AHN MAY 2 2019 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, may 2, 2019 Vol. A-75, No. 18

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

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Blizzard Bike Club racers climb a steep hill during Stage 7 of the Spring Stage Series on April 23, 2019.

Burn bylaw aims to stop wildfire threats 9224 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC (250) 785-0463

matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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The District of Taylor is drafting a new open air burning bylaw to help prevent the threat of wildfire. The bylaw would apply mainly to Class 2 and 3 fires in the name of public education, and give district fire officials the power to assess burn and property conditions within Taylor’s fire protection zone before a registered burn is allowed to begin. “That saves a lot of problems before they actually have the burn,” Fire Chief Steven Byford said. The district was put on high alert in 2016 when record-breaking heat and high

winds kicked up a massive wildfire on the South Taylor Hill overlooking the community. Last week, a grass fire got out of control during a windy day in the same area, stoking another wave of early season wildfire fears. With the bylaw, “we could have those conversations that allow them to understand why we don’t want to burn on a windy day, or why we don’t want them burning right next to the woods … why they have water on site to help control,” Byford said. “This is not a financial thing, this is more public education and prevention so such fires like last week don’t happen in the first place.” Last week’s fire, which was

small and quickly contained, was not permitted, Byford said. “If they would have done that (gotten a permit), we wouldn’t have been able to go out and educate them … before they got the permit,” Byford said. “But at least we would have known about it, and here we didn’t even have that, until it’s too late.” And while that property wouldn’t fall directly under the district’s open air burning bylaw once passed, it might one day under a similar bylaw also being considered by the regional district. Inspections in the areas around Taylor would likely fall to the fire department. The bylaw remains before council’s protection committee.

Trail connections to Charlie Lake matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Planners have identified two potential trail routes to connect Fort St. John and Charlie Lake. Jana Zelenski, a landscape architect with Lanarc Consulting, gave city councillors an update Tuesday on a study underway that’s looking to connect the two communities. “These are all just conceptual at this stage ... this is a starting point for discussion,” Zelenski said. “This is a very challenging project, but also a very exciting one that’s been in people’s minds for a long time.” While Fort St. John has plenty of advantages as a starting point, there are few trails in between the city and

Charlie Lake, Zelenski said. That makes for a “challenging connection” that needs to take into account private lands and the potential for opposition, rural roads and utility right-of-ways, and major road crossings, Zelenski said. The first proposed route would start at the West Bypass Road and run northwest alongside Fish Creek and through the planned Parkwood subdivision before connecting with the 244 Road and continuing on to Rotary Park at Charlie Lake. It includes potential connections to the Charlie Lake Cave and elementary school, as well as the provincial park. The route, around 7.5 kilometres, would be mostly along public land, which means less need to try to buy up private

property and get landowners on board, Zelenski said. The route is estimated to cost between $4.8 million and $7.7 million, which is proposed to be split between the Peace River Regional District and senior levels of government, or other funding partners. A second option proposes to run straight along the Fish Creek corridor through the Parkwood lands and connect more directly with Charlie Lake. The route, same length, is estimated to cost between $5 million and $7.5 million. Though the route is the community favourite with strong public support, acquiring all the land is its most significant hurdle, Zelenski said.

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It was a silver and bronze medal finish for the Alaska Highway News at this year’s Ma Murray newspaper awards on April 27. For a third straight year, Alaska Highway News won bronze for newspaper excellence in its circulation class. The award recognizes everything from a newspaper’s content, photography, advertising, design, print quality, and online presence. “Nice use of colour throughout, with easy-toread and organized sections throughout,” the panel of judges wrote. “Editorial and op-ed sections are interesting, clear, and attention-grabbing! Great sports section that reflects the community well.” Sechelt’s Coast Reporter won gold, while Whistler’s Pique Newsmagazine won silver. Managing Editor Matt Preprost won silver for feature writing, for an article last spring about delays in police response to a drunk panhandler causing trouble at a seniors apartment block. “A hard news story about a would-be break-in that expanded into an examination of community policing,” the judges wrote. “(Preprost) employs multiple sources and adds a layer of depth by also delving into further research of police call times and prioritization. He also cleverly points out some of the ironies of police response times and capacity, which is of certain community interest and relevance.” Tyler Harper of the Nelson Star won gold for a story about the mysterious disappearance of a local artist; Jackie Hong of the Yukon News won bronze for an story about Environment Yukon’s necropsy laboratory. The Alaska Highway News won bronze for newspaper excellence in 2017 and 2018, and also won awards for its breaking news photography and editorial writing those years. The Ma Murray Awards are held by the BC & Yukon Community Newspapers Association, which represents 98 member newspapers. The awards are named after Ma Murray, who founded the Alaska Highway News in 1944 and went on to be an acclaimed Canadian newspaper editor and publisher appointed to the Order of Canada.

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A2 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

Local News

contents A3 A6 A9 A10 A14 A15 B1 B6

News Opinion Business Court Docket Arts & Culture Coffee Corner Sports Classifieds

SONGS FOR THE WRS

this week’s flyers Jysk Rona Safeway No Frills The Brick Century 21 Peavey Mart Canadian Tire Save-On Foods Home Hardware Shoppers Drug Mart

Fort St. John’s Amanda van Nostrand sings a cover of Deana Carter’s Strawberry Wine at the fifth annual Woman Song concert in support of the Women’s Resource Society on April 26, 2019. The concert saw performers as young as 13 and as old as 72, and raised an estimated $4,000 in support of the society. Dave Lueneberg photo

High-fiving in Winnipeg GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

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Fort St. John

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B.C. Average

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Alberta Average

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NOTRE FLAME: In Paris, witnesses say work crews were seen smoking inside Notre Dame Cathedral before the fire broke out. Why am I not surprised? A friend who lived in Paris told me the French are born smoking. He said in France, baby cribs have built-in ashtrays. Gee, I suspect that’s probably not true. But please try to remember this is a reality-challenged column.

fives. They do high-fours. And high-threes. INFLUENTIAL DIFFERENTIAL: Time Magazine released its annual “100 Most Influential People” list. If you think about it, the people who select the most influential people are actually the most influential people.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

is only one thing more incredible than a earthquake on Mars: That’s a marsquake on Earth.

JUSTIN JEST: We continue news chewing in the town of Springfield, USA. That’s the cartoon Springfield, where the Simpsons live. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was featured in an episode of the TV show. Another guy, not Trudeau himself, did an authentic portrayal of Trudeau’s voice. He was speaking out of both sides of his mouth.

LIFT THIS: In the States, an elderly woman broke a weightlifting record. She weighs 123 pounds, she’s a 70-year-old grandmother, she hoisted 305 pounds. That’s nothing. My Grandma carried a purse every day filled with 500 pounds of Granny stuff.

EARTH MIRTH: Monday of last week was Earth Day, a day to respect the planet we live on. Although it’s hard to respect a planet that accepts Donald Trump as an inhabitant. There were many Earth Day events to draw attention to the need to clean up our PIG PARTICULARS: Scientists at Yale planet. It was easy for people who believe University say they revived pigs’ brains after the Earth is flat. They throw all their trash death. Terrific. Now we face a zombie pig https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html over the edge. apocalypse. Aporkalypse?

t St. John, BC - 7 Day Saskatchewan Avg. Forecast 128.1- Environment Canada

DUMBO DETAILS: Peace Country movie fans enjoyed the new Dumbo movie. AlManitoba Average JEOPARDY JEST: How about the guy with THROW THIS: According to an item on 128.2 though little kids who see a film with a flying elephant are going to be disappointed when huge cash winnings on the TV quiz show CBC, Ax-throwing is becoming popular in go to a zoo and see a real elephant. The Jeopardy? More than $1 million! I auditioned bars in Ontario. That’s where people go to Ontario Average 130.5 they Dumbo story teaches us it’s wrong to exploit for Jeopardy. How did I do? I prefer not to a bar, they drink alcohol, they throw an ax for  money. Hey,information I love dogs.But if I answer that question. And because it was at the wall. Yes, a real metal ax. They tried it Home  Environment and naturalanimals resources Weather Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Quebec Average 138.9 owned a dog who could fly, make no mis- Jeopardy, I also prefer not to question that with a rubber ax, but it was too dangerous. take — I would exploit him for money. answer. Jeopardy host Alex Trebek is Cana- The rubber ax bounced off the wall and hit dian. He kind of gives the mpression most people. A real ax is much safer. New Brunswick Avg 135.0 IDOL IDLE: There’s a report the TV Canadians are smart. That’s true, although singing show American Idol may be can- the average IQ of all Canadians drops 50 AIN’T SCIENCE WONDERFUL? A news at: Fort St. John Airport 9:00 AM MST Tuesday 30 April 2019 Nova Scotia Avg Current Conditions 134.2 celed because of low ratings. IObserved do not con- points every time Justin Bieber visits home. report stated engineers have invented a t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html done violence, but I believe ratings for device that creates electricity from — are LightIdol Snow Temperature:HIGH -2.3°CFIVE: Last week, Wind: N 11 km/h American would improve if eliminated a group of people you ready? — snow. When falling snow PEI Average 134.5 Condition: Pressure: 102.8 kPa Dew point: -4.8°C C… contestants were allowed to punch a judge in Winnipeg won Wind a place in-6the Guinness touches the device it creates an electricin theFalling mouth. Admit it, you’d watch. Book of Records for most high-fives: 509 al charge. Here’s my plan for next winter: I Tendency: Humidity: 83% Visibility: 5 km Newfoundland Avg. 137.5 high fives in three minutes. It can be very will attach one of these devices to my snow QUAKE SHAKE: NASA scientists say they cold in Winnipeg. People get frostbite and shovel, I will run a wire up my pants leg to CAD$ per litre, prices as of April 30. measured an earthquake on Mars. There lose fingers. Those people don’t do high- my electrically-heated undershorts. Source: GasBuddy.com Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia

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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 A3

Local News

BC Parks ignores regional district ask for boat launch data matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Peace River Regional District is getting no answers from BC Parks about the condition of provincial park boat launches in the region. The regional district board wants a status update as it looks to rally other local governments in Northern and Central B.C. to pressure the agency into fixing and maintaining its infrastructure. However, despite five phone messages and seven emails since the end of February, BC Parks officials haven’t responded, according to Trish Morgan, general manager of community services. “BC Parks are becoming increasingly popular but budgets have not increased with the use and demand on the parks,” Morgan writes in a report that goes before the board on Thursday. The request for the data comes after BC Parks abruptly barricaded the Mile 54 launch at Charlie Lake to motorized boats last fall without public notice or consultation, citing its condition. Though the launch remains open for canoeists and kayakers, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, which oversees BC Parks, says no repairs are planned. At the same time, BC Parks

walking the human

installed gates to close access to the Mile 54 launch and parking lots during winter, and to close night access during the operating season from May to September. That gate, however, was vandalized this past winter and was repaired. The regional district is looking to bring a motion about northern recreation and the need for BC Parks investments in repairs and maintenance to the annual meeting of the North Central Local Government Association in May. The association votes on policy proposals from member governments, which ultimately become lobbying priorities. B.C. spends only $2.80 per hectare on its parks, according to the BC Parks Foundation, an independent organization. Alberta spends around $36 per hectare on its parks. Meanwhile, visitors to provincial and national parks in the province have soared from 20 million to 25 million over the last five years, according to the foundation. The province has budgeted just $41.5 million for BC Parks this year, up from $40.4 million in 2018. The Ministry of Environment says Parks officials were supposed to meet with the regional district board last week, but that meeting was cancelled. A new date has yet to be determined.

dave lueneberg photo

Tucker, a four-year-old husky malamute (left) and Finley, a four-year-old German Shepherd mix, decide to take their owner, Casey Romine of Fort St. John, out for some exercise April 26, 2019 along the West Bypass Road.

