AHN JAN 4 2018

THURSDAY, january 4, 2018 Vol. 75, No. 1

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

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new year’s shinny BC Hydro set to sign Site C gen station and spillways deal

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

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The Foster and Mereski families take in a game of shinny at the Finch Community Skating Rink on New Year’s Day, finally able to escape hibernation and make the most of a break in frigid arctic temperatures that hung over the Peace during the Christmas break. The matchup pitted adults against kids, but the kids had a secret weapon in Anja Trummer, a member of Austria’s national women’s hockey team. Above, Trummer, a Grade 11 exchange student studying at North Peace Secondary, swerves around Caroline Mereski on her way to the net as youngsters Austin Mereski and Callan Foster look on. “It would be nice for this to be a New Year’s Day tradition,” Caroline said in between plays.

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Speed the top concern in Taylor traffic study matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Speeding is top of mind for Taylor residents when it comes to traffic in the district.

More than 43 per cent ranked it as their number one concern in a survey last October. At the same time, a majority of the study’s 148 respondents, 58 per cent, wanted district speed limits maintained, with only 33 per cent wanting limits lowered.

It’s a discrepancy that warrants further study, Mayor Rob Fraser said following the release of the results in December.

“We got to get into the details of the information before we can really change policy or set new policy,” Fraser said, adding the need for consistency around stop signs were also a public concern raised at a council open house Dec. 7.

Included in the survey’s responses were suggestions to lower speeds on Cherry, Pine, and 99 Avenues, as well as the Alaska Highway, which is outside of the district’s jurisdiction.

Rounding out the top five concerns were crosswalks and pedestrian safety in second spot, followed by street lighting, distracted driving, and the parking of dangerous goods.

See TRAFFIC on A4

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Hannah Sutton,16, was found dead in a Grande Prairie home on Dec. 16.

Fatally shot teen was a ‘champion of underdog,’ mother recalls Catherine Griwkowksy Edmonton Journal

A Fort St. John teen shot to death in Grande Prairie is being remembered as a “champion of the underdog” by her mother.

Hannah Sutton, 16, was the type of person to help others who were down and out, her mother Jennifer Zammit said in an interview.

“She was always trying to help someone else, even at a cost to herself,” Zammit said.

Sutton’s 19-year-old boyfriend stands accused of her murder.

Zammit said Sutton lives with her in Fort St. John, and was visiting in Grande Prairie when she died.

“She was one of those people that if she was your friend, she was your fiercest friend and would defend you to the end,” Zammit said. “She had an amazing

personality, and an adoration for animals.”

Sutton volunteered at the SPCA, walking dogs. She would bring home stray animals even when she was young, Zammit said and just a month ago she brought home a stray cat.

When Zammit would get change after buying fast food, Sutton would ask if they could give the change to a person living on the street.

Even if she didn’t know a person who was being bullied, Sutton would stand up for them, Zammit said, but she also wasn’t a doormat herself.

Sutton had a friend who was having difficulty with her parents and her friend came to live with Zammit and Sutton.

Now the woman has an “amazing” relationship with her family and is expecting a baby, Zammit said.

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BC Hydro is poised to sign a billion-dollar contract to begin building the generating station and spillways for the Site C dam.

The Crown utility announced Dec. 21 it has selected the AFDE Partnership as its preferred proponent to carry out the work.

The partnership includes Aecon Constructors, Flatiron Constructors Canada, Dragados Canada, and EBC Inc., and will be responsible for civil works portion of Site C’s powerhouse, penstocks, spillways, and power intakes.

BC Hydro says it’s finalizing contract terms with the partnership, which the utility’s board of directors still needs to approve. The deal is expected to close in early this year, with the partnership mobilizing to the site in the spring, BC Hydro says.

BC Hydro did not release the price tag of the contract, saying only that it was within the revised $10.7-billion cost estimate for Site C, set by the NDP government in its approval of the project Dec. 11 following a four-month review.

An uncensored report accidentally made public as part of that review showed BC Hydro budgeted the dam’s generating station and main spillway at $1.255 billion.

The contract would include a project labour agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115, the Construction and Specialized Workers Union Local 1611, and the Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers. It sets a goal of having apprenticeship rates of up to 25 per cent, as well as targets for indigenous employment, while the companies have agreed to prioritize local hiring, BC Hydro says.

BC Hydro says 1,600 workers will be on site during the peak of construction in 2021, with work expected to be complete in 2023. Associated contracts for hydro-mechanical equipment and powerhouse bridge and gantry cranes for the generating station and spillways have yet to be awarded.

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A2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

Local News

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peace region’s new year’s baby

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Weather Humour News Opinion Year In Review Perspectives Sports Classifieds

The Peace Region’s New Year’s baby has once again been born in Dawson Creek. Camilla Nora Taylor was born Jan. 1, 2018, at Dawson Creek and District Hospital at 7:25 a.m., to mom Tricia and dad Ryan of Bay Tree, Alta.

Baby Camilla was born weighing in at six pounds, 11 ounces, and will grow up under the wings of her brother Emmett.

Little Camilla raced to beat all other newborns on the way throughout the Peace by arriving two weeks early, after letting parents know at about 3 a.m. Monday she was ready to meet the world. Parents noted their name selection was pretty straightforward. “We loved the name, the meaning, and how it sounded,” says Tricia.

this week’s flyers M&M Meats London Drugs Jysk Walmart The Brick No Frills Century 21 Save-On Foods Staples Windsor Safeway Shoppers Drug Mart Canadian Tire Pipeline News North

As of press time, there were no births reported at the Fort St. John hospital. The first baby born in B.C. was delivered at Surrey Memorial Hospital just after midnight Jan. 1. rob brown Photo

How Long Is The World’s Longest Noodle?

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO

SHARK SNARK: Meanwhile, in the Indian Ocean, marine biologists found a shark that glows in the dark. This was the most exciting marine discovery since scientists revealed SpongeBob really is square—even after he takes off his pants.

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FRUITCAKE FACT: In our first news chewing session of 2018, we’ll nibble on news items from around the world. Stories that prove the Peace Country is the last sane place on the planet. For example, in London, a bakery was offering Christmas fruitcakes that contained crickets and other creepy crawly insects. I guess you could say their cakes put the “bug” in “Bah Humbug!”

IKEA has in common with the tax man: They both put the screws on.

SAFETY SURVEY: A survey ranked the World’s Safest Large Cities. Based on crime, cybersecurity, access to emergency medical care, safety of buildings, roads and traffic, The #1 Safest City In The World is Tokyo. Yes, Tokyo is safe. Unless a Sumo wrestler sits on your lap.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

ended in 2012. At the Pentagon, there was a time when the letters UFO stood for Unofficial Financial Outlay.

AVOCADO INCOMMUNICADO: Canadian scientists announced they have developed a seedless avocado. What’s next, a waterless watermelon? A bendless banana?

STAR BORES: Astronauts on board the International Space Station watched a screening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. What’s the best thing about watching a movie on the Space Station? There’s less chance an idiot will be sitting in front of you, texting on their phone.

GOOSE GAG: There was an item on TV about how several U.S. states have started programs to reduce their populations of Canadian geese. They say the big birds are https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html iPHONE PHACT: A report revealed every aggressive and loud—not at all like human iPhone has a component that slows it down Canadians! They know the geese are Caas the phone gets older. That’s just one way nadian because they honk in English and the Apple company persuades you to buy French. a new phone. Apple is not the only comFROZEN FACTS: Sure, it’s cold in Moscow, pany doing that type of sneaky thing. The DRONE DETAIL: As we bid farewell to Chetwynd N/A the capital of Russia. It’s also cold in the cap- Etch-a-Sketch company makes every Etch- the gift giving season, experts predict by Home  Environment and naturalitals resources  like Weather information  Weather  Localwith forecasts British Columbia of places Mongolia and Iceland.

But A-Sketch a knobthat drops off after 20 December 2020, flying drones will deliver Tumbler Ridge 128.9 a news report named Ottawa as last week’s years of usage. most Christmas gifts. I predict Rudolph the coldest capital city in the world. I was going Red-Nosed Reindeer will be replaced by a to do a joke here about how I’m surprised it STAR FLAWS: In Los Angeles, police were drone. I also predict Grandma will get run Prince George 115.9 was cold in Ottawa with all the hot air from called to a riot at a movie theater. There was over by a drone.

Observed at: Fort John Airport AM MST 2 January politicians. But I did that joke three times in St.yelling and 11:00 shouting afterTuesday the sound went2018 Current Conditions Hythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html 112.9 2017, and my New Year’s resolution was to out during a screening of the new “Star SMOKE CHOKE: A study shows smoking find new ways to insult our leaders.

Wars” movie.

I predict movie theatres will rates continue to fall in Canada. ApproximCondition: Mostly Cloudy Temperature: 0.9°C Wind: WSW 32 gust 44 soon charge extra to see a movie with audio ately five million Canadians smoke every Grande Prairie 105.9 Pressure: 102.6 kPa Dew point: -4.0°C km/h UFO LOL: In Washington D.C., the included. day. And in a study conducted by me, at Tendency: Rising Humidity: 70% Visibility: 81 km Pentagon admitted it once had a departany given time, approximately one million Calgary 110.8 ment whose job it was to study UFOs. The IKEA LOL: Over there in Europe, tax au- smokers are puffing while standing outside multi-million dollar secret UFO project thorities are investigating IKEA. One thing the entrance to the Fort St John Wal-Mart.

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NOODLE NEWS: In Beijing, a restaurant Alberta-B.C. border cooked the “World’s Longest Noodle.” Ac115.9 cording to the folks at the Guinness Book of t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada Records, the single noodle strand measured Fort Nelson N/A almost two miles long. The World’s Longest Noodle was sucked up by a guy with the Groundbirch “World’s Loudest Slurp.”

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Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 2 January 2018 ST. JOHN ObservedFORT at: Fort Nelson Airport 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 2 January 2018

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Condition: Mostly4 Jan Cloudy 127.83 Jan

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Fri Sat Temperature: -19.1°C 5 Jan 6 Jan Dew point: -21.4°C Humidity: 83%

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Today Mainly cloudy. Wind southwest 30 km/h. High plus 5.

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Today Sat, 6 Jan Tonight Night

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Windof upsnow. to 15High km/h.minus Temperature steady near minus 20. Cold wind chill minus 28. Risk of frostbite.

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Wind up to 15 km/h.

Temperature steady near minus 20. Cold wind chill minus 27. Risk of Low minus 16. frostbite.

Wed, 3 Jan

A mix of sun and cloud. Wind up to 15 km/h. Temperature steady near minus 19. Cold wind chill minus 25. Risk of frostbite.

2018-01-02, 11:46 AM Cloudy periods. Low minus 19.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 A3

Local News

All around sharp smarts earn NPSS grad academic award matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

When it comes to smarts between siblings, Brianna Chevalier is modest enough to give all the props to her twin sister.

But the North Peace Secondary graduate was surprised over the holiday break to be named the school’s recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal.

Chevalier earned the medal for the having the school’s highest average grades in its class of 2017 at around 96 per cent, a race that went down to the wire with four other students within half a percentage point.

“Surprised. Her average was quite high, so I wasn’t expecting to be at the top,” Chevalier said on break from studies at the University of Alberta.

“I just wanted to do as much as I could to get my marks up for my university applications.”

Chevalier did it all while playing for the senior girls volleyball team and taking part in leadership classes, organizing a school talent show and week-long art fest.

“It isn’t often we get an academic student who is also a high performing athlete, who’s involved in leadership, and who is genuinely a nice kid,” principal Randy Pauls.

“She reflects very well on the school, both sisters. They were neck and neck, we were hoping to be able to award two.”

Chevalier is in her first year of engineering studies at the U of A, where she plans to one day specialize in either a civil, chemical, or computer discipline. Her interest in the field was spurred by her Grade 12 robotics class.

“Engineers are always North Peace Secondary graduate Brianna Chevalier and Principal Randy Pauls. needed,” Chevalier said. “So, no matter the field, it’s always going to grow and grow and grow, to innovate and solve the world’s problems.”

No matter the discipline Chevalier decides, Pauls hopes to one day see her back in the halls, passing her knowledge down to a new generation of students.

“We have a tradition here where a lot of students will come back and talk to classes,” he said.

“When we have career fairs, we often have students who come back. They educate. It’s a really neat process to see.”

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teen from a1

in the trial and hear all the evidence to make my decision as to whether or not I believe he maliciously tried to hurt my daughter,” Zammit said.

“If my daughter gave her life for him, I can’t sit back and watch it be wasted sitting in a jail cell for an accident,” she said. “Because then her life is gone for nothing. In the end, the result is the same. No matter what happens and who says what, it’s just going to be the same.”

Police found Sutton’s body after being called to a home near 94 Avenue and 100 Street in Grande Prairie around 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

An autopsy later confirmed Sutton had been shot to death.

Justice Watt-Blais, 19, of Grande Prairie was charged with second-degree murder, RCMP said Thursday in a news release. Watt-Blais was taken into custody Wednesday and has a court appearance scheduled in Grande Prairie provincial court Jan. 3, RCMP said.

On Friday, Darian Chonkolay, 18, Austin Haynes, 20, David Comber, 21, and a 17-year-old who can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act were each charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder.

They will also appear in court on Jan. 3.

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While Sutton was going to be a godmother to the baby, the mother is now planning to name the baby after Hannah, Zammit said.

Sutton met her boyfriend — who was her oldest brother’s best friend — when she was 14 and the pair had been on again, off again, Zammit said.

Like Sutton’s friend, the family took her boyfriend in after his parents kicked him out and at one point he lived with them for two years, Zammit said. The family got him back into school and were working to get him a job, she added.

“He’d been out of schools for years,” Zammit said. “We got him back into school. He went from a Grade 9 education to Grade 11.”

Zammit said the boyfriend broke down sobbing that he was trying to kill himself, and Sutton grabbed the gun from him and she was hit by a bullet.

“I could totally see that being something Hannah would do,” Zammit said.

She added she may not have all the information about the shooting that police do.

Her daughter’s boyfriend called Zammit to bring him to the police station to confess to his crimes and she told him to get a lawyer. To this day, he calls Sutton’s parents “mom and dad.”

“I’m going to have to sit

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A4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

Local News

School zone speedsters placed under watch

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Tom Summer Alaska Highway News

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In some areas of the Philippines, singing Christmas Carols from house to house is one of many traditions during the Christmas season. On Dec. 17, members of the North Peace Filipino Canadian Association of Fort St. John went to the Peace Lutheran Senior Apartment and sung carols to seniors to show their gratitude , love, and respect.

The District of Hudson’s Hope is looking to put the brakes on lead-footed motorists this summer.

The district will launch a new speed watch program in partnership with ICBC, local police, and citizen volunteers.

Speed Watch is an educational program sponsored by ICBC and aimed at curbing accidents caused by speeding.

“They provide the speed reader board, the radar, and a bit of the training aspect of it, as well,” said Hudson’s Hope RCMP Const. William McKenna, noting police will be responsible for liaising with the public and recruiting volunteers.

Using portable radar equipment, trained volunteers will monitor speeds in high crash zones, schools, and playgrounds, with efforts focused around the Hudson’s Hope school.

“Our school zone here falls directly on the highway. It’s an ongoing issue with people speeding through there,”

McKenna said, adding a portion of the speeding near the school can be attributed to out-of-town motorists passing through.

“We’ve been handing out many, many warnings related to the school zone itself.”

Motorists passing through the 30 km/h zone will get an instant display of their speed on a reader board. Volunteers will be tasked with recording speeds, and anyone exceeding the posted limit will receive a warning letter in the mail.

“Highway safety has been one of our priorities for the last two years. What we’ve noticed is that a lot of vehicles are exceeding the speed limit.

We’re trying to cut down on speeding, dangerous passing, and the fatalities that occur here directly related to speed,” McKenna said, adding that it’s not an enforcement program, no tickets or fines are to be handed out, the goal is to promote safety through presence and education.

