AHN Jan 3 2019 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, january 3, 2019 Vol. A-75, No. 1

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88 Fort St. John drivers paid their parking tickets by paying it forward to the Salvation Army this past holiday season, raising 63 toys and $530 for agency’s Christmas hamper and birthday toy program. Well done Fort St. John!

They say Saulteau has been working with West Moberly and wildlife experts to bring one herd, the Klinse-za (Moberly and Scott), from 16 animals to 80 over the last four years, referencing its maternal penning project, which has been profiled by the Alaska Highway News, and was the subject of a recent short documentary called The Caribou Guardians. “That is the most successful caribou recovery program ever, anywhere in the world, and we would like the people in the Peace to be proud of that,” the letter reads. Consultation with local stakeholders, companies, and municipalities will be taking place in 2019, Saulteau said, asking for patience and faith in the process. “When people jump the gun and give in to their worst fears, and spread wild rumours, based on false information — it doesn’t help their cause, it actually makes it less likely that governments will listen to them,” the letter reads.

Dr. Keith Dixon, one of Fort St. John’s pioneering doctors, has died at the age of 92. Dixon died peacefully in Victoria on Dec. 6, and a memorial was held Dec. 11. Dixon graduated from the University of Alberta with degrees in pharmacy and medicine, and in 1957, he and his classmate Dr. Gary Westover came to Fort St. John to begin practicing. Together, they founded a medical clinic in the city. The arrival of the doctors was announced in the Alaska Highway News in June 1957, with an announcement that Dixon and Westover would be taking over the practice of Dr. George Cormack. Cormack was turning his practice over after 12 years in Fort St. John to further his education abroad. Dixon and Westover were fresh off a two-year internship at the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton, and an article in July 1957 declared they were losing no time “getting into the harness.” “A loss and a gain — all in one act — is the good fortune this week of the people on the northside of the River,” the News reported. Dixon arrived here with his wife Vonnie and their four children, with a welcoming party held at the home of Ross and Irene MacLean. “Both were in harness almost immediately with emergency or obstetrical duty,” the News reported. Dixon was the son-in-law of Jack and Kitty Moar (Excelsior Refineries). The News noted Jack had flown in the Second World War and was promoting his own flying service in Peace River by 1946. “So you see, we couldn’t miss when the opportunity at Fort St. John knocked,” Dixon told the News.

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Caribou closure rumours untrue: Saulteau 9224 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC (250) 785-0463

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Plans to protect southern mountain caribou in Northeast B.C. won’t mean mass closures to industry and the backcountry, says one area First Nation involved in talks with the provincial and federal governments. In a letter dated Dec. 11, the Saulteau First Nation says there are many untrue rumours about the steps governments are taking to protect five endangered herds in areas around Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge. “The steps that the federal and provincial governments are thinking of taking are not going to cause mills to shut down,” reads the letter, signed by chief and council. “Powder King is not getting shut down. There will not be a ban on river boating. They are not going to restrict recreational access to the bush. There may be some motor vehicle closures in some high alpine areas, but only when and where those activities pose a real threat to endangered caribou herds.” “And there will still be mining, and forestry, and gas and pipelines, and other industries. We are part of the economy in the Peace too, and we don’t want to see economic development stop either,” the letter reads. The letter was obtained and released by Concerned Citizens for Caribou Recovery, who, along with local municipalities

NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA Photo

A herd of southern mountain caribou. Populations are dwindling in the Peace.

and the Peace River Regional District, have been ratcheting up pressure on the province to publicize details of two agreements being developed to restore caribou populations in the region. Southern mountain caribou have been listed as a threatened wildlife species under the federal Species At Risk Act since 2003. Two herds, including the Burnt Pine herd near Chetwynd and the Banff herd near Jasper, have already been extirpated. According to recent counts, there’s an estimated 229 animals in five other herds in the South Peace region. The federal government has declared there to be an imminent threat to their recovery, putting pressure on the province to take action, Saulteau says. The province has been engaging Saulteau and West Moberly because of their proven experience in one ongoing caribou recovery project, and because of their constitutional rights to hunt and manage the herds, Saulteau chief and council write in the letter.

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Alberta Average

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Taylor Hall was filled with the smell of ginger and sugar Nov. 29 for an afternoon of gingerbread house building. Left: Maya Berge, 3, from Taylor. Above: Naiya Rogers, 11, from Taylor. dave lueneberg photos

Let’s study some studies Regular readers of this column will know I enjoy bringing you news of scientific studies. Let’s catch up on a few studies I somehow overlooked in 2018: FAT FACT: A medical study showed being overweight can cause mental confusion. This explains why Santa thinks reindeer can fly. BROCCOLI BULLETIN: In a food study, broccoli lowers the risk of heart disease. Did you know you can put broccoli on pizza? I read about it in a magazine article titled, How To Cure Your Pizza Addiction. Meanwhile, a different study showed eating spicy peppers may prolong your life. It’s true. Peter Piper was 130 when he picked his final peck of pickled peppers. SOCIAL STUFF: According to a study, spending only one hour a day on social media can make a person feel insecure and depressed. For your other 23 hours per day of insecurity and depression, you’ll need to talk to real people in the real world. THIS LITTLE PIGGY: A psychology study showed pigs are more intelligent than previously thought. Here’s my question: If pigs are so smart, how come they don’t change that thing where they are made of delicious bacon? WHAT’S UP DOC? A study showed the doctor shortage is getting worse in northern areas like the Peace Country. Many doctors don’t want to work where winters

click on www.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.com.

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are long and cold. Although some sadistic doctors enjoy shocking a patient with a freezing stethoscope. SALAD BAR BULLETIN: According to a study, restaurant salad bar sneeze guards do not protect food from contamination. And in a study conducted by me: Restaurant managers get annoyed when a customer uses a squeegee to clean the sneeze guard. And speaking of germs, a study showed the average cell phone has more germs than the average toilet. In the same study: The average germ is bored with phones and toilets and is looking for someplace new to visit. SMOKE STOP: Researchers released a study showing acupuncture is an effective way to quit smoking. Here’s how it works: When you stick a bunch of needles in your lips, it’s hard to put a cigarette in there. SLEEP STUFF: A medical study showed many Canadian teenagers are sleep deprived. It’s a serious problem. Lack of sleep for teens can lead to irritability, mood swings, memory loss, and reduced ability to text. Meanwhile, a different study showed insomnia can be cured by online therapy. So if you’d like to learn the secret of getting a good night’s sleep,

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MUSIC MEMO: A study showed attending live music events may add years to your life. Well hey, it certainly worked for the Rolling Stones. A different music study showed kids who learn how to play piano get better academic grades. I remember asking my piano teacher, “If I wash my hands, can I play the white keys too?” SPIDER SILLY: According to a scientific study, in the real world Spider-Man could not climb walls. Also, Superman may be faster than a speeding bullet, but he would need TWO bounds to leap a tall building. DUST DETAILS: A recent study showed there may be a link between being overweight and household dust. If you’re overweight, check around your house: If the only thing in your house that’s not covered with dust is the refrigerator door handle, there’s your problem. WORRY: According to a recent study, worrying can be good for some people. Oh great! So, now I have to worry that I’m not worrying enough?? COFFEE CHAOS: A study showed coffee is good for you. Then another study said coffee is bad. Later there was a study that said coffee is good. Then bad. Then good. Then bad. Then good. Then bad. A study shows coffee is a major cause of studies.

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Local News

Consultants hired for downtown greenway planning matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John city councillors have approved a $425,100 contract to a pair of urban planning consultants to lead public consultations on the development of a pedestrian and bicycle greenway along 100 Street. Council awarded the work to a joint bid submitted by MODUS Planning, Design & Engagement Inc. of Vancouver and Urban Systems Ltd. of Fort St. John. It’s the same group that developed the city’s downtown action plan, endorsed by council in 2015. The greenway is part of the city’s downtown plan to build a more urban and community-oriented streetscape, and to increase foot traffic in support of downtown living and business. The greenway is proposed to run along 100 Street from 96 to 110 Avenues, with a primary focus between 96 and 105 Avenues. Development could mean reducing traffic lanes or moving to angled parking to accommodate wider pedestrian sidewalks, bike paths, greenspace and trees, and patio spaces, and be completed in conjunction with other infrastructure upgrades. The consultations — formally called a “charrette” — combines public engagement and technical design to address key elements of the project including design, zoning, transportation, economic considerations, the environment, and energy, according to a staff report from planning manager Renee Jamurat. A charrette helps to

Missing: Kari Lea-Anne Baxter

Concept drawings of suggested downtown improvements in Fort St. John, drafted as part of the city’s downtown action plan adopted in 2015.

ensure a “project happens as smoothly as possible,” and will provide the city with concepts on how to move forward with the project, she writes. “The intent of the 100 Street Greenway Charrette is to engage both internal and external stakeholders in a multi-day charrette for the purpose of planning the re-design, reconfiguration and re-construction of this important collector street in the City of Fort St. John,” Jamurat writes. Planning key to future of 100 Street Public input on a new downtown greenway in Fort St. John couldn’t come at a better time as a major rebuild of 100 Street infrastructure is needed in the coming years, the city says. In a news release issued

Thursday, the city says the timing for input couldn’t be better as the underground infrastructure beneath 100 Street is aging and needs to be replaced. “We know we must replace the underground utilities, which will be both costly and disruptive,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said in a statement. “This charrette process will provide the best way to complete the project with the least amount of disruption to businesses and the community and plan for the look and feel once the project is complete.” The project, like all city capital projects, would be funded through the Peace River Agreement with the province. That deal was signed in May 2015, and will pay out nearly $1.1 billion over the next 20 years to local governments in the

region for industrial development outside their boundaries. The funds form a large piece of municipal budgets. In Fort St. John, the city receives roughly $25 million a year, most of which is directed to its annual capital budget. More information about the greenway and the charrette will be released in the new year, the city says. It’s expected the charrette will be held over several days, with a report due to council in the fall. The cost of the sessions was estimated at $450,000 over seven days, with $215,000 already approved in the 2018 capital budget for the downtown action plan and other urban development planning. In July, council approved an extra $235,000 toward the charrette.

Province has yet to commit to new RCMP detachment matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John city councillors are now investigating the cost of building a new RCMP detachment for municipal police only as the province drags its feet to sign on as a partner. Planning for the detachment has been underway for several years, with architectural and project management work starting in earnest earlier this year. Both the RCMP and provincial government have confirmed they want Fort St. John to remain a post-detachment — including both municipal and provincial officers — but the province has yet to commit to an agreement on the new building and pay for its share of the construction. “So, while we are waiting for that, if we don’t get moving on the design, then we’re going to lose out on a construction year,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said at the December 10 council meeting.

“The costs of this could be on the shoulders of our taxpayers and that’s not something that we care for.” On Monday, councillors directed city staff to investigate the costs of a municipal detachment, with a report due back by the end of January. Building a post-detachment is currently estimated around $43 million. The city wants to start construction on a new building in 2019 as the labour and trades market is expected to tighten up considerably over the next few years with the construction of new pipelines, the Site C dam, and the LNG Canada project. As a post-detachment, the province would pay for 40 per cent of the construction costs in annual lease payments over 20 years. The city plans to pay for its share through its Peace River Agreement funding and capital reserves, and can apply for various grants from the federal government and other agencies. But building a municip-

al-only detachment would mean a considerable difference in the size of a new building and its cost to the city as the sole funder, Ackerman said. “When we’re looking at the design of this, we would be looking at a considerably smaller footprint and cost if we went with strictly a municipal detachment building,” Ackerman said. “We had a conversation and told (the province) about our construction window, and that we can’t afford to lose a construction year.” The detachment has a complement of 55 officers — 38 municipal, 14 provincial, two for First Nations, and one reserve constable. The detachment covers an area that extends north to the Sikanni Chief Bridge, west to Williston Lake, east to the Alberta border, and just south of the Peace River. The province is aware of the city’s construction plans, and that it’s now investigat-

ing the cost of a municipal detachment. The province has promised a response to a recent query from the city by the end of the December, but it’s also been aware of the city’s plan to study its options for a municipal detachment for a month now, Ackerman said. “If they have a response to us by the end of December that says, ‘We are partnering with you on a post-detachment building,’ then this is null and void,” Ackerman said. In a statement, the province said RCMP undertake a review of service delivery and accommodations when detachment buildings are needed. “The city has communicated it’s plan to the province and the RCMP – those plans are being considered as part of the review the RCMP is conducting,” the province said. “The review is ongoing and we expect it to be completed in the near future. A decision will be made once the review is completed.”

The Prince George RCMP are requesting the public’s help in locating a missing person who hasn’t been seen in more than two weeks. On Saturday, December 15, 2018, the Prince George RCMP received a report of a missing person, 23-yearold Kari Lea-Anne Baxter of Prince George. The last confirmed sighting of Baxter in Prince George is believed to be Saturday, December 1. Although Baxter has been known to travel to Fort St. John and Grande Prairie, Alberta, it is unusual for her to leave without advising family. Baxter is described as: • First Nations female • 168 cm (5’6”) •67 kg (148 lbs) •Brown eyes • Long brown hair • Tattoos including a dream catcher on her neck If you have any information about Kari Baxter or where she might be, please contact the Prince George RCMP at -250-561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. dixon from A1

The News described Dixon as a “keen fair youth with kindly blue eyes and a soft spoken voice.” “He is aware of the big job he is undertaking,” the News reported. “He has not practiced outside of a big city. He is Edmonton born, and he has great faith in himself and his partner, Dr. Westover.” Dixon, Vonnie, and their seven children moved to Montreal in 1964, where Dixon studied obstetrics and gynecology. Dixon would return to Fort St. John three years later with a degree and another child. By 1970, Dixon was also an alderman on the town council and served on the regional hospital board. Dixon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Vonnie; and his children, Kathy (Gabe), Pat (Mike), John (Heather), Mike, Beth (Kelly), Ken, Mary (Doug) and Judy (Pete); 13 grandchildren and nine great−grandchildren.

