AHN MAR 8 2018 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, march 8, 2018 Vol. 74, No. 10

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

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

resetting the energy dialogue

trackers clinch historic first

this bordello is damned

business a9

sports b1

arts b5

AHN nominated for Ma Murray Awards

dancing for donations

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Greg Carillo performs a dance routine at the 44th CDC Talent Show at the North Peace Cultural Centre on Friday, March 2, 2018. More than $75,000 was raised for the Child Development Centre, enough to be able to purchase a wheelchair accessible van, its goal for this year’s campaign. “We’re extremely grateful to the community and our corporate partners for supporting us once again,” executive director Tana Millner says.

“It’s going to make a big difference. We’re super excited to be purchasing a new set of wheels.” The fundraising was anchored by two sizable donations — a $10,000 donation each from Mustang Rentals and Scotiabank, Millner says. Pledge sheets are still coming in, and a $1,000 donation was added to the tally the morning of March 5, Millner says. Donations can be made to the centre through the month of March to help it reach its $100,000 fundraising target.

Fourth fatality on Peace highways in 2018 matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

 phone 250-785-5631  fax 250-785-3522  email circulation@ahnfsj.ca  online alaskahighwaynews.ca  facebook AlaskaHighwayNews  twitter @AHNnewspaper

A 29-year-old Grande Prairie man was killed March 4 when his pickup truck crashed head on with a semi-truck at the top of the South Taylor Hill. The accident happened around 4:45 p.m. when the man’s northbound pickup crossed the centre line completely into the path of the southbound semi, which was unable to avoid the collision, according to Sgt. Tim Paulmert of the RCMP’s Peace Region Traffic Services. The pickup driver was killed on impact, Paulmert said. The female driver of the semi-truck was not injured, he said. No names are being released and

next of kin are being notified, Paulmert said. The crash closed the highway for several hours while police investigated, and reopened shortly after midnight. The investigation is ongoing. Paulmert could not immediately say whether speed or alcohol were factors, however, distracted driving may have been a contributing cause. This is the fourth fatality on Peace Region highways so far in 2018, all of them young, according to Paulmert. On Jan. 5, a 17-year-old male was killed in an accident on the south end of the Taylor Bridge. On Jan. 24, a 22-year-old

man was killed in an accident between Dawson Creek and Chetwynd. On Feb. 2, a 22-year-old woman was killed in an accident 75 kilometres south of Chetwynd. Paulmert, whose unit covers traffic services from Dawson Creek to Fort Nelson, said he’s never seen so many killed in accidents in such a short span of time during his 14 years working in the region. He urged motorists to drive to road conditions. “Road conditions are ever changing. They could go from bare (to icy), or what appears to be bare but be icy,” he said. “We beg people to put their cell phones away while driving,” he added.

Climate Risk Network holds inaugural meet matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Northeast Climate Risk Network held its inaugural meeting this week. Fort St. John has joined the network alongside Pouce Coupe, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, and the Northern Rockies to study climate change in the region and develop plans to adapt to the economic, social, and ecological changes anticipated to come with it. “This is a chance to get

ahead of the curve,” said David Marshall, executive director of the Fraser Basin Council, which has partnered with the municipalities to establish the network and undertake its research. “More extreme weather events are happening more frequently, and we’re finding this part of British Columbia is showing an increase in temperature more rapidly than other parts of the province.” Current research shows average temperatures have risen 2.2 degrees Celsius

in the region over the last 100 years, one degree above the provincial average of 1.2 degrees and the global average of one degree, Marshall said. Impacts of a changing climate can be seen in the number of flood, wildfire, drought, and erosion events here in the last several years, Marshall said, all of which has an impact on communities, from infrastructure planning to operations in the oil and gas industry. See RESEARCH on A16

PAVING 100 Canadian

Residential • Commercial • Industrial Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots

For the second year in a row, the Alaska Highway News has been nominated one of the best community newspapers in British Columbia and the Yukon. The newspaper is a finalist for Newspaper Excellence in the 2018 Ma Murray Awards, put on by the BC & Yukon Community Newspapers Association. The award recognizes everything from a newspaper’s content, photography, advertising, design, print quality, and online presence. “Our objective as a team has been the same since we first rolled off the presses in 1944: to chronicle and promote the wealth of opportunity in this Northern frontier city, and to tell the stories of its people and pioneers,” said Managing Editor Matt Preprost. “This recognition is a reflection of our entire team as well as those who contribute their viewpoints to our pages to help build a stronger community.” AHN won a bronze award for Newspaper Excellence last year, and is nominated in its circulation class this year alongside Pique Newsmagazine and the Coast Reporter. Sixteen newspapers are eligible for the award in the 6,001-13,000 circulation class, judged independently by a panel of industry experts. Preprost is also a finalist for an Editorial Award, for an article about a personal health scare that hospitalized him last fall, and the important role the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation plays in our community. “My experience was a chance to reflect on the quality of care we see in Northeast B.C., and draw attention to the ongoing work of our hospital foundation to save lives and improve patient care every day by filling in the gaps left by the province,” Preprost said. Preprost is nominated for editorial writing alongside Gail Sjuberg of the Gulf Islands Driftwood, and Kelsey Klassen of the now-closed Westender newspaper in Vancouver. Preprost, who started working for the Alaska Highway News in 2013 and was named editor in 2015, won a Ma Murray Award for breaking news photography last year. “Matt is a great example of what dedication, commitment, and service above self is, as he thrives on being the best he can be everyday,” said Regional Manager William Julian. “We are honoured to have him on our team as his dedication helps those around him also get better. Looking forward to what’s next.” The 2018 Ma Murray Awards will be handed out Saturday, April 28 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.

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A2 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Local News

contents A2 A2 A3 A6 A9 A14 B1 B5 B6

Weather Humour News Opinion Business Perspectives Sports Arts Classifieds

this week’s flyers

trot-thru

M&M Meats Walmart Jysk Home Hardware Rona No Frills Save-On Foods Staples Windsor B.R. Small Holdings Rotary Club Safeway Shoppers Drug Mart Peavy Canadian Tire

Neil Evans snapped a photo of these ol’ fashioned customers picking up their order at the local McDonald’s on March 4, 2018. neil evans Photo

The Goats of Edmonton Need a Leader

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

119.9

Fort St. John

129.9

HOLLYWOOD HA HA: Nothing takes your mind off your personal financial problems like watching multi-millionaires present each other with golden statues. The Oscars are the one day of the year when Hollywood pats itself on the back. Instead of the shy modesty it displays the rest of the year. Yeah, right. Hollywood stars who attended the Academy Awards received a swag bag worth $100,000. The bags contained jewelry, travel vouchers, plus a plastic surgery gift certificate good for two new chins. BUS BULLETIN: Meanwhile in Northern BC, Greyhound continues with its plan to cut service. Those big buses with the running dog on the side will become rare. Greyhound’s business strategy seems to be to act like an actual dog: First beg, then roll over and play dead.

POLE PARTICULARS: For the first time, the North Pole had above freezing temperatures through most of February. If you don’t believe me, check out the Internet pictures of Santa wearing a Speedo. (Well, I think Santa’s wearing a Speedo. It’s hard to tell, the way his bowlful of jelly hangs down.)

Bob Snyder Chews the news

DOGGY DOIN’S: Singer Barbra Streisand revealed she had her pet dog cloned. Cloning a dog is very tricky, things can go wrong. The first time scientists tried cloning a dog they took saliva from the dog’s Frisbee, then they did science stuff to it in the laboratory, then they implanted it into a female dog, who gave birth to a Frisbee.

TOOTH TRUTH: Wednesday of last week was Tooth Fairy Day. It’s also celebrated on August 22. Yes, the Tooth Fairy gets two days — one day for upper teeth, the second day for lower teeth. In a survey: The average amount of money paid out per tooth by the Canadian Tooth Fairy is $6. Wow, you’re kidding me! $6?! When I was a kid I got a quarter per tooth. Plus, when my dad ran out of quarters, he took me to the dentist to have my three remaining baby teeth pulled.

CRIME TIME: Some police departments in Canada are testing special computers that are designed to predict t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html when and where a crime will hapINHALE THIS: In a study released last Fort Nelson N/A pen. I would have a joke here if one week by the Bloomberg School of Public of the police computers was stolen. Health in the U.S., “vaping” releases toxic Groundbirch But it wasn’t. So I don’t. Ah well, give metals, such as lead. It’s no big deal. Lead 118.9 it time. poisoning is only a problem if you want to continue using your brain and your Chetwynd 129.9 GOAT GAG: In Edmonton, city nervous system. Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts British Columbia hall is runningHelp Wanted ads for Tumbler Ridge N/A a “Goat Co-ordinator.” They plan to JUSTIN JEST: A persistent Internet ruuse a herd of 170 goats to eat weeds mor that just won’t go away has led Ottin parks, they need someone to take awa to officially deny that Prime Minister Prince George 109.4 charge of the project. I hear the idea Justin Trudeau is the secret lovechild of the Observed at: Fort St. John Airport 11:38 AMby MST 6 March Current Conditions was suggested a Tuesday politician who2018 late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Hey, let’s Hythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html N/A- Environment Canada needed a scapegoat. They should start an Internet rumour about Canada’s use the goats as Wind: a tourist other famous Justin. If you look closely at Condition: Partly Cloudy Temperature: -13.8°C SSEattraction 5 km/h like in the “Running of the Bulls” Bieber and listen to him perform, it’s obGrande Prairie 115.9 Pressure: 103.2 kPa Dew point: -15.8°C Wind C… -17 in Spain. I’d like to see hundreds of vious he’s the secret lovechild of Alvin the Tendency: Falling Humidity: 85% Visibility: 24 km terrified people being chased along Singing Chipmunk. Calgary 111.8 Jasper Avenue during the annual Running of the Goats. Bob Snyder can be reached at: Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Edmonton chewsthenews@fastmail.com 104.2 Alberta-B.C. border

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Fort St. John, BC

-14°C

Fort Nelson, BC

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

146.6

Vancouver

Forecast Victoria Current Conditions 141.6 B.C. avg

Tue 6 Mar

Alberta Avg.

Wed

Pressure: 103.0 kPa Tendency: Falling 109.4

-12°C -7°C

Periods of light snow

Thu

Condition: Mainly8 Mar Sunny 135.77 Mar

CAD$ per litre, prices as of March 6. Source: GasBuddy.com

Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 6 March 2018 FORT JOHN Observed at:ST. Fort Nelson Airport 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 6 March 2018

Fri Sat -12.0°C 9 MarTemperature: 10 Mar Dew point: -17.3°C Humidity: 65%

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

Sun Mon Wind: S 15 km/h 11 Mar 12 Mar Wind C… -19 Visibility: 48 km

-5°C

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3°C

5°C

6°C

Clearing

A mix of sun and cloud

Sunny

Night Thu 8 Mar

Night Fri 9 Mar

Night Sun 11 Mar

Mon 12 Mar

Forecast General notice

Tonight Night Wed The Tue contents of this newspaper are protected by7 Mar 6 Mar copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

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FOR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PEACE REGION, Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 6 March 2018 PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 A3

Local News

FORT CITY CHRYSLER

n i m r a W p e Ke

R E T N I W SALE

matt preprost Photo

Natalie Brekkaas.

Seniors writing project looking for stories matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Arts Council is looking for stories about the early days of the North Peace as it starts a new seniors digital storytelling program this weekend. The council has secured a $25,000 federal grant for the year-long program, which aims to preserve the memoirs and memories of the past before they’re forgotten. The council is looking to capture the stories in a variety of digital mediums, from blogging to photography, poetry to audio. “These generations are aging and before we know it, their lives are going to be halfremembered stories,” said Natalie Brekkaas, who is co-ordinating the program. “I don’t want them to disappear.” The council will hold a meeting Sunday, March 11 in the basement activity room at the Lutheran Apartments from 2 to 4 p.m. for those wanting to learn more. As co-ordinator, Brekkaas will help connect seniors with the right experts to help tell their stories, and the necessary equipment to do so. The program also has the support of a professor at Simon Fraser University to assist with consultations, as well as as well as educater Linda Haugen, and writer Pan Denouden. Brekkaas is hoping to reach seniors in Fort St. John and the rural communities, as well as First Nations. To learn more, contact the arts council at info@ fsjarts.org or 250-787-2781. The program is free, and Sunday’s meeting will include refreshments.

Davies opens Fort Nelson constituency office matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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All NEW vehicle Payments are inclusive of all taxes and fees of $523.00 which are charged on all new vehicle transactions. Payments are all calculated bi-weekly at 4.49% on a 96 months term. All payments and financing is O.A.C. See dealer for complete details. MSRP discounts are as follows, 25% off MSRP on remaining in stock 2017 Ram 1500’s, 15% off remaining in stock 2017 Jeep Renegades, Cherokee’s and Compass’s (excludes Sport Models) 10% off 2017 Sport model Cherokee, Compass and Renegade. Free Remote start (or equivalent discount) is available only on in stock 2017 Ram 1500’s and 3500’s. Although every precaution is taken, mistakes do happen in print, Fort City reserves the right to correct such mistakes without any further liability. All pictures are for display purposes only and vehicles may not be exactly as illustrated. All vehicles were available on date of ad deadline. See Dealer for details. All offers end March 31st/2018.

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Peace River North MLA Dan Davies will open a constituency office in Fort Nelson on Thursday. Davies says he’s making good on an election pledge to open an office in the community, battling an economic downturn in the oil and gas sector, and a stagnant forestry industry. “I need to make sure the Northern Rockies is heard, now more than ever. This is one of the tools I can use to make that happen,” Davies said in an announcement this week. The office is located in Unit 103 at 5420 50th Avenue North. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Davies has hired Kim Eglinski as his constituency assistant to run the office. Eglinski is a long-time Fort Nelson resident who has served in a number of capacities over the last 25 years, Davies said. A grand opening barbecue will be planned for early April, Davies says.

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A4 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Local News

St. Paddy’s Day run supports Irish Dancers

Hailey McGuire Photo

Championship dancers with the Watt School of Irish Dance.

Irish dancers in Fort St. John aren’t expecting residents to slip on a pair of ghillies, but they do hope to see them lace up their runners for the city’s first St. Paddy’s Day 5K Family Fun Walk and Run on March 17. The Fort St. John Irish Dance Society is hosting the event in support of dancers in the Watt

School of Irish Dance, raising funds for everything from competition registration to workshops. There are currently 52 dancers enrolled in the school, 19 of which are at the championship level, according to Sophie Noiseux, media liaison for the dance society. Over spring break, the Watt School’s world qualifiers will travel to Glasgow, Scotland, for the 48th World Irish Dancing Championship. “The minute (dancers) are at a national or international

level is very costly to fly them places,” Noiseux said. The run will start at 10 a.m. at the North Peace Leisure pool and work its way to Toboggan Hill Park and to the high school. Participants are encouraged to deck themselves out in all things green. Dancers will also be performing in the evening on St. Patrick’s Day at different local restaurants and pubs, Noiseux said. Registration for the event closes at midnight on March 8. Visit eventbrite.ca for more.

