THURSDAY, march 22, 2018 Vol. 75, No. 12
Serving Fort St. John, B.C. and Surrounding Communities
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A2 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
Local News
contents A2 A2 A3 A6 A9 A14 B1 B6
Weather Humour News Opinion Business Perspectives Sports Classifieds
Why skinny jeans are dangerous happy holi Bob Snyder Chews the news
this week’s flyers M&M Meats Jysk The Source Walmart Annette Reeder Home Hardware Staples Ashley Peavy Mart Rona The Brick No Frills Save-On Foods London Drugs Safeway Shoppers Drug Mart Pipeline News North
HOWDY SAUDI: Our news chewing tour begins in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia plans to build the world’s largest stadium, with 130,000 seats for spectators. I guess those beheading events are very popular. ROYAL REPORT: Our next stop is the UK. London newspapers revealed Queen Elizabeth has won the equivalent in British pounds of 9 million dollars US betting on horse racing. That’s easy to explain. Imagine you’re a British jockey. You’re riding a horse Her Majesty has bet against. You know if you win, it’s off with your head. You’re not going to win. CHICKEN CHUCKLE: Last week, Fort St John city council scrapped the idea of allowing backyard chickens. Backyards or not, chickens are mostly a summertime project here in the north. Our winters are cold enough to freeze off a rooster’s McNuggets.
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HAWKING R.I.P.: The famous scientist in the wheelchair died last week. Stephen Hawking left instructions about what he wanted on his tombstone. It’s a mathematical formula. I saw the formula on the Internet. It’s way too complicated for me to understand. I’m lousy at math. For me, math would be easier if I had 16 fingers.
matt preprost Photo
It was a festival of colours at the Northern Lights College campus in Fort St. John March 9, as students celebrated Holi, a Hindu festival marking the coming of spring. “It’s about forgive and forget. It’s about new beginnings,” said NLC student council president Oliver White.
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PADDY PARTICULARS: Saturday was St Patrick’s Day, a special day for leprechauns. Leprechauns are tiny guys. If a tall Fort St. John 129.9 guy tells you he’s a leprechaun — he’s lying about his height. St Patrick’s Day is a huge Alberta-B.C. border deal in Ireland. Ireland is now a prosperous 117.9 hi-tech country. For many years the Irish t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment economyCanada was based on potatoes, cabbage, Fort Nelson N/A and finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Dawson Creek
BELGIAN BULLETIN: There was an embarrassing mixup in Ottawa during a visit by the King and Queen of Belgium. They were greeted by the wrong flag. The DUMP TRUMP: Last week, Donald German flag. Ooops! We don’t hear much Trump admitted he made up a bunch of about Belgium, but I hear it’s a nice place. https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html figures and told lies during a recent trade If I go there I’d like to visit the Belgian meeting with Justin Trudeau. He actually Waffle mines. bragged about it. Then he denied it. The Groundbirch one thing Trump needed to know when he LOTTERY LOL: A U.S. judge ruled a N/A DOOMSDAY DETAILS: In the States, went into that meeting was that the U.S. woman who won $560 million on the Costco started selling a Doomsday Surviv- has a trade SURPLUS with Canada. He got lottery can stay anonymous. But can she Chetwynd N/A al Kit, with enough food to keep a family that one thing wrong. So he lied. Then he keep the secret from her neighbors? Like, Home Environment and naturalofresources Weather information Weather Local British four alivefor one year. OK, but do they lied aboutforecasts lying. Then he liedColumbia that he lied when the delivery guy brings Amazon Tumbler Ridge N/A give a refund on your Costco membership about lying. Then he lied that he was lying packages to her house 25 times every day. fee if Doomsday arrives before your mem- when he lied about lying. JEAN JEST: Some brands of skinny Prince George 109.9 bership expires? An ad for the Doomsday kit says it will help you survive if there’s a BOSS BULLETIN: Is your boss a mean jeans were recalled, they can cause injurObserved at: Fort John Airport 11:00 AM MST 20Wilfrid March 2018 Current Conditions nuclear war. So be sure to buy an IKEA as- St.nasty, guy? According to aTuesday study by ies. Injuries? You bet. Guys have been inHythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html 116.8 semble-it-yourself fallout shelter. Laurier University in Ontario, if you make jured by walking into a wall while staring a voodoo and stick pins in at a girl wearing skinny jeans. Condition: Mostly Cloudy Temperature: 1.4°C doll of your boss Wind: ESE 5 km/h IKEA IDEA: Speaking of IKEA, when it, you’ll feel much better. With my Grande Prairie 108.4 Pressure: 101.0 kPa Dew point: -1.1°C Visibility: 81 km luck a you’re in the big city and you visit IKEA, do voodoo doll would work like acupuncture. Bob Snyder can be reached at: Tendency: Falling Humidity: 83% you eat their meatballs? IKEA announced I’d stick pins in the nasty boss doll — and chewsthenews@fastmail.com Calgary 115.3 a new menu item for its restaurants. Bug his bad back would be cured. burgers. Yes, bug burgers, made with insects. The letters I.K.E.A. now mean: I Knowingly Eat Ants.
Fort St. John, BC
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Home Environment and natural resources Edmonton
Weather information
Fort Nelson, BC
Forecast Victoria Current Conditions 140.7 Tue
B.C. avg 20 Mar Alberta Avg.
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Tonight Night Wed The Tue contents of this newspaper are protected by21 Mar 20 Mar copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.
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Night Fri 23 Mar
-4°C -6°C All other rights are reserved 30% 3°C and commercial use is -2°C Chance of rain Snow prohibited. To make any use of showers or flurries A material few flurries ormust first Snow this you rain showers obtain the permission of the owner of the copyright.
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Fri Sat 0.2°C 23 MarTemperature: 24 Mar Dew point: -3.7°C Humidity: 75%
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British Columbia
Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 20 March 2018 FORT ST. JOHN Observed at: Fort Nelson Airport 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 20 March 2018
Condition: Light22 Mar Snow 136.7 21 Mar
CAD$ per litre, prices as of March 20. Source: GasBuddy.com
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WEATHER & ROAD REPORT
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Vancouver
HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION
Sun Mon Wind: N 3 km/h26 Mar 25 Mar Visibility: 8 km
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FOR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PEACE REGION, Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 20 March 2018 FORT NELSON PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW.
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Tonight Night Night or flurries this Night Mainly cloudy. 30 percent Night chance of rain showers afternoon. Wind Night becoming southeast 20 Environment Canada Local For Today further information contact km/h Weather Forecasts the managing editor at this afternoon. High plus 4. (250)-785-7669 Tonight Partly cloudy. 30 percent chance of rain showers or flurries early this evening. Wind southeast 20 km/h. Low minus 4.
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250-785-5631 Wed, 21 Mar -5°C Night
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Thu, 22 Mar Night Today Fri, 23 Mar Tonight Night
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Cloudy.-12°C 70 percent chance of flurries in the afternoon. Wind east 30 km/h gusting-12°C to 50. High plus 2. -17°C -15°C -15°C Snow. Local blowing snow. Windy. Low minus 6. 60% 60%
Buy One Chance of flurries Periods of snow Get Snow.One Local FREE! blowing snow. Windy. High minus 4. Chance of flurries
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Cloudy. few flurries and rain showers beginning this afternoon. High plus 3. Snow. HighAzero. T-Shirts Periods of snow. A few rain11. showers early this evening. Snowfall amount 5 cm. Low minus 5. Periods of snow. Low minus
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Boxers and 2018-03-20, 12:02 p.m. Periods of snow. High minus 9. Briefs While quantities last, see in-store for details. Cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries. Low minus 17.
THURSDAY, march 22, 2018 Vol. 75, No. 12
Serving Fort St. John, B.C. and Surrounding Communities
$1.50 inc. gst.
alaskahighwaynews.ca
“The Only Newspaper in the World That Gives a Tinker’s Dam About the North Peace.”
the lessons learned from horses
resource rallies planned
the next generation of curlers
news A5
BUSINESS A9
SPORTS B3
Seniors home vandalism sparks concerns about police response matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
When You Are Out in the Field, Time IS Money. QUALITY PARTS, EXPERT SERVICE! matt preprost Photo
Suzanne Sutherland gives her grandson Landon Tolsma a kiss after shaving his head in front of his peers at Charlie Lake Elementary on March 16, 2018. Tolsma has raised $13,000 and counting for cancer supports in the region.
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Charlie Lake student raises $13,000 and goes bald to honour grandma’s cancer battle matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
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When 10-year-old Landon Tolsma learned his grandma Suzanne Sutherland had lung cancer, he knew he would be walking step-for-step beside her throughout her battle. Faced with chemotherapy treatment and losing her hair, Sutherland decided to shave her head and lose her hair the way she chose to and not the way the drugs chose to. Noticing a lack of supports as simple as a wig or a scarf for cancer patients like his grandma, young Landon responded in turn — last October he started growing out his hair in an effort to raise money to help buy scarves and
wigs for patients who had gone bald from their treatment. His goal was $1,500, and on Friday, he learned he had beat that by miles — raising $13,000 and celebrating his achievement by going bald himself and shaving his head in his grandma’s honour. “I thought I should do more to support her, and raise money for cancer, to find a cure so people don’t have to suffer losing people to cancer,” he said. Landon started raising money through his friends and family, and the power of social media drew in donations from as far away as Edmonton and Vancouver, as well as donations from local businesses, his mom Jackie Tolsma said.
Landon’s classmates at Charlie Lake Elementary even pitched in, raising more than $700, and cheering him on during Friday’s head shave. The money will be split evenly between the Fort St. John Cancer Society and the Dawson Creek Chemo Unit. While the plan was to buy wigs and scarves, the extra money will go much further to support patient care. “Landon raised money for other people so they don’t have to worry about it,” Jackie Tolsma said. “He has a huge heart. He’s just a loving boy. He’s very thoughtful.” See CANCER on A4
Loitering litterbugs frustrating city staff matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
Junk food wrappers, booze bottles, cigarette butts — city staff are growing tired of the trash piling up in the parking lots of the city’s recreational complex and want enforcement and prevention efforts stepped up. Yana Dakounina says the city has reported the loitering litterbugs outside the Pomeroy Sport Centre, North Peace Arena, and curling rink to police, but little has been done to curb the problem — in fact, it’s only getting worse, she says. “We report it to the cops, the cops come, and, of course, they don’t throw out their garbage when the cops come,” said Dakounina, who was found cleaning up the parking lot behind the curling rink Monday morning. “It’s just getting worse. It’s a dump.”
matt preprost Photo
Yana Dokounina cleans a pile of trash dumped on a snow pile behind the See LITTER on A16 curling rink on March 19. “It’s just getting worse. It’s a dump,” she says.
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The call came in from police dispatch around 8:24 p.m. March 5, about a panhandler at the Peace Lutheran apartments, possibly intoxicated and looking for money and cigarettes. By the time police arrived more than two hours later, around 11 p.m., the panhandler had smashed two of the apartment doors, caused $1,000 in damage, and peed in the foyer before leaving the scene. The response time has prompted concerns from the North Peace Seniors Housing Society and residents on social media about how police prioritize their calls. “These are buildings full of seniors, they’re very comfortable” said society manager Kimberly Wilson. “If he would have kept at that one inside door, it would have broke right out. He didn’t get in, which we’re thankful for.” If the panhandler did, tenants say the man would have had access to the Peace Lutheran complex, including three other apartment buildings and the church. “It really did make the shivers run up your spine,” said one tenant, who admitted she sometimes forgets to lock her door at night, and did not want her name used. There have been a number of incidents at the apartments where people have sought warmth in the foyer, but nothing as damaging and disturbing as the recent incident, Wilson said. She hoped police would have treated the complaints with more urgency considering the how vulnerable tenants are, and how close the detachment is to the apartments. The average age of tenants is between 75 and 80, many of them who are frail and use walkers, Wilson said. “(Police) have to prioritize ... but I think seniors should be a priority,” Wilson said. “I’m disappointed. If they came sooner, I wouldn’t have had the damage I did.” At the time of the call, there were just four general duty officers working: two were tied up with a disturbance at the hospital, a high-risk officer situation, police say, where the person in question had drug and mental health issues; the other two were dealing with a man resisting arrest in a public place. In the 2.5 hours it took officers to clear those calls and respond to the care home, eight other calls for service were made to police. See VANDALISM on B8
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A4 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
Local News
Halfway River, B.C. sign new agreement on land management, economic development
Pembina plants $150K into NEAT’s food security program matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
Pembina Pipeline Corporation is planting $150,000 into the Northern Environmental Action Team’s Food Secure Kids program over the next three years. The funding will allow NEAT to continue providing food security education to Kindergarten to Grade 6 students in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. “As a community, we all
reap the rewards of this program. We’re not just helping to grow food security knowhow in our kids, we’re also helping to grow a new generation of community-minded citizens,” Jeff Spenst, area supervisor for Pembina, said in an announcement on Friday. “We at Pembina see this as a win-win, and can’t wait to get out to the schools this spring to lend a hand.” As part of the program, kids learn the basics of gardening, like how things grow, and
about pollinators and compost, and learn where their food comes from and about potential disruptions that could affect a community’s food security. NEAT has a curriculum designed for each grade, and there are five schools in Fort St. John with onsite gardens where students plant food that’s made available to the food bank and the community. “It’s really about creating healthier relationships within our food systems” said Karen
Mason-Bennett, executive director of NEAT. “We understand not everyone is going to grow their own food as adults, but knowing how much goes into getting those carrots onto your table will hopefully foster an increased respect and support for those who do.” NEAT is getting ready for the 2018 season, and is looking for an eco-adviser to help deliver the program from April to June. To learn more, visit neat.ca.
The Halfway River First Nation has signed a government-to-government agreement with the B.C. government that aims to establish a new 6,000-hectare conservancy in the North Peace. The conservancy, known as Tsaa Nuna, would be established in areas of cultural significance, and would be developed in partnership between the First Nation and the province. The commitment on the conservancy is part of a new multi-million dollar agreement on land management and natural resource development in Halfway River’s territory. Under the agreement, Halfway River will receive $5.8 million in one-time funding to support education, health, culture, infrastructure, economic development, human resources, and environmental stewardship programs. The First Nation will also receive $1 million in capacity funding over seven years, $50,000 for a carbon offset feasibility study, and a share of annual resource revenues. The two governments will collaborate on wildlife management and economic development, according to a release from the province. The agreement will also establish a working group to develop land management measures for Tsaa Nuna, Hackney Hills, Crying Girl Prairie, Chowade Valley, Cameron Valley, Cypress Valley and other significant areas. Any land use changes and wildlife measures contemplated under the agreement will be subject to stakeholder engagement, the province says.
Man charged with aggravated assault after nightclub stabbing A 19-year-old Fort St. John man has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault after two people were stabbed outside a city nightclub early March 18. Fort St. John RCMP were called to the Lonestar nightclub around 2 a.m. after reports of the stabbing. One victim was found in the parking lot, where the alleged stabbing took place, and taken to hospital where a second victim was found, according to police. Both had non-life-threatening injuries, police say. With the help of witnesses,
officers were able to find and arrest a suspect, who had fled the scene with a knife toward 102 Avenue, police say. Shaquen Mundt, 19, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault. He will appear in court on May 16, and is not in custody, according to court records. Police continue to investigate, and believe the stabbing was the result of an argument, with alcohol being a contributing factor. Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment at 250-787-8100.
cancer from a3
Seeing her grandson raise so much support has made Sutherland proud. While the community support has been overwhelming, it’s the family support that’s the most important, she said. “It’s very important,” Sutherland said. “If I didn’t have my husband and all my kids, it would have been really hard.” Charlie Lake principal Nancy
Maxfield called Landon a kind and compassionate Laker. “He really engaged our student body in school spirit,” she said. Fundraising is continuing until March 31. For more information, contact Jackie Tolsma by calling 250-262-6224, emailing Jackiesutherlandtolsma@yahoo.ca, or by visiting Landon’s Wish on Facebook.
matt preprost Photo
Landon Tolsma runs his fingers one last time through his hair before shaving it off on March 16, 2018.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 A5
Local News
Students learn leadership, teamwork by working with horses matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
Horses have an uncanny ability to attune themselves with humans, and last week, seven North Peace Secondary students began to learn that firsthand as part of an equine assisted learning class. For the next 12 weeks, students will meet once a week at the Rock Alder Ranch near Charlie Lake, paired with a horse to work through obstacles and challenges in a series of challenges meant to build leadership and teamwork skills. The horses are the teacher, instructor Shawna-Marie Phillip said, and communicate through body language to get through the obstacles given to them and the students. “Horses have really high functioning survival skills,” Phillip said. “That’s why they’re a good match for humans.”