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Local News

PRRD directors respond to Saulteau letter on Caribou Austin Cozicar Dawson Creek Mirror

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At the December 14 board meeting, PRRD directors discussed the Saulteau First Nation’s letter regarding caribou. Directors largely agreed that they appreciated the openness from the Saulteau in their letter, but were disappointed in the province’s lack of transparency. “For me, I read this letter and it’s disappointing that one of our First Nation neighbours is giving us information and trying to be forward with us, and the province is still tightlipped,” says chair Brad Sperling. Directors also condemned the backlash the Saulteau received on social media from some. “Now we have the First Nations, who is trying to be open with us, and it’s being taken out on them somewhat. It’s not right, it’s not fair,” says Sperling. “It’s the provincial gov-

ernment that’s failed to engage with us,” says Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead. “We do not see this as an issue with our First Nations neighbours [. . .] I think it’s unfair these guys are taking the attacks they are. We stand with our neighbours. “I’ve seen little from anybody else in writing on this topic, and the other component to me now is, these are our neighbours and our neighbours are now feeling the effects of this from within our region.” Area E Director Dan Rose says he feels some of the information in the letter is in “dispute,” but the important thing is to get a seat at the table. “There is information that industry is quite worried about, and they’ve been at the table as well,” he explains. “In their [the Saulteau] opinions, maybe there aren’t that many mill closures. There are other opinions

out there that are quite a bit different than that, that’s fine. We’re not there. That’s why we need to focus on not getting into a debate on what’s true and what isn’t. Let’s just become informed, that’s why we have to have the province willing to. “We want to be part of the process, not told about it after.” The onus, directors emphasize, is on the province. “There would be no rumours if the process was open and transparent,” Rose says. “That information void out there, [. . .] it does create angst and anxiety among the communities.” The PRRD motioned to send a letter to the province reiterating their concerns, with the letter from the Saulteau attached. A motion also passed to send a letter of appreciation to the Saulteau for the letter, with Bumstead praising their leadership.

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250-785-5631 Email: editor@ahnfsj.ca DAWSON CREEK Christmas Dinner A Success The Rotary Clubs of Dawson Creek would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their support and help to make the Rotary Community Christmas Dinner a huge success: • Notre Dame School & CWL • Step Up & Ride- Transportation for those in need • Potluck Singers- Entertainment • Joe Judge & Myles Mowat- Entertainment • Dawson Coop-Ticket sales • Sound System: Jason Pratt • Bonnie’s Janitorial- Scrub machine and kitchen floor cleaning

• Chef French & Northern Lights College - Cooking the turkeys & gravy • Karleigh Nichol Photography • Rotary Members and the Friends of Rotary Volunteers Anyone we may have overlooked, thank you we could not have done it without you.

Olde Fashioned Family Christmas & Skating at Rotary Lake

Another holiday season has come and gone. Before it fades into distant memory the Rotary Clubs of Dawson Creek would like to thank some very community minded, generous people and businesses for their help and support for the annual Olde Fashioned Christmas. This family oriented, fun afternoon put on at the Pioneer Village every year mid-December, is a way Rotary gives back in appreciation for the community’s support. So on behalf of both clubs and the community as a whole we would like to thank: Thank You For your Support: Teams and Sleighs: Mike & Sharon Lewis Steve Hartnell Windcharger Farm Wood Supply: A&C Cylinder- Joe Hauber

Rotary

Snow Removal: Rolf Werner Don Bourassa DaveShoemaker Windcharger Farm Zwicks Plumbing & Heating Flooding: CEDA/Loomis Trucking Little Valley Holdings (Tim Pavlis) Toilets: CEDA/Loomis Rentals

Club of Dawson Creek

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“We have faith that what we all want is to find the right balance between protection for the thing we all love about the Peace — the mountains, the wildlife, the rivers — and the things that we all need — economic development, recreation, hospitals, schools, safe highways, and so on.” Provincial officials with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy were scheduled to appear at a special regional district board meeting December 7, but cancelled after the board refused to hold the meeting in camera, and closed to the public. Dan Rose, electoral director for the rural areas around Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge most impacted by the caribou recovery efforts, was set to meet with the federal government about the plans on Monday in Vancouver. However, the federal government cancelled at the last minute on Sunday at the request of the province, according to the regional district. “The Federal Government was quite concerned with the lack of transparency and engagement by the Provincial Government in the creation of the caribou recovery plan,” the regional district wrote in a news release Thursday. “Director Rose continues to advocate for open conversation and engagement between the Province and local governments, industry, First Nations, and recreational groups, and continues to demand that the province and the federal government suspend any further discussion on these issues until a comprehensive impact analysis is completed on all socioeconomic impacts of any changes to land use in our communities.” The province is developing a conservation agreement with the federal government under the Species At Risk Act, outlining the efforts at habitat restoration each government will undertake over a five-year period. It’s also negotiating a partnership agreement with the federal government and with Saulteau and West Moberly, which will will contain specific conservation and recovery measures. The province says local governments and other stakeholders will be consulted before the agreements are finalized and signed. Areas to which the agreements will apply, and any restrictions on industry and recreation, are still being negotiated, it says.

“We are actively discussing all aspects of caribou recovery and are very mindful of community concerns and the need for more information,” the ministry of environment said in a statement. “We are continuing to engage the Peace region stakeholders with information about caribou recovery efforts in the local areas. Public engagement, including public meetings will be shared as soon as details are developed.” Still, the possibilty of any closures has the local forestry industry worried. In another set of documents obtained and released by Concerned Citizens for Caribou Recovery, there are reportedly five zones Saulteau and West Moberly have proposed be established in the region, ranging from absolute protection and no industrial and recreational activities, to a modified harvests encompassing 440,000 hectares. That could be accomplished through a mix of provincial land use orders and the establishment of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. That could lead to annual allowable cut reductions of up to 300,000 cubic metres, according to a Nov. 26 briefing note prepared by Louisiana Pacific, Conifex, West Fraser, and Canfor. However, the companies say their review suggest AAC cuts could be twice that amount. The two First Nations want land use activities in the modified harvest areas to follow consensus-based decision making between the governments and First Nations, the briefing note reads. “It is suggested that industry will have a role to play, but it is not clear what that will be at this point.” Compensation for lost harvest areas has been discussed, according to the companies. “We have flatly dismissed this notion. Compensation from government does not run a mill or in any way support a thriving community,” the note reads. The briefing note suggests both federal and provincial cabinets are poised to sign the agreements in 2019. The companies say they were promised a hard copy of the proposed agreements in October, but never received them. The agreements are expected to serve as a template for recovering other southern mountain and northern caribou herds in the region.

Use of the Facilities and Clean Up: Mile Zero Park Society Rotary Lake Volunteers, 353 Mile Zero Squadron Air Cadets, and the numerous Rotarians and Friends of Rotary volunteers that came to help. Thanks again to everyone and all the best wishes in 2019 from the Rotary Clubs of Dawson Creek.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 A5

LOCAL NEWS

Plans for new Fort St. John housing development unveiled MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

A pair of Fort St. John real estate developers are planning a new 20-acre neighbourhood with a key focus on addressing the city’s seniors housing crisis. Ron Brar of Peace Enterprises and Kevin Pearson of Century 21 Energy Realty are proposing the master planned development for property adjacent to the hospital. They met with seniors on Thursday to gather feedback on their immediate housing demands to help set building priorities. “The purpose of our journey today is determining out of the six levels of care what is needed most urgently in Fort St. John. That’s how we want to start building,” Brar said. There are currently 346 residents living in seniors housing and another 256 on waiting lists, according to the latest data. That high demand is only expected to grow, with the city’s senior population 65 years and older predicted to jump by 171% by 2036. “If nothing is done soon,

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Kevin Pearson of Century 21 Energy Realty and Ron Brar of Peace Enterprises are starting to plan a new 20-acre neighbourhood in Fort St. John, with new housing for seniors a key focus of their efforts.

this is going to be more of a housing crisis than it already is,” Brar said. The development, billed as an active adult community, is being designed for what Brar and Pearson called a “full continuum of care” that will allow residents to age in place.

They envision the development including a range of housing, including semidetached bungalows, apartments and condominiums, independent and assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, and palliative care. “A lot of the pioneers that

have built this community, we don’t want to see them going to other communities,” Pearson said. “We want them staying in this area, it’s where their friends and family are.” Brar and Pearson’s team is rounded by Terry Collier, a partner with EFG Architects

in Edmonton. Collier will be leading focus groups in the new year between Jan. 23 and 25 to engage residents to help design and name the development. A community survey is ongoing to help determine how the development will be designed and phased in. The team is meeting with all levels of government this week to secure partnerships, and hopefully funding. “With all our ability and power, we’re going to try to make this project a reality,” Pearson said. “It will be a journey together.” Meanwhile, an online survey has been launched to help inform the plans. The development is also planned to include commercial amenities such as medical offices, a pharmacy, and a coffee shop. Brar and Pearson are looking to hear from businesses interested in setting up shop near the hospital. “We encourage these businesses to contact us and share their needs so we can include them into our development planning,” Brar said.

Addiction, income, and medical problems key challenges for homeless MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

More than half of those experiencing homelessness in Fort St. John have been homeless for more than a year, and are struggling to survive with two or more health problems, including addictions and mental illness. There were at least 61 people in Fort St. John who were homeless in April when the count was completed, providing front-line agencies and government with a “pointin-time” look at the number of

people facing homelessness, their demographics, and their service needs. New information from the count was released Wednesday, and shows 67% of those counted had been homeless for more than a year. On top of that, 59% reported two or more health conditions, most common those being addiction (63%) and mental illness (35%). Nearly half had been living in Fort St. John for less than 10 years, and nearly a quarter of them were seniors 55 years or older.

Eight per cent were under the age of 25, while 27% had been in foster care, a group home, or some other type of youth agreement. Forty of those who were counted, or 66 per cent, were sheltered, while 21 people did not have shelter. The main barriers to housing were that rents were too high (51%) and their income was too low (57%). When it comes to income, 63% of those surveyed were on some sort of income assistance or disability benefit. Just 36% said their income came from

employment. Fifty-nine per cent of those surveyed identified as indigenous. Seventy-seven per cent of respondents were male. A final report was recently released, and the data will be used as a benchmark to measure progress in addressing homelessness. The province committed $550,000 to help fund counts in 12 communities across B.C., including Prince Rupert, Smithers, and Williams Lake, among others. The federal government funded a count in Prince George, and five oth-

er communities in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. The count defines someone as experiencing homelessness if they don’t have a place of their own where they pay rent and can expect to stay for at least 30 days. That includes people staying overnight in homeless shelters, including transition houses for women fleeing violence and youth safe houses, as well as people with no fixed address who are staying temporarily in hospitals, jails, detox facilities, or are couch surfing.

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Opinion

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Grizzly bans, gas prices, and electric car dreams

elcome to Part Two of looking in my rear-view mirror, and continuing from where I left off last week. On August 16, I wrote that healthy councils should be diverse and change often. It’s great to see some new faces with fewer wrinkles on council. We did get better gender representation; haven’t got my mind around if we now need an X to give us even better representation. Maybe some ethnic diversity next time. On August 23, I wrote that Sir John A Macdonald may be gone but he can’t be forgotten. It’s great to see so many people from across this country tell Victoria’s mayor that she screwed up in removing Sir John A. MacDonald’s statue from public display. It’s sad to hear that Sir John A is still languishing in some warehouse while Victoria spends thousands trying to figure out what to do with him. A national poll found the vast majority opposed its removal in the first place and are now divided as to what to do with it. This poll also found that Canadians are tired of us continually apologizing to everyone for everything. BBC News called Prime Minster Justin Trudeau “Canada’s most apologetic leader.” On September 6, I wrote about finding a cure for our northern healthcare woes. General good kudos go to Northern Health. It seems once one gets into the system (versus waiting for that “original” appointment), things get better. A CT scan only took a week’s wait and an ultrasound a few months. We still need improvement for our visiting specialists. I asked our Ear, Nose and Throat doctor

Evan Saugstad why it took six months and a cancellation to get in to see him. He threw a shoe and said go talk to Northern Health. Apparently, it’s only about a three week wait to see him in Prince George. He said he is willing to come to Fort St. John more often. As to my results, getting older doesn’t seem to be making me any better. I still have an undiagnosed sore ear, though it doesn’t seem to hinder me from hearing the nattering here at home.I’ll have to decide in the new year to either donate my prostate to the used parts bin or get it radiated. A good follow-up topic for next Movember. On September 13 and 20, I wrote about how B.C. project assessment system isn’t broken, but they are a costly balancing act. I still don’t have much more to say on this. B.C.’s regulations will come forth in the new year and we will wait to see what PM Justin ends up passing off as a better process on Canada’s part. On November 1 and 13, I wrote about the end of the grizzly hunt, for now, and how governing by polls is not in our best interests. Finally, after many years hunting here in the Northeast, I ran into a grizzly on the trail. Fortunately, for both of us, I saw it first and beat a hasty retreat. I made a trip out to Bella Coola to visit friends and their stories about grizzly bears aren’t

pretty. One had eight grizzlies cross his lawn in one hour — in a residential subdivision. Most people are now adding outdoor lights and leaving them on all night so they can check for bears before venturing outside. Children who used to walk to bus stops are now being driven for fear they will encounter a bear.Even the school had lockdowns for grizzlies in the playground, while others had them breaking into buildings looking for food. Government’s response, so far: Learn to live with them, although they have shot a few that have become too bold. Why can’t we just have some hunter willing to pay $10,000 to $15,000 to do this for us? On November 17, I wrote that we should be happy and pay when it comes to gasoline. What can I add? Great discussion online, nothing like realizing one is getting hosed to stir up one’s dander. Coincidentally, gas prices dropped immediately after this article was published, and we now sit a few cents higher than Dawson Creek (7 cents). I still don’t understand why we were paying 20 cents more on the day I wrote the article. Could be that too many drivers in places such as Fort St. John and Grande Prairie use corporate credit cards and don’t search out the lowest prices. On November 22, I wrote about Climate Crusaders and electoral reform. As I write this, we’re still waiting for the result. Must wait and see how this all turns out. I surely will have an opinion on this one in the new year. On December 6 I wrote that it takes a village to raise a herd when it comes to caribou recovery.