East Bypass Road name change matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The City of Fort St. John says it will reimburse property owners along the East Bypass Road who will need to update their addresses and business documents due to an upcoming name change. The name of the road is slated to change to Northern Lights Drive effective June 26, according to the city. Property owners have been notified by registered mail. “Council recognizes that the address change, while necessary, may cause some inconvenience to affected property owners,” the city wrote in a post to Facebook Thursday. “To help alleviate this, remuneration is available to affected property owners by following the steps identified in the letter.” The city has budgeted $35,000 for the name change this year, after the idea was

first considered by council in 2016. At last count, there were more than 60 addresses along the East Bypass. Most of the money is set aside for owners who will bear costs to update their address signage and business and mailing documents, the city said. The city says the bypass no longer functions as a bypass road, about 75% of which is now within city limits. The speed limit on the road has already been dropped from 80 km/hour to 50 km/hour over the last few years. Changing the name of the road is the “first step” to exploring a new east bypass route, the city said. “This change is required because the road no longer functions as a bypass road to re-direct traffic around the city and away from urban development due to the steady residential growth and development experienced in the area,” it said.

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A4 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

Local News

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news in brief Highlights from the city council meeting held Tuesday, April 23, 2019: Contracts • Council awarded a $2,557,007.25 contract to Knappett Industries of Fort St. John for 2019 local area service project construction. Projects include upgrades to 101 Avenue between 86 and 88 Streets, and the second phase of 83 Street north of 112 Avenue. • Council awarded a $418,174.93 contract to Fire Facilities Inc. of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, to supply, deliver, and commission a live fire burn building for the city’s fire training centre. Final site work for the facility, at 79 Avenue and 92 Street, is expected to be complete in June, with construction of the building to follow. • Council awarded a $582,400 contract to Brandt Tractor of Fort St. John for two motor graders for the public works department. Brandt was the sole bidder. • Council awarded a $87,745 contract to Sealtec Industries of Langley for a crack seal machine to aid with asphalt maintenance. The city’s two crack sealers have reached their end of serviceable life. Sealtec was the sole bidder. • Council awarded a $245,280 contract to Brandt Tractor of Fort St. John for a four-wheel drive loader, used for snow plowing, snow blowing, and unloading freight and other loads of gravel, asphalt, and sand. • The city has awarded a $149,968 contract to Brandt Tractor of Fort St. John for a backhoe loader for excavations and shallow underground utility repairs. Brandt was the only bidder.

matt preprost photo

Susan Cross of the Child Development Centre with city councillors, which proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month.

• The city has awarded a $112,209.10 contract to Murray GM of Fort St. John for three pickup trucks to replace aging vehicles in its fleet. The old trucks will go to auction. • The city has awarded a $96,577.50 contract to Murray GM of Fort St. John for three public works service vehicles. The vehicles, all SUVs, will be designated to department managers, including the Director of Public Works and Utilities, the Superintendent of Roads, and the Superintendent of Utilities, according to a staff report. Other business • Council approved the start of a major financial policy review and retool, sending staff to to review the Top 10 policy areas that make up the city’s financial puzzle: tax rates and ratios, tax exemptions, utility and user fees, grants, the Peace River Agreement, operating budget controls, how reserve funds are managed, and how to manage and service debt. Council approved a series of guiding principles that will help

guide the review, which aims to establish “a formal financial framework will provide clarity to staff, council and the community on how decisions are made with respect to the sustainable funding and financing of City services and infrastructure,” according to a report. • Council authorized Mayor Lori Ackerman and Legislative and Administrative Services Director Janet Prestley to sign a new RCMP Occupancy Agreement for the current detachment for 2020 to 2024. The agreement will terminate when the city and RCMP sign a new deal for the new detachment building. • Council travel expenses for the first quarter of 2019 have been published. Coun. Lilia Hansen led the quarter with $8,277 in expensses. Coun. Becky Grimsrud had the lowest, at $1,138. • Council will write a letter in support of Peace-Liard Community Futures and its BC Regional Northern Immigration Pilot Community Interest Proposal. The proposal would support a regional approach

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to immigration through the federal government’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program, and would help address skilled technical and professional labour shortages, according to a staff report. • Vanessa Cumming was introduced to council as the new manager of the North Peace Leisure Pool. Cumming froms to Fort St. John from Vancouver with a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and more than a decade of experience in municipal recreation. Cumming previously worked for the Lifesaving Sociey, which oversees lifeguarding in Canada, and has worked as an aquatic programmer for the City of Victoria. Cumming takes over for Karin Carlson, who was recently promoted to the city’s director of recreation and leisure services. Bylaws • Council adopted Community Services Fees and Charges Bylaw 2460, 2019, which sets out proposed recreation fees and service charges

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Other business • April was proclaimed Autism Awareness Month. Up to 1 in 66 children are diagnosed with autism, however, Susan Cross of the Child Development Centre notes a lack of services and medical professionals means many kids are either waiting to be diagnosed, or are missed being diagnosed altogether.

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through to 2023. • Council gave first three readings to Factory-Built House Park Bylaw No. 2412, 2019. The bylaw replaces Manufactured Home Development Bylaw No. 1568, 2001, and is updated to reflect BC Building Code and other city bylaw changes, and sets development standards for siting, setbacks, landscaping, and parking for new trailer park developments. • Council gave first three readings to the 2019 Tax Rates Bylaw, which sets tax rates for the year. Municipal tax rates have been kept the same as 2018, however, taxes for the regional hospital district, the regional district, and BC Transit have increased by 2%. The average homeowner will see their tax bills drop by $51 this year. • Council gave first three readings to Five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2463, 2019, which boosts the city’s 2019 investment projects by $350,000 and transfers $251,514 from the tax stabilization reserve to this year’s operating budget. • Council gave first three readings to Sewer Use Regulation and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 2464, 2019. The amendments will allow for the costs of building phase four of the Alaska Highway sanitary trunkmain to be recovered through new connections to unserviced areas, and returned to the sewer reserves, according to a staff report.

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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 A5

Local News

B.C.’s top vet gives anthrax insight, tips to Peace livestock producers matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

B.C.’s chief veterinary officer was in Fort St. John Saturday hoping to ease the fears of local livestock producers and ranchers after a confirmed case of anthrax surfaced in a North Peace bison herd last fall. Dr. Jane Pritchard with the Ministry of Agriculture was the keynote speaker at a public information session held April 27. In an interview, Pritchard called the case “bad luck,” but said last year’s isolated outbreak “felt very scary and that was unfortunate.” It has, however, prompted the province to be better prepared. “Part of lessons learned, we have to make sure that we can do it better next time,” Pritchard said. Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is a bacteria that can be found naturally in plants and soil, but can be fatal when ingested by bison and other livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep and goats. In some cases, pigs have also died from the disease. While inside the animal, the anthrax bacteria can be contained, however, once exposed to air, like in an open wound, the spores are able to produce and potentially end up back in the soil. Once there, Pritchard says, “it’s extremely hard to kill the spores. The soil can be moved around or a predator ‘can take a piece’ of trails from a1

A future third option proposes to connect the Charlie Lake community with the Beatton Provincial Park with a four-kilometre trail that would tie into a trail to Fort St. John. That’s estimated to cost between $2.7 million to $5.1 million. Nine route options were identified overall and continue to be reviewed before a route is chosen and designed, Zelenski said. Council has previously endorsed the idea of connecting the city with Charlie Lake. On Tuesday, however, council raised issues the development could face with landowners and First Nations. Consultations on expanding city borders to include Parkwood found First Nations want Fish Creek to be maintained as a wildlife corridor, Mayor Lori Ackerman said. The creek also prone to sloughing, Ackerman added, pointing the trails in the community forest that have been washed out and permanantly closed. Sorting out who will operate, maintain, and police the trail also needs to be determined, Ackerman said. Coun. Trevor Bolin noted one trail possibility identified along the Alaska Highway was the most logical to build, though planners ruled it out for frontage road challenges and industrial traffic concerns. Still, a trail along the highway would be the easiest to build and maintain without acquiring land from up to two dozen landowners, Bolin said. “That’s a lot of what ifs,” Bolin said. Council directed staff to prepare a report assessing all the trail options for a future meeting. Lanarc’s work is being carried out for the Peace River Regional District, with funding support from Northern Health. Public consultations and workshops were held last summer. A trail connection between Dawson Creek and Pouce Coupe is also being studied.

dave lueneberg photo

B.C.’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jane Pritchard speaks about anthrax bacteria in Fort St. John, April 27, 2019. Pritchard feels the risk of future outbreaks of anthrax in the North Peace would be low.

the contaminated animal and the cycle continues.” Just how spores are ingested by livestock can be pinpointed to weather and overgrazing. An example Pritchard uses is heavy spring rains followed by drought. The spores are brought to the surface by the rain. When it dries, the spores can be left in shallow ground, and with a drought or depleting grass

supply late in the year, livestock are prone to eat more dirt. That dirt, in turn, may contain the harmful spores. Pritchard points out anthrax is a seasonal disease. “It only really happens in warm weather and more in the fall actually, than any other time.” The timing of a spring seminar was meant to give producers the knowledge they need going into the summer

and fall, to know “how they should respond, what their responsibilities are, and how control and disposal might look like were it to happen to them.” Pritchard says it’s the moments after a suspected anthrax death that are key to the disease being contained and not spreading to other nearby herds or livestock. “The one thing they really have to do is

keep predators away.” The concern here is not to allow the spores to produce from open wounds on the animal. If you suspect anthrax, Pritchard recommends not to move the animal; instead, cover it with a secure tarp and use dirt, if needed, to hold it in place. Have someone stand guard, if possible, and above all, she says, call a veterinarian right away. “Once it’s dead, we really need to get the sample tested within 36 hours... 48 at the most.” Thankfully, last fall’s confirmed case has resulted in better testing practices being put in place. The province has adopted a new procedure, created by the U.S. military, that will lessen the time it will take to confirm anthrax to as little as 15 minutes. Pritchard equates it to a pregnancy test strip. In the past, any testing for the disease was done at a provincial facility in Abbotsford and could take several days between transport and testing. The new test will allow local veterinarians to speed up the process. Pritchard says the main message she is hoping producers took away from the seminar is that there is help out there. “To feel confident that if it happens, there will be support for them and that it should not be scary, because I think it felt very scary last year,” Pritchard said.

A6 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

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The Pacific Great Eastern comes to Fort St. John

ne of the major events that occurred in the 1950s was the arrival of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway on October 3, 1958. Prior to this, the closest railhead was in Dawson Creek and I believe was called the Northern Alberta Railway. The bulk of the freight from the North Peace was from farmers’ fields, which meant the crops had to be trucked to Dawson Creek for shipping. The farming industry along with the other two major industries, forestry and oil and gas, were to benefit also from the arrival of the train. Preparations started for the arrival of the PGE months before it actually arrived. Under Board of Trade President Bert Bowes, a committee was undertaken to organize the combined efforts of every service club, fraternal society, village council, and school board to make a success of this historical event. Some of the things they had arranged for the dignitaries and the public was a cocktail break and a big barbecue supper in the old North Peace Arena, which was actually brand new at the time. One of the committees was tasked with serving a barbecue plate to everyone in the arena. It seemed everyone in town was involved in some way with the coming of the rail. The following is the story by Ma Murray of the arrival of the first train: “The Whistle’s Blowing And Here She Is!

