital.

Available to all BC adults.

Family members and caregivers also welcome.

Learn to understand and manage symptoms, deal with stress and difficult emotions.

Communicate effectively with health care team, family and friends.

Space is limited - register online or by phone now

www.selfmanagementbc.ca

1-866-902-3767 (toll free)

Self-Management BC is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR SALE

3BR/1BA Groundbirch $95,000 Renovated older mobile with three additions, above the Pine/Murray river, nice setting, great water well and septic, low hydro and taxes, includes two large buildings and a shop on one acre sur− rounded by trees and hills.

250−263−4959 roca33@live.com

ALPINE VILLAGE COMPLEX 1200/1500/2400 SQ FT SPACES AVAILABLE $12.00/ SQ FT PLUS TRIPLE NET CALL GARY @ 250-261-1214 FOR LEASE DETAILS

APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR CALL NOW! REASONABLE RENTS! 1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS. CLEAN, QUIET, ADULT SECURED BUILDING ON BUS ROUTE IN DC .WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY ON LOWER LEVEL. NO PETS. 250782-1331 MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW. Dawson Creek Northern Lights Apartments.

Bachelor apartments and 1 bedroom apts available. Cable/heat, water/hot water included. Please phone : 250-782-7130.

ASK FOR INCENTIVES

BRIGHT, OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH PLENTY OF KITCHEN CABINETS. NEW HARDWOOD FLOOR IN MASTER BR AND LIVINGROOM. GREAT LOCATION MLS R2125057

BOATS

Fractional ownership can make your lifelong dream a reality right now.

2017 Regency Pilothouse 65 Quarter interest $814,409 USD

We’ve Got Your Weekly News When You Need It!

www.one4yacht.com 604-669-2248

Phone: 250-785-5631

Realtors Call Now!

PLACE YOUR AD IN THE

To Place Your House Listings in the Classifieds!

1 -563 -785 522 0 5 2 Ph: 0-785-3 5 Fx: 2 AND MAYBE SOMEONE WILL

Alaska Highway News

CIRCLE YOUR AD!

Call 250-785-5631 to book your space

23

A tireless champion for children needed homes.

Naomi Bronstein believed one simple thing: every child In 1970, Naomi travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia, where has the right to live. She spent her entire life campaigning she opened orphanages and helped facilitate the adoption for orphaned and impoverished children in many places in of hundreds of children to homes in North America. In 1975, the world and was instrumental in aiding numerous orphans a pivotal moment occurred in Vietnam when she saw a plane improve their lives through facilitating adoptions, providing full of orphans crash shortly after takeoff, killing 140 of the medical services and establishing orphanages. She dedicated passengers. Although she immediately dove into the wreckage herself entirely to her cause and in an attempt to help evacuate the ultimately died in Guatemala trying survivors, the tragedy’s losses were to bring much-needed medical arresting. Shaken but determined, services to impoverished children.

Naomi was more resolved then ever Though she was sometimes called to protect the children of the world. the “Canadian Mother Teresa,” Bronstein helped found she was much more militant and charitable organizations like Heal the brazen than her saintly counterpart.

Children that provide medical care Bronstein often cut through and homes to young orphans. She political red tape and challenged also worked in Guatemala on various immigration laws to ensure projects, including the one she was endangered children who needed in the midst of when she passed Naomi Bronstein.

File photo © CBC, urgent care didn’t die while slowaway at 65 years of age. This project author unknown moving bureaucratic processes consisted of revamping old buses and were carried out. transforming them into mobile medic facilities to help poor Born in Montreal, Canada, in 1945, Bronstein began her children get much-needed health-care services. work with children by becoming a mother herself first. She During her lifetime, Naomi Bronstein received a number married at 17 and had two of her own kids before she began of honours and awards in recognition of her work, including adopting. Over her lifetime she was the biological mother to the Order of Canada (1983) and the Royal Bank Award (1997). four, and the adopted mother to eight internationally born Any financial donation she received always went back into her children. Not content to tend only to her own family, she causes, and this bravely determined Canadian lived and died refused to limit herself when so many other orphaned children modestly, without ever losing sight of her convictions.

Where are we from?

THE 52 LARGEST GROUPS IN CANADA’S MULTICULTURAL MOSAIC

CANADA’S SWEDISH COMMUNITY More than 175 place names in Canada are of Swedish origin, including Stockholm, Saskatchewan; Upsala, Ontario; and Malmo, Alberta. But this is not surprising given the important role Swedes played in our country from the very beginning.

The earliest Swedish immigrants were farmers and loggers who helped settle the Canadian West during the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Many came via the United States by way of North Dakota and Minnesota, eventually relocating to Winnipeg. Saskatchewan, Alberta and eventually British Columbia were all settled by Swedes. Northwestern Ontario, primarily in and around Kenora, also became home

to a large community.

After 1920 up until 1930, the majority of immigrants came directly to Canada from Sweden. This group was largely made up of industrial workers.