When it comes to the possibility of losing one’s job, people do pay attention and get active. This article generated a lot of online discussion. It was great to see Saulteau First Nations’ public response on this, as this issue is not an “us” versus “them” type of issue. This is about all of us. Kudos to the Peace River Regional District and South Peace communities for not allowing government to “negotiate” this behind closed doors. Keep it above board and in the open, and, in the end, it will work out much better for all, including the caribou. While all of you are at it, why not ask/demand that government re-open the grizzly hunt in these areas? Just go online and review what Alaska has found out about grizzlies and caribou. Yes, their herds are larger, but, that aside, they did have one grizzly kill and eat 44 — yes, 44 — caribou calves in 25 days. On December 14, I wrote about Premier John Horgan’s electric car pitch. One new thought came to mind as I re-read this. To encourage more people to buy and use electric vehicles, why not allow one to transfer licence plates and insurance from its carbon cousin, if only one vehicle is on the road at a time? Much the same as how farm plates are used. Might end up with two vehicles but you could use the electric one when appropriate but would save the registration and insurance costs. Hope you had a great Christmas, and all the best to you in the New Year. The world still looks flat to me in 2019. Evan Saugstad lives in Fort St. John.

Heading into the new year with a skip in my step

018 was a turbulent year, one filled with heartache and sorrow but, of course, also filled with excitement and joy. At exactly this time last year, we were just discovering that my mother-in-law was very sick and that the prognosis was dire. The days blurred together as we reconciled with the future and did our best to ensure the moments we were sharing with her were as full and memorable as possible. It was a difficult Christmas, knowing every memory would be a final memory. Early in 2018, we lost my mother-in-law and the days and months that followed were a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment we were crying because we missed her; the next moment we were laughing as we recalled a funny situation. Up and down we went until now, where we find ourselves treading somewhat comfortably in the deep water of each day. There are no roadmaps when dealing

Judy Kucharuk with grief. There are no magic pills you can swallow to make everything better again. It is a work in progress where we step one foot in front of the other until we feel confident enough in our emotions to begin to take the occasional light-hearted skip. When I take that light-hearted skip, it’s invariably with one of my grandchildren. Babies and grandchildren are an elixir for grief. My husband and I are fortunate to have three grandbabies with the youngest being born just this past November. They truly make a difference to how we heal from heartache. The other day, my oldest grandson, Dylan, pointed at a photo of my mother

in law on the fridge and said, “Great Grandma!” For a moment, my heart did a sad little leap, but then I smiled because Dylan has tucked his Great Grandmother into his memory and will not forget her regardless of the fact that he is only three. I am not certain what 2019 will bring to our family or our community. My hope is we will experience joy and fulfillment, but I know there’s always is a chance for heartache and tribulations. It’s how we manage those gaps that define us as a family and as a community. If 2018 has taught me nothing else, it’ss the knowledge that we can weather any storm together – our families and communities are strong and bound together with a common love, empathy and compassion for one another. Happy New Year! Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 A7

op-ed

Letters to the editor Blueberry River First Nations Family Councillor By-Election set for January 10, 2019

respected non-Indigenous people who have given their expertise, made lasting contributions and empowered our members. Today, some elected officials on Council are employed as contractors. They have two jobs. Council members employed as contractors motivate other contractors to seek elected office to get jobs in the oil and gas and forestry sectors. There is a real and potential conflict of interest. Council is a 24-hours-a-day job that cannot be delegated, there is no time to operate or manage a business in the patch. This is wrong for many reasons. It will take elders, older people, youth and the next generations to empower our members to promote change. The next generation leaders have energy, a fresh perspective, communication skills and a positive outlook to combat the lack of leadership. We

need the next generation leaders of today because it is our tomorrow at stake. Will the next generation show us leadership? — Linda Chipesia is a former Chief and member of the Blueberry River First Nations Recycle your lights This time of year British Columbians are unboxing their Christmas decorations, including lights. We all know that annoying feeling when you plug in the string of lights and the bulbs are no longer working. Many people don’t know what to do with that pesky string once it’s reached the end of its useful life. Thankfully, they can be recycled. Many British Columbians aren’t aware of this, and we’re hoping you can help us shed

some light on the important concept of light recycling! In addition to Christmas string lights, our program accepts all kinds of lighting products for recycling ranging from fixtures (think chandeliers, desk lamps, etc.) to burnt out light bulbs including fluorescent tubes, halogen bulbs, CFLs, LEDs, and more. When it comes to recycling Christmas lights, many of the components such as metal and plastic can be recycled and repurposed for other uses. Residents can drop these lighting products off at one of many recycling locations for free: • Recycle-It Resource Recovery 10095 85th Ave Fort St. John, BC •Eco-Depot Recycling 10115 94th Avenue Fort St. John, BC — Jeannine Bartz, Product Care Recycling

BEFORE

Members of the late Daniel Apsassin Family Group Dane’Zaa-Cree will be voting for a new Family Councillor in the January 10, 2019 By-Election. The candidates are Robin Awaskow and Ronald Joseph Apsassin. The 25-year age gap of the candidates represents different generations each with the same responsibility to ensure the survival for the seventh generation. The candidates are on the campaign trail. The Family Councillor position for the Late Dan Apsassin Family Group has been vacant since the resignation of the Family Councillor in October 2018. A decision by a Federal Court Judge is pending in the Blueberry River Custom Election By-Law, 2017 action. Blueberry River First Nations is democratic and modern with customary practices and values. However, the Administration is not about mobilizing members around common goals to achieve self-determination for the community. Leadership development for the next generation can only begin when young people have a seat at the Council table. The candidates for elected office are entering an Administration with many internal and external issues to consider. The lack of transparency and accountability is an issue. A Family Councillor must communicate and actively participate in decision-making at the Council table to solve complex issues

involving high levels of political, legal and governance matters. Blueberry River First Nations is in a poor situation where the present and future generations will lose their connection to the land. Corporate social responsibility policies, if any, are limited to on-reserve members and the Administration. We must seek past knowledge, Elder teachings and laws for guidance. The resource and forestry sector continue to impact Treaty 8 rights, we are not acting as stewards of the land and water and customary law is broken when there is political interference in a family trapline. Social issues include elder bullying, poverty, discrimination, violence against women and addictions. The next generation is encouraged to take a leadership role and restore the health of our community. Unemployment is high. The BRFN administration office, Band–Owned Companies and subsidiaries cannot employ everyone. However, BRFN must employ as many band members as possible. Today, there is one member employed by the BRFN Administration. The Administration fails to consider the value of Dane’Zaa-Cree knowledge and wisdom by restricting employment to those who are not connected to our values, languages and culture. It is an Administration that places western knowledge over Indigenous knowledge. Nothing that is done without members can be for us. As an advocate for my family and members, I write not to be negative. There are

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A8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

CITY HALL

Bylaws

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2443, 2018, which establishes a comprehensive development zone and site specific regulations for a Co-Op gas station to be built at 100 Street and 114A Avenue. Read more about the development from the Dec. 10 public hearing by clicking here.

Highlights from the city council meeting held Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. Contracts • Council approved a $425,100 contract to MODUS Planning, Design & Engagement Inc. of Vancouver and Urban Systems Ltd. of Fort St. John to carry out 100 Street Greenway Charrette, a series public planning sessions to develop a pedestrian and bicycle greenway along 100 Street. • Council awarded a tender to Status Electrical Corporation of Abbotsford for fire alarm upgrades at the North Peace Cultural Centre for $120,844. The system in need of an upgrade because of its age and the difficulty of securing replacement parts, and will fix issues that were raised by the fire department during an inspection. Water and sewer rates increase by pennies in 2019 Fort St. John city councillors approved an increase to water and sewer rates for 2019. Starting Jan. 1, 2019, water rates will rise from $1.62 to $1.65 per cubic metre, while sewer rates will rise from $1.67 to $1.69 per cubic metre. Council has been steadily raising rates under a 10-year plan since 2012 to recover the full cost of operating, maintaining, and upgrading both systems. The city is very close to full cost recovery, around 98%, council heard. However, the city will very soon begin work on building out its long-term water supply plan, which calls for a range of multi-million dollar upgrades to the city’s existing supply system and to develop a new supply source to meet growing demand over the next decade. The city will be seeking grants for those projects as part of its budgeting process over the coming years, though the work is expected to continue upward pressure on user rates and cost recovery of the two systems.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Fort St. John city councillors with Jaycee Bird of the visitor information centre, who was voted Best Customer Service Clerk in the 2018 People’s Choice Awards. Missed the list of winners? Pick up a copy at the News office, 9916-98 Street.

Other business • Fort St. John city councillors are now investigating the cost of building a new RCMP detachment for municipal police only as the province drags its feet to sign on as a partner. • Council approved the city’s first private cannabis retail licence, but HIVE Cannabis is still subject to scrutiny by the province before its licence will be issued. • Council rejected a proposed snow park at Toboggan Hill, saying it’s not part of the city’s budget or strategic priorities. The decision will leave planners for the 2020 BC Winter Games in a bind as they continue to find a site to host biathlon, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding events. • Council endorsed a site plan for a new festival plaza at the corner of 100 Street and 96 Avenue. Drafted by EDS Group, the plan features food truck stalls, an outdoor picnic area furnished with fire pits and sculptures, and a new 4,200 square foot steel building to anchor the site and play host to markets, celebrations, theatre performances, and more. • Council approved a permit process to allow overnight camping at city recreation fa-

cilities and parks for special events. A previous report to council noted sports tourism is growing in the city, and Tourism Fort St. John has endorsed the initiative, calling it a chance to showcase the uniqueness of the city. Council has asked for a report from staff after the 2019 season on the successes and failures of the new initiative. “A lot of our parks are in residential areas,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. • Council authorized travel to the 2019 Canadian Nursing Students’ Association National Conference January 23 to 26, 2019, in Calgary. More than 400 nursing students and professionals from across the country are expected at the conference. The trip will cost $2,860 per councillor, along with a $2,000 booth rental for three days. • Council received and ratified the annual report from the North Peace Cultural Society, which posted a small surplus for the 2017-18 year and is getting ready for a busy 2019 that will see major theatre renovations. Council gave accolades to the society for its work managing its operations. “We have seen some significant progress with that facility over the last little while,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. • Council approved amend-

ments to its Employee Recruitment and Selection Policy to reflect city recruitment practices, including fair and equitable treatment, guidelines for hiring relatives, and internal hiring processes. • Council approved amendments to its Code of Conduct Council Policy, which updates language to reflect cannabis legalization, and prohibits the use and possession of drugs, alcohol, and mood altering substances. • Council approved amendments to Recreation Facilities Code of Conduct Policy, which updates language to reflect cannabis legalization, and prohibits the use and possession of drugs, alcohol, and mood altering substances at city rec facilities. It also updates who has authority to suspend individuals from a facility if they are caught violating the policy. • Council endorsed a grant application being made by the city for funding from the Sport for Life for the Physical Literacy for Communities BC Initiative. The city is applying for the grant to deliver a range of training programs and services for athletes, coaches, officials, and community sport leaders in the run up to the 2020 BC Winter Games.

• Council adopted 83 Street North of 112 Avenue Local Area Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2438, 2018, and 83 Street North of 112 Avenue Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2439, 2018. The two bylaws allow the city to build a road to open access to the new Northeast Elementary School, recently approved and funded for construction by the province, off of 86 Street. The cost of the project is an estimated $1.1 million, divided equally between the city and School District 60. • Council adopted Water Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 2450, 2018, and Sewer Use Regulation and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 2451, 2018, which establish water and sewer rates for 2019. Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, water rates will rise from $1.62 to $1.65 per cubic metre, while sewer rates will rise from $1.67 to $1.69 per cubic metre. Council has been steadily raising rates under a 10-year plan since 2012 to recover the full cost of operating, maintaining, and upgrading both systems. • Council gave first two readings to Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2453, 2018, and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2454, 2018, which would see 8907112 Avenue be rezoned from institutional to low density residential, and allow the property to be subdivided and sold as four residential lots. The property was previously consolidated from four residential lots as the Anglican Synod of the Diocese of Caledonia planned to build a church tehre. However, due to an issue with a statutory building scheme registered on the title, the church plans to uphold the covenant and sell the lots. A public hearing will be held Jan. 14, 2019, at city hall at 6 p.m.

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

NOTICE OF 2019 BOARD MEETINGS 2019 Peace River Regional District Regular Board meetings are scheduled as follows, starting at 10 a.m., unless otherwise noted throughout the year. LOCATION: Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John

To view the meeting agendas please visit our website at www.prrd.bc.ca Members of the public are welcome to attend Peace River Regional District Official Page | Facebook

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250-785-5631 or 250-782-4888 Email: editor@ahnfsj.ca

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 A9

Business

“We understand there are individuals who do not share the same opinions about this project, and we respect that.” — Coastal GasLink

Coastal GasLink granted injunction to pass through blockade The B.C. Supreme Court has granted Coastal GasLink an interim injunction to pass through a blockade along the pipeline’s route south of Houston. The decision allows the company to cross the Morice River bridge to access the pipeline’s right-of-way and begin preconstruction activities. “Our focus is on respectfully and safely moving forward with project activities, including gaining safe access across the Morice River bridge,” Coastal GasLink said in a statement issued Friday after the decision. “We understand there are individuals who do not share the same opinions about this project, and we respect that. We simply ask that their activities do not disrupt or jeopardize the safety of our employees and contractors, surrounding communities or even themselves.” The $6.2-billion Coastal GasLink pipeline will bring natural gas from Northeast B.C. to Kitimat, where it will processed and shipped to Asian markets through the LNG Canada project. Both Surerus Pipeline and Macro Industries have been contracted to help build the project. Coastal GasLink had been denied access to the bridge by a camp blockade led by members of the Unist’ot’en, one of 20 clans within the Wet’suwet’en Nation that’s been characterized as the lone holdout against letting the project go through its traditional territory. The injunction is temporary, and the two parties will be back in court in the new year, when another decision will be made on whether Coastal GasLink can access other Wet’suwet’en land west of the Morice River, the Interior News reports. Michael Ross, the lawyer for Unist’ot’en Camp leaders Freda Huson and Warner Naziel, argued a decision should be delayed until at least Jan. 31 to allow his clients to file a proper response to a Coastal GasLink’s notice of claim. Ross

said they’ve had only two weeks to sift through 17 documents adding up to 2,400 pages and had retained him as a lawyer only last Friday. Coastal GasLink lawyer Kevin O’Callaghan argued for an interim injunction that would let work begin while the judge makes a final decision, saying time is of the essence. He said Coastal GasLink needs to begin pre-construction work soon and start clearing trees along the route by early January and continuing to the end of April. Already working on a tight timeline on a project the company is supposed to complete by the end of 2021, even a short delay at the outset could push the schedule back by many months to a year, O’Callaghan argued. Court heard that the Wet’suwet’en has entered an agreement worth up to $75 million and employ up to 80 people to service a work camp, and an agreement worth $55 million and employ over 60 people to provide log hauling. The project is a “generational opportunity” to provide well-paying jobs and reduce unemployment among Wet’suwet’en members. Ross went some way to spelling out his clients’ position, which hinges on an interpretation of the Supreme Court of Canada’s 1997 Delgamuukw decision. At issue, he said, is a need to reconcile Wet’suwet’en law with Canadian and British Columbia law, and noted important decisions are made through the traditional feast. During a rally outside the Prince George courthouse on Thursday, camp leader Freda Huson said that at no time did the company come to the Unist’ot’en’s feast hall. “What we’re doing is exercising our rights and exercising free, prior and informed consent,” she said and later added it’s not about money but about saving the two territories the clan has left. — with files from the Prince George Citizen

brent braaten photo

A rally in support of the Unist’ot’en blockade against the Coastal GasLink pipeline is held Thursday morning outside the Prince George courthouse.