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“Train’s in! It’s right on time! It’s the prettiest sight ever seen here. Three spanking new locomotives, abreast and glistening. Three trains of pullman cars dazzling along side of each other. History was made and the first passenger train north of 56 came in on the Pacific Great Eastern Railway arrived on time, to the minute, Friday, October 3 at 1:30 P.M. “The day was fine. The wind had calmed in the morning. The big crowd had come to welcome Premier Bennett and show appreciation for this great achievement and certainly the crowning event of the Social Credit Government’s six years of operation. It was the prettiest sight ever seen here and likely any of us will not see the likes again for quite a spell. Three trains, moving in perfect timing, all coming toward us on separate tracks, Premier Bennett and his colleagues were practically draped over the cow-catcher of the first train. Joe Broadbent, superintendent of the railway,

Premier Bennett and cabinet members hang off train cow catcher as it arrives in Fort St. John

Larry Evans is to be congratulated on his combination of effort in giving us such a sight to behold. Never will anyone who saw it, forget it. It could have taken place at the Grand Central Station in New York City. Everyone hopes that fortune will smile on this railway! “Practically everyone living in the North Peace who could make it was on hand to welcome the train. It is certain, Premier Bennett is ace high here now, regardless. If an election could have been held on October 3, the Bennett Government would be given a long term mandate out of sheer gratitude from the people. “Oh it’s magnificent, I just wished the whole world could see it! This was the comment of one of the travellers on the PGE from Vancouver, on her first visit to the north. Tears streamed down many a face as the three trains came in together, with the Dawson Creek pipe band playing and the crowd cheering. Many of them had waited 30 years or more to see the sight they saw on Friday, and for thousands of others who haven’t waited quite as long as that, it was a thrill too to move a heart. “Railway celebrities occupied train Number One, with Premier of British Columbia on board. “Train Number Two carried

Johnny Beaton drives the last spike as Premier WAC Bennett assists.

heads of firms from Vancouver and Victoria who are among the top customers of the freight department of PGER. Train Number Three was opened to the public and tickets were sold at Vancouver in the usual way to Fort St. John and return. N.R. Crump of CP Rail and Donald Gordon of CN Rail were among the invited Guests. The first passenger train carried cars of every major railroad in America as well as the Canadian Lines.” The honour of driving the last spike was given to Johnny Beaton, who’s father was Francis W. Beaton, the Hudson Bay Factor at Fort St. John when it was located along the Peace

River. Johnny Beaton is a relative of a good friend of mine, Donnie Beaton. The arrival of the PGE opened up the north even more to imports and exports of every conceivable kind. In the early 1970s, the Pacific Great Eastern, which was also known fondly as “Please Go Easy”, was taken over by the British Columbia Railroad better known as the BCR. In recent times the BCR has been taken over by CNR, or Canadian National Railroad. Larry Evans is a former fire chief, city councillor, and lifelong historian living in Fort St. John.

Province puts exclamation mark on period conversation

ho knew that in 2019 the words “menstrual products” and “period” would be used so frequently in various news headlines? It’s almost as if we have made a cultural shift into the 21st Century! Of course, I am speaking about the decision by the British Columbia school system to begin providing free menstrual products to students and the like-minded gestures of other organizations to follow suit. Finally, we can put a period and an exclamation mark on that conversation! When I heard that they were going to begin offering free tampons and/or pads to girls in the school system I reflected on my own uncomfortable conversations with the gym teacher went back in 1979. Invariably my teacher was either surrounded by students at her little kiosk near the gym equipment room or she was standing on a field blowing her irritating whistle at the time when I needed a little something-something.

Judy Kucharuk I was uncomfortable making the request and very hesitant to say the actual words: “May I have a tampon please?” When I finally got her attention with the embarrassing whisper. “WHAT! What do you need?” Nary a hint of empathy was involved. I would then have to suck up the courage to make my request clearer so that she would a) give me what I need, and b) not embarrass me any further. Handing her my money (yes, you needed to give her 50 cents), I would try it again: “May I have a tampon,” my words mumbled so that tampon didn’t sound like tampon. I also was intimidated that she would judge me because I asked for a tampon versus a pad. Any woman who is from my generation will know

what I mean by that statement. My gym teacher would then hand me a pad so hideously thick and long as if to dare me to hand it back and ask clearly for a tampon. Red-faced and embarrassed, I would grab the horribly huge pad and scurry away before anyone could laugh. Would I rather simply tie my jacket around my waist or should I actually use this huge piece of cotton-wrapped material that everyone would be able to see underneath my clothing? In my imagination it would make a swish, swish sound as I walked. I might as well have had a sign on my back that said, “I have my period!” Times have certainly changed and, with it, the period stigma has changed. Menstruation was never a bad thing, don’t get me wrong, but it was something that we whispered about and never truly got comfortable with freely discussing in front of others. Why? Who knows. Maybe it was because the store in my town brown-paper wrapped up

the sanitary products so they could not be seen or identified by prying eyes. What does that tell you? Maybe it was because you needed two hands to carry out the box of Kotex from the store – they were bigger than a box of clothing detergent! You kept expecting to get a complimentary towel or tea set from inside the box like you used to get from the big box of Tide! What I’m trying to say is hallelujah and amen to the cultural shift we are seeing as it pertains to something that naturally happens to every single woman on the planet. I’m so happy that the women who follow in my footsteps are having the courage and conviction to affect change and lessen the ridiculous stigma that surrounds a fact of life. It’s time, don’t you think? Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes.

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 A7

OP-ED

Justin Trudeau lays a foundation for voter apathy

s the mainstream media news cycle moves from one clickbait story to the next, I’m not satisfied with Justin Trudeau and the SNC-Lavalin scandal, not even close. I wonder how many other people who follow politics sit back and shake their heads when they think of the gong show that unfolded before our eyes. What’s bothered me the most about this mess is not only how fast it disappears from the media, something that big, but it serves as a reminder to the electorate that access to government and the ability to influence policy comes at a price that the average Canadian cannot afford. Call me a dreamer or an idealist, call me what you like, but I always wanted to feel like our political system allows the average Canadian the ability to influence change. You see, my view is the solutions to the problems we face as a society today are already out there, they are in people’s minds based on their work and life experience.

Jeff Richert COMMUNITY VIEWS

With the appropriate political conduit, change for the greater good should be attainable. The problem with the federal Liberals is they have made it loud and clear lobbyists come first and, even worse, a corrupt corporation made it to the top of priority list. I’ve always been concerned with lobbying and this issue once again reminded me of how powerful lobbying and special interest can be. I know I’m not the only person who supports a ban on lobbying politicians across the country because when policy is influenced by a select few, the majority pay the price. What infuriates me most about the SNC-Lavalin scandal and Justin Trudeau’s handling of it was how a corporation had the ability to

jump the line, gain significant face time with high level politicians, and lobby for a change in the Criminal Code. A corporation does not have the moral or ethical right to lobby as such, in my mind: the Criminal Code is the law of the land and the property

of the people, not something for corporate manipulation. And remember, SNCLavalin isn’t just any company. In 2015, it was charged with bribing Libyan government officials to the tune of $48 million and defrauding other Libyan

organizations of $148 million. This company was given preferential treatment by our prime minister. No wonder we have apathetic voters in Canada.

policy, which we are all too aware of. Their next major challenges were the response to the Red River and Riel Rebellions in the mid 1880s. Historians are mixed in their assessment of the North West Mounted Police response, and the trial and hanging of Louis Riel for treason resonates through the Metis community to this day. The partially constructed Canadian Pacific Railroad expedited movement of additional North West Mounted Police and militia to suppress the rebellion The construction of the CPR, establishment of many new towns and cities and the large influx of migrants (my family immigrated from Iceland in 1889), remained the focus of “the Force” until more problems arose with Americans (again!) and the Klondike Gold Rush. The North West Mounted Police had many volunteers in the Boer War (1899-1901), and in light of that service, their name was changed to add

“Royal” in 1904. Depletion of manpower during the First World War imperiled the future of the Force, but concerns about a Bolshevik conspiracy and the violence of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 resulted in the amalgamation of the Royal North West Mounted Police and the Dominion Police into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1920. The Force remained a quasi-military force from the 1920s through to some seismic changes in recent times, but became the predominant police force in Atlantic Canada and the West, with B.C. having the largest number of serving RCMP members in Canada. Next – how the force changed, while our expectations did not.

Jeff Richert lives in Taylor.

Policing: Past, present, future?

olicing is too complex of an issue, particularly when I hope to present a way to improve things, to be limited to one column, so I think it’s wise to examine the past and the present of policing in order to make sure folks understand how we got here – before I embark on what the future might be like. The North West Mounted Police was formed in 1873, largely from militia and ex-military, in order to provide policing to what was then known as the Northwest Territories, which also included Alberta, Saskatchewan and the majority of present day Manitoba. The impetus was twofold: first, to establish Canada’s sovereignty over those territories in light of American expansionism; and also to bring law and order to the West before it became the chaos seen in the US Wild West after their Civil War. With lots of former Union and Confederate soldiers

at loose ends, lawlessness followed as many of them pursued money making opportunities. One of the most destructive was selling “fire water” to First Nations in what is presently Southern Alberta. Montana had prohibited alcohol, pushing the whiskey traders north. To call their product whiskey is a gross mis-statement, as it was a concoction of whiskey, molasses, tobacco juice, and what ever adulterant could be added to improve the cash value. There were many deaths from this poison and violence had broken out at Fort Whoop Up , ear present day Lethbridge. The Cypress Hills Massacre in 1873 (American buffalo hunters and whiskey traders slaughtered 20 Assiniboine natives and one white man) added to the genuine fear that the U.S. intended to invade. This led to The March West, an arduous and poorly planned 1,400-kilometre overland journey from the

Steve Thorlakson Lakehead at Fort William (Thunder Bay, Ontario). Once on site, the value of strict British-styled discipline proved its worth, and the North West Mounted Police established law and order over an area larger than Europe with a relative handful of men. The indigenous population particularly appreciated the peace assured by the North West Mounted Police, particularly compared to the chaos of their southern relatives in the U.S. and the American eradication policy. Things would become dark for the First Nations with the virtual extinction of the buffalo and the Canadian government’s assimilation

Steve Thorlakson is a resident and former mayor of Fort St. John.

A8 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

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DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

The scene of a fatal fire at Corner RV on April 27, 2019.

A fire at Corner RV and Campsite in Fort St. John claimed the life of a resident Saturday morning. Just after 4 a.m., the City of Fort St. John Fire Department was called to the 8400 block of

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The department and the RCMP are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The RCMP did not have an update at press time.

Police watchdog investigates after man injured in Fort St. John

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MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Alaska Road North to put out a motorhome fire, with a nearby fifth wheel RV in flames as well. The department was able to put out both fires, but one person in the motorhome did die.