Horses are also able to communicate with people without blame or judgement when a mistake is made — they simply react, she said. “Once you get to know one another, you start to work as a real good team,” Phillips said. Its the first year the program is being offered to high school students after a successful run at Dr. Kearney school. Students will journal their experiences throughout the program. “Sometimes, you won’t realize what you’ve learned until you meet some sort of challenge and think, what did I learn from the horse?” Phillips said. “You apply that to regular life and have the horse to help walk you through it.” Thirty Dr. Kearney students will take part in the program after the spring break. To learn more, visit Frontier Horsemanship Academy on Facebook.
Renée Laboucane named executive director of Association for Community Living matt preprost
matt preprost Peace River North MLA Dan Davies introduced his first bill as a legislator on March 15. Davies introduced a private member’s bill to change the name of Peace River North to Peace River-Northern Rockies to reflect the entirety of the electoral district. he Northern Rockies represents 10 per cent of the province’s landmass, Davies said, and the name change would be more representative of the riding, and align with the name of the federal electoral district. The name change would also raise the profile of the region to the government, and its responsibility to it, Davies said. “It reaches out to Fort Nelson, recognizing they are an important part of the riding, especially in these times when
PRESENTATION FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE COMMUNITY PROFILE PHASE 1
BYLAWS
Renée Laboucane
•
Business Licence Amendment Bylaw No. 2411, 2018 was introduced and read for the first three times by title only. The purpose of the bylaw is to amend the City’s existing Business Licence Bylaw No. 2372, 2017 to provide improved service to clients. The amendments, which are clerical in nature, apply to Schedule B – Business Licence Application Form and include a check box for Inter-Community Business Licence and a new section regarding fire inspections to streamline actions tasked to the Fire Department.
•
The following bylaws required for the 2018 Local Government Election were introduced and read for the first three times by title only: -
Election and Assent Voting Bylaw No. 2413, 2018 - the purpose of this bylaw is to determine the various procedures for the conduct of local government elections. The existing bylaw was last updated in 2011. Amendments were required to ensure that the bylaw refers to current provincial legislation.
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Automated Vote Counting System Authorization and Procedure Bylaw No. 2415, 2018 - the purpose of this bylaw is to authorize election staff to utilize an automated vote counting system for tallying votes and to explain how the process works. The City’s 2011 Election Bylaw had the automated vote counting system contained within it however it is now a stand-alone bylaw. There are no major changes to the bylaw.
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Mail Ballot Authorization and Procedure Bylaw No. 2416, 2018 - the purpose of this bylaw is to allow voting by mail ballot and to establish procedures for this type of voting. If an elector is out of town or is physically unable to get to the polls, this bylaw gives the ability to mail a ballot to them. Election staff saw a higher number of requests for this service during the 2017 By-Election. The existing bylaw was last updated in 2011. Amendments were required to ensure that the bylaw refers to current provincial legislation.
TENDER AWARDS •
Council awarded the request for quotations for Security and Surveillance Upgrades to Houle Electric from Burnaby, BC, at a cost of $419,278 plus applicable taxes. The need for this work arose from concerns expressed by both City staff and members of the public regarding safety when either working at or visiting the City’s recreational facilities. There have also been numerous incidents that the existing security cameras were not able to record. As a result, a comprehensive security review was conducted for the entire recreational campus and the Cultural Centre. Recommendations were received on numerous security measures with a high focus on camera infrastructure upgrades and placements. This tender award is to implement those recommendations.
•
A report was provided to Council advising that the request for proposals for Dog Park Improvements and Development was awarded to EDS Group Inc., from Spruce Grove, Alberta, in the amount of $24,990. As the project was awarded to the lowest bidder meeting minimum specifications and the value of the tender was below $250,000, the tender could be approved by staff under the terms of the City’s Purchasing and Tendering Policy. The main component of this phase of the dog park project is to consult with stakeholders, the general public, City Council and staff on the needs and wishes for a dog park. A key component of this phase will be the site selection.
operations of rural learning centres. There will be an open house and meet and greet March 28 at the ACL office from 2 to 4 p.m. All are welcome.
MLA Davies pitches riding name change editor@ahnfsj.ca
CITY BEAT
Updates from March 12, 2018 Council Meetings
At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation on the Community Profile Phase 1 work done by the Fort St. John Community Development Institute. The purpose of the Community Profile is to build an understanding of the assets, opportunities and challenges in Fort St. John. Phase 1 involved collecting census data and government statistics. Phase 2 will provide more detailed information through community surveys and community sources and will inform the development of a Social Framework for Fort St. John.
editor@ahnfsj.ca
The Fort St. John Association for Community Living has named Renée Laboucane as its new executive director. Laboucane joined the organization March 15, and replaces outgoing executive director Cindy Mohr, who is stepping down after 16 years. “I’m confident that her experience in social and economic development as well as her extensive skills in management will be invaluable to the FSJACL as it continues to grow and meet the needs of our community,” Angela Telford, board president, said in a statement. “As the FSJACL moves into its next chapter, we have exciting times ahead.” Laboucane returned to the city last year to help open the Community Development Institute as its senior facilitator. She has a business degree, and was previously the community stewardship manager at Grande Prairie Regional College, where she oversaw the
matt preprost Photo
Dale Boissonneault blesses the horses in the Frontier Equine Assisted Learning Program.
the economy isn’t doing well,” Davies said, noting the Northern Rockies is in a different watershed than Peace River. “Fort Nelson is very different. Truly, when we think of Peace River, there’s no direct correlation to that.” The bill will get first reading today, and then it will be up to the government to call it for second reading, Davies said. “I’ll be frank with you, that rarely happens, unfortunately, by nature of the system we’re in,” he said. “With that being said, this is a bill though that there’s no real cost to. It’s certainly not a partisan bill. It’s clean, a small change to the electoral act.” Davies hopes to have the riding changed in time for the next election. Elections BC conducts a review of electoral district boundaries and names every eight years. The last review was completed in 2015.
TEMPORARY USE PERMIT FOR MEDPRO RESPIRATORY CARE Council approved the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit to allow a health services facility, Medpro Respiratory Care, to continue to operate on a portion of 8707 – 100th Avenue for a term of three years, with an option to renew the permit for an additional three years. This use would not otherwise be permitted within the C-4 Zone under the City’s Zoning Bylaw.
SETTLEMENT WORKERS IN SCHOOLS – WORLD FAIR PARTNERSHIP City staff has formed a partnership with the SWIS’ World Fair to establish a culturally diverse community event in the downtown core. The City has expanded an existing partnership with the North Peace Cultural Centre’s Bright Nights in June to include the World Fair. This expansion allows the City to provide in-kind support of assisting with the set up and lending of tables, chairs and tents in the park located on the corner of 100 Street and 100 Avenue. The World Fair will take place on June 9, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday March 26, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend.
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A6 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
Opinion
Contact Us matt preprost 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca
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What’s your opinion? Send your letters to: editor@ahnfsj.ca Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters must be accompanied by a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) and your full name. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Please keep letters under 600 words. We ask that submissions protest the policy - not the person. Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of the Alaska Highway News.
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Editorially Speaking
W
hen I first began reporting in Fort St. John in the fall of 2013, the media gallery covering city council had between four or five reporters at any given meeting. There was a healthy dose of print, radio, and television reporters in the mix — we may have been covering the same agenda, but we were all, at the very least, able to offer the community varied perspectives on the issues up for discussion and debate from our resulting coverage. Fast forward to 2018, and the gallery has dwindled to an average of just two reporters for some time now: just one print and one radio, though, after much troubles with turnover at CJDC, I look forward to seeing a television reporter in the gallery more often as the station once again has two news reporters in town. After all, it is a municipal election year, and the more reporters covering the happenings of city hall the
better. Nothing beats an informed citizenry, especially when they vote (hint, hint). But I often wonder if the community has truly taken notice of the shifts in their local media landscape. It’s one thing to mourn the loss of an outlet, or the exit of an established reporter to another market; it’s another to have a larger discussion about the changing face of the industry and how it’s been impacting the quantity and quality of local coverage altogether. Every industry has adjusted to a new economic reality that has taken hold of the Peace Region over the last four years, and it’s been no different for us in the media. We just don’t seem to talk about it as much, certainly not around these parts. But I’m working to try to change that. Starting next week, we’ll be launching a readership survey, probably our first ever, to help us better understand how the
community is accessing and engaging with their local news. I was hoping to launch this week, but we’re still finalizing an incentive prize for those who take chose to participate. It’s part of an effort I’m undertaking to better understand what readers want from the Alaska Highway News as we countdown to our 75th year of publishing news in Fort St. John and the North Peace — how they read us, why they read us, what they want us to spend more of our reporting time focused on, as the reality of editorial resources in 2018 is this: there will alway be more news to cover than reporters to cover it, and to cover it properly and thoroughly like it ought to be. We have our ideas on how and where to improve, but the community certainly has theirs too — and without including them, we’re moot. Our business model has undergone several changes over
the last number of years, and will continue evolve. Such is the nature of the beast; we’ve embraced it and we’re better for it. To go along with the readership survey, I’m looking for a group of our dedicated readers, community stakeholders, and steadfast advertisers to join me on a Reader Insight Panel. Let’s talk about the news. Let’s talk about the state of local media. Let’s talk about this publication. The panel will start to meet quarterly in June, to give direct feedback on the media issues that impact them most. It’s all part of the work I want to do to help build a better media system in Fort St. John, and there’s more to come. If you’re interested in joining the panel, shoot me a line: editor@ahnfsj.ca. The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things. Matt Preprost is managing editor of Alaska Highway News.
A modern-day Trojan horse for pipeline stalemate
L
istening to the radio earlier this week, I was surprised to hear about a new study being announced. Washington state based business study is looking at potential high-speed rail service from Vancouver to Seattle and Portland, and the province of B.C. is contributing $300,000 to support the study. The conversation on the radio continued and there was mention of how great this would be for employees of Google and Amazon who have offices in both Vancouver and Seattle. At the press conference announcing the participation in the study, our premier, John Horgan, was quoted as saying that, “It’s a physical link between our jurisdictions that will take cars off the road and will move people and goods in a safe and effective manner.” In a way, it is like the Trans Mountain pipeline. The Trans Mountain pipeline will also move goods in a safer and effective manner but has not been met with the same enthusiasm by the province of B.C. The proposed high-speed rail line would create jobs on both sides of the border — the United States and Canada. The Trans Mountain pipeline would create jobs on both sides of another border — Alberta and British Columbia. The proposed high-speed rail line might have ridership of more than a million
Judy Kucharuk the desk of the green-eyed girl
people in the first year. The Trans Mountain pipeline would give us the ability to expand our export markets for crude oil to Asia, instead of relying heavily on our distribution to the United States — an ever-changing and sometimestenuous relationship under the Trump government. From what I understand and read, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion would also increase the amount of refined product for the Lower Mainland as the existing pipeline (yes, there is already a pipeline) would be used for the lighter or refined product and the new pipeline would be used for the heavier oils. Considering that the price of fuel has skyrocketed in the Lower Mainland and is projected to go even higher, one would think that the resistance to the pipeline would have lessened. The announcement about the study into high-speed transit from Vancouver to Seattle and Portland is timed perfectly.
HaveYOUR
New construction of high-speed rail lines that will benefit British Columbians and our U.S. neighbours — sure! Adding an additional pipeline to existing infrastructure that will benefit Canadians — we apparently have to think about it. The chasm between British Columbia and the rest of Canada gets larger every day. The chasm between British Columbian’s gets larger every day. No one is happy. Meanwhile, we deflect and consider a new high-speed rail line that benefits a specific group of individuals rather than twinning an existing pipeline that will benefit all Canadians. We need to change our narrative. How about this for a lightbulb moment: I have figured out how to move oil from Alberta through the province of B.C. Just say that you are building a revolutionary fibre optic line, and it needs to be eight inches in diameter. A modern day Trojan horse. Shhhhhhh — don’t tell anyone. Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book Naked Tuesday, or follow her on twitter @ judylaine
Do you have something to say or a story to share? The Alaska Highway News wants to hear from you. Email us at editor@ahnfsj.ca with “Have Your Say” in the subject line. Letters should be kept under 300 words, and must be accompanied by your full name, city, and a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only). We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Letters will be published each Thursday.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 A7
op-ed
Gun culture and the right to life blocked legislation that would take guns away from domestic abusers. Propitiously, pacific Canada does not have enough crazies to cause funereal headache. However, Canada’s gun lobby agrees with the National Rifle Association that tighter gun laws will not stop shootings, and our gun safety laws and training may not hold for long. Gun violence is on the rise in Canadian cities like Toronto, Regina, Edmonton. There has been a spike in firearms related violence with restricted guns like the AR-15 used in Parkland. Shooting numbers are on the rise in Canada and the have more than doubled, according to CBC’s Wendy Mesley. While all this is happening, those who claim to be the Zen masters of law and order are M.I.A. Also silent are the prolifers who champion rights to life. To progressives like me, a logical explanation for such inconsistencies is that these people do not really care about human life, but are concerned about their pocketbook and power. Why would they propose the death penalty for (accepted, despicable) drug dealers while cutting medical assistance? Perhaps the essence of pro-life posturing is about valuing one particular right, the right of the unborn to live, and approach other life and social issues through a pro-life advocacy. Unbelievably, there has never been in human history a general acceptance of the concept of a right to life that is innate to individuals rather than granted as a privilege by those holding social and political power. The evolution of human rights as a concept
has taken place slowly in multiple areas even in the Christian domain. Despite doctrinal differences and the tensions in the ecumenical movement, support for human rights is just solidifying today, according to Jürgen Moltmann, a German reformed theologian. In moments like these, we can heed calls for actions from brave high schoolers from Florida and NPSS. We cannot allow this slaughter as the status quo. Fear and sorrow must not dictate our response for we have the power to change this. Placating those who cling to their guns as a sport for hunting, we can strengthen our gun safety. Our Canadian practice of mandatory training should be improved and gun owners should regularly refresh their training and renew their permits. We should not stigmatize people with mental health needs, but ensure accessible intervention when and if required. The debate over gun safety is nothing new, but has been raging for centuries. The Roman empire had similar episodic violence that we are experiencing today. Intelligently and appropriately, Roman leaders instituted bans on weapons within a delineated space. Those of us who took fascination to Roman history would remember the second Servile war of 104 to 100 BCE on the island of Sicily that led to certain class of people being prohibited from having firearms.
R
A summary of sentences and fines handed out in Peace Region courts for the week ending March 16, 2018. Fort St John Law Courts • David James Campbell (born 1995) was ordered to pay $800 in restitution and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for mischief $5,000 or under. • James Daniel Hopkins (born 1964) was handed a one-year probation order with a suspended sentence and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for theft $5,000 or under. • Chad Jesse Sutcliffe-McCarthy (born 1993) was sentenced to 43 days in jail, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, ordered to provide a DNA sample, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for fleeing from a peace officer. • Triston Bocephus Apsassin (born 1995) was given a 90-day conditional sentence, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for care or control vehicle or vessel while impaired. • Duane Clem Groves (born
been a shift in power in the province and while the Trudeau government says they support projects like the Kinder Morgan pipeline, they continue to introduce unnecessary regulations that are effectively killing potential projects. I know in our region there is a sense of growing anxiety and frustration among those communities that would directly benefit from natural resource projects going forward. It often seems as though we are taking one step forward and two steps back. That’s why, in January, I was happy to read that the Chiefs’ Council, representing 30 communities engaged in the First Nations-led Eagle Spirit energy corridor, is raising funds to challenge in federal court the Trudeau government’s proposed Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, which would ban oil tankers from shipping oil through Northern B.C. ports. It’s important to get the word out that there is a large contingent of First Nations people who want our natural resources to be developed and know that this can be done in an environmentally safe and responsible way. We must continue to show our support for these projects to help ensure that they move forward, as they will benefit all Canadians. Bob Zimmer is the MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies.
