AHN SEPT 5 2019 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, september 5, 2019 Vol. A-75, No. 36

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

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lake cave declared a historic site

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fed dollars to electrify gas fields

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Moberly Lake back in court to fight Site C

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It was the final TGIFSJ of the summer August 30, 2019 at the green space at 100 & 100. Billboarded as Party in the Park, it gave kids and parents one last chance to take advantage of games and activities before the start of the school year. Above, Kaiden Lewis from Fort St. John considers his next move while playing lawn checkers.

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Beloved pioneer, seniors advocate dies Jean Leahy had a far-reaching hand as a Peace leader

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Jean Leahy is being fondly remembered for her endless energy to make her community and the region she lived in a better place to live. Leahy, a long-time advocate in the Peace region, died August 26 at the age of 84. “She was a tremendous advocate for the environment, for agriculture, for women’s issues,” said friend and Save Our Northern Seniors Society vicepresident Margaret Little. “She was active in our community and always stood up for what she believed in.” Even as Leahy faced her medical issues, though, Little says she was still there for others, that was just her way. “She always rose above any issues that happened to her. She was always looking out for other people, always thought of others before herself.” Little met with Leahy just hours before her passing to discuss plans for the upcoming annual general meeting for Save Our Northern Seniors – there was no indication anything was wrong. Little believes her friend will be remembered for her passion. “I think of her tenacity, her spirit of adventure, her ‘stick-

file photo

Jean Leahy died August 26, 2019, at the age of 84.

to-it-ness’ and her desire to make our community the best community it could possibly be.” That sentiment is shared by many, including another close friend, Ruth Veiner, who worked with Leahy advocating for farmers through the National Farmers Union. A former national womens president and vice-president, Leahy was active in the group for close to 25 years. In Veiner’s words, “She not only had a tremendous impact on the agricultural community, but I think Jean had an impact on everyone she met. She was a strong woman.” Leahy was probably best known in lobbying for seniors, helping to form the group, Save Our Northern Seniors Society, and garnering the attention of many in the health care com-

munity, including Northern Health. “Jean was a passionate and an effective advocate for health care, particularly seniors health,” said CEO Cathy Ulrich. “Jean’s dedication to improving her community and the lives of those around her was always clear to Northern Health.” Leahy sat on the Peace River Regional District board from 1994 to 1996. Electoral director Karen Goodings recalls their time together, referring to her as a champion of the causes she believed in. “(She was) always smiling... and always paying attention to what issues were affecting people,” Goodings said.

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Talks between West Moberly First Nations and the province, have ended with the two sides failing to reach an agreement to avoid litigation over the Site C dam. The case will now proceed to a 120-day trial to determine whether building the $10.7-billion dam infringes upon First Nations rights under Treaty 8. “We can’t disclose anything confidential from the discussions with B.C., but I can assure you that there are dark days ahead for Site C,” West Moberly Chief Roland Willson said in a press release. “Stopping this dam has always been the right thing to do. It would have taken some courage and some leadership, but it could have saved British Columbia billions of dollars and produced a clear example of reconciliation with First Nations. Instead, the Horgan Government hooked themselves up to Christy Clark’s boondoggle and are watching helplessly as it skids out of control.” The two sides will have plenty of time to prepare their case, as the trial isn’t set to begin until March 2022. Construction at Site C has been underway on the Peace River since 2015, counting a record 4,634 workers in June 2019. BC Hydro says it has started testing the five-kilometre long conveyor belt that will move the glacial till needed to build the core of the earthfill dam from its industrial lands on 85 Avenue just south of Fort St. John. Nearby residents may experience increased dust, noise and vibration, it said. The Crown utility is also building a temporary bridge to an island in the Peace River this month as part of tree clearing work. “The Rotary Forest Recreation Site on the island is now closed. Boaters and recreational users are asked to stay clear of the work area,” BC Hydro said. Construction is expected to last several months, and the bridge will be dismantled in 2020 once the island has been cleared. Clearing activities, which include logging, hauling, and burning, will occur on the banks of the Peace River every winter until the Site C project is complete in 2023, BC Hydro said.

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A2 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Local News

contents A3 A6 A9 A11 A13 A15 B1 B6

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

knock em’ down

this week’s flyers

Four-year-old Emily Lockhart (right) eyes up her target while mom, Courtney, and 5-year-old brother, Nathan, watch on at the Fort St. Library’s Summer Reading Club wind-up party. Close to 600 kids signed up for this year’s program with 200 showing up for games and prizes at the Kid’s Field House on August 21, 2019.

Marks Staples Safeway No Frills The Brick Wal-Mart Century 21 The Source Canadian Tire Save-On Foods Brad’s Furniture Shoppers Drug Mart

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Alaska Highway bears love Tim Hortons donuts

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

119.9

TOOTH TRUTH: Gather round news chewers, it’s time once again to nibble on a few items that prove reality is over -rated. In a survey released last week: The Tooth Fairy now pays an average $4.92 per tooth. That’s down 63 cents from last year. One time when I was a kid I left Grandpa’s dentures under my pillow for the Tooth Fairy. I made a fortune.

MOVIE MEMO: In theatres soon: A live action Lady and the Tramp movie. I’m kind of surprised the politically-correct squad aren’t complaining about this movie. Hey, this is 2019. A lady can be a tramp, a tramp can be a lady.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

BOTOX BULLETIN: In Texas, a woman used a power saw to break into a Botox clinic. She escaped with a large container of the anti-wrinkle product. I predict when police catch up with the Botox thief she won’t raise an eyebrow. She can’t.

nostril.

SAFE SURVEY: According to a new travel survey, the safest city in the world for tourists is Tokyo, Japan. Unless, of course, you get stomped on by Godzilla.