CITY BEAT

Updates from February 26, 2018 Council Meetings PROCLAMATION February 28, 2018 was proclaimed as “Anti Bullying & Harassment Day” and “Pink Shirt Day” in the City of Fort St. John. The intent of the proclamation is to raise awareness of bullying and harassment issues.

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN

Community Input Session: Inquiry into Electric Vehicle Charging Service

Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2410, 2018 was adopted by title only. The City is required by the Community Charter to adopt an annual financial plan. Council provided direction to staff at previous Committee of the Whole meetings regarding the operating and capital budgets and this direction is reflected in the bylaw. In addition, an informal drop-session and a Public Meeting regarding the 2018 Budget were held on February 13, 2018 to give the public opportunities to provide comments and input. .

BC ASSESSMENT – 2018 ASSESSMENT ROLL Council received a presentation from BC Assessment regarding the 2018 Assessment Roll, including details speciﬁc to Fort St. John. Highlights are as follows: • Total properties – 9,113 (0.8% increase from 2017). • Total actual value – $4.35 billion (3.5% decrease from 2017). • Total non-market change – $87.8 million (42.5% decrease from 2017). • Overall net general values rose from 2009 to 2016 and then dropped slightly in 2017 and 2018. • The value of an average single family dwelling in Fort St. John dropped from $387,000 in 2017 to $369,000 in 2018, a 4.6% decrease.

BC HYDRO – PEACE REGION ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PROJECT

The BCUC is conducting an independent inquiry into the regulation of electric vehicle (EV) charging service that will explore potential regulatory issues, including the level of regulation necessary, if any, in the EV charging service market, the rates for EV charging service, and any other matters that should be considered by the BCUC. You are invited to learn more about the BCUC’s Inquiry and to provide feedback at a community input session.

FORT ST. JOHN COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 6:00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. Pomeroy Hotel (Scotty Room) 11308 Alaska Road Fort St. John, BC

Council received a presentation on the Peace Region Electricity Supply (PRES) Project from BC Hydro which is the building of two parallel 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines between the future Site C Substation near Fort St. John and the existing Groundbirch Substation located about 30 kilometers east of Chetwynd. Electricity demand in the South Peace region is increasing, mainly as a result of increased industrial activity in the area. The PRES Project will help to ensure that BC Hydro can reliably provide electricity to its industrial customers who want to power their facilities with clean energy and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CONDILL HOTEL DEMOLITION Council approved the demolition of the Condill Hotel utilizing NAPP Enterprises Ltd. The demolition was halted on January 22, 2018 when Council asked for a legal review of the procurement and demolition process. That review has been completed

and was presented to Council at which time Council made the decision to proceed. Work on the site will commence as soon as possible.

TIMING FOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS Council directed staff to modify the traffic signal controllers to allow for non-actuated co-ordinated/ pedestrian recall walk signals on primary streets and pedestrian activated walk signals on side streets, with activation to occur on the active signal as long as the minimum green timing is not exceeded. For primary streets, this means that the walk signal will always activate when the signal is green. For side streets, pedestrians will be able to activate the walk signal during the current active cycle rather than having to wait for the next cycle. This arose from a request from Council to reduce the time pedestrians have to wait for a walk signal and will improve walkability in the City. Currently, the walk signals are only activated when the button is pushed before the cycle is reached. Staff believes that these changes will accomplish what Council has requested without significantly changing the overall timing of cycles.

DESIGN FOR RENOVATIONS TO PUBLIC WORKS AND GROUNDS BUILDINGS A request for proposals was issued for the City of Fort St. John to engage a consulting team with planning and feasibility expertise to assist in preparing interior improvement options for both the Public Works and Grounds buildings. Council awarded this project to Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects Inc. from Vancouver, BC at a cost of $134,800 plus applicable taxes. Although it was not the lowest bid, this company scored highest during the evaluation process.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS A Committee of the Whole meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday January 22, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. to receive a presentation from the Fort St. John Community Development Institute. The Regular Council meeting will follow at 3:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

For more information, please visit our website at bcuc.com, or contact Erica Hamilton, Director, Communications for the BCUC, at 1.800.663.1385.

www.fortstjohn.ca

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 A5

LOCAL NEWS

Rural Roads Taskforce gaining traction TOM SUMMER Alaska Highway News

Beryl Prairie, Farrell Creek, Golata Creek, Baldonnel, and the Beatton Airport roads are the top five priorities of a revived rural roads taskforce in the North Peace. The taskforce, led by consultant Jack Kjos, delivered its findings to Ministry of Transportation District Manager Katherine Styba, and her senior staff on Feb. 27. “It’s a tough area, there’s a lot of roads in rough shape,” said Kjos. “The geography of the North Peace makes it one of the most difficult areas in the province to keep in decent condition.” The taskforce was created in 1997 through the North Peace Economic Development Commission to lobby the province for upgrades to the rural road system. Kjos worked on the original taskforce up until 2005 when it went idle after hundreds of millions of dollars in road upgrades. The taskforce was re-established last year through the regional district, with Kjos picking up where she left off. “We took a look at what on the grid got done, because a good percentage of it, at least half of what we proposed in 1997, was completed,” Kjos said. “Katherine is new to the position, very approachable, very easy to talk to, and quite appreciative of the amount of research we’ve put into it.”

Though the economic development commission disbanded last year, the regional district redirected some of its budget to revive the taskforce’s work. There are long-term economic benefits of keeping rural roads maintained, Electoral Area B Director Karen Goodings. said. Though Yellowhead Road and Bridge and Cariboo Road Services do the best they can, budgeting continues to be an issue, she said. “We recognize that the province has spent a considerable amount of money on our main highways,” Goodings said. “But all of those rural roads that lead to those highways are certainly in need of constant maintenance.” Goodings pointed out that there are long-term economic benefits in refreshing rural roads. “It’s not just the oil and gas industry — it’s agriculture, it’s forestry, it’s residents – we all use the same roads,” she said. The work of the last taskforce also extended beyond just roads, leaving a template to follow. “The regional transportation advisory committee was structured by the province, across the province, kind of modeled after our rural roads taskforce,” Goodings said. “Now we’re at the table again, at the request of members of the Baldonnel rural areas, Montney rural areas, to say it’s time again to have a look.”

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

CHAIN OF PAIN: Bert Bowes Middle School students learn how static electricity is transferred through their bodies during a Science World demonstration March 5, 2018.

Science celebration set for March 10 It promises to be another hairraising, fire-balling week of science in Fort St. John. Science World returns to town March 5 to 10 with its bag of science experiments and experiences in hand for students and the public to marvel at, and learn more about how the world around us works. “We are thrilled to be participating in the Community Science Celebration in Fort St. John,” said JoAnn Coggan, director of community outreach for Science World, said in an announcement. “It is a showcase of the community

Board

for the community and will profile local businesses, organizations and innovators.. Science World will first take its demonstrations to schools in Fort St. John and the surrounding area March 5 to 9, and end its visit with a community science celebration March 10 at Northern Lights College. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will offer the public a chance to meet with locals who work in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields, along with “eye-popping” demonstrations. The event is free to attend.

MARCH 2018

Delegations this Month

Agricultural Land Commission Applications

Blanket Grant Application Policy

HD Mining — Jody Shimkus and Brandon Lewis from HD Mining updated the Board on the Murray River Project. They advised that they will continue to work with the review committee to develop conditions that may be imposed upon the final approval of the project and noted that the support they have received from the area is appreciated.

The Regional Board authorized that both the Stahl nonfarm use and Sudnik subdivision applications proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission. The Hollowpoint Contracting Ltd. non-farm use application was refused.

The Regional District, through Rural Budgets and the Board, provides millions of dollars in grants each year to organizations that offer facilities and programs to communities in the Region. The Regional Board approved the ‘Blanket Grant Application Policy’, which establishes minimum standards of information to be collected through grant applications in order to ensure financial accountability and minimum standards of information that is to be provided for grant administration.

Project Webfoot Program — Meredith Thornton requested that the Board continue to financially support the “Project Webfoot” program” delivered by Ducks Unlimited volunteers at McQueens Slough. The program educates youth about wetlands and waterfowl, teaching them about conservation concepts and practices. Oil & Gas Concerns in the Farmington Community — Jim and Pat Strasky (on behalf of the Farmington Community) presented concerns about the cumulative effects of the increased oil and gas activity in the area to the Board, including agricultural, noise and light, increased traffic and flaring impacts. The ambiguity of the multi-well pads being classed as “temporary” and emergency response were also noted as concerning to the community. The Board authorized staff to send a letter to the OGC and CAPP requesting that a meeting be arranged by the end of March with the Farmington community. BC Hydro Peace Region Electricity Supply Project — Charles Young, Project Manager and Megan Harris, Stakeholder Engagement Lead for the project gave an overview of the project, what alternatives were considered and timelines. The final decision by BC Hydro Board of Directors will be in spring 2018 on whether to implement the project.

One of the people who took the time to use the Gallery Comments or Questions section in the Board agenda told the Board that he appreciated the opportunity to speak to the Board. Four people took their two minute opportunity to address an agenda item at the Board meeting.

Next PRRD Board Meetings:

March 8, 2018 10:00am | Dawson Creek March 22, 2018 10:00am | Fort St. John

INVASIVE PLANT JINGLE CONTEST

Presentations Blackfoot Regional and Montney Park DRAFT Plan — Jana Zelenski, of Lanarc consultants outlined the findings of the 2017 parks consultation undertaken by her firm. To view findings go to http://prrd.bc.ca/board/ agendas/2018/2018-06-670227041/AGENDA.html PRRD Operational Review and Efficiency Audit — Oscar Poloni, from KPMG outlined the findings of the audit undertaken in 2017. The PRRD compares favourably to selected comparator regional districts. PRRD employees have a good level of engagement with the organization. The PRRD has limited exposure to risk from a succession planning perspective. The Regional Board authorized the following contract awards:

Gallery Comments or Questions

The Board adopted the Digital Road Atlas Locality Boundaries as defined boundaries within the Peace River Regional District.

The Board authorized that Urban Systems be awarded a contract for up to $20,000 to develop documents necessary to issue a request for proposals and assist in the selection of a suitably qualified consulting firm to develop two design concepts for an 8000 sq. ft. library to be constructed on the Chetwynd Recreation complex grounds.

Contract Awards

Alaska Highway Community Society Nomination Project Update — April Moi, Bud Powell, and Heather Sjoblom, updated the Board on some of the 2017 highlights of the project: A First Nations Storytelling Project; hosted workshops for key stakeholders; ongoing development and maintenance of www. ouralaskahighway.com; documentation of tourism and other uses along the highway used for the Alaska Highway Heritage Project and Destination BC’s Destination Development Program, and continued engagement with all Northeast communities and First Nations.

Digital Road Atlas Locality Boundaries

Chetwynd Public Library Contract Award

1. GHD Inc to design, prepare construction documents and provide tender services, contract administration, and construction oversight for the construction of Bessborough Landfill Phase 3B cell for $25,012 (excluding taxes) and Phase 1 cell in 2019 at a cost of $25,012 (excluding taxes); and to Prepare an Environmental Management Plan for Bessborough Landfill at a cost of $2,936 (excluding taxes); and to prepare of a Leachate Management Plan for Bessborough Landfill at a cost of $34,279 (excluding taxes).

Are you concerned about invasive plants in the PRRD? Are you an aspiring singer songwriter? Why not put those two passions together and enter a jingle into the PRRD Invasive plant jingle contest? Compose a 60 second jingle about destroying daisies. The winning jingle will be used for future PRRD Invasive Plant Program educational materials and promotions. The prize $250 local music store gift certificate. Contest closes March 16, 2018. For contest rules go to: https://prrd.bc.ca/engage

2. GHD Inc. for technical oversight and data management for the operation and maintenance of the gas collection and control system at the North Peace Regional Landfill at a cost of $39,635 (excluding taxes).

Daisies such as Oxeye Daisy and Scentless Chamomile are plagues to the Peace River Regional District. Many people consider these daisies to be pretty garden plants and wildflowers when, in fact, these daisies are not native wildflowers in BC, they are invasive plants. Scentless Chamomile and Oxeye Daisy are out-of-control perennials, considered regionally noxious under the BC Weed Control Act. Daisies are costly to eradicate, and decreases the value of agricultural products and upset the natural balance of our ecosystems.

3. Epscan Industries Ltd. for the monitoring, inspection, and routine maintenance during 2018 for the operation and maintenance of the gas collection and control system at the North Peace Regional Landfill at an estimated cost of $32,883 (excluding taxes) 4. GHD Inc. to design and administer the contract for the Bessborough Landfill to provide technical oversight and data management for the operation and maintenance of the gas. 5. Adlard Environmental in the amount of $79,280, excluding taxes, to cover Grant Writing services for the Peace River Regional District, specifically Electoral Areas B, C, D, E; Hudson’s Hope; and Taylor. The Grant Writer contract will be funded in the 2018 Budget under the Economic Development Function. Participating members will contribute based on population and assessment.

Dawson Creek Office

Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

Fort St. John Office

Tel: 250-785-8084 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.fsj@prrd.bc.ca

Scentless Chamomile

Oxeye Daisy

To view board schedules and minutes visit:

prrd.bc.ca

Peace River Regional SCENTLESS District Ofﬁcial Page

MOMILE CHAdiverse. vast. abundant.