B.C. ends 2018 with $500K land sale matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The B.C. government saw a tepid end to land sales in 2018, pulling in just over $500,000 at December’s auction of petroleum and natural gas rights. The province sold the two leases it put up for auction in the Dec. 12 sale. Tervita Corporation picked up a 259-hectare lease for $405,848 in South Taylor. Storm Resources

picked up a 279-hectare lease for $90,495 northeast of Pink Mountain. With rent and other fees, the province took in $501,377 million for the month. The province ends the sales year with roughly $64.5 million. Sales have been tempered since June, when a single drilling licence near Halfway River First Nation sold for $42 million and led to the largest sales month for 2018. Sales plummeted to a yearly

low in July, with the province earning just $27,000 on the sale of two drilling licences. The province generated $173.25 million in sales in 2017 — a remarkable rebound year for B.C. after a new record low of $15.19 million in 2016. Alberta ended 2018 with a $49-million sale, and capping the year with $411.38 million in sales. The first sale of 2019 is scheduled for January 16.

Site C workforce drops under 3,700 matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Employment on BC Hydro’s Site C dam dropped to 3,681 workers in October 2018. That’s down from 3,746 workers in September, according to the latest employment report. There were 729 Peace Region residents employed as con-

struction and non-construction contractors, or 20 per cent of the project’s total workforce. Local workers make up 24 per cent of the construction and non-construction workforce total of 3,085 workers, which includes work at the dam site, on transmission corridors, reservoir clearing, public roadworks, and camp accommodations.

The bulk of the project’s construction and non-construction workforce continues to be heavy equipment operators, with around 725 employed on the project. There were just under 450 labourers and around 300 engineers, 300 carpenters and scaffolders, and 300 other professionals, technicians, and office staff.

Fourth cannabis retailer

Cannabis is proving to be a budding industry in Fort St. John as a fourth retailer seeks city approval to do business downtown. Cannabis Corner is looking to open on 100 Street next to the office of MLA Dan Davies. The city has issued public notice seeking comment from nearby residents and businesses until Friday, January 18. Aaron Lepine, Darwin Lepine, and Lori Bahm have applied for a provincial licence to sell recreational cannabis in the city, a process that requires municipal approval alongside financial and security checks. The store is

proposed to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cannabis Corner is the fourth retailer to enter the local market since cannabis was legalized in Canada on Oct. 17. City council has already given its approval to HIVE Cannabis, which is seeking a licence to operate in the former home of the Northeast News on 100 Avenue, vacant since it closed in 2016. A public comment period for Glory Cannabis Company, looking to open on 100 Street at the site of the former Mastaro Sushi, closes on January 4. The B.C. government also has plans for a BC Cannabis store in Fort St. John, though no details about the location have been disclosed.

matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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A10 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

business

Natural gas features in Canada’s plan to switch from coal power nelson bennett Business in Vancouver

The federal government has announced details on how it plans to phase out coal power in Canada by 2030. Natural gas appears to play a significant role in the transition and there could be something in it for hydro powerhouses like B.C. and Manitoba because the new plan, announced December 12, calls for increased investments in interprovincial transmission, which suggests opportunities for the western provinces to share power. The goal is to have 90% of Canada electricity come from clean power by 2030. If that sounds ambitious, Ontario already did it on the time frame that Canada is now using for a national strategy. B.C., Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec are already past the 90% mark, producing close to 100% of their power from hydro and renewables, and – in Ontario’s case – nuclear power. As a result, about 80% of the power generated in Canada is already decarbonized. Currently coal power supplies only 9% of Canada’s power, and a number of provinces have already committed to phasing it out. According to the new plan released Wednesday, some provinces that currently generate power through coal will be able to switch to natural gas. One need only look to the U.S. to see how effective switching from coal to natural gas in thermal power generation can be in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Energy Information Administration, GHGs from the power sector in the U.S. have fallen 14% since 2005, partly through renewables, but mainly from the switch from coal to gas. It appears the recently upgraded Boundary dam power station in Saskatchewan is not

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among the coal power plants that will have to be phased out, as the province spent close to $1 billion on carbon capture and storage (CCS). The new plan also has provisions that would allow provinces to continue to burn coal, if CCS is implemented. The plan contemplates a mix of renewable power, natural gas power and an enhanced interprovincial grid to replace coal power in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Atlantic provinces. The phase-out is estimated to decrease GHG emissions by 13 million tonnes in 2030. Blake Shaffer, an environmental and energy expert and C.D. Howe Institute fellow, points out that Alberta has good wind power assets and Southern Saskatchewan has good solar power potential, so it is likely those provinces will be offsetting at least some of their coal power with renewables. Indeed, a number of provinces have already set re-

newable energy targets. Saskatchewan, for example, has committed to having 50% of its power come from renewables by 2030. Although the cost of installing wind and solar power have come down dramatically in the last decade, their intermittency and a lack of large-scale storage to deal with it presents a challenge, as renewables become a greater part of a system’s power generation. The problem is particularly pronounced in northern latitudes on a seasonal basis. Large-scale storage – lithium-ion batteries, for example – may work to store power over hours or days to help balance loads, but it’s not a solution that addresses seasonal variability, Shaffer said. “The biggest issue you face with renewables, especially in a northern climate, is seasonal storage,” Shaffer said. “The interday fluctuations, that’s actually dealt with really well with batteries, with storage

tech. Even though it’s expensive now, it’s getting to the point where that multi-hour stuff is OK. “Moving solar power in the summer to demand in the winter in a northern latitude, where the solar profile changes dramatically by season, is really, really challenging to do with anything but a firm resource.” Fortunately, large-scale storage for wind and solar may not be needed in any great abundance, since Canada is blessed with abundant hydro power. Provinces like Quebec, B.C and Manitoba could conceivably provide other provinces with some of the firm power they need when wind and solar aren’t producing power, and buy relatively low-cost wind and solar power from those provinces when they are being produced in surplus. “Nationally, we’re already pretty decarbonized,” Shaffer said. “We’re starting from a really good starting point.”

What is needed to facilitate that is improved transmission between the western provinces, he said. “If I was looking at a pan-Canadian climate framework, I’d be putting as my centrepiece of that – if I’m the feds and were looking at a national thing, bringing together provinces, as only they really do – would be boosting the intertie capabilities,” Shaffer said. The plan does appear to rely in part on improvements to Canada’s transmission systems. “Canada is supporting the transition to clean electricity by investing in strategic infrastructure and renewables, including support for electricity transmission interties, emerging renewable technologies, smart grids, and reducing reliance on diesel in northern, remote, and Indigenous communities,” the plan states. The federal government has earmarked $21.9 billion over the next 11 years for those kinds of investments.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 A11

Local News

court docket A summary of sentences and fines handed out in Northeast B.C. courts for the week ending Dec. 14, 2018. Fort St. John Law Courts • Joseph Walter Rohrbach (born 1975) was given a one-year probation order for possession of child pornography. • Edward Myron Gardner (born 1959) was fined $6,000 for failing to comply with an order under the Income Tax Act (ITA). • Adam John Sparling (born 1977) was fined $2,000, handed a one-year probation order, and assessed a $300 victim surcharge for driving without reasonable consideration. • Taylor Faye Lepine (born 1993) was given a 90-day conditional sentence and handed a one-year probation order for possession of stolen property over $5,000. • Gordon Waatse Ganyo (born 1983) was given a suspended sentence with one year of probation, and assessed

a $200 victim surcharge for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. • Jerald Andrew Kimmie (born1970) was given a conditional discharge with a one-year probation order, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault with a weapon. • Shawn-Marie Janet Rodger (born 1964) was fined $500, handed a oneyear driving ban, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. Dawson Creek Law Courts • Jeffrey James McNeal (born 1990) was fined $750, handed a one-year probation order, and assessed a $225 victim surcharge for willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer. McNeal received the same sentence for a charge of fleeing from a peace officer.

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Police search for stolen side-by-side Fort St. John RCMP are looking for the public’s help identifying a suspect vehicle and tracking down a side-by-side that was stolen early Monday morning. Police say the 2018 blue and black Kawasaki and a trailer were stolen from a business in the area of 89 Avenue and 107 Street in the early hours of Dec. 17. The suspect or suspects damaged a fence and entered the property in a van before hooking up to the trailer and

for D. Bauer on the equipment. Meanwhile, a 2017 yellow and black 850 Ski-Doo snowmobile was reported stolen from the Welch Subdivision in Charlie Lake on Nov. 24, and is believed to have been stolen sometime over the last four months. The snowmobile has the VIN number 2BPSCFHC0H000087. Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call police at 250-787-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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fleeing. The Kawasaki is a 2018 model TeryX4 800. The trailer is a 2018 Lamar 83 x 14’ tandem axle, with a mesh gate and spare tire and rim mounted on its right side. The suspect vehicle is a older model GMC Safari or Ford Astro minivan. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 250-787-8100, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through www.crimestoppersnebc.ca.

Police search for stolen side-by-side Fort St. John RCMP are looking for the public’s help to find a stolen snowmobile and trailer. A 2018 flat deck trailer was reported stolen from a job site on the 269 Road on Dec. 5, police say. The trailer has a BC licence plate, number 5717IU, and is “very unique appearance,” police say. There is a light bar on the front of the trailer, a tidy tank in the middle, and a two red heaters on the back, with labels

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A12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

Local News

Students spread holiday cheer and charity Senior alternate students at North Peace Secondary School have raised more than $2,000 through their fundraising efforts this year, and are spreading those monies throughout the community this holiday season. A portion of the funds have helped to purchase food and gifts for a family in need that students have sponsored through the Phoenix Volunteer Club. Students also donated extra food and gas cards to help other families through the Christmas hamper program. Students will use the rest of their fundraising dollars to buy hygiene products and winter gear for the homeless shelter and Women’s Resource Society.

Ida Campbell elected chair of School District 60 Unnecessary hospital trips clogging up Fort St. John ER Longtime trustee Ida Campbell has reclaimed the gavel as chair of School District 60’s board of trustees. Campbell, who represents Taylor, was elected chair at the Dec. 17 board of education meeting, and takes over from Erin Evans. Evans will serve as vice chair. Rouding out the annual elections, Nicole Gilliss will serve as the board’s representative to the BC School Trustees Association’s provincial council. Helen Gilbert will be the board’s representative to the BC Public School Employers’ Association, and will act as an alternate provincial councillor. Madeleine Lehmann will be the board’s alternate rep for the BCPSEA.

A seasonal uptick in patients at the Fort St. John Hospital has prompted Northern Health to issue a public notice asking residents to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Emergency rooms are for patients who are experiencing sudden and unusual changes to their health, from breathing troubles to severe bleeding, broken bones, overdoses, and eye injuries, Northern Health noted in a bulletin issued Friday. “Due to seasonal conditions, the hospital is experiencing an in-

crease in patients, and is asking the public for assistance by using health care resources appropriately,” the bulletin reads. Northern Health says the following steps can be taken to avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital: • Patients who aren’t sure whether their condition would warrant an emergency room visit, or who need health advice can call HealthLink BC (8-1-1), or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists 24/7. For deaf and hearing-impaired as-

sistance, call 7-1-1. • For non-urgent care, use community health services including making an appointment with your family practitioner • Remember, flu season is upon us; check immunizebc.ca for clinic dates. If you have a cold, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 for advice, or ask your pharmacist about over -the-counter medications to ease symptoms. • If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control at 1-800-567-8911.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 A13

Local News

Council dumps snow park proposal matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John city councillors rejected a proposed snow park at Toboggan Hill on Monday, saying it’s not part of the city’s budget or strategic priorities. City staff had floated the idea as planners for the 2020 BC Winter Games look for a home for biathlon, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding events. “This is not in our strategic priorities and it’s not in our budget, and I have to tell you that in all of my meetings and conversations with the 2020 Winter Games Committee, this was never raised,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. The proposal was plagued with challenges, as either a temporary or permanent snow park would throw a significant wrench into staff work plans and the city’s budget for the coming year. The city and local community groups already have their work cut out for them as they hustle to get ready for an estimated 2,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from across B.C. when the Games begin February 20, 2020. It will be the first time the city has hosted the provincial competition since 1984. City staff admitted the chances of building even a temporary snow park suitable for competition by the time the Games start was a 50-50 gamble. No site work has been done, and snow making, slope grooming, and other maintenance equipment would be needed. The 2020 Games are looking to feature five snowboard and skiing sports, with the Alpine skiing events set for Bear Mountain in Dawson Creek. Crosscountry events will be hosted at Beatton Park, which will be undergoing site renos including a new day lodge planned by the

Toboggan Hill in Fort St. John, September 2018.

Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club. When the city bid to host the Games, it was hoped Big Bam would be able to host skiing and snowboarding events in Taylor, organizer Karin Carlson told council. Though Big Bam was supportive of the bid, the hill’s availability isn’t yet a guarantee, Carlson noted. “At this point, they have had some weather and equipment challenges over the past several years,” she said. “So Big Bam is not without consideration, but no decision has been made at this point.” No site has been identified for the biathlon event, while the Games were eyeing Toboggan Hill for freestyle skiing and halfpipe and slope style snowboarding as an alternative. There is potential for the

freestyle and snowboard events to take place at Bear Mountain — however, the hill may not be able to handle to extra capacity that would be needed, Carlson noted. Powder King isn’t an option due its travel distance and impact on the athlete experience, and because the school district is a major partner in the Games and will be housing athletes in local schools, Carlson said. It will be up to the individual sports organizations whether they want to participate in the Games if locations aren’t found, Carlson noted. In any case, some sort of park plan for future development at Toboggan Hill is needed, Carlson said. The park has seen ongoing development without a plan since 2012, when the

skate park was first built. Since then, it’s become home to the disc golf course, made permanent in 2017, and new trails that were paved this year. A temporary snow park was built for snowboarding competitions during High On Ice in 2017, and a dog park and washrooms are planned to be built in 2019. “Unfortunately, some of this work has been started in absence of a park plan to date, and the suggestion is that a master plan, at this point, may not be the right thing because there has been so much development,” Carlson said. “But perhaps a site plan might be the appropriate way to go.” Surerus and Kin parks are next in line for developing a plan, though which will take priority will be discussed as

part of 2019 budget planning in January. Coun. Byron Stewart wasn’t in favour of a permanent snow park in light of the 2020 Games, but noted that other ideas such as community partnerships were still viable and less expensive options the city could consider in the future. “I really like what’s been done with Toboggan Hill Park,” Stewart said. “We’ve put an exceptional amount of dollars and amenities and staff time towards that park already in the last two years, and still more to come. “I think that’s great. I think we have a plan in place that we’ve worked hard to move forward on, and I think we need to stick to that in regards to this decision.”

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. Rev. farai Mutamiri ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m. Holy Communion ********** BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m. Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info. 250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** BAPTIST CHARLIE LAkE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 12731 244 B Road, Charlie Lake (1st left turn off the Alaska Hwy. past the Charlie Lake Store) 250-785-1723 office@charlielakechurch.com www.charlielakechurch.com Lead Pastor: Joshua Goetz Associate Pastor: Jared Braun Sunday Worship: 10:40 AM Sunday School during the service nursery-grade 6 ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Louis Kwena Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjresurrectionchurch.com MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism. MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 6 months before the wedding. **********

ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am kIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am ********** CoMMUNITY 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 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: 9:00am & 11:00am **********

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

PENTECoSTAL ASSEMBLIES of CANADA EVANGEL CHAPEL 10040-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-3386 Fax: 250-785-8345 Lead Pastor: Tony Warriner Sunday Services: 9:30am, 11:00am www.evangelfsj.com ********** The Journey 10011-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-6254 Pastor: Larry Lorentz Services: Sundays: 10:30am Tuesdays: 7:00pm **********

PRESBYTERIAN fort St. John Presbyterian Church 9907-98th St., fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-2482 fax: 250-785-2482 12:30 p.m. - Pie and Coffee 1:00 p.m. - Worship Service Everyone is invited to participate ********** REfoRMED TRINITY CoVENANT CHURCH Sunday Service: 10:00am Meets at the The Plaza 8111 100th Ave fort St. John, BC Elder: Desmond Jones Phone: 250-785-8289 www.trinitycovenant.ca matthew@trinitycovenant.ca Affiliated with C.R.E.C. ********** THE SALVATIoN ARMY THE SALVATIoN ARMY Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am 10116-100th Ave., fort St. John, BC Come Worship With Us. For information; Phone 250-785-0506 or food Bank 250-785-0500 ********** SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 9008-100th Avenue, fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-8632 Pastor: Cavin Chwyl Phone: 250-719-7949 Saturday Service: 9:30am ********** UNITED CHURCH of CANADA ST. LUkE’S UNITED 9907-98 St., fort St. John, BC Office: 250-785-2919 Rev. Rick Marsh Email: stlukeuc@telus.net Sunday Worship Service @ 10:00am All are Welcome! The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.

A14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

ARTS PERSPECTIVES & CULTURE

Celebrating the Epiphany

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

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

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

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

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) An unexpected opportunity to travel might fall in your lap today. Or perhaps you will decide suddenly to make plans to travel in the future. Unexpected news in the media might catch you off guard. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Double-check all details related to banking, shared property, taxes, debt and insurance issues, because something unexpected might impact these areas. Be in on what’s happening! GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) A friend or partner might throw you a curveball today. Get ready for anything. Possibly this person wants more freedom in the relationship. Who knows? CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Your work routine will be

interrupted today because of computer crashes, power outages, fire drills, staff shortages — something. Give yourself extra time to have wiggle room to cope with the unexpected. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Parents take note: Today is an accident-prone day for your kids. Therefore, be vigilant at all times. Stay sharp. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Small appliances might break down today, or minor breakages could occur at home. Surprising news within the family might occur.

For Thursday January 3 2019 LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Pay attention to everything you say and do, because this is an accident-prone day for your sign. However, you also can think outside the box today, which is why you have these genius-like ideas! SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) Keep an eye on your money and

wealth today. You might find money; you might lose money. Something you own might be stolen, lost or damaged. Stay alert. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) You’re full of clever, original ideas today, which is why you want to enlighten others about what you think. Make sure you can find someone you enjoy talking to so you can share your thoughts. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Some hidden surprises might take place today. Meanwhile, you are a bit restless. No worries — this is short-lived. This is a temporary feeling that will be gone in 24 hours. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) A friend might surprise you today

Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany, but in the Eastern Orthodox Church the Epiphany marks when John the Baptist baptized Christ in the River Jordan, which is the first event in Christ’s life that led to his crucifixion. In the Orthodox Church, Epiphany refers not only to the day itself but to the church season that follows culminating in Lent. In Greek Orthodox tradition, a priest will bless the waters by throwing a cross into it as worshippers compete to retrieve it. In Prague, there is a traditional Three Kings’ swim to commemorate Epiphany Day at the Vltava River. The three kings make an entry in many cities in Spain on Epiphany Eve, accompanied by military bands and drummers in medieval dress. In some European countries, children dress as the three kings and visit houses on January 6th, singing about the birth of Jesus and paying homage to the King of kings. They are rewarded with sweets. Some leave their shoes out the night before to be filled with gifts, while others leave straw for the three kings’ horses. In many Latin American countries, it is the three wise men and not Santa Claus to whom children write letters telling how good they were and asking for what they would like. It is the three kings who then bring gifts for children. In France Le Jour des Rois (the Day of Kings) is celebrated with parties for children and adults. Epiphany is a public holiday in many countries but not in Canada. The Peace is a place of many peoples and many faiths. In this space, readers are invited to share their own reflections of faith in the Peace. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, please send it to: angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

Politics at the Dinner Table Dear Annie: Politics took over as the main topic at our holiday dinner. I don’t mind open debate among parties with differing views, as long as those debating have logical and fact-supported positions. Our dinner usually goes smoothly, as everyone gets along and, despite differing opinions, we all can adequately defend our positions. Dinner will come and go, and all are happy. This year, my dad’s brother joined us for dinner. He recently got divorced and was angry that he was with us and not his family. He was taking outlandish positions and making up arguments to support himself. He attacked everyone. The whole table was ignoring him, but I couldn’t help it and continued to engage. It made for an unpleasant experience for me and for all involved. What’s the best way to bury my desire to engage with someone like this? -- Hoping for a Better Family Dinner

Dear Hoping: As Mark Twain said, “never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Try to bring that quotation to mind the next time your uncle tries dragPISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Expect a few surprises when talking ging you down into the mud for a fight. Another strategy is to bosses and parents today. They counting to 10 and, if you’re might throw you a zinger. Don’t overreact. Don’t quit your day job. still angry, counting to 20. If you’re still angry after that, try by doing or saying something unusual. Alternatively, you might meet a real character. Could be anything.

anuary 6, which is 12 days after Christmas, is the feast day of the Epiphany, also known as Theophany (manifestation of God), or Three Kings’ Day because it marks the visit of the Magi or Three Wise Men to the crib of the baby Jesus. Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” It celebrates the revelation of God in his human and divine Son, Jesus Christ. The kings are important visitors to the crib of the baby Jesus because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the King of kings who came for Jew and the Gentile alike. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi found the baby Jesus by following a star across the desert to Bethlehem. The three wise men—named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar— represented Europe, Arabia and Africa, respectively. The Magi offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold represented the royal standing of the Christ child, the frankincense marked His divine birth, and myrrh, used for embalming the dead, symbolized Christ’s mortality. Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It has been celebrated since the end of the second century, even before the Christmas holiday was established. Like other Christian celebrations, the church appropriated Epiphany from an old pagan festival. As early as 1996 BCE, Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice, which then occurred on January 6, with a tribute to Aeon, the Virgin. In the West, Christians began celebrating the Epiphany in the 4th century, associating it with the visit of the Three Wise Men to Jesus. During the medieval period, Christmas was celebrated for the 12 days from Christmas Eve on December 24, until the Epiphany on January 6th. Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night (1601) was actually called What You Will but it was to be performed as Twelfth Night entertainment for the close of the Christmas season and so appropriated its festive play date as its title. Even up until the 19th century, January 6 was as big a celebration as Christmas Day. The Roman Catholic

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

excusing yourself to the bathroom for a few minutes to regain your composure. As far as including him in future plans goes, though it’s important to support family during tough emotional times, that doesn’t mean enduring verbal abuse. Set boundaries, and don’t feel obligated to extend him an invitation to your next gathering if he can’t agree to behave in a respectful manner. Dear Annie: A while ago, you polled readers on whether or not they’d have children if they had it to do all over again. I wanted to share my story. When I was in first grade, our teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I said a mother and a teacher. Well, motherhood came first. Three years after I married, I started having children, two boys and two girls in five years. I enjoyed it. But there were hard times, too. The worst thing that happened was losing a child. My eldest son died of cancer in my arms when he was 17. Now to fulfilling my firstgrade dream in another way. A

year after he died, I went to college and became a third-grade teacher when I graduated. I loved teaching this grade, with the children’s eagerness to learn and their love of their teachers. I taught for 20 years and retired when the new principal and state laws had us only teaching to the tests and it was no longer any fun for the students or me. Now my three living children are grown. I have six grown grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. After my husband left me, I bought a small farm, and my living son remodeled the pathetic old house for me and bought 8 acres next to me, where he now lives. So yes, I’m happy to have had children, and even dealing with the death of one, I still have my memories of what a special son he was -- a musician, magician, poet and reader with a sense of humor. -- 80-Year-Old Happy Grandmother Dear Happy Grandmother: Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story. It sounds as if your son was a beautiful soul. May he rest in peace. I wish you and the rest of your family a blessed 2019. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 A15

Coffee Corner $439,900 9807 115 Ave MLS# R2276235

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$359,900 9620 105 Avenue MLS# R2322514

$299,900 9612 97 Street MLS# R2254854

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TODAYS PUZZLE

One of a kind custom executive lakefront home on 4.67 acres. This prestigious 5000sq ft beauty also includes a 40x60 shop,

Stunning waterfront property with high-end features, located next to the Charlie Lake Golf Course.,

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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

ACID BAKING BEATING BISCUITS BLOOM BREAD BROWNIE BUTTER BUTTERMILK CAKE CHOP COCOA

• • • • • • • • • • • •

COMBINE CONFECTION COOKIE CORNMEAL CREAM DENSE EGGS FLOUR GLUTEN GOLDEN GREASE HONEY

• • • • • • • • • • • •

INGREDIENTS LEAVENING LIQUID MEASURING MIXING NONSTICK PAN POWDER SHEET SODA SUGAR TEMPERATURE

TODAY’S PUZZLE

37. Platforms 39. Jazz singer Irene CLUES DOWN 40. Benefits 1. The arch of the foot 41. Hellenistic governors 2. Canadian peninsula 43. Brownish-green fruit 3. Koran chapters 44. Needed to see 4. Abba __, Israeli politician 45. Political action committee 5. Youngster 47. Fast plane 6. Burns 48. Bahrain dinar 7. Comedienne Gasteyer 50. Urgent request 8. Valley 52. Raccoon genus 9. Belongs to sun god 54. Millisecond 10. Nickel 56. Atlanta rapper 57. Rural delivery 59. Intrauterine device 60. The Wolverine State 61. Free agent 62. For instance 63. Reduces 66. Lincoln’s state 67. Quit 70. Midsections 71. Bullfighting maneuvers

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Put within 6. Learned person 12. Resistance 16. Female title 17. Logical basis for a belief 18. Of I 19. Indicates position 20. Article 21. Insignificant organizational member 22. __ route 23. Expression of disapproval 24. Microelectrmechanical systems 26. Ponds 28. Satisfy 30. Dad 31. Spanish soldier “El __” 32. Pouch-like structure 34. Obscure unit of measurement 35. Okinawa prefecture capital

11. Great in salads 12. Leader 13. Forced through a sieve 14. Entryway 15. Support pillars 25. Aquatic mammal 26. __ Farrow, actress 27. Unhappy 29. Holds molecules 31. Thrifty 33. French dynasty 36. Scottish port 38. Irish militant organization 39. Dawn 41. Musical group of seven 42. Used to fry things 43. Carrot’s companion 46. Rough stone landmarks 47. Fourth son of Jacob and Leah 49. Goes against 51. Passion 53. Hard white animal fat 54. Soybean pastes 55. Beckon 58. Mountain and morning are two 60. Self-referential 64. Data executive 65. Retirement plan 68. Star Trek character Laren 69. You and I

A16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

Local News

FROM 0-100K VISITS FASTER

THAN ANY OTHER MEDIA VEHICLE.

In a recent survey of 2,461 Canadians, when it comes to driving traffic to automotive websites, print and online newspapers rank highest. They outperform TV, radio, magazines, autoTRADER, Kijiji and social media.

When it comes to triggering a visit to a dealer or booking a test drive, you got it: newspaper brands come out on top. If you’re looking for better ROI from your advertising, perhaps more of your “I” should be in newspapers.

Festival plaza site plan chosen matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Peace Country

TOYOTA

Thanks to your generosity the Mile Zero Cruisers were able to give over 350 children a Christmas to remember. Sending out a huge thanks to each and every person in our community for donating to our 2018 Mile Zero Cruisers Toy Drive. Thank you to our local dealerships for helping make the toy drive so successful.

A great big thank you goes out to our organizers, and all the volunteers who helped transport, sort and package all the donations received.