COMIC CHAOS: Last week, a copy of the first Captain America comic book 129.9 sold for a record breaking $915,000. When comic book characters speak, their B.C. Average 138.3 words appear in balloons above their CHEESE CHUCKLE: In Tavistock, BEAR BITS: In Fort Nelson: A man was heads. So here’s my question: How come Ontario, a thief entered a warehouse and Alberta Average fined $2,000 for feeding wildlife. This was in comic books the first person to speak stole $187,000 worth of cheese. Experts 99.3 t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html after he Canada posted a photo to social media always stands on the left? calculate that’s enough cheese to make showing himself on the Alaska Highway, 561,000 grilled cheese sandwiches. AlSaskatchewan Avg. 109.0 placing a Timbit donut hole in a bear’s CANVENTION: Hundreds of beer can though you’d have to steal $43,000 worth mouth. Experts say this was a very fool- collectors gathered in Albuquerque, of sliced bread. Manitoba Average ish thing to do. Feeding a bear, eating a New Mexico, for their annual CANven106.1 bear’s porridge, or sleeping in its bed — tion. People collect all kinds of things. KFC LOL: Those new Beyond Meat these things can be very dangerous. UnKetchup bottles, gum wrappers, stuff like burgers are popular now KFC is testing Ontario Average 114.6and natural Home > Environment resources Weather information > that. Weather Local forecasts less your name is >Goldilocks. I know a> guy who collects McDon- Beyond Meat fried chicken. They still ald’s burger wrappers. He has more than have some work to do. It’s not yet finger > British Columbia Quebec Average 119.2 WIND WARNING: On CBC, an expert a hundred of them on the back seat and lickin’ good. It’s only thumb lickin’ good. said climate change will soon bring de- floor of his car. structive winds at all times of the year. ROCK REPORT: NASA has named a New Brunswick Avg 117.7 How strong will the winds be? You are SUGAR STUFF: A new study recom- rock on Mars after the Rolling Stones. going toCanada need steel-reinforced, mends the average child should reduce2019 Hey, wait a minute! Is that fair? What if t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html Observedmilitaryat: Fort St. John Airport 12:00 PM MST Tuesday 3 September Current Conditions Nova Scotia Avg 112.2 grade windchimes. their sugar intake by 70 per cent. Oh, so Martians don’t like rock music? Maybe sugar is bad now? Who are we supposed they prefer country, or jazz, or polka. Mostly BULLETIN: Cloudy 14 km/h BREATHE TheTemperatu… Amazon to 20.2°C trust on that? A Wind: bunch SW of dumb sciPEI Average 116.1Condition: rainforest is on fire. That’s a big probentists with fancy diplomas who don’t NUT NEWS: A new health study shows Pressure: 101.4 kPa Dew point: 10.7°C Humi… 22 lem for all of us. The Amazon rainforest even eat sugar? Or the kids who eat sugar the number of people with nut allergies Newfoundland Avg. 121.4 Tendency: Humidity: 54% Visibil… 81 km makesFalling the air we breathe. A politician every day and actually know how deli- is increasing. And here’s a warning: My was on TV saying>you can help solve the > cious it is? > Local forecasts column is produced in a facility that has Home > Environment and natural resources Weather information Weather CAD$ per litre, prices as of September 3. problem — by breathing with only one nuts. Source:> GasBuddy.com British Columbia Fort St. John

Fort St. John, BC

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 A3

LOCAL NEWS

Charlie Lake cave designated a national historic site MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

An ancient cave in Charlie Lake home to thousands of years of indigenous history has been designated a national historic site by Parks Canada. The cave, known formally as Tse’K’wa, was one of seven designations announced on Friday, Aug. 23, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. “Tse’K’wa is an exceptional archaeological site in North America,” Parks Canada said. “It has provided an understanding of human settlement and environmental change from the last glacial period (12,500 years ago) to 1,000 years ago. This site is in the traditional territory of the Dane-zaa First Nations, who maintain stewardship of the site and consider it a spiritual place.” Tse’K’wa means “rock house,” and though wellknown to local residents and First Nations, the cave was only discovered by archaeologists in 1974, and then excavated in the early 1980s. Among the hundreds of artifacts found were a 10,500-year-old stone bead — the oldest example of human adornment in North

FILE PHOTO

Tse’K’wa cave is small but significant. The Heritage Society is working to raise funds for a fence to protect the sacred, ancient site.

America — spear and arrow points, harpoon heads, as well as bones from humans and various animals including bison and raven. The artifacts tell stories of travel patterns and ceremonial practices, and make the cave one of the most significant sites on the continent.

Local First Nations, including Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly bought the land with the cave in 2012. They plan to turn the site into a cultural museum. Preliminary plans call for a cafe and gift shop, an amphitheatre and interpretative trail, and space for hundreds

of repatriated indigenous artifacts from the region in need of a home to store and display. Along with preserving the cave site and protecting it from ongoing vandalism, the museum would be part of a broader effort underway to bring more visibility to local

indigenous history through culture and public art. The museum is planned to be developed in phases over five to 10 years, a timeline that will depend on funding. Other sites designated on Friday include the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John’s, and the Uplands neighbourhood in Oak Bay, B.C. Thomas Adams (18711940), Donald Strathearn Rawson (1905-1961), were also recognized, as were the Meshikamau-shipu Travel Route, and the German UBoat Attacks at Bell Island. “As we celebrate 100 years of commemorating Canadian history, I am pleased to recognize these seven people, places, and events that have helped define our country,” said Catherin McKenna, the minister in charge of Parks Canada. “Their stories represent the rich and varied history of our nation and there are still many stories to be told. I encourage all Canadians to help shape the stories we share by submitting their own nominations for national historic designation and to visit Canada’s network of heritage places to discover and connect with our diverse history first-hand.”

LEAHY FROM A1

Fort St. John mayor Lori Ackerman characterized Leahy as “a pillar in the community.” In a Facebook post, Ackerman wrote “Jean will be truly missed. She was a wonderful force to be reckoned with and a true advocate...

we would all do well to keep a bit of Jean tucked in our hearts and memories.” MP Bob Zimmer says he’ll remember Jean for how genuine she was. “It wasn’t about flash or doing something for social media or for the photo op, she

really cared about seniors.” Zimmer adds, “You knew when she was meeting with you, the concerns were real.” However, Margaret Little believes Leahy’s character can best be described from her a story Jean told her years ago.

“Jean was just two pounds when she was born and spent her first week inside a shoe box on the oven door of her parent’s farm.” Little closes by saying, “it shows you what kind of a person she became.”

Expression of Interest August 2019 Northern Health is seeking interested parties (including Registered Non-Profits) to provide Meals on Wheels services to the community of Fort St. John. Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a program that prepares and delivers meals for clients to help ensure they can remain healthy, well-nourished and independent in their living circumstances. Currently Northern Health prepares the meals and provides distribution to approximately 20-25 clients in Fort St. John. They each receive a hot meal delivered mid-day Monday to Friday (not including Statutory Holidays). If you have an interest in either one of the following alternative Meals on Wheels (MOW) Delivery Models: MOW 1: Northern Health prepares the meals, Contractor delivers the meals. OR MOW 2: Northern Health would contract for both the meal preparation and the delivery of the meal. Please contact: Sherry Sawka at 250-263-6025 or via email: sherry.sawka@northernhealth.ca KEY POINTS • To build a stronger, caring community, the Northern Health Meals on Wheels Program promotes health and supports independence by providing quality, nutritious, safe and affordable meals to people in need following Canada’s Food Guide.. • The service is provided Monday to Friday (not including Statutory Holidays) or can be increased at the discretion of the contractor.