Before 1940, Winnipeg was the epicentre of Swedish-Canadian life. The city was host to a nationwide Swedish cultural organization, and Manitoba was the province that the majority of Swedes in Canada called home. The Swedish community in Winnipeg also produced the longest running and most influential Swedish language newspaper, the Canada-Tidningen, from 1892 to 1970. After the 1940s, many Swedes went to British Columbia in search of job opportunities—and warmer weather. Today, Canada’s westernmost province is home to the largest population of Swedish-Canadians.

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, 341,845 Canadians claim Swedish ancestry. This large, vibrant group has infused its industrious spirit into nearly every sector of our nation. Swedish-Canadians have made a positive impact in business, infrastructure, politics, the arts, music, science and much more.

QUESTION 1: What was the name of the all-women music festival organized by Sarah McLachlan that toured in the mid-to-late 90s?

QUESTION 2: At 43, Justin Trudeau was the second-youngest person to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada. Who was the youngest?

QUESTION 3:

Canada’s tallest tree is a 56-metre-tall western red cedar that was discovered in 1988 in British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park. What is its nickname?

QUESTION 4: Although no flying broomsticks are involved, which university was the first in Canada to have a quidditch team?

ART, LITERATURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

SPORTS AND LEISURE

2: Joe Clark, who took office the day

Naomi Bronstein (1945–2010) - Philanthropist

TEST YOUR CANADIAN KNOWLEDGE

before his 40th birthday

CANADA: NATURAL SOURCE OF PRIDE SINCE 1867

Quiz

3: Cheewhat Giant

Canadian treasures

WEEKS TO GO

4: McGill University, in 2008

R0011352381

APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR

BUSINESS SERVICES

ANSWERS

LOOKING TO HIRE!!

Anyone interested in inserting flyers into The Dawson Creek Mirror 1 Day Per Week. Please Drop Off Resume at The Mirror Paper, 901-100 Ave, Dawson Creek, or call Tanis at 250-7824772 for More Information.

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

1: Lillith Fair

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

R0011364009

Classifieds

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

infO Canada THE STORIES BEHIND OUR SYMBOLS

NUNAVUT BIRD: ROCK PTARMIGAN The rock ptarmigan is Nunavut’s emblematic bird. This type of grouse remains in the Arctic year-round and has highly adaptive characteristics that allow it to survive the harsh winters. One of its more impressive talents is that of being able to use snow as shelter from prey and bitter winds.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 B15

COMMUNITY

2017 is a new year for new energy L

ast year was an historic year for renewable energy. Planet Earth is breathing a bit easier as investment in new solar and wind power exceeded investment in fossil fuels for the first time, but we still have a long, long way to go.

Let’s have a look into the near future and see what’s just around the corner. Some good, some not so good.

PROBLEMS Though more and more countries are making big efforts to switch to renewables, not everyone is on board with sustainability.

Canada has just seen a decade of indifference and climate-change denial, but a new federal government sheds a ray of hope. Alberta has sworn off coal and is aiming for big growth in solar and wind, so it may move ahead of Ontario as Canada’s clean energy leader.

The Unites States has become the second largest adopter of renewables on the planet (China is first) but weak policies and outright discour-

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

agement has held them back.

Texas for instance is a global leader in wind power and smart grids, but proposals to incentivize solar have been routinely shut down since 2005, in spite of the fact that they have 20 per cent of the country’s potential solar capacity.

And now what will Trump do? Nobody knows.

Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia, has been fighting solar and promoting coal since he was elected in 2013, while Spain has implemented a “sun tax” and banned community ownership of solar arrays.

GOOGLE GOES CLEAN On the good side, Google is on a renewable energy-purchasing binge, aiming to be 100 per cent clean energy

powered by the end of 2017.

Globally, Google uses some 5.7 terawatt-hours of power each year, about the same as a large mega-city.

Google’s head of energy policy explains the move.

“Climate change is an urgent global imperative that we need to solve. Our goal benefits everybody and the planet.”

He explains that it makes good business sense too, because the cost of renewable energy is now competitive with most other sources, and continues to come down. The cost of wind power has dropped by 60 percent and the cost of solar by 80 percent over the last six years.

Renewables also help insulate the company from unpredictable price fluctuations typical of non-renewables.

Since no fuel is needed for wind or solar power, operating costs are stable and predictable over the long term.

NOT ENOUGH TO MEET COP21 GOAL The International Energy Agency (IEA) is warning that

the world is still falling “worryingly short of what is needed” when it comes to deploying clean energy tech to help meet the carbon emission goals set at the Paris climate conference (COP21) in 2015.

Total installed renewable capacity currently provides about 23 per cent of global electricity generation, says the IEA, sustained by solid growth in solar and wind.

But to limit global temperature increase to no more than two degrees C. will require more than two-thirds of electricity to be generated by renewables by 2050.

The share of renewables in the generation mix will have to increase from 23 per cent to 67 per cent.