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Fort St. John city councillors endorsed a site plan for a new plaza at the corner of 100 Street and 96 Avenue at Monday’s meeting. Council came to a consensus on the first option drafted by the city’s plaza designer, EDS Group, which would feature food truck stalls, an outdoor picnic area furnished with fire pits and sculptures, and a new 4,200 square foot steel building to anchor the site and play host to markets, celebrations, theatre performances, and more. Council opted for a steel building with wood cladding as it would be less expensive to build and maintain, and better able to withstand the elements of the busy intersection. “I would love to have what other communities have,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. “If this plaza was even in the middle of Centennial Park rather than right out on the street, a nice wood one would be nice but it’s going to get the wear and tear of 100 (Street).” EDS Group, led by John Buchko, will now go into detailed design work for the project, anticipated to start construction in 2019. Buchko led public consultations in November to collect ideas on amenities and design elements residents want to see in the project. On Monday, he told council the site would be designed to be dynamic and capable of hosting multiple activities at once, and be able to transform throughout the year for different uses. “We want it to be a place for

celebration,” Buchko said. “We want it to be a place that can hold many, many people and be very dynamic with a variety of uses, but also a site that is interesting for people when it’s empty. So, there’s a story to be told, there’s something to be seen, there’s some art and there’s pleasure to be had when you’re in a small group of people.” The farmers market is figured to be an anchor tenant for the building, which would be more of a covered shelter for “lightweight weather protection.” With an overhang, the space would be 7,000 square feet. The preliminary site plan calls for patterned concrete and sculptures that could become space for public art, and a one way road for loading. Councillors rejected the idea of a standalone concession and cafe kiosk, given the space being made for a market and food trucks. The plaza is a key element of the city’s downtown plan and Centennial Park redevelopment. The city earmarked its $1.4-million signing bonus from the Peace River Agreement to the project in 2016, but staff warn in a report the cost of the project is likely to cost more than that. Grant funding is being sought. Buchko estimates it will cost $874,500 to develop the site, much of that for a proposed washroom and storage building ($220,000) and for surfacing ($197,000). It would cost between $70 to $110 per square foot for the steel building and perimeter door system.

Water stations set to open matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

WE CARRY AN EXCELLENT SELECTION OF STEEL TOE BOOTS

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Five new potable water stations in the rural areas around Fort St. John are expected to open in the new year, the regional district says. The water treatment and bulk loading stations are being built in Buick, Rose Prairie, Feye Spring, Prespatou, and Goodlow. “We expect that the stations will begin to open early in the New Year,” Paulo Eichelberger, general manager of environmental services, said in a news release. Existing stations are expected to be shut down for one to seven days while the new stations are being commissioned, Eichelberger said. Exact dates haven’t been determined, but two weeks notice will be given so residents fill their tanks or make alternate plans for water. Water fees will not be charged until all five sites are fully commissioned, the regional district said. Bear Mountain Construction of Dawson Creek built the stations as part of a $3.4-mil-

lion contract awarded in May. Flowpoint was awarded a $1.5-million contract to supply the water treatment equipment and pre-fabricated buildings last December. In a referendum held in 2017, Area B residents voted overwhelming in favour of establishing a potable water function. The need to convert existing untreated water facilities in the region arose when provincial regulations began requiring all regional districts to provide treated water or no water at all. The district would be liable if contaminated water from a PRRD well causes illness or death. “This project will protect our water sources for the future, providing potable water closer to home for many residents and will hopefully result in new water sources being developed as our budget becomes available,” said Karen Goodings, electoral director for the area, in the release. “I am very proud of the residents who so strongly supported us in the provision and protection of our water.”

Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY JANUARY 3, 2019 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

STREEPERS WIN SEASON OPENER

YEAR IN REVIEW

SPORTS B2

SPORTS B3

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

PHONE: 250-785-0463

My sports fandom resolutions Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

W DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

The Fort St. John Huskies fired 43 shots at the Dawson Creek net on Dec. 19, but not enough went by the goalie, as the Huskies lost to the Junior Canucks 6-3.

Huskies, Flyers ready to defend championships in 2019 DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

The championship hangover is a familiar term to all sports fans, used to describe how hard it is for a team to defend its title the following season. The drive isn’t quite the same, players and coaches have left and unfamiliar faces have replaced them, and injuries and lucky breaks have their way. That’s seemed to overshadow both the Fort St. John Senior Flyers and the Huskies 2018-19 seasons, not that these teams aren’t trying as hard or aren’t as good, but the competition has only increased from last year. For the Huskies, they had to deal with near 50 per cent turnover of players, and even saw two assistant coaches move on, with just one, Cam Weir, taking their place. If getting used to that many new players isn’t enough, the team also dealt with a ton of injuries, at one time losing three of their top defencemen — Jeridyn Loewen, Nathan Bragg, and Ivan Jasbec. It’s been the same for the Flyers. A couple key players such as Brandon Millen and Jake Ebner moved on. While the team has a lot of talented new faces, it’s been a battle to get a consistent lineup on the road. While this is a regular problem in senior hockey, it’s one that has taken its toll on the Flyers. As well, the team was without its two main goaltenders Travis McLean and Ty Gullickson for much of the first half. “Everyone goes through turnover, and we had three top guys who went to school, but doing the best we can. We’re still a development league, and some of these new guys are

BANNISTER

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

The Flyers are looking to skate past the competition in 2019.

very raw but we’re enjoying the process from top to bottom,” said Huskies Coach Todd Alexander. Huskies turn it around It’s that attitude that’s seen the Huskies turn things around to finish off the first half of the season, playing their best hockey and finally looking like a threat to win their second straight NWJHL championship. The Huskies have 33 points, just one behind the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks, and start 2019 with a home game on Jan. 5 against the struggling Sexsmith Vipers, currently in fifth place. “We always set our team goals at the beginning of DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO the year, everybody has the Jared Loewen leads all NWJHL defencemen in scoring with 26 points same ones. You want to have through 24 games, and is seventh in the league overall. a good regular season with the best opportunity to win Alexander said. so hard. The hardest part in the playoffs by finishing The team accomplished of our week is our workout first. If you check that box all of those goals last because of the pace the off, then you want to win season, who’s to say they boys have been setting and the playoffs, and hopefully won’t in 2019? how hard they’ve been on advance to provincials. “I really enjoy seeing the each other,” Alexander said. We’re working hard guys working hard in the toward it but don’t want gym and in practice, they to get ahead of ourselves,” go out and the games aren’t See FLYERS on B4

e all know about New Years resolutions, how popular it is to buy a gym membership and to start eating healthy and how hard it is to keep that going into February. This year, I’m choosing to make resolutions that carry less real-world weight, in hopes they’ll be easier to accomplish. I’m talking about being a better sports fan. Not better as in watch more sports or care more, because that’s not really possible for me at this point. But better in the sense in how I conduct myself, who I root for and how. First and foremost, I need to stop bandwagoning. Now, I’m not a traditional culprit. It’s not like I don’t have any favourite teams until the playoffs and then I’ll become a huge Calgary Flames fan or New Orleans Saints fan if they start doing good. No, I have my favourite teams and am forever loyal. But, when those teams aren’t in the mix, I want some side action, I want to pull for someone else. Last year, it was the Washington Capitals. This year early on it was the Cleveland Browns, then they got bad and I jumped off and have yet to get back on the wagon since they started winning again. I still feel there’s nothing wrong with this tactic, but it’s not respected by the sports world, and I get too much grief for it. To have my Rams fandom questioned drives me insane. So if that means I can’t cheer for Phillip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers to win a Super Bowl in the case that my Rams fall short, then so be it. Second, I tend to talk and write as if people care about how my teams are doing. Instead, I know nobody cares about the Rams, and although the Raptors are Canada’s team, I don’t know if people here know how basketball works. There’s actually a lot of Toronto Maple Leafs fans in Fort St. John, but no, Toronto already thinks they’re the centre of the universe and they don’t need sports writers in Fort St. John validating their narcissism. The last change I’m going to make is to stop talking trash about sports. All my friends and readers know I love to do it, but I don’t take it well. When my friends rip me over the Rams laying a dud against the Chicago Bears, I mute the chat for eight hours. Then the next day I’ll make a witty comment about how I don’t know what game they’re referring to, when really I’m just a big baby who doesn’t like getting his feelings hurt. So this weekend, I’ll watch the first round of the NFL playoffs. I won’t cheer for the Chargers, even if my heart tells me to. I won’t make fun of my friends if the Seahawks lose in hilarious fashion. I won’t bring up how the Rams are being overlooked and that really they’re going to crush it in round two, and I won’t make a big deal when Andreas Johnson gets a goal and an assist for the Leafs. ”Best third-line winger in the NHL” is a thing you won’t hear me say the week. But you will next week, and you can bet your gym membership I’ll have three other teams to root for besides my own. Because let’s be honest — nobody ever sticks with their resolutions.

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B2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

Local Sports

Sled dog season begins with a onetwo finish for Streeper Kennels The 2018-19 winter sled dog racing season is underway. Over 30 teams gathered in Fort Providence, NWT from Dec. 15 to 16 to test their nerves and teams in the first sled dog race competition of the winter season. Several of the fastest teams in Northern Canada were on hand to try their skill against the dynamic husband and wife duo of Buddy and Lina Streeper. However, those teams were no match for Streeper Kennels, the current World Champions and reigning Triple Crown winners. The Streeper team showed their speed and set the pace on both days of the 14-mile completion. Buddy and Lina Finished first and second overall after two days of racing.

The mushers were happy with the ideal racing conditions, as noted by Lina in her acceptance speech. “The race was really fun, the trail was in great shape, and it was special to race our teams on the river banks of the mighty Mackenzie River. I am proud of the dogs and my fellow mushers,” Lina said. The next race for Team Streeper is the highly anticipated 2019 Wyoming Stage Race in Jackson, Jan. 27 to Feb. 4. Lina is the two-time defending champion. Streeper Kennels is offering sled dog rides, and encourages any one to contact them for a dog sled ride — Maria Glad blayne streeper photo

Left: Lina Streeper is off to a strong start to the season, finishing second in Fort Providence, and is ready to defend her title in Wyoming later this month.

City considering permanent snow park for Toboggan Hill Is it time to turn Toboggan Hill into a fully fledged snow park? That question is on the mind of city staff as the 2020 Winter Games are quickly approaching and searching for a home for three events. The Games will feature five snowboard and skiing sports. The Alpine event will be hosted in Dawson Creek, while the cross-country events will be hosted at Beatton Park. Biathlon, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding events are still looking for a home, though the Games are wanting to host the freestyle and snowboarding events at Toboggan Hill, according to a report that came before

city council. “The 2020 Winter Games showcases Fort St. John’s ability to successfully host large provincial, national and international events,” City Manager Dianne Hunter writes in the report. “If we commit expenditures towards a temporary Toboggan Hill worthy of the specifications of a Provincial Winter Games, should we try to make it permanent so that it will become an annual (throughout the winter) attraction for our residents and nonresidents adding to the quality of life of the community?” It’s an important question for councillors to consider. Any plan for

either a temporary or permanent snow park will have a significant impact on staff work plans and the city’s budget. A snow park isn’t listed as one of council’s strategic priorities, and isn’t listed in either the 2019 budget or fiveyear capital plan. Snow making, slope grooming, and other maintenance equipment would be needed, and operational and staffing impacts would be significant, Moira Green, the city’s general manager of community services, notes in the report. “Citizens and home owners will want to be fully consulted about the project and its long term impacts,” Green writes.

Toboggan Hill has been developed without an official master plan since 2012 when the skate park was first built. Since then, it’s become home to the disc golf course, made permanent in 2017, and new trails that were paved this year. A temporary snow park was built for snowboarding competitions during High On Ice in 2017, and a dog park and washrooms are planned to be built in 2019. A long-term development plan is needed for the park, Green writes. “At this time, a comprehensive site plan developed with community consultation is the most viable option for long term planning,” Green writes.

PRO RACING THIS WEEK Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

Jeff Gordon in line to take over Hendrick Motorsports Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team owner Rick Hendrick revealed that Jeff Gordon, who drove for Hendrick Motorsports for 25 seasons overall and 23 seasons as a fulltime driver, is who he sees as being the future leader of the team. “That’s the way we’re going. Whenever I finally step away, it’ll be Jeff Gordon in my place,” Rick Hendrick said. “I love this and still enjoy it so much, and it’s tied to my automotive businesses. My health is good, so I expect to be around for a long time.” Along with crew chief Ray Everham, Gordon coowned Gordon-Everham Motorsports, which competed in six races in the 1999 season before they became JG Motorsports in the 2000 season and were co-owned by Gordon and Hendrick after Hendrick purchased Everham’s half of the team. The team competed in 20 races in the 2000 season.

Dec. 21, 1971 - Clyde Minter, who finished in the top five in each of his first four Cup starts, died on this day at age 50. Minter was 27 in 1949 when he started the sixth and eighth races in NASCAR’s first Strictly Stock season and finished fourth at both Martinsville and North Wilkesboro. He made eight starts in 1950, finishing third at Charlotte and fifth at Martinsville. Minter started his 42nd and final Cup race in 1955.

Racing Trivia

Jimmie Johnson had zero wins this season. When was the last time he didn’t win a single race in a season? a) 2001 b) 2004

c) 2007 d) 2010

Answer : a) The last time Jimmie Johnson didn’t win a single race in a season was during his rookie season in 2001.