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A4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Local News

Highway line painting will be last minute job

PUBLIC MEETING – Monday, September 9, 2019

6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers Proposed Lane Closure Lane Closure and Removal of Highway Dedica�on Bylaw No. 2469, 2019 The City of Fort St. John intends to close the lane and remove the highway dedica�on for the lane dedicated on Plans 5808 and 14082, Sec�on 36, Township 83, Range 19, W6M, Peace River District in accordance with Sec�on 40 of the Community Charter and Bylaw No. 2469, 2019.

It’ll be the near end of summer by the time lines are painted on repaved sections of the Alaska Highway between Fort St. John and Taylor. The other week, contractors ere finishing up work on side roads in the area as part of the highway resurfacing project, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The next step is to complete a sand seal of the pavement, which extends the longevity of the asphalt,” a spokesperson

said in a statement on Aug. 20. “Weather dependent, the sand seal will start next week and requires one week to cure. This will be shortly followed by our line painting crews.” Temporary lane markers have been painted on the road for safety and visibility, the ministry said. However, some motorists have raised concerns about their poor visibility on the highway over the last two months due to the unseasonably rainy summer weather.

Airport granted $250K for runway rehab matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The lane is being closed to allow School District No. 60 to complete a lot amalgama�on to combine all of the individual lots in the Bert Bowes Middle School area into one parcel. A public mee�ng is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2019 in Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. to allow the public an opportunity to make presenta�ons to Council or to present wri�en submissions regarding the lane closure. Copies of the proposed bylaw and related documents may be inspected at City Hall – 10631 – 100th Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from September 3 to 9, 2019.

51154

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The North Peace Regional Airport has been granted $250,000 for a runway upgrade. The Northern Development Initiative Trust approved the economic infrastructure grant as one of the airport’s two runways has not seen significant improvements for more than 20 years. “Without the improved runway, airport operation would be in jeopardy, which would negatively impact the economy of the North Peace Region and B.C.,” the Trust noted in a news release Thursday. The Vantage Airport Group manages and operates the airport on behalf of the North Peace Airport Society, comprised of local governments. The airport saw 268,240 pas-

sengers through its terminal last year, a 6% jump from 2017, and setting a new all-time record for traffic. The airport is forecasting modest growth of 3% for 2019. The airport generates $24 million in economic GDP activity, including more than 300 jobs and $18 million in local incomes and $8.2 million in tax revenues. “The Northern Development Initiative Trust’s (NDIT’s) contribution recognizes the significance of the North Peace Regional Airport as a socio-economic enabler for the region,” society president Jim McKnight said in a statement. “Our Regional Airport supports many major projects and industries to thrive in the North. We are very grateful for NDIT’s grant funding and look forward to the rehabilitation of the runway.”

New grader for airport matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The federal government is spending $224,000 to buy a grader for the North Peace Regional Airport. In a press release, the government says the grader will “assist with the essential clearing of ice and snow from runways, taxiways and the apron.” “Our government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities,” transport minister Marc Garneau said in a statement.

“In addition to supporting travel and tourism, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada.” Funding is coming from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program. The airport has seen nearly $17 million from the program since 1995.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 A5

Local News

Residents work to end stigma and dangers of addiction Dave lueneberg Alaska Highway News

dave lueneberg photo

Rachel Needlay (front, left) and Connie Greyeyes lead a vigil in memory of the lives lost to addiction in Fort St. John on Aug. 27, 2019. The week of August 25 to 31 was recognized as Overdose Awareness Week in the city.

would be great to have the education component grow in the next five to ten years. “I would love to see more training in Naloxone and it being taught regularly to all age groups, not so much younger children, but high school children. I think they need to learn,” says Needlay. “They’re the vast majority of people growing up and faced with these situations.” She concludes, “I see a lot of addiction problems (out there) and if I could help save even one person, it would mean so much. ”

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during the five months of 2019 actually happened inside, not outside, and more than half were in a private residence. With figures like that, Needlay maintains it’s even more important to become educated. So strongly, in fact, she had her daughter, 17, attend the August 27 workshop. “I told her, you’re old enough to be out and if you see that, I want you to be prepared to do that,” referring to the proper use of Naloxone. “The more people you can teach to save a life, the better.” Needlay goes on to say it

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A member of a mobile outreach program in Fort St. John is hoping the issue of addiction, and the stigma it brings, can finally be brought to light. “We definitely have an epidemic of overdoses in our community and our numbers are rising drastically every month, every year,” says Rachel Needlay, a health & wellness coordinator with the Keeginaw Friendship Centre. As the City of Fort St. John declared August 25 to 31 as Overdose Awareness Week, Needlay is advocating for more public education and training to prevent the climbing number of deaths. “I definitely think there needs to be more practice around overdose awareness throughout the year, rather than just a couple of days.” She believes it can be something as simple as a company or community group putting on a workshop, such as one carried out by Northern Health August 27, which covered harm reduction training and the administering of Naloxone. When given properly, it can vastly improve a person’s chances of survival after an overdose. There is also a stigma, Needlay believes, that many presume the underlying problem is confined to a small sector of the population. “Driving down 100th and 100th, you see these people walking and you think that (they) are just drunk or homeless. They are people, too. Their life matters just as much as mine,” says Needlay. But while most believe that addiction and overdoses are linked to those who live on the street, figures from the B.C. Coroners Service show the opposite — on average, nine of ten illicit drug toxicity deaths

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CITY BEAT

Updates from August 26, 2019 Council Mee�ngs

Community Input Session: BC Hydro’s Fiscal 2020– 2021 Rate Application The British Columbia Utilities Commission is reviewing BC Hydro’s Fiscal 2020–2021 Rate Application and we want to hear from you. BC Hydro’s Application includes a proposed net bill increase of 1.76% in fiscal 2020 and 0.72% in fiscal 2021, along with other proposed changes. The BCUC invites you to attend and/or provide your thoughts on the Application at an upcoming Community Input Session.