1984) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • Corbin John Hubley (born 1994) was given a conditional discharge with 12 months of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for possession of a controlled substance. Dawson Creek Law Courts • Ryan Allen Hick (born 1993) was sentenced to 14 months in jail, handed a oneyear probation order with a 10-year mandatory firearms ban, ordered to provide a DNA sample, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for robbery. • Marvin Patrick Stewart (born 1972) was fined $1,800 and assessed a $270 victim surcharge for driving without reasonable consideration. • Joshua Franklin Clarke (born 1985) was handed a one-year probation order and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for disobeying a court order. • Justin Darryll Garbitt (born 1987) was handed a one-year probation order and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for willfully resisting or obstructing a police officer. — Tom Summer
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First Nations eager to play role in LNG ecently, LNG Canada reaffirmed its commitment to build its proposed liquefied natural gas export terminal with plans to start construction in 2018. Not only is this great news for British Columbia and Canada, it also highlights what many of us already knew, that there is a growing number of First Nations in British Columbia that support the responsible development of natural resources. As Ellis Ross, Skeena MLA and former chief councillor of the Haisla Nation, has put it in the past: “For us to be truly successful, we need to see our people among the first in line for the permanent skilled jobs — pipefitters, electricians, millwrights — that will come if LNG projects move ahead. In Kitimat’s boomand-bust economy, that will be the only way for us to make good on the promises we’ve been making to our youth — that if they get an education, they will get good jobs and build fulfilling careers.” In fact, according to the B.C. government, in 2017 the province had entered into 64 natural gas pipeline benefits agreements with more than 90 per cent of eligible First Nations located along four proposed natural gas pipeline routes. Since that time, however, there has
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L
ast Wednesday, some North Peace Secondary students staged a 17 minutes walk-out of their classes to the front of the school in solidarity with their US counterparts. The students, with the backing of the school administration and a couple of their teachers, observed a 17-minute silence to honour the students whose lives were prematurely cut down by gun violence in Parkland, Florida. With the unrelenting spate of mass killings down our southern border, many people are beginning to ask the sacred question, “is there is any right to life?” What is perplexing about all this is that the right to life is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Accordingly, every human being has an inherent right to life, and that this right shall be protected by law, and not be deprived of such except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. On this premise, why are the pro-lifers not as concerned as they are with abortion, euthanasia, individual liberty? Immediately after the shooting, there was the predictable posturing to take on the gun lobby that has always proposed the false recipe of avoiding mass killings by supplying more guns. The NRA, beside carrying politicians in their pockets like nickels and dimes, has always stymied genuine efforts on firearms research. With its deep pocket budget, it has always lobbied to make it even easier for people with mental illness history to have their gun rights restored, and
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A8 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 A9
Business matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
BC Hydro has signed a $1.6-billion contract for the generating station and spillways for the Site C dam, one of three deals announced by the Crown utility March 16. The AFDE Partnership of Aecon Constructors, Flatiron Constructors Canada, Dragados Canada, and EBC Inc., will be responsible for the civil works portion of Site C’s powerhouse, penstocks, spillways, and power intakes. The partnership will mobilize to the site this spring, with 1,600 workers on site during the peak of construction in 2021, BC Hydro says. The contract is more than $300 million more than its original estimate of $1.25 billion. BC Hydro says it is the second largest to be awarded on the project, behind the $1.75-billion main civil works contract awarded to Peace River Hydro Partners. BC Hydro has requested an amendment to its environmental assessment certificate after changes to the design of the generating station and spillways. BC Hydro says construction will involve the placement of 700,000 cubic metres of concrete, or the equivalent of 280 Olympic-sized swimming pools; 34,000 tonnes of rebar; and two spillways measuring 17 storeys high, and the width of five highway lanes. The partnership has signed a labour agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 115, the Construction and Specialized Workers Union (CSWU) Local 1611 and the Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers (CMAW). BC Hydro says there is a target apprenticeship rate of up to 25 per cent, and that local and Indigenous hiring will be prioritized. Aecon holds a 30 per cent stake in the partnership, and has a portfolio that includes the John Hart Generating Station in Campbell River, first built in the 1940s and undergoing a $1 billion replacement. “With Aecon’s work nearing completion on BC Hydro’s John Hart Generating Station project, we look forward to leveraging our seasoned capabilities to execute the Site C generating station and spillways civil works,”
Mark Rivett, executive vicepresident of Aecon Infrastructure, said in a statement. Aecon, based in Canada, is the subject of a national security review into its $1.5-billion sale to China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC). Ottawa’s review falls under a section of the Investment Canada Act that allows it to gather information on “whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that an investment by a non-Canadian could be injurious to national security.” 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, B.C. Dragados Canada also holds a 27.5 per cent stake, and 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 Site C project is part of EBC’s strategy to establish itself as a contractor in Western Canada, the company said. BC Hydro announced two other contract deals last week. F&M Installations Ltd., headquartered in Nanaimo, has been selected to build the Site C substation. The contract is valued at $33 million. REEL COH Inc., based in Quebec and part of the REEL Group headquartered in Houston, has been selected to design, supply and commission the generating station and spillways powerhouse bridge and gantry cranes. That contract is valued at $23 million. A contract for hydro-mechanical equipment has yet to be awarded. The NDP government announced Site C construction would proceed in December following a four-month review, and revising its projected cost to $10.7 billion. BC Hydro says the contract fits within its revised budget. The Site C dam budget was originally $8.3 billion.
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Resource rallies planned for April and May Fort St. John for LNG will stage another rally in support of the fledgling export industry in B.C. on Saturday, April 21. Special guests include researcher and writer Vivian Krause, who has been making national headlines for her research into the ties between American charities and Canadian environmental groups. “FSJ for LNG has done what we can do here in Fort St. John. With the message Vivian will deliver on April 21, I am hoping that Fort St. John citizens will go beyond our community and join me in defending oil and gas, and the Canadian economy as
a whole,” organizer Alan Yu said. Yu said LNG Canada’s recent signal that it’s drafting final investment documents on its estimated $40-billion export facility in Kitimat and associated pipeline network (see A11) is good news. If given the green light by stakeholders, LNG Canada executives say the plan is to start construction this year. “With the worldwide government policy shift adopting more natural gas into their energy mix, we have seen a steady rise in the demand and prices of natural gas,” Yu said. “This is accelerating
% 0 5 off
Vivian Krause the equalization of supply and demand of LNG and we can almost see the point where demand will overtake supply.” Yu has invited Premier John Horgan and Energy Minister Michelle Mungall to the rally, saying the group is willing to set aside politics.
“I would like to appeal to John Horgan to encourage more LNG companies to build in B.C. as he did on his last Asian trip. This is a generational chance and the timing is very ripe now,” he said. Yu is still finalizing a location for the April 21 rally. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce and North Peace Airport Services will host a natural resource rally and social Friday, May 4, and the Pomeroy Hotel. Keynote addresses will be made by the Northeast BC Resource Municipalities Coalition, and Resource Works.
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Site C generating station, spillways deal signed
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A10 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
BUSINESS
Buildings win construction awards
Homework a must before you decide to refinance your mortgage
Three buildings in Fort St. John were recognized at the Northern BC Commercial Building Awards in Prince George on March 8. Kalmar Construction took home an Award of Excellence in the office category for the Birch Tree Building on 10019 103 Avenue. Western Canadian Construction won an Award of Excellence in the residential apartment category for the Hudson Condos at 10307 112 Street. Northern Legendary Construction won an Award of Excellence in the residential townhouse category for the Cornerstone Townhouses on 97 Avenue. In all, nine buildings in the North Peace were
s your home an ATM machine to finance debt consolidation? Residential appraisers often complete high volumes of work for the purpose of refinancing. Mortgage refinancing is the process of replacing your mortgage or mortgages on your property with a new mortgage. Historically, refinancing may have been completed to capture the advantage of lower interest rates or borrowing more money to capture the equity in the home, etc. Refinancing must adhere to the new interest rate stress testing guidelines. As interest rates slowly begin to climb, compounded by declining property values, refinancing may not be an option. If you are planning on shopping around before the end of your mortgage, do your homework first. A renewal at your current financial institution will be fairly straightforward. You may want to negotiate a shorter amortization period, which will increase your payment, however, reduce long-term impact of interest rate increases. Moving your existing mortgage to a new lender will result in qualifying for the mortgage. You may have to pay CMHC fees if it is high ratio financing. You will have to qualify for interest rate stress testing. The current value of your home may be lower than it was when you purchased it three years ago. Let me say that again, another way. You may have more owing on your home today than what you could sell it for. Don’t go cry wolf. The sky is not falling. We are experiencing a market correction. How many times have you heard the old timers say this generation has never had hardship? Back in the early 1980s there were double-digit interest rates and rapid inflation, then the market crashed. The correction took several years. You could rent a house for cheaper than you could buy a house. A lot cheaper.
I
BUSINESS EXAMINER PEACE CARIBOO SKEENA PHOTO
Eric Bell of Northern Legendary Construction with his two awards of excellence for the Cornerstone Townhouses in Fort St. John and the Gateway Industrial Park in Dawson Creek.
nominated for an award. The ceremony, put on by the Business Examiner, is a celebration of the north’s best in commercial, residential, and industrial construction. In Dawson Creek,
Northern Legendary also won an industrial Award of Excellence for the Gateway Industrial Park. NewGround was awarded excellence for the new North Peace Savings & Credit Union building.
Highway maintenance contract awarded The federal government has signed a five-year, $79.8-million contract to maintain the Alaska Highway to White Bear Industries of Terrace. The contract, announced March 19, covers an 835-kilometre stretch of the highway north of Fort St. John at Mile 83 to the Yukon border. Work includes highway rehabilitation, cleaning and repairing ditches, snow removal, sanding, ice control, and
pavement line marking. “The maintenance of the Alaska Highway is key to the economic prosperity of the northern part of this region,” Carla Qualtrough, minister of public services and procurement, said in a statement. “The work resulting from this contract will make the highway safe for travellers and will ensure local communities get sustainable, safe and reliable infrastructure assets that will contribute
directly to their quality of life.” The province of B.C. is responsible for maintaining the first 133 kilometres of the Alaska Highway up to the Mile 83 marker. Public Services and Procurement Canada is responsible for maintaining the remaining 835-kilometre stretch to the Yukon border. The Yukon government is responsible for maintaining the rest of the Canadian portion of the highway.
NORTHEAST BC REALTY
Specializing in Commercial Real Estate
©2018
LIFE AT GROUND ZERO
REAL ESTATE REALITY CHECK Have a real estate problem or question you want answered? Email editor@ahnfsj.ca to have it featured in a future article and analysis by Edwina Nearhood.
A correction allows one an opportunity to take more fiscal responsibility for spending habits. It might force people to take care of what they have versus throw it away and buy a better model. The short-term outlook is pointing to regulatory control that impacts the housing market. There may be unintended consequences to taxation and mortgage policy that will impact the market in the north differently than intended in the larger centers. There does continue to be a growing trend for foreclosure sales at forced sale values. What does that mean? A market value is determined by what a house will sell for in less than 90 days. When the local market is exhibiting longer marketing periods, a 90-day sale would be a discounted sale. There are currently 22 listings of homes under foreclosure priced under $500,000 in the Fort St. John area. THE LAST WORD Be financially responsible for all real estate purchases. Be sure to understand how all of the variables impact each situation. Every situation is unique. Edwina Nearhood is a life-long resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.
RON RODGERS
Ltd.
Phone 250 785 4115
Edwina Nearhood
OWNER / MANAGING BROKER Email: ron@northeastbc.com
NEBC is located at NEBCRealty.com 10220 101 Ave. Fort St John BC V1J 2B5
Specializing in Commercial Real Estate
BCNCC MLS® 2011 thru 2017 TOP COMMERCIAL Realtor TOP DOLLAR and/or MOST NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD for BCNREB MLS®
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Owners plan to retire - Well established, reputable business - million dollar revenue and room to grow!
Water delivery with over 25 years of providing a necessary service to the area! Great opportunity to get in to business for yourself
Share Purchase NOW ASKING $850,000 MLS® N4507327
For Sale 30,640sf Building on 4 Acres of Land REDUCED NOW ASKING $750,000 10500 13 Street Dawson Creek BC GREAT DEVELOPMENT SITE IN THE HEART OF DAWSON CREEK
Call Ron to arrange viewing - Owner would consider reasonable offers
Land & Building in “As-Is, Where-Is” condition. Contents not included in asking price. MLS® 166295
The City of Dawson Creek is open to rezoning measures that would complement the existing neighborhood Potential for a combination of commercial and residential
For Sale DEVELOPMENT LAND 36.36 Acres Development Land along East By-Pass Road recently incorporated into the City of Fort St John boundary. This property plays a significant role in the upcoming City Official Community Plan and future development within the expanding city growth plans - the City is open to all development concepts.
TURNKEY OPERATIONS BUSINESS, LAND & BUILDING New Frontier Bar & Grill in Fort St John BUILDING: 7500sf buildings with seasonal patio, commercial kitchen (includes all appliances and equipment), interior design with country design including dance floor, DJ booth, 2 open bars, stage for live music, lounge seating LAND: 0.66 Acres Lot on 100 Ave with paved parking & alley access BUSINESS: Includes business name and all social and promotional materials, all kitchen and bar equipment, office and club furnishings, most décor, AND LIQUOR LICENSE (subject to BC Liquor transfer approval), club shuttle service vehicle, 1600sf storage shop and additional C-Can storage along rear alley. Business is currently open 2 nights a week with DJ and occasional live entertainment. Potential to extend operating hours and expand commercial kitchen use to include private parties and happy hour specials. Excellent Income Producing Opportunity! MLS® C8013087 Please DO NOT Discuss With Staff or drop in during business hours. Call Ron for Details and Financial information. Two Year non-disclosure/confidentiality agreement required prior to provision of detailed information.
Asking $2.2 Million
Manager's home on site with lagoon & cistern currently leased (not been valued into the asking price which represents the Development Land value only).
Land located along East ByPass Road just south of the Fort St John Hospital, east of schools, parks/recreation, and residential development and north of commercial and retail. This area of the city is part of the long term expansion plan and definitely worth looking at if you are an investor or developer.