A6 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Opinion

Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 by Glacier Media Tel: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522 Online at alaskahighwaynews.ca

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Questions and consequences remain over cannabis legislation

he Trudeau government’s Bill C-45, which seeks to legalize and regulate marijuana, is currently before the Senate. Senators have been engaging in a thoughtful and insightful debate and, last week, it was my turn to raise some issues of concern. The government claims that legalizing pot will protect public health and safety. Two of its stated objectives are to restrict youth access to cannabis and deter and reduce criminal activity. I think, in both cases, this legislation does the opposite. Some have accused Conservative Senators of delaying the passage of this bill. I would argue that Senators on both sides of the aisle are simply doing their job. As a federal legislator, I take my work very seriously. In my view, I feel too many unanswered questions and unintended consequences will result in the passing of this bill. Allow me to provide a bit of food for thought. While there is no consensus among subject-matter experts and doctors on the effects of cannabis on youth, the Canadian Paediatric Society argues that “cannabis legislation will have a significant impact on the lives and health of children and youth, and safeguards are necessary. Based on the physical and mental health risks, and with many legal, financial and public safety issues at stake, policy

Richard Neufeld From the senate

makers… must continue to limit access to cannabis.” Further, Doctors of BC states that “evidence suggests that the younger a person starts using cannabis, the greater the risks for a variety of adverse health and social outcomes (…) which may include injury, substance use, and mental health or education problems.” Statistics also show that 1 in 6 people who started using cannabis as a teenager become addicted to it. Some argue that cannabis is a gateway drug and that brain development can be affected until the age of 25, and perhaps even beyond that. Despite all these warnings, the federal government has opted to allow youth, aged 12-17, to possess or distribute up to 5 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent. The purpose of this provision is to not criminalize youth for possession of small amounts of marijuana. For sake of argument, that means that teenagers could possess between five and 15 joints at a time. The federal government claims it wants to keep marijuana out of the hands of youth. If that’s the case, why has-

n’t it prohibited it entirely, shown real leadership and reject this five-gram provision? Instead, it’s up to the provinces and territories to legislate. The federal justice minister even told senators that “youth should not have any amount of cannabis.” Yet her bill allows it. She added that “there will be no legal means for a young person to obtain recreational cannabis.” The minister hit the nail on the head – youth will have to resort to illegal means, despite the fact one of the bill’s stated goals is to deter criminal activity. The black market will continue to serve our youth. In fact, I’m worried it’ll cater specifically to them in some ways. Moreover, the government argues this bill seeks to eliminate illegal cannabis-related activities and that Canadians will adapt their purchasing behaviours and switch to legal pot shops. I think that’s a little naïve. Some may, some may not. Last time I checked there is still an illicit tobacco market generating millions of illegal dollars. If youth don’t use the black market to obtain their pot, they could sneak some fresh cannabis from the four plants for private home cultivation that this bill will allow. As the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police submit, the “personal cultivation provisions are counter to the Bill’s stated objective of protecting youth.”

Like the Chiefs, I’m worried this bill will lead to increased exposure and consumption among our youth. In my view, this bill is inconsistent with the government’s intended goals which is I why I do not support it. Youth access to marijuana is my biggest concern. However, other issues should also be explored by the committees that will review this bill such as drug impairment in safety-sensitive workplaces, the unreliable and unscientific drug recognition tests, law enforcement training, sale and accessibility of edibles, and the list could go on. I can assure Canadians that the Senate is not purposely delaying the passage of this bill. Rather, senators refuse to rubber -stamp this once-in-a-lifetime bill that will bring about major societal changes. We want to get this right – we owe it ourselves, our kids and future generations. The Honourable Richard Neufeld is a Senator for British Columbia. He is a member of three Senate Committees: Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources; National Finance; and Arctic. Prior to his appointment to the Senate in 2009, he served in the British Columbia Legislative Assembly from 1991 to 2008 as MLA for Peace River North. He was Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources from 2001 to 2009.

Sorry, this recipient’s inbox is full

s I sat down to write my column this morning, I checked my phone to see if I had any notifications from any of my apps: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. There were the usual birthday notifications and other social media nonsense. I swiped down and was about to press clear when something caught my eye. It was a congratulate so and so for this many years at wherever LinkedIn message and it gave me pause. I pressed view, and the picture flooded the screen with the option to “like and send congratulations.” I would have loved nothing more than to send my congratulations, but I knew it would be meaningless: this individual had passed away quite a few years ago and no one had decommissioned her account. I could only imagine how many requests to connect were pending on her account, or how many automatic messages had clogged her inbox. It made me think: if I were to die today, would my hubby remember to deactivate my social media accounts? Would he even know how many I have? Would he figure out my passwords? In five years, would my LinkedIn account send out a notification asking

connections to congratulate me for seven years at the Encana Events Centre? That would be weird and a little creepy. My email would be another story. I receive about 30 emails daily to my Gmail account. Mostly, they are automatic emails from groups that I belong to and they come morning, noon, and night. For example, HARO sends me three emails three times a day! My inbox would be full in no time and the only response it would have, the only inkling to others that something was wrong would be that “the recipient inbox is full.” So, as I write this, I Googled whether there were sites that manage your social media accounts after death, and up popped a myriad of choices: Google Death, a tool to take care of your Gmail when you are gone; Mashable – 7 Resources for handling digital life after death; and Digital Afterlife Services, to name just a few. The Google Death site is actually called an “inactive account manager.” The user picks a certain amount of time of inactivity (three months, six months, etc.) and one month after that deadline they send you an email (now, that’s funny) and a text. If you

don’t respond, they will assume you wish the inactive account manager to assume its duties and the digital bot will begin carrying out your wishes. Those wishes might be for them to delete all of the data, or it might be for them to send an email to your trusted contacts and share your data with them. That doesn’t apply to your LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook accounts though — those sites don’t automatically deactivate after death, so, as a result, the digital site will be sending notifications for years and years. Strange, but true. Creepy, but at the same time comforting: After seeing the notification this morning, I spent a quiet moment reflecting on this individual and remembering her love for life. My thumb hovered over the “say congrats” button, and I was tempted because she would have found it funny. Maybe, just maybe, she was watching this morning and having a giggle. Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book Naked Tuesday, or follow her on twitter @ judylaine

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 A7

Local News

GLASS HOUSE

Anne Siluch and Marla Belziuk cut the ribbon on a new partnership between the Flower Hut and the Hospital Auxiliary on March 2, 2018.

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Bouquets bring cheer, colour to hospital matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

There’s no denying the power of a flower, and on March 2 the Flower Hut and Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary cut the ribbon on a new bouquet stand they hope will bring some cheer and colour to patients and staff. Flower Hut owner Marla Belziuk called it a “blossoming partnership” between the two, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the auxiliary, which runs the gift shop and raises funds for patient services

and equipment. The Flower Hut already delivers up to three bouquets a week to the hospital, Belziuk said, and adding a cooler at the auxiliary gift shop brings the be-well thoughts that much closer to those visiting friends and family. “If you’re having a bad day or need a pick me up, it’s nice to have a bouquet,” she said. The cooler was installed a month ago, and around a dozen bouquets have sold so far. The bouquet stand is already proving popular, said Rosemary

Love

Landry, auxiliary president. “We have residents coming down on a daily basis just to look at the display because it’s so bright and cheerful,” Landry said. The auxiliary is raising $36,000 this year to install benches at Peace Villa and the hospital, so patients having to walk long distances for appointments have somewhere to rest if they need, Landry said. “This is a hospital of hallways,” Landry said. The bouquet stand is located just outside the gift shop.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 A9

Business

“I am very closely watching sales volumes in hopes that the spring market will be an old fashioned spring market and bring more buyers that qualify.” — Edwina Nearhood, A13

Energy symposium looks at challenges facing industry, communities matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

What’s the best way to pull resources from the ground and get them to market, and how can the energy development dialogue be reset in British Columbia? Those questions and others about best practices and the future of resource development in B.C. filled the Pomeroy Hotel in Fort St. John Feb. 28 as elected officials, bureaucrats, lobbyists, and workers gathered for a daylong symposium to help inform a provincial energy roadmap being developed this year. “In the beginning, it was dark and man was very cold,” Rob Fraser, chair of the Northeast B.C. Resource matt preprost Photos Municipalities Coalition, the symposium’s host, said with a laugh to Rob Fraser, chair of the Northeast B.C. Resource Municipalities Coalition. start the day. Of course, there’s been much change since that prehistoric beginning — and I think roadmap is more significant in “I don’t know of another industry in Northeast B.C., there’s been much terms of setting the path,” she said. more focused on safety and technology change in the last 60 years. “2018 is going to be a very busy year and innovation,” Keane said. The region has been at the epicentre for us to put that roadmap together.” Energy outlooks consistently note of energy development in B.C. since Part of her division’s work, she natural gas will grow to about 22 per natural gas was discovered in 1950s, a said, is looking at the oil and gas cent of the world’s primary energy, gas plant built, and a pipeline installed industry from a “complete value chain Keane said, and that gas will need to to the Lower Mainland, Fraser said. perspective.” There’s a global appetite come from somewhere. The Peace River was harnessed for for energy as the world’s population “How are we going to make sure hydro in the 60s and 70s, and demand grows, up from three billion in 1960 to people understand the strict regulations for energy outstripped investments 7.6 billion today, she said. we operate under in B.C., which I think throughout continued growth in the “The appetite for energy and energy are really, really positive,” he said. 90s, he said. “If the world is meeting its demand products is not only coming from a And while energy investments in the growing and expanding population, it from other countries that don’t have region totalled $80 billion in the region comes from the fact a lot of people are the same environmental regulations … between 2005 and 2015, the province entering the middle class and wanting we’re going to have significant carbon hasn’t updated its energy plan since things we all take for granted,” she leakage, and significant skills and 2007, under the former BC Liberal said. employment leakages as well.” government, Fraser said. Technology advancements have “There’s a strong opportunity for As the energy ministry begins Canada, with our regulatory regime helped the industry become more efficient in extraction, and open up developing its new roadmap this year, and environmental targets.” Fraser said there are three challenges You can’t talk energy without talking new opportunities for exports. Looking ahead: access to world markets, about climate, Piccinino said, but the ahead to 2040, Fort St. John Mayor Lori increasing production and efficiencies numbers can be boiled down to this: Ackerman said natural gas can help while reducing carbon footprints, and there are one billion cars today, she developing countries meet their energy recognizing that existing industries said, machines that are about 60 per needs and reduce global emissions, transition remote communities off such as natural gas have benefits in the cent plastic, she said. transition to a lower-carbon future. “Plastic comes from oil and gas. higher carbon fuels, and help the “Some may see them as barriers, There’s going to about two billion cars transportation industry move from gasoline to natural gas systems. but an energy plan should speak to in a decade and half,” she said. “We can have a knowledge economy those and help the province and our “The reason why I’m throwing those communities move forward,” Fraser numbers out there it it’s important to when it comes to our resources,” said. think about the world’s appetite for Ackerman said. “We have really undervalued the How to build sustainable resource energy.” knowledge that we do have.” communities, partner with First But buy-in means ensuring Nations, and structure a roadmap Resetting the energy dialogue communities bearing the brunt of were the focus of a morning panel Communications is important development, such as those in the discussion, before attendees split into groups in the afternoon to brainstorm to understanding that appetite and Northeast and in particular First ideas and issues on everything from resetting the dialogue with British Nations, are protected and have the carbon pricing to transportation and Columbians on how resources such as resources and services they need. “We need to make sure we have green building policies, to electricity oil and gas are produced in B.C., said David Keane of the BC LNG Alliance. the human resources our industries and demand side management. During a panel discussion, he said need. We need to make sure we have Ines Piccinino, assistant deputy minister for the energy ministry’s oil his agency would be polling Lower the healthcare, the education, and the and gas division, said the coalition Mainlanders this week to determine public safety,” Ackerman said. “If those are not invested in a proper was getting ahead of the curve in the issues preventing them from getting a better understanding of the manner, our communities won’t have contributing input to the roadmap. the foundation they need.” “I prefer roadmap over the word plan. industry and how it operates.

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Ines Piccinino, assistant deputy minister for the energy ministry’s oil and gas division.

lessons from the past, and looking to the future From a First Nations perspective, Karen Ogden-Toews of the First Nations LNG Alliance said resources need to be extracted in a way that limits impacts to the land, water and air. Then, it’s about being transparent, honest, and inclusive when approaching and involving First Nations in development, and ensuring their long-term health and benefits are kept in mind. “Being inclusive means you’re including all of the stakeholders that are involved… communities, First Nations, hereditary chiefs where applicable,” she said. “All of those pieces together make for a good working relationship with First Nations.” Consultation has been secondary or non-existent in the past, she said. She gave an example of her community in the Wet’suwet’en First Nation, which saw a gas pipeline built through its territory in the 1960s without consultation or accommodation. “Looking at at the energy roadmap … I think there have been lessons learned,” she said. “I always like to look at the historical factors, and how can we look at things differently today?” The coalition plans to present its findings from the symposium to the province this summer. Fraser said the coalition has had to re-evaluate what the new NDP government means for its communities, and to reintroduce its research and lobbying efforts to the new ministers. Beyond the symposium, the coalition plans to continue lobbying for stronger taxation enforcement on out-of-province contractors, take part in a provincial review of hydraulic fracturing practices, and undertake an economic study of the rail line from Prince George to the Northern Rockies, Fraser said.

A10 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Local News

court docket A summary of sentences and fines handed out in Peace Region courts for the week ending March 2, 2018. Fort St John Law Courts • Marc Anthony Pennycook (born 1987) was sentenced to 90 days in jail, ordered to provide a DNA sample, handed a 36-month probation

order, handed a 10-year mandatory firearms ban, and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for aggravated assault. • Shawn Richard Sims (born 1970) was given 12 months of probation, ordered to provide a DNA sample, handed a fiveyear discretionary firearms ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault. • Tamara Ann Apsassin-Yellowknee (born 1995) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $300 victim surcharge

Clean. Fluff. Fold. Faster! A SH R T

CAN BIN GO

for care or control of vehicle or vessel while impaired. • Jesse James Newton (born 1991) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • Courtney Bobby Lafond (born 1986) was handed a conditional discharge, given 12 months of probation, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for uttering threats. • Dusty Kastin Oker Desjarlais (born 1994) was fined $500 and assessed a $150 vic-

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• Cole James Calliou (born 1992) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • James Derrick McIntyre (born 1975) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year probation order, and assessed a $300 victim surcharge for breaching probation.

IT’S A GIRL Sadie Victoria Leeanne Jone s Parents: Sarah & Justi n Jo Baby’s Weight:nes 7 lbs 15 oz Length: 22 incs Date: Feb. 28 hes , 2018 Time: 8:10 Fort St. Johnpm , BC

Specializing in Commercial Real Estate

IT’S A GIRL Kayda Raine Dussault Parents: Dussault & Carrie Garrettight: Baby’s We 7 lbs 2 oz Length: 21 inches8 Date: Mar. 3, 201 Time: 7:58 am Fort St. John, BC

IT’S A GIRL

Blessica Grace Parents: Bryan & Virgi nia Tolentino Date: Mar. 3, 2018 Time: 5:36 am Fort St. John , BC

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

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

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

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RON RODGERS

Ltd.