FORT ST. JOHN COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION Sunday, September 15, 2019 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Pomeroy Hotel – Scotty Room 11308 Alaska Road, Fort St. John, BC

ZONING BYLAW REVIEW – UPDATE ON SUMMARY OF ENGAGEMENT At the Commi�ee of the Whole mee�ng, Council received an update on the summary of engagement for the dra� Zoning Bylaw. The engagement process consisted of four Open House events: two for the public and two specifically for boundary extension property owners. Feedback was also obtained through mee�ngs, phone calls, emails and through the ‘Let’s Talk Zoning’ on the City’s website. The Zoning Bylaw update reviewed all aspects of the current Zoning Bylaw and was modernized to take into considera�on Council’s Strategic Plan, the Official Community Plan and Master Plans. Once the Zoning Bylaw is in its final dra� it will be reviewed by Council and begin the approval process. LONG SERVICE AWARD Council presented a Long Service Award to Renee Jamurat, Planning Manager, in recogni�on of her 5 years of service as an employee of the City of Fort St. John. PROCLAMATION – LITERACY MONTH The month of September 2019 was proclaimed as “Literacy Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The proclama�on was requested by the Fort St. John Literacy Society to raise awareness regarding the importance of engaging children and youth in literacy programming to ensure the best possible environment for ge�ng a head start on literacy and lifelong learning, as well as the connec�on between strong literacy skills in Canadians and success in today’s complex world. A number of events are planned for Literacy Month including a 5 km Retro Run on September 7th at Northern Lights College, a puzzles/games event at Beard’s Brewing on September 14th, Talk Like a Pirate Day at the FSJ Library on September 19th and trivia and karaoke at the Canadian Brewhouse on September 20th and 27th. For a full list of events please refer to the City of Fort St. John Facebook page. BC WINTER GAMES SOCIETY At the Regular Council mee�ng, Council received a presenta�on from the Fort St. John BC Winter Games Commi�ee. Fort St. John is hos�ng the 2020 BC Winter Games from February 20-23, 2020. The purpose of the BC Games is to provide an opportunity for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in prepara�on for higher levels of compe��on in a mul�-sport event which promotes interest and par�cipa�on in sport and spor�ng ac�vi�es, individual achievement, and community development. The 2020 BC Winter Games an�cipates to host 1,277 athletes, 313 coaches, and 211 officials. 1,800 volunteers are required in order make the Winter Games a successful event. Community members are encouraged to volunteer. Registra�on for volunteer posi�ons opens on September 7, 2019 and can be done online or at the Community One-Stop event at the Totem Mall. FORT ST. JOHN TOURISM BOARD At the Regular Council Mee�ng, Council received a presenta�on from the Fort St. John Tourism Board regarding the impact of tourism on the local economy. Sta�s�cs for tourism in Northern Bri�sh Columbia show that 936,000 annual visitors par�cipate in ac�vi�es such as camping, boa�ng, fishing, hiking, or backpacking. The average overnight stay is 4.4 nights, spending an average of $104 per night which equates to annual revenue of $412 million. The Fort St. John Tourism Board outlined their limited effec�veness as a board of Council. Council passed a resolu�on for staff to dra� a bylaw repealing Tourism Fort St. John Bylaw No. 2049, 2019 which will allow the Fort St. John Tourism Board to submit an applica�on to become an incorporated Society in the Province of BC. PARKWOOD SOUTHLANDS DRAFT MASTER DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT Council received a presenta�on from staff regarding an overview of the dra� Parkwood Southlands Master Development Plan (MDA).Staff has been working on the terms of the Parkwood Southlands Master Development Agreement, including a review of key schedules, since September 2018. The next steps of the process include Council’s approval of the dra� MDA, second reading of the Zoning Amendment Bylaw, a Public Hearing, third reading, and adop�on. Council directed staff to con�nue to finalise nego�a�ons on the Parkwood Southlands Master Development Agreement based on the City’s intended vision for the area. BERT BOWES MIDDLE SCHOOL LANE CLOSURE AND REMOVAL OF HIGHWAY DEDICATION BYLAW Bert Bowes Middle School Lane Closure and Removal of Highway Dedica�on Bylaw No. 2469, 2019 was introduced and read for the first three �mes by �tle only. A public mee�ng is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:00 pm to allow the public to comment on this proposed lane closure.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

A Commi�ee of the Whole Mee�ng is tenta�vely scheduled for Monday September 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. The Regular Council Mee�ng will follow at 3:00 p.m. A Public Mee�ng for Bylaw No. 2469, 2019 will be held at 6:00 p.m. All mee�ngs will be held in City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to a�end.

For more information please visit bcuc.com, email commission.secretary@BCUC.com, or call 1.800.663.1385.

www.fortstjohn.ca

A6 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Opinion

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Fort St. John’s devastating fire of April 19, 1948

ver the years, Fort St. John has had some devastating fires. Some that come to mind are the Frontier Inn, Super Valu, Hunter’s Mall, and who can forget the arena fire? Even recently we have had major fires, but I think one of the most devastating occurred on Monday, April 19, 1948, when three-quarters of main street, between where the cultural centre is today and the Condill Hotel site, went up in flames. Larry McLeod, who was still an active volunteer firefighter when I joined the fire department in January 1972, was at the fire and told me that, in those days, that was half the town. McLeod had a good sense of humour. While I don’t think it was half the town, it certainly was a major portion of the entertainment district as you will read in the following story. McLeod said this was his first fire where he had helped and it hooked him on firefighting so much that they put him in charge of the fire hall (see photo). I told you he had a sense of humour! A name mentioned in the story is Paddy Carroll. The cabin that was brought to the North Peace Museum and restored as a heritage building (also known as Peck’s cabin) was built by this gentleman. Funny how things go around! $75,000 Fire Destroys Entire Amusement Section of St. John None was hurt as volunteers and Air Force battled the early morning blaze. The entire town turned out to witness the most serious fire of the North Peace. The fire which broke out about 3 a.m. on Monday, April 19th in the premises owned by Paddy Carroll on the main street of the Village of Fort St. John, destroyed the Carroll Bowling Alley, the adjoining Husky Cafe’, the Elks Hall next door, the Carlsonia Theatre, the Popcorn Stand, Alaska Stages office, the Hamburger Stand, Rene’s Taxi office. In all, damage was estimated at about $75,000. The property formed the centre buildings in the block on the east of which was situated the Provincial Police barracks and T. Hargreaves’ Real Estate office, and on the west by the Condill Hotel and Dave’s Garage. It was boom construction throughout, and all buildings were covered by insurance. When it became obvious that the Carroll Bowling Alley and Husky Cafe’ could not be saved, furniture and

The first Fort St. John Fire Hall with volunteer firefighter Larry McLeod.