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CITY BEAT

B.C.’s police watchdog has been called in to investigate after a suspected thief was injured during a foot chase and arrest last week. A Fort St. John RCMP officer stopped a man on April 22 around 3 a.m. during a patrol in an area of town where vehicles had been broken into earlier that night. The man fled on foot and was arrested after a short chase, according to a news release from Lower Mainland District RCMP. The man’s injuries were noticed after his arrest, and he was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, RCMP said. The nature of the injuries

TAYLOR DISTRICT

NEWS IN BRIEF

Updates from April 23, 2019 Council Mee�ngs PROCLAMATIONS The month of April 2019 was proclaimed as “Au�sm Awareness Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The intent of the proclama�on is to promote services and ac�vi�es within the community as well as bring awareness to the need for addi�onal services and opportuni�es for families with special needs. The month of May 2019 was proclaimed as “MS Awareness Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The inten�on of the proclama�on is to bring awareness and promote annual fundraising events. This year’s MS Walk will take place in Fort St. John on May 26, 2019 with registra�on beginning at 9:30am at the Pomeroy Sports Centre. In recogni�on of this proclama�on City Hall will raise the MS Society flag for the month of May as well as light the building in the colour red on May 1. FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK At the Commi�ee of the Whole mee�ng, Council received a presenta�on outlining the proposed financial principles and policy framework review. The financial management policy statements have been developed for ten (10) key areas that influence the sustainable funding and financing of the City’s infrastructure assets. It is intended that these policies work together cohesively to guide financial planning and decision making. At the Regular mee�ng, Council approved the guiding principles as presented in the financial policy areas affec�ng Taxa�on, U�lity Fees, User Fees, Non-Taxa�on Revenue, Grants, Peace River Agreement, Opera�ng Budget, Reserve Funds, Debt and Debt Servicing and Permissive Tax Exemp�ons. The Financial Framework aims to provide clarity to staff, Council and the community on how decisions are made with respect to the sustainable funding and financing of City services and infrastructure. PRRD TRAIL FEASIBILITY At the Commi�ee of the Whole mee�ng, an update on the Connec�ng Communi�es Trails Feasibility Study was presented. The Peace River Regional District is in the second phase of the project process which involves considering and evalua�ng op�ons. The purpose of the project is to create desirable and well-used trails linking Fort St. John and Charlie Lake allowing visitors and residents to connect with the unique landscapes of the Peace Region. At the Regular mee�ng, Council directed staff to provide a report to Council regarding the PRRD Connec�ng Communi�es Regional Trails Project including a review of all op�ons provided by the PRRD consul�ng firm. TENDER AWARDS Council awarded the following tenders for: • Supply, Delivery and Commissioning of the Live Fire Burn Building to Fire Facili�es Inc. of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, for the tendered price of $418,174.93 (Canadian Dollars). • Two (2) motor graders to the sole bidder, Brandt Tractor of Fort St. John, BC, for their tender submission dated April 9, 2019 totalling $582,400 including equipment op�ons and trades. • Crack Seal Machine to the only bidder, Sealtec Industries of Langley, BC, for their tender submission of $87,745, and that addi�onal funds of $7,752.78 to purchase the equipment op�ons required be allocated from the Equipment Reserve Fund. • 2019 LAS Projects to the low bidder, Knappe� Industries (2006) Ltd. of Fort St. John BC, for the unit rates in their tender submission dated April 11, 2019, totalling $2,557,007. • 4 Wheel Drive Loader to the only compliant bidder, Brandt Tractor of Fort St. John, BC, for their tender submission of $245,280 including equipment trades. In accordance with City Purchasing and Tendering Policy No. 22/14, Council received informa�on that: • Staff awarded the tender for the purchase of three (3) 2019 pickup trucks to the lowest bidder, Murray GM Ltd. of Fort St. John, BC, for the amount of $112,209.10 • Staff awarded the tender for the purchase of three (3) Public Works service vehicles to the low bidder, Murray GM Ltd. of Fort St. John, BC, for the tendered price of $96,577.50. • Staff awarded the tender for the purchase of a backhoe loader to the only bidder, Brandt Tractor Ltd. from Fort St. John, BC, for the total tendered price of $149,968 including taxes , trade-in and op�onal equipment. BYLAWS • Community Services Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2460, 2019 was adopted by �tle only. • Fees and Charges for Various Municipal Services Repeal Bylaw No. 2458, 2019 was adopted by �tle only. The following bylaws were introduced and read for the first three �mes by �tle only: • Factory-Built House Park Bylaw No. 2412,2019 • Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2459, 2019 • Five Year Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2463, 2019 • Sewer Use Regula�on and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 2464, 2019

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

A Commi�ee of the Whole mee�ng is tenta�vely scheduled for Monday May 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. The Regular Council Mee�ng will follow at 3:00 p.m. All mee�ngs will be held in City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to a�end.

www.fortstjohn.ca 54290

Highlights from the District of Taylor council and committee meetings on April 29, 2019: Public works shop Council awarded a $1.9-million contract to Integrity Post Structures of Okotoks, Alberta, to design and build a new public works shop. The contract is subject to Agricultural Land Commission approval to extend non-farm use status at the Lone Wolf Golf Club maintenance yard to accommodate the new shop. “If we can get everything lined up, it will be great to get that going in 2020,” Mayor Rob Fraser said. “There are lots of synergies there. I’m looking forward to it.” The district budgeted $2.3 million for the project, and received seven bids, which helped with competitive, tight pricing, operations director Ryan Nelson said. Tax rates set • Council adopted 2019 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 833, 2019, which sets tax rates for the year. The bylaw will see residential tax rates increase by roughly three cents, up from $3.40 to $3.43 per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax rates are proposed to decline slightly for light and major industry, as well as for commercial, recreational, and farm properties. Utility tax rates are proposed to rise 35 cents, from $34.12 to $34.47. Emergency alerts District staff are starting to draft local alerts for the PRRD’s new emergency public alert system, launched in March. The alerts will cover major emergencies such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, to more routine events such as bridge and road closures, and water and sewer service interruptions. Mayor Rob Fraser wants staff to work with the Taylor Industrial Mutual Aid Group to also draft alerts for major events at the McMahon gas plant, whether it’s significant flaring event or a sour gas release. Some social media posts in the past have caused confusion and panic about whether the plant was

were not disclosed. The officer, as well as backup officers called in to help in the pursuit, were not injured. The Independent Investigations Office of BC has been notified and is investigating. “The IIO BC is now investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions are linked to the man’s injuries,” RCMP said in the release. “As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police.” This is the second time this month the IIO BC has been called to the Peace to investigate police conduct. The agency was called in after a woman died while in the custody of Dawson Creek RCMP on April 13. on fire and the district under evacuation because of smoke and flares they’ve seen at the plant, council noted. “We need to be able to respond to those quickly and this will help us do that,” Fraser said. Only a few dozen have reportedly signed up for the new public alert system, which residents can do through the regional district’s website. The system will be on the agenda at a council open house May 23 at the community hall. The district will also be inserting notices with this year’s tax bills reminding residents to sign up. “I’d really like to see 100% uptake on this,” Fraser said. Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 6 to 12. The district will host a barbecue May 8 for the public to learn about the community’s emergency planning. Hospital kept busy Niki Hedges of the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation gave District of Taylor councillors an update on the organization’s 25th anniversary celebration year and upcoming events on Monday. She also provided some eye-opening statistics from the hospital last year to underline the importance of the foundation’s work in supporting the hospital equipments needs and patient care and services. In 2018, there were there were 581 births at the hospital, and 7,500 visits to the ER, with more than 1,200 of those being paediatric patients. “You just begin to get a sense of the sheer volume of patients that the hospital sees, so what can we do to alleviate those wait times and where are the greatest needs?” Hedges said. The foundation was established in January 1994, and has raised millions of dollars to buy medical equipment to support patient care at the hospital and Peace Villa care home. In the last decade alone, the foundation has helped buy 233 pieces of equipment — dialysis chairs, wheelchairs, diagnostic machines, games, and more — with another nine purchases in the works. The foundation will host the annual Bluey Days on May 25 at the BC Ambulance building to raise funds for its cancer diagnostic and treatment fund. The foundation has raised more than $1.6 million since Bluey Days began in Fort St. John in 1998.

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 A9

Business

“How many people fall in love with their investments? This is dangerous.” — Edwina Nearhood, A10

‘One too many’

Fallen workers remembered at Day of Mourning matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John, like many communities across the country, took time April 28 to remember those lost while on the job. The National Day of Mourning, as it’s become known, has been in place since the spring 1991, after the federal government of the day passed the Workers Mourning Day Act. Mayor Lori Ackerman believes events like one held Sunday afternoon at the Workers’ Memorial in Centennial Park are meant to not only highlight the lives lost, but to encourage workers to find safer ways to carry out their job. “We need to prevent further illness and death in the workplace. We are in this together and we must take every opportunity we have to inform ourselves and to seek higher standards,” Ackerman said. “Each day, safety begins with the person in the mirror. We all have a part to play in ensuring that happens. So, I ask you to make a personal commitment to safety, regardless of your role in your organization and show leadership for safety. It needs to be part

dave lueneberg photo

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman and Bob Fenney, a co-chair of the city’s joint health & safety committee, lay a wreath as part of the National Day of Mourning, recognizing those who died in the workplace, April 28, 2019.

of our DNA.” North Peace MLA Dan Davies echoed Ackerman’s sentiments, but said this year’s Day of Mourning has more of an impact for him personally. Davies was injured in a workplace accident in March 2018 and had be airlifted to Vancouver for emergency

surgery. “All of us here work...we get up in the morning, (and) think it’s just another day to go to work. All of sudden something so quick changes your life in an instant,” Davies said. Last year, 131 deaths across the province were linked to the workplace, including four

in the Peace Region. While many might think they were industry-related or directly on the job, 66 deaths, or half, were accredited to workplace disease. “Occupational disease remains the single-leading cause of work-related deaths in B.C.” said Allain Houle, a

Fort St. John-based occupational safety officer for Worksafe BC. “That’s due largely to people being exposed to decades of (old) asbestos. It’s not usually construction anymore, but (asbestos) found in buildings that went up before the1990s, so it remains a risk in the demolition and renovation industries.” Of the 66 deaths in 2018, 34 were Mesothelioma-based, an incurable cancer that has been directly linked to asbestos exposure. While the number of overall deaths in B.C. dropped from 158 in 2017 to 131 in 2018, “the Day of Mourning reminds us that one workplace death is one too many,” Houle said. Bob Fenney, co-chair of the city’s joint health & safety committee, feels the best way to honour the fallen workers is by making a new legacy for them. “This is the time for us all to talk openly, honestly, and positively about what we can do together to make our job site safer,” said Fenney. “Let’s not make it (the legacy) about what we have lost, but one about how they have inspired us to make things better.”

$450,000 at April land sale matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Industry picked up four leases and one drilling licence at B.C.’s monthly sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights this week. The four leases netted $256,225 in bonus bids, covering 1,616 hectares at the April 24 sale. Buffalo Hill Resources picked up three of the leases, covering 779 hectares in the Wilder Creek area, for $20,200. Con-

course Petroleum picked up an 837-hectare lease near Laprise Creek for $235,948. The drilling licence sold for $176,480. Buffalo Hill picked up the 788-hectare licence in the Flatrock and Golata Creek area. Industry bought 2,404 hectares overall in April, at average price of $179.99 per hectare. With rent and other fees, the province took in $450,084 for the month, bringing its year-to-date

total to just under $2.5 million. At this time last year, the province had generated $16.2 million in revenues through the first four land sales of 2018. Year over year, sales this month were up from April 2018, but not by much, when the province generated $202,600 from one drilling licence and four leases. The next sale is scheduled for May 22, with three leases and nine drilling licences on offer.