IT’S A BOY Banks Corcoran Parents: Cher & Darcy Baby’s Weight: 8 lbs 3 oz hes Length: 21 1/2 inc 8 Date: Feb. 27, 201 am 6 8:1 e: Tim BC Fort St. John,

IT’S A BO Baby Boy Hu Y illery Parents: Troy & Sorai da Huillery Baby’s Weight: 3.21 kgs Length: 52 Date: Feb. 23 cms , 2018 Time: 8:23 Fort St. Johnam , BC

250-782-9389 • 800 - 106th Ave • Dawson Creek

Phone 250 785 4115

— Tom Summer

or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

Join us at www.facebook.com/ groups/355958451280169/ for special offers and information!

NORTHEAST BC REALTY

OWNER / MANAGING BROKER

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

Email: ron@northeastbc.com

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

LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS FOR SALE IN FORT ST JOHN OR DAWSON CREEK? Give Ron a Call to discuss these business opportunities;

► Water Hauling Business (Shares) ► Land, Building & Equipment of Mechanic Business in FSJ (Shares) ► Land, Building & Restaurant Business in DC (Asset) ► Land, Building Business & Equipment Nightclub in Downtown FSJ (Asset) NOTE: NON-DISCLOSURE/CONFIDENTIALTY AGREEMENTS ARE REQUIRED PRIOR TO RELEASE OF DETAILED INFORMATION

DEVELOPMENT LAND For Sale FORT ST JOHN

ZONED: RM2 - High Density Multi-Family 83.4’x159’ located by designated park area. Asking $289,000 MLS® C8011156 ZONED: ALR Rural Acreages 271 Road 129.9 Acres and 20.607 Acres Asking $400,000 & $350,000 MLS® C8014934-35 ZONED: Heavy Industrial 1.1+/- acre lots - STRATA LOT 1 & 2 Asking Price $369,000 per lot MLS® C8010893 ZONED: C2 – Downtown Commercial 150’ x 122’ Development lot on 101 Ave Asking $485,000 MLS® C8007129 ZONED: Light Industrial 4.455 Acres along Alaska Highway at Mile 53 Asking $629,000 MLS® C8003641

For Sale 30,640sf Building on 4 Acre Land 10500 13 Street Dawson Creek BC

Former O’Brien School currently zoned P1 Institutional. This rare opportunity is located close to Kin Park, DC Library, DC Secondary School, Skateboard Park, Dawson Creek Curling Rink, & so much more. The City of Dawson Creek would be open to rezoning measures that would complement the existing neighborhood Potential for a combination of commercial and residential

ZONED: C4 Service Commercial 0.7 Acres beside WalMart Shopping Asking $664,000 MLS® C8013862

REDUCED NOW ASKING $750,000

ZONED: C1 Neighborhood Commercial 0.576 Acres located across from Hospital Asking $699,000 MLS® N4506822

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

ZONED: C4 Service Commercial 0.62 Acres along 100 Ave Asking $850,000 MLS® C8012255

Commercial Land & Building

ZONED: Light Industrial 4.5+ Acres Asking $869,000 MLS® C8009459 ZONED: Heavy Industrial 2 Acres adjacent rail Asking $1.1 Million MLS® C8005001 ZONED: Multi–Use potential within new City Boundary 36.36 Acres along East By-Pass Asking 2.48 Million MLS® C8015396 ZONED: Multi-Use Highway Commercial 11.5+ Acres at intersection 86 Street and Alaska Hwy Asking 4.9 Million MLS® C8012143

Call Ron to arrange viewing TENANTS in place

****************

Chetwynd BC

7,306 sf+/2 story office building Plus basement area for additional storage

Unique office/retail floor plan can be utilized in its entirety by one user, leased to several tenants or a combination of both for a great investment opportunity Back lane access to staff parking lot, front street angle parking for clients and customers

NOW ASKING $399,000 MLS® 165556

FOR SALE

BUSINESS

Dawson Creek Law Courts

• Kerry Lynn Metecheah (born 1989) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • Edward Pascal Fernandes (born 1966) was given a fivemonth conditional sentence, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for operating a motor vehicle while disqualified.

9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8

Laundry Services BARREL RACE 250-782-9389 All Services in House April 14, 2018 Lakota Centre Open Daily: 8:00 am-8:00 pm Dawson Creek

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FOR LEASE

FORT ST JOHN Highway frontage between Taylor and FSJ

Unit A 5,740sf Shop 14’ overhead doors, mezzanine office space Asking $5740/month Unit B 2,485 Shop area with 2-12’ overhead doors Asking $2485/month

101 Ave off 107 Street

1,600sf office space - Asking $1734/month 3756sf multi-use shop/retail space Asking $4070/month

8703 & 8631 101 Ave Commercial Shop

Unit A 4450sf - 3 overhead doors within large shop area with potential drive thru ability from yard to back alley Unit B 3834sf - 2 shop overhead doors and offices Asking $14.50sf + NNN and applicable taxes

Commercial Industrial Office & Shop

8789sf - 60’x50’ shop with 22’x14’ overhead door on the south side and 14’x16’ overhead door on the north side 3359sf of main floor retail space with 2430sf second floor office Asking $16.00sf + NNN and applicable taxes

Sub-Lease opportunity along 101 Street 3,136sf office, parts/retail and shop area, or 2,045sf working space Asking $17.38sf + NNN and applicable taxes

Highway Commercial Shop

2 bay 3000sf Building on 60'x130' lot fronting the Alaska Highway Asking $4375/month + NNN and applicable taxes

Highway Commercial Office

2,810sf portion in highly visible office center Asking $4683/month + NNN and applicable taxes

Industrial Shop With Office and Manager Suite

3200sf shop adjoining 1800sf two story attached office/manager residence ASKING $15.00sf (approximately $6,000/month) plus triple net and applicable taxes

MLS® C8005063, N4507350-51, C8015908-9, C8007090, C8005649, C8012192, C8016472, C8017235

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 8, 2018 A11

Local News

A12 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Local News

EMPOWER THE WOMAN IN YOU!Unreserved public equipment auction

1,800+ items! From construction to farm equipment – you'll ﬁnd it here.

2015 Kenworth C500 w/300 In.

4 – Late Model – Volvo A30F

2 of 3 – Caterpillar 815F

2010 Case IH Steiger STX485

2015 Heil 46116 Litre

2014 Kenworth T370 8000 Litre Pressure

2015 Western Star 4900SA 22000 Litre

1 of 3 – 2015 Kenworth W900 & 1 of 3 – 2015 Tremcar 45850 Litre

2 of 7 – 2012 Kenworth T800

2015 Peterbilt 567

1 of 3 – 2014 Western Star 4900SB Vac

Grande Prairie, AB Equipment includes

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48293

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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

Brenda Piper Sales Associate

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

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 A13

BUSINESS

Hoping for an old-fashioned spring real estate market

Every person’s situation is different. It is wise to seek the advice of financial institutions, financial advisors, appraisers and property managers for well supported advice that is tailored to each specific need. A sales agent’s job is to sell. You will need agent services once you have done your homework and prepared to list your house realistically. Worst case scenario: You spent all of your equity on renovations. The market will not support the price you need to sell your home to recover these expenditures. One option would be to risk renting in a market with a limited supply of renters. Another option is to list at a price you need that may not be supported in the market. Another option is to list at a discount to accommodate a quick sale, but you will lose most or all of your equity. You have moved away and are in another community, and stretched yourself far too thin to buy a new home. Now, you are in serious trouble that is very hard to back out of. Before you go down that road, STOP! Seek the advice of the professionals you need. A few hundred dollars spent up front may save you thousands of dollars or huge financial loss down the road. Avoiding worst case scenario: Have a good look at your property value with a qualified professional that understands the numerous factors involved in the real value of your property. There are many homes that are selling with strong motivations in the market today. Plan today to avoid financial prob-

lems tomorrow. Do you WANT to sell your house or NEED to sell your house? There are very big drivers in sales and listings. It is a buyer’s market. For every buyer there are 10 homes. Why should they buy yours? Three years ago, there were 10 buyers for every home selling with multi-offers in a market where there were less than 150 listings. You will not recover your renovation costs in today’s market. There is a drastic oversupply of inventory competing with your overpriced product. There continues to be an inventory of new homes that are three years old that have not yet sold. We are in year 3 of an oversupply of inventory and declining prices. There are currently over 400 listings in Fort St. John. Renting in a market when there is 20% vacancy rates can be risky. I am not saying it is always risky, but it can be. The largest challenge may be attracting renters. There are definitely 10 homes for every renter at this point. There are risks associated with not properly screening renters. The good news? I am holding my breath. I am hearing potential economic recovery. I am very closely watching the sales volumes in hopes that the spring market will be an old fashioned spring market and bring more buyers that qualify. The best case scenario: Start taking steps to review your overall financial health and put your finances in order to avoid overextension. Planning on staying in your home for the long term allows more focus on lifestyle and quality of life. We live in a great community with a lot of activities, events and resources to support a quality lifestyle for family and young people – take some time and smell the roses.

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Question: “I had to move away from Fort St. John for work. I tried to sell my house. It needs renovations. Maybe I will rent it and wait for the market to get better. What should I do?”

Edwina Nearhood

Dawson Co-op Mall • Phone: 250-782-8283 Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

House

of the

SOLANO try, built-in range and oven, and an additional oven and microwave combination.

Patio Pool h ne dP Sc ree

First Floor 2431 sq.ft. Second Floor 343 sq.ft. Living Area 2774 sq.ft. Screened Porch 329 sq.ft. Garage 611 sq.ft. Dimensions 75'1''x84'11''

Dining Up

Patio

Kitchen Bedroom 12'2'' x 12'10''

Vaulted Entry

Sitting

2000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Utility

Bedroom 10'8'' x 12'2''

Open to Great Room Below

Alternate Basement Stairs

Open to Entry

rag

Garage

Loft

Sto

Bedroom 10'6'' x 12'

Owners’ Suite 19' x 24'8''

Entry Courtyard

e rag

Associated Designs is the original source for the Solano 11-005. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Solano

PLAN 11-005

Sto

The spacious country kitchen is open to the vaulted great room, with only an eating bar between. Other amenities include generous counter and cupboard space, a step-in pan-

Vaulted Great Room 42'10'' x 18'4''

orc

At the juncture of kitchen and great room, an open stairwell spirals up to a wide vaulted loft that is open to the great room at the rear and the entryway in front. It has a sloping ceiling with storage access on two sides. To In the front, stucco columns with convert this space to a cozy library arched openings separate the drive- retreat, simply bring in some bookway from a lushly planted entry court- shelves and a couple of easy chairs. yard. Stately columns ﬂank the lofty Bedrooms are located at opposite gabled entryway. Viewed from the ends of the Solano. The sumptuous rear, the Solano is equally attractive. owners' suite features two walk-in The exterior of the hexagonal great closets, spa tub, skylights, shower, room, graced by high-arched multi- private water closet and twin vanities. paned windows on three sides, has a The other two bedrooms each have panoramic view. A patio adds to the their own bathroom. Utilities are coneffect, wrapping around the entire venient to these bedrooms as well as back expanse. the garage.

Util.

It's not possible to look at the Solano's tile roof, stucco walls and generously windowed exterior without thinking of sunshine. High arched windows on every exterior wall of this contemporary Mediterranean-style home add drama, inside and out, while capturing light from every possible angle.

Arlen Brekkaas REDUCED

$275,000

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

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

$299,900

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

REDUCED

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

• Large lot with good access

$299,900

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

$385,000

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

$49,900

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

$329,900

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

$549,900

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

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

• • • •

$625,000

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

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

$252,900

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

A14 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

Embrace of faith

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

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

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

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

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) You love adventure any day of the week, but today you really want to do something different! Why not go someplace you’ve never been before? Travel, if possible. Shake things up a little! TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) This is an excellent day to take care of red-tape details about shared property, insurance issues and inheritances. You’ll know what to do, because you are the financial wizard of the zodiac. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) This is a lovely, social day. Your only challenge is to be patient with partners and close friends. Remember that you are high-viz, because the Sun is at the top of your chart. (Yes, people notice you.) CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) It will please you today to be productive and efficient in everything you do. Make a to-do list in order to start your day on the right track. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Grab every chance to express your creative talents. This is a wonderful day to party, flirt and enjoy sports events and playful activities with children. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Home matters demand your attention today. (Small wonder, because increased chaos and activity require your organizational skills.)

For Thursday March 8 2018

fter I left my marriage, feeling rootless in Canada, I traveled several days by plane, train, ferry and bus to reach the remote, coastal village in Donegal that was Griffin ancestral land. I crossed the border into the Republic of Ireland at Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Still two years before the Good Friday Peace Agreement of 1998, armed British soldiers stood guard at the border crossing. My Uncle Frank awaited my arrival beneath a bus depot light, newspaper tucked beneath his arm, navy knit-cap resting above bright, blue eyes so like my father’s and my own. “A hundred thousand welcomes,” he said, smiling. It was midnight before my uncle mutely led me to his cottage, each of us puffing frozen exhales into an aubergine sky. My fatigue was replaced by a sense of marvel at the brilliance of the stars against the blackness of night. A simple mattress placed in front of his fireplace was to be my bed, and after a snack of warm biscuits and hot tea, I slept feeling closer to God than I had in sometime. In the morning, I opened the curtains to look upon a postcard view that the darkness had hidden from sight the previous night. White cottages dotted emerald hills, white clouds broke an azure sky, and white sailboats danced on cobalt water. My uncle and his toothless hound-dog, Binbo, walked towards town. Pulling on my boots, I chased after them. The Catholic Church was white and quaint in its splendour. My uncle and I took turns entering the chapel and standing outside with Binbo. As we departed the chapel, my uncle said, “It’s divorce, then?” Ashamed, I could only nod. “Give it to God. He gives beauty for ashes,” Frank said. My uncle was constructing a home for himself and his wife, Bridie, with the help of my Griffin cousins. I joined in the assembly and physical exertion and the sweet sensation of belonging began to quell my grief. I attended daily Mass with my uncle, and found that my faith sustained me.

Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

On my daily run over the surrounding hills, I’d stop at the white cottage that was my grandfather’s birthplace. Touching its damp stones, the same prayer always settled on my lips. “God. Carry me.” My heart was shattered. I bought a postcard showing the village chapel. On it I wrote: “I’m in God’s country. Standing where your father stood. Walking where he walked.” I mailed it to my father in Canada. Rain christened Donegal on my last day in Ireland. I plucked a rock from the north wall of my grandfather’s cottage to bring Griffin strength home with me when I left that place that had proven to be my sanctuary in January 1996. My uncle took me to a seaside cemetery and together we examined family headstones. “There’s always arms for you to fall into, Angela,” Frank said. I turned to face the seashore, hiding my tears from him. Ocean waves washed clean silver sands, the water reclaiming in its visiting grasp life stuck there, eager to return to the sea. The rain, fragrant with Donegal bell heather, fell ever softly. Something sacred surrounded me and the internal voice I was beginning to heed whispered above the roar of the Irish Sea: I’m with you always. In the doorway of the bus station, a British soldier stood guard, his unwavering gaze fixed past me. Inside the station, I wrote on an oceanview postcard: You’re never alone. I mailed it to myself, a reminder to me as I’d resurrect my life in Canada.

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.

Gratitude Lacking

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) You’re hungry for a downto-earth conversation with Dear Annie: There are three someone. You want to share sisters in my family. Two of us your ideas, and you want to hear are childless. Our other sister what someone else has to say. now has seven grandchildren. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) Every Christmas and birthday, You are working hard to earn my other childless sister and money, but you also are working I send a check to each grandhard to spend it! Today you niece and grandnephew. We are rethinking some issues. never expect any gifts in return, Remember to take time to play. but it would be nice to receive SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) a text message or an email acknowledging our gifts. My other This is a strong and energetic childless sister and I also reday, but be careful. By evening, people could become aggressive, ceive regular solicitations to contribute to special funds and aggression can lead to -- for example, one to pay for temper tantrums. Be aware. band uniforms. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Upon any graduation from Today you want to do things high school, my other childin a low-key way. Perhaps it’s less sister and I are expected because you’re being secretive to attend the event and pay for or you feel private. It’s your call. our own airfare, a hotel room, Your business is your business. a car rental and other expensAQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) es, which is fine. But then we A conversation with a female are both expected to work in might lift your spirits today. You the kitchen to assist with an even might decide to be more elaborate gathering for many ambitious about your personal people -- which I know is very goals. expensive. PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) My other childless sister For some reason, personal feels as if it would be unfair to details about your private life the younger grandnieces and seem to be a bit public today. Be grandnephews to stop sending aware of this, in case you have to checks because we have sent so do some damage control. many checks to the older ones and they are ungrateful. I think that it is time to stop sending checks. Your opinion, please. -Checked Out

every occasion. If I don’t send a card for my grandchild, for example, I get a nasty phone call from my daughter, who asks whether I forgot her son’s birthday.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

Dear Checked Out: You don’t owe anybody anything. Send the younger children greeting cards if you’d like to let them know you’re thinking of them on special occasions, but don’t include checks. If they get angry, as though they were entitled to your money just because their elder siblings received some, then they needed a lesson in humility more than they needed cash. Dear Annie: I would like to use you as a sounding board, hoping that my children and old-enough grandchildren might read this and see themselves in the paper. I have a problem that I’m sure other adults with grown children and grandchildren have when it comes to birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I always make sure that the above-mentioned relatives have presents and cards on their special days. But when it comes to my husband’s and my anniversary and birthdays, we get nothing from them. Heaven forbid that I don’t send at least a card their way for

I am going to try to start doing the same, calling to ask whether they forgot my birthday or my husband’s birthday. I guess I was brought up differently than I raised them. -- Upset in Florida Dear Upset: So many people’s manners seem to be going downhill in this department. Just take a look at the previous letter. I certainly sympathize with you and all the other grandparents, aunts and uncles who consistently show thoughtfulness that younger relatives rarely reflect back. That said, have you tried telling your children you feel this way? They might be all grown up, but there are still lessons you can teach them -- such as how no one likes feeling taken for granted, not even parents. And if they don’t take that lesson from you, I guarantee they’ll learn it firsthand one day. 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 8, 2018 A15

Coffee Corner

SOLD $567,500 9813 269 Rd MLS# R2208403

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

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

$159,900 5782 Baldonnel Rd MLS# R2149165

$789,900 13318 Gourley Sub MLS# R2167731

Great place to start. 2 bdrm (could be 3) 1976 mobile on 1 acre 10 minutes from Fort St John.

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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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

BEACH BIRDS BLUE BOARDWALK BOATING CONCH CORAL COVE CRUISE CULTURE DESTINATION DOCK

• • • • • • • • • • • •

DUNE EXPLORE FISH FOLIAGE GULL HUMIDITY ISLAND LUSH OCEAN PALM PEBBLES PENINSULA

SAND SCUBA SEASHELLS SHORELINE SNORKEL SUNSHINE SWIMSUIT TIDE TROPICS VACATION WARMTH WAVES

TODAY’S PUZZLE

10. Doctors’ group

11. One who buys and sells securities (slang) 12. Be in debt

13. Lively ballroom dance 15. Singer Charles 16. Polish city 19. Former

21. Dismissing from employment 23. Minerals 24. Plotted

61. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet

25. Consult

62. Type of bed

27. Agents of one’s downfall

64. Consume

26. After a prayer

30. Leaseholders

34. Supervises flying 35. Voodoo god

63. Soviet Socialist Republic 65. Japanese freight company (abbr.)

Material for your weekly game page

fly Why do birds winter? south for the

60. Woman (French)

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

7. Bar bill

What kind of key opens a banana? A: A monkey.

4. Green veggie

Why did the M&M go to college?

A: Because he wante d to be a Smartie.

1. Chop or cut

A: It’s easier than walking.

CLUES ACROSS

13. US political party 14. Refers to some of a thing 17. Single 18. Type of beer 20. Ancient Iranian people 22. Grocery chain 27. Gridiron league 28. English river 29. __ and cheese 31. Peyton’s younger brother 32. Long time 33. High schoolers’ test 37. Respects 38. Organize anew 39. Filippo __, Saint 40. Intrinsic nature of something 41. Cheese dish 42. Ancient Greek City DRAW THE MIRROR IMAGE OF THE PICTURE YOU SEE CLUES DOWN 36. Alfalfa 43. Patron saint of 1. Czech monetary 41. Apply another Ireland unit coat to 44. Produced by 2. Able to arouse 45. Witnesses moving aircraft or intense feeling vehicle 46. Jai __, sport 3. Elk 47. Shock treatment 47. Ones who proof 4. Muscular 48. __ Jones 50. Recant weaknesses 49. Things 54. Small group with 5. Geological time 51. Having wings shared interests 6. Depths of the ocean 52. Panthers’ QB 55. Part of warming 7. Burns to the Newton headgear ground 53. Third-party access 56. Woolen cloth 8. Becomes cognizant 58. Satisfaction 57. Snag of 59. Central American 9. Cause to shade fruit tree

A16 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Local News

Man found with drugs, weapons in Walmart A 21-year-old man faces drug and weapons charges after being arrested in Walmart in Fort St. John, police say. Uniformed and plainclothes officers responded to a report of a suspicious man entering the store around 1 p.m. on March 2. Police found the man in one of the store’s change rooms. He was

allegedly found with a number of different types of drugs, as well as weapons, in his possession. The man is well known to police and was arrested without incident, police say. He remains in custody, and police say they are recommending drug and weapons related charges against him. Police could not immediately disclose the type of drugs that were found, pending a lab analysis. Police could not disclose the types of weapons found, however, confirmed there were no firearms.

Crosswalk signal changes approved Councillors voted to reprogram traffic signal controls so that pedestrian walk lights automatically signal when a traffic light turns green. A staff report notes making the change on primary street crossings will “have very little impact on signal cycle timing.” Side streets that cross primary streets are more complicated, however, the

staff report notes the signals could be reprogrammed and automated “as long as the minimum green timing has not been exceeded.” Mayor Lori Ackerman had wanted the walk signals automated as a matter of convenience for pedestrians, especially during winter months. Visit alaskahighwaynews. ca/fort-st-john to read more news from city hall.

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Alaska Highway News

$335K to fund climate work research from a1

The Northeast Climate Risk Network has secured a $250,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to help fund a two-year project to update climate modelling projections and undertake a regional assessment of the gaps in community planning and help communities develop climate adaptation plans. The province has kicked in another $60,000 for the work, and the municipalities a combined $25,000. At a public presentation Monday night, climate scientist Trevor Murdock of the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium said Northeast B.C. has experienced stream flow highs and lows in the same year from 2015 to 2017, along with extreme flooding and drought. In the future, the region can expect record breaking warm years, including warmer winters and summers that will reduce snowpack and lead to earlier spring peak water flows. Warming winters mean less frost days, which will impact the permafrost in the region and industry operations of when to expect fall freeze up and spring breakup, or even how often water restrictions are put in place. Warming summers will mean more growing degree days for crop production, but also mean more unpredictable shifts in increased precipitation or drought that could render that useless, Murdock said. The network plans to meet two to three times a year, with other communities brought into the fold as its work progresses, Marshall said.

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FLYERS ROLLING IN NPHL FINAL

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Huskies, Raptors, Blue Jays, oh my Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Timothy Goertzen shoots the last arrow of the third scoring round at New Totem Archery Club’s indoor tournament on March 4 in Taylor. Goertzen won the junior class with 222 points, winning a tie-breaker on shoot down arrows. Turn to B3 for results.

Trackers finish first in division, off to playoffs DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

The NAHL regular season is over, and the NEBC Yukon Trackers (21-7-4) finished in first place in the Bouchier division with 46 points, good enough for third in the 23team league. The Trackers beat the St. Albert Blues 5-3 on March 3 to finish one point ahead of the Peace River Royals. The Trackers have played great in the NAHL all season long, and their 153 goals are second in the league behind the PAC Saints, who have 173. However, the Trackers won’t get to compete for the league title in the playoffs, as the NAHL playoffs are used as playdowns for Alberta provincials. Instead, the Trackers will play in a divisional tournament in Fort McMurray from March 8 to

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Connor Kindrat gets set to fire a shot on net in the Trackers’ 5-3 win over the St. Albert Blues on March 3.

11 to see who gets to win the trophy and raise the banner in their arena. After that, the Trackers will host the 2018 B.C. Midget Tier 1 Championships, in Fort St.

John, March 19 to 23. “We’re in a good spot right now. The team we selected this year was chosen for a reason, with size, speed and a mix of everything. The

guys have bought in to what we’re teaching and it’s been an exciting year so far,” said Trackers Head Coach Gerard Dicaire. See TRACKERS on B4

Hedges headed to Montreal for nationals in April DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

After nine years of swimming, 16-year-old Alex Hedges is at the top of her game as she gets set to represent the Inconnu Swim Club and Fort St. John at the 2018 RBC Canadian Swimming Championships. The national meet goes in Montreal, from April 5 to 8. Hedges will be swimming the 50m freestyle race, her best event, as well as the 50m fly. She qualified for nationals at the last race of the 2017 season, the Swim BC AAA Long Course Age Group Championships in Kamloops, where she won gold in the 50m freestyle. Hedges is having what she says is her best year in

swimming, and is the most dedicated she’s ever been to the sport. “It’s unreal. I’ve always wanted to go to far places for swimming, and this is the perfect opportunity. I’m ready for nationals,” Hedges said. Hedges started to take swimming more seriously when she was 10 years old. Her motivation has changed this year and is the main reason for her success, she said. “I know why I’m here, and I’m pushing myself. Swimming is such a demanding sport, you have to be on it and organized, and it’s changed me as a person,” said Hedges.

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Alex Hedges of the Inconnu Swim Club is excited to do something special See INCONNU on B3 at the Canadian Swimming Championships in April.

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or the die-hard sports fan, the period between the Super Bowl at the beginning of February and the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament at the end of March can be pretty depressing. The routine of locking oneself in the house all and every Sunday all of a sudden disappears, and you find yourself either taking more Sunday naps, trying to convince yourself that you like NASCAR, or leaving the house and interacting with people more often. But 2018 is different. Now, in March,excitement is on the horizon. In the NBA and NHL, the playoff races won’t be that exciting for most Canadian fans, but the promises of deep runs in May and June will carry us through March. The Toronto Raptors are the favourite to finish first in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, and while concerns over their previous playoff performances are valid, the path to an NBA finals appearance is there, and the most realistic it’s been in the history of the franchise. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are two of the top six teams in the NHL, and could both go far in the playoffs. I know the Peace Region is full of Edmonton Oiler and Vancouver Canucks fans, but hey, don’t let pride prevent you from jumping on the Leafs’ bandwagon and enjoying the ride. I speak for all Leafs fans when I say there’s lots of room on the bandwagon. Locally, there’s plenty of hockey to get excited about. The Fort St. John Senior Flyers are in the final and could very much win it all. The Fort St. John Huskies are poised to advance to the NWJHL final, where they could match up against the offensively charged Dawson Creek Junior Canucks. I can’t overstate how fun a series between these teams would be. Then there’s the NEBC Trackers, who are hosting the B.C. midget provincials from March 19 to 23. Led by Connor Bowie and Curtis Hammond, the Trackers feature some special players and should make a deep run in that tournament. We can’t forget that the MLB season begins in just three weeks. Usually I can’t wait until baseball season, but this year it’s barely on my radar, that’s how fun February and March have been. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention March Madness. The first round begins in one week, on March 15. I can’t wait to go nuts about first round games between teams I know nothing about, and to cheer for the Purdue Boilermakers because I liked them once in 2007 and now they’re good again. Buy into the spirit this spring. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

B2 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Local Sports

Flyers host game three Thursday Now that the Fort St. John Senior Flyers have made the NPHL final, the team isn’t taking it for granted, and is focused and playing hard. The Flyers won a big game one 4-3 in overtime over the Falher Pirates. Game two was March 6, in Falher, after this edition of the News went to print. “For me, it’s been a long time since I’ve been (in the finals). We have a lot of young guys, and we’re trying to reiterate that it’s not a lock to get here,” said long-time Flyers forward Adam Horst. A big part of the Flyers’ game plan for this series is to take time and space away from the Pirates’ offence, as Falher led the NPHL in scoring this season and averaged 7.4 goals a game in their first two playoff series. The effort was evident in game one, as the Pirates only scored three times. “(Falher’s) been playing river hockey for two and a half weeks. Now it’s changed, and if they’re going to take it

from us, they’re going to have to earn it because our defence, in my eyes, is the best in the league,” said Flyers Head Coach Andrew Leriger. Still, the Pirates played good in game one and were resilient, coming awfully close to stealing a win on the road. For the rest of the series, the Flyers will need to continue to get strong play out of goalie Travis McLean. “Travis has been the backbone for us through the last series and we wouldn’t be where we are without him. Our system makes him have to be on his toes but he’s been great,” said Flyers’ forward Adam Horst. McLean has been the best goalie in the playoffs, sporting a 3.14 goals against average, compared to Falher’s Talon Walton who has a GAA of 4.77. However, Walton has played 14 games compared to the Flyers’ seven. The Flyers are back in action Thursday, March 8, at 8:30 p.m. in Fort St. John.

dillon giancola photo

Rick Cleaver celebrates a Flyers’ goal in the team’s 4-3 game one win. Cleaver had three assists.