Larry Evans equipment was carried to safety from the Elks’ club rooms and the hall. Mr. Ralph Pomeroy, one of the partners in the Carlsonia Theatre, supervised the removal of two new projection machines and other moveable equipment from the projection room. This did not include 246 new plush sets, nor the silver screen, the lighting fixtures, or the fixed foundations in the projection room from which the machines were operated. The furniture and equipment was likewise removed from the popcorn stand, owned by Howard Cawsey, the Miller and Darnell stage office, the Lumsden and Brodoway hamburger stand, and Rene Dhenin’s Taxi office. Fire crews and citizens worked furiously to save the Condill Hotel and were successful when at 4:30 a.m. the brisk northeast wind calmed. Had the fire occurred closer to midnight, a great deal of the town might have been lost owing to the high east west wind which had almost reached gale proportions before one o’clock in the morning. Frost had hardened the mud, and the moon was shining brightly at three o’clock when Louis Thomas, a carpenter presently engaged on the bridge job, stepped out of the Titus Rooms. He walked west on main street and arrived at a point opposite the bowling alley about the time Jim Lawrence, driver for Fred’s Taxi, drove up to the

Pomeroy Hotel with a couple of passengers. Together they saw the smoke, and turned in the alarm. Response was instantaneous, and the sirens had hardly stopped wailing when citizens ran from every direction to the police station corner (present day cultural centre site). The local fire truck was under way immediately, and the R.C.A.F. fire department was summoned from the airport four miles away. Women in housecoats, slacks, fur coats, nighties flapping in the wind, pyjamas trailing in the mud were soon out to see the extent of the fire. Guests at the Condill were roused and ordered out of their rooms. Before long, many occupants of private homes behind the burning block were on their roof tops, dousing sparks with wet blankets and buckets of water. Many were packing their belongings, and a few actually had possessions on the front porch, or ready to be moved into the street. Firefighting was difficult owing to water having to be carried five miles from Charlie Lake to the town. The R.C.A.F. truck was hampered in that it carried only 80 gallons of water, equipped as it was to fight fire on the station which had running water. Some 26,000 gallons of water in the Condill cistern could not be tapped for lack of sufficient suction equipment. It was the first likely deterrent to the rapidly spreading blaze. The Condill was detached from the burning block and was covered in concrete and stucco so it had a reasonable chance of survival if the wind calmed. According to Fire Chief Ernie

Carriere, about 10,000 gallons of water was used in fighting the blaze. Buckets of water were kept splashed over firefighters whose clothes were in constant danger and in some cases actually did catch fire. Hargreaves’ office windows were smashed and the side of his building scorched. Living quarters and office was emptied of furniture and equipment, but this was later moved back in. On the other end of the block, the Condill Cafe lost windows by heat, water, and dirt. Damage was sufficient to close the dining room for a day. Only serious damage was done to the meat house whose refrigeration unit suffered by the intense heat. Joe Dill, of Dawson Creek, one of the owners of the Condill, expressed his gratitude to the firefighters and all who helped in saving the hotel. Recently returned from Vancouver, he was to have placed another $15,000 insurance on the building the next day. Like-wise, Ralph Pomeroy expressed the thanks of he and his partner to those who helped with the salvaging of equipment. The exalted ruler of the B.P.O. Elks, R.J.Campbell, commended loyal brothers who carried out furniture and fought the fire. Residents in the north of town did not hear the siren, owing to the strength of the wind which carried sound and smoke the other way, but the blaze could be seen for miles. The fire burned only for three hours, though the ruins smouldered for a couple of days. Larry Evans is a former fire chief, city councillor, and lifelong historian living in Fort St. John.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 A7

OP-ED

Owning guns in Canada is nothing like it used to be

n my 14th birthday, I bought my first gun, a beautiful lever action Marlin 30-30. I had to sell my skis and use most of my savings to get the $100 for the gun, a box of shells, and still have enough left over for licence and tags. I still have that gun. Guns and hunting have been part of my life for 50 years. Most every weekend during hunting season in my teenage years would find me out wandering the mountains near home, looking for a deer or mountain goat, mostly with my brother who was one year older. Even though we weren’t technically old enough to hunt by ourselves, we did. We had been taught how to use guns and with our parents’ permission, off we went. I never got caught by the game warden, although I’m sure he knew we were out there, but it was never all that important to him. We had our licenses and tags and followed the rules, except for the one about having an adult with us. Gun ownership was easy in those days. If you had the money, you could buy a gun, some shells, a licence and tags and off you went. Once we got pickups, we even got those gun racks for the window behind the seat, so the gun was always handy (most trucks only had one seat in those days). Most

everyone had these, as that was the rural way. When not being used, guns were usually found leaning up against the wall in the closet, with bullets close by in case some marauding bear came by that needed an attitude adjustment. Since those early years, I have gone through all the successive steps and complications of owning guns and hunting. The gun rack went with the truck when I sold it and I never did get another one. I took the gun safety courses so I could get my Firearms Acquisition Certificate, registered all my guns when the feds thought that would make Canada safer, and re-registered them when things changed. I guess that made Canada more safer again. I unregistered them when that program was scrapped. I yelled and complained when the feds of the day proposed gun armouries and that would compel everyone to place their guns in government warehouses, and when you wanted to use them, you would have had to ask for permission to take them out. That kind of fell apart when it was pointed out that rural Canada would need thousands of these armouries, and aboriginal people who needed their guns for their right to hunt would be exempted, and trappers couldn’t comply and, and, and… that