Racing History

Jimmie Johnson Born: Sept. 17, 1975 Cup wins: 83 Cup top-tens: 352 Cup championships: 7 Jimmie Johnson was born in El Cajon, California, and began racing motorcycles at the age of four. After graduating from Granite Hills High School he competed in off-road series. In 2000, he began racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He moved to Hendrick Motorsports in the Sprint Cup Series in 2002. After finishing fifth in the points in his first full season, he was second in 2003 and 2004 and fifth in 2005. Johnson won his first Cup series championship in 2006. He went on to win the Cup series championship the next four years and became the only driver in NASCAR history to win five consecutive championships. During the 2011 season, Johnson finished sixth in points, while he finished third in 2012. In 2013, Johnson won his sixth championship. In 2016, Johnson won his seventh championship to tie Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most championships.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 B3

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER CANADIAN SPEED SKATING TEAM TRAINS IN FORT ST. JOHN The Canadian National Speed Skating Long Track Team held its twoweek national training camp at the Pomeroy Sport Centre, Aug. 30 to Sept. 10. “I’ve never been to Fort St. John before. We’re very excited, and this is a beautiful facility that we’re very excited to use,” Coach Bart Shouten said. “We’re so grateful to the city for having us here. The entire country is represented here in Fort St. John,” Denny Morrison said. SKATEBOARDERS UNHAPPY WITH JUST ONE SKATE PARK The rebuild of Centennial Park began in September, which included the removal of the city’s original skate park. City officialls said there are no current plans to replace the skatepark, leaving the city with just the Rotary Skatepark, built in 2013, which disappointed the local skateboarding community. “Having only one skatepark is a step in the wrong direction.” HUSKIES PLAY NATIONAL WOMENS TEAM Not many people get to say they’ve competed against Olympic athletes, but the Fort St. John Huskies had that opportunity with the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team in Dawson Creek for their main training camp. The Huskies played games on Sept. 14 and 15. “I think we came out pretty strong, and caught the guys a bit off guard. They came out stronger in the second period,” Natalie Spooner said about her team’s 4-0 win. “As the game went on we got better. A lot of us haven’t played against high-end athletes like that before,” said Huskies goalie Jonathan Bateman. FORT ST. JOHN ANNOUNCED AS HOST OF 2019 COY CUP For the first time since 1994, Fort St. John will host the Coy Cup as the best senior men’s AA teams in the province gather for the annual tournament. The Fort St. John Flyers will receive an automatic entry into the tournament, which will take place from Macrch 26 to 30, 2019. “The entire Flyers organization, including our executive, sponsors, volunteers and fans are extremely excited to host this prestigious event,” said Flyers President Paul van Nostrand. TAI CHI SCHOOL CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY A 40th anniversary is an impressive milestone for any organization, nevermind one outside the cultural mainstream. Yet, 2018 marks the 40th year that tai chi has been taught in and around Fort St. John by the Willow Moon Internal Arts School. “The fact we’ve been here 40 years speaks to something this club has offered this community.”

OCTOBER NORAH VOGAN BECOMES NEW INCONNU HEAD COACH After seven years away from competitive swimming, Norah Vogan felt it was time to get involved. After feeling both nostalgic towards swimming and guilty for not giving back to the community, Vogan, a former swimmer for UNLV, is now the club’s head coach for the 2018-19 season. “I have so much experience and wanted to get involved. I hope the swimmers take from swimming what I did. It was a huge part in defining who I was and teaching me about responsibility and hard work,” said Vogan. FLYERS TO HOLD ROB ALEXANDER NIGHT AT COY CUP In honour of the Fort St. John Senior Flyers 60th season, the team revealed new jerseys on Oct. 4, and announced a special night to honour legendary Flyer Rob Alexander at the Coy Cup in March of next year. “You’re just about to make me have tears in my eyes. It’s a very nice honour actually and I never thought this would happen,” Alexander said.. Alexander said he has lifelong friends from his playing days with the Flyers, and he still watches and follows the team and feels a part of the Flyers’ family. NPSS CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS SWEEP PODIUM It was a good day for NPSS cross country runners on Oct. 13 at the Bert Bowes Bash. Kenzie Chilcott finished in first place in the Senior Girls category (4.2km) with a time of 17:57 with Leigh Hedges right behind her at 18:00. Jordynn McPherson took third with a time of 18:39. In the Senior Boys category (5.6km), Quinlan Snider finished in third with a time of 22:09. TRAPPER WOLSEY WINS JET BOAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP After the final race at the 2018 World Jet Boat Championship in Mexico on Oct. 13, Trapper Wolsey thought he finished second in the CX class. But in proof that anything can happen in sports, Wolsey was declared the world champion after Christopher Cueto was disqualified. Though he led the class over Cueto for the first seven legs, Wolsey blew his engine on the eighth, and lost a half hour of time. He was able to get his boat back on the water for the final day and finished the event with a total time of five hours, five minutes and 12 seconds. Gord Humphrey was leading the Unlimited Class all week before engine troubles cost him his lead. He made up lots of ground but finished in second, just three minutes short of a title.

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Michelle Mazur, left, won the Peace Motocross Association Ladies division, while Hayley Wuthrich finished third. Here they are receiving their awards at the Sept. 29, 2018 year-end banquet.

Four local cowboys were invited to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge in Red Deer, Nov. 3, part of the CFR. Wade Roberts competed in steer wrestling, Tyrel Roberts in saddle bronc, Ben Jackson in tie down roping, and Denton Spiers in bull riding. EMMA MURDOCK MAKES NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY SWIM TEAM Emma Murdock is living her dream as a freshman at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on both an academic and athletic scholarship. “It’s crazy. I’ve always wanted to do this and to achieve it is mindblowing and it’s something I can check off my list,” Murdock said. Murdock, born and raised in Fort St. John, swam with the Inconnu Swim Club for 10 years, before moving to Victoria in 2015 to join the Pacific Coast Swimming program. RISHAV SHARMA PLAYS FOR BADMINTON CANADA IN JAPAN

NOVEMBER

Rishav Sharma’s quest to become a Paralympic badminton player for Canada continued in 2018. “This past year has been amazing. I’ve had great experiences playing and coaching as well, and am in constant communication with Badminton Canada who helps me out every tournament,” Sharma said. Most recently, Sharma traveled overseas with Badminton Canada for the Japan International 2018 ParaBadminton Tournament in September, where he played well before losing to the second-ranked player in the world.

PEACE REGION COWBOYS INVITED TO RISING STARS CHALLENGE

TAYLOR CURLING CLUB CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF CURRENT BUILDING

The Taylor Curling Club celebrated 40 years of being in their current building this year. The club has been around a lot longer and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The club has around 150 members for the 2018-19 season. “It feels great. It’s good to know after 40 years the building is still holding up. As for the club itself, we’re doing pretty good considering a lot of clubs have shut down and are hurting real bad,” said Giesbrecht. STEPHEN CULLING, JAKE WATSON CASH IN AT CANADIAN FINALS RODEO The 2018 Canadian Finals Rodeo couldn’t have gone any better for a pair of Peace Region cowboys. Jake Watson and Stephen Culling were in Red Deer for the event from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, and both had their best showing at the CFR of their careers. Culling, the 2018 Finning Pro Tour Steer Wrestling Champion, won the average at the CFR, and won the second round with a time of 3.6 seconds. His CFR total was $32,805. Watson had a similar week in saddle bronc. He won the fourth round, and was second in another, to win $20,520. 2019 JET BOAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO TAYLOR Peace Region fans of the sport will get a treat and experience the sport at the highest level when the 2019 World Jet Boat Championships come to Canada, July 10 to 21. It’s the second time the World Championships will come to Taylor, after Canada hosted them in 2015. The event begins in Whitecourt and concludes in Taylor. NORTH PEACE GYMNASTICS WINS CLUB OF THE YEAR Head coach and club manager Chantelle Yates received the All Leader of the Year award at the GymBC Awards night in Vancouver on Nov. 3. Coach Mimi Lessard was a winner as well, taking home the PLAY Gymnastics Zone 8 Coach of the Year award. The NPGA was also named the PLAY Gymnastics Club of the Year, a huge honour. “We are very proud of the amazing accomplishments we have made over this past year,” said Yates. RHYASON TEAM WINS OILMEN’S BONSPIEL

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Both the Fort St. John Huskies, and Canada White, led by Olympian Natalie Spooner (bottom row, second from left), were all smiles following their exhibition game in Dawson Creek on Sept. 14, 2018, which Canada won 4-0.

When all the rocks were thrown and all the food consumed, Rhyason Contracting was the last team left standing at the 58th Oilmen’s Bonspiel on Nov. 18. Rhyason beat Team Epscan 6-4, in a game they controlled from the start, to win the A event final. “It feels wonderful. I was brought in at the last minute when they lost a player, and had never curled in the A event before. They kept me working hard, and I’m glad I didn’t let them down,” said Rhyason lead Dean Horn.

B4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

Local Sports

Focus on the fundamentals: staying hydrated

o build habits that lead you to a desired goal, you need to focus on adding healthy fundamentals to your life. One fundamental that I focus on a lot with my clients and myself is making sure that we are staying adequately hydrated. Water is something I think a lot of us take for granted. And to be honest, it’s not as fun to drink as many other beverages we have available to us. But, the benefits of staying hydrated far outweigh however lackluster we may think water is. How can we make sure we are staying adequately hydrated? Whenever you are deciding to do something, it’s a good idea to think of how the desired action will benefit you and how doing the opposite may affect you. Most people may not understand how far reaching the effects of hydration/dehydration are. A lot of people are walking around dehydrated and don’t even know it. In fact, 75 per

Caitlyn Harbottle coach lynzee

cent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration has serious cognitive and physical effects. It messes with our moods, short-term memory, and concentration. It causes us to feel fatigued and is one of the most common risk factors for developing kidney stones. Think about how these symptoms could affect your day-to-day life. On the other hand, drinking enough water will help us to function optimally

in all areas of our life. Staying hydrated helps us to have a balanced mood and keeps our joints lubricated so we are able to move with more ease. We are able to access nutrients and minerals from our food because they dissolve in water. We may also experience weight loss when replacing other beverages with water as water has zero calories. There are many other benefits that come with drinking water and I’d encourage you to look them up. Now, how do we make water intake a priority? Below are some ideas that can have us drinking more water and feeling hydrated in no time. Eat water rich whole foods. A lot of fruits and vegetables are packed with water. For example, bell peppers and blueberries. Try a search on the internet to find fruits and veggies that you enjoy eating and that can keep you hydrated. Flavour your water, naturally. Add berries, citrus fruits, cucumber or

celery. The possibilities are unlimited. An added bonus is you’ll also be consuming minerals and vitamins. Keep a water bottle handy. When you start to feel thirsty, you’ll have easy access to water so you don’t have to reach for a beverage that won’t be as hydrating. Find an accountability partner. This could be an actual family member, friend or an app that sends you reminders to hit your hydration goal every day. When we think seriously of the impact staying hydrated has on our daily life it becomes easier to make this fundamental a habit. I’d love to hear from you if you try one or more of the hydration hacks listed above. Feel free to email here: coachlynzee@gmail.com. Caitlyn Harbottle is a Peace Region nutrition coach.

Flyers FROM B1

Flyers Hosting Coy Cup The Flyers are in the same boat. They’ve turned it on at the end of the first half, and while they are third in the division, all three teams will make the playoffs. The Dawson Creek Senior Canucks and Grande Prairie Athletics look to be the toughest challenges standing between the Flyers and another Campbell Cup. For Fort St. John, it’s about finishing the final seven regular season games — all in January — while playing their best hockey, so they’re ready to give their divisional rivals hell in the playoffs. Win or lose in the playoffs, one thing the Flyers can look forward to for sure is

the 2019 Coy Cup. Fort St. John is hosting the best AA men’s team in the province for the annual tournament, March 26 to 30, 2019. The Huskies receive an automatic entry, while it remains to be seen which teams will qualify to compete against them. “I’m certainly looking forward to it. We haven’t hosted that tournament since before my time in 1994. We’re excited to put on a good show as only Fort St. John can,” said Flyers President Paul van Nostrand. When it comes down to it, both the Flyers and the Huskies are hoping that 2019 looks a lot like 2018. It hasn’t been easy, but they just might be able to pull it off.

Silver Willow 4-H shares in $114,000 funding package from Farm Credit Canada The Silver Willow 4-H Club is one of 233 4-H clubs across Canada splitting $114,250 in funding from Farm Credit Canada. Each club is receiving an FCC 4-H Club Fund award of up to $500 to help pay for a range of 4-H projects, including achievement days, skill-building workshops, field trips, public speaking competitions, and the purchase of club supplies. “This is a long-term investment in a national organization dedicated to developing leadership, confidence and values in young people who want to contribute to this vibrant and dynamic industry,” said Todd Klink, FCC’s executive vice-president and chief marketing officer.

Twenty-one 4-H clubs in B.C. received funding for 2018. The Club Fund is part of FCC’s annual $250,000 commitment to 4-H Canada to support club activities and provincial 4-H initiatives. The two organizations have partnered to develop vibrant farming communities for more than 25 years. “The 4-H movement in Canada continues to thrive through the generosity of visionary partners like FCC, who share the same values and commitment to engaging young leaders at the grassroots level in communities across Canada,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. The next application period opens in August 2019.

dillon giancola photo

Adam Horst takes the face off against the Falher Pirates on Dec. 1. The Pirates are the top team in the East Division and have a good chance at making the NPHL Final for a second straight year.

Kenzie Chilcott to play soccer for UNBC Timberwolves in 2019

supplied photo

Kenzie Chilcott, at her signing day with UNBC.

NPSS soccer player Kenzie Chilcott recently signed with the UNBC Timberolves to play collegiate soccer, starting in the 2019-20 season. Chilcott is excited to continue playing at the college level. “Soccer has always come naturally. I have done it the longest, and the idea

supplied photo

NEW YEAR, NEW CHAMPS — Fivestar Boxing Academy fighters Lincoln Pomeroy, Arlan Zarate, and Brayden Sims are B.C. Boxing Provincial Champions, and will look to become national champs at the 2019 Super Channel Championships in Victoria, April 23 to 27.

of letting it go didn’t feel good. I know it is close to my heart. This is a big relief, and a big step, and now I am just excited for this to happen,” Chilcott told UNBC. Chilcott graduates from NPSS in June, and is planning on studying Civil Engineering at UNBC.

dillon giancola photo

Brian Kelly’s team had a so-so first half of the mixed curling league season, and will look to move up the leaderboard in 2019.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 B5

Local Sports

Fort Bowling Lanes league standings: week 12 Here are your week 12 rankings for the Mixed No Cap and Wednesday Morning Coffee bowling leagues. The Fantastics had a tough week, but maintain a large lead, while Got Balls was third, pulling ahead of Good Time Girls. In the Coffee League, Ball Busters remain in front, with Fab Five and Shady Ladies neck and neck for second. Mixed No Tap Overall points / week 12 1. The Fantastics - 112 / 3 2. Got Balls - 98 / 10 3. Good Time Girls - 90 / 1 4. Freeze Frame - 87 / 9 5. Trouble - 82 / 4 6. Rusty Gates - 66 / 8 7. Blue Balls - 62 / 11 8. Forever Friends - 61.50 / 12 9. Bowl Movements - 57.50 / 7 10. Comic Reliefs - 56 / 5

11. Big Chucksees - 53 / 6 12. Here 4 The Beer - 33 / 2 High Series 1. The Fantastics - 3,921 High Single 1. The Fantastics - 1,524 Individiual Leaders Mens Single Flat - Nigel Arnault - 355 Mens Series Flat - Kevin Alexander - 821 Ladies Single Flat - Marlene Bigcharles - 340 Ladies Series Flat - Marlene Bigcharles - 746 High Averages Ladies 1. Marlene Bigcharles - 219 2. Brianna Warnock - 200 3. Clara S. - 191 Mens 1. Kevin Alexander - 237 2. Percy Arnault - 220

3. Elvis Calahasen - 206 Coffee League Overall points / week 12 1. Ball Busters - 58 / 6 2. Fab Five - 50 / 5 3. Shady Ladies - 50 / 4 4. Pin Poppers - 45 / 3 5. Five Alive - 37 / 2 High Series Ball Busters - 3,324 High Single Ball Busters - 1,230 Ladies Series Jeannette Ward - 636 Ladies Single Maria Baxter - 283 Ladies High Average 1. Joanne McGinnis - 177 2. Cindy Dettling - 172 3. Jeannette Ward - 169 League play goes each Wednesday night, 7 to 9 p.m.