Felix wins A event in return of Lumberman’s Bonspiel Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

supplied photo

Leo Felix, Pam Murray, Mark Felix and Misty Felix were the A event champions at the 2018 Lumberman’s Bonspiel. R0021217976

The Lumberman’s Bonspiel returned to the Taylor Curling Club last weekend, and it was a good stepping stone for what the organizers hope it will become. “It was a resurrection and a good starting point for us. Hopefully the word gets out and more people participate next year, but it was a great event and lots of fun,” said David Bigcharles, one of the organizers. Thirteen teams competed for the A, B and C event titles. Leo Felix’s team, which included Pam Murray, Mark Felix and Misty Felix, won the A event. “It feels good to win and our team

played really well,” said Leo, who admitted he was lucky to win a couple games, relying on a big miss from one skip and a nice draw to the button from himself. Leo won the B event when the bonspiel was last held, and was glad to see it return. “It was beautiful, couldn’t have been better. I told them to make sure they bring it back next year. David did an excellent job.” The Bonin team won the B event, while Doug Kimmie’s rink won the C. Bigcharles is looking forward to the Lumberman’s Bonspiels to come, and is actively thinking of how to get more people involved and curling in the years to come.

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

This Week: The Valspar Championship

This week, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods test themselves for the first time in the “Snake Pit” of Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead course, as Defending: Adam Hadwin the Florida Swing returns to the Winning Score: 14-under par state after its one-week detour to Winner’s Purse: $1,134,000 Mexico. The Valspar Championship was founded in 2000 as the Tampa Bay Classic. The tournament was originally an alternate event played the same week as the Presidents Cup in 2000, and the same week as the WGC-American Express Championship in 2002. In 2008, the event became part of the Florida swing. Adam Hadwin is the defending champion. Innisbrook Resort Palm Harbor, Fla. 7,340 yards, Par 71

Golf TV Schedule

Last Week: Phil Mickelson won in Mexico City

Phil Mickelson defeated Tournament Results Justin Thomas on the first 1. Phil Mickelson playoff hole Sunday at the Score: -16 *won in playoff Earnings: $1,700,000 WGC-Mexico Championship 2. Justin Thomas to earn his first victory since the 2013 Score: -16 Earnings: $1,072,000 British Open at Muirfield. It has taken Player Earnings 101 tournaments over the course of T-3. Rafa Cabrera Bello Score -15 $510,500 -15 $510,500 almost five years, but the 47-year-old T-3. Tyrrell Hatton never doubted himself for a second. “I don’t know what to say,” said Mickelson. “It’s been a tough go the last four years not playing my best, but to have the belief that I was going to get there and to finally break through and do it was incredible.”

Golfing News

Michelle Wie holed a 36-foot putt from off the green on the final Network hole to win the Women’s World GOLF Championship by one stroke on GOLF Sunday and captured her first LPGA tournament GOLF NBC since the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open. The GOLF 28-year-old Wie, who led the tournament after NBC three rounds a year ago before fading on the last day, leaped into the air and clenched her Golf Trivia fist in celebration as the ball disappeared into the bottom of the cup. “Winning is everything. I Where does Phil Mickelson rank in mean, there is no better feeling than when you career PGA Tour wins? think you sink that winning putt. It’s a high, for sure,” Wie said. Wie finished at 17-under, one a) 5th c) 15th ahead of Nelly Korda, Danielle Kang, Jenny b) 9th d) 19th Answer: b) Mickelson is 9th with 43 PGA Tour wins. Shin and Brooke Henderson. Valspar Championship Day Time Thursday 2:00pm-6:00pm Friday 2:00pm-6:00pm Saturday 1:00pm-3:00pm Saturday 3:00pm-6:00pm Sunday 1:00pm-3:00pm Sunday 3:00pm-6:00pm

Lessons from the Golf Pro One of those shots that we do not get the opportunity to practice very much, but comes in handy at times is the lob shot. In essence, the lob shot is a complete feel shot, so there are a few tricks to follow. The first step is to make sure that your grip pressure is soft and your hands stay quiet. You want to keep your grip pressure constant throughout the entire stroke. Your best course of action is to make a long, lazy swing with as much wristcock as you can get on your backswing. You need to make your stance much wider than what you are used to and open the clubface up dramatically to get the ball in the air immediately. The final point is to play the ball off of your left instep with almost all of your weight being placed on your right foot.

Player Profile

Phil Mickelson

Turned Professional: 1992 FedEx Cup Ranking: 3rd World Ranking: 18th PGA Tour Wins: 43

FedEx Cup Standings Through March 4, 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) Brendan Steele 866 7) Tony Finau 850 8) Pat Perez 837 9) Jason Day 814 10) Chez Reavie 800

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Top 10s 2 3 3 2 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 B3

Local Sports

Huskies in the drivers seat

dillon giancola photo dillon giancola photo

Gary Loewen searches the ice for a teammate in the Huskies game two win on Feb. 27.

Archer Giesbrecht, eight, prepares to shoot during a scoring round at New Totem Archery Club’s indoor tournament at the Taylor Community Hall on March 4. With a score of 258, he finished second in the junior class by shoot down arrows. Andy Fochuk came first in the men’s compound class with 300 points, while Eva Goertzen won the ladie’s compound class in a close shootdown over Taylor Dutka. Pat Dressler won the traditional class with a score of 237.

Coaches can’t coach effort. Rather, it’s the players who have to show up ready to play hard and be the best they can, especially in the playoffs. That has been the message that Fort St. John Huskies head coach Todd Alexander has been repeating endlessly to his team, and it’s finally showing fruit. The Huskies beat the County of Grande Prairie JDA Kings 6-4 in game four on March 3 to take a 3-1 series lead. In that game, the Huskies best players were finally the ones scoring goals and leading the team. Gary Loewen had two goals, while Jacob Lang, Darion Fay and Jeridyn Loewen each had a goal and an assist. “Your best players have to be your hardest-working players or it doesn’t work. They made the adjustment and the last couple games they’ve been that and the rest of the team has followed along,” Alexander said. Game five was Tuesday night, after press time, and the Huskies had the

inconnu FROM B1

Inconnu Head Coach Steve Carson has seen a huge difference from Hedges in the 2017-18 season. “Alex was the toughest nut for me to crack last year. She’s very self-driven and motivated. We finally bonded at the last race of the last meet of the year, and since then her work ethic has been night and day from last year,” Carson said. Hedges is focused on her next meet, the Alberta Spring Championships in Edmonton March 16 to 18, where she hopes to swim her best time of the season going into Montreal. Carson is expecting more Inconnu swimmers to qualify for nationals before April 5.

INCONNU HEADED TO TIER ONE PROVINCIALS NEXT The club is taking four swimmers down to Penticton for the Tier One Provincials, from March 9 to 11. This is for the younger swimmers in the club. Owen Lang (12), Ethan Scoullar (11), Alex McDonald (13), and Dominic Amler (13) are the swimmers going south. Lang and McDonald have been to provincials before. For Amler and Scoullar, this is their first provincial meet. “It looks really good for all of them. They’re looking really good in practice and they’re poised to have a really good meet,” Carson said.

chance to send themselves to the NWJHL final with a win. The finals could begin as soon as this weekend, or game six against the Kings could go Thursday, March 8. See alaskahighwaynews.ca for an update on the Huskies’ status. Either way, the Huskies are playing well and are in the drivers seat. A potential dream finals matchup against the Dawson Creek Jr. Canucks is a possibility, as the Canucks erased a two game deficit to win their next three over the North Peace Navigators in the other semifinal. Those two teams played extremely entertaining games all season long and would be fun to watch in a seven game series. However, Alexander cautioned that his team wasn’t looking ahead of it’s next game. “You just have to take it one game of a time. That will never change, just focus on the next shift. Our team has done a good job of not getting wrapped up in the highs and lows of hockey games,” Alexander said.

PRO RACING THIS WEEK Racing g News,, Stats & Trivia Race Preview

Location: Avondale, Arizona Date: Sunday, March 11, 3:30 p.m. Last Year’s Pole: Joey Logano - 137.321 mph Last Year’s Winner: Ryan Newman

Phoenix International Raceway

Track Details Distance: 1.0 miles Shape: Tri-oval Turns / Front / Back: (1-2) 10-12º & (3-4) 8-9°

Phoenix International Raceway has a unique tri-oval shape, with a curve in the middle of the backstretch between turns two and three, commonly referred to as “the dogleg”. This exists because the original builders were constrained by both the rocky hills located on the property and their incorporation of an external road course and dragstrip into PIR’s design. The other notable feature of PIR is the presence of the “Hillside”, a fan-favorite viewing area located on Monument Hill just outside of turn four. Last week’s winner and current points leader, Kevin Harvick, finished 6th in last year’s race. Qualifying for the race will be shown live on Friday, March 9th at 5:15 p.m. on FS1. The race will air on FOX live on Sunday, March 11, at 3:30 p.m.

Last Weekend’s Race: Kevin Harvick won at Las Vegas Kevin Harvick raced to his second straight win with a dominant performance at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday. Harvick followed up his stellar performance last weekend in Atlanta with another lopsided victory in his Stewart-Haas Racing Ford. He led 209 of the 267 laps, won all three stages and held off a late charge from Kyle Busch to win in Vegas for the second time in four years. “These last two weeks, we’ve just hit on everything we needed to,” Harvick said. “My team has done their homework on a number of things. Just really proud of everybody.”

Kevin Harvick Born: Dec. 8, 1975 Crew Chief: Rodney Childers Car: Ford

Year 2018 2017

Wins 2 2

Top 10s 2 23

Avg. Finish 11.0 11.1

2018 Standings Cup Series Top Ten Drivers 1) Kevin Harvick 2) Joey Logano 3) Ryan Blaney 4) Martin Truex, Jr. 5) Kyle Busch 6) Kyle Larson 7) Brad Keselowski 8) Denny Hamlin 9) Paul Menard 10) Austin Dillon

Points 135 132 131 115 104 104 99 97 96 94

Xfinity Series Top Ten Top 10s 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1

Drivers 1) Tyler Reddick 2) Elliott Sadler 3) Christopher Bell 4) Justin Allgaier 5) Spencer Gallagher 6) Ryan Reed 7) Brandon Jones 8) Ryan Truex 9) Daniel Hemric 10) Matt Tifft

Points 123 123 100 95 89 88 86 85 84 69

Top 10s 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 0

Car chiefs for Jimmie Johnson and Ross Chastain ejected at Las Vegas NASCAR officials ejected the car chiefs for the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet and the Premium Motorsports No. 15 Chevrolet prior to the start of Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Both entries failed pre-race inspection three times before the start of the Pennzoil 400. Under the new deterrence guidelines in the 2018 NASCAR Rule Book, a crew member of NASCAR’s choosing is removed after a third inspection failure. Competition officials ejected car chief Jesse Saunders from the No. 48 team roster and Lee Leslie from the No. 15 team’s at-track list. Johnson was scheduled to start 14th in the third Monster Energy Series race of the year. Johnson went on to finish the race in 12th place. Kurt Busch’s career-long victory drought in his hometown continues Busch lost control and ran Chase Elliott into the wall shortly after a restart early in the final stage. The crash necessitated a long caution for fluid cleanup. The 39-year-old Busch has never won at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which was built while he grew up in town. He has started on the pole twice, but has only one top-five finish in Las Vegas despite calling it a top priority in his career.

Racing Trivia When was the last season that Kevin Harvick went winless in the Cup Series? a) 2008 b) 2009

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c) 2012 d) 2013

? R0011358416

Race Details

Top News Stories

Answer : b) 2009

This Week’s Cup Series Race: Ticket Guardian 500

B4 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

LOCAL SPORTS

Beware the myth of aspartame, it’s not as healthy as it seems

spartame is used in a variety of processed foods and drinks as an artificial sweetener. It’s used most commonly in diet pops and gum. Aspartame is made from two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine acid. Although it’s perceived to have some benefits (fewer calories and less risk of cavities), it has been fairly controversial regarding its safety in consumption and if it even helps with weight loss. Studies have found that aspartame may cause you to actually gain weight, especially in the belly, which is the opposite of what you want when you switch to diet foods. A Washington Post article from July 2017 stated that people who consume foods with aspartame tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Belly fat, more formally known as visceral fat, puts people at a much greater risk of developing type

Stephenie Sutherland HEALTH HACKS

2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Researchers aren’t sure what exactly the link is between aspartame and weight gain, but many hypotheses have been made. The two amino acids that make up aspartame, aspartic and phenylalanine, have been shown to interfere with insulin and leptin. This interference in hormones causes a disturbance in fat metabolism and an increase in fat storage. Also, MRIs have shown that aspartame doesn’t activate the reward pathways in the brain, unlike regular glucose. This means that you can continue to eat well after you should have stopped because there is

no signal telling you to stop. Aspartame disease, although not recognized by sanctioning bodies, was named by Dr. H.J. Roberts after reports to the FDA. Aspartame disease is believed to be due to an increase in aspartame consumption, which may cause a variety of symptoms. The symptoms include: eye and vision abnormalities, difficulty breathing, headaches and dizziness, and seizures. Regardless of your reasons for choosing diet or sugar-free food and drink, you’re likely better off choosing a healthier option such as sparkling water over pop, or milk instead of sweetener in your coffee — your waistline and health will thank you for it. Wellness Round Up: A Science Daily article from November 2016 stated that researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital

TRACKERS FROM B1

Dicaire is looking forward to the tournament in Fort McMurray and the provincials. Prince George, which won the 2017 provincials, will be there again this year and Dicaire said his team plays the same calibre of hockey as them. “It’s going to be really competitive hockey. Our boys are ready and it will be interesting to see what happens,” Dicaire said. The Trackers have three of the top five scorers in the NAHL. Captain Curtis Hammond was one point off the lead with 57 points, while Aiden Craig-Steele was third in the league with 55 points. Connor Bowie was tied for fourth with 54 points, despite playing five less games than the league’s scoring leader, Carson Pawlenchuk from the Strathcona ACT Warriors. Bowie played the last couple weeks with the Prince George Cougars in the WHL,

but returned to Fort St. John on March 4 to finish the year off with the Trackers. Defenceman Connor Kindrat is having a great season with 33 points. Dicaire and assistant coach Gavin Brandl converted Kindrat to defence from forward, as a result of the Trackers suffering some injuries on defence. The team has been anchored by the strong play of goalie Tyler McArthur, who has a record of 12-2-4. The team has also gotten a boost from its eight 15-year-olds. The Alberta teams have a separate league for 15-year-olds, and the NAHL is primarily for players aged 16 and 17. But Dicaire likes how the younger guys have played and thinks the experience will help their development. “They fit right in, which has been awesome. I don’t have to worry about them out there.”