Evan Saugstad boondoggle soon ended. I re-applied for my gun licence a few times and now its my Firearms Possession Licence. I guess this makes Canada more safe again. I bought trigger locks and chains to make sure they were safely secured until one day I realized I had spent the whole day hunting and had never taken the trigger lock off and didn’t have the key with me. I guess that made the critters pretty safe that day. I finally bought a gun safe and now everyone is safe, including me. That is me and that is my story. I’m pretty sure most people who have grown up owning guns, hunting, or having them around the property to keep the two and fourlegged varmints at bay have similar ones. Gun safes, trigger locks, and securely stored ammo are good things, as one never knows when an inquisitive youngster is tempted to play with a gun. This part is good. I don’t really have an issue with the paperwork of having a licence to own or purchase

guns, and even the registration didn’t bother me all that much, though I always did wonder if it accomplished anything other than giving some unemployed east coast people something to do. Although I never did own pistols, automatic rifles, or other “restricted” firearms, I agreed with having their permit and registration systems. If one really wanted to have them, you could, just had to follow the rules. Now, I wonder what’s next? The crazies are getting the headlines with the “let’s shoot everyone in sight” mentality. What are our politicians going to do with us next? Are they going to look at the mess the good-old U.S. of A has got themselves into and mess with our system? Will they think we just might have a few Canadian crazies who wish to be like our crazy American cousins? I hope not. We have plenty of regulations. It’s already against the law to own certain types of firearms and accessories. We need licences and permits to own others. Police can confiscate them if you break the law. The courts can prohibit one from owning or purchasing them, and so on. So what is left to do? Anything to fix? Yes. Fix those who break the

law. Now, all you good socialists, you may want to stop reading here, as what I am about to say is archaic — so archaic that it worked before Canada was Canada. Public executions for crimes such has mass shootings, killing of law enforcement personnel, etc., might help. And when I mean public, I mean done in full view of the public, with the public doing the job. Remember the movies that had stockades in the town square? Remember the people lining up to throw stones while the criminal sat with hands and feat bound? It may have taken a lot of squealing, but never took to long. And to think, with today’s social media showing all the details, what would that do to every wannabe mass shooter? If they could watch how horrible a slow death can be as the aggrieved victims extract their pound of flesh, would they really want to be subject to the same? Unfortunately, in the world that goes round and round, we are too civilized. That only worked back when the world was flat. Evan Saugstad is a former mayor of Chetwynd, and lives in Fort St. John.

Letters to the editor GIVING DUE CREDIT TO YELLOWSTONE TO YUKON

organization. The picture Evan paints is one of a radical environmental group that is trying to shut down all man made activity in the hinterland in order to achieve some mystical goal. That is simply not correct. First, I encourage people to simply check out their website to see what they are all about. Secondly, from my experience of their activity in the BC Peace, Y2Y seeks to work in collaboration

Re: ‘Evan Saugstad: Will the Yellowstone to Yukon vision prove to be our future?’, Op-ed, Aug. 8, 2019 Over the years, I have become somewhat familiar with the work of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), and I feel that the characterization given by Evan Saugstad misrepresents the intent and good work of that

NORTHEAST BC REALTY

with other groups in reaching solutions towards connecting and protecting critical habitats while acknowledging the role various resource industries play up here. Not an easy task, but I believe the balance they offer is key in this region that is often well represented by industry, but not so much by conservation minded groups. I do not believe that should be perceived as a threat. — Ken Boon, President, Peace Valley Landowner Association

RON RODGERS

Ltd.

Phone 250 785 4115

OWNER / MANAGING BROKER

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

FOR SALE - Development Opportunity

3 - 49.2’ x 137.8’ lots located in the heart of Fort St John along 100 Avenue

City of Fort St John recognizes the importance this location has to become the focal point within this highly visible commercial city center. Attractive site for retail commercial business looking to attract local shoppers, tourists or become a central meeting location. Asking Price Lot 4 10115 $ 176,000 Lot 5 10119 $ 208,000 Lot 6 10135 $ 176,000

Interested? Check out the City’s Downtown Action Plan

Email: ron@northeastbc.com

Commercial Realtor FOR SALE or LEASE Land & Building

11527 Alaska Road Fort St John, BC 2.99 Acres 11,700sf Two Story Building Two story building consists of 8400sf +/office space two floors plus 55'x60' adjoining shop. Shop has 2 bays leading to fenced yard compound on just under 3 acres of land. Located in highly visible entrance to the City at intersection of Alaska Highway and 100 Ave. Two accesses - frontage road and Old Fort Road

MLS C8024881-2-3

FOR SALE ASKING $3.95 Million FOR LEASE ASKING $18.75sf

PLEASE DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO CITY OF FORT ST JOHN DESINGATED REALTOR RON RODGERS AT NORTHEAST BC REALTY

Plus triple net and applicable taxes (Approximately $18,282/month plus triple net & GST)

FOR SALE LAND & BUILDING

5+ ACRES of HIGHWAY FRONTAGE Waterfront Land 6,000+/- sf building

FORT ST JOHN, BC

Commercial Industrial

Main building consists of; Unit A 4450sf 3 overhead doors large shop area drive thru from yard to back alley Unit B 3834sf 2 shop overhead doors & offices

FOR SALE 100th Street Commercial Retail Package BUILDING 1: 10020 93 Ave 18,750sf Commercial Retail Building built in 2003

steel framed building designed for large retail warehouse space; shipping, machine room, mechanical room, storage and offices plus large entrance. Mezzanine upper floor has 4 offices, boardroom and storage.

BUILDING 2: 9312 100 Street 5,540+sf Commercial Retail Building built 1976 consisting of retail entrance,

Open Storage has electrical outlets

(good for storing equipment or vehicles)

Asking $1.5 million MLS® C8015910

Also Available FOR LEASE Asking $14.50sf plus triple net and GST MLS® C8015908-09

NOTE: City of FSJ currently upgrading LAS 101 Ave in front of this location. Work on paving road, c&g plus utilities

LAND parking, green space, baseball diamond, commercial building on 2 lots access via Lakeshore Drive, Jackfish Frontage & Sunnyside Drive – all accessed off Alaska Highway. Fronts Fish Creek & parkland by Charlie Lake. BUILDING built between 1998 - 2004 & designed to facilitate a pub/restaurant business w/ full commercial kitchen & bar service, currently operational (business is not included in the sale). Building has a multi-level floor plan plus mezzanine which holds offices, storage and mechanics.

office, storage, mezzanine 2 bays and covered outdoor storage bay. Currently leased until December 2020

LAND: 10020 95 Ave 1.12 Acre corner lot along 100 Street main off Alaska Highway. High vehicle traffic and located in dense commercial and recreational area of city Plus 52’x145’ corner fenced lot located at 10319 95 Ave currently used for storage

ASKING $3.915 Million

ASKING $2.84 Million

MLS® C8019259 Court Ordered Sale All offers subject to court approval. All offers must include Schedule ‘A’ – Vesting Order.