Those interested in volunteering with the Speed Watch program, can call the Hudson’s Hope RCMP at 250-783-5241.

Nearly $1 million for First Nations training matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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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 2017 Mile Zero Cruisers Toy Drive.

Thank you to our local dealerships for helping make the toy drive so successful.

First Nations in Northeast B.C. are receiving nearly $1 million to help train their members in everything from professional cooking, occupational health and safety, land reclamation, literacy and more.

Included in the funding, announced Dec. 21, is $369,000 for professional cook training for 10 members of the Fort Nelson First Nation, and eight members of the Saulteau and West Moberly nations. The program, being delivered by Northern Lights College, “provides practical skills related to meal planning, knowledge of safety, sanitation and food storage,” according to the province, and can be used as credit towards a professional cook apprenticeship program.

Doig River is receiving $175,000 to train 40 of its members in occupational health and safety and land reclamation. The program, which will be carried out by the University of Northern B.C., includes training and certification in fire suppression, chainsaw operation, wildlife danger trees, and occupational health and safety, the province says.

The province is directing $188,719 to an Educational

Success program that will help 21 Halfway River First Nation members upgrade their education and earn the necessary prerequisites needed for career and technical training, or academic programs. The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology will deliver the training in Halfway River.

The institute will also work in Blueberry River to help 12 members there upgrade their education. That program will cost $175,000.

In the Prophet River and Fort Nelson First Nations, the province will spend $64,810 to support 50 members and build their literacy skills and help with work training, and personal and career development. The training, delivered by the Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society, includes everything from basic computer skills, financial literacy, driver’s licence preparation, food safety, and occupational first aid.

All told, the provincial funding amounts to $972,520.

The programs are funded through the Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund, a $30-million program launched in 2015 to provide $10 million a year over three years to First Nations communities.

Residents suggest more street lighting and crosswalks throughout Taylor TRAFFIC FROM a1

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BANNISTER DAWSON CREEK

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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Fraser said he was surprised to see parking concerns at the bottom of the list, with only 12 responders ranking it their top concern. Most residents, 69 per cent, said they wanted the district to maintain parking availability along 100 Street, while 25 responders wanted it eliminated from the district altogether. Others suggested moving parking to the South Taylor chain-up area, or another industrial area.

Meanwhile, residents were split on whether street lighting was adequate.

Forty-one per cent were dissatisfied, while 39 per cent said lighting is adequate

enough. Another 20 per cent were unsure. Residents who were unsatisfied said lighting could be improved on 98, 99, 101, and 102 streets.

On pedestrian safety, 63 per cent believed current infrastructure was adequate and safe. Thirty-seven per cent said the district could add a sidewalk to Pine Avenue, and one to cross the railway tracks on Cherry Avenue, while improving crossings along the Alaska Highway.

The survey will now go before the public works committee for further review.

“It’s the first step of a larger discussion,” Fraser said.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 A5

Wishing everyone a

Local News

Calculating the cost of the Site C dam nelson bennett Business in Vancouver

Business groups and labour organizations representing unionized workers in B.C. breathed a collective sigh of relief last month when Premier John Horgan announced his government would allow completion of the Site C hydroelectric dam.

But independent contractors and one union representing workers fear project labour agreements for future major contracts on the dam may raise labour costs.

There are also concerns about the project’s impact on BC Hydro’s debt, which has grown from $7 billion in 2000 to $20 billion today.

Politically, the decision to complete Site C could result in some defections from the BC NDP, said George Hoberg, a political science professor specializing in environmental and natural resource policy at the University of British Columbia.

“I do think they will lose some die hard environmental supporters to the [BC] Green Party,” he said.

On the other hand, he said, the NDP’s decision is “one big yes” that counters the BC Liberals’ branding of the NDP as the “party of No.” But the decision also means the NDP will have to answer for any additional problems or cost overruns on the project.

A Deloitte report warned that any further delays could push the final cost of the dam as high as $12.5 billion.

“If things go bad there, the NDP will have to own most of it,” Hoberg said. “They will try to continue to blame the Liberals for it, but it becomes

their problem.”

Though the dam is now expected to cost $10.7 billion to complete – more than $2 billion higher than earlier projections – Horgan said he could not “punish” ordinary British Columbians by saddling them with a $4 billion debt for nothing.

After the project was referred to the BC Utilities Commission for a review, it was determined that cancelling the project would have meant either a 12% BC Hydro rate hike over 10 years or assuming the debt onto government books.

A 12% BC Hydro hike, starting in 2020, would have added $200 a year to the average residential BC Hydro bill, $192,000 to the average lumber mill’s bill, and $372,000 to a large hospital’s bill, the government calculated.

By contrast, completing Site C at $10.7 billion will require a 1.1% increase to BC Hydro rates in 2025 and 2026. Whereas paying the sunk costs for a cancelled project would be spread over 10 years, paying for a completed dam is to be spread over 70 years.

“Although Site C will cost more than $10 billion to complete, those costs can be recovered over a long period of time by the sale of electricity,” Horgan said.

“Cancelling the project would mean an unavoidable $4 billion debt immediately, either on BC Hydro’s books or the books of the minister of finance.

“The consequences of that would be a 12% rate increase almost immediately and forgoing very important capital projects like schools and hospitals, bridges and transit and other initiatives right across British Columbia.”

There are still a couple of major contracts yet to be

awarded. The budget for the construction of the spillway, for example, was estimated to be $1.2 billion. In a technical briefing last week, government officials confirmed the actual costs for some of those contracts are expected to be higher than BC Hydro had budgeted.

In an attempt to make the best of a bad situation, Horgan announced a number of measures to try to contain costs and mitigate the dam’s impact on farmland and First Nations.

The government will set up a project assurance board and hire EY to provide oversight over things like contract procurement and management.

It will also spend $20 million on an agricultural compensation fund to help offset the loss of farmland that will be lost to flooding.

Horgan said future contract work will be done under project labour agreements that will boost the number of apprentices and local workers employed on the project.

Tom Sigurdson, executive director for the BC Building Trades, an umbrella group representing 14 unions in construction trades, supports the agreements, especially the provision requiring the hiring of more apprentices. Currently, only 2% of the workforce on the project have been apprentices, Sigurdson said.

But the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) shares the ICBA’s concerns over project labour agreements.

“To reintroduce project labour agreements that limit access to work to members of specific unions would be a huge step backwards for the workers of B.C.,” said Ryan Bruce, government relations representative for CLAC.

International Holding Ltd. of China—how that will impact the partnership and Site C is unclear at this time.

Flatiron Constructors, which holds a 27.5 per cent stake in the partnership, lists dams in California and Colorado among its portfolio, including an $180-million upgrade to the Ruskin Dam powerhouse near Mission.

Dragados Canada, which also holds a 27.5 per cent stake, says it has built 250 dams worldwide, including dams in Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Spain, along with upgrades to the Ruskin Dam. EBC Inc., which holds

a 15 per cent stake, has a smaller portfolio that includes constructing a service building for Hydro-Québec’s Mercier Power Station in Maniwaki, about 300 kilometres northwest of Montreal.

The announcement of the deal, the second-largest that will be awarded for Site C, was made with considerably less fanfare than the main civil works contract announcement and photo opportunity at a hydro facility in Burnaby in November 2015, which featured then premier Christy Clark, then BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald, and then Petrowest CEO Rick Quigley.

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PUBLIC HEARING JANUARY 8, 2018 6:00 p.m. – City Hall Council Chambers Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2382, 2017 The subject land of the proposed bylaw is legally described as NE 1/4 Section 2, Township 84, Range 19, W6M, Peace River District Except Plans 16596, 18522, 35181 and PGP45495, SE 1/4 Section 2, Township 84, Range 19, W6M, Peace River District Except Plans A938, B4975, 2995, 3161, 16596, 17455 and 35181as shown highlighted on the map.

This lot is zoned AR ( Agricultural) and the proponent (07512818 BC Ltd.) is applying for an official community plan amendment to allow the land use designations that are identified in the Parkwood Neighbourhood Plan. This plan is a large document and is available on the City’s website for perusal by looking at the December 11, 2017 Regular Council agenda under bylaws or by going to this link: https://fortstjohn.civicweb.net/FileStorage/68EB9E3FDFA142799D03171 7B8083CF9-AB.pdf.

The plan includes the following land use designations: PNA - Parks and Natural Areas LDR – Low Density Residential HDR – High Density Residential MDR – Medium Density Residential IT – Institutional GC – General Commercial

site c from a1

Aecon, which holds a 30 per cent stake in the partnership, has a portfolio that includes the John Hart Generating Station in Campbell River, first built in the 1940s and undergoing a $1 billion replacement.

“Aecon is proud to be working with BC Hydro to deliver the largest clean energy project in British Columbia’s history,” President and CEO John Beck said. “The experienced and successful team from John Hart are primed to execute the Site C generating station and spillways civil works.”

On Dec. 19, Aecon shareholders voted to approve a $1.5-billion takeover by CCCC

Copies of the proposed bylaw and related documents may be inspected at City Hall – 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from January 2 to 8, 2018.

At the hearing, the public will be allowed to make presentations to Council or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.

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A6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

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Spin the big wheel, where it stops nobody knows

I

feel like I am on some silly game show, spinning the big wheel of resolutions that are loaded with words like “DIET, YOU OVERWEIGHT HAG,” or “QUIT SMOKING, YOU STUPID WOMAN,” or, quite possibly, “CLEAN OUT YOUR KITCHEN DRAWERS BEFORE YOU MOTHER SEES THEM, YOU LAZY GIRL!” The realization that my foibles have given way to full blown bad habits worthy of a name plate on a spinning wheel of resolutions is a tough pill to swallow. It seems like only yesterday that I was a marathon running, protein shake drinking, semi-organized individual who came up with New Years resolutions like, “Become a beacon of light for the coming year.”

Need I say that the beacon of light batteries have died and the replacement bulbs are somewhere in that messy kitchen drawer? My self control is also somewhere in that drawer, covered with dust and probably wrapped up in a little piece of string that I insisted on keeping because, “You never know when you are going to need a piece of string.”

There are so few do-overs available to us with the exception of the big clock that resets itself once a year. “I am going to try harder, do better, eat cleaner, exercise more, be nicer, be

Judy Kucharuk the desk of the green-eyed girl

a better…” and on and on we go.

In my case, the possibilities are infinite as I have become such a flawed human being that there is endless room for improvement.

It’s like I am standing in front of a Wishing Well with a coin, ready to toss it into the inky depths when I read the sign that says, “We only accept Toonies,” and, of course, I only have a Loonie in my messy, unorganized purse.

Do you ever feel like that? Do you ever feel like you have so much to “fix” that you don’t even know where to begin?

Where do you start? You are playing the big game of Life in Jeopardy with Alex Trebek: “I will pick ‘Diet, you overweight Hag’ for $800, Alex,” or “I will take ‘Quit smoking, you stupid woman,’ for $1000”.

The thing about resolutions is that we tend to only pick one when what we really need

is to become a participant on The Biggest Loser, Hoarders and Intervention. Choices are wonderful when you are standing in front of a candy counter, but when you are forced to make one resolution with such a slop bucket full of problems… it is difficult.

Where to start? According to research scientists at Harvard, and quoted in a recent Business Insider article, “long-lasting change is most likely when it’s self-motivated and rooted in positive thinking.”

Seriously? Well, damn! Apparently, my first resolution is to clean out the kitchen drawer, find the batteries for my beacon of light, and rediscover my positivity. Could that have been my problem all along? Isn’t that a little like when people respond to a mass shooting with, “Sending light, love, and prayers.” It’s a nice sentiment, but it won’t solve the problem.

Positivity will help my cause, but it won’t fix my problems. Smiling broadly isn’t going to keep that ice cream from magically appearing in my bowl late at night, nor will it keep the cigarette between my fingers from lighting.

Sigh. My arms are now tired from spinning the wheel over and over again. I know I should just pick one, but how?

Follow Judy on Twitter @judylaine

Waking up to clean energy in 2018

Y

ou may have noticed: if conventional media bothers to mention the energy revolution at all, they call this the “dawn” of renewable energy, as if it’s something new. Somebody has been snoozing through sunrise.

It may seem like dawn because here in Canada we’ve been happily sleeping and dreaming while the real dawn of clean energy happened some 20 years ago, when leaders like Denmark and Germany moved aggressively into wind and solar power, starting an energy revolution that is now in full swing.

CANADA OPENS ITS EYES Canada was thoroughly asleep, if not intentionally tranquilized, until Ontario was jolted awake about a decade ago by a failing and massively over-budget, heavily subsidized nuclear industry, and one of the largest and most polluting coal power plants in North America.

So, Ontario woke up, closed their toxic coal plant and installed 4,000 megawatts of wind and solar in less than 10 years. Thousands of permanent high-quality jobs and cleaner air were nice spin-offs.

In Alberta, the NDP has legislated into law its target of having 30 per cent of its electricity come from wind, solar and hydro by 2030, the same year it plans to be finished with coal, presently it’s main source of electricity – and pollution. Modest solar subsidies have kick-started a rapidly growing solar industry there, and they are now roughly on target to meet their clean energy goals.

BC has recently decided to roll over and put its head under the covers with its

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

recent decision to go ahead with the Site C dam, while ignoring and even discouraging the development of it’s world-class wind, solar, and geothermal energy resources.

Big hydro may be renewable, but it’s anything but “clean.” Way too destructive and polluting.

Based on the provinces’ committed actions to date, a recent Pembina Institute study says the carbon emissions of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec will drop 20 to 25 per cent by 2030, while BC’s will rise by 40 per cent. Our fixation on high-carbon natural gas/LNG and missed solar and wind opportunities are to blame.

NEW ENERGY BEATS COAL A new report from the International Energy Agency says renewables have now overtaken coal as the world’s largest installed power source, a truly historic milestone. And this growth is not slowing down any time soon. In 2015, two wind turbines were installed every hour in China alone.

Around the world, an astounding 500,000 solar panels were installed every day in 2016, a number expected to double again this year.

Electric cars, trucks and trains are poised to take over transportation, as more and more countries announce plans to ban

combustion engines. When China recently joined the throng, all the major automotive manufacturers suddenly heard the alarm and jumped out of bed, late for work but smelling the coffee. Expect to see dozens of new models of electric cars, pickups and long-haul trucks hitting the roads very soon.

Like combustion engines that need gas stations, electrics need chargers. Tesla is electrifying the Transcanada Highway as well as most of the U.S. as we speak. When E-vehicle infrastructure is in place (in just a few years) expect to see combustion vehicles quickly disappear: too complex, too polluting, too expensive to run and maintain. When charged with our rapidly growing sources of clean energy, e-vehicles are definitely the way to go.

In spite of Canada’s long slumber, our non-hydro renewable energy projects grew in just 10 years from two percent of Canada’s energy capacity to 11 percent, according to a new report from the National Energy Board. Imagine what we could do if we all woke up and got serious about this?

Rather than the dawn of renewables, I would say for the world as a whole its about mid-morning. In fact, the world is now fully dressed and going about its business: rapid implementation of truly clean energy on a global scale is happening, and that’s a very good thing.

So if you are just rubbing the sleep from your eyes and wondering what the fuss is all about, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

A new and brighter world has already dawned.

Don Pettit can be reached at dpettit@pris.ca

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 A7

op-ed

Views on the News 100 StREET BIKE LANE DANGEROUS TO RIDERS AND BUSINESS I recently found out that the City of Fort Saint John has decided to make a bike lane on 100th Street. What a dumb idea. There is a lot of traffic on this street and to take away two lanes will create havoc.

Our city has a limited supply of parking as it is, and this is just going to make it worse.

Furthermore, this is going to cause a lot less people to shop in our city centre. Business then may have to close due to lack of customers, or relocate where there is ample parking for their customers.

As well, we are a winter city.

A bike lane would only be used maybe three to four months a year. What a waste of time and money. Not to mention the amount of bikers that will be hit, because drivers will become impatient as gridlock occurs.

Instead of putting the bike lane on a Main Street, how about putting it a block over on a quieter street? This would make a lot more sense to keep the parking on 100 Street, and it would be safer for the people who do ride bikes in our city.