Rig Report - April 25 matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Sixteen drilling rigs were at work in Northeast B.C. as of April 25, 2019, according to Rig Locator. The region had the highest fleet utilization rate in Western Canada at 32% for the week, with 34 rigs down. Last year during the same week, 12 rigs were active in the region. This week, four contractors were at work, including Precision Drilling (9), Horizon Drilling (2), Ensign Drilling (4), and Citadel Drilling (1). Ensign Rig No. 55 is moving in to Briar Ridge to drill for gas for Encana Corp. Precision Rig No. 545 is drilling for gas for Murphy Oil at Sundown south of Highway 97 and Highway 52N, north of Fellers Heights. Spud was April 18. Precision Rig No. 465 is drilling for gas for ARC Resources in the Dawson Creek area, just east of Rolla Road. Spud was April 21. Precision Rig No. 538 is drilling for gas for Tourmaline Oil in the Doe area, north of Dawson Creek. Spud was April 22. Ensign Rig No. 45 is drilling for gas at Tower Lake for Encana Corp. Spud date was April 12. Horizon Rig No. 41 is drilling for gas for Encana Corp. at Tower Lake, west of the Alaska Highway. Spud was April 15. Precision Rig No. 529 is drilling for gas at Inga for ARC Resources. Spud was April 14. Precision Rig No. 542 is drilling for gas for ARC Resources at Inga, east of

the Halfway River. Spud was April 22. Citadel Rig No. 4 is drilling for gas for Petronas at Altares. Spud was April 14. Horizon Rig No. 55 is drilling for gas for Kelt Exploration at Inga, just south of the Alaska Highway. Spud was April 21. Precision Rig No. 867 is drilling for oil for ConocoPhillips Canada at Inga, north of the Upper Halfway Road. Spud was April 21. Precision Rig No. 379 is drilling for gas for Kelt Exploration at Fireweed, north of the Alaska Highway. Spud was March 31. Precision Rig No. 546 is drilling for gas for Tourmaline Oil at Gundy, southwest of the Alaska Highway. Spud was April 19. Precision Rig No. 533 is drilling for gas for Tourmaline Oil at Gundy. Spud was April 14. Ensign Rig No. 437 is drilling for gas for Black Swan Energy at Nig Creek, south of the Beatton River. Spud was April 10. Ensign Rig No. 444 is drilling for gas for Saguaro Resources at Laprise, south of the Sikanni Chief River. Spud was April 5. In Western Canada, 69 rigs were working out of 550, for a utilization rate of 13%. Alberta had 51 rigs working out of 389, for a utilization rate of 13%. Saskatchewan had two rigs working out of 105, for a utilization rate of 2%. There were no rigs active in Manitoba. There were no rigs active in Eastern Canada.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fort St. John Center is located in downtown Fort St John and provides settlement and integration services to the immigrant community in the north. Information and referrals on: citizenship, immigration, housing, employment, health, social benefits, education, connection to community services and form filling guidance. Workshops: Newcomers Orientation, Canadian Culture, Driving in BC, Citizenship, etc. Address: #209 10142 101 Avenue, Fort St John BC V1J 2B3

Phone: 250-785-5323 • www.successbc.ca To access services client must provide PR card, work or study permit.

52861

Dunlevy and Elizabeth Creek Boat launches closed

Due to low water levels, the Dunlevy and Elizabeth Creek boat launches are closed. The launches will re-open as soon as possible. Attempting to launch during low water levels can cause boat and vehicle damage, or personal injury.

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A10 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Convicted robber charged in string of attempted ATM thefts MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

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A convicted robber with a long rap sheet has been arrested again after allegedly trying to steal ATM machines last week. Fort St. John RCMP say they were called to the Shell gas station on 96A Street just before 5 a.m. on April 20, which had its window smashed and bank machine ripped from the wall. The suspects were reported to have fled the scene in a pickup truck with a tow rope hanging over its tailgate. Officers found the suspects a short time later, however, they crashed into a police cruiser while trying to flee. The passengers were arrested after a chase led them to Taylor, and after a spike belt was used. No one was injured. Douglas Goodings, the driver, faces charges of break and enter, flight from police, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, and two counts of failing to comply with a recognizance. A second male passenger

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fleeing from police. • Travis Norman Walker (born 1987) sentenced to 31 days in jail, given a one-year probation order, handed a 10year mandatory firearms ban, and ordered to provide a DNA sample for robbery. Walker was sentenced six more months in jail for carrying a weapon or ammo concealed. Walker was sentenced to two months in jail for possession of a controlled substance. Walker was sentenced to two months in jail for breaching probation. Fort Nelson Law Courts • Lee Evan Boynton (born 1990) was handed one year of probation with a conditional discharge for disobeying a court order. — Tom Summer

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was arrested on an outstanding warrant. He was not named. Goodings faces additional break and enter, and breach charges for a separate attempt to steal an ATM on April 19 from another gas station on the west end of town. The same truck was used in that attempt, police said. Goodings remains in custody, and more charges may follow, RCMP said. “The Fort St John RCMP is glad that nobody was injured in this incident,” Cst. Chad Neustaeter said. “Through the frontline officers cooperative efforts, both these men were arrested and brought into police custody.” Goodings was arrested in April 2018 for holding up two businesses in Fort St. John. He’s scheduled to appear in court on those robbery charges in May. In 2007, Goodings was sentenced to 18 months of jail for a robbery in December 2006. In 2011, he was sentenced to 30 months in jail for a robbery in October 2010.

s I’m busy preparing for a week away from my office, I watch myself get lost in myself, unaware of the world going on around me. I was jolted out of this haze yesterday when I pulled up at the cardlock behind a vehicle that was pulling in. He stopped at the first set of pumps unaware I was behind him. I stopped and waited for him to pull ahead. I’m polite. I didn’t honk the horn. He didn’t pull ahead. Maybe this was the type of gas he needed, I thought. I pulled around to the other side of the pumps – pulling ahead so the person behind me could pull through. I noticed all four pumps offered the same type of gas. OK. While I pulled around he got out and began to walk across the parking lot. I opened my door to activate my pump and he turned around heading to the cardlock station. I moved quickly so I could activate my pump first. He stood behind me impatiently – and I said nothing and totally felt as if I was acting like a spoiled child. I will not share the crazy that went on in my head. I know you know what it is – we all have it. I placed the pump in my tank and sat in my vehicle while it filled. I sat and took a deep breath. Knowing the countless times in my life I had put aside my self importance and did several things – smile and say you must be in a hurry, go ahead; laugh and step aside, and say you go first; it looks like you have a lot on your mind. Most of the time, this results in a nice, uplifting exchange. I reflected on how busy people are. How unhappy they look and sound. I reflected on how unaware of the fact that the other person they are see-

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

ing is a person as well – doing their very best to get through their life challenges. I also reflected on how I was feeling:a bit stressed, unhappy, and busy. The ramifications of our social media society are instant gratification. We are programmed, and dare I say addicted, to instant gratification. How many people get impatient if a text is not answered immediately? If you do not say, speak, act the way that gives me instant gratification, I will lash out to you by butting in front of you in a line, yelling at you for making a mistake (maybe I will be kind and yell silently in my head). Our instant reaction we have taken personally. Our instant reaction at times is one of fear. Often our reaction is unkind. I like to be my own science experiment. I decided to start listening to my words, my internal and external dialogue. Reflect at the end of the day on how your interactions were. The world could use a little more kindness. I have decided to put down the electronics, spend some time doing the things that feed me, spend some time with the people I enjoy, and spend some time working on a gratitude practice every day. When I bump up against myself, I will have a full tank of self-care to draw from and reflect more kindness. Let me say it again….The world could use a little more kindness… and yes it begins with me.

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 A11

Local News

Achievers Toastmasters celebrates 25 years matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

When the Achievers Toastmasters Club started in 1994, it was one of two such chapters in Fort St. John. Though the morning group began three years earlier, it’s been the evening establishment that has managed to endure, and celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday. Lori Slater, the club’s vicepresident of membership and an 11-year member, says the principle of the group is to learn public speaking and leadership skills. “We learn by doing. We learn from effective evaluation of each other’s speech. It’s a safe place to make mistakes,” Slater said. One of the club’s current members, Janis Nual, originally joined Toastmasters to learn English; Nual was one of the opening speakers at the Achievers’ anniversary commemoration held April 27, 2019 at Whole Wheat & Honey. Nual’s known for her tireless work with the local SUCCESS program, which helps immigrants settle and integrate into the community. For Slater, however, it’s been a chance to share her personal story. “I was public speaking beforehand for the Rick Hansen Foundation and I was great at telling Rick’s story... what Rick had done. But part of what I was to do was also tell my own

personal story of how I became a paraplegic,” Slater said. “Toastmasters has allowed me to do that. To get vulnerable, to be able to show who the real Lori is, and not just the lady in the wheelchair.” Slater is also a peer manager for Spinal Cord Injury BC, and attributes many of the things she’s been able to do to Toastmasters. Right now, the club has 18 active members, although, that number has been as high as 25. For the group, though, to be given special status in the Toastmasters community, it will need to reach 20 consistent members or more. Slater believes that could happen as early as next month with new members coming from the business or oil and gas sector. She cites one success story of a community engagement representative with a gas operation scared to speak in front of a crowd. “People who are safety officers, they have to be able to learn to present in front of their peers. What a better place to come and learn to do that? We can encourage them... they can practice... we evaluate... and they go on to do that.” As the club looks to grow, it’s gearing itself to the younger generation to maintain its membership in the future. The group sponsors youth leadership sessions and oversees a youth program, the Gavel Club, for those under 18. Some

dave lueneberg photo

Inspirational speaker and musician Lowry Olafson, up from B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, was asked to cut the cake to celebrate the Achievers Toastmasters Club’s 25th anniversary in Fort St. John, April 27, 2019. Joining him were Kimberly Huynh (left), Lori Slater, and Krystal AndersonGosselin.

matt preprost The Alzheimer Society of B.C. will hold pair of free workshops in Fort St. John next month on how to support those living with dementia. One in five Canadians has experience caring for someone living with a form of dementia, according to the Society. “We offer practical techniques and strategies that they can begin using immediately,” Laurie DeCroos, support and education co-ordinator for the Peace region, said in a news release. Heads Up! An Introduction to Brain

kids as young as nine years old have taken part; others, who started as teens, are now adults, and successful in their career paths, Slater said. That aside, groups like Toastmasters are facing some challenges in today’s world. The internet, in particular, is changing the way communication is done. Slater admits public speaking, or even speaking in general, could eventually become “a lost art” without organizations like Toastmasters. “People don’t make eye-to-eye contact (anymore)... they don’t speak to people... they’re on social media,” she said. The Achievers’ Toastmasters Club meets every Thursday night, except in July and August, at Northern Lights College in Fort St. John.

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Health takes place on Wednesday, May 29, and is a two-hour session that offers strategies and tips for improving the health of the mind, body and spirit. On May 30, a family caregiver session and workshop will provide basic information about the disease for family caregivers who are caring for a person living with dementia. The workshops take place at Northern Lights College. To register, call 1-866-564-7533 or email Laurie De Croos at LDeCroos@alzheimerbc.org. There are 564,000 Canadians living with dementia, according to the society. That number is expected to rise to 937,000 in the next 15 years.