MLS® C8027532

Please note: Current business operational on site. Please do not drop in. Any inquiries should be directed to Ron Rodgers. Must have appointment to view - 24 hour notice required. Buyer’s Agent must be present at all showings.

LAND AND BUILDING BEING SOLD ‘AS-IS, WHERE-IS’

TURNKEY OPERATIONS BUSINESS, LAND & BUILDING TURNKEY OPERATIONS New Frontier Bar & Grill in Fort St John Asking $2.2 Million

Office Space For Lease

BUILDING: 7500sf buildings with seasonal patio, commercial kitchen (includes all appliances and equipment), interior design with country design including dance floor, DJ booth, 2 open bars, stage for live music, lounge seating LAND: 0.66 Acres Lot on 100 Ave with paved parking & alley access BUSINESS: Includes business name and all social and promotional materials, all kitchen and bar equipment, office and club furnishings, most décor, AND LIQUOR LICENSE (subject to BC Liquor transfer approval), club shuttle service vehicle, 1600sf storage shop and additional C-Can storage along rear alley. Business is currently open 2 nights a week with DJ and occasional live entertainment. Potential to extend operating hours and expand commercial kitchen use to include private parties and happy hour specials. Excellent Income Producing Opportunity!

Fort St John, BC

LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER?

CHECK OUT THIS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY WHERE YOU OWN IT ALL! Call Ron for Details and Financial information. MLS® C8013087 Please DO NOT Discuss With Staff or drop in during business hours.

AVAILABLE TO MOVE IN NOW

10515 100 Ave

1456sf office space available in highly visible business strip mall center off 100 Ave. Front reception area with 4 offices/boardroom and staff kitchen area. Located in downtown Fort St John with plenty of staff and client parking. Well Maintained building with good street profile.

ASKING $21.00sf plus additional costs and GST

Approximately $2548/month plus $668 additional costs based on 2018 - subject to adjustment for 2019 Additional Costs include proportional share of property tax, building insurance, snow removal, water/sewer, and includes heat

IF YOU WANT MORE INFO ABOUT COMMERCIAL, RETAIL OR INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE, CALL RON RODGERS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NORTH EAST BC AREA Information is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale, or buyers already under contract. Ask about the new rules of real estate effective June 15 2018 prior to inquiry. All measurements and information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed and should be verified.

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People’s Choice Awards BEST IN THE AREA Church________________________________________ Community Festival/Event ________________________ School ________________________________________ Fundraising Event_______________________________ Service Club ___________________________________ BEST BUSINESS Appliance Store ________________________________ Appliance Service & Repair_______________________________________ ATV’s/Motorcycles/ Snowmobiles __________________________________ Auto Body Shop ________________________________ Automotive Detailing____________________________ Auto Repair Shop _______________________________ Auto Parts Store ________________________________ Bar ___________________________________________ Beauty Salon ___________________________________ Bottled Water Retailer ___________________________ Building Supplies _______________________________ Carpet Cleaner _________________________________ Car Rental _____________________________________ Car/Truck Dealership (New) _______________________ Car Wash ______________________________________ Cell Phone Dealer _______________________________ Children’s Wear _________________________________ Computers ____________________________________ Convenience Store ______________________________ Daycare _______________________________________ Dental Clinic ___________________________________ Department Store ______________________________ Driving School _________________________________ Equipment Rental_______________________________ Eyeglasses _____________________________________ Farm or Industrial Equipment Dealer ________________________________________ Financial Institution _____________________________ Fitness Club ___________________________________ Flooring Store __________________________________ Florist ________________________________________ Furniture ______________________________________ Gas Station ____________________________________ Gift Shop ______________________________________ Glass Dealership ________________________________ Golf Pro Shop __________________________________ Hardware Store _________________________________ Heavy Truck Dealer______________________________ Home Entertainment Retailer _______________________________________ Hot Tub Dealer _________________________________ Hunting/Camping Supply ________________________________________ Insurance Agency _______________________________ Jewellery ______________________________________ Land Surveying_________________________________ Landscaping ___________________________________ Lawn & Garden Products _________________________ Law Firm ______________________________________ Lingerie Store __________________________________ Locksmith _____________________________________ Massage/Massage Therapy _______________________ Meat _________________________________________ Medical Clinic __________________________________ Men’s Wear ____________________________________ Motel/Hotel ___________________________________ Muffler Shop ___________________________________ Notary ________________________________________ Nursery/Greenhouse Products ____________________

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Office Supplies _________________________________ Oilfield Company _______________________________ Oilfield Service _________________________________ Optometrist ___________________________________ Paint Supplies _________________________________ Petroleum Cardlock________________________ Pharmacy/Drug Store____________________________ Plumbing Shop ________________________________ Produce _______________________________________ Radio Station __________________________________ Real Estate Company ____________________________ RV Park/Campground ___________________________ Shoe Store ____________________________________ Spa __________________________________________ Sporting Goods Store____________________________ Supermarket ___________________________________ Supermarket Biscuits or Rolls _____________________ Supermarket Bread _____________________________ Supermarket Deli _______________________________ Tanning Salon __________________________________ Tattoo/Body Piercing ____________________________ Tire Store _____________________________________ Transmission Repair Shop ________________________ Travel Agency _________________________________ Used Car Dealership ____________________________ Vet Clinic ______________________________________ Work Wear_____________________________________ Western Wear __________________________________ Women’s Wear _________________________________ BEST PEOPLE Accountant ___________________________________ Auctioneer ____________________________________ Bank Manager/Where: ___________________________ Bank Teller/Where: ______________________________ Barber/Where: _________________________________ Bartender / Where: ______________________________ Bus Driver _____________________________________ Carpenter _____________________________________ Car Salesman/Where: ____________________________ Cashier/Where: ________________________________ Chiropractor ___________________________________ City Counsellor ________________________________ City Employee _________________________________ Civic Leader ___________________________________ Club President/Where: ___________________________ Coach/Team ___________________________________ Customer Service Clerk __________________________ Dentist _______________________________________ Dental Hygienist ________________________________ Doctor _______________________________________ Electrician ____________________________________ Esthetician ____________________________________ Firefighter ____________________________________ Hairdresser ____________________________________ Home Caregiver ________________________________ Local Band ____________________________________ Local Newspaper Columnist ______________________ Local Radio Personality __________________________ Office Staff ____________________________________ Paper Carrier __________________________________ Personal Trainer ________________________________ Pet Groomer/Where: ____________________________ Pharmacist ____________________________________ Photographer __________________________________ Politician _____________________________________ Principal/Where: ________________________________ RCMP Officer___________________________________ Real Estate Agent _______________________________