—Mary Cormack , Fort St. John

MOVE FORWARD ON SITE C On behalf of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 993, I would like to express support for the BC government’s decision to continue with building of the Site

C dam. First and foremost, we are a construction organization. We, along with our building trades sisters and brothers, have since 1947 built the dams of this province. This one will be different because of the controversy surrounding its initial approval and subsequent review, but not in the fact that it will add to the inventory of province building capability.

Premier John Horgan was left no choice in this decision— if they had cancelled it, would have made doing any meaningful work in government to help working class families more difficult because the remediation cost would have to be paid now and would have affected the immediate budgets of all ministries.

Now, we move forward. Our organization is dedicated to ensuring that a diverse and Northern British Columbian workforce be assembled to complete the work at hand. I am personally appalled at the lack of apprentices (4%) on the project so far, and will make sure, as we did at the last major northern job, to get that number up. We had 25-plus per cent apprentices at Kitimat Modernization, because if you do not build a skilled workforce you do not build a future.

—Glen Hilton, business manager, IBEW LU 993 Northern BC & Yukon

Bear Flat is a Canadian Serengeti Where in Canada can one look out the window of their vehicle and view not just one

deer grazing in a field but an actual herd of the ungulates?

This happens to be a common sight when one drives down the hill and through the Bear Flat ranch lands owned by Ken and Arlene Boon when coming from Ft. St. John. As it happens, I was part of the archaeological survey bunch working on the Site C project for four summers.

And when we headed off down towards the Peace River at Bear Flat, we were often awe struck with how many deer were grazing out in the Boons’ fields. But it’s not just deer that abound on these beautiful flatlands along the Peace. There’s also no shortage of elk, moose and, at one time, buffalo.

Early one morning, we headed off to the west end of Bear Flat to undertake some survey work. When we stepped out of our truck on the local rancher’s property to look down onto the Halfway River estuary flat we could see a moose. No, wait a second, there’s another two, three? Hold on! There’s more! If I recall there was something like total of eight or nine feeding on willow that day.

But then again, Bear Flat is one most incredible place to say the least for wildlife and was recognized as such by the first fur traders to arrive onto the scene, the first being none other than Alexander Mackenzie and his crew on their expedition in their search for an overland route to the Pacific back in 1793.

Mackenzie was so taken with the site that he convinced the North West Company to construct Rocky Mountain Fort just a few miles downriver at the

Property assessments continue to drop Property values in the North Peace continued to decline last year.

BC Assessment says northerners can expect their 2018 assessment notices in the mail this week.

Homeowners in Fort St. John and Taylor will see decreases between four and five per cent, while homeowners in the Northern Rockies can expect a drop in the area of eight per cent, the agency says.

“The majority of residential home owners within the region can expect a slight increase, compared to last year’s

assessment,” Deputy Assessor David Keough said in a release. “Most home owners in the Northern BC will see changes in the -5% to +5% range.”

The property assessments are based on market values of July 1, 2017, and are used to calculate municipal property taxes.

Assessments for the average single-family home in Fort St. John dropped from $387,000 to $369,000 year-over year, or a decline of 4.6 per cent.

In Taylor, the same assessment dropped from

$336,000 to $320,000, and the average home in Fort Nelson plummeted from $179,000 to $164,000.

Homeowners in Hudson’s Hope will see average assessments decline just under one per cent, from $199,000 to $197,000 year-over-year.

Overall, total assessments in Northern B.C. increased by more than $1 billion, from $60.3 billion in 2017 to $61.8 billion for 2018 due to new construction, subdivisions and rezonings.

Property owners have until Jan. 31 to file an appeal of their assessment.

Literacy Society seeks tutors The first known use of the word tutor was in the 14th Century, according to Merriam-Webster, rooted in the Latin word tueri, meaning to guard or protect. The definition has expanded since then, of course, coming to mean a person tasked with instructing or guiding others, such as a private teacher.

In Fort St. John, the literacy society will be once again holding a

training workshop this month for those interested in tutoring and mentoring others in English, math, reading, and writing.

No background is necessary, however, volunteers will need to demonstrate the skills they will be teaching, she said. For example, tutors must speak fluent English if working with an ESL learner, or have great math skills if they are teaching math.

The Literacy Society is looking for those who can make a six-month commitment, and spend one to three hours a week with learners. Schedules can be flexible. A criminal record check is also required.

The workshops take place Jan. 19 to 21 at the Literacy Society at 10142 101 Avenue.

For more info, call 250785-2110 or email tmills@ fsjliteracy.ca.

Grant helps Northern Rockies limit wildfire risks The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has received more than $20,000 to update its community wildfire protection plan.

In a news release, the municipality says its co-ordinating its efforts with the Fort Nelson First Nation to update its plan, first created in 2012 and which is now out of date.

As part of the revamp, the plan will be expanded by nearly 17,000 to include rural areas an encompass a total area of 38,000

hectares to identify wildfire risks between urban and forested zones.

“Each year, we seem to witness communities around us struggle with wildfires of varying impact on their residents, businesses and surrounding Crown land,” Mayor Bill Streeper said in a statement.

“We’ve taken every effort to make sure we’re well prepared for the inevitability of wildfires in the Northern Rockies.”

The grant funding

comes from the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, and the municipality says the plan will be updated using local forestry consultants.

The updated plan will be ready to submit to the province by 2018, the municipality says, and is a “precursor” to another project between the municipality and First Nation to identify and reduce wildfire fuel hazards using drones.

mouth of the Moberly River.

This then raises a hypothetical question: if Canada’s early fur traders recognized that this particular stretch of the Peace River, where the Site C development is slated for, as perhaps the richest area for wildlife in all of the Canadian West, why then haven’t wildlife values apparently been taken into account in measuring the cost and benefits of the project?

— Rick James, Royston, B.C.

HOPE YET FOR LNG Christmas is a season of celebration and hope. Among other things, we celebrate a local economic recovery from 2016 and enter 2018 with a hope for continued local and domestic economic improvement.

Last Christmas, we expressed our hope when we sang “All We Want for Christmas is an F.I.D. (final investment decision for PNW LNG). After a few months, we were disappointed with a Petronas withdrawal. But still, we pin our hopes for an LNG industry with the start of exports to China from Tilbury LNG in Delta. We also pin our hope for another FID this year, this time

by LNG Canada in Kitimat and an early start to Squamish LNG. FSJ for LNG was born to give social licence for PNW LNG and for an LNG industry in B.C. We had our sights on the federal government and together we were able to help PNW LNG get a federal environmental clearance.

The pull out of PNW LNG nor the fading FSJ for LNG bumper

stickers do not spell the end of FSJ for LNG. These simply mean we are back to square one with renewed energy focused toward Victoria and the NDP provincial government. We aim this time for the NDP government to lay out business conditions favourable to an LNG Industry in B.C. We don’t want Canadian companies like Veresen to take their LNG plants to the U.S. We know that the good and ambitious projects of the NDP will require income and abundant B.C. natural resources such as forest products and natural gas that can provide stable exports and provincial income for generations to come.

Our renewed efforts will come with numerous challenges but nothing that the federal and provincial government can’t overcome. Our government have painted Canada into the uncompetitive corner with continued and uncertain regulations as well as increased taxation.

The expected global demand for more natural gas in the global energy mix is on our side though. The global glut on natural gas is ending soon due to policy shift to use clean burning power sources. This is the message that we need to convey and destroy the fallacy that natural gas is an uneconomical export product.

Let us enter 2018 with renewed energy knowing that we are starting all over again. We need to work nice with the NDP if we want to achieve what is best for Canada.

— Alan Yu, FSJ for LNG

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A8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

Local News

“YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN, COLLEEN!” Colleen Wieler and her staff of volunteers at the Salvation Army in Fort St. John started preppin’ the fixin’s for their annual Christmas meal on Monday, Dec. 18, with turkeys going in the oven at 4:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22. Around 150 people were served, gobbling up eight turkeys, 150 pounds of potatoes, 30 pounds of veggies, and pies, tarts and cookies by the dozen.

Top left: Emily Kitchin, Tammy Hrab, and Gary Teigland were all smiles serving up meals at the Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope.

Top right: Colleen Wieler keeps the gravy hot and stirred, with vegetables on the backburner.

Bottom right: Lee Arsenault helps himself to a piece of pumpkin pie to end his Christmas meal.

The Year Ahead: Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser For Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser, 2017 was a year of tackling challenges, from running for MLA to staving off the permanent closure of the community’s medical clinic.

Looking ahead in 2018, Fraser has yet to decide if he’ll take another run for mayor in the fall. But, he will be keeping a close watch on Premier John Horgan’s new NDP government and how it engages with communities such as his outside of the Lower Mainland, as well as how the federal government carries out its cannabis legalization plans and keeps the country as an economic player on the world stage.

The following has been edited for length. Visit alaskahighwaynews.ca to read the interview in full.

Alaska Highway News: It was a year of economic highs and lows, from the loss of Pacific NorthWest LNG to confirmation of Site C. How would you characterize 2017, and where is the district positioned headed into 2018?

Rob Fraser: Economically speaking, I believe that 2017 was slightly better than neutral.

I hear that some companies are still struggling but I am optimistic that the worst is over. Anybody who has some investment income left is still holding on to it for the time being. We are all trying to figure out if this uptick in the economy is a short term bubble or an actual recovery.

I do not believe that the development of LNG is over. The first delivery of B.C.-supplied LNG in 2017 to China was small but symbolic. It is economically feasible to ship LNG from B.C. and Asian countries will see it as a benefit to both their energy needs and climate action goals.

With respect to Site C, I don’t think there is any debate that the short term impact of jobs and spending helped the region through the past 12 months of slowdown.

Financially, Taylor is in a good position. We are still debt free. Our industrial and business partners appear to be doing well and the community is full. There are very few serviced lots left to build a home on. We are currently working on that in the 2018 budget.

AHN: The medical clinic saga was the story of the year for Taylor in 2017. Why it was necessary for the district to take the steps it did to take over its operations and find an operator; and what lessons

Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser chats with a volunteer during the 45th annual gold panning championships in 2017.

do you hope the government and Northern Health will take away from this?

RF: It was necessary for council to make the medical clinic a priority because we heard very clearly from many residents that this service is important to Taylor. Residents did not want to lose the clinic after LiveCare felt they could not continue with their operations. The staff worked very hard to establish the arrangement with the current doctors.

I cannot speak to what the government or Northern Health may have learned but it is important to know that small communities need medical services for the elderly and those who are unable to travel easily. Small communities will continue to be resourceful when it comes to ensuring essential services are available for their residents.

AHN: History was also a big theme in 2017, with the restoration of Mackenzie’s canoe, the 45th annual gold panning championships, and the formation of a new historical society. What role do you see heritage and history playing in the district in 2018?

RF: There are endless opportunities for establishing Taylor as a cultural and heritage location in the Peace Region. I have great expectations and some ideas for the newly established Peace Crossing Historical Society. Creating working relationships with our neighboring First Nations communities and the other historical societies in the region will be an important first step.

AHN: What is the biggest opportunity facing the district in 2018? The biggest challenge?

RF: Our biggest opportunity in Taylor will be to create further interest in Taylor as a great place to live work and play.

Residents in Taylor already know it as a wonderful community to raise your children or get to know your neighbors.

Our small town feel is an appreciated asset that more and more people are looking for.

The challenge will be to create places for people to live. With very few serviced residential lots left, we will need to build a serviced subdivision to accommodate anyone wanting to build or move to Taylor.

AHN: What outstanding issues from 2017 need to/will be resolved in 2018?

RF: We will continue to work on growing the community, ensuring the medical clinic operations meet the needs of residents and the doctors, continue the operations of Peace Island Park after the retirement of a wonderful operator, work on some internal policy to help municipal operations be more efficient, and review bylaws that are out of date, not to mention an election in October for a new council.

AHN: You ran for MLA in the May election. What was your biggest lesson from that experience, and how have you applied it in the mayor’s chair since?

RF: There are always lessons to be learned when you attempt something and it doesn’t end the way you had it planned.

The great thing about this past

provincial election was that if I was unsuccessful, I was able to continue as mayor. One of the lessons I learned and have been able to apply was to trust my political instincts and openly discuss my ideas with the supporters around me. This helps me to refine my thoughts and prepare a plan for action.

Be prepared with a plan but be open minded to a different approach to achieve the same end.

AHN: Should the province subsidize rural bus service in Northern BC as Greyhound is proposing?

RF: Yes, I believe that transit is a very important service requirement in rural and remote communities. The province subsidizes transit in the more populated communities for different reasons but one size does not fit all. Small communities matter, particularly the ones in remote regions.

Transit service is an essential service to these communities.

AHN: What provincial, national, and international storylines will you be paying attention to in 2018?

RF: Provincially, I will be watching how the Horgan government is able to connect with communities outside of the Lower Mainland. This goes for the new leader of the opposition as well. Both parties have drifted away from comprehensive engagement with the resource-producing regions of the province. From agriculture to forestry, mining and the petroleum industry, the previous government centralized and disengaged with

small communities. I will be very interested to see if and how either party deals with this disconnect.

There are two federal stories I will be watching. The first is the legalization of marijuana and how the new regulations will affect communities. Protecting children and the motoring public, ensuring quality control over the products being sold, distribution, and sales will all affect communities. The second will be the ongoing difficulties of delivering products from the interior of Canada to tide water. Pipelines seem to be the biggest hurdle right now but securing access to ports for all products will be a problem the federal government will need to work out. I believe there needs to be another national corridor that allows products to be moved in all directions across the country to the appropriate ports in the country.

Internationally, I am concerned that the current federal government is not raising Canadas’ status as an economic player on the world stage. With the right investments, policy, and foreign trade initiatives, Canada can take advantage of an America that is shrinking into itself.

AHN: Do you plan to run for mayor again in 2018, and what do you think can and should be done to improve voter engagement and turnout?

RF: There are many factors that will go into my decision.

My mind is not yet made up.

Improving voter engagement and turnout will require leaders to create interest in the role and importance of local government in the everyday experience of people. It is the government closest to them and it has the greatest impact on their everyday lives. Some controversy also seems to help.

AHN: If you had $1 million to invest in 2018, where would you put it and why?

RF: I would invest it into a senior’s housing facility in Taylor. There are an increasing number of senior residents who are still able to live at home but the chores of keeping a house well maintained are becoming more difficult. There are some good not for profit organizations who have senior living models that we could learn from. I like the approach used by the Abbeyfield House society. If I had a million dollars to use...

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 A9

2017 YEAR IN REVIEW

O

ne could say the news in the Peace Region in the last half of 2017 swung as far and wide as the weather.

A beautiful sunny start to the summer held promise of hope and renewal for many, Site C opponents in particular with the fall of the BC Liberals and the installation of a new NDP-Green government that expedited a review on whether to continue or scrap Site C—one final review to settle the matter once and for all.

But the bitter winter winds always arrive as they do in these parts, this year dumping foot after foot of snow on the region, and stretching snow plowing resources. By the time it stopped and a reprieve arrived, new Premier John Horgan announced he would carry Site C to completion, ending a contentious saga that has gripped the region since the 1950s.

How well do you remember the news this year? Here are the highlights from July to December.

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

JULY

Paddlers take to the Peace River at the confluence with the Halfway River July 8, 2017, for the 12th annual Paddle for the Peace. Construction carried on near the Moberly River downstream.

• The Alaska Highway Roadshow comes to town July 8, seeing Kathy Jessup, Bill Dolan, and Allison Tubman come together to talk about the trials and tribulations of constructing the mighty road 75 years ago, for both the soldiers who built it and the people who already called the north home.

• Fort St. John home sales were up in the first half of 2017, but the city plummeted in national rankings of being the best city to live. Home sales were up 40 per cent yearover-year with prices holding steady. Still, the city dropped from 61st to 161st in MoneySense magazine’s Canada’s Best Places to Live rankings.