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Marriage Commissioner The Vital Statistics Agency, Ministry of Health, is looking for an individual to serve as a Marriage Commissioner for Fort St John. The individual will perform civil marriages within their community on behalf of the Agency. Applicants must reside in Fort St John in order to be considered for this position. For information and an application form please visit our website at: gov.bc.ca/becoming-a-marriage-commissioner

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Proposed legislative changes would also create a new unpaid job-protected leave for those caring for critically ill family members that will align with federal employment insurance benefits. That would allow workers to take up to 36 weeks to care for a critically ill child and up to 16 weeks to care for an adult. “When British Columbians head out to their workplace, they need to know their safety and rights are being protected in law,” said Bains. “We are making improvements that are long overdue - bringing back basic rights and protections that were gutted by the old government.” His government plans to create a new legal framework for regulating tips and tip pooling, and protecting workers’ rights with respect to tips and gratuities. The government wants to prohibit employers from withholding tips or other gratuities from workers, deducting amounts from them, or requiring them to be turned over to the employer. Planned amendments to the act would permit tip pooling but not allow the employer to share in the tip pool except when the employer performs the same work as workers who share in the pool. The proposed amendments also extend the recovery period for which workers can recover owed wages from their employer to 12 months from six months – with the possibility of extending the period to 24 months under some circumstances, such as in cases involving willful or severe contraventions of the act.

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Employment Standards Act changes The B.C. government on April 29 unveiled plans to amend the Employment Standards Act to do what Labour Minister Harry Bains believes will protect children and support other workers. His biggest proposed change is to hike the minimum age for workers in the province, except in certain situations, to 16 from 12, which was the age to which the former Gordon Campbell government lowered B.C.’s legal minimum working age in 2003. The NDP government plans to allow children as young as 14 years old to work in jobs that the government considers to be “light work,” such as stocking grocery-store shelves. Children may also appear in entertainment, such as movies or television shows, if they have parental consent. Other changes to the act expand jobprotected leaves. Currently, workers who are trying to escape from domestic violence have no ability to take time from their jobs to find the solutions they need to make life safer for themselves and their kids, according to the B.C. government. Proposed changes to the Employment Standards Act are set to provide up to 10 non-consecutive days of unpaid job-protected leaves for those workers, so they can look for a new home, go to medical appointments, and do other necessary activities Workers will also have a second option, which will allow them to have up to 15 weeks of consecutive unpaid leave. The government said that it will carry out an engagement process to determine its next steps in making improvements to leave for workers escaping domestic violence.

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IT’S A GIRL Harper Nicol Wiebe Parents: Taylor Rhyn & Dylan Wiebo e Baby’s Weight: 6 lbs 2 ozs Length: 21 inch es Date: Apr. 25, 2019 Time: 11:26 a m Fort St John, BC

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

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A12 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

Local News

PROFESSIONAL

Top News Stories

Answer : b) Richard Petty

This Week’s Cup Series Race: Gander RV 400

B4 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

Local Sports

Finding a place for snacks in a healthy diet

f you’ve been pursuing a health and lifestyle change you may be wondering what the deal is with snacks and cheat meals. Do they fit in with the goals you are working hard to achieve? Snacks are smaller meals usually consumed in between larger meals. They are used as a pick me up, a dose of energy to get through the midday slump. For an athlete, a snack gets them that much closer to hitting their daily intake of required carbs, protein, and fats. A snack can be made up of many foods, processed or unprocessed. You might ask yourself whether you should reach for a snack or not. Are you hungry in between larger meals and end up starving at the end of the day? Are you finding you can’t hit your calorie or macro requirements with just your regular meals? If you answered yes, then a snack may be something to

Caitlyn Harbottle coach lynzee

consider adding to your daily routine. Snacks consisting of whole foods is a great option to help us get the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber our body requires. It also doesn’t hurt to indulge in a donut, or whatever the food is that a person enjoys eating, here and there. Cheat meals are different then snacks in that they are planned for. People pick a day, usually on the weekend, and they go all out on breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The thing with cheat meals is

they can turn into a cheat day or days. A person can reason with themselves that because they let go for one meal, the rest of the days meals don’t matter. This can lead to binging for the rest of the day or longer. As you can see, there’s a bigger psychological component with cheat meals. Even just the name “cheat meal” promotes a negative connotation towards yourself and your relationship with food. It denotes that food has moral value and that it affects your value as a person depending on what food you eat. There is nothing wrong with indulging in foods we like. But the indulgence has to come with moderation. If we find we are indulging to the point of binging, there’s a bigger problem we need to deal with with the help of qualified professionals. As a nutrition coach, I believe there’s true value in finding balance within

your own daily dietary habits. If a person is finding they require more food during the day and a snack would fill that need, then adding in a snack or two each day is the way to go. If a person is finding they need a cheat meal or cheat day every week, its probably time for them to reexamine their weekly diet habits. They are most likely restricting their dietary choices to their detriment. Asking a qualified professional for help can get them on the right path mentally and physically so they can live a healthy, balanced, life and enjoy foods they like in moderation. Have diet and lifestyle questions? I’m here to help. Reach out to me at: coachlynzee@gmail.com. All emails are kept confidential. Caitlyn Harbottle is a Peace Region nutrition coach.

NPSS rugby teams kick off season, girls win in first official game

supplied photo

Our Senior Rugby teams had their season openers on Wednesday, April 24 against St. Joe’s in Grande Prairie. The girls were up first. Not only was this their first game of the season, but for many of the girls it was their first ever game of rugby. The Grizzlies were a bit shaky off the whistle, but got more comfortable as the game progressed. NPSS won the game 36-15. It was an all around excellent effort from all of the girls, with standout performances from Maddison Holloway, Emily Mavin and Taylor Forester. Tries were scored by Emily Mavin, Taylor Forester, Maddison Holloway, Hailey Gillard, Makena Sowers and Michelle Kalkman. The Grizzlies play at home at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 against Sexsmith. The boys started strong against Grande Prairie rivals St Joe’s. By the half, the score was tied at 12. The Grizzlies took the lead after the half, but couldn’t hold it. Running out of gas, the final score was 34-17 in favour of St. Joe’s. Rookie Caleb Mohninger had a standout performance with excellent runs, solid tackles and an all around great effort. The Grizzlies are looking forward to building on their performance this week as they take on Dawson Creek in exhibition play at home on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m.

The NPSS boys and girls rugby teams together after their games against St. Joseph’s in Grande Prairie on April 24, 2019.

— Samantha Stackhouse

Green Valley 4-H Report Katelynn Bueckert Green Valley 4H Hi there Katelynn Bueckert reporting from the Green Valley 4-H Club Our club has been doing a lot over the past couple of months. We have practiced for the judging rally that was quite fun. And on Sunday we did some crafting for our burn display with the girls in our 4-H group that was very fun everyone had a good team thanks to the Morton’s for allowing us to use their home for that. And The ﬁrst Sunday in May we will be doing a mini fair walking our animals and learning how stand with them this is good practice for the seniors. And also good practice for the juniors and we will probably

New clover bud in the future, and a new member for next year.

Crafting time

be doing this a few more times before achievement days and also practicing at home. The achievement days is getting closer only three or four more meetings and then it’s the day everyone is getting excited and worried all at the same time. Well here’s to next time can’t wait to report more activities. Thanks to our page sponsor for this month and thanks again to all the 4-H members that came to do crafting at the Morton’s. Thanks again for reading my report Katelynn Bueckert - Club reporter.

Having Fun

250.785.2116 | 9511 - 85th Ave, Fort St. John

Some crafting supplies...

...and a little mess

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 B5

Local Sports

down and dusty

dave lueneberg photo

13-year-old Lynden Demoulin practices at the Taylor Motocross track April 25, 2019, for the upcoming Peace Motocross Association season. The first race weekend of the year is May 11 and 12 in Taylor.

Slow pitch starts May 6

Curling club raises $6,000

The Fort St. John Mixed Slow Pitch Society is set to begin its 2019 season on Monday, May 6. There are 42 years playing this year, Monday to Thursday, down just two from 2018. There aren’t many changes to the league this year, other than Dave Sawyer being elected as president after some time away from the role. However, the society is finally holding the long-planned Energetic City Showdown. It’s a Slo-Pitch National tournament designed to showcase the fields and conditions in Fort St. John, in hopes of eventually hosting a largerstakes tournament, according to Sawyer. The tournament will run July 5 to 7 at the Surerus Ball Diamonds. To register, call Chris Dallow at 250-263-5642.

The Fort St. John Curling Club held the 2nd Annual Rock Into Spring fundraiser on April 27, 2019. The fundraiser, which consisted of a dinner, silent auction and looney auction brought in $6,000 to be used towards the hosting of the 2020 B.C. Winter Games curling competition. “We were hoping to raise at least $5,000 and it was a very successful night. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the club,” said club GM Trudy Mitchell. More than 100 people came out to the fundraiser. The inaugural Rock Into Spring fundraiser raised $30,000, which the club used to purchase new rocks for the 2019 season.

dillon giancola photo

The Big Chucksees team bowls during the fourth game of the Wednesday Night league wrap-up on April 17, 2019.

Fort Bowling Lanes league wrap-up winners

Roll-off (April 17) Champs - Got Balls ($250) 2. Good Time Girls ($175) 3. Blue Balls ($125)

Coffee League League Champs - Ball Busters 111 points ($325) High Average - Joanne McGinnis 182 ($120) Team High Triple - Shady LAdies 3,358 ($75) Team High Single - Pin Poppers 1,168 ($75) High Triple - Beth Cobet 681 ($60) High Single - Maria Baxter 283 ($60) Roll-off 1. Ball Busters ($150) 2. Fab Five ($100) 3. Shady Ladies (50) 4. Pin Poppers ($50) 5. Five Alive ($50)

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Wednesday Night League League Champs - The Fantastics 233.5 points ($400) Ladies High Average - Marlena Bigcharles 220 ($150) Mens High Average - Kevin Alexander 239 ($150) Team High Triple - Good Time Girls 3,819 ($200) Team High Single - Got Balls 143 ($200) Ladies High Triple - Carmen 754 ($100) Ladies High Single - Brianna Warnock 324 ($100) Mens High Triple - Percy Arnault 803 ($100) Mens High Single - Nigel Arnault 355 ($100)

4. Freeze Frame ($125) 5. Here 4 the Beer ($75) 6. Rusty Gates ($75) 7. The Fantastics ($50) 8. Trouble ($50) 9. Big Chucksees ($50) 10. Bowl Movements ($50) 11. Comic Reliefs ($50) 12. Forever Friends ($50)

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The 2018-19 Fort Bowling Lanes Wednesday Night and Coffee Leagues have both come to an end. Below are the awards winners, the results of the wrap-up roll-off, and the prize money given to each team.

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B6 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

Classifieds Toots Maddigan April 4, 1918 - May 1, 1991

Pat Maddigan June 2, 1924 - May 6, 2017 God looked around his garden And found an empty space, Then He looked upon the earth, And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you And lifted you to rest, God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb, So, He closed your weary eyes And whispered, “Peace be thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you But you never went alone, For a part of us went with you The day God called you home. Loads of love from your family 50070

Have News ??? email Us news@ahnfsj.ca Announcements

Announcements

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 97 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommu nitynews.com/advertise or 1-866-669-9222. SAY NO to FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support reliable LOCAL journalism. Join the list www.newspapersmatter.ca.