ASKING $2.48 Million MLS® C8015396
FOR SALE
Light Industrial Dawson Creek BC
Dock Terminal Facility
9.68 Acre corner lot 12,000sf Main Building consists of 15 dock level bays, 3300+sf office. Additional Buildings 7200+/-sf shop with 3 drive thru bays and 1600sf storage shop
ASKING $2.5 Million Exclusive
WHY LIST YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY WITH NORTHEAST BC REALTY RON RODGERS Ron has over 32+ years real estate experience in northeast BC
NorthEast BC Realty is the only real estate office in northern BC that focuses on commercial real estate and offers additional insight specific to commercial real estate Ron has been the top selling commercial Realtor in this area for over 7 years & counting
(TOP DOLLAR and/or MOST NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD for BCNREB MLS)
By listing your commercial property for sale or lease with Ron Rodgers of NorthEast BC Realty, you will have someone who has a wealth of knowledge, experience and commercial oriented resources within the industry working on your behalf. IF YOU WANT MORE INFO ABOUT COMMERCIAL, RETAIL OR INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE, CALL RON RODGERS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NORTH EAST BC AREA Information is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale, or buyers already under contract. All measurements and information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed and should be verified.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 A11
business
LNG Canada aims for construction start this year, but hurdles remain In 2016, when LNG Canada hit the pause button on its multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas project in Kitimat, CEO Andy Calitz made it clear the project was “delayed not cancelled.” “The project in Canada is FID ready and has not been cancelled,” Calitz said in 2016. At a Globe conference forum on energy transition March 14, Calitz confirmed the company plans to seek a final investment decision from the main partners, which includes Royal Dutch Shell, this year. Despite skepticism that a large LNG project will ever be built in B.C., both Calitz and Shell senior executives have been telegraphing their intent to move ahead with LNG Canada project for months now, and have said they expect to make a final investment decision in 2018. Calitz went a bit further last week, saychung chow Photo ing the goal was to start construction this LNG Canada CEO Andy Calitz said the company’s multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas project in year. “When we paused LNG Canada in 2016, Kitimat has been delayed but not cancelled. when oil prices were $35 and there was no market for LNG in Asia, at the time we said The project has all of its environmental cost of $40 billion, although LNG Canada we wanted to be in construction in 2018,” approvals in place, as well as agreements has never put a firm number to the proCalitz said, in answer to a question about with First Nations. ject. That includes the LNG plant itself, a the timing of a final investment decision. While he conceded there are significant new pipeline and upstream natural gas “My answer remains unchanged,” he challenges to building a new LNG project assets. said, adding LNG Canada is preparing fi- of the size LNG Canada has in mind – not “LNG Canada will be the largest infranal investment documents for approval of the least of which is building a new gas structure project ever launched in this the stakeholders. pipeline across a mountain range – Calitz country, and there is no shortage of fundThose stakeholders include Shell, and also said there are some distinct advant- ing for it for the so many reasons that it three of Asia’s biggest companies: Pet- ages, one of them being short shipping makes sense,” Calitz said at last week’s enroChina, Kogas and Mitsubishi. distanced to Asia. ergy transition forum. LNG Canada originally had planned to The LNG Canada project has been One of the hurdles the company still make a final investment decision in 2016. roughly estimated to have an all-in capital faces is at the federal level. Last year,
Canada slapped tariffs on fabricated steel imports from China, South Korea and Spain. Since the large LNG modules that are needed cannot be built in Canada, LNG Canada would need to bring them in from Asia. Unless the project gets an exemption from the federal government, the tariffs would add significant costs to the project. In a statement, Finance Canada did not answer whether a ruling had been made to exempt the LNG Canada project from the tariffs. “We are aware of Canadian LNG proponents’ concerns about the potential impacts of the imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on fabricated imported steel components, or FISC,” a spokesman said. “Finance Canada continues to carefully monitor this issue, and we are conducting normal due diligence and consultation with implicated stakeholders as we do when considering all remission requests.” The 670-kilometre Coastal GasLink pipeline, approved for construction by the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission in 2016, would bring gas from the Groundbirch area to the LNG Canada facility. Mitsubishi is a member of the Cutbank Ridge partnership with Encana, one of the most active drillers in B.C. over the last six months, with 145 wells drilled. Crews broke ground on the LNG Canada site in early December 2015. — Business in Vancouver, Alaska Highway News
Province announces hydraulic fracturing review The B.C. government has appointed a three-member panel to undertake a review of hydraulic fracturing. Energy minister Michelle Mungall announced Thursday the scope of the review, expected to be completed by the end of the year. The panel will study the hydraulic fracturing process and its impact on earthquakes, water quality and quantity, and fugitive emissions. The panel will also review
regulations and and provide recommendations to minimize environmental risks, Mungall said. “Protecting our air, land and water is central to our government’s direction of sustainably developing the province’s resources and creating jobs for British Columbians,” Mungall said in a statement. “We know British Columbians have questions about hydraulic fracturing. It’s our job
to make sure that natural gas operations continue to meet world-class standards and best practices for environmental protection.” Included on the panel are hydrogeologist Diana M. Allen, a professor at Simon Fraser University; Erik Eberhardt, a geological engineering professor at the University of British Columbia; and Amanda Bustin, a geological engineer and geophysicist.
Nalaine Morin advise the panel on traditional Indigenous knowledge. The panel will collect information and scientific evidence from organizations, industry experts, Northeast B.C. communities, Treaty 8 First Nations, and environmental groups, the province said. Industry has used hydraulic fracturing in its drilling processes since the 1960s to extract natural gas and oil from shale
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A12 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
Local News
Geoscience BC, UBC update Hudson’s Hope on aquifer, groundwater research tom summer Alaska Highway News
Geoscience BC Chief Scientific Officer Carlos Salas and University of BC research co-director Dr. Aaron Cahill met with Hudson’s Hope residents to release their findings on Peace Region aquifers and methane groundwater movement on March 6. Around 20 people attended, mostly rural landowners interested in well placement for drinking water. Salas began with his final report on the Peace Project. In July and August 2015, electromagnetic scans were taken over an 8,000-square-kilometre section of the Peace between Hudson’s Hope, Charlie Lake, and Pink Mountain — about a quarter of the size of Vancouver Island. The biggest finding from the survey is that Geoscience BC
hudson’s hope
news in brief Saddle Club seeks shelter repair
The Double H Saddle Club approached council for additional funding to build a new breezeway at the riding arena, after the old one partially collapsed. Aging timber and tin contributed to the fall-in on March 11. No horses or people were hurt, and repairs are estimated at $3,000. Council moved to amend the ask for the repairs, as the club had already been approved for $5,500 in funding for upgrading its arena bleachers with railings before the damage. “Safety comes first,
now knows where the abundant and high quality aquifers are in the Montney play. “For a good aquifer, you want gravel or sand, you don’t want silt and you don’t want clay,” said Salas, noting that eight shallow wells were drilled and core samples taken to compare aerial data to the reality of underground conditions. Meanwhile, Cahill and his team have been studying natural gas movement in Beryl Prairie and Farrell Creek since last fall. Geoscience BC and the University of BC are taking part in a new project in which 30 wells in the Peace Region will monitor groundwater for methane and other hydrocarbons. Eight wells will be installed this summer, with a total completion date set for 2019. The wells will provide baseline data for methane and hydrocarbons levels in groundwater
close to oil and gas fracking activities. “We’ve been doing a lot of research on groundwater with the aspect of gas leaking, that’s a big concern,” said Cahill. “Gas migration is a really complex problem: you need people who understand the geology, people who understand groundwater, people who are experts on atmospheric processes.” To date, there have been just 144 confirmed gas migration cases out of 24,251 energy wells in the province. The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the BC Oil and Gas Commission, as well as Simon Fraser University and the University of Calgary. “Our job is to put good science into British Columbians’ hands, to make informed decisions on resource development,” Salas said.
when you’re dealing with 1,200-pound animals,” said Saddle Club president Liz Haagsman. “We wanted to apply for grants to pull out a set of bleachers, so we can tie those horses away from kids.”
his class come up with a business plan for a skateboard park,” Rowe said. Coun. Travous Quibell helped build the original park, noting it cost $30,000 and was assembled by hand. “It’s still in pretty good condition, it’s built to last.” said Quibell.
Skateboard park upgrades considered Council moved to look at Youth Coun. Jade Rowe’s report on the cost of building a new skate park. Professional companies charge $40,000 for basic setups, said Rowe, adding that a park on-par with Fort St John’s concrete installs would cost much more. Rowe added that local teacher Dillon Donahue is running a business and skateboarding class. “I suggested that the kids in
Solar array fully operational
tom summer Photo
Carlos Salas with a groundwater grid chart during a presentation in Hudson’s Hope on March 6, 2018.
ray installed last year. Matus said the next step is to organize budgeting so that power bill deductions are accounted for through BC Hydro’s monthly crediting system. Last year, the district installed solar panels on the arena, curling rink, district shop, tourist information centre and district office, and lagoons. volunteer nominations
The district turned on its solar power system last week. Solar panels installed on public buildings are now live, with the exception of the outdoor swimming pool, which will operate seasonally. “We’re online, we’re actually producing electricity,” said Chief Administrative Officer Tom Matus. The district had a 500kW ar-
The District of Hudson’s Hope is seeking nominations for youth between the ages of 13 to 19 for ‘Youth Volunteer of the Year’ and ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for adults who have made positive contributions to the small town. Nomination forms are available at the District Office, and hudsonshope.ca. Nominations
can also be sent via email to clerk@hudsonshope.ca with ‘Volunteer Appreciation’ in the subject line. The deadline for nominations is April 13. Adult recipients will have their name added to the plaque in the District’s foyer, with a monetary donation awarded to the club, organization, or charity of their choice. Youth recipients will also have their name added to the foyer, and a donation of $1,000 can be used as a bursary or given to the club, organization or charity of their choice. Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent for the Alaska Highway News. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@gmail. com.
House
of the
STEVENSON
Natural light washes into the vaulted entry through an arched-top, griddedglass transom that crowns the doubledoor entry. Even more striking, the rear wall of the home is more glass than solid walls, and almost all of the windows are capped by transoms. That makes for an exceptionally bright home. On the right side of the vaulted entry hall, double doors open into what could be a study, home office, or even a fourth bedroom, if needed. A roomy coat closet is on the left side of the entry, just before a hallway that runs perpendicular to it. The owners' suite anchors the left end, family gathering spaces are straight ahead, and bedrooms are to the right.
Storage closets, including a built-in china hutch just outside the dining room, line the hallway. A wide arched opening leads into the vaulted great room. French doors on the far side open onto a deck that spans most of the rear. Flames dancing in the two-sided gas fireplace can be enjoyed from both the vaulted great room and the octagonal dining room.
Stevenson PLAN 10-502
Living Area 2810 sq.ft. Garage 729 sq.ft. Dimensions 73' x 59'
Deck
Deck
2000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com
In the Stevenson's kitchen, counters wrap around three sides of a wide window bay, while a centrally placed cooktop work island adds even more work space. A roomy walk-in pantry nestles into a corner next to the naturally bright vaulted sun room. Luxury amenities in the vaulted owners' suite include a vista sitting room and a plush private bathroom. Associated Designs is the original source for the Stevenson 10-502. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.
Kitchen
Sitting 12' x 9'8''
Vaulted Sun Room 10' x 15'
Vaulted Great Room 17'4'' x 24'2''
Vaulted Owners’ Suite 15'6'' x 18'10''
Dining 15'2'' x 15' Bedroom 11'2'' x 11'10''
Utility
The custom brick work and stone veneer of the Stevenson's lofty and gently arched entry exude a distinctly European charm. While this contemporary ranch-style home was designed for construction on a lot with a rear down slope, it could just as easily be built on a flat parcel.
3-Car Garage 29'2'' x 21'6''
© 2018 Associated Designs, Inc.
Workshop/ Storage 8'2'' x 9'8''
Vaulted Entry
Study 11'2'' x 14'4''
Bedroom 11'2'' x 14'2''
Covered Entry
Arlen Brekkaas REDUCED
$275,000
• 55+ townhouse living • 3 bedrooms, 2 baths • garage and basement for extra space
ACTION REALTY DIRECT - 785-1234 CELL - 793-2438 OFFICE - 785-5520
$299,900
• Modern plan and colours, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths • Nice residential area and walking distance to amenities
REDUCED
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• Large lot with good access
$299,900
• 1 bedroom, 2 bath • lots of upgrades recently including furnace, paint, flooring, and a bunch of basement finishing too! • close to shopping and walking distance to school
$385,000
• one block from Bert Ambrose and Kin Park • 3 bedrooms, 3 baths • Privacy and family!
$49,900
• Lots of recent renos • big yard space with good fence • lots of space to park and play too!
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4 bedrooms, 3 baths • full, finished basement • nearly 3500 sq.ft. of living space
$239,900 • 3 bedrooms, 2 bath • within 5 blocks of 3 schools, easy access to public transit
• • • •
$625,000
5 bedroom, 3 bath 2,818 sq. ft. huge RV parking area and a cul-de-sac lot garage that fits a good-sized truck
$449,900 • Finch area estate styling • Double garage and well landscaped yard •Modern and easy, this is a home to call your own.
$252,900
• 2 bedrooms, 2 bath • Appliances Included Washer/Dryer Combo, Stove • Underground parking
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 A13
Local News
matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
Taylor residents will see their tax rates increase five per cent this year, but the average homeowner will pay the same as last year as property values in the district continue to decline. Council and residents got an update on the district’s fiveyear financial plan Monday, which forecasts a $13.7-million balanced budget for 2018. Total operating expenses are budgeted at $6.3 million, while capital spending is budgeted at $7.4 million. The budget sets aside $573,000 for reserves. The budget calls for residential tax rates to increase 16 cents, up from $3.24 to $3.40 per $1,000 of assessed value. It means the average homeowner will still pay around $1,088 in taxes under the formula, after homes values dropped an average of six per cent for 2018. The average home value in the district dropped from $336,000 to $320,000 year-over-year. Mayor Rob Fraser characterized the budget as status quo when it comes to operational spending to maintain service levels, and aggressive on its capital spending as the district gears up to develop the Parcel Z subdivision. “Their tax rate is going up only because the value of their homes went down,” Fraser said. “To maintain any service level, we have to try to get the same amount of money.” The district expects to collect an extra $443,000 in rev-
enues this year, driven largely by an increase in provincial grants through the Peace River Agreement, 85 per cent of which goes into reserves to support capital funding, according to finance director Mike McPhail. The district expects to collect an extra $30,000 in taxes this year from properties that bucked the assessment trend this year and will end up paying more. The district is planning to hold the line on industrial tax rates, while business tax rates are proposed to rise 32 cents, from $5.22 to $5.55, also due to assessment declines. The district has budgeted $1.5 million for golf course operations, $2.2 million for community services and parks and recreation, and $540,182 for protective services. The district is forecasting a $63,000 increase in operating spending, driven largely by two per cent wage increases across the board. Half of the district’s capital budget, $3.7 million, is earmarked for borrowing for the Parcel Z subdivision development, with a draft loan bylaw currently being reviewed by the province before going to voters for approval. Other major capital projects this year include $897,000 for sewer and road work to Pine Avenue West, $600,000 toward the purchase of a new fire truck, and $325,000 for a standby generator for the water plant. The budget is slated for first three readings at the next council meeting on April 3.
Cross- court
matt preprost Photo
Are you 50+ and would like a place to socialize and make new friends? If so, please join us on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the senior’s hall. Be part of the fun at the Fort St. John 50+ Club located at 10908 100th Street. We offer activities such as floor curling, table tennis, cards, cribbage, shuffleboard, pool/billiards, and carpet bowling. Pickle ball is held on Tuesday and Thursdays evenings at 7 p.m. at the Duncan Cran School gym. Our members would like to extend a friendly welcome to visit our centre. For more information please call 250785-7897, Floyd at 250-787-1920, or Annette (pickle ball) at 250-793-4394. Above: Dorothy Dyer and Eira Lucas play a game of table tennis with Don Clayson at the senior’s hall.
New caretakers hired for Peace Island Park matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca
Adam and Nancy Ragan have been hired as the new caretakers for Peace Island Park. The Ragans introduced themselves to District of Taylor councillors Monday, and made the move after managing a campground and RV park in Lac la Hache. “It’s something we’re passionate about,” Adam Ragan said. “We always loved camping and thought what better way to enjoy it more than working a campground.”
The Ragans take over from Barb Bell, who retired from her post after a decade of managing the park. Mayor Rob Fraser said the district was looking for a family operator instead of a corporate operator to maintain the family-friendly 109-hectare park. “It felt right to use to have someone who chose the community as a place to live,” Fraser said. “Peace Island Park is an important part of the community. We want to make the park better and better every single year.” The district plans to spend
$204,784 on the park’s operations in 2018, and another $300,000 on capital improvements over the next five years. The Ragans made headlines last summer during the Cariboo wildfires after hosting evacuees at the Fircrest RV Resort on Lac la Hache despite being under an evacuation alert themselves. The Ragans noted they have high standards to meet in succeeding Bell. “We have big shoes to fill, but we’re hoping two heads are better than one,” Nancy Ragan said.