• With Christy Clark and the BC Liberals ousted from government on a confidence vote June 29, a BC NDP minority government was on the horizon. This had Site C opponents hopeful as the 12th annual Paddle for the Peace came and went while construction work continued on July 8. The New Democrats, who had a presence at the paddle in recent years to voice their objection to Site C, were notably absent.

• A Fort St. John RCMP constable is recognized for rescuing ducklings. Cst. Tristan Williams reunited the five ducklings with their mother July 4 after they had fallen through a storm sewer grate.

Meanwhile, three men were arrested Canada Day after beating and stabbing a man in a targeted attack in Fort St. John. Elsewhere, a $100,000 boat was reported stolen from a warehouse on Beaver Road.

• Firefighters from Fort St. John, Taylor, and Charlie Lake are dispatched to Williams Lake, the front lines of B.C.’s summer wildfire fight, called the worst of a generation. City staff are also sent to Prince George to help run a emergency social services centre for evacuees. By the time the season ends, the wildfires scorch an estimated 53 million cubic metres of timber and with firefighting costs exceeding $500 million.

• The new BC NDP government is sworn in July 18.

Meanwhile, Dan Davies takes in his last meeting as city councillor July 24 before focusing full-time on his new MLA job.

• Seventy-two workers are laid off from Site C due to a safety-related work stoppage caused by an old landslide.

Another 100 were laid off due to “workforce management,” while another 15 were sidelined after a gastrointestinal virus outbreak at the worker camp.

• Meanwhile, the new NDP government fires BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald and promotes deputy CEO Chris O’Riley. BC Hydro board chair Brad Bennett, grandson of W.A.C. Bennett, is also fired, as is director and former South Peace MLA Jack Weisgerber.

• Petronas announces July 25 it is cancelling its $36-billion Pacific NorthWest LNG project, citing market conditions, and putting the young, new government in the hot seat.

• The city announces July 28 it is buying the Condill Hotel for $870,000 with plans to demolish it.

• Christy Clark calls it quits as leader of the BC Liberals July 28, starting a leadership campaign that ends this February.

• Dr. Richard Wood celebrates 50 years of veterinary practice in the North Peace July 30 at the North Peace Fall Fair grounds.

CONTINUED ON A10

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• Darlene Hamre bids adieu after helping to organize the Fort St. John Air Show for 25 years. The year’s event brings to town the Snowbirds, the Skyhawks, stuntwomen, skydancers and more.

A10 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

2017 YEAR IN REVIEW PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Peace (pēs) Noun. Freedom from disturbance; tranquility; a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended, by treaty, law, or custom. Above, the Peace River valley simmers and slowly changes colour under a beautiful autumn sun on Sept. 23, 2017.

AUGUST

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

• Four generations of the same family—Carter Lusk, Tyler Soule, Wyatt Soule, and George Soule—mark 40 years of Peace Country Rentals on Aug. 1. George Soule started the business in 1977.

• The NDP government announces Aug. 2 the BC Utilities Commission will review the economic viability of continuing, stopping, or suspending Site C. The commission is given 12 weeks to carry out its expedited review. Construction continues at the dam, with 2,200 workers reported.

Landowners say the government is going down the right path, with commission scrutiny that was formerly barred long overdue. MLA Dan Davies says it’s “unfathomable” the NDP would waste money on what he called a “fake review.” The review gets underway Aug. 9.

• Meanwhile, seven candidates announce a run for a byelection to replace Davies on city council: Cindy Dettling, Christopher Flury, Randy Vincent, Barry Wilkinson, Edwina Nearhood, Lilia Hansen, and Becky Grimsrud.

• Brenda Gjedos is crowned the champion at the 45th annual World Invitational Gold Panning Championship Aug. 6. AHN Editor Matt Preprost takes the media/celebrity title.

• The North Peace Fall Fair celebrates 70 years Aug 18 to 20.

• BC Supreme Court Justice Bruce Butler acquits Othman Hamdan of terrorism-related charges on Sept. 22. Hamdan, a former construction contractor in Fort St. John, was arrested in July 2015 after a year-long investigation into postings he made on social media websites.

• South Peace MLA Mike Bernier announces his bid for the BC Liberal leadership Sept. 23.

• $11,500 is raised for the North Peace Ride for the Disabled on Sept. 26 at the inaugural meeting of 100 Women Who Care at the Lido Theatre.

The meeting saw 115 women gather and donate $100 each, which went to one of three featured charities that made pitches for the funds.

OCTOBER ALEISHA HENDRYPHOTO

The Peace Region was treated to another world-class airshow in Fort St. John on July 22 and 23, 2017.

and its lenders.

• A two month old baby girl dies after being rescued from a house fire on Lahagarte Road in Hudson’s Hope.

• Plans for a helipad at the Fort St. John hospital for medical emergencies are grounded, with a committee finding a helipad was not needed nor economically feasible.

• The District of Taylor reaches a deal with the North Peace Primary Care Clinic in Fort St. John to continue operations of the municipality’s medical clinic. The clinic gears up for a September start, sending doctors to work in the community four days a week while the district picks up the tab for facility and operational costs.

• Construction delays push plans to reopen the Rotary Spray Park to summer 2018.

• Petrowest, a member of the Peace River Hydro Partners, is placed into receivership Aug. 15 and terminated from the international consortium building the main civil works portion of Site C. The company owes more than $60 million to the partnership

• Lilia Hansen wins the city council by-election in Fort St. John on Sept. 9 with 256 votes.

Becky Grimsrud and Edwina Nearhood finish not far behind, with 242 and 236 votes, respectively. Voter turnout sits at a paltry 7.57 per cent.

• Greyhound Canada files notice to the Passenger Transportation Board to eliminate all of its routes in Northeast B.C.

SEPTEMBER

• The Hudson’s Hope Library announces plans to open a seed bank later in the fall for residents to deposit and withdraw seeds on a seasonal basis.

• The North Peace Spinners and Weavers Guild marks 40 years on Sept. 9.

• The W.A.C. Bennett Dam marks 50 years since its construction was completed on Sept. 12.

• Pembina Pipeline begins hydro-testing its NEBC expansion project as it ramped up to complete construction of the 147-kilometre pipeline from Wonowon to Taylor, and put it into operation by the end of the year.

• The BC Liberals are left stunned Sept. 8 when one of their own, Darryl Plecas, agrees to sit as speaker in a NDP minority government.

MLA Dan Davies says it gives the New Democrats breathing room when it comes to votes on confidence matters in the house, but that as a new MLA, his job was focused on adjusting to his job and working with North Peace constituents.

• A preliminary report from the BC Utilities Commission on Site C released Sept.

20 sends 73 questions to BC Hydro to answer. The commission says that while the dam was on time and on budget as of June 30, it had both doubts and incomplete information as to whether that would remain the case throughout construction. Meanwhile, 200 workers are laid off as Peace River Hydro Partners stops portions of work on both sides of the river. There was no information given on which parts of construction had been stopped.

• Two pipeline contractors in Fort St. John are tapped to help build Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain expansion.

The Surerus Murphy and Macro Spiecapag joint ventures are announced as two of six contractors for the $7.4-billion project.

• Fire truck pullers raise $35,000 for the United Way of Northern BC.

• Hundreds turn out for BC Utilities Commission hearings on the Site C dam in the North Peace at the start of the month. One thing was top of mind for those who took to the mic to speak to the commission’s review: closure.

• Days later, on Oct. 4, BC Hydro CEO Chris O’Riley tells the utilities commission that contractors will miss a September 2019 deadline to divert the Peace River to build Site C, a one-year delay that pushes up the dam’s price tag by $610 million. Geotechnical troubles are to blame.

• 400 residents braved wet and chilly weather to raise more than $20,000 for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation at the second annual Firefly Glow Run. The foundation, meanwhile, announces Andy Ackerman as its new director of donor relations.

• The B.C. Government and Service Employees Union holds a grand opening of its new offices at the corner of 100 Avenue and 102 Street Oct. 3. The union also signs a deal with the City of Fort St. John to hire people with developmental disabilities.

CONTINUED ON A11

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 A11

2017 YEAR IN REVIEW OCTOBER YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM A10 • The Northern Environmental Action Team announces Oct. 12 that it will take over operations of the ABC Thrift Shop. The non-profit group takes over as it launches a new social enterprise branch to help fund and support its operations. The store is rebranded to NEAT Finds Thrift Shop.

• South Peace MLA Mike Bernier exits the BC Liberal leadership race, instead choosing to throw his support behind and help chair former finance minister Mike de Jong’s campaign.

• City council moves to start talks with provincial health and education officials to establish a nursing school in Fort St. John. “The complication of turf, or direction, needs to be addressed,” acting mayor Byron Stewart says, referring to Northern Lights College and the University of Northern British Columbia. “Is this possible moving forward or is this a pipe dream?”

• A mysterious loud boom and rumbling is heard and felt ‘round the North Peace Oct. 18, lighting up social media, with residents reporting that they felt heavy shaking of their homes, many of them in Charlie Lake. The experts scratch their heads at a possible source, though they rule out an earthquake, Site C, and other electrical infrastructure and weather. Even a garbage can that was blown up by pranksters at the Charlie Lake boat launch is ruled out as the source. The case remains a mystery, but some believe it was caused by a meteor entering the atmosphere.

• Icy, slippery roads were a contributing factor in a fatal crash on the North Taylor Hill Oct. 20 that claimed the life of Esther Bullert, 20. An online fundraising campaign quickly raises more than $10,000 to help her family.

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

• The District of Taylor rolls out new curbside garbage binsas it moves to standardize collection, improve contractor safety, reduce waste and encourage recycling.

• City council approves a new 20-year lease agreement with the New Totem Archery Club and authorized the club to build a new indoor shooting range. The deal gives the club greater certainty after operating on consecutive fiveterm leases at its current location in Fish Creek since 1985.

With the long-term lease, the club also proposes to build a permanent 7,200-square indoor facility.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Vanessa and Amanda Apsassin remember their sister Pamela Napoleon for her love of family and community. Fort St. John RCMP announced an arrest in Napoleon’s death on Oct. 30, 2017.

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

• Fort St. John RCMP announce they have arrested and charged Leon Wokeley with second degree murder in the 2014 death of Pamela Napoleon. Wokeley is also charged with arson and indignity to human remains after Napoleon’s remains were found in a burned-down cabin north of Buick Creek near Blueberry River First Nation. The case remains before the courts.

• The city unveils a draft $57.1-million capital spending blueprint for 2018, which includes a number of big spends on a new fire training centre, dog parks, a multimillion dollar revamp of Centennial Park with a market plaza development, a yard waste recycling program, and more.

CONTINUED ON A12

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Drummers and dancers perform at the Nenan Dane Zaa Deh Zona Family Services Society’s 150 Years of Resilience celebration on June 30, 2017. Nenan chose not to take part in Canada Day celebrations last year, and instead marked 150 Years of Resilience of Indigenous people.

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m.

Rev. Enid Pow ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m.

Holy Communion BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m.

Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info.

250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Vener Sabacan Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjcatholic.ca MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism.

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

CoMMUNITY CHURCH CHARLIE LAKE CoMMUNITY CHURCH Associate Pastor: Jared Braun 250-785-1723 fax: 250-785-4136 clcc@pris.ca SUNDAY SCHooL: 10:40am SUNDAY WoRSHIP: 10:40am 1st left turn off Alaska Highway past the Charlie Lake Store. ********** PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Pastor: Andy Wiebe Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings.

Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869 Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:15am & 11:00am **********

MENNoNITE MoNTNEY MENNoNITE CHURCH SUNDAY MoRNING: Sunday School & Worship: 9:30am SUNDAY EVENING: 2nd & 4th Sundays: 7:00pm Everyone Welcome!

Pastor Warren Martin Phone: (250) 827-3231 ********** NoNDENoMINATIoNAL CHRISTIAN LIfE CENTRE “Associated with “Fellowship of Christian Assemblies” “King Jesus is Lord Over the Peace” 8923-112th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 6G2 website: www.christianlifefsj.ca Ph: 250-785-4040 fax: 250-785-4021 Pastor Steve Oboh Principal of Christian Life School: Garry Jones Everyone Welcome Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00am Nursery available and Sunday School is held during the sermon for ages 3-12 years.

Christian Life Centre is “Home of Christian Life School” ********** foRT ST. JoHN NATIVE BIBLE fELLoWSHIP Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wed., Night Bible Study: 7:30pm Pastor John A Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** GIDEoNS INTERNATIoNAL Fort St. John Camp Ray Hein 250-827-3636 John Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** NoRTHERN LIGHTS CHURCH INTERNATIoNAL (Rose Prairie, BC Sunday Service: Pre-Service Prayer: 10:30am Worship Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome ********** THE SHELTER CHURCH “...the Lord will be a shelter for His people” Joel 3:6 9808-98A Ave. fort St. John, BC 250-785-3888 SUNDAY SERVICE: 10am Pastor: Oral Benterud 250-785-9151 ********** PENTECoSTAL THE PENTECoSTALS of foRT ST. JoHN Phone: 250-787-9888 Pastor: Jason McLaughlin Sunday 10am Service, Sunday School Youth Sunday 11am Worship Service Tuesday 7pm Prayer Wednesday 7pm Bibile Study Friday 7pm Youth **********

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

PRESBYTERIAN fort St. John Presbyterian Church 9907-98th St., fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-2482 fax: 250-785-2482 12:30 p.m. - Pie and Coffee 1:00 p.m. - Worship Service Everyone is invited to participate ********** REfoRMED TRINITY CoVENANT CHURCH Sunday Service: 10:00am Meets at the The Plaza 8111 100th Ave fort St. John, BC Elder: Mike Donovan Phone: 250-787-7702 www.trinitycovenant.ca matthew@trinitycovenant.ca Affiliated with C.R.E.C. ********** THE SALVATIoN ARMY THE SALVATIoN ARMY Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am 10116-100th Ave., fort St. John, BC Come Worship With Us. For information; Phone 250-785-0506 or food Bank 250-785-0500 ********** SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 9008-100th Avenue, fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-8632 Pastor: Cavin Chwyl Phone: 250-719-7949 Saturday Service: 9:30am ********** UNITED CHURCH of CANADA ST. LUKE’S UNITED 9907-98 St., fort St. John, BC Office: 250-785-2919 Rev. Rick Marsh Email: stlukeuc@telus.net Sunday Worship Service @ 10:00am All are Welcome!

The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.

A12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

2017 YEAR IN REVIEW NOVEMBER

• Premier John Horgan announces Dec. 11 that his NDP government will continue construction of Site C, pushing the dam’s total cost estimate to $10.7 billion at the same time. Horgan admits the dam had been pushed past the point of no return, and that the province risked an “unavoidable” $4-billion hit on either BC Hydro’s books or the provincial treasury—or, roughly an immediate 12 per cent hydro rate hike to cover the costs, he says. Project supporters celebrate Horgan’s decision. Opponents, meanwhile, dismiss Horgan’s spin, saying outstanding construction and legal challenges will further drive up its costs. The West Moberly First Nation says it will seek an injunction to stop work as it works toward a civil suit against the project for alleged treaty infringement.

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

• The BC Utilities Commission submits its final report on the economics of Site C to the provincial government on Nov. 1. The commission finds that the dam will likely cost at least $10 billion. Suspending the project would add an estimated $3.6 billion to its costs, while terminating outright would cost an estimated $3.9 billion in sunk, cancellation, and remediation costs that would need to be recouped.

• After the government sends its energy and indigenous relations minister to meet with Treaty 8 First Nations and other local government officials, the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations announce they will launch a $1 billion treaty infringement lawsuit if Site C is allowed to proceed.

• City councillors reject a proposal to build a liquor and convenience store at 112 Avenue and 86 Street at the roundabout next to the hospital. The rejection, recommended by city planners, comes after a packed public hearing Dec. 11 where nearby residents spoke overwhelmingly in opposition of the having a liquor store in the neighbourhood.