SLUSH CUP CHAMPS The FSJ Soccer Club had six Northern Strikers teams brave the snowstorm last weekend to attend the 2018 Slush Cup in Edmonton, the massive indoor soccer tournament with almost 400 teams. The U10 Boys (right), U16 Girls, and U12 Boys teams won gold medals in their pools. The U18 Girls took home the siler in pool A, while the U14 Boys (top) and U11 Boys won bronze.

Prespatou 4-H Community Club Hello reader! My name is Alexz Holmgren, this is my second year in 4-H, and I am doing a beef project. If your a member of 4-H or were at one point, you know how hard it is to halter break a steer or heifer. Well I’m here to help with some tips I have learned on a topic. The Earlier The Better! You have probably heard that before, but it’s true! Steers and heifers that are not fully halterbroken are horrible to handle at Achievement Days. Getting your halter on at first weight in, or even before, is a very important tip I’ve come across. Keep it on! Though you might want to take the rope halter off occasionally so it doesn’t leave wearing on the steer or heifers face, it’s important to keep the halter on for the first while so that the animal can become used to it. However, they might be smart enough to rub the halter off, so tie a knot at the bottom corner where the lead meets the halter, but not too tight so the steer or heifer can still open their mouths to eat and drink. Tie The Knot Well! Having problems with your steer or heifer tugging back? Tie them to a fence for a few hours a

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day for several days, and that will stop! Though it’s not guaranteed, it certainly help me tame my crazy steer last year! Just make sure your knot is tied well. The Importance Of Steel Toes Unfortunately, I learned this tip the hard way. Wearing steel toed shoes is very important, or your steer or heifer could break your foot or toe. You can find steel toes in Walmart or Marks work wearhouse. Be Nice Your animal is important. Building trust between you and your animal is very important! Be patient and stay calm when your training him. Freedom! When you first lead your animal out of your pen, have the help of a parent or guardian if you need it. Wear work gloves to protect your hands from rope burn, and try to keep your animals head off the grass! Have fun doing the last one! I hope these tips help you with your steer/heifer this year, or educate you somewhat at how to halter break a beef animal. Talk to you next time! Alexz Holmgren Prespatou 4H

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may have found a mechanism that explains why aspartame may not promote weight loss. They found that phenylalanine interferes with an enzyme that has been shown in the past to prevent metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is “a group of symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.” Aspartame blocks a gut enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), which can prevent obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These researchers believe that aspartame doesn’t work because it is blocking the beneficial aspects of that enzyme. Stephenie Sutherland is a Fort St. John student studying nutrition and food sciences. She can found at the gym, hiking local trails, and serving up a hot cuppa joe at Whole Wheat and Honey. Have a question? Email her at stephenie. sutherland13@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 B5

arts & culture

matt preprost Photo

Slim (Tanner Willier) and Floyd Hannibal (Jacob Chmelyk) draw iron in a scene from Bordello of the Damned.

Murderous motives, flaring tempers at Bordello of the Damned Bordellos are no places to find innocent souls, certainly not at the Leland Hotel and Saloon, and certainly not on this dead dark night in 1880 in Deadwood, South Dakota. Such is the setup for Bordello of the Damned, the latest dinner theatre production from Stage North in partnership with the Fort St. John Oilwives, a murder mystery whodunnit that puts the audience in the middle of the drama to clue in on a killer. Jimmy Hayward is the tasteless sonuvabitch who runs the Leland with a mean streak, while Miss Iggy runs the women, and all their problems. Alex Collins and Sarah Truscott play off their partnership well, Collins equal parts merciless to Truscott’s charming fancy as she tries to keep order amongst all the chaos. Surrounding them are a cast of characters including Harry Hayward, Jimmy’s brother and

founder of the Leland, played wonderfully haggard and deranged by Aaron Eady with a banjo in hand; Floyd Hannibal, played by Jacob Chemlyk, the loose cannon outlaw eager to put a bullet in any man who stands in his way; and Winking Willie Woodcuff, whose blind man comedy schtick played by David Truscott brings levity to the growing tension that fills the scenes. The men mix in and out with the women of the bordello — Woodcuff with Freddie Fontaine (Elysia Cruz), who accepts his marriage proposal in one scene only to find her blind groomto-be smooching another woman in another; Kit Hannibal (Brenda Zohren) who is Floyd’s wife and swears she’s not one of Iggy’s girls, but the audience knows better; and others played by Johanne Nielsen, Arianna Westergaard, Chelsey Farquhar, Melissa Cook, Rachel Nelson,

Corine Fraser, Sienna Keown, and Amy Davidson La Hay, who dance and dazzle throughout — are they red herrings, or redhanded, cold blooded killers? Surrounding the cast, of course, is the audience, which is encouraged to get out of their seats and mingle with the cast, searching for clues and evidence in the play’s second act after Hayward drops dead to end the first, poisoned and foaming at the mouth. The show sold out March 3, and has been held over for a second performance this Saturday, March 10, at the curling club. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Oilwives scholarship fund, with a $500 scholarship awarded yearly to a North Peace Secondary female graduate. For more information on tickets, contact the curling club 250-785-2037.

Masquerade Ball this weekend supports SuperPark The North Peace Family SuperPark Society hosts its Masquerade Ball this weekend as it continues to raise funds to build an accessible indoor playground for kids in the region. The doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, for VIP guests, while doors open for the masquerade and evening of music at 8 p.m. “Supporting the SuperPark,

especially financially, is supporting the children and their development through play. Well developed children ensures their success in our community. It’s a beautiful cycle to be a part of,” said Jaandi Roemer. Roemer hopes to secure partnerships and make the park a reality within the next two years. A facility is still be sought, and fundraising until then will

support the purchase of toys and playground equipment, Roemer said. The Boreal will provide the evening’s musical entertainment. followed by DJ Good Vibrations. The evening calls for semiformal or formal attire, and, of course, a mask. For ticket information, call 250-262-2703.

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM MARCH 9 TO MARCH 15

WRINKLE IN TIME Nightly: 6:45, 9:30 3D Matinees: 12:50 3D, 4:00

RED SPARROW Nightly: 6:50, 10:00 Matinees: 12:40, 3:40

GAME NIGHT Nightly: 7:10, 9:50 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

BLACK PANTHER Nightly: 7:00, 10:10 Matinees: 12:30 , 3:50

PETER RABBIT Nightly: 6:30, 9:50 (Monday 9:50 showing only)

Matinees: 1:00, 4:10

B6 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Classifieds The Kiwanis Club of Dawson Creek is looking for straw bales for their Annual Easter Event. If you have any that you would be willing to donate or sell, please contact Allan Cameron at 250-7822174 or waacameron@gmail.com

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Coming EvEnts

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.

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

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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

Notice of Public Advisory Group (PAG) Meeting Fort St John Pilot Project The Fort St. John Pilot Project is a collaborative forest management planning initiative between forest licencees and BC Timber Sales in the Fort St. John Timber Supply Area. A PAG meeting will be held on Thursday March 22nd, 2018 in the Fort St. John Northern Grand Hotel.

Career OppOrtunities

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

Career OppOrtunities 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.

Career OppOrtunities

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

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!

Obituaries

Class 3 Drivers with Air Endorsement

to operate snowplow/sanding trucks in the Cecil Lake/Clayhurst area. Employment to start immediately Applicants can submit a resume and current driver’s abstract in person to: Yellowhead Road & Bridge Attn: Bill Malkin 10491 Finning Frontage, Fort St. John, BC Fax or Email to: Fax: 250-785-8727 | Email: billm@yrb.ca For more information, contact Bill Malkin at 250-785-7023 or the YRB main office at 250-262-2600

48032

For further information on the Fort St. John Pilot Project, visit our website at www.fsjpilotproject.com

For information concerning the meeting, or how to become a PAG member contact Darrell Regimbald @ 250-787-3651 or Stephanie Smith @ 250-784-1228.

Coming EvEnts

SEASONAL OPERATOR: Cecil Lake YRB is currently accepting applications for

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information to the public on progress made by the forest licencees and BC Timber Sales in achieving Sustainable Forest Management requirements as indicated in the CSA Z809-16 standard. The general public is invited to attend the public portion of the meeting, which starts at 6:00 pm. The meeting agenda also provides time for the general public to ask questions or provide input on forest management issues. Public intending to make a presentation must contact Darrell Regimbald one week prior to the public meeting.

Career OppOrtunities

The Encana Events Centre (www.dawsoncreekeventscentre.com) operated by Spectra Venue Management (www.SpectraExperiences.com) is the premier event facility providing a wide range of sports and entertainment opportunities for the Alberta and British Columbia Peace Region. We are currently seeking a Director of Partnerships who is energetic, mature, highly motivate, detailorientated and a customer-focused team player possessing a positive attitude. This position is full time and comes with a competitive compensation package. As the Director of Partnerships you will lead, manage and coordinate the day to day operations of your department, including the renting of suites for events, selling signage and premium seating inventory, managing and developing relationships, manage and/or sell the venue naming and subnaming rights in addition to the tracking and reporting of sales inventory. The Director of Partnerships is responsible for the creation, management and compliance of an annual budget; while maintaining existing procedural controls, and customer service standards. Moreover, the Director of Partnerships will work with minimal supervision, demonstrating an efficient and effective use of time and resources. The ideal candidate for the Director of Partnerships would be a self-motivating, customer-focused team player who is creative and has experience in sales. In addition, proficiency with windowsbased computer programs (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and past experience with Salesforce is an asset. You will have strong verbal and written abilities and your attention to detail, positive attitude and strong organizational and multi-tasking skills will ensure your success. The ability to work events (evenings and weekends) is essential. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years’ experience in a customer service and sales related position as well as demonstrated leadership skills. A business diploma or degree in a related field is considered an asset. Please email your cover letter and current resume to the attention of Liam Weseloh, Regional Vice President, Spectra Partnerships at Liam_Weseloh@comcastspectacor.com. We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

employment Position:

Coming EvEnts

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation has a 25 year history of raising funds to provide life-saving, life-changing and life-enhancing equipment for all areas of our Hospital. We are looking for a self-motivated person with passion for philanthropy in our community! HoURs: Part time, Monday to Sunday – 20 to 30 hours. Required “Core-Hours” 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Week-day office hours are flexible outside of “core-hours” to accommodate applicant’s schedule, with additional hours on an as-needed basis to accommodate Foundation events that occasionally occur during weekends and after regular standard type work hours. POSSIBILITY TO MOVE TO FULL TIME FOR THE ‘RIGHT’ CANDIDATE ComPeNsatioN: Remuneration negotiable based on qualifications and experience. DUties: This challenging role has a strong focus on fundraising, event planning/coordination and operations for the Foundation. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following sorts of functions: 1. Orchestrating and improving on already established foundation events. 2. Assisting third parties with their event planning, whereas the Foundation is the event beneficiary. 3. Writing funding proposals and seeking out new events & funding opportunities 4. Liaising with current donors 5. Recruiting new donors 6. Managing the Foundation office – filing, answering phone, responding to email inquiries, submitting regulatory and procedural paperwork, applying for licences. 7. Promoting the existing bi-weekly 50/50 draw. 8. Corresponding with media and the public; preparing press releases and monthly newspaper piece, updating website & social media, and recognizing donors. 9. Corresponding with Northern Health executives and employees 10. Representation of the Foundation inside and outside the hospital

QUaliFiCatioNs: We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated person who wants their job to make a difference! You are highly organized, and goal-oriented with strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and Powerpoint). You are disciplined and able to self-manage while easily collaborating with others. You can speak to groups, individuals and companies with confidence. This role requires a strong ability to set and achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual goals for fundraising, donor contact and future ideas. A background of charitable / volunteer work is an asset, but not necessary. Previous experience in office administration and customer service would be preferable. Philanthropic spirit and passion is a must. CFRE designation would be an asset.

contacted for an interview.

Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation 11100 13th Street, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 3W8

Mary Helen Kulachkosky, 82, of Dawson Creek, BC, passed away peacefully, in Sundre, AB, on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018. She was born in Bay Tree, AB, on November 1st, 1935, to Mike and Mary Sajtovich. She first attended Many Creeks School in Bay Tree, and later graduated from Notre Dame School in Dawson Creek. On October 6, 1955, she married Walter Kulachkosky, and moved to Bonanza, where they lived and farmed together for many years, until retiring to Dawson Creek. Mary was always very active in their community. She had a smile and a kind word for everyone she met, and her warm and welcoming personality made everyone feel at home. Mary loved to garden and could grow the most beautiful flowers. She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and those who were on the receiving end of that love were truly blessed. She will be greatly missed and forever loved. Mary leaves behind her husband Walter, daughter Karen (John), grandchildren Ben and Amy (Shayne), daughter−in−law Giselle, brother Mike, and sister Margaret. She is predeceased by her parents Mike and Mary, sister Ann, brother John, and son Jim. Mary’s funeral will be held at Notre Dame Parish, in Dawson Creek, BC, on Tuesday, March 13th, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Home Care Wanted

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

Business OppOrtunities HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

D AW S O N CREEK AND

DISTRICT HO SPITAL FOUNDATION

Here for you. Here for life.

Caparros Family Child Caregiver − Private Home Caparros Family Child Caregiver Full Time/Contract $11.35/hour Duties: 1. Supervise & care for the baby at the employ− er’s residence. 2. Sterilize bottles, pre− pare formula, feed, bathe and change dia− per. 3. Prepare and serve nutritious food. 4. Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home. 5. Plan, organize and participate in activities such as games, crafts, reading and outings to the nearest park to pro− vide entertainment and exercise. Qualifications: Comple− tion of Secondary edu− cation and must have completed healthcare or care giving training in a classroom setting. archie_queenie @yahoo.com

We’ve Got Your Weekly News When You Need It!

SATURDAY MARCH 10 - COUNTRY MUSIC DANCE-Music by “Daryl, Loretta & Friends” at the Senior Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Ave, Dawson Creek. Dance from 8:30- 12:30 Admission includes lunch. For more information phone Linda at 250843-7418 South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm.

For Sale MiSc

Business services

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.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1800-567-0404 Ext:400OT.

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

General employment

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 98 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1866-669-9222.