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Ryan Wallace
Advertising Manager Email: rwallace@ahnfsj.ca | Office: 250-785-5631 9916 98 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8
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Taylor tax rates to rise in status quo budget for 2018
A14 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
PERSPECTIVES
Hearts Alight
W
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.
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HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Today Mercury goes retrograde in your sign, which will attract people from your past back into your world, especially expartners and old friends. Get ready! TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) You will be successful doing research in the next few weeks, because retrograde Mercury will help you. If you need to study history or find solutions to old problems — go for it. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) Your ruler Mercury goes retrograde today, which is why old friends are popping up out of the woodwork. Expect to hear from people from your past, including people you knew from clubs and organizations. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) You will be in contact with parents and bosses you have not seen for a while during the next few weeks. This might be your opportunity for closure or a chance to clear the air. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) During the next few weeks, you will finish school papers, books or writing projects, because studying the past will be easy. Travel might be delayed. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) You have a wonderful opportunity during the next few weeks to wrap up unfinished projects related to insurance, inheritances and shared
For Thursday March 22 2018
property. Make this opportunity work for you. LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) You like to look good. Therefore, be forewarned that you will bump into ex-partners during the next few weeks. Look sharp, because living well is the best revenge. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) At work you will be plagued with silly errors due to misplaced papers, late deliveries, mixedup communications and staff shortages. Cope as best you can. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Many of you will encounter old flames in the next few weeks. Others will deal with past issues with children. Make this work for you. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Expect to hear from family members you haven’t seen in a while. The next few weeks are a good time to finish repair projects at home. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Mercury retrograde will cause transportation delays for you during the next few weeks due to missed buses and trains, car breakdowns and confused schedules. Good luck.
hen my mother was a young woman in Scotland, her elder brother was distraught over a broken engagement. My mother devoted the Nine Fridays to her brother, praying to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for her brother’s broken heart to mend. When I was a young woman, I did the same for my elder sister struggling with a broken relationship of her own. The tradition of attending Mass on the First Friday of each month for nine consecutive Fridays comes from St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Catholic nun and mystic. On December 27, 1673, Jesus disclosed to Sister Margaret Mary the Nine Fridays’ devotion. One was to receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of each month for nine consecutive Fridays. One was to sit in Eucharistic adoration at a Holy Hour on Thursdays, meditating on Jesus’ Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, a practice that later became widespread among Catholics. Devotees were to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart nineteen days after Pentecost, on a Friday. In return, Christ promised that He would give participants the necessary graces for life, peace in their families, consolation in all their troubles, and refuge in life and death. He promised to abundantly bless all their undertakings and He also promised an infinite ocean of mercy. He said that tepid souls would become fervent, and fervent souls would speedily gain perfection. He promised to give priests the power to touch the most hardened of hearts, and that devotees would have their names eternally written in His Heart. Christ also promised to bless places where the image of His Sacred Heart was exposed and venerated. My mother’s childhood home was bombed by the Luftwaffe during WWII. For three consecutive nights — March 13, 14 and 15, 1941 — bombs fell on Clydebank, Scotland resulting in 528 deaths and 617 serious injuries. 12,000 houses were damaged and 4,300 homes were completely destroyed. As German bombs rained from the sky, my mother, age two, stood in her crib beneath
Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS
a picture of the Sacred Heart. That was the only wall left standing, and she emerged unscathed. That same picture now hangs in her Canadian home. More than 11,000 people were rendered homeless after the Clydebank Blitz. My mother and her seven brothers and sisters were separated, billeted in homes about town. Her father was in hospital, unable to walk, for two years. The Sacred Heart appeared at the foot of my grandfather’s hospital bed one night and raised His right hand in Holy Benediction over him. The following morning, my grandfather walked out of the hospital and reunited his family under one roof again. They lived in a country cottage in Kirkintilloch, a cottage given to them by the Girl Guides, until the end of the war, and enjoyed huge duck eggs for breakfast each morning in spite of severe food rations. Those were the happiest years of their lives as a young family. After my mother prayed for her brother, when both were still in their twenties, to the Sacred Heart over nine consecutive Fridays, her brother healed and eventually married another. After my Nine Friday devotion for my sister, her relationship was restored; they eventually married and had four lovely children together. Fort St. John is blessed to have Exposition, Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on the First Friday of each month after the 7 pm Mass at the Church of the Resurrection. It’s a beautiful, uplifting service during which the celebrant and congregation partially pray and sing in Latin. All are welcome. The Peace is a place of many peoples and faiths. In this space, readers are invited to share their own reflections of faith in the Peace. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, email angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.
Shifting Attitude on Gratitude Dear Annie: I’m in my late 30s. I’ve read the many letters you’ve printed about how thank-you notes have gone the way of the dodo. I have a different angle on this complaint. Let me preface this by saying that I am not perfect in this realm. It took my wife and me forever to get around to sending thank-you notes after our wedding, and I think that most of the readers who have weighed in are expecting too much. That said, I am noticing a trend of giving no thanks at all. When I get a gift or someone does a favor for me, I send thanks via email or text (though I realize that a handwritten note or a phone call would be better). That’s all I expect myself, but some of my peers don’t even text a thank-you when I give them something. I find that very annoying. I used to chalk up this thankyou note issue to laziness, but I’m beginning to agree with your readers who say that gratitude is trending down. It’s disturbing. It takes next to no time to shoot off a quick “Thanks for that!” on your smartphone. -- You’re Welcome
Dear You’re Welcome: Laziness is the enemy of gratitude, PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) and reading your letter I have to Checks in the mail will be late agree that it seems to have the in the next few weeks. If looking upper hand in a big way. Thanks for a job, go back to wherever to technology, it’s easier than ever you applied or worked before for to be self-absorbed and unappreyour best chance. ciative of others; to do whatever’s
Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE
convenient. But the good news is that gratitude is also the enemy of laziness. Fight the good fight by looking for ways to be more thankful in your own life every day. Perhaps you will be a positive influence on your friends. In the meantime, I’d stop sending them presents. Redirect your generous energy toward charitable causes or loved ones who will really appreciate it. Dear Annie: Your advice to Granddad’s Girl about speaking to him about his driving abilities fell far short. This man very likely has early dementia, as evidenced by his geographic disorientation. His continued driving is a huge risk to himself and others. His family needs to insist he see his doctor, accompanied by a family member, to discuss this. I am a retired internist, and I often had to deal with this difficult problem. This was often scheduled as a “check up” to avoid alarming the elderly patient. Discussion of driving abilities and tests of memory, spatial orientation, reflexes and executive functioning can be done in the office. Almost all states have laws
requiring or allowing physicians to report impaired or potentially impaired drivers. Going beyond having the DMV test his driving abilities, which might lead to his license being revoked, I would encourage the family to disable or remove his car. Simply taking his keys away is not enough. One of my wily elderly patients simply had the car towed and the ignition system replaced. This is a very contentious problem in my experience, because it means a loss of independence, and often, a move to an assisted living facility or the home of a family member. These were some of most difficult discussions I had with patients and family, but they were necessary for the safety of the patient and the public because of the high risk of accidents. -- Retired Oregon Internist Dear Retired Oregon Internist: You’re right. In my response, I should have been more emphatic about the importance of getting her grandfather a medical evaluation. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
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, MARCH 22, 2018 A15
Coffee Corner
Contact Us matt preprost 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca
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hOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS
• • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • •
ABSTRACT ANAGRAM BOXES BRAIN CELL CHALLENGE CIPHER CLUES CROSSWORD CRYPTIC CRYPTOGRAM DECODE
• • • • • • • • • • • •
DETECTIVE ENIGMA HANGMAN HORIZONTAL JIGSAW LOGIC MOVE NUMBERS ORGANIZE PUZZLE RUBIK SCRABBLE
SCRAMBLE SEARCH SOLUTIONS SOLVER SORT STACK SUDOKU TEASER TEST TRIVIA VERTICAL WORDS
TODAY’S PUZZLE 17. Fathers
DRAW THE MIRROR IMAGE OF THE PICTURE YOU SEE 20. Clothes
21. Opera’s Callas
Material for your weekly game page
23. Lentil dish
Q:
26. Make sense of a language
fly Why do birds winter? south for the A: It’s easier than walking.
25. Energy-saving module
27. Hurries through
29. Songs to one’s lover
30. Name given to plant groups
Q:
32. Improves
Why did the M&M go to college?
A: Because he wan ted to be a Smartie.
34. Patriotic women
35. Inflamed swelling on the eyelid
37. Instrument in Indian music 40. Request
Q:
42. Make into leather without using tannin
What kind of key opens a banana? A: A monkey.
43. Defies
6. Married woman
9. Nocturnal rodent
13. Suffix
14. A way to disappoint 15. Saddle horse
16. West African country 17. Philippine island 18. “Girls” creator Dunham 19. A type of twin 21. Groans
22. Infections
23. What a beaver makes 24. Thou
25. Make a mistake 28. Receive 29. Dresses
31. Burn the surface of 33. Where coaches observe
36. Ceremonial offices 38. Paddle
39. The body’s main artery
41. Altered the original state
45. Short-billed rails 46. Northern Thai province
48. Albanian monetary unit
49. Who the Wolverines play for 51. Oath
52. Astronomical period 54. A single unit
56. Presides over 60. Spoiled tot 61. Hillsides
62. Fertility god
city
3. Unit of length
4. Type of electricity 5. Article
6. Mothers
7. Monetary unit
8. Single Lens Reflex
9. Tan-colored horses
10. Region
11. Cautious in spending money 12. Belittle
14. Sarcastic
47. Neither
49. Flower cluster
50. Phonological unit
Can you find the matching pair?
52. Leaves in water 53. Cavalry-sword
55. Famed American cartoonist
1
2
56. Messenger ribonucleic acid
3
57. Scarlett’s home 58. Make
59. Stony waste matter
61. What to do at auction 65. Incorrect letters
5 6 4
63. Assuage
64. Signs a contract
65. Ancient Greek war dance 66. Allows
67. Lunar crater
68. Crash a motorcycle (Brit. slang) CLUES DOWN
1. Loose-fitting undergarment
2. Western Romanian
PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS
1. Punctuation mark
44. Alleges
9
7
8
10 ANSWER: NO. 2 AND NO. 9
CLUES ACROSS
A16 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
Local News litter from a1
It’s the height of provincial hockey tournament season in Fort St. John, and Dakounina says the city should be beefing up its enforcement and prevention actions to keep up appearances. “They do it on purpose: we clean it up and the next day there’s even more garbage,”
Dakounina said of the litterers. “It’s a disgrace for the city. We have people from all over the province coming here. We cannot keep up with it. It happens every night.” The city confirmed it has reported two incidents of loitering and littering at its recreation facilities to police. The
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city doesn’t have a littering or a loitering bylaw, however, there are provincial laws against it, and mischief charges are allowed under the criminal code. “RCMP do routine patrols of the recreation campus as their schedules allow,” a city spokesperson said. “If anyone witnesses crim-
inal behaviour, they are encouraged to report it to the RCMP. RCMP will respond to reports on a priority basis. For example, a report of public intoxication is prioritized higher than a report of littering, though both may be responded to depending on the availability of officers.”
As the snow melts and spring turns to summer, Dakounia fears the problem will only become worse. Used condoms and needles are often found in the bushes behind the rec complex, she said. “It bugs me so much,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful city, and they don’t care.”
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Am I the only one against Tiger? Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE
T MATT PREPROST PHOTO
The Fort St. John Senior Flyers are the 2018 Campbell Cup Champions. The Flyers beat the Falher Pirates 7-6 on March 13, 2018, to win the NPHL final in five games. Visit alaskahighwaynews.ca/photos for a gallery of highlights from the game.
Flyers finally take back Campbell Cup DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca
Jeff Shipton, the captain and centre for the Fort St. John Senior Flyers, won the Campbell Cup in his first year with the team, the 200809 season. Who could have guessed he would have to wait until his 10th season with the team until he would hoist the Campbell Cup again? But that’s how long it took the Flyers to get back to the
NPHL final and win the Campbell Cup, which they did on March 13, beating the Falher Pirates 7-6 and taking the final series in five games to end an outstanding 201718 season. It wasn’t all disappointment for the Flyers, however. Following the Campbell Cup-winning team in 2009, the Flyers were deemed ineligible to participate in the NPHL playoffs, because they were playing at a triple A level.
Basically, they were too good. As a result, the Flyers spent four seasons focused on the prestigious Allan Cup, which they hosted and won in 2010, and the Savage Cup, awarded to the best triple A team in B.C. But the inability to compete in a full season and playoffs was lacking. The team returned to double A and NPHL playoff eligibility in 2013-14, but the Campbell Cup eluded them for four years, until last week. “It’s been a long, heavy
grind. But this is what we play for every year and this one is right up there,” Shipton said. Paul van Nostrand, president of the Flyers since 2008, was appreciative of all who helped the Flyers reach this level. “It’s a great feeling and accomplishment by our organization. It’s very satisfying to finally achieve that this year,” he said. See FLYERS on B4
DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO
Connor Bowie tried to will the NEBC Trackers to win in their first game of the 2018 Midget Tier 1 BC Hockey Championships on March 19. The Trackers lost 5-4 to the Prince George Cougars. Visit alaskahighwaynews.ca to stay up to speed with the tournament. The final is March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Sims, Young, and Pomeroy at nationals this week DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca
The trio of Nick Young, Brayden Sims, and Lincoln Pomeroy, who fight out of the Fivestar Boxing Academy, had a goal of making nationals at the start of the season. That moment is finally here, as the 2018 Super Channel Championships begin next week in Edmonton, March 26 to April 1. The three fighters, along
with coach Justin Donally, just returned from Salmon Arm where they were attending Boxing B.C.’s provincial training camp in preparation for nationals. Each fighter faces a different challenge in Edmonton. Sims has a full weight class of eight fighters, Young has six fighters in his class, and Pomeroy will be one of four fighters in his weight class. “I think we have a good
chance at bringing home three gold medals. We have our work cut out for us but I think we’ll perform very well,” Young said. Donally likes where the three fighters are at headed into nationals. “I feel good. I don’t worry about who they’re fighting, just that we’re as prepared as we can be. These guys are workers and they’re tough, they’re northern boys,” Donally said. All three fighters have been
training every day for weeks since provincials, focusing on their cardio. “This is the best training I’ve ever had and I’m as prepared as I can be. I just want to stand my ground and fight my best fight,” said Pomeroy. Sims is equally confident. “The competition seems pretty strong but I think I’ve got them beat.” Visit alaskahighwaynews. ca to follow the fighters.
he sports scene is buzzing right now, both locally and professionally, but one major story is causing me distress. For now, I’m trying to ignore it as much as I can, because in less than two weeks sports fans will be up to their ears in all the talk about how “Tiger Woods is back.” I, for one, can’t handle it. I’m especially upset that I can’t just laugh it off and say people are dreaming and Woods has no chance. He is coming off a second-place finish at the Valspar Championship March 8 to 11, and a fifth-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational March 15 to 18. I never thought Woods would win another PGA tournament, much less a major, but he is playing his best golf of the last five years just two weeks out of the 2018 Masters. I hate to admit it, but Tiger has a shot. But here’s what has me confused — doesn’t anybody else dislike him? Everything I read and listen to has sports pundits singing Tiger’s praises, declaring how good a Tiger run would be for the sport of golf, and that when he’s in contention on a Sunday, there’s no sporting event like it. In the last two months, not once have I heard someone say, “but Tiger Woods kind of sucks, and he’s not a good guy, and we shouldn’t be cheering for him.” Maybe I’m just a hater, but I don’t think so. I used to blindly hate tremendous athletes like Lebron James and Peyton Manning, but then I got over it. I can more than appreciate how good Tiger Woods was in his prime, and how massive a comeback would be. I just don’t want to see it happen. Unlike most people, I never liked Tiger. I normally ride for the underdog. Except Roger Federer. He’s never been an underdog in his life. He also seems like a great person. I’m not one to judge, and cheering for jerks is fine — I kind of cheer for Floyd Mayweather Jr., which is pretty indefensible — but this is the one case where everyone is cheering for one guy only. This is a little petty, but I think my disdain for Tiger comes from an interview he did when he was king of the golf world. Some Canadian reporter thought it would be a good idea to ask Woods who he thought would win a particular NHL playoff series that year. I cringed, knowing what was to come. Woods laughed in the reporter’s face, and said that nobody cares about hockey anymore. He wasn’t really wrong, but I hated how smug he was when he said it. Maybe it’s just my Canadian insecurity complex kicking in, and I should just suck it up and enjoy watching history in the making. But I’m not going to. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca.