• The Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society receives a $45,000 grant to start building a plan aimed at improving response times when women and girls go missing in Northeast B.C. • Swedish filmmaker Viktoria Sahl visits the Fort St. John North Peace Museum Nov. 10 for a sold-out local premiere of her documentary The Swedish Trapper. The 45-minute film chronicles the globe-trotting life of Gus Hedin, best known locally for saving five U.S. soldiers from drowning in Charlie Lake during the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. The film is set for public release in 2018.

• Also at their last meeting of the year, councillors vote down plans to change the city’s mascot to a moose, and vote to start talks with businesses on 108 Street and the provincial transportation ministry about installing barriers at the intersection of the north Alaska Highway frontage road.

• Cameron Eggie is installed as the executive director of the Salvation Army in Fort St. John Nov. 15. With his appointment, the agency hopes to end the “great transition and upset in leadership” following the departure of former Capt. Sheldon Feener earlier in the year.

• The Nature Trust of British Columbia recognizes Margaret and Jim Little as part of Canada 150 celebrations for their donation of 52 hectares of land near Montney to the trust in 2013. The Littles bought the land in 1999 and had always intended to have it preserved.

• Canada marks its first LNG shipment to China when a small 950-gigajoule shipment leaves the shores of Vancouver Nov. 18. FortisBC supplies the gas from its Tilbury facility in Delta, while True North Energy Corporation and China-based CIMC ENRIC Holdings Ltd. provide logistics.

• A two-year-old bison bull consigned by XY Bison Ranch of Fort St. John tops the Canadian National bison sale at the the Canadian Western Agribition Nov. 21. Brian and Eleanor Brown of Hodgeville, Sask., paid $25,000 for the bull. They also bought the grand champion male, also a twoyear-old from the Bouffioux family’s XY Bison Ranch, for $18,000.

• At a public meeting Dec. 14, Peace River Regional District chair Brad Sperling voices his support for Greyhound Canada’s proposed subsidy program to maintain rural bus service across B.C.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Stephen King’s IT proved to be the box office horror hit of 2017, pulling in nearly $700 million worldwide. Lilly Niekamp, 12, took her cues for this year’s Halloween spooks from the film, dressing as Pennywise the Clown for haunted horrors at Chambers Farm.

• Pioneer Pearl Pearson celebrates her 100th birthday Nov. 22. Pearson arrived here with her husband Mathew and their five kids in 1948, settling on a farm in Murdale.

• Peace Region fire dispatch operations are officially outsourced and transferred to Campbell River on Vancouver Island Nov. 23.

• With the help of Fort St. John residents, U.S. army officer Jeff Hayes is reunited with his four-year-old husky mix Yukon after the dog went missing at the Mile 80 rest stop. Hayes had to give up his search and press on to Alaska after a two-and-a-half hour search, but, with the power of Facebook, a team of Good Samaritans took over to keep watch for Yukon, who returned to the rest stop but proved too elusive to catch for two weeks.

DECEMBER • The Fort St. John Hospital marks 300 MRI scans Dec. 1. It’s a milestone after the machine was installed and put into operation in September.

• District of Taylor councillors vote Dec. 4 to rezone Parcel Z, a 22-acre piece of district-owned land, from high to low-density residential to allow for the construction of single-family homes.

It’s the first step the district is taking to service the land with utilities before putting lots up for sale to the public.

• Thirteen students graduate from the Alaska Highway Consortium on Teacher Education program on Dec. 7. The program is often touted as one of the best ways to recruit and retain teachers in Northeast B.C.

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Want to share an activity with other readers?

Email your photos with a short paragraph explaining the activity to: editor@ahnfsj.ca

• North Peace MLA Dan Davies joins his South Peace counterpart in endorsing former finance minister Mike de Jong to lead the BC Liberals.

• In a Dec. 12 letter, Transportation Minister Claire Trevena tells Davies that a $200,000 engineering review of the Taylor Bridge will be complete in spring 2018, and will be used to determine “the most suitable long term option for the bridge based on economic impact to the area, as well as cost.”

• Fort St. John regains the title of being the best city to work in B.C, according to BC Business magazine. The city leads in many metrics used to calculate the rankings, including average household income ($139,305), and average income for primary earners under 35 ($123,744), among other metrics.

• The BC Supreme Court overturns approval of a new natural gas pipeline near Fort Nelson. The court rules Dec. 15 that the Oil and Gas Commission failed to properly consult with the Fort Nelson First Nation and address its concerns about the impact of a new natural gas pipeline on caribou.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 A13

PERSPECTIVES

Winding down the year that was Edwina Nearhood

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

Unemployment has been quite a rollercoaster ride over the past 12 months. There have definitely been a lot of fluctuations in Northeast B.C. We have definitely had higher unemployment rates than the rest of the province for most of the year. This is a trend that we have not experienced over the past 10 years. Recent announcement of the plans to continue on with Site C should show some improvement of labour over the next several years. The peak year for employment needs was projected to be year five of the project.

may decline somewhat. We continue to see sales volumes very similar to what they were last year. Volumes are low, average sale prices have declined slightly, and days on market are increasing slightly.

Did you know a 90-day selling period is normal for an average priced house?

As of Nov. 30, there had been 254 sales of attached and detached homes in Fort St. John compared with 249 during the same period last year. The average days on market has risen from 77 in 2016 to 90 in 2017. At this time, those high-end houses have a longer marketing period up to 120 or 150 days even if they are priced in line with the market.

Housing starts were very low in the city this past year. There were 53 units constructed as of October compared with 72 during the same period in 2016, and 213 during the same period in 2015. It does not make economic sense to build a house when there is an oversupply of inventory. Developers and speculators have quickly realized that it is not feasible to continue to build on the 2014/2015 building mode. It is a good time to build that custom house you have been waiting for.

VACANCY RATES Often times the north has remained in a bubble when the rest of the country is experiencing economic challenges.

At a time when our 604 neighbours continue to experience rapid growth and condo sales, high rental rates, and issues related to foreign purchases, Fort St. John continues to play catch-up.

While CMHC statistics report the rental supply is expanding in southern B.C. and vacancy rates remain low, Fort St. John statistics do not make the front page as they truly are dismal. Vacancy rates for apartments have improved to 19.2% compared with the 30.7% vacancy reported last December. There was a very large inventory of units constructed in 2015/2016 that had to be absorbed into the market. The high vacancy rates were compounded by a softening of the resource industry and completion of the Site C dam work camp. The work camp continues to impact the community vacancy rates.

There will likely be some long-term adjustments.

IT’S A BOY Joshua Parents: Dennis & An ita Steineb Baby’s Weightel : 4 kgs Length: 51 cm Time: 11:40 pms Dec 18, 20 Fort St. John17 , BC

Special Delivery

T

he year in review—what does that look like from a real estate appraisal perspective?

OY IT’S A B Kace Parents: Lewis eena Ross & Ds Weight: Baby’ nces 8 lbs 3 ou pm Time: 4:05inches Length: 21, 2017 Dec 28 hn, BC Jo Fort St.

IT Konan D’S A BOY ale Th Paren ibideau Harley T ts: h & Mia O ibideau Baby’s W’Leary 7 lbs 6 eight: Length: 2 ounces 1 in Time: 2 ches Dec 30, 2:30 017 Fort St. John, BC

L IT’S A GIR ne Ja Freya Ellens: Parent rtson Jamie Robe ey & Dan Dal t: Baby’s Weighes 6 lbs 5 ouncam Time: 2:10 cms Length: 50.5 17 Dec 29, 20 , BC Fort St. John

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

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

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

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

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

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

PREDICTION FOR 2018 Overall, I think we have had a lot of adjustments in 2017 along with political uncertainty. The announcement of the continuation of Site C construction will offset the changes in technology and exploration we are experiencing in the petroleum industry. Rental rates have stabilized. Existing inventory will continue to be absorbed. Employment should once again begin to improve with more mining jobs offered in the northeast. Short-term pipeline jobs will continue to add to the local economy.

Long-term, we are adjusting to a new normal.

HOUSING INVENTORY AND PRICES As long as we continue to have double digit vacancy rates, there will be more affordable housing options and demand for entry or affordable housing

Ala ska Hig hw ay Ne ws

• informative • innovative • indepth www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

House

of the

PINE HILL

Light spills into the entry through sidelights that flank the door. The stairs directly ahead of the entry lead to the three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs.

Pine Hill

floor. The dining room is totally open to the kitchen, where a large work island adds to the counter and cabinet space. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can keep close tabs on the dining room, patio and backyard.

Just around the corner are a goodsized utility room and a small bathroom. In the utility room, cabinets line the wall above the appliances.

The hallway leading to these rooms ends with an exterior door that leads out onto the covered porch and then on to the patio. Installing a dog flap in this door would allow wet pets to get dry without muddying the rest of the house.

PLAN 30-791

First Floor Second Floor Living Area Garage Dimensions Garage Dim

Bedroom 13'6'' x 12'6''

1000 SERIES

Dn

www.AssociatedDesigns.com

On the first floor, four linked family living areas wrap around all sides of the staircase. Families with young children can set them to counting the circles they can run there on rainy days. The entry is open to the living room on the right, and a den on the left.

The Pine Hill's owners' suite boasts The fireplace serves as a focal point on a second fireplace, a deep soaking tub, the living room's exterior wall. and a dual vanity.

A wide arched opening links the living room to a dining area that is expanded by a window bay. Sliding glass windows there access a large deck, down a few steps from the main

894 sq.ft.

839 sq.ft.

1733 sq.ft.

480 sq.ft.

37'2'' x 35' 24' x 20'

Associated Designs is the original source for the Pine Hill 30-791. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Patio 36'2'' x 12'

Utility

While the country-style Pine Hill makes an ideal retreat cottage, this home is equally well suited for year-round suburban living.

Wooden shutters and a wrap-around front porch add their nostalgic charm.

Bedroom 12' x 11'10''

Owners’ Suite 14'2'' x 13'4''

Dining 11' x 12'8''

Kitchen

Dn

Den 12' x 10'10''

Garage 23' x 19'

Living 14'2'' x 16' Up

Entry

© 2017 Associated Designs, Inc.

Covered Porch

Arlen Brekkaas REDUCED

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

A14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

Celebrating the Epiphany

J

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) It’s Thursday, and you’re ready to party! Why not get a jump on the weekend? Sports events and playful times with children will appeal to you.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) You will enjoy cocooning at home today, especially if you can make future travel plans.

You also might entertain someone from another country or from far away.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) This is a chatty, busy day!

Errands, short trips and discussions with others (especially about shared property) will go well.

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Money is on your mind today!

Fortunately, this is an excellent day to negotiate with others, especially close friends and partners. Everyone involved will feel generous toward each other.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) The Moon is in your sign today, which can make you more emotional than usual. However, it also can attract some extra good luck your way. (We like it!)

VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) You need a bit of privacy today.

This is why you might prefer to work alone or behind the scenes, so that you can catch your breath and have a moment just to yourself.

For Thursday January 4, 2018

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Do something different to shake up your daily routine, because you want a little adventure.

Obviously, the most exciting thing to do would be to travel somewhere!

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Discussions about shared property, debt and inheritances will go well today, because so many planets are in your sign.

Yes, the universe owes you a favor!

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Be prepared to cooperate and go more than halfway when dealing with others today, because the Moon is opposite your sign. This just requires a little tolerance and patience.

PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) It will please you to do something that helps you feel better organized and more on top of your game. Take 15 minutes to tidy your car, your desk or your bedroom.

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.

Not Wanting to Hover

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) You will enjoy talking to a female acquaintance today, especially Dear Annie: I have a if you discuss future goals. You somewhat uncomfortable need to bounce your ideas off someone to get some feedback. question. Recently, I moved Try it. from California to Texas for SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) You might discover that personal information about your private life becomes public today for some reason. This could be a credit check, or it could be gossip. Be aware.

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

my job, and I love it here.

Though there are a lot of differences between the states, one has stood out to me more than any other: There are no paper toilet seat covers offered in public restrooms. When I first moved, I thought it was simply that I was going to the types of restaurants and businesses that don’t offer them. However, I’ve been asking Texas natives about it, and rarely does anyone here use a toilet seat cover or make one from toilet paper. Some people are hoverers, depending on the state of the toilet, but the majority of people I’ve polled seem to be fine sitting right on the seat. Is this normal? Are toilet seat covers really a facade? Have I been wasting precious seconds carefully laying down covers and paper all these years?! -Cover, Hover or Quit Dear Cover, Hover or Quit: In a word, yes. As University of Arizona public health researcher Kelly Reynolds explained in an interview with

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

USA Today earlier this year, bacteria and viruses are tiny and easily able to pass through paper seat covers -- an unpleasant thought but not reason to worry. Unless you have an open cut that would be making contact with the seat, the risk of germ transmission from a toilet is incredibly low. So you’d be better off saving the paper and sitting down plainly. If that sounds gross, consider that most cellphones carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Now go clean your phone and wash your hands.

Dear Annie: I read a number of letters about how families can’t figure out who goes where and when on holidays. I don’t understand.

Why do families not work together more and compromise? I come from a large family. Once we all started getting married and having to share time with in-laws,

my mother said she was not going to try to compete with other families, that if they had to have their event on the day of the holiday, we would just find another day to get together. This worked out so well! No running to do double or even triple duty on holidays or trying to coordinate when to be where. If the in-law wanted Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, fine; we’d get together the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and usually for Christmas, we’d get together on the weekend between Christmas and New Year’s. All it takes is communication and dispensing with the notion that one family is more important than the other. It’s not the day that’s important; it’s the time you spend with loved ones that is. -- Happier for the Holidays Dear Happier for the Holidays: I couldn’t agree more. May we all go into the new year with such a clear sense of priorities.

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 4, 2018 A15

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

$94,900 #176, 9207 - 82 St MLS# R2209062

Over $15000 in updates, large master bedrm next to the 4 pc bth, 2 decks & 2 sheds for seasonal storage..

3600 sq. ft. attached shop available for lease.

Office reception area +3000 sq ft 2 bays shopw.

No drop-ins.

$1,500,000 10231 - 85 Ave,MLS# C8014450

Industrial 4.5 acres chain link-fenced yard is compacted and graveled at gate. Power shed on steel pilings.

$599,900 9813 269 Rd MLS# R2208403

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

TODAYS PUZZLE

Contact Us matt preprost 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

$179,000 8511 - 76 Street MLS# R2198871

Perfect starter home featuring 3 bedrooms,1 bath, large family room, sitting on a 49.15 X 150 lot.

$729,900 13265 Koop Road, MLS# R2204354

Stunning 6 bedroom/3 bath 3000 sq ft custombuilt dream home on 10 pristine acres 15 minutes from FSJ.

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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

ABDOMINALS ABDUCTOR ACTIVITY AEROBIC ATROPHY BARBELL BICYCLING BODY FAT BURN CIRCUIT CONTRACTION COOL DOWN

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

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

$349,900 9223 - 89 Street, MLS# R2195719

Unique layout in this 4 bed + media rm & 3 bath family home. $10,000 flooring allowance upon completion

• • • • • • • • • • • •

CORE DAILY DEHYDRATION DELTOIDS DUMBELL ENDURANCE EXTENSION FAMILY FLEXIBILITY GLUTEALS HIKING ISOMETRIC

• • • • • • • • • • • •

LIFESTYLE LIFTING LOADED POWER REPETITION RUNNING SEDENTARY STRETCHING TRAINING TREADMILL WALKING WARMUP

TODAY’S PUZZLE

37. Royal Navy ship during WWII 38. Of cherished symbols 40. Satisfy 41. 5th. day (abbr.)

42. Swiss river 44. Royal Albert Hall (abbr.)

45. Cool!

48. Flat metal shelves 50. Enclosed 52. A way to pass 53. City in Iraq 55. Printing speed measurement 56. Twitch 57. Indicates position 58. Made lawful 63. Took down 65. A way to travel on skis 66. North winds 67. Tunisian metropolis CLUES DOWN 1. Seafood

2. Incan god of mountains 3. Ritzy LA neighborhood __ Air 4. Line that connect points of equal pressure 5. Audience-only remarks 6. Chest muscle (slang) 7. Pointed top 8. Lavender 9. Linear unit 10. Knifes

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. Isodor __, American Nobel physicist 5. One a day keeps the doctor away 10. Extents 12. Noticing 14. Scriptural 16. Star Trek character Laren 18. “The Crow” actress __ Ling 19. Not good 20. Measures gold 22. TV network 23. Wasting 25. Money in Ghana 26. Young girls’ association 27. Title of respect 28. High schoolers take this test 30. Crunches federal numbers 31. Wild or sweet cherry 33. Celestial bodies 35. Fruit of the oak tree

11. 2016 World Series champs 13. A way to arrange 15. Talk 17. Serving no purpose 18. Container 21. Breathes new life into 23. Beloved dog Rin Tin __ 24. A bag-like structure in a plant or animal 27. Yemen capital 29. Sacred book of Judaism 32. Make a mistake 34. Wrestlers wrestle here 35. Respiratory issue 36. In league 39. Resinous insect secretion 40. Unhappy 43. Turbulent area of a river 44. Neglectful 46. Sours 47. Calendar month (abbr.)