Coal and gas-fired power plants equipped with carbon capture and storage will supply 12 per cent, and nuclear will increase from its current 11 to 16 per cent.

Most of the growth will need to come from solar and wind.

Solar increase is keeping up well, already having achieved the growth rate needed for

2025 of about 45 GW/yr (gigawatts, or billion watts per year). This must double again to 94 GW/yr. by 2035, and then double again to 189 GW/yr. by 2050.

Challenging but doable, especially with solar already ahead of the curve and wind a close second.

How much will this cost?

About $1 trillion dollars per year for the next 36 years will need to be invested in new renewable energy to meet the COP21 goal. To put that into perspective, currently the world pays about $6 trillion dollars per year to burn fossil fuels (not accounting for hidden costs like health care). Which is the better deal?

The battle for clean energy is far from over, but if you follow the money, it’s clear where we’re headed. Last year was good. 2017 has to be even better.

Don Pettit is a founding member of the Peace Energy Cooperative. He can be reached at dpettit@pris.ca

Fake news taking away our critical thinking skills

I

have a large hair clip and when I leave it on the arm of the couch sitting in an open position, it looks just like a large spider. It startles me sometimes, but then I remember it’s just a hair clip.

I interpret the ‘fake news versus real news’ controversy the same way. Sometimes news is reported in a way that allows us to see what we want to see even if what we think we see is untrue or not real. Sometimes we see a spider where there is only a damn hair clip.

How do they do it? How does fake news get generated? It isn’t always someone telling a blatant lie, it is someone using words that trigger doubt or conversely, using words that make it easier for you to assume that

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

it must be real or true. The words only work because of the divisive, partisan world that we live in with this ‘Us versus Them’ dynamic. If we are left leaning, we believe the words coming from a left leaning source and if we are right leaning, we believe the words coming from the right leaning source.

I am not saying that there are no Faux News stations out there, I am just saying that many times the truth lies

more in the subtleness of the delivery.

If I tell you, “Scientists have proof that the earth is flat”, there will be a few of you flat-earther’s who will think to yourselves, “Scientists have proof? I knew it! The world must be flat!” It isn’t true of course, and I didn’t name a specific scientist, nor did I share the proof. Even so, there will be a few folks who see the spider not the hair clip.

We are losing our critical thinking skills. They are being erased like words on a chalkboard and soon, I fear, we will be without the ability to reason.

Even opinion columnists like myself are only sharing our opinion. We aren’t backing it up with science or data, we are simply saying what we believe to be

true. We are sharing our interpretation of the world and hoping that it opens the door to conversation and discovery.

It scares me when someone shares something they have read or seen that is blatantly untrue but spun in a way that it preys on their insecurities and fears.

Turn off the news and close the laptop—even if it is just for a while.

Believe me, you will benefit from the reprieve.

Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book “Naked Tuesday” or catch her on CBC Radio Daybreak North where she shares her “Peace of Mind”. Follow her on twitter @judylaine

DECOR

R0051169490

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY 250.785.5631/250.782.4888 TO PLACE YOUR AD

Carousel Design & Decor “Ask our Blind Man”

Blinds, Bedding & Draperies

ROOFING

DENTURES a Bite Take f the New Year Out o rtable and Smiling fo Com

Hunter Douglas, Plus Two Top-Line or Budget Prices

Call 250-785-5754

The Power Of Print Print is stable...

Print has longevity...

Sales Associate

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

Ryan Wallace Advertising Manager

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

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Brenda Piper

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Where are YOU spending your advertising dollars?

Call today and feel the power!

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Typically 24% pass an ad onto others, 23% save the ad for future use and 13% visit a related website as a result of the publication.

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

We offer same day service for relines and repairs Denturist Jodie Atkinson 250-782-6004 milezerodentureclinic.ca 103-816 103 Ave Also located in Fort St. John Dawson Creek, BC

B16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

“Get The Good Stuff” 250-785-0463

9224 - 100th Street

2016/17

Fort City

Always Proud To Support Our Community!

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

NHL GREAT CANADIAN

HOCKEY TOUR

Left to right: Stacy Petuh, William Julian and Matt Quigly

20

%

OFF

R0011297515

PICTURE FRAMING Sale Ends Nov. 30

9422 - 100 St 250.785.9099

If you don’t think you can have GREAT FOOD and GREAT TIMES in Charlie Lake... well then, you don’t know Jack!

Mile 52, Alaska Highway (12984 Jackfish Frontage), Charlie Lake, BC

New Location

9135 96A Street | 250-787-0020

250-785-3233

Hours of Operation: Open 7 Days a Week @ 11am

Congratulations to

Stacy Petuh on winning the

2016/2017 Great Canadian Hockey Tour

GoodYear DURATRAC

ON/OFF-ROAD LIGHT TRUCK/SUV TIRES http://www.canadiantire.ca/tires Best Warranty in the industry!

250-787-1142 | 9820 93rd Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6J8