Coming EvEnts TOPS Evening Sessions Meet Thursday at 6:00 pm New Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St Phone: Judy 250-782-9540 or Gail 250-782-7208 for more info. Announcements

Coming EvEnts

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

Edmonton’s Concordia Concert Choir tours with “When the Sun Comes” May 02, 2019 7:00pm - 8:30pm St. Paul Lutheran Church, Dawson Creek, BC Free (freewill offering will be received) Jordan Van Biert - Conductor and Laura Hawley - Accompanist The full arc of the circle of life, full of rich and tender imagery both sensory and spiritual, threads through this portrait of the cycle of seasons. The Concordia Concert Choir, directed this year by Jordan Van Biert, is part of the academic program at Concordia University of Edmonton. The choir is comprised of 30 auditioned singers from various disciplines and interests. For more information please contact Jennifer Maxfield, jennifer.maxfield@concordia.ab.ca music.concordia.ab.ca https://www.facebook.com/events/796199157421244/

Farmington Farmerettes Annual Spring Strawberry Tea & Craft Sale- Saturday, May 4 from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. At Parkland School, 5104 Parkland Road in Farmington. Enjoy Strawberry Shortcake and Beverages for $4 per Person; Browse the HandQuilted Items and Craft Tables. For More Information or to Reserve a Craft Table, Phone 250-8437018

PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Roots Building at NAR Park. 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 Saturday, May 4th, 2019- 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm-SPRING TEA at the Dawson Creek Senior Citizens’ Hall 1101 McKellar Ave, Dawson Creek, BC. EVERYONE WELCOME There will also be information, Sales, and Craft Tables. Save the Dates July 12, 13, 14, 2019 for the Mile Zero Cruisers Silver Anniversary Summer Cruise weekend Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Car Show weekend. For online Registration and more information:

Please join us on June 2nd for the 2nd annual Walk to End ALS. at the Greenspace at 100th Ave. & 100th St. Fort St. John, BC Registration for the event will begin at 10am. There will be food, music, games, raffles, activities and lots for the whole family to do. The walk is about 4km long but the route brings you back to the Greenspace multiple times, if you need to shorten your distance. We are encouraging you to sign up teams this year and challenge other teams to raise money as well. Sports team vs. sports team. Business vs. business. School vs. school. Create some competition and let’s make this year better than last! Go to this site to preregister for this walk: events.alsbc.ca.

Business OppOrtunities

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

Notice Of

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

Annual Meeting

MileZeroCruisers.com

TOPS 3907: Take Off Pounds Sensibly Meet Thursday mornings 9:30 am New Beginnings Baptist Church 10221-18th St. Phone Marge 780-8645205 for more info.

Home Care Wanted

Needed mature reliable housekeeper for disabled woman in Fort St John

$20.00 hr

Fort St. John Co-operative Association Thursday, May 23, 2019

250.263.2649 Phone: 250-785-5631 or 250-782-4888 Fax: 250-785-3522 or 250-782-6300 to place your Coming Events!

Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre 11308 Alaska Rd., Fort St. John, B.C. (Beside Chances Casino)

Supper at 6:00pm

Career OppOrtunities

Meeting at 7:00pm

Career OppOrtunities

Review of 2018 financial statement, Sales increase of 13.2% to $95.3million and a net savings of $10.4million or 11% Limited complimentary tickets available for Supper Must be picked up prior to: May 19, 2019 Sorry no Children Please

RequiRes

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

• Competitive Base Salary • Job Bonuses • Full Benefits • Experience Required

Career OppOrtunities

ANC is seeking an Accountant Alberta Newsprint Company operates a world class manufacturing facility in Whitecourt, Alberta. The success of ANC is a result of dedication to continuous quality improvement by a team of innovative employees. Our company is respected throughout the industry for quality, safety, environmental performance, a mill-wide team approach to achieving excellence and a total commitment to employee well-being. Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) has built a reputation in the Forestry industry. ANC has an immediate opening for an ACCOUNTANT in our Accounting Department. Job Duties / Responsibilities: You will be responsible for the following: • Prepare financial statements and reports for review. Assist in the preparation of the annual business plan, monthly/quarterly/yearly forecasting, weekly cost report and capital processes. • Preparation and processing of various month end duties including journal entries, financial statement package, related mandatory reporting and general ledger reconciliation. • Provide operational and financial analysis for the Woodlands operation. • Prepare logging contractor payments and related reporting. • Produce Land and Road Use Customer Accounts Receivable statements and collection.. • Communicate and correspond with team members on a daily basis. • Other day to day Woodlands accounting functions.

Prerequisites: • Accounting diploma at the minimum; designation is desirable. • Minimum 3 years related work experience or combination of relevant education and experience. - Forestry experience (logging/chips handling etc.) desirable. • Well established organizational and multi-tasking skills; good verbal and written communication abilities. • A detailed and proactive approach to work, a high level of motivation and problem-solving attitude. • A strong computer systems skill set. Must have working knowledge of LIMS. (Lumber Inventory Management System).

Ensure that financial controls are in place and that company policies are followed. Further duties include review of contracts, contractor payments, assigning stratums, assigning conversion rates, reviewing accrual assumptions, and special projects. This is a permanent full time position. An industry competitive benefit package including a pension plan and participation in a bonus plan is provided with the position. Qualified candidates are requested to forward a resume and references by: May 10, 2019 Alberta Newsprint Company Postal Bag 9000 Whitecourt, Alberta T7S 1P9 Fax: 780-778-7070 Email: career_acctg@albertanewsprint.com We thank all applicants. Only those selected for interview will be contacted. Please visit our website www.albertanewsprint.com for other employment opportunities.

Career OppOrtunities

PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd. We have an exciting opportunity for a Field Regulatory & Environ− mental Coordinator to join our team in Fort St. John! Travel within our Northeast BC opera− tions and occasional travel to Calgary is required. Visit our website for more information and to apply. 403−216−2510 petronascanada.com

Domestic Help WanteD Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 4 children ages 10/7/4/ & 18-months. Full-Time Live-in only. Duties include: Care for younger children at home. Make beds and do laundry. Light house cleaning. Working hours 8am4pm Monday-Friday Weekends off. $10.25/hr or $1640/mth. Must speak English. Related Experience necessary. Prefer high school graduate or someone with higher education and/or caregiver training. Call 250219-2291/250-4679112 or email: salverene01@yahoo.com

General employment TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING BCCSA/WCB Certified FSJ: New TCPs-2-days May 9-10 Re-Certs-1-day May 11 PG: New TCPs-2-days May 14-15 Re-Certs-1-day May 16 1-866-737-2389 or roadsafetytcs.com

Skilled Help Firkus Aircraft Inc Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Firkus Aircraft in Chilliwack, BC, is actively interviewing candidates for full−time engineer and apprentice positions. For more information or to submit a resume please contact: 604−795−5833 info@firkusaircraft.com www.firkusaircraft.com

Education APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certificate Program at Langara College in Vancouver. Application deadline June 30, 2019. Send applications to fbula@langara.ca. Details at https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/journalism/scholarships.html

General employment

GaraGe SaleS

CDA or Receptionist for Northern Dental. Contact: 250-782-3331

Yard Sale 10615-94st Misc Tools, yard and household items. 9-4pm Saturday May 4

General employment

HALLMARK CANADA RETAIL MERCHANDISER ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PART−TIME JOB? This may be the job for you! Part−time Retail Merchandisers needed in Fort St. John. A Hall− mark Retail Merchandiser maintains the Hall− mark department in assigned stores, including ordering, receiving and merchandising of product. They maintain inventories, participate in in−store revisions and renovations, and new installations. Please go to the following web− site to learn more about the position, and to apply: www.hallmark.ca/en/careers/opportuni− ties/field−merchandising.aspx

In MeMorIaM

In Memory of Louis, Louise & Rene

540081

Fax or Email Resume to: Fax: 403-236-5047 Email: at@tigerenergy.ca

Please Recycle this Newspaper Career OppOrtunities

In MeMorIaM

A TOOL HAND 540079

Interested in letting your name stand for the Board of Directors of Fort St. John Co-operative Association? Directors participate joinly with a total of 7 Directors in planning and controlling the affairs of the co-operative, guided by the associations By-laws and Policies, so that it effectively moves toward achieving the objective of the Co-operative. Please pick up nomination form at the Administration Office. The form should be dropped off at the office prior to May 9, 2019

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

Election of 3 directors for 3-year term

Career OppOrtunities

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

52878

In MeMorIaM

Book Your Ad Now!

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

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Time passes, but the memories of your jokes, laughter, love & knowledge remains in all of our memories. You brightened our lives and remain with us always.

Happy Birthday Rene Love Debra & Amy

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that BC Hydro and Power Authority has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for an Industrial General Licence of Occupation situated on Provincial Crown land located at Cache Creek to Halfway River, Peace River District. The Lands File for this application is 8016070. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRORD, at 10010003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 261-2063 Comments will be received by MFLNRORD up to June 8, 2019 MFLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information and a map of the application area. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

HealtH ServiceS GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 OR Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to (604) 739-5600 For Your FREE benefits package. PLACE YOUR AD IN THE

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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019 B7

Classifieds

Travel OBERAMMERGAU 2020 - PASSION PLAY - Performed once every 10 years. Experience our World with Craig Travel. Quote “Regional newspapers” and Save $200pp until May 15/19. Email: journeys@craigtravel.com, Call: 1-800-387-8890 or Visit: www.craigtravel.com/rp. 1092 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto (TICO #1498987).

BIRCHVIEW MANOR Furnished and Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suites. Adults Only, Senior Discount. Bus Stop at Front Door. 250-784-5817 Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE...”BIG BLOW OUT SALE - ALL BUILDINGS PRICED TO CLEAR!” 20X23 $5,977. 23X25 $5,954. 25X27 $7,432. 30X31 $9,574. 32X31 $9,648. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036. www.pioneersteel.ca

Business services

FSJ Motor Inn. 10707-102St. Close to downtown. Furnished/Private rooms/Kitchen/bathroom, TV/Wi-Fi/utilities included. Call Gary 250-682-1982. No lease, month to month basis. $950/month.

Arctic Duct Cleaning, Furnace & duct cleaning, Chimney sweep. 250-787-7217 (FSJ) Kan Do.. Lawn Mowing, power raking, spring clean up. 250-262-9562

Auto FinAncing

SuiteS For rent FURNISHED BASEMENT SUITE. Internet Included. Available Immediately. NO PETS. Pouce Coupe. Call 250-7865157.

GUARANTEED AUTO LOANS EVERYONE GETS APPROVED! WORK FULL-TIME = APPROVED! BC’S 1st choice

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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

IndustrIal/ CommerCIal

guaranteedautoloans.ca 604-499-4095 glenn@guaranteed autoloans.ca Use Promo Code #5633 in your application. YOU’RE APPROVED!

2008 Honda VFR800 $6000 obo. 16,800 km. Sport Touring Bike. Excellent Condition. 250−264−8300

Notices / NomiNatioNs

THIS IS WHERE YOUR AD SHOULD BE

SAY NO to FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support reliable LOCAL journalism. Join the list www.newspapersmatter.ca.