Phone: 250-785-5631

DO WE HAVE YOUR RESUME? HUNDREDS OF JOBS ARE PLACED UTILIZING THE SERVICES OF MACENNA STAFFING.

LegaL/PubLic Notices CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-3472540. accesslegalmjf.com

We are seeking qualified 4th and 3rd Class Power Engineers to fill both temporary and permanent positions as they come in. Requirements -4th or 3rd Class Power Engineer certificate -Local Candidates preferred -Up to date tickets such as H2S, First Aid, WHMIS, TDG and Confined Space -Valid Class 5 Drivers License and Clean Drivers Abstract First Cook - ONGOING We are looking for talented First Cooks to join our roster and fill both temporary and permanent positions as they come in. Requirements: - Candidates local to the Fort St. John, BC area are preferred - 3-5 years experience as a First Camp Cook - Food Safe, First Aid and WHMIS - Strong interpersonal and communication skills - Ability to work as a team player Office Personnel- ONGOING We are looking for professional office personnel to join our roster and fill both temporary and permanent positions as they come in. Requirements: - Combination of experience or education in office administration - Proficiency in MS Office - Strong written and verbal communication skills We will keep your resume on file for consideration if all positions are currently filled.

For a complete list of available positions visit our

Job Board: www.macenna.com

10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367

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

General employment

RePoRts to: The DCDH Foundation Board of Directors

Please apply, with cover letter outlining how you would be good fit, via email to: dcdhfoundation.careers@gmail.com. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found; therefore interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. We thank all interested parties however only those who are successfully shortlisted will be

KULACHKOSKY, Mary Nov 1, 1935 − Feb 28, 2018

Trades Help

Plant/Field Operators – ONGOING

manager of Fundraising and events

Please aPPly via email to:

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

General employment

JUSTINE MARIE BISHEIMER WONOWON BC AMOUNT OWING $4108.73 FOR REPAIRS AND STORAGE ON A 1999 MERCEDES ML320 VIN # 4JGAB54EOXA096214 VEHICLE HAS BEEN HERE SINCE SEPTEMBER 21 2017 EMBASSY MAINTENANCE,135 COMMERCIAL PARK, TUMBLER RIDGE BC, VOC2W0 PHONE 250-242-3188

General employment

R0011508820

Card of Thanks

Book Your Ad Now!

Class 1 Super B Drivers – Join Our Team

CLASS ONE TRUCK DRIVERS

• Full Time Work – All Seasons!!! • Dedicated On- Highway Bulk Hauls – Peace River, AB to Dawson Creek, BC. LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services Inc. Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia • Single Trip Assignments Mean More Nights At Home. • Spring Bulk Haul Program – Starts March 1, 2018(Horn River Basin (Fort LaPrairie Works is a diversified and growing transportation specialist. We come with over 25 years of operating experience in Western Canada, and our core business areas include on and off highway Nelson) to Dawson Creek, BC). hauling, oilfield services, mine contracting and site services. • Flexible Work Schedules Available. We currently recruiting permanent full time Class One Drivers to expand our local team of • a Ire ndustry Competitive Haul Rates & Work Day Subsistence Allowance. transportation and logistics professionals in the Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia. The ideal • Safety & Performance Bonus Incentives – Paid Quarterly. candidates will fulfill the following criteria: • Defined Group Benefits Plans including Medical & Dental.

•

Demonstrated initiative with solid HSE fundamentals and sound work ethic.

•

Ability to work Day and Night Shifts

Fax your resume – Attn: Bulk Haul Supervisor, 1-780-332-1115 • Off-‐Road & Mountain experience or Email to info@laprairiegroup.com • Ability to apply and remove tire chains For More Information Contact Rob at 1-780-618-1378 • Valid Class 1 license & Driver abstract in good standing • •

Load Securement and First Training Owner-Operators AreAid Welcome To Apply.

Ability to complete / maintain accurate Driver Hours of Service Records

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018 B7

Classifieds R0011352381

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

Workshops

Real estate Wanted

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

WANTED TO BUY A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN TUMBLER RIDGE. PHONE: 250-784-1952 Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE...”BIG BLOW

Phone: 250-785-2662 Workshops

ApArtments/ Condos for

Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

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

Book Your Ad Now!

Workshops

2BR/1BA Dawson Creek $53,000 2007 Breckenridge Park model in trailer park just outside of town. Working in the area? Why rent when you can own. Air, stainless, fur− nished with everything you need to move right in. Washer & dryer. Mud room and deck with BBQ. 250−782−2362 rgarbe@shaw.ca

OUT SALE - ALL

Workshops

BUILDINGS REDUCED TO CLEAR!” 20X21 $5,560 23X23 $5,523 25x25 $6,896 32X33 $9,629. 33X33 $9,332. One End Wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-855212-7036.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

NOTICE OF INTENT RE: LIQUOR CONTROL AND LICENSING ACT APPLICATION FOR MANUFACTURING LICENCE WITH LOUNGE ENDORSEMENT The Applicant, Mighty Peace Brewing Co., has applied for a Manufacturing Licence with a Lounge Endorsement for its proposed facility located at 10128 – 95th Avenue in Fort St. John. The proposed facility, a craft brewery and tasting lounge, will seat 60 patrons in the lounge area with the hours of operation as follows: Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm; Monday and Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Friday from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm; and Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Residents and owners of businesses located within a 0.8 kilometre (1/2 mile) radius of the facility may comment on this proposal by writing to: City of Fort St. John Attention: Laura Howes, Deputy City Clerk 10631 – 100 Street Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5 Attention: Laura Howes, Deputy City Clerk (lhowes@fortstjohn.ca) PETITIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

BECOME A CERTIFIED UVIC SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LEADER

Join our FORT ST. JOHN Team

FREE 4-Day Chronic Pain Leader Training

To ensure the consideration of your views, your letter must be received on or before Thursday March 29, 2018. Your name(s) and residential/ business address must be included. Please note that your comments may be made available to the applicant or Government Oﬃcials where disclosure is necessary to administer the licence application process.

March 19 to 22 , 10:30am to 4:30pm daily - FORT ST. JOHN HOSPITAL th

Our Leaders: •

Dedicated, caring & compassionate volunteers.

•

Enjoy helping others & serving their community.

•

Comfortable co-facilitating small adult groups.

•

Knowledge &/or experience with chronic conditions.

•

Certified leaders with UVIC & Stanford University.

Our Self-Management Workshops: •

Chronic Pain, Chronic Conditions, Diabetes, Cancer.

•

Six sessions, 2.5 hours a week, evidence-based.

•

Available FREE for BC adults, partners & caregivers.

•

Participants learn to understand & manage symptoms.

•

Deal with stress & difficult emotions.

•

Communicate effectively with health care team.

www.selfmanagementbc.ca

1-866-902-3767 (toll free)

Self-Management BC is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2018 LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATION – UNIT A – 8707 – 100 AVENUE Notice is hereby given that Council of the City of Fort St. John will be considering the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit for Unit A - 8707 – 100 Avenue legally described as Lot 2, Section 31, Township 83, Range 18, W6M, Peace River District Plan 17511. Medpro Respiratory Care, applicant, is applying for a temporary use permit to allow for the continued operations of a health services facility at Unit A – 8707 – 100 Avenue (subject property).

The current zoning is C4 – Service Commercial which does not allow a “health services facility” use to be established within this zone and a business licence cannot be issued. A Temporary Use Permit can allow a use on a temporary basis that is not otherwise permitted in the City’s Zoning Bylaw. The permit may be granted for a period of three years and may be renewed once, subject to Council’s approval, for a total maximum operating period at this location of six years. City Council will be considering this application at their March 12, 2018 Regular Council meeting that starts at 3:00 p.m. Copies of the administration report that includes the background information and proposed permit may be inspected at City Hall, 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March 8 to 12, 2018. Additional information regarding the proposed permit can be obtained by contacting Ashley Murphey, Planner at (250) 787-8165 or by email at amurphey@fortstjohn.ca. The public can supply written comments regarding this proposed permit by emailing Janet Prestley, Director of Legislative and Administrative Services at jprestley@ fortstjohn.ca by noon on March 12, 2018 or by attending the Council meeting to convey their comments.

www.fortstjohn.ca

RVs/CampeRs/ TRaileRs

LegaL/PubLic Notices MATTHEW BEST TUMBLER RIDGE BC AMOUNT OWING $1837.50 FOR REPAIRS AND STORAGE ON A 2004 CHEV 2500 HD VIN # 1GCHK23154F166062 - VEHICLE HAS BEEN HERE SINCE AUGUST 30 2017 EMBASSY MAINTENANCE,135 COMMERCIAL PARK, TUMBLER RIDGE BC, VOC2W0 PHONE 250-242-3188 MATTHEW BECKERTON CECIL LAKE BC AMOUNT OWING $19435.50 FOR STORAGE ON A 2009 FORD F150 VIN # 1FTPW14V19FB2433 1- VEHICLE HAS BEEN HERE SINCE JULY 1 2016 EMBASSY MAINTENANCE,135 COMMERCIAL PARK, TUMBLER RIDGE BC, VOC2W0 PHONE 250-242-3188

Boats BAKERVIEWBOATS.COM Sale Now On! 10? Aluminum RIB $3333. 5 hp Tohatsu propane motor $2269. Galvanized trailer $995. Package price: $4995. Financing available. Dealers Welcome. 1800-571-7697.

RVs/CampeRs/ TRaileRs

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What is that Coggins test for anyway?

ost horse owners have heard of the Coggins test, but do not necessarily know what it tests for, or the implications of the test results. A “Coggins” is a blood test that detects antibodies to the Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) virus, also known as swamp fever. This virus can cause affected horses (and other equines such as donkeys and mules) to have fevers, anemia (low red blood cell count), general weakness, jaundice, petechia (small pinpoint hemorrhages) of the gums, edema (stocking up), or weight loss and muscle wasting. In some cases it can be a fatal infection. Many horses recover quickly from the symptoms, which may be nothing more than a mild fever. Horses that become infected will carry the virus for life. These carriers often show no signs of disease and appear healthy. Carriers then serve as a source of disease transmission to other horses. EIA is transmitted mainly by biting flies (horse flies, deer flies and stable flies) that take a blood meal from an infected animal and then move on to another animal to feed, passing the virus into their bloodstream. Transmission can also occur if using needles or other blood-contaminated items on multiple horses. It is also possible for a foal to become infected in utero from an infected mare. There is no vaccine for EIA and there is no treatment. EIA is a reportable disease, which means that animal owners, veterinarians and laboratories are required to immediately report the presence of an animal that is infected or suspected of being infected to a CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) district veterinarian. A negative test result is required to cross an international border. Many barns, shows and other equine events also require a negative Coggins test prior to the animal

Dr. Kim Jones NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

arriving at the property or facility. Testing prior to purchasing a new horse is also recommended. If a horse tests positive for EIA, the CFIA will step in and that animal and any in contact animals will be quarantined. The test results will be confirmed, and all equines on the premises or that have been in recent contact with the affected horse will also be tested. Horses confirmed to be infected with EIA must either be euthanized or placed under permanent quarantine in a fly-proof facility where possible. The best way to protect your horses is prevention. Horses in close proximity to infected animals are most at risk as the virus does not survive long on the insects. Ideally horses that are leaving your property and commingling with other horses should be tested annually. Any new horses should have a negative Coggins test prior to arriving on the property. New horses should also be quarantined for 45 days to monitor for signs of illness. Use single use needles and syringes for vaccines or medications. Control biting flies by using insecticides/repellants appropriately, minimize breeding sites with manure management and by providing adequate drainage for water. Luckily, the incidence of EIA is quite low in the Peace Region. Dr. Kim Jones joined the North Peace Veterinary Clinic care team in 2009 after graduating with distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Kelowna BC, Dr. Jones is an active member of the Fort St. John Community and enjoys life in northern BC.

B8 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

community

matt preprost Photo

BC Transit unveiled one of its two new, 35-foot Vicinity buses that will be hitting the streets in Fort St. John over the next week.

BC Transit adds two replacement buses to Fort St. John fleet matt preprost Photo

Charlie Lake firefighter Lt. Dorian Beattie shows Huxley Santucci and Weston Adams how a fire engine works at an open house at the fire hall Feb. 22, 2018.

eve petford Photo

Fairview’s Thick as Thieves had the dance floor at the Lido hopping for a honky tonk’n, boot stomp’n good time to raise funds for the Legion on Feb. 24, 2018.

Want to learn more about Rotary?

Join Us!

BC Transit unveiled March 2 one of its two new, 35-foot Vicinity buses that will be hitting the streets in Fort St. John over the next week. The replacement buses are built with safety and space in mind, including CCTV cameras for security and more space for those with mobility challenges. “It’s amazing the impact new buses can have on the customer experience,” said Chris Fudge, senior regional transit manager for BC Transit. The buses have a seating capacity of 30 with room for 24 people to stand when filled to capacity. BC Transit has been testdriving a smaller, 27.5-foot Vicinity bus around the province, including Dawson Creek, to see how it performed in winter environments and in different communities, Fudge said. The 35-foot buses were added to the Fort St. John fleet to be handle peak passenger

capacity. There were 107,000 boardings in 2016-17, according to BC Transit. “We always go through the exercise to make sure the bus is suitable for the work it needs to do,” Fudge said. The buses, built by Grande West Transportation International Ltd. of Aldergrove, cost $347,000. Those costs are split equally between the province and city, with the city’s share offset by passenger fares. BC Transit is looking to put more than 100 of the new buses in service across the province over the next two years. Fort St. John has a fleet of five buses, with others to be replaced in future phases. “We are pleased that Fort St. John residents will benefit from the newer vehicles,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said in a statement. “We look forward to enjoying the updates and improvements to the fleet.”

What A YEAR!

Thank you to all the participants and all the generous sponsors! Your support is helping make our Summer Cruise 2017 an event to remember. See you July 13-15!

Club of Dawson Creek

Rotary Tuesdays at NOON at the George Dawson Inn or

ROTARY CLUB OF DAWSON CREEK

e s i r un “Service

Above Self”

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

E CRUISE H T O T E M O C WEL 82 19 HA RP ER DR IVE

DA WS ON CR EE K

Fa x: (25 0) 78 2- 170 7

26 Ph : (25 0) 78 2- 79 -5:30pm - FRIDAY: 8:00am

MONDAY DAY: Closed am-5:00pm SUN SATURDAY: 8:00

AT: VISIT US ONLINE LYWOOD.COM WWW.WINDSORP

erior/exterior hard to source int oring, doors, We specialize in ts including flo duc pro ing ish fin ducts. home ecially wood pro mouldings and esp

July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B

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