Fort St. John curling standings: week eight

brenda piper photo

Dillon Giancola throws a tap-in for Edward Schmidt’s first-place mixed team on Dec. 13.

Warren Flesjer 7-1 Bob Cooper 6-1 Alpine Glass 6-2 Chad Bordeleau 5-0-1 Bulldog Inspection 5-2 Sunrise Rotary 4-4 Links Golf 4-4 Pimms Production 3-0-1 Rhyason 3-4-1 Devin Dickson 3-3 D&T Electric 3-3 Embleton Const. 3-4 Lido Theatre 3-4 Shawn Ward 3-5 Challenger Ins. 2-2 Northern Metalic 2-3Glen Merwin 2-5 Compass Comp. 1-4 Brennan Eklund 0-4 Steve Braun 0-5

Mixed

Larry London 6-1 Paul Wuthrich 6-1 Leo Felix 5-1-1 Ray Clark 5-1 Swede Taylor 4-2 Larry Solodan 4-3 Donna Solodan 3-2-2 Shirley Kinnis 3-2-2 Connie Richter 2-2-2 Elmer Westergaard 2-1-1 Alice Lock 2-0 Faye 2-1 Stella Hamilton 2-1 Roy Chisolm 2-2-1 Leonard Hamilton 2-2 Julie Taylor 2-3-1 Dave Kellestine 2-3-1 Carol Rhyason 2-3 Linda Kelly 1-0-2 Tim Maloney 1-0 Paula Maloney 1-1 John Mast 1-2-2 Madonna Robertson 1-3 Ed Sariba 1-3 Harry Danshin 1-3 Glen Aahlus 0-0-1 Gerald Able 1-2-1 Coleen Zieger 1-6-1

Edward Schmidt 5-1-1 Bob Cooper 5-1-1 Jeff Holland 5-2 Ty Coates 4-1-2 April Podulsky 4-1-1 Ace Instruments 2: 4-1 Brian Kelly 3-2-1 Dean Larson 3-2 Bruce Farquhar 3-2 Dave Kellestine 3-3 Kolten Lindner 2-3 Beauty and Sweeps 2-4 Ace Instruments 2-4 Northern Rockies Trees 1-5 Gary Anderson 0-4 Sheetheads 0-5

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Warren Flesjer suffered his first loss, but remains in first place in the men’s league, while both Jodi and Deanne Busche’s teams are undefeated in the ladie’s league. Larry London and Paul Wuthrich are tied for first in the seniors league.

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B6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

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HealtH ServiceS

Acquired Brain Injury Support Group: ABI Support group meets every 2nd & 4th Thursday of month at 6:00pm at the Northern Brain Injury Association office: #11-1405 102 Ave Dawson Creek. Please call 250-719-4673 for more information. http://nbia.ca/

CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT- Every Sunday for 11 Weeks Starting Jan. 06, 2019 1:00 pm Sharp. Senior Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Ave. Dawson Creek BC. Admission: $5.00 per Person. LUNCH PROVIDED Come and Join the Fun and Prizes. Everyone Welcome. For more Info Call: Lillian: 250-782-4057 . Mary: 250-782-6628

Save the Dates July 12, 13, 14, 2019 for the Mile Zero Cruisers Silver Anniversary Summer Cruise weekend Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Car Show weekend. For online Registration and more information:

Caregiver/Nanny for hire: To look after my (3) children; 15 year old; 9 year old & 4 year old girls. Permanent, full-time at a rate of $14.00/hour for 40 hours/week. Completion of Secondary School/Some College/CEPEG/Vocational. 1 to 2 years of experience supervision or care for children. Accomodation 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. Applicants may apply via email: gelinemdetorres@yahoo.com

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PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park. For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca

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

Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info. Announcements

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NORTHERN PROPERTIES Housekeeper

Thank You! To all the companies and families who DONATED groceries, clothing and merchandise to the NPSHS Seniors Apartments. It was greatly appreciated. Eileen Janzen President of Drop-In Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Perform light housekeeping duties, apply and dispense household linen, detailed cleaning/housekeeping duties: be responsible for kitchen & bathroom fixtures and furniture cleaning, common areas, changing rooms & showers, overall clean appartment unit presentation. English and no experience necessary. Perm/ft. $18.50/perhr. Please apply info@northernprop.ca or admin@northernprop.ca

Career OppOrtunities

Child Caregiver: 8 years old girl & 22 months boy. $14.00 per hour. Permanent-40 hours per week. Employer’s home/94 Ave, Completion of Secondary School, some college/ CEPEG/Vocational or technical training in child care or related field. 1 to 2 years supervision of children. Main duties: Assist children on personal hygiene. Plan, prepare meals for children, participate in games, reading and may perform light housekeeping. Accommodations could be made available on a live-in basis at no cost. But not a condition of employment. Apply by email: herbert_barateta@yah oo.com

Dogs 9 Purebred Black Lab Puppies for Sale. Born Oct. 22/18. $500.00 each. Phone: 250-7937753

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encana The Encana Events Centre (www.dawsoncreekeventscentre.com) operated by Spectra Venue Management (www.SpectraExperiences.com) is the premier event facility providing a wide range of sports and entertainment opportunities for the Alberta and British Columbia Peace Region. We are currently seeking a House Keeper, Operations Laborer, and a Facility Operator who are, mature, highly motivated, and a customer-focused team player possessing a positive attitude. The Part Time Housekeeper will ensure a clean, organized and attractive facility while maintaining a high degree of quality guest care. The successful candidate will have the ability to work with minimal supervision, perform duties in a safe manner and consistently demonstrate efficient, effective use of time and resources. Must have proven job reliability and customer service skills; no housekeeping experience necessary. This position can be physically demanding, and evening and weekend shifts will be required. This position is part time and comes with a competitive wage. The Operations Laborer will be responsible for the setup, tear down of events as well as performing facility maintenance tasks such as painting, drywall repairs, housekeeping, and other various tasks. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, computer and communication skills along with being able to work within a team environment. This position can be physically demanding, and evening and weekend shifts will be required. Your ability to work with minimum supervision, performs duties in a safe manner, and consistently demonstrates efficient, effective use of time and resources will ensure your success. This position is full time and comes with a competitive wage and a comprehensive benefits package. The Facility Operator will assist the Chief Engineer in the overall facility maintenance including the preparation and maintenance of the ice surface, automated building controls, HVAC and electrical systems, preventative maintenance programs, and general building repairs. Duties include, but are not limited to, the repair of machinery, performing preventive maintenance of HVAC and boiler systems and general equipment such as plumbing, electrical and refrigeration systems. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, mechanical aptitude, computer and communication skills along with being able to work within a team environment. Minimum requirements include 5th Class Refrigeration Endorsement, Refrigeration Operator, or 4th Class Power Engineering ticket. This position can be physically demanding, and evening and weekend shifts will be required. Your ability to work with minimum supervision, performs duties in a safe manner, and consistently demonstrates efficient, effective use of time and resources will ensure your success. This position is full time and comes with a competitive wage and a comprehensive benefits package. Please mail your cover letter and current resume to the attention of Tylor Hawkins, Director of Operations, Spectra Venue Management, # 1, 300 Highway 2, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 0A4, or email to thawkins@ dawsoncreekeventscentre.com. We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Take notice that Canadian National Railway Company from Edmonton, AB, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for a Direct Sale situated on Provincial Crown land located at Chetwynd Rail Subdivision, Peace River District. The Lands File for this application is 8016042. 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) 787-3438. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to February 11, 2019. 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 11, 2019. 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 htttp://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

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

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

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

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019 B7

PERSPECTIVES

Caribou recovery plans must be made transparent

few weeks ago a message from the Saulteau First Nation was made public concerning caribou recovery efforts. The chief and council felt compelled to provide reassurance that industrial and recreation use of lands will not be drastically curtailed to protect five endangered herds around Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge. The letter reads: “… there will still be mining, and forestry, and gas and pipelines, and other industries. We are part of the economy in the Peace too,

and we don’t want to see economic development stop either.” I certainly welcome the efforts of the chief and council to clear the air, but they shouldn’t be placed in this untenable position in the first place. It’s the job of government — and the provincial government in particular — to ensure that public concerns of all stakeholders are taken into account and are part of the process. Unfortunately this is not happening. On December 7, a meeting was cancelled by the

Dan Davies MLA REPORT

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change when regional councilors with the Peace River Regional District requested that the meeting be made public. Furthermore, we have since learned that the federal government cancelled a meeting on December 10 in Vancouver with Electoral E representative Dan Rose at

the request of the provincial government. The lack of transparency continues to spark suspicion and fear far and wide. This issue is not limited to our own region, but extends as far as caribou habitat does, all the way from the Peace Region down to the Kootenays. Local governments have been calling for greater involvement since last September at the annual meeting of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. I am pretty sure that just about everyone wants to find the right balance,

but we won’t arrive at that destination unless the public is a part of the solution. My self, along with my colleagues will be continuing to pressure the NDP government to open up these closed discussions. I encourage you to reach out to the premier, the environment minister, George Heyman and FLNRO Minister, Doug Donaldson to be more transparent on this critical issue. The survival of caribou depends on it. Dan Davies is MLA for Peace River North.

The Peace Deserves to be Heard By Mike Bernier Peace River South MLA The people of the Peace must have their voices heard on the issue of protecting southern mountain caribou. All of us are proud to call the Peace home. We know it’s critical that we work together – as citizens and as governments and – to protect our environment. We choose to call the North home because we revel in the incredible quality of life this region offers. We work and play in the backcountry. Each of us knows that so many of our livelihoods, and those of our families, our friends, and our neighbours, depend on the natural environment. Unfortunately, our experiences and the insights they bring are being left on the sidelines right now in the government’s quest for a caribou recovery plan. Instead of bringing the community together, the NDP are dividing the Peace with what has become their typical, ham-fisted, Victoria-knows-best approach. This approach is putting a lasting, workable, and balanced solution at risk. Right now, rumours and speculation are filling the information void left by the NDP. This has happened because they have refused to come to the Peace and answer your questions. The government have failed to consult and engage with local governments and Peace residents. The NDP has made a bad situation even worse with a last-minute cancellation of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s scheduled meetings with the Peace River Regional Districts. The federal government – which sparked the entire drive for a recovery plan – also cancelled a meeting that was supposed to take place last week with the Peace River Regional District. It was cancelled because the NDP government asked the feds to walk away. This is the wrong path to finding a balanced, workable, and sustainable solution for caribou herds. The people of the Peace – our municipal councils and our citizens – deserve to hear directly from the NDP government about steps that will be taken to help the caribou recover in our backyard. It’s a discussion that has to take place around the council tables and in the community halls of the Peace – not at the side of a desk in a ministry office in Victoria. The NDP have botched this situation so badly that a clarification has been issued, not by the provincial government, but by the Saulteau First Nations. It’s unprecedented that they have had to offer a clarification of the situation, but I am pleased they have shared their perspectives. It has added some much-needed clarity in the situation. Government has a constitutional duty to consult with First Nations. The Saulteau First Nations brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the situation. They have run of one of the most successful caribou recovery programs. I also agree with what the Saulteau stated in their letter “We have faith that what we all want is to find the right balance between protection for the thing we all love about the Peace — the mountains, the wildlife, the rivers — and the things that we all need — economic development, recreation, hospitals, schools, safe highways, and so on.” Achieving balance is at greater risk each and every day the NDP dithers and puts off consulting with Peace residents. Each day leaves questions unanswered and allows speculation to continue. That is a terrible approach for something as important as finding the balance between protecting caribou, protecting the way of life in the Peace, and ensuring the sustainable economic activities of the region can keep supporting local families. There is time to turn this situation around. The NDP government needs to tell Peace residents now that consultations with local residents will be held as soon as possible. Such a commitment would end the rumours and speculation, and move the focus to giving people the chance to ask questions, hear the government’s answers, and provide local ideas and expertise. This is the path to developing the best, most balanced caribou plan possible. As the Peace River South MLA, I will keep taking your concerns on this issue to Victoria. I encourage to share your thoughts with me via email or letter:

mike.bernier.MLA@leg.bc.ca • 103 – 1100 Alaska Ave., Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4V8 You should also email or write to the B.C. and Canadian Ministers on this file to let them know their decisions in faraway Victoria and Ottawa impact YOUR life here in the Peace. Tell them to they need to come to the Peace, explain what they are doing, gather your ideas, and get everyone on the same page with the same information. Hon. Doug Donaldson B.C. Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Hon. George Heyman B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Hon. Catherine McKenna Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada ec.ministre-minister.ec@canada.ca

PO Box 9049 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2

PO Box 9047 Stn Prov Gov Victoria, BC V8W 9E2

200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

56850

Everyone in the Peace wants a balanced, sustainable approach so we can all move forward together. If the Provincial government gives us the chance to work together, rather than imposing its own plan, we can ensure caribou herds recover, our family-supporting industries can keep working, and all of us can continue to enjoy the backcountry.

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B8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

Local News

WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! Artwork designed by children of the Shell Groundbirch Team for our 2018 Holiday Art Contest. WINNING ENTRY: AUDREY

Harley

Lizzy

Charlie

Ivey

Mia

Aiden

Daan

Rhyden

Winifred

Fletcher

Emerson

William

Parker

Ranita