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B2 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
Local Sports
Streepers finish first and second
One game away
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner photo
Husband and wife duo Buddy and Lina Streeper celebrate after placing first and second, respectively, in the 2018 CGI Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race on March 18.
dillon giancola Photo
Nolan Legace celebrates his second goal of the Huskies 7-4 win in game three against the North Peace Navigators on March 18. Up 2-1 in the series, the Huskies had an opportunity to clinch the series and the NWJHL championship in Peace River Tuesday nightafter press time. Head to alaskahighwaynews.ca for the story.
supplied photo
The U14 Northern Strikers competed at provincials in Edmonton last weekend, with an 0-2-1 record. The U16 boys and U16 girls teams went as well, with records of 0-3 and 0-2-1, respectively. R0021217976
Buddy and Lina Streeper continued their outstanding 2018 season with a one-two finish in the GCI Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race in Fairbanks, Alaska this weekend. Buddy finished the three-day race in 235 minutes and 30 seconds, while Lina had a time of 237 minutes. Lina was third headed into the final day, and posted the fastest time on Sunday with a time of 97 minutes and 25 seconds to move up a spot. “It was awesome, never has a Kennel had that much dominance and it’s great,” Buddy said. It was redemption for Buddy, who finished second in this race a year ago. The win in Fairbanks comes on the heels of him winning the Fur Rendezvous Open World Championship in Anchorage on Feb. 25. He also finished second in that race in 2017. For Lina, this is her second big finish in two months, after winning the Pedigree Stage Stop in February. The Streepers, who own and run Streeper Kennels in Fort Nelson, have been in the sled dog game a long
time, and are as dominant as ever. “We work hard. We know what to do and how to win. With that recipe you know where to focus your energy,” Buddy said. The Streepers have two more races before the season is over — one in Tok, Alaska, and one in the Northwest Territories. GOING VIRAL Buddy streamed live video of him and his team during the race on the first and third day. Viewers got a rare look into just what goes on during a championship sled dog race, and Buddy’s commentary helps give some insight. Buddy said that the video has gone somewhat viral, and he was been surprised by the reaction. “There’s been 30 newspapers from all over North America contacting me asking what’s going on. It’s really catching on, and allows the spectator to get into the driver’s seat.” The video can be seen on the Streeper Kennels Racing Sled Dog Facebook Page and on YouTube.
PRO GOLF WEEKLY UPDATE Golf News, Tips, Trivia & Stats
This Week: The WGC - Match Play Championship
The World Golf Championships (WGC) Match Play Championship started in 1999 and is one of the four WGC events on the PGA Tour Defending: Dustin Johnson each year. Eligibility for this event Winner’s Purse: $1,660,000 consists of the top 64 available players from the Official World Golf Ranking. The championship will start with pool play, with 16 groups of four players playing roundrobin matches, Wednesday through Friday. The winners of each group will advance to a single-elimination bracket on the weekend, with the round of 16 and quarterfinals on Saturday, and the semifinals, finals, and consolation match on Sunday. Austin Country Club Austin, Texas 7,108 yards, Par 71
Golf TV Schedule
What is the only major championship Rory McIlroy has never won? a) Masters b) British Open Answer: a) Masters
Rory McIlroy ran off five Tournament Results birdies over his last six holes 1. Rory McIlroy and closed with an 8-under 64 Score: -18 Earnings: $1,602,000 for a three-shot victory in the 2. Bryson DeChambeau Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday. Score: -15 Earnings: $961,200 It was his first victory on the PGA 3. Justin Rose Tour since the Tour Championship Score: -14 on Sept. 25, 2016, the day Palmer Earnings: $605,200 died. “I wish I walked up that hill and got a handshake from him,” McIlroy said. “But I’m so happy to put my name on that trophy.” Bryson DeChambeau fired a closing 68 to take second, one stroke ahead of Justin Rose, who shot a final round 67.
Golfing News
WGC - Match Play Championship Day Time Network Wednesday 2:00pm-8:00pm GOLF Thursday 2:00pm-8:00pm GOLF Friday 2:00pm-8:00pm GOLF Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm GOLF Saturday 2:00pm-6:00pm NBC Sunday 10:00am-2:00pm GOLF Sunday 3:00pm-7:00pm NBC
Golf Trivia
Last Week: Rory McIlroy won at Bay Hill
?
c) US Open d) PGA Championship
After shooting 67 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday to move within two shots of the lead, Rory McIlroy cited another instance of poor fan behavior he experienced during his round. “There was one guy out there who kept yelling my wife’s name,” McIlroy said. “I was going to go over and have a chat with him. I don’t know, I think that they need to limit alcohol sales on the course.” Tiger Woods has to deal with large galleries on a regular basis, and McIlroy estimated last month the commotion that surrounds Woods on a regular basis costs him a half shot per round. A spectator in his gallery on Friday had to be removed for constantly yelling.
Lessons from the Golf Pro The chip-and-run shot is one of the most difficult parts of the game to master, yet it is the part of our game that we spend the least amount of time working on. This nonchalant approach to the chip shot is what separates the cream of the crop from the remainder of the field. Here are a few easy steps to practice whenever you have that difficult chip-and-run shot in front of you. Narrowing your stance is the first bit of advice. If you are a right-handed player, put more weight on your left foot to keep the loft out of your shot. When you are ready to take the shot, play the ball inside your right foot with your hands positioned ahead of the ball. Finally, make a putt-like motion, keeping your wrists firm and strike the ball with a clean, crisp stroke.
Player Profile
Rory McIlroy
Turned Professional: 2007 FedEx Cup Ranking: 24th World Ranking: 7th PGA Tour Wins: 14
FedEx Cup Standings Through March 18, 2018
1) Justin Thomas 1,573 pts. / 4 top tens
2) Patton Kizzire 1,314 pts. / 4 top tens
3) Phil Mickelson 1,149 pts. / 5 top tens
4) Dustin Johnson 1,044 pts. / 4 top tens
5) Jon Rahm
982 pts. / 2 top tens FedEx Cup Standings continued... Player Points 6) Justin Rose 940 7) Brendan Steele 866 8) Jason Day 852 9) Tony Finau 850 10) Paul Casey 842
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Top 10s 4 2 2 3 3
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 B3
Local Sports
Team Giroux wins kids bonspiel
supplied photo
dillon giancola photo
From left, Victor L’heureux, Presley McKay, Wyatt Wieler, Jack Landry-Stewart, and Ani Giroux celebrate after winning the A event at the 2018 Kids Kin Curl Jamcan Curling Conspiel on March 17.
Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca
A group of first-time curlers from Ecole Central Elementary School won the A event at the 2018 Kids Kin Curl Jamcan Curling Bonspiel on March 17. Team Giroux, consisting of eightyear-olds Presley Mckay, Victor L’heureux, and Wyatt Wieler, nineyear-old Jack Landry-Stewart, and coach Ani Giroux beat the Button Pushers in the A final at the all-kids bonspiel. Team Haab 2, which is made up of Olivia Haab, Brigette Clarke, Avel Wuthrich, and Vienna Wuthrich, beat Team Craig in the B final, while Black Ice beat Lucky Charms to win the C event. In the skunk event, Race Car beat out Haab 1. “It went very well. Everybody had a good time and walked away with
a prize, and a smile on their face. I’d say that’s a success,” said Dave Stewart, current vice-president of the Fort St. John Kin Club and incoming president. This is the second year the Kin Club has put on the event, which has been going on a long time before that. While there were only 14 teams this year, down from 23 a year ago, there was still more than 55 curlers, and the rink was full of joy all day long. “We like doing things for the community and families. Anything we can do in this regard to put on a smile on kids’ faces is worth it” Stewart said. Through the event, Stewart said the Kin Club is hoping to help rejuvenate the youth curling scene in Fort St. John. Four curlers joined the youth league as a result of the bonspiel last year, and the Kin Club is hoping for the same in 2018.
Brooke Braun at the CanWest Short Track Championships last weekend. She finished in the top three in all four of her races.
Braun wins bronze at CanWest Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca
She already won national gold in long track speed skating this year, and now Brooke Braun of the Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club has a bronze medal from the CanWest Short Track Championships to go along with it. Braun, along with Elks skaters Joshua Telizyn and Sidney Bennie, was in Kamloops last weekend for the meet of the best skaters in Western Canada. Telizyn finished fourth in his age group, while Bennie (12) finished 11th. Braun, 15, had a good short track season leading up to CanWest, and saved the best for last, placing second in the 1500m and 3000m races, and third in the 200m and 400m. There were 16 skaters in her age group.
“I’m really happy with my performances. I had a really good weekend,” Braun said. Braun is proud of the season she’s had, and said it was a result of pushing herself to be better. “The biggest thing was I was able to focus more this year and push myself physically and mentally.” The season is now over for the Elks, and, for Braun, it’s a bittersweet feeling. “I had a really busy season this year between long track and short track, so I’m both happy and sad that it’s over,” Braun said. She is planning to spend the summer building strength and stamina to do better next year, and she hopes to earn a spot in the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer next March.
PRO RACING THIS WEEK Racing g News,, Stats & Trivia Race Preview
Location: Martinsville, Va. Date: Sunday, March 25, 2:00 p.m. Last Year’s Pole: Kyle Larson Last Year’s Winner: Brad Keselowski
Martinsville Speedway
Distance: 0.526 miles Shape: Oval
The first race at Martinsville Speedway was run on September 7, 1947 and Robert “Red” Bryon won $500 out of a $2,000 purse. NASCAR was formed in 1948 and Martinsville Speedway ran its first NASCAR race on July 4th of that year. At slightly more than half a mile, Martinsville Speedway is the shortest track on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit but it has 800-foot straights, turns banked at only 12 degrees and has been called “two drag strips with a turnaround on each end.” Current points leader and last week’s winner, Martin Truex Jr., finished 16th in last year’s race. Jimmie Johnson leads all current drivers with 9 career wins at Martinsville. The race will be shown live on FS1 at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 25th.
Last Weekend’s Race: Martin Truex Jr. won at Fontana Martin Truex Jr. started from the pole on Sunday, then swept the first two stages and the victory, leading 125 of 200 laps in the Auto Club 400 and beating runner-up Kyle Larson to the finish line by a whopping 11.685 seconds. The victory was Truex’s first at Fontana and the 16th of his career. Kevin Harvick entered the race riding a wave of three straight wins and was the heavy favorite to win a fourth. Harvick’s bid came to an abrupt end on lap 38, when contact with Kyle Larson’s No. 42 Chevrolet sent Harvick into the outside backstretch wall, crippling the car.
Martin Truex Jr. Born: June 29, 1980 Crew Chief: Cole Pearn Car: Toyota
Year 2018 2017
Wins 1 8
Top 10s 4 26
Avg. Finish 6.6 9.4
2018 Standings Cup Series Top Ten Drivers 1) Martin Truex, Jr. 2) Kyle Busch 3) Joey Logano 4) Brad Keselowski 5) Ryan Blaney 6) Denny Hamlin 7) Kyle Larson 8) Kevin Harvick 9) Clint Bowyer 10) Aric Almirola
Points 216 207 197 183 181 176 174 170 155 148
Xfinity Series Top Ten Top 10s 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 2 2
Drivers 1) Elliott Sadler 2) Tyler Reddick 3) Justin Allgaier 4) Christopher Bell 5) Daniel Hemric 6) Cole Custer 7) Spencer Gallagher 8) Ryan Truex 9) Brandon Jones 10) Matt Tifft
Points 199 195 194 172 169 144 143 140 139 132
Top 10s 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2
Lowe’s will not return as sponsor for Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 in 2019 Lowe’s Companies Inc., which has been the No. 48 team’s only primary sponsor since 2001, will not return to Hendrick Motorsports in 2019. Since the No. 48 team’s debut in 2001, Lowe’s has experienced an unrivaled level of success with Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel, winning seven Cup championships, 83 pointspaying races and 35 pole positions along with 222 top-five finishes, 341 top-10s and more than 18,000 laps led. “We are so appreciative of everyone at Lowe’s. They have been amazing partners,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “With seven championships, this program has delivered far beyond what anyone could have imagined.” Lowe’s chief customer officer Michael P. McDermott said only that the company was “evolving” its strategy. Sponsor after sponsor has scaled back on full package commitments, and teams now sell open inventory on their cars in pieces. A full season sponsor is now almost unheard of in any racing series and one by one the Fortune 500 backers have altered their marketing spends. Along with crew chief Chad Knaus, the No. 48 Chevrolet team is one of the best in stock car history. Now Hendrick Motorsports will put Johnson’s car on the open market and they can sell the inventory in pieces for the first time.
Racing Trivia Which driver has the most top 10 finishes at Martinsville? a) Richard Petty b) Jeff Gordon
?
c) Darrell Waltrip d) Bobby A.lison
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Answer : b) Jeff Gordon finished in the top 10 in 38 out of 47 races at Martinsville.
This Week’s Cup Series Race: STP 500
B4 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
LOCAL SPORTS
Stevia, a healthy alternative to sugar
S
tevia is the latest sweetener and sugar replacement craze on the market. Steviol glycosides are the sweet compounds that are extracted from the Stevia plant. It is approved for use in Canada in a variety of foods as well as a table top sweetener. With stevia being fairly new, the research behind it is limited in comparison to other sweeteners and sugar replacements. The majority of side effects or cons linked with stevia occur on rare occasions, and the benefits or positives of this sweetener tend to outweigh them. Advantages: 1. It is derived from a natural source, which means that no additional additives have to be added.
Disadvantages:
Stephenie Sutherland HEALTH HACKS
Check the nutrition label to ensure that you are buying pure stevia extract. 2. It contains no calories. If you are looking to lower your caloric intake without sacrificing the odd sweet treat, stevia is a great alternative. 3. It doesn’t cause a rise in blood glucose levels, which means that it is safe for diabetics to use. 4. It may help to lower blood pressure; although, this may be a negative effect for those with chronically low blood pressure.
of people. As with all sugar substitutes and replacements, use in moderation.
1. The most commonly reported side effect is upset stomachs caused by bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. 2. People on medications for diabetes or to control their blood pressure may experience a negative drug interaction. This is because stevia helps to lower blood sugar and blood pressure. 3. For some, it has a bitter aftertaste; although, others enjoy the taste. 4. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, which can make it difficult to get used to when using it as a sugar replacement. 5. Allergic reactions have occurred, but the number of reports is very few. More research is needed, but for now small amounts have been shown to have no adverse effects on the majority
Wellness Round Up: A Science Daily article states that researchers have found that stevia stimulates a protein that is responsible for the release of insulin in the body after a meal. These findings open up new possibilities for the control and possibly the treatment of diabetes in the future. Stephenie Sutherland is a Fort St. John student studying nutrition and food sciences. She can be found at the gym, hiking local trails, and serving up a hot cuppa joe at Whole Wheat and Honey. Have a question? Email her at stephenie.sutherland13@gmail.com.