49. Grooves 51. Sony Pictures Television 54. Monetary units 59. Command right 60. 1,000 cubic feet 61. Expression of triumph 62. Dinner jacket 64. The first two

START

FINISH

A16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

North Peace Fringe Area OCP

OPEN HOUSES

Three open houses will be held mid January.

Come out and share your thoughts and feedback!

SURVEY

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

CONTACT

A draft North Peace Official Community Plan (OCP) has been created with your feedback!

Let the Peace River Regional District know if it's what you want!

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

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

All 219 students of the Energetic Learning Campus took part in the school’s annual Christmas fundraiser, in its seventh year now at the school.

‘Above and beyond’: ELC students gift spirit of Christmas for families in need MATT PREPROST

Thurs January 11 (5pm–8pm) Baldonnel Elementary School

editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fri January 12 (3pm–9pm) Pomeroy Sport Centre

Six Fort St. John families woke up to unwrap the spirit of Christmas on Monday, Dec. 25.

Students from the Energetic Learning Campus were busy elves in December, collecting cash, gift, and hamper donations that were paid forward to six sponsor families this year, three each through the Women’s Resource Society and the North Peace Pregnancy Care Centre.

“This year, I think kids understand Christmas is more about giving,” teacher Jerrick Salinas said.

Each family received a turkey, groceries with all the fixings, treats, and more, along with $850 in gift cards, and gift-wrapped presents tailored to the size and needs of the family.

All 219 students of the campus took part in the festive fundraiser, in its seventh year now at the school.

The students got creative with their fundraising, Salinas said — going doorto-door to homes and businesses, donating their paycheques, making soup and sandwich lunches for the

Sat January 13 (1pm–6pm) Charlie Lake Community Hall

prrd.bc.ca

school, holding bottle drives and a student-vs.-teacher basketball tourney—one student even pledged to wax his legs if his donation target was raised.

Around $10,000 in total was raised, so much that the school had a $2,000 surplus it planned to pass on to other community groups and fundraisers in need.

“Every one went above and beyond,” Salinas said. “They found every penny they could wherever they could.”

The student-led initiative comes full circle for some, Salinas said, noting at least one student this year was on the receiving end of the school’s generosity a few years ago. It helps students realize how privileged they can be—while some may wake up with food in the fridge or cash in their wallet, many still don’t, Salinas said.

“It’s helping people here in our community, giving back to the community where they’re from, where there’s a need,” he said.

“It’s something positive, and doing that never gets old. It’s part of maturing and growing older.”

Detailing a holiday good deed Laundry Services 250-782-9389

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MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Kate Hadland of Tenacious Detail on Dec. 22, 2017.

MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Donations are quickly pouring to support the family of a young Fort St. John girl battling cancer.

More than $10,000 has been raised so far through online donations, city firefighters, and local businesses to support the Small family, whose fouryear-old daughter Natalie was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in December.

Neuroblastoma is a type of childhood cancer that starts in nerve cells in the sympathetic nervous system, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

A long road of treatment and recovery lies ahead for young Natalie, who is currently receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

So far, $10,400 has been raised through an online fundraising campaign

on GoFundMe.com to help the family with medical travel costs. According to an update from that campaign, Natalie has finished her first round of chemotherapy.

Meanwhile, the Fort St. John Firefighters Charitable Society has donated $2,500 to support the family, and on Dec. 22, staff at Tenacious Detail in Fort St. John had raised nearly $2,000 by mid-afternnoon to lend their help.

“This isn’t a short-term thing,” says Tenacious owner Kate Hadland, a friend of Natalie’s mother. “They’re going to need help not just now, but for a long time.”

Hadland says she plans to fundraise and support the family monthly in the new year. “Just to take off some of the strain,” Hadland says.

Local businesses Victory Skateboards and JD Knives also launched campaigns in support of the family.

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Alaska Highway News is looking for your Community Support. We are looking for your photos of local events, sports, fundraisers, etc.. Please submit your photos to: 9916-98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

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

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THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2018 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

MIDDLETON HEADED TO NATIONALS

NEW SAFETY RULE FOR HUSKIES

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Going for it all in the new year Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

T

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

NEBC Trackers goalie Tyler McArthur makes a stop during the Trackers’ Food Bank Game on Dec. 22, 2017. The Trackers won 9-2 over the Grande Peace Storm and moved to a 10-6-1 record, placing them second in the Bouchier Division with 21 points.

Huskies enter 2018 as championship contenders DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

2017 was an up and down year for the Fort St. John Huskies, but the team enters 2018 in position to win not just the NWJHL championship but the 2018 Junior B Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship as well.

The Huskies came into 2017 with a young team, that performed well, but wern’t quite ready to contend for the league title. The Huskies swept the Sexsmith Vipers in the first round of last year’s playoffs, but fell to the North Peace Navigators in seven games in round two.

“It was a growing season, we had a fairly young team with a lot of teaching and learning. We had a good outcome for where we

were at, and it’s always a disappointment to lose in the playoffs, but someone has to,” said Jeremy Clothier, general manager of the Huskies.

The Huskies went into the offseason unsure how the team would look.

Players like goalie Jonathan Bateman and Jeridyn Loewen were away at Junior A camps, but both returned to the team for the start of the season.

“Having those guys return has been a huge advantage for us this year, and with all the returning players we have in general I expected a good season out of us,” Clothier said.

The Huskies were terrific out of the gate to start the 2017-18 season, going 11-1.

But about halfway through November, the team slowed down just a bit, and

finished 2017 6-4 in their last 10 games.

“The last month got a little stale, we seemed to be going through the motions and didn’t play like we did early in the season,” said Clothier.

Still, the Huskies are in a good spot to contend for the league title. With a record of 17-5, the pups sit in third place with 34 points, just one behind both the Navigators and Dawson Creek Junior Canucks. However, Fort St. John has games in hand on both teams.

The Huskies went into the 2017 holiday break on a sour note, losing two games to the Navigators. But Clothier thinks those losses will motivate the team.

The break was needed to rejuvenate everybody, from management to the players,

he said.

“We have the right personnel to do it all. We just have to work hard and stick with the process, we try to improve every practice and ice time.”

The pups will likely get a boost with the return of Jacob Lang to the lineup.

Lang led the team with 42 points last season, but has only played in eight games this season due to injuries.

“Not many teams add a piece that big halfway through the season,” Clothier said.

The Huskies start the push to the playoffs with two games this weekend.

The County of Grande Prairie Kings come to town Jan. 5, while the Sexsmith Vipers are here Jan. 6.

The provincials will be held in Fort St. John Mar. 29 to Apr. 1.

Fivestar prepares for busy start to 2018 DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

With a nice long Christmas break behind them, Fivestar boxers are back in the ring this month to prepare for a busy year of important competitions.

Coming off a successful 2017 that saw fighters from Fivestar go 44-8 in official bouts, the team has its sights on improving that record and winning more provincial, national ,and Golden Gloves titles in 2018.

Up first are the Boxing B.C. Provincials, which run Feb. 9 to 11 in Vancouver.

Nick Young, Ashley Rouble, Lincoln Pomeroy, and Braden Sims will all be making the trip with a

good shot at winning the tournament and earning a spot at nationals. Rouble and Young are favourites to win their respective divisions.

“I’ll keep them in shape through Christmas and then we got five weeks to get them in the best shape of their life,” Fivestar coowner and head coach Justin Donally said in December.

The team will have a couple weeks off after provincials to continue training, then will head to Salmon Arm the week of March 19 for a week-long training camp to prepare themselves for nationals.

See FIVESTAR on B4

SUPPLIED PHOTO

From left to right, Nick Young, Braden Sims, Lincoln Pomeroy, Justin Donally, Ashley Rouble, and Eddie Scarfo show off their winnings from 2017 at the Fivestar gym.

he new year is a time for growth, improvement, and even a bit of reflection on the year that was. Don’t worry, I’m not going to bore you with my resolutions and plans, but I will shed light on the opportunities for those in the Fort St. John sports scene.

Both the Fort St. John Huskies and the Senior Flyers are in a position to win titles and redeem themselves from their playoff failures a year ago.

The Flyers were the best team in the NPHL regular season last year, but lost to the Spirit River Rangers in the playoffs. The Flyers are once again comfortable in first place this season, and the Rangers are no longer in the league. You can do the math.

However, January will be a challenge for the Flyers, as it’s filled with divisional games against the Grande Prairie Athletics and the Dawson Creek Sr. Canucks, as well as a best of three play-in series against Dawson Creek for the right to go to the Coy Cup. Yes, the Sr. Canucks are in third in the division, but that’s only because of a recent punishment that saw four wins stripped from the team for having too many imported players from Alberta.

The Huskies are just one point back of first place, and will definitely be one of the teams to beat in both the NWJHL and the Alberta Junior B provincials. The only problem is, the two teams that have given the Huskies trouble this season are the two currently sitting ahead of them in first place – the Dawson Creek Jr. Canucks and the North Peace Navigators. The Huskies are 2-2 so far against Dawson Creek and 1-3 versus the Navigators. To me, the Huskies have the highest ceiling among those teams in terms of skill and the ability to control a game.

Let’s not forget the Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club. It’s hosting the 2018 BC Long Track Championship, Canada Cup 3, and the Canadian Jr. Long Track Championships, all in the next two months. The best of the best will be competing at the Pomeroy Sport Centre, and the Elks are looking to contend in all three competitions.

The Inconnu Swim Club is turning its attention toward provincials and nationals. Owen Lang has been dominant all season long and will definitely be one to watch for in the coming months.

Of course, Fivestar boxers are poised to win provincial, national and Golden Gloves titles in 2018.

This is all really cool and exciting.

I hope the fans come out to all the local events to cheer the athletes on and be a part of greatness in the making. All the talk of teams in first place is starting to rub off on me, too, and I’m hoping I do my best work in 2018 and win my own internal championships. Yes, I’m aware of how nerdy that last sentence was.

Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News.

Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

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B2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

Local Sports

Middleton repeats as BC champ, headed to nationals Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

supplied Photo

Fort St. John’s Sterling Middleton, second from left, poses with the rest of his team and coach after Team Tardi won the 2018 BC Junior Men’s Curling Championship Dec. 23.

For the second straight year, Sterling Middleton of Fort St. John won the BC Junior Men’s Curling Championship with Team Tardi Dec. 23.

The BC tournament was held in Langley, where Middleton’s team is based. With the win, Middleton and his teammates are headed to the 2018 New Holland Canadian Junior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships in Shawinigan, Quebec from Jan. 13 to 21.

Team Tardi finished first in the eight-team U21 round robin, and beat Team Ballard 3-1 in the final, the only team to beat Team Tardi in the round robin.

Middleton is the team’s third, and will get a chance to repeat as national champion after winning it in 2017. If Middleton and the rest of his team are successful at nationals, they will head to the world championships.

7th Crystal Cup runs Feb. 23 to 25 Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

supplied Photo

The popular Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge returns for a seventh time Feb. 23 to 25.

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Pond hockey players will hit the ice Feb. 23 to 25 for the 7th Annual Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge at Charlie Lake.

Organizer Neil Evans expects this to be the biggest Crystal Cup yet, in terms of the amount of teams playing—with up to 70 teams expected to take part across three division, based on the amount of interest so far.

“As the years go by, we get more notoriety about how fun the event is.

We already have lots of guys asking for dates and wanting to book flights for their friends coming from out of town,” Evans said.

One of the main goals for the 2018 Crystal Cup is to be more family

oriented. Instead of one day of kids events, there will be activities for the kids on both Saturday, Feb. 24, and Sunday, Feb. 25.

There will be sleigh rides, helicopter rides, prizes and games. More activities will be announced.

“We realized last year there just wasn’t enough family-oriented stuff.

All of us on the committee have kids and it’s just awesome to see the kids having fun out there,” said Evans.

The beer gardens will remain, but the live music acts of past years will not.

Registration opened Dec. 15 and closes on Feb. 17.

Volunteers are needed and those interested can call Evans at 250-793-4524.

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

This Week: The Sentry Tournament of Champions

Reigning FedEx Cup champion Justin Thomas rings in the new year as defending champ this week at the Sentry Tournament of Champions Defending: Justin Thomas in Hawaii. The Plantation Course Winning Score: 22-under par at Kapalua offers some of the most Earnings: $1,220,000 breathtaking views found all season, with gentle trade winds allowing the winner to approach 20-under par over four days. The field for this tournament is restricted to golfers who won an event on the Tour in the previous season. Dustin Johnson, whose four PGA Tour wins in 2017 were second only to Thomas, and Jordan Spieth also headline this week’s field.

Plantation Course at Kapalua Kapalua, Hawaii 7,411 yards, Par 73

Golf TV Schedule

Last Week: Stricker and O’Hair won the QBE Shootout

Steve Stricker and Sean Tournament Results O’Hair closed with an 8-under 1. Stricker-O’Hair 64 for a two-shot victory Score: -26 over Graeme McDowell and 2. McDowell-Lowry Shane Lowry in the QBE Shootout at Score: -24 Tiburon Golf Club. “He played great Perez-Harman today,” Stricker said of O’Hair. “He 3.

Score: -22 hit a great shot on 17. That’s the stuff you need to do to win a tournament, and Sean pulled it off.” It was the second time Stricker and O’Hair won the team event hosted by Greg Norman, but the first time as partners. Stricker won in 2009 with Jerry Kelly, and O’Hair won in 2012 with Kenny Perry.

Golfing News

Tiger Woods says he has been trying to relearn his body and the golf swing, relying on feel and three years of work with Chris Como. He thinks it’s best to continue on his own now. Woods hopes to play a full 2018 schedule but has not yet committed to even Golf Trivia competing in February’s Genesis Open which is run by his foundation. “One way or another, I So far this season, which golfer is will be at Riviera,” the 14-time major champion leading the PGA Tour in driving said of the annual PGA Tour event played on distance? the famous course in southern California. “It’s a) Brendan Steele c) Bubba Watson such an historic site and the course will always b) J.B. Holmes d) Tony Finau have special meaning for me. That’s where it all started back in 1992 when I played in my Answer: d) Tony Finau is averaging over 336 yards first PGA Tour event at age 16.” on his drives so far this season.

PGA Event: Sentry Tournament of Champions Day Time Network Thursday 6pm-10pm GOLF Friday 6pm-10pm GOLF Saturday 3pm-7pm GOLF Sunday 6pm-10pm GOLF

?

Lessons from the Golf Pro The preparation before you play any round of golf, whether it be for recreation or in a competitive sense, is vital to determining how you will play. With that in mind, here are a few tips you can use to your advantage to get the best score possible. The first tip is to get to the actual golf course well before you are set to tee off. Showing up five minutes before your round begins is asking for a disaster. Get to know the course in terms of yardage and layout when you first arrive. Then, it is always a good idea to get a feel for the greens by doing some simple putting exercises. Before you take your game to the range, always do some light stretching to get your flexibility in line. After taking it to the range, come back to the green and hit a few chips and practice your bunker shots.