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

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

Phone: 250-785-2662

Houses for sale

Vol. 73,

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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NOTICE OF FIRST MEETING OF CREDITORS FOR PUBLICATION IN LOCAL NEWSPAPER (Section 102(4)) TAKE NOTICE THAT a Bankruptcy Order was made against 502489 B.C. Ltd. on April 23, 2019, and the First Meeting of Creditors will be held on Friday, the 10th day of May, 2019 at the hour of ten o’clock in the morning, at Lakeview Inn & Suites located at 4507 50th Avenue South, Fort Nelson, British Columbia. DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, this 30th day of April, 2019.

Agent: E-Qwest Consulting 250-766-2677 e-qwest@shaw.ca 2579 Sylvia Rd, Lake Country, BC V4V2R8. Proponent: Saguaro Resources 440,222-3rd Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2P0B4 250-262-8273

We’ve got the news covered! From local events to top stories that affect you, we will ensure that you are kept in touch with happenings in our area.

ARTs B7

sPORTs

IN THE MATTER OF THE BANKRUPTCY OF 502489 B.C. Ltd. formerly dba Tru North Trucking

PMP file reference # 299-300-19/24 Applicant: Saguaro Resources Ltd. is developing an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) under British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management Act and associated regulation.

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son Fort nel on artist 100-day nge challe

LegaL/PubLic Notices

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

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alaskah

news

FORT sT.

no. 69

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LTD

INDUSTRIAL LOTS FOR SALE: Two adjoining industrial lots in Chetwynd Industrial Park. Total of 3.4 acres. Stripped, filled and graveled. Backing onto CN Rail yard. Perfect for laydown 250−788−3563

$1.50 inc.

seRving

2, 2016

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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Notice is given that a draft Integrated Pest Management Plan has been prepared by the applicant to manage vegetation on crown and private land using the principles of integrated pest management. The purpose of the IPMP is to ensure safe and effective vegetation and invasive weed control by utilizing integrated pest management techniques on facilities, production and well sites, right-of-way and leased lands. The use of herbicides is intended within the area to which the pest management plan applies. Other non-herbicide methods may include mowing, mechanical cutting, manual methods or hand pulling. The herbicides and application methods proposed for use under this plan include:

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PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

Notice of Intent to Consider Development Variance Permit 18-324

When:

May 16, 2019 | 10:00am

Where:

PRRD Head Office Boardroom,

Charlie Lake Area Lot 1 Section 29 Township 84 Range 19 W6M, Peace River Plan BCP3281 The Peace River Regional District intends to consider the proposed Development Variance Permit. Proposal: To increase the maximum total accessory building floor area from 300 sq. m. (+/- 3200 sq. ft.) to 402 sq. m. (4331 sq. ft.), an increase of approximately 35%, to build a detached garage near the residence.

Herbicide Trade Name

Active Ingredient

Application Methods

Vantage / Startup

Glyphosate

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Arsenal

Imazapyr

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Tordon 22K

Picloram

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

2,4-D Amine 600/700

2,4-D

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Truvist

Aminocyclopyrachlor / Chlorsulfuron

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Navius VM

Aminocyclopyrachlor / Metsulfuron methyl

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

MCPA 600

MCPA

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Clearview

Metsulfuron methyl / Aminopyralid

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Lontrel 360

Clopyralid

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Esplanade SC

Indaziflam

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Garlon XRT

Tricloppyr

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

Milestone

Aminopyralid

Ground - ATV, Backpack, Boom

This plan covers activities within the Peace River Regional District. Nearest communities to these facilities are Fort St John, Wonowon, as well as other local small communities in this region. The proposed duration of this IPMP is from June 15th, 2019 to June 14th, 2024. A draft IPMP, diagrams or map(s) are available and may be reviewed by contacting the person listed above. A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of this PMP may send copies of the information to the applicant at the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

52870

Application No. _________

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE Application for a(n) Waste Discharge Permit Application Under the Provisions of the Environmental Management Act We/I, (ConocoPhillips Canada 401 – 9th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 3C5, Attention: Sherry Etifier) intend to submit this application to the Director to authorize the air emissions, from the Montney Sour Gas Plant at c-11-K/94- A-12. The sources of discharge: three (3) Inlet Compressors, three (3) Sales Compressors, one (1) Heat Medium Heater, two (2) Natural Gas Generators, One (1) Emergency Diesel Generator, One (1) Low Pressure Flare Stack, One (1) High Pressure Flare Stack and one (1) Incinerator. The land upon which the facility will be situated, and the discharge will occur is c-11K94-A-12 (Latitude 56.681085 Longitude -121.761178. Located in North Eastern British Columbia, approximately 70 km from Fort St. John, within the Peace River Regional District.) The maximum rate of air emissions discharged from this facility are listed in the table below.

1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek BC

For More Information: Contact: Development Services

Combined Mass Emission Rates t/d Maximum Load (%) Rate (t/d) Contaminants H2S 0.000 100 SO2 4.018 100 NOX 0.332 100 CO 1.057 100 TP(PM PM ) 0.846 100 VOC 0.357 100 Significant

Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca This notice is in general form only. Relevant background documents may be inspected from Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm at the PRRD Dawson Creek office (1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC) or 8:30am – Noon and 1:00pm – 4:30pm at the PRRD Fort St. John office (9505-100th Street, Fort St. John, BC). Written comments or concerns accepted.

prrd.bc.ca

Shawn Dahlen, Chief Administrative Officer

diverse. vast. abundant.

2.5,

The operating period for this facility will be 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed discharge of air emissions and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to the Regional Manager, Environmental Protection at Bag 2, Fort St. John, B.C., V1J 2B0. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record. Dated this

29th

Contact person

day of

March

Sherry Etifier

, 2019 . Telephone No.

(Signature) 403-260-1821

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52876

In-Home Caregiver for Hire: To look after my (2) children; 7year old girl & 6 year old boy. Permanent, Full-time at a rate of $14/hour for 40 hours/week. Completion of Secondary School/Some College/CEPEG/Vocational. 1 to 2 years of experience supervision or care for children. Accommodation available on a live-in basis at no cost but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: supervise and care, assist/guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children’s activities and may perform light housekeeping. Applicants may apply via email: joan24garcia@yahoo.com

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B8 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Vomiting and hairballs in cats

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Members of Willow Moon Internal Arts take part in World Tai Chi Day on April 27, 2019, at 100 St. And 100 Ave.

RODEO FROM B3

SR Girls Breakaway Roping Saturday 1. Kali Clare Atkings, FSJ 2. Kaitlyn Bousoon, Elmworth 3. Payden Hinton, PG Sunday 1. Hanna Pederson, Gundy 2. Rylie Bondaroff, Arras 3. Kali Clare Atkings JR Girls Goat Tying Saturday 1. Shelby Corr, Fort St John 2. Fallon Jones 3. Twiggy Esau, Arras Sunday 1 Sienna Ghostkeeper 2. Shelby Corr 3. Fallon Jones Queen Event 1. Tyler Bondaroff, Arras 2. Gracie Chappel, Fort St John JR Boys Goat Tying Saturday 1. Carson Johnson, Nprth Pine 2. Wyatt Bondaroff, Arras

3. Korbin Mills, Pink Mountain Sunday 1. Carson Johnson 2. Wyatt Bondaroff 3. Korbin Mills SR Girls Goat Tying Saturday 1. Hanna Pederson, Gundy 2. Rylie Bondaroff 3. Rachel Moat, PRRD Sunday 1. Lauren Konashuk, Bonanza 2. Hanna Pederson 3 Rylie Bondaroff Chute Dogging Saturday 1. Danny Jones 2. Korbin Mills 3. Carson Gunderson Sunday 1. Carson Gunderson 2. Danny Jones 3. Wyatt Bondaroff

SR Steer Wrestling Saturday 1. Wade Roberts, Charlie Lake 2. Jaytin Jones, Pouce Coupe 3. Ben Jackson, Hudson’s Hope Sunday 1. Zane Jones 2. Jaytin Jones JR Pole Bending Saturday 1. Kerri Moat 2. Rylie Dowling 3. Jessie Pearson, Fort St John Sunday 1. Twiggy Esau 2. Kerri Moat 3. Milanna Jones SR Pole Bending Saturday 1. Aspen Wollen 2. Payden Hinton 3. Hanna Pederson Sunday 1. Payden Hinton 2. Aspen Wollen 3. Raea Sipple

s there any worse feeling than waking up and stepping on a cold hairball your cat has kindly left for you? Although hairballs can be common in cats, they aren’t necessarily normal. What about the retching noise just before your cat brings up a hairball or vomit – isn’t that lovely to wake up to? Once again, though vomiting may be something some cats do on a semi-regular basis, it is not normal. So, let’s learn a little more. Traditionally, hairballs used to be considered normal for cats, as they seemed not to have the ability to pass hair through their digestive system and would periodically bring one up. Now, however, it has been found that hairballs can be due to an underlying issue. Though longhaired cats are more likely than shorthaired cats to have hairballs simply due to the length of their coats, regular hairballs are still not normal. Sometimes over-thecounter hairball laxative pastes can be a helpful treatment, but there may be underlying issues related to excessive grooming or inability to pass things normally through the stomach. Excessive grooming can be a behavioral issue possibly related to stress, or skin disease like parasites or allergies. Having problems with normal stomach passage can be from an inflammatory disease, abnormal structure or even cancer. Vomiting in cats can happen for a wide variety of reasons. Regurgitated or undigested food vomiting can occur from simply gorging on food too quickly. Partially-digested food vomiting or bile vomiting can indicate a number of different abnormalities – including digestive upset/imbalance, organ diseases such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, a foreign body, irritable

Dr. Sydney Routley NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

bowel disease or cancer. Any sudden onset of frequent vomiting or blood in the cat’s vomit warrants a visit to your veterinarian ASAP. Regular vomiting in cats is never normal, and should be investigated as soon as possible by taking your cat into see their veterinarian. Cats are extremely skilled at hiding all of their illnesses, so any negative signs that they show you should be looked into right away to prevent further damage. Be sure to let your veterinarian know how frequently your cat has been vomiting, what kind of vomit is coming up (hairballs, undigested food, digested food, or bile), when the vomiting typically happens, and whether you have noted any changes in their appetite, drinking, or litterbox habits. Your veterinarian will likely perform a full physical exam, and may then recommend bloodwork. Bloodwork will help your veterinarian to diagnose any organ abnormalities in your cat, some of which can be easily treated with regular medications or diet changes. Overall, vomiting in cats is always considered abnormal, and should be looked into, especially if happening on a regular basis. You shouldn’t have to deal with waking up to the horrible sound of your cat vomiting, or getting your socks wet stepping into a surprise hairball. Taking your cat into their veterinarian is the first step toward getting them feeling better, and preventing further disgusting findings around the house!

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m. Holy Communion ********** BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m. Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info. 250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** BAPTIST CHARLIE LAkE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 12731 244 B Road, Charlie Lake (1st left turn off the Alaska Hwy. past the Charlie Lake Store) 250-785-1723 office@charlielakechurch.com www.charlielakechurch.com Lead Pastor: Joshua Goetz Associate Pastor: Jared Braun Sunday Worship: 10:40 AM Sunday School during the service nursery-grade 6 ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Aruldhas Lucas, SAC Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjresurrectionchurch.com MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 -12:00 noon & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism. MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 6 months before the wedding. **********

ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am kIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am ********** CoMMUNITY PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869 Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:00am & 11:00am **********

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

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

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