TRACKERS FROM B1
The Flyers have been a good team since their return to double A status for the 2013-14 season, but were never able to reach the NPHL final, as the division rival Spirit Rangers made it and won the Campbell Cup four straight years. The Rangers did not ice an NPHL team this year, but nine former Rangers played for the Falher Pirates, who the Huskies beat in the final. “I think it made it sweeter to be able to win the Campbell Cup against those guys,” said Lee Hartman, the general manager of the Flyers who took over the position at the start of the 2013-14 season. When asked what it was about this version of the Flyers that made the team successful, van Nostrand was quick to sing praises of Shipton. “The Flyers have seen a lot
of fantastic leaders, and Jeff is right at the top of the list. I can’t emphasize enough what an honest and clean player he is, and he leads by example,” van Nostrand said. Shipton saw it a little differently. “I think it was having new faces. Guys like (Brandon) Millin and (Lien) MillerJeannotte, having some youth, it feels good for the old guys like me, (Brady) Busche, (Adam) Horst and (Rick) Cleaver. It’s been the same guys in the dressing room and practice year after year, and the new guys made it a lot of fun,” Shipton said. Despite the odds in favour of the Flyers, the team had to overcome its share of adversity this season. Fort St. John was a respectable 10-5 in league play through Jan. 17, until they were swept in the Coy Cup play-down series at the
hands of the Dawson Creek Senior Canucks. The final game of that series was a heartbreaking overtime loss, and was the Flyers’ third straight loss including NPHL regular season games. “It’s obviously unfortunate it happened, but since that happened we barely lost a game, and it just clicked at the right time,” said goaltender Travis McLean, who was named the NPHL Playoff MVP. The Flyers had a dominant 12-0-2 record, regular season and playoffs included, after the loss to Dawson Creek on Jan. 21. “Our guys said, ‘Our season isn’t over with, we’ve got something to prove,’ and that showed,” Leriger said. It’s a fitting end to the season for a storied team with a winning tradition. “We take a lot of pride in being a Flyer,” McLean said.
SUPPLIED PHOTO
The Demoulin (left) and Trask teams tied for the Taylor Curling Club 2 X 2 Bonspiel championship on March 17. Go to alaskahighwaynews.ca for the story.
LAKESHORE 4H Community Club Hello readers! I’m Liam Koop from the swine club and I am here to give you an update on the activities of the Lakeshore 4-H Community Club. On Feb.17, our club members presented their Communication Projects at the Pugh’s house. Everyone did well on their projects. We had speeches, educational displays, and a Speak and Show. A big thanks to our judges Mr. and Mrs. Sones.
4H Reporter Liam Koop
Lakeshore Club members and leaders.
Judges viewing some of the educational displays
Printed in Canada | E&OE December 2015 15264-S01-03
Now it’s time for members to focus on our animal projects. The two types of animal pro-jects Lakeshore members are working on are beef and swine. The beef club members have already begun work with their project animals. My brothers and I are part of the swine club. We will be picking up our pigs soon. I am looking forward to bringing home my pig, feeding it and watching the pigs in their pen. The first weigh-in is going to be at our house at the 24th of March. I hope my pig is 125 pounds at least! This will give him a good start to his target weight range, which is 220 to 270 pounds. I hope other 4-H members have good animals to work with as well.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 B5
Local Sports
supplied photo
Skiers line up at the start line for the kid’s races at the Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club’s Fun Loppet.
Ski club takes next step with second loppet The Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club held its second annual Fun Loppet last Saturday, and the event built off the success of the first one. Thirty-nine skiers of all ages competed in the races at Beatton Provincial Park, on a near-perfect day weather-wise, with the sun out and the temperature reaching six degrees Celsius. “It was a bit icy at the start of the adult race and a little soft at the end, but other than that it was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. The loppet was really good and everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Becky Grimsrud, who, along with Kara Simons,
organized the event. The day started with kids races, a 700m Classic Bunnies race for girls and boys and a 1.3 km classic for girls and boys. Abigail Kress won the girls 700m with a time of 10 minutes and 33 seconds, while Truman Jarnagin won the boys race with a time of 11 minutes and 49 seconds. Mia Simons was first in the 1.3 km race for the girls, while Jude Kress was the top boy and third fastest overall. Go to whiskeyjacknordic.ca for the full results. The adults raced in the afternoon, in three distances — 5km, 10km and 15km, with both
a classic and free technique race for each. Kara Simons won the women’s 5km classic, Barbara Jarnagin won the women’s free technique and Melvin Jarnagin won the men’s free technique. Julianne Kucheran won the women’s 10km classic with a time of one hour, seven minutes and 27 seconds, while Chris McPhedran won the four-man free technique 10km. Three skiers did the 15km distance. Shannon Armstrong and Theresa Thompson tied in the classic in one hour, 33 minutes and 50 seconds, while Jay Morrison had a free technique time of 55 minutes and 58 seconds.
Dillon Giancola photo
Jonathan Bateman, left, and Jared Loewen received their awards for Goaltender of the Year and Defenceman of the Year, respectively, prior to the start of game three of the NWJHL final on March 18. NWJHL Vice President Michael Mercredi presented the awards. Huskies Head Coach Todd Alexander also received his award Sunday night for Coach of the Year.
Dillon Giancola photo
Todd Alexander, centre, had the honour of dropping the puck for the 2018 Midget Tier 1 BC Hockey Championship ceremonial faceoff alongside his son Trae and daughter Tayzen during the opening ceremonies on March 19. NEBC Trackers captain Curtis Hammond, right took the faceoff against the captain of the Prince George Cougars.
LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM MARCH 23 TO MARCH 29
PACIFIC RIM UPRISING Nightly: 7:00 3D, 9:50 Matinees: 1:00 3D, 3:50
SHERLOCK GNOMES Nightly: 6:40, 9:40 3D Matinees: 12:30 3D, 3:30
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE Nightly: 7:20, 9:55 Matinees: 1:10, 4:10
UNIT 2000, 9600 - 93 AVE, FORT ST. JOHN, BC PH: 250-785-8811 (MOVIE INFO LINE) WWW.LANDMARKCINEMAS.COM/FORT-ST-JOHN
TOMB RAIDER Nightly: 7:10, 10:00 3D, Matinees: 12:40 3D, 3:40
A WRINKLE IN TIME Nightly: 6:50, 9:30 (Thursday 4:00 showing only)
Matinees: 12:50, 4:00
B6 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
General employment
General employment
General employment
General employment
Mental Health/Substance Use/Anti-Violence Clinician Clearwater & Barriere, BC Posting date: March 12, 2018 Status: Regular full-time (one position per community) Closing Date: April 3, 2018 Position Summary There are two positions available for a blended mental health/substance use (MHSU) clinician and anti-violence counsellor as part of our integrated counselling team. Qualifications Masters Degree from an accredited educational institution in related field. Individuals with bachelors degree in nursing and social work may be considered with combined qualifications and experience. Two (2) years’ recent related clinical experience. Remuneration Successful candidate can expect a comprehensive extended health package and competitive wages with other similar agencies. Relocation expenses may be available. Mental Health/Substance Use/Anti-Violence Clinician Clearwater & Barriere, BC CONTACT: YCS Selection Committee 612 Park Drive, Clearwater BC Phone: 250 674-2600 | Fax: 250 674-2676 Email: adam.m@yellowheadcs.ca Website: www.yellowheadcs.ca
53782
Senior Office Administrator - Fort St. John Tourmaline Oil Corp. is a Canadian senior crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company. We are focused on long-term growth through an aggressive exploration, development, production and acquisition program in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. We are currently looking for a Senior Office Administrator to join our office in Fort St. John, BC. The successful candidate will be responsible for or assist with the following duties but not be limited to: • Manage the day-to-day operations of the Fort St. John office. • Manage Operational Invoicing and Accounts Payable Tracking. • Manage projects as assigned on a day-to-day basis. • Supervise, guide and mentor junior staff (Office Administrators) • Support the Superintendent and other employees through scheduling, logistics, preparation and distribution of agendas, minute-taking, and recordkeeping • Maintain close contact with staff and their respective workloads by checking incoming e-mail, faxes, and messages on a regular basis. • Provide comprehensive administrative and reception support (when needed) including typing, handling of incoming/outgoing mail, internal paperwork, and incoming calls. • Prepare invoices, memos, letters, and other documents when required. • Liaise with building management and respond to building maintenance issues. • Liaise effectively with other departments within the company and external partners to ensure efficient planning and execution of requests. • Oversee the handling of couriers, incoming and outgoing mail. • Act a liaison between the Calgary office and the field employees. • Organize company sponsored events. Description of Candidate: • Post-secondary diploma in Business Administration or related discipline preferred. • Minimum seven (7) years related work experience. • Advanced competency in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. • Attention to detail, ability to multi-task and strong organizational skills are essential. • Ability to work under pressure and meet timely deadlines. • Exceptional written, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills. • Ability to work independently or in a team environment; can function well with little direction. • Positive and upbeat attitude. • Well-spoken, professional, and speaks excellent English. • Takes pride and ownership in their work. • Proactive and self-motivated. Please submit resumes in confidence to careers@tourmalineoil.com by March 31, 2018.
Tenders
Tenders
Tenders
Tenders
INVITATION TO TENDER City of Fort St. John – 92A Street-Phase 1 Sealed Tenders clearly marked CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN – 92A STREET-PHASE 1 will be received at the main reception desk of City Hall no later than 2:00 PM, local time, April 5, 2018. Contract documents, contract drawings and any reference material for this project will only be distributed electronically in digital format (PDF) through the MERX tendering website at www.MERX.com/urban under the “Agencies, Crown & Private Corporations” tab. Information will be available online on or after March 15, 2018. The work to be undertaken generally consists of, but is not limited to, the following:
General employment CARETAKER WANTED Portage Mountain Yacht Club: Established in 1969, it is a private member club, made up of boaters and campers alike. It is located on the beautiful Williston Lake, near Hudson’s Hope, B.C. Position is for 6 months (may to Oct) with a monthly salary based on experience, Accommodations are included. Duties include but not limited to the following. -grounds keeper (mow grass, removal of drift wood, yard clean up) -building, equipment and water system maintenance (clean up and fixing, painting) -fueling boats -daily security rounds -assist the Staff Captain with the Annual Fishing Derby, as needed. For more information call: Ken Karpiak @250-793-3723. Send resume to: pmvc1969@hotmail.com or mail to: PMYC, Box 6431, Fort St John, BC V1J 4H8 LOOKING TO HIRE! Anyone interested in inserting flyers into The Dawson Creek Mirror 1 Day Per Week. Please Drop Off Resume at The Mirror Paper, 901100 Ave, Dawson Creek, or call Tanis at 250-782-4772 or 250782-4888 for More Information.
Skilled Help DF Technical & Con− sulting Services Ltd is looking for a Full Time Indoor Air Quality Consultant Excellent Career Opportunity for strong, independent person. Good com− munications and basic computer skills are required. Indoor air quality, restoration, remedi− ation and/or con− struction experience an asset. To apply send resume to: info@dftechnical.ca
Obituaries
Coming EvEnts
Kevin Victor Brandl November 21, 1962 – March 1, 2018
Kevin was born in Fort St. John, taking his schooling here. He went to college in Kelowna for 2 years, took a Real Estate Course and spent 2 years in Vancouver in Real Estate before returning to Fort St. John in 1989 to work with V.E Brandl Ltd. Kevin was compassionate and generous to others, especially towards people who struggled with health issues, as he himself struggled with depression. His family will always remember his concern for others and his kindness within the family. Words cannot express our feelings at the loss of someone so precious to us. Kevin is survived by his parents Vic and Edith; brothers Barry (Marnie) & nephew Noah and Ron (Larisa) and nephew Nikita; niece Eva, as well as many more relatives. A word of “THANKS” for the many condolences, flowers, food and support that has been offered at this most difficult time. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Kevin to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. There will not be a funeral service at this time.
Borderline Culture Series presents: Annie Lou-Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Demmitt Community Centre (1/2 Mile South of Hwy 43 on RR 132). Doors open at 7:00 pm (AB time) Music at 8:00pm Advance tickets: $25. Door: $30. For tickets and information call 780-356-2904 or go to www.borderlineculture.com Fort St John Country Quilters Guild. Monday March 26 North Peace Cultural Centre 7-8:30pm. Refreshments provided
The family of Kevin Victor Brandl is deeply saddened to announce his sudden and unexpected passing on March 1, 2018 at the age of 55.
Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes. Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities. SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca
Coming EvEnts
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!
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
South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm. SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm
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.
Lost in 1986 DCR nurse Debbie from Victoria. Call Petaa. 519-3936559
Announcements
Announcements
Personal Messages
is having your message, your offer, remembered by your customer. The advantages of print advertising in the Alaska Highway News, The Northerner & The Mirror
PRINT IS MEMORABLE PRINT IS PERSONAL PRINT IS PERSUASIVE
PRINT IS EDUCATIONAL PRINT IS COMPATIBLE PRINT WORKS WELL WITH OTHER MEDIA The KEY of advertising is repetition - having your message come first in your customers mind. With print advertising you can do it. Call your Alaska Highway News sales rep today
JOURNEYMAN SHEET METAL WORKER/GAS FITTER in affordable Williams Lake, BC. Visit: www.sd27.bc.ca for full position details and how to apply. Please attach copy of certification with application. MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1855-768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!
Ryan Wallace @ 250-785-5631 rwallace@ahnfsj.ca Debbie Bruinsma @ 250-785-5631 dbruinsma@ahnfsj.ca Brenda Piper @ 250-785-5631 bpiper@ahnfsj.ca
Tenders
Tenders
Tenders
INVITATION TO TENDER City of Fort St. John – 2018 Sewer Projects Sealed Tenders clearly marked CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN – 2018 SEWER PROJECTS will be received at the main reception desk of City Hall no later than 2:00PM, local time, March 29, 2018. Contract documents, contract drawings and any reference material for this project will only be distributed electronically in digital format (PDF) through the MERX tendering website at www.MERX.com/urban under the “Agencies, Crown & Private Corporations” tab. Information will be available online on or after March 15, 2018.
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Approximately 440 lm of roadway reconstruction including streetlighting, curb and gutter, and sidewalk
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Approximately 440 lm of watermain and services
• Approximately 80 lm of sanitary sewer replacement
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Approximately 440 lm of sanitary sewer and services
• Approximately 205 lm of sanitary sewer installation
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Approximately 545 lm of storm sewer
• Approximately 205 lm of 300 mm storm c/w catchbasins
The work to be undertaken generally consists of, but is not limited to, the following:
All inquiries should be directed to the Consultant: Urban Systems Ltd., Chad Carlstrom, P.Eng., Contract Administrator, 250-785-9697, email: ccarlstrom@urbansystems.ca
All inquiries should be directed to the Consultant: Urban Systems Ltd., Chad Carlstrom, P.Eng., Contract Administrator, 250-785-9697 Email: ccarlstrom@urbansystems.ca
City of Fort St. John: 10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5 Attention: Jim Stewart, Engineering Manager.
City of Fort St. John: 10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5 Attention: Jim Stewart, Engineering Manager
www.fortstjohn.ca
Coming EvEnts
The Key To Advertising
Career OppOrtunities
Tenders
Obituaries
www.fortstjohn.ca
Irmgard “Irmi” Bergen, nee Irmgard Voigt, died peacefully in her sleep in her home on Thursday, March 15th in Fort St. John, BC, at the age of 81. Irmi is survived by her husband Isaak Bergen, children Josh and Corinna, and sister Mary Elizabeth Winship, along with 5 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Irmi was born on November 14th, 1936, in Darmstadt, Germany, to Heinz and Bertha Voigt. She worked as a secretary there, until she immigrated to Canada in January 1973 to marry Isaak Bergen, a foreman for Takla Logging. Living in Prince George, she and Isaak had two children. They moved to a farm close to Burns Lake and set about teaching them to love nature and a farming lifestyle. Her husband, children and grandchildren remember her as a kind wife, mother, and grandmother who encouraged them to love God and serve him. Irmi was accomplished at playing piano in church and sang hymns with all her heart. She was a witty and dedicated individual who was passionate about her translating work for the Voice of Hope mission in Russia. She was an active and dedicated member of the Upper Pine Gospel Chapel, and often brought food to people who were sick or grieving. She also played piano for the seniors at the Abbeyfield house. Celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 24th at 2:00pm from the Upper Pine Gospel Church with tea to follow in the church basement. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Irmi’s life. If so desired expressions of sympathy can be made to; Voice of Hope Mission PO Box 786 Winkler, MB R6W 4A9 Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com
Celebration off Life Lf for the late
MARGARET GUNTHER of Fort St. John will be held Thursday, March 29 at 1:00pm from the Cecil Lake
Christian Fellowship Church. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Margaret to Ethnos Canada Re: Matt Gunther Box 707 Durham, ON N0G 1R0
Condolences may be forwarded through
www.hamresfuneral.com
52509
Classifieds
250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca
Book Your Ad Now!