Player Profile

Sean O’Hair Turned Professional: 1999 World Ranking: 95th PGA Tour Wins: 4

FedEx Cup Standings Through Dec. 31, 2017

1) Patton Kizzire 659 pts. / 3 top tens

2) Pat Perez

646 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Austin Cook 563 pts. / 1 top ten

4) Brendan Steele 556 pts. / 1 top ten

5) Patrick Cantlay 555 pts. / 1 top ten

FedEx Cup Standings continued...

Player Points 6) Justin Rose 550 7) Justin Thomas 548 8) Chesson Hadley 458 9) Tony Finau 453 10) J.J. Spaun 427

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Top 10s 1 1 3 1 2

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 B3

Local Sports

Huskies, Jr. Canucks players to wear full face masks next season Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

B.C. Hockey announced on Dec. 5 that beginning with the 2018-19 season, all Junior B players will be required to wear full face protection.

This includes all three B.C. Junior B leagues, as well as the two B.C. teams that play in the NWJHL, the Fort St. John Huskies and the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks.

In the days since the ruling was announced, management and players of the Peace Region teams aren’t too happy about it.

“Honestly, it’s kind of unfortunate, it used to be a passing, you’d get out of minor hockey and into a visor,” said Huskies head coach Todd Alexander.

Jr. Canuck’s General Manager Colby Wagar felt the same way.

“When these young men get here, it’s an added privilege for them to move up. A lot of them look forward to that, a big part of becoming a junior player is getting your cage off and hanging it on the wall in your room.

It’s a big deal for them.”

While Alexander doesn’t like it, he accepts that it’s a rule and there’s not much he or his players can do.

“I’m not playing in the game anymore so, personally, I don’t care.

It’s just what it is, I don’t care what they do either way. We’re still going to go out and play junior hockey at the end of the day.”

Some of the players aren’t in favour either. In the game on Dec. 6 between the Jr. Canucks and Fort St. John Huskies, none of the players were wearing full face masks.

“Personally, I don’t really like it,

I prefer the half mask. You’re here for the love of the game so nothing can really stop you from playing the game,” said Huskies forward Jeridyn Loewen. “I don’t like it, but if it’s there I guess just to play hockey we’ll do it.”

Wagar had other concerns beyond it being an inconvenience for the players.

“My concern is how it’s going to change the game. I think you’re going to see the games be a lot more chippy and dirtier.”

Wagar said there are currently no repercussions for a player wearing a full mask deciding to run around and be dangerous.

“The other concern I have is Fort St. John and Dawson Creek are the only two teams in our league that have to deal with that. I think it’s going to single us out and I just don’t think it’s a good idea,” Wagar said.

While there were rumblings that the potential for this situation was being discussed, Wagar said there was no knowledge shared with the two teams that a ruling was imminent.

Players at the NCAA level in the United States are required to wear full masks, but junior players in Canada are not. In a press release, B.C. hockey said that only five per cent of Junior A players in the BCHL right now wear full face protection.

“Our game is faster than it has ever been, and as a result we face increased challenges and responsibilities relative to safety. We are confident that through this initiative facial and dental injuries will be greatly reduced,” said BC Hockey CEO Barry Petrachenko.

dillon giancola Photo

Players from both the Fort St. John Huskies and Dawson Creek Junior Canucks, seen here, will be required to wear full face protection starting in the 2018-19 season.

trackers play for food bank

Michelle McArthur Photo

The NEBC and Yukon Trackers held their second annual Food Bank Game Dec. 22, 2017, at home against the Grande Peace Storm. The stands were filled with kids from local schools, who earned admission by donating food. The Trackers donated the food items to the Salvation Army’s Food Bank.

WEEKLY PRO RACING UPDATE Postseason Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

Every new year brings with it new stars and revelations, but also heartfelt goodbyes and tough changes. Here are four of the biggest changes NASCAR fans can expect to see in the 2018 season. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is retiring from NASCAR and has been the most popular driver 15 times in a row. Danica Patrick is retiring from NASCAR also, but wants to run the 2018 Daytona 500.

Her talks with Chip Ganassi Racing have stalled though, so it’s up in the air whether or not that will happen. Will Byron, who might just be NASCAR’s next elite driver, is moving to the Cup Series in 2018. Byron won the Xfinity Series championship in his lone campaign this year, and now he’ll team with Jimmie Johnson and Chase Elliott at Hendrick Motorsports. Charlotte Motor Speedway will unveil its new ‘Roval’ course for the 2018 postseason, and it’ll be the first road course ever run in the 14-year history of the NASCAR playoffs.

January 3, 1974 - NASCAR announced that all races would be reduced 10 percent in length, therefore using less fuel. The move was done as a reaction to the energy shortage the country was facing. Smaller starting fields and more limited practice sessions were also in NASCAR’s plan.

Racing Trivia What was the first NASCAR race to be nationally televised from start to finish?

?

a) Las Vegas 350 c) Pocono 500 b) Indianapolis 500 d) Daytona 500 Answer : d) In 1979, the Daytona 500 became the first NASCAR race to be nationally televised from start to finish.

Racing History

Cale Yarborough Born: March 27, 1939 Cup wins: 83 Cup top-tens: 319 Cup championships: 3 Cale Yarborough is one of only two drivers in NASCAR history to win three consecutive championships, in 1976, 1977 and 1978. His 14.82% winning percentage is the ninth best all-time and third among those with 500 or more starts. Yarborough won the Daytona 500 four times, his first win coming in 1968, the second in 1977, and back-to-back wins in 1983 and 1984.

In 1984, he became the first driver to qualify for the Daytona 500 with a top speed of more than 200 miles per hour. Cale Yarborough retired from driving after the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup season. He bought out the Race Hill Farms team in 1986 and moved the team from Connecticut to South Carolina and he renamed the team Cale Yarborough Motorsports. He got one win in 1997 at the Pepsi 400 and closed his team in 2000.

Yarborough was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993, the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994.

In 2011, Yarborough finally was elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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B4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

Local Sports

Blizzard riders get out for 34th New Year’s Day Ride Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

supplied Photo

Blizzard Bike Club members gathered and braved the weather for the 34th New Year’s Day Ride.

Golden Gloves creeping up

SCORES

FIVEstar FROM B1

The national tournament begins the next week, March 27, and goes to April 1, in Edmonton. Rouble won the national title last year when the tournament was held in Montreal, and will be looking to win again in 2018, this time in the tough ladie’s division.

“It’s great for us that nationals are in Edmonton. It makes it extremely easy for us to co-ordinate hotels and pack meals,” Donally said.

Next up after nationals for Fivestar are the 2018 BC Golden Gloves, which will be held in Fort St. John Apr. 20 and 21. It will be the biggest and most important boxing show Donally and Fivestar have organized.

“If you win Golden Gloves it’s a big deal. Anywhere you go, everyone has heard of Golden Gloves and knows what it is,” said Donally.

The team will have fighters contending for official Golden Gloves titles, as well as many novice fighters

from Fort St. John and the Peace Region.

Fivestar is pulling out all the stops for the tournament, including big prizes, and is covering the cost of hotel rooms, as well as some meals and gas money, to ensure that the tournament draws in the best competition possible.

“Were going to take the financial burden off, bring in good talent, good prizes, and put on a good show and highlight local kids,” Donally said.

The following month, Fivestar is headed to the 2018 Alberta Golden Gloves May 26 and 27 in Red Deer.

There will likely be a smaller group of Fivestar fighters going to Red Deer, as Donally said some fighters may need a rest.

That is all that is planned in 2018 so far. Donally said the club will plan something later in the year, but for now is not looking past the Golden Gloves.

NWJHL standings TEAM Navs.

Canucks Huskies Kings Flyers Vipers Blades

GP 25 26 22 26 24 25 24

Even horses like Christmas so make a recipe! Here’s a recipe for Christmas horse cookies:

Peppermint Patties 1/3 Cup Oats 1/3 Cup Grain (plain) 1/3 Cup Molasses 1/3 Cup Flour Peppermints 1. Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees

W 17 17 17 15 11 7 2

L 7 8 5 9 12 17 22

OL 1 1 0 2 1 1 0

TP 35 35 34 32 23 15 4

NWJHL games Kings at Huskies January 5, 8:00 p.m.

Vipers at Huskies January 6, 8:00 p.m.

Flyers at Huskies January 12, 8:00 p.m.

Huskies at Navigators January 13, 8:00 p.m.

Club Activities: by Aurora Lea So, on Dec 6, 2017 the new executives had their first meeting.

During this meeting we discussed how we were going to plan the meetings. We had a motivational speaker come and teach us about teamwork and leadership.

We went to the senior’s home on Monday and decorate bird houses with the seniors.

TEAM West Division Flyers Athletics Sr. Canucks East Division Pirates Huskies Regals Comets

GP W L SL TP 12 10 11

9 3 7 2 4 6

0 1 1

18 15 9

13 13 10 14

8 6 5 5

0 0 1 1

16 12 11 11

5 7 7 8

NPHL games Flyers at Athletics January 6, 8:30 p.m.

Sr. Canucks at Flyers January 11, 8:30 p.m.

Got sports news? sports@ahnfsj.ca

About the writers Hi, I’m Harlan Giesbrecht.

I am in grade 3, and this is my second year in the Beatton Community 4-H Club. My family has a small farm with horses, chickens, ducks, geese, quail, sheep, goats, and pigs. I have been riding horses since I was three. I love to trail ride, and I’d like to learn more about roping. I chose the 4-H horse project because I want to learn more about training and raising horses. I lost my best horse, Pixie this fall, and the old horse my parents gave me after that. Jewels was really old and died right before Christmas. So, this year for Christmas, my parents surprised me with a new horse named Shooter! Shooter is fast, he’s really tall, and I’m teaching him to go over obstacles. I can’t wait to use Shooter in 4-H! This year I was elected as the junior reporter for our 4-H club. I’m really excited to share news about our 4-H club this year. Until then I plan to follow the 4-H motto, “Learn to do by doing.”

3. Mix together all ingredients except for peppermints.

4. Form cookies using spoon/scoop/hands and place on a lined cookie sheet 5. Take a peppermint and place it in the middle of each ball of the cookie dough, pressing down to flatten slightly.

6. Bake for 21 minutes or until golden brown. May need to let them dry out.

A real Horsie Favorite! The Peppermint adds just enough allure for the finicky eater.

I found this recipe at: http://eventingnation.com/for-the-eventerthat-has-everything-holiday-horse-cookies/ Did you know some horses like peppermints?

Merry Christmas, and I will be back in the new year as the senior reporter!

PHONE: 250-785-0463

This will be my last article for you so thank you for letting me write for you all and hope you have fun reading the new articles to come. I can’t tell you who the new executives are because that would be spoiling it for you guys. Hope you had fun reading this see you in the new year.

2. If you prefer, use food processor to chop Oats and Grain into a finer texture

Even though it is winter, we still go to the arena to ride when it’s not too cold, and when the roads aren’t bad. My friend and I have fun riding together, and my sisters like to stand on their horses and try to do trick riding!

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

Nphl standings

Beatton Community 4-H Club Report Club Report: by Harlan Giesbrecht

The Blizzard Bike Club kicked off 2018 with a bit of tradition, as 10 riders took part in the 34th annual New Year’s Day Ride on Jan. 1.

The riders were rewarded for their dedication by the good weather, the first nice day in weeks.

The riders rode for 45 minutes around Fort St. John’s hiking trails, finishing at Chateau Dawson for food and refreshments.

The Blizzard Bike Club, which formed in 1982, will resume in early March and go through to October.

The club is planning its 2018 events schedule, which will consist of around 120 rides, races, and time trials.

All riders of all skill levels are encouraged and welcome to join the club for the upcoming season.

To learn more, check out blizzardbikeclub.com.

Club helping decorate birdhouses at Peace Villa Care Home.

Hi, my name is Aurora Lea. I am in grade 5, and this is my 3rd year in Beatton Community 4-H. I live in the corner of Montney on a small farm with horses, dogs, and cats. I chose to be in 4-H horse project this year because I want to learn some more things that I have some trouble doing. I’m lending my horse that I used last year to Harlan’s sister, Alexa because her little Shetland pony has a lot of pony attitude. I got a new horse named Kahlua. She is the sweetest thing you will ever see but she has some spunky attitude. I can’t wait to learn more and teach Kahlua in 4-H! I plan to follow the 4-H motto: “Learn To Do By Doing” for the rest of year!

I was elected the Sr. Club Reporter and I am really exited to write for you all every month.

12864 Rose Prairie Rd., Fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-4578 Website: npvc.ca Find us on...

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"Veterinary care founded in our community, for our community"

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 B5

Local Sports

matt preprost Photo

Ben and Jadon Christianson were found at the outdoor rink at Bert Ambrose Elementary New Year’s Day shooting around a puck and working in the new hockey stick Ben receieved for Christmas.

supplied Photo

The Fort St. John Soccer Club’s U16 boys team showed some goodwill over the holidays, spending time at Peace Villa Senior’s Housing Dec. 19, 2017.

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

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ

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

N O W

P L A Y I N G

B6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

Classifieds Announcements

Are You In Debt with your Credit Cards?

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Farms For sale

Announcements

GET RESULTS!

AND MAYBE SOMEONE WILL

CIRCLE YOUR AD!

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

778−927−6634 chase@landquest.com

Real estate seRvices

Announcements

PLACE YOUR AD IN THE

31 5-56 0-78 3522 5 2 : Ph 0-7855 Fx: 2

Real estate seRvices

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Reach almost 2 million people in 101 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad communityclassifieds.ca 1-866-669-9222

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

Real estate seRvices

R0011448135

RENTFSJ.CA

778-834-RENT(7368) We have a variety of furnished units ready to move in!

Options of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms units, with all furnishings

RENTFSJ.CA Home away from home

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that HD Mining International Ltd. from Vancouver, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for 2 Licences of Occupation for mining purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located near the Murray River (Tumbler Ridge).

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

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

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

Announcements

Announcements

Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes.

Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities.

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

The Lands Files for these applications are 8015908 and 8015909. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Jason Pederson, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100, 10003110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, (250) 261-2063. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to January 29, 2018. 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.

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

Announcements

47034

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

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

Career OppOrtunities

Employment Opportunity CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

The Fort St John Association for Community Living

The Organiza�on The Fort St John Associa�on for Community Living (FSJACL) is a non-profit agency which has been providing quality supports to adults with developmental disabili�es in the Fort St John and District since 1960. The FSJACL is an accredited agency with a trained, caring and trusted professional staff team of over 50 employees who provide quality services and opportuni�es for adults with developmental disabili�es.

The FSJACL works collabora�vely with community partners to achieve our vision of inclusion for all.

From river boating to waterfalls - dinosaurs, downhill and cross-country skiing, mountain biking, quadding, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping and hiking - the outdoor activities here are endless. Our region also offers a plethora of indoor recreation amenities, such as swimming pools, indoor riding arenas, skating arenas and an Olympic sized speed skating track.

We boast our one-of-a-kind UNESCO Global Geopark where you can stand side-by-side with dinosaurs discovered in our own back yard. To indulge your cultural side, our region offers art galleries, performing art centres and cultural centres for your enjoyment. A world-class event centre features renowned international artists and events on a regular basis, such as Carrie Underwood and the World U17 Hockey Challenge. A multitude of family-friendly community events take place year-round in the Peace, including world-class chainsaw carving competitions, ice carving competitions, world-class rodeos, and the list goes on. Our region has two school districts and multiple top-notch private schools. The Northern Lights College provides a great variety of post-secondary programs, from trades to business. There are also two regional airports that offer direct flights to Vancouver, Prince George and Calgary daily.

The ideal candidate will have proven leadership ability, demonstrated success in management, a passion about our organiza�on’s vision and an ability to see opportuni�es and proac�vely pursue them. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and sustain strong working rela�onships with persons served, board members and staff are a must. The candidate will have experience in budget prepara�on and financial management; excellent wri�en and oral communica�on skills; and proficiency in human resource management.

Working Condi�ons Located in Fort St John (FSJ), this leadership posi�on provides an opportunity to work for a strong, respected organiza�on with many local and provincial partnerships. FSJ is a well serviced city with many outdoor recrea�on experiences, located in a natural resource rich region experiencing growth.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and an a�rac�ve benefit package is included.

Burger King Fort St John is hiring Crew (Starting $12), Supervisors (Starting at $15), Assistant Manager (Starting at $17) and Managers (Starting $18.75).

Previous experience an asset, but not necessary as Crew will be trained.

Business management, training, schooling is an asset for Supervisors, assistant managers and Managers. Please send resumes to bkfsjco@gmail.com

Applica�on Deadline: January 10, 2018 @ midnight We thank all applicants; only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

FSJACL is commi�ed to being a leader in suppor�ng and valuing the diversity of the people and community we serve. As such, FSJACL is an equal opportunity employer

General employment

General employment

General employment

General employment

The CFO ensures the overall integrity of financial management practices, procedures and policies for the organization. Continuous operational improvements, effective controls of revenue and expenditures, along with integrated policies, are cornerstones of the position.

Looking for a new opportunity?

Submit your resume today!

The ideal candidate will have a recognized degree in Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related, supplemented by an Accounting Designation in any of the following: CPA, CA, CMA or CGA, plus 7 years’ experience in a unionized local government environment, preferably a regional district.

Receptionist - Do you enjoy working in a busy environment? Do you have excellent organizational and time management skills? If so, this may be the opportunity you have been waiting for! Our clients are currently looking to hire a full-time receptionist/pre-test assistant in Fort St John, BC. Some duties for this position include; answering phones, making appointments, taking payments, and assisting staff with pre-testing.

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

This exempt position offers a competitive salary, benefits package and an excellent finance team. If you are interested in this challenging and rewarding career opportunity and want to be a leader amongst our professionals in this bountiful and opportunity filled area, considering making the Peace Country your community and the Peace River Regional District your team!

Office/ clerical

Operator - If you live in the Dawson Creek, BC area and are looking for a plant operating position, then look no further! We have the job for you! Our clients, a well-known company in the oil and gas industry are looking to hire a Plant Operator. You will be put on a 7/7 shift and will need to provide your own transportation to and from the plant as this is not a camp position.

Some requirements of this position include; having all oil and gas safety tickets, GPO is considered an asset, 5th or 4th class Power Engineer tickets, and a class 5 driver’s license.

A detailed job description can be obtained at: http://prrd.be.ca/quick links/employment/index.php Applicants are invited to submit their resumes, complete with cover letter and references

Accounting Clerk - Our clients in the Fort St. John area are currently seeking an experienced Accounting Clerk to add to their team! This is a fulltime, temporary (3 to 6 months) position with the opportunity of permanent hire. In this position you will be responsible for a variety of tasks suck as; Payroll data entry, working with vender accounts and charge backs, PST, GST, and WCB remittances, general administration support as required.

“in confidence” to: Peace River Regional District Attention: Kelsey Bates, Executive Assistant E-mail: hrprrd@prrd.bc.ca Box 810, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 4H8 • Phone: 1-800-670-7773 • Fax: 1-250-784-3220 Closing date for this opportunity is 4:30p.m. on February 5, 2018

If you think you’re a fit for any of our listed positions, please email us your resume with 3 work related references today!

diverse. vast. abundant.

10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367 | f. 250.785.4795 | www.macenna.com e. apply@macenna.com

R0011508820

48518

We thank you for your interest, however, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

General employment

To Apply To apply, please send an e-mail with cover le�er and resume detailing your qualifica�ons to Angela Telford, Board President at tel22@telus.net. Ques�ons regarding this posi�on or a full job descrip�on can be requested by e-mailing Angela Telford at the address noted above.

The PRRD is eager to welcome an enthusiastic, motivated and team-orientated individual to fill the position of the retiring Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO is responsible for the statutory duties of the Financial Officer under the Local Government Act. Reporting to the CAO, the CFO is accountable for the overall financial administration of the PRRD and will provide leadership in areas of budget, planning, reporting, policies, debt and investment management, risk management, related bylaws and asset management. As the head of the Finance Department, the CFO provides management excellence with primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of all finance-related activities, with support from the Finance Manager and five Clerks.

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

Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 4 children ages 8, 6, 3, & 5 months. Full-Time Livein only. Duties include: Care for the younger children at home. Make beds and do laundry.

Light house cleaning.

Working hours 8am4pm Monday-Friday Weekends off. $10.25/hr or $1640/mth. Must speak English. Related Experience necessary. Prefer high school graduate or someone with higher education and/or caregiver training. Call 250219-2291/250-4679112 or email: salverene01@yahoo.com

Repor�ng to the Board of Directors, the Execu�ve Director is the organiza�on’s senior manager, responsible for overseeing all opera�ons of the society including Program Delivery, Opera�ons, Human Resources and Finance. The Execu�ve Director ensures that a high standard of client based programs are delivered and maintained as well as promo�ng the society’s ac�vi�es through contact with clients, business organiza�ons, government agencies and the general public.

The main Peace River Regional District office is located within the municipality of Dawson Creek. Our staff showcases strength through teamwork and fosters a respectful environment. We are a high-performance organization recognized for our commitment to open and collaborative processes.

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

Check in this paper for more details closer to the show!

Domestic Help WanteD

Job Descrip�on The Fort St John Associa�on for Community Living (FSJACL) is seeking an innova�ve and inspired Execu�ve Director to build on the strengths of a well-established organiza�on.

The vast rural areas provide pristine nature and the opportunity to set down your roots in an oasis away from it all, while enjoying the services you desire, such as bussing, solid waste disposal and elementary schools within and outside of municipal boundaries. With such diverse inclusion within our regions' boundaries, there is truly a place for you, whatever your lifestyle.

PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park.

For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

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

Job Posting – Executive Director

Join the Peace River Regional District team in northeastern BC - world renowned for our friendly people, sunny winter skies, spectacular outdoor recreation and linkages to the Yukon and Alaska. The Peace River Regional District is the largest geographical regional district in British Columbia covering a vast 120,000 square kilometers. It encompasses four electoral areas and seven member municipalities, with a total population of approximately 62,000.

Coming EvEnts

Landsong Heritage Consulting Ltd. Cost Controller Prepare project cost estimates and propos− als, management of contracts and accruals, accounts payable, ac− counts receivable and payroll. Details available on website. Please sub− mit CV, with references and cover letter to joanna@landsong.com, subject: Cost Controller Job Application. No telephone inquiries or faxes please. www.landsong.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 B7

Classifieds Misc FarM EquipMEnt

IndustrIal/ CommerCIal

ApArtments/ Condos for

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

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 168 SF Single office in a clean, professional building, centrally located at 9907-99Ave. Bright with a large window and immediate access to main lobby and customer entrance.

Lots of client parking available, wheel chair accessible building & washrooms. Tenant will have access to shared coffee room $12.85/SF plus Triple Net and gst.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY for details contact Gary at (250)261-1214 or by email at gary@ggreeder.com GARY REEDER REALTY LTD

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

250-784-5817

Business services GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 101 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad.

Choose your province or all across Canada.

Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-669-9222.

FISHING FOR LOCAL NEWS?

Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

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

ApArtments/ Condos for

SuiteS For rent For Rent: FURNISHED SMALL SUITE in Dawson Creek, Downtown. WiFi & Internet. Phone: 250-782-7042 FURNISHED BASEMENT SUITE. Internet Included. Available January 1st. NO PETS. Pouce Coupe. Call 250-7865157.

Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE ...

FALL CLEARANCE SALE ON NOW! 20X21 $5,990. Front & Back Walls Included. 25X25 $6,896. One End Wall Included. 32X33 $8,199. No Ends Included. Check Out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036

ApArtments/ Condos for

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Book Your Ad Now!

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE MONTNEY MIDSTREAM GP INC. Communication Tower Construction In accordance with the Industry Canada Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Policy, Montney Midstream GP Inc. (MMLP) is notifying the public with the intention to construct a pair of radio towers in North Eastern British Columbia, in the Laprise area.

Overview MMLP plans to build two (2) radio communication towers, one (1) 150 feet tower located at NTS b-073-D/094-H-04 and another one (1) 120 feet tower located at d-027-I/094-B-16.

Project Purpose There will be one (1) supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) antenna placed on each tower. As well, a microwave link will be established between the Main Plant at b-24-H/94-G-08 and the Laprise Facility at d-027-I/094-B-16, for the purpose of integrating the control systems at both sites. This microwave link will also allow for the monitoring of CCTV and Site access systems from b-24-H/94-G-08. The b-073-D/094-H-04 tower will provide SCADA communications and control to intermediate points along the pipeline. The tower will be painted and lighted as per Transport Canada requirements. Approvals will be obtained from both Industry Canada and Nav Canada.

Locations The towers will be located on 2 proposed leases located approximately 45 kilometers South East of the community of Pink Mountain.

NAD83 Lat

NAD83 Long

Proposed Tower Height

d-027-I/094-B-16

N 56°56’ 28.05

W 122° 04’ 51.32

120 Ft

b-073-D site b-073-D/094-H-04

N 57° 03’ 29.62

W 121° 54’ 46.30

150 Ft

Site Name NTS Location Laprise Facility

Public Safety Good Engineering practices will be adhered to; consequently, the tower will be engineered and built in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, to ensure structural integrity and public safety.

Transport Canada Requirements Montney Midstream GP Inc. will paint and light the tower as per Transport Canada’s aeronautical requirements.

GET THE BIG CATCH OF THE DAY!

Alaska Highway NEWS

(250) 785-5631

R0011352381

The following documents can be obtained from the Industry Canada website:

Li-Car Management Group

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

Phone: 250-785-2662

General information relating to antenna systems http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic-gc.nsf/eng/07422.html Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems - CPC-2-0-03 Outlines the requirements for building radio towers http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08777.html If you have any questions, concerns or objections, please submit them in writing within 30 days of the date of this notice to: Montney Midstream GP Inc. C/O Saguaro Resources Ltd. 440, 222 - 3rd Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0B4 Attention Mark Hampson

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Museum News — January 2018 Planning is well underway for the New Year at the museum. We’ve got several classic events (documentary nights, kids’ nights, etc.) returning with new subject matter as well as some brand new educational events and fundraisers coming up later this year. We’ll need some extra volunteer help to keep up with all our events, tours, archives inquiries, and more.

Contact the museum for more information or read more about various volunteer opportunities below.

ARCHIVES & COLLECTIONS Our archives responded to 126 inquiries in 2017. Our archival volunteers continue to work hard in identifying photographs, sorting through newspaper clippings, scanning obituaries and biographical information, and improving database records. We wouldn’t be able to respond to these inquiries as easily without all their help.

Think you might know some people and places in old photographs of the area?

Contact Heather at 250787-0430 if you’re interested in helping with photo identification or volunteering in the archives.

UPCOMING EVENTS • St. Distaff’s Day Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the North Peace Spinners and Weavers to mark St. Distaff’s Day at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum.

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

This day traditionally marked the first day back to work following the twelve days of Christmas. In the Middle Ages, women of all classes resumed their spinning on this day, using a distaff and drop spindle.

Learn about the techniques of spinning and weaving. Try out a drop spindle. Discover the history of this celebration.

Free admission. Donations welcome. Call 250-787-0430 for more information.

• Documentary Night Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Dinosaurs once roamed across northeast British Columbia. Come learn more about the ichthyosaur found at Pink Mountain. Discover the challenges in unearthing this Triassic giant. Free admission.

Donations welcome. Call 250-787-0430 for more information.

• Kids’ Night at the Museum: BIRDS! Friday, February 2, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Snowy owls, northern flickers, and snow buntings… the birds of the North Peace come in a variety of sizes and colours. Learn interesting facts about these fliers, spot taxidermy bird specimens around the museum, hear a story about birds, and make bird-related crafts.

Registration is mandatory and limited. Call 250-787-0430 for more information.

Heather Sjoblom is manager and curator of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum.

What about antibiotics?

F

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

Mia Zoerb, as Ariel, set the stage for The Little Mermaid during its opening weekend Dec. 8 and 9, 2017.

MATT PREPROST PHOTOS

Above: Young Noah Carter, just two and a half years old, helps his mom Shaylene shovel the driveway of their 112 Avenue home on Oct. 25, 2017. It was Noah’s first-ever time on shovel duty and, like most of us, he’d rather be doing something more fun—like sledding, he says. Below: A truck gets lost in the eerily alien landscape that was the north bank of the Peace River in the Site C construction zone on July 8, 2017, where slope excavations were ongoing.

ew things in the world of medicine have had more attention recently than antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance has been increasing in bacteria that cause human and animal diseases, and this has made medical management of these problems more difficult.

Bacteria are organisms with ability to mutate and adapt to pressures applied to them and their life cycle is short.

Resistance appears to happen overnight. More and more, simple infections are not so simple. Treating them can be frustrating to say the least, and scary if things worsen instead of improve.

What can we do about this?

The problem is widespread and there has been a unified effort to curb this trend. Human and veterinary medicine are looking at the situation and new systems are being developed to manage antibiotic use in medical treatment for all species.

This effort has resulted in regulatory changes in availability and control of antibiotic use.

The focus is to maintain the important antibiotics for use in human medicine and continue to have effective tools available to save human lives.

This will affect veterinary medicine as well. Veterinarians have a responsibility to manage the use of antibiotics in animal species, primarily in livestock where the largest volumes of antibiotics have been used, but also in pet species that have become family members in much of the developed world.

The changes advocated are for the responsible use of antibiotics. Veterinary oversight of antibiotic use is being strengthened in Canada. There is a new federal and provincial veterinary framework for antibiotic stewardship and this brings with it policies, guidelines and new practice standards for oversight of antibiotic use. Your veterinarian has some new rules to follow

when antibiotics are used on their patients.

Our practices are subject to inspection by our provincial veterinary association and new antibiotic oversight will be part of this process. Some of these changes will be good record keeping and other internal factors that don’t directly affect our clients. The aspects that affect veterinary clients involve the ability of the veterinarian to make decisions about antibiotic treatment and sales. The most important aspect will be a strong Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). Your veterinarian needs to have adequate knowledge about the animal to make informed decisions about using antibiotics to treat them. Part of oversight will be good follow up when antibiotics are used, with veterinarians engaged in the process of surveillance. Clients need to be active participants when antibiotics are used and examination of the patient and follow up will be important. You should not expect to purchase antibiotics over the counter as many will be reclassified and some will no longer be available to veterinary patients.

All other forms of management need to be looked into as well. An ounce of prevention is always worth at least a pound of cure. Other forms of treatment need to be incorporated wherever possible. Vaccinations are often available and there have recently been new innovative products that support the animals own ability to fight disease effectively. Effective antibiotics are not always the biggest and best ones that money can buy. Antibiotics are not always necessary.

Everyone is part of the battle and we need to work together, as always. Help your veterinarian help you.

Dr. Perry Spitzer is an owner and director of North Peace Veterinary Clinic.

B8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018

“Get The Good Stuff” 250-785-0463

9224 - 100th Street

2017 / 18

NHL GREAT CANADIAN

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

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

Fort City

www.arctichottubsfortstjohn.com

Financing available

Always Proud To Support Our Community!

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

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

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

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

www.fortcitychrysler.ca

Drop off entry form at one of the participating businesses

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

ADDRESS:_____________________ PHONE #: ___________________ CELL#_______________________

MUST BE 19 OR OLDER TO ENTER

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

ONLY 6 QUALIFIERS REMAINING !

GET YOUR ENTRY IN TODAY!!

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

GAMES

CITIES

Tuesday February 20, 2018

Colorado @ Vancouver

Thursday February 22, 2018

New York Islanders @ Toronto

Saturday February 24, 2018

Philadelphia @ Ottawa

Monday February 26, 2018

Philadelphia @ Montreal

Tuesday February 27, 2018

Nashville @ Winnipeg

Thursday March 1, 2018

Nashville @ Edmonton

Friday March 2, 2018

New York Rangers @ Calgary

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