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 B7
Classifieds Source Electrical Services Ltd. Apprentices/Jour− neyman Electricians Busy Electrical Company seeking electrical appren− tices or journeyman to work full time. Commercial experi− ence an asset. Posi− tion to start imme− diately. Top wages, benefits negotiable. onb@source electrical.com
For Sale MiSc BULK SALE. 1,500 Metric/SAE 11 piece wrench sets plus 12,000 single size wrenches. Sale $12,000.00. Forward interest by email to tkachukr@shaw.ca COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub, and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca.
Business OppOrtunities
LegaL/PubLic Notices
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HealtH & Beauty
Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land
Take notice that Gordon Bueckert from Prespatou, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for an Agriculture Sale situated on Provincial Crown land located at Roseland Creek. The Lands File for this application is 8015966 . Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Joyce Veller, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100-10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 7873438. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to April 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 or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after April 29, 2018.
ApArtments/ Condos for
ApArtments/ Condos for
Across from Tremblay School 1170 sq. ft home on a large lot 73x123 Updated kitchen: Plenty of working space. Numerous kitchen cabinets & newer built-in dishwasher. Spacious living room: featuring gas fireplace & bay window accent. 3 bedrooms: master features walk-in closet & den. Bathroom: newer tub surround & wainscoting. Upgrades include newer fencing, insulation in attic, new deck 2010, spray foam insulation in the crawl space. Shingles replaced in 2012. Painted with modern colours throughout. Heated work shop & fully fenced large back yard & a custom dog run off the shed. Plenty of parking space, double sized driveway and back alley access. Willing to 1 year lease with option to buy. Call 250-219-5946
Phone: 250-785-2662
Furnished Rooms for Rent in D.C. Includes utilities,wi-fi/TV/laundry, private entrance/parking. No Pets/Drugs. Please phone: 250-782-0001
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Real estate Wanted WANTED TO BUY A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN TUMBLER RIDGE. PHONE: 250-784-1952
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SportS & ImportS 1997 Honda CRV For Sale, 255,000 kms. Phone: 250-786-5157
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Application for a Permit Amendment under the Environmental Management Act
Proposed Business Licence Amendment Bylaw No. 2411, 2018 Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Fort St. John will be considering adoption of Business Licence Amendment Bylaw No. 2411, 2018 at the March 26, 2018 Regular Council meeting scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The purpose of the bylaw is to amend the City’s existing Business Licence Bylaw No. 2372, 2017 to provide improved service to clients. The amendments, which are clerical in nature, apply to Schedule B – Business Licence Application Form and include the following: • A check box for Inter-Community Business Licence has been added for ease of processing and clarity of the application type. • A new section regarding fire inspections has been added to Part D (for internal or office use only) to streamline actions tasked to the Fire Department. No other changes were identified for this amendment. 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. and 4:30 p.m. from March 13 to 26, 2018. Additional information regarding the proposed amendments can be obtained by contacting Ken Rogers, Director of Development, at krogers@fortstjohn.ca or by telephone at 250-787-8157. Written comments regarding the proposed bylaw amendments may be submitted to Laura Howes, Deputy City Clerk, via email at lhowes@fortstjohn.ca by noon on Monday March 26, 2018.
www.fortstjohn.ca
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250-782-2757 or 250-219-3454
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
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Westcoast Energy Inc., doing business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Spectra Energy), a subsidiary of Enbridge Inc. intends to amend its existing Permit PA-16322 issued August 18, 2017 by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (BC MOECCS). This permit authorizes the discharge of emissions from Spectra Energy’s sweet gas transmission system comprised of 17 compressor stations and associated pipelines. The purpose of the Permit amendment is to accommodate a facility expansion project at Willow Flats Compressor Station 2 (CS 2). The location of discharge associated with the expansion project is adjacent to the existing CS 2 site which is that part of Lot D Block A, District Lot 272, Peace River district, included within Plan A1538, except Plans B7618 and 14739. This location is approximately 17 km west of Hasler, British Columbia (B.C.) and 43 km west of Chetwynd, B.C. on Highway 97. The facility expansion project is required to increase compression capacity on the Fort Nelson Mainline, Fort St. John Mainline, and Grizzly Valley Mainline. It is anticipated the timeline for construction of the proposed project will begin in the third quarter 2018 and operation will commence in the fourth quarter of 2019. Compressor Station 2 is in operation 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The existing sources of discharge at CS 2 are two 10.6 megawatt (MW) natural gas turbine driven compressors, one 14.1 megawatt natural gas turbine driven compressor, two 0.8 MW natural gas turbine driven generators (one is backup), one 0.11 MW emergency diesel reciprocating generator (used for backup) and three heat medium boilers (one is backup). The project will include the addition of one 22.4 megawatt natural gas turbine driven compressor and two 0.77 MW natural gas reciprocating engine driven generators (one is backup). The new compressor and auxiliary equipment will be located on Spectra Energy owned land immediately adjacent to the existing CS 2 site. Including the project, CS 2 authorized discharge limits at full capacity will be: • PM2.5 = 2.1 tonnes/year, increasing by 78% • VOC =7.0 tonnes/year, will increase by 53% • NOX = 934 tonnes/year, will increase by 11% • CO = 243 tonnes/year, will increase by 43% • SO2 = 8.4 tonnes/year, will increase by 37% An air quality assessment has been conducted, and it indicates the project addition will result in a small increase in pollutant concentrations in the immediate vicinity of CS 2. The assessment indicates that there is no meaningful change in air quality concentrations regionally, beyond the immediate area of CS 2. Any person who may be affected by the proposed amendment and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting and publishing, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to Director, Oil and Gas Authorizations of Ministry of Environment at 325, 1011-4th Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H9. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.
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Contact: Reg Mullett Telephone: (403) 699-1750 Address: 2600, 425 – 1st Street SW, Calgary, AB/T2P 3L8 Email: Reg.Mullett@enbridge.com 53778
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE Application for a Permit Amendment under the Environmental Management Act
PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT
Westcoast Energy Inc., doing business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Spectra Energy), a subsidiary of Enbridge Inc. intends to amend its existing Permit PA-16322 issued August 18, 2017 by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (BC MOECCS). This permit authorizes the discharge of emissions from Spectra Energy’s sweet gas transmission system comprised of 17 compressor stations and associated pipelines.
No�ce of Public Hearing
ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 2309 (Gardner), 2018
For More Informa�on: Contact: Development Services Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca
prrd.bc.ca
HW AY 9
7N
85 AVE
The Peace River Regional District is hos�ng a mee�ng to discuss the proposed Zoning Amendment. Proposal: To rezone the subject property from A-2 “Large Agricultural Holdings Zone” to I-1 “Light Industrial Zone”.
HIG
Compressor Station N5 is in operation 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The existing sources of discharges at CS N5 are two 10.6 megawatt (MW) natural gas turbine driven compressors, two 0.25 MW natural gas reciprocating engine driven generators (one is backup), one emergency 0.04 MW diesel reciprocating engine driven generator, and two heat medium boilers. The project will include the addition of one 22.4 megawatt natural gas turbine driven compressor and, two new 0.77 MW natural gas reciprocating engine driven generators (one is backup). The new compressor and auxiliary equipment will be located on the existing CS N5 site hence there is no need to acquire new land.
City of Fort St. John
79 AVE 77 AVE
Subject Property
Including the project, CS N5 authorized discharge limits at full capacity will be: • PM2.5 = 1.5 tonnes/year, increasing by 65% • VOC = 6.0 tonnes/year, increase by 71% • NOX = 433 tonnes/year, increase by 26% • CO = 257 tonnes/year, will increase by 39% • SO2 = 6.5 tonnes/year, increase by 68%.
240 RD
An air quality assessment has been conducted, and it indicates the project addition will result in a small increase in pollutant concentrations in the immediate vicinity of CS N5. The assessment indicates that there is no meaningful change in air quality concentrations regionally, beyond the immediate area of CS N5. Any person who may be affected by the proposed amendment and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting and publishing, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to Director, Oil and Gas Authorizations of Ministry of Environment at 325, 1011-4th Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H9. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.
This no�ce is in general form only. Relevant background documents may be inspected from Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm at the PRRD Dawson Creek office (1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC) or 8:30am – Noon and 1:00pm – 4:30pm at the PRRD Fort St. John office (9505-100th Street, Fort St. John, BC). Wri�en comments or concerns accepted. Chris Cvik, Chief Administra�ve Officer
diverse. vast. abundant.
Contact: Telephone: Address: Email:
Reg Mullett (403) 699-1750 2600, 425 – 1st Street SW, Calgary, AB/T2P 3L8 Reg.Mullett@enbridge.com
34933
North Peace Leisure Pool, 9505 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, B.C.
City of Fort St. John
98 ST
Where:
Parcel A (46726M) of the NW ¼ of Sec 19, TP 83, R 18, W6M, Peace River, Exc PL 20464
265 RD
Tuesday, March 27, 2018 | 7:00 pm
240 Road, west of Fort St. John
265 RD
When:
The purpose of the Permit amendment is to accommodate a facility expansion project at Mackie Creek Compressor Station N5 (CS N5) The location of discharge is at the existing site which is, District Lot 2911, Peace River District. The location is approximately 16 km north northwest of Beryl Prairie, British Columbia (B.C.) and 24 km northeast of Hudson Hope, B.C. The facility expansion project is required to increase capacity on the Fort St. John Mainline. It is anticipated the timeline for construction of the proposed project will begin in the third quarter 2018 and operation will commence in the fourth quarter of 2019.
53779
B8 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
local news vandalism from a3
Police officials say their calls are prioritized on a scale from one to four: the panhandler, who hadn’t been causing an immediate disturbance at the time of the first call was rated a four, the least priority. Police would receive two more calls about the man, one that he was kicking at the doors, and another that he had walked away. “Relatively speaking, it’s still a much lower risk than everything else we’re dealing with,” said Fort St. John RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve Perret. “Dispatch won’t dispatch an officer until someone is clear and available for next call.” When it comes to shift scheduling, it’s a constant juggling act, Insp. Mike Kurvers, the detachment commander says. While there are other policing units on the streets with general duty officers — plainclothes
Call volumes are unpredictable, Perret added. “Policing is very fluid,” he said. “We may have shifts where we there’s very little calls for service, and we have other days, much like the beginning of this shift, where it’s just call after call after call. We can never predict when and why people are going to call police.” The same night, police had received a traffic complaint before the call about the panhandler. An officer wasn’t dispatched on that call until after midnight, Perret said. Police say they are investigating the panhandler matter. “The public has to be aware we will get to them.That is our responsibility,” Kurvers said. “But they have to be cognizant that files will be prioritized. We have multiple competing demands to address in the community.”
officers, the serious crime and drug units — they normally aren’t called off their investigate work unless there’s a major incident. And the fact the police detachment is a block away from a call doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an available officer nearby. Officers are expected to be out on the streets, Kurvers said, and not in the office. The detachment receives an average of 13,000 calls a year, and covers a area that extends north to the Sikkani Chief Bridge, west to Williston Lake, east to the Alberta border, and just south of the Peace River. “We’re not waiting for calls. We tell people get on the road. That’s your job: go drive around, go walk the beat, go talk to people,” he said. “We have to give 24-7 coverage. It’s a contact juggling act to make sure we have maximum resources in place.”
Whether you want an adrenaline fueled adventure or tranquil get-away, this magazine is packed full of ideas to help you...
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The District of Hudson’s Hope is looking for an interested group or individual to put together an Easter event between March 30 and April 2. “Eggs hunts are absolutely the go-to and something parents typically expect in an Easter event,” said Special Events Coordinator Kaitlyn Atkinson, “I am open to any event that is family orientated and related to the spirit of the holiday.” Atkinson will be available to promote the event through the district’s social media pages and offer logistical support from public works if needed. Interested parties are asked to contact Atkinson at sec@hudsonshope.ca and submit their plan for approval. Funding will be provided by the district.
ACTIVITIES IN OUR REGION | PHOTO CONTEST | CAMPGROUND LISTINGS | AND MUCH MORE ! Distribution | 14,500 copies distributed to BC Parks, Regional Tourism, Information Centres and Participating Advertisers
INVESTMENT:
Format | Glossy magazine
Half Page (7” x 4.7” or 3.42” x 9.5”) $600
Deadline | Friday, April 27 2018
Special Olympians in Fort St. John held their fifth annual Toonie K fundraiser on March 17, raising more than $3,800 to support their programming and development, and offset travel costs to competitions. Athletes spent the morning and early afternoon collecting pledges and walking the Northern Vac Walking Track at the Pomeroy Sport Centre, with a goal of wrapping the track in toonies. By the time the walk was finished at 2 p.m., $3,830 had been raised, and athletes received a visit from Fort St. John firefighters. Wyatt Turney won the event’s athlete door prize, receiving a $20 gift card from The Chopped Leaf. Ernie’s is matching prizes for the top pledge earners, which will be awarded at Special Olympics BC Fort St. John’s year-end banquet in June. Donations are still being accepted. The organization will hold its next fundraiser in June, when its annual golf tournament tees off June 16 at Lone Wolf. For more information, contact localcoordinator@sobcfortstjohn.ca or follow the group on Facebook.
Hudson’s Hope calls for Easter volunteers
THE NORTH
Distribution Date | Friday, May 25, 2018
Special O athletes raise $3,800 at toonie walk
Full Page (8” x 10.5” with .25” bleed) $1000
Quarter Page (3.42” x 4.71”) $300
Contact Ryan or Brenda today
250.785.5631
Alaska Highway News
Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent for the Alaska Highway News. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@gmail. com.
ountries c g in p lo e v e d Women in daily to get m k 6 f o e g a r e walk an av 20 kg. s a h c u m s a y r water, and car from the
AR! What A YpE articipants
and e th ll a to u yo k Than Your support is ! rs o s n o p s s u n all the genero r Cruise 2017 a e m m u S r u o e 5! helping mak you July 13-1 e e S r. e b m e m event to re Welcome All Cruisers to the Annual Summer Cruise! RE • RECOVER
RESPOND • RESTO
-7778 m 250-782tor ation.co ism Damage • Vandal ation • Fire/Water iation • Disaster Restor ent • Mould Remed • Asbestos Abatem Country Serving the Peace
00 78 • Cell: 250-719-91 82-77res ce: 250-7 try ration@gmail.com peacecoOfOffiun peacecountryresto
July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B
m o c . s r e s i u r c o r e z mile
1 Unsafe water, lack of basic sanitation and poor hygiene cause 80% of all sickness and disease and kill more people than all forms of violence, including war. 2 The biggest killer of children under the age of FIVE is unsafe water: 1.8 million children die every year – ONE child will die every 17 seconds and 5000 children will die today. 3 Without safe water and sanitation, life and livelihood are under threat: · 8000 people die every day from waterborne disease · Women and children (usually girls) spend hours each day fetching water, often under threat of violence · Lack of sanitation and privacy lead to early drop-out from school among girls · Every year, 40 billion hours spent collecting and hauling water in Africa alone · Disputes over water jeopardize peace in every continent · Drought and starvation threaten lives and livelihood of millions of people. 4 At this moment, 900 million people in the world do not have access to a source of safe water within 1 km of their home; 2.5 billion lack access to adequate sanitation, 1 in 4 in the developing world has none. 5 Women in developing countries walk an average of 6 km daily to get water, and carry as much as 20 kg.
Rotary
Club of Dawson Creek
Meets Tuesdays, NOON At The GEORGE DAWSON INN
Rotary
Club of Dawson Creek Sunrise
Meets Fridays, 7:00 a.m. At The DC CURLING RINK