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R0011300131

A8 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 A9

Business

“If the rumours are true, and those high-end houses are once again selling, there is a sense of consumer confidence returning..” — Edwina Nearhood, A10

Trudeau government to help electrify Peace gas fields As part of the MOU announced Thursday, Horgan and Trudeau announced that a new Canada-British Columbia Clean Power Planning Committee will be appointed. It will focus on advancing electrification projects. The committee will include representatives from BC Hydro and both the federal and provincial governments. “Canadians know that economic growth and environmental protection go handin-hand,” Trudeau said. “Today, we are committing to work with British Columbia to help power the natural gas sector with clean electricity – reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating good middle class jobs and helping make the province a supplier of the cleanest natural gas in the world.” This latest news is related to Ottawa’s April announcement that it is contributing $83.6 million to the building of a new transmission line that will increase access to clean power for the natural gas industry in the Peace region. This amounts to a third of the total cost of the $289 million project; BC Hydro is kicking in the remaining $205.4 million. The Government of B.C. released its provincial economic development, energy and climate strategy, called CleanBC, in December. The strategy is, in large part, focused on electrifying the natural gas sector to meet the province’s climate change commitments. According to a federal government press release, the natural gas industry produces 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions in B.C.

Emma Crawford Hampel Business in Vancouver

The Trudeau government will help B.C. electrify the Peace region’s natural gas sector through $680 million worth of electrification projects, to be jointly funded. The province has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the federal government to commit to powering B.C.’s natural gas and liquefied natural gas sectors with clean electricity as a move toward the province meeting its climate change objectives. B.C. Premier John Horgan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in Surrey on August 29. “Today’s agreement is not only crucial to B.C. meeting their climate change commitments on time, it will also position Canada as a supplier of the world’s cleanest natural gas,” Trudeau said. The natural gas industry burns some of the gas it produces to power processing plants, pipelines, wells and other natural gas infrastructure. Switching to electricity – which in B.C. is nearly zero emission power, thanks to hydro, run-of-river, and wind power – would take a significant bite out of the industry’s greenhouse gas profile. “We are going to be taking advantage of the abundant, clean, green energy we have here in British Columbia,” Horgan said. Lowering the carbon profile of the natural gas industry is particularly important for B.C., now that it has both a nascent liquefied natural gas industry and a climate change

City sawmill curtailed Canfor announced 75 million board feet in additional production curtailments on Tuesday. Production at the forestry company’s Prince George, Polar, Houston and Fort St. John sawmills will be curtailed during the week after Labour Day, the company announced at the end of the business day on Tuesday. In addition, Canfor’s Plateau sawmill in Vanderhoof and the Houston mill will transition to a four-day work week in September. The reduced work week will remain in effect at those mills until market and economic conditions “support a return

nelson bennett photo

Premier John Horgan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking in Surrey, August 29, 2019.

plan that calls for a 40% GHG reduction in just 12 years. Fitting the former into the latter presents a serious challenge. Some natural gas facilities in Northeastern B.C. are already electrified, thanks to the Dawson Creek-Chetwynd Area Transmission (DCAT) project. A second electrification project, the Peace Region Electricity Supply (PRES), is also under construction. The federal government is contributing $83.6 million towards the $298 million PRES project. The MOU announced Aug. 29 adds three more projects: • the Bear Mountain to Dawson Creek Voltage Conversion Project; • North Montney Power Supply Project; and • the CleanBC Facilities Electrification Fund. The latter will provide upstream natural gas producers with funding to help them tie into the grid. to the full operating schedule of five days per week,” a statement by the company said. “The curtailments are due to the ongoing low price of lumber and the high cost of fibre, which are making the operating conditions in B.C. uneconomic,” the statement said. The new curtailments are in addition to previous curtailments announced earlier this year. In July, Canfor announced an “indefinite curtailment” at its Mackenzie sawmill and permanently eliminating a shift at its Isle Pierre sawmill. The shutdown in Mackenzie took place in July, while the shift reduction at Isle Pierre doesn’t come into effect until Sept. 20. — Prince George Citizen

The provincial government provided no estimates on how many GHGs may be avoided through the electrification projects. In a white paper last year, Clean Energy BC estimated that full electrification of the upstream and downstream for the natural gas and LNG industry could result in a 60% GHG reduction, although that would need to include natural gas pipelines and LNG plants. One major LNG project – Kitimat LNG - has committed to building LNG plants that would operate on electric drive. Thursday’s announcement was panned by the Sierra Club, given a luke-warm reception by the Pembina Institute, and applauded by Clean Energy Canada. Electrification of the natural gas industry “locks us into ongoing carbon pollution that will worsen the climate emergency,” said Caitlyn Vernon,

a campaigner for the Sierra Club BC. “Bringing electricity to B.C.’s gas fields is essential to reducing carbon pollution from upstream gas operations, so today’s commitment in support of electrification from both governments is a positive move,” said Karen Tam Wu, B.C. director for the Pembina Institute. “However, we must ensure that all developments, including LNG projects, do not undermine B.C.’s ability to meet its climate goals.” “Today’s agreement between the federal and B.C. governments delivers on a critical component of B.C.’s climate plan,” said Clean Energy Canada executive director Merran Smith. “That is, electrifying natural gas projects, particularly in the Peace region—where demand for electricity is currently growing faster than anywhere else in the province.”

Applications Land sale nets open for bursary $200,000 The fall university semester being upon us means the North Peace Savings and Credit Union Fall Semester Bursary program is too. As of September 1, the NPSCU is accepting applications until October 15 for the bursary. Students can receive up to $2,000 to put towards their tuition. To qualify, students need to demonstrate financial need, be a B.C. resident and Canadian citizen, and have proof of a post-secondary enrolment, among other things. To apply, or for more information, go to the credit union’s website.

The province has taken in roughly $2.8 million in bonus bids to date this year — far short of the nearly $60 million it saw through this time last year. The land sale in Saskatchewan this week generated $1.55 million, while Alberta’s drew $1.81 million. The next sale for B.C. is scheduled for Sept. 11, with two drilling licences, and four leases being offered.

Three leases were picked up at B.C.’s monthly sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights on Aug. 14. Concourse Petroleum paid the largest sum for one of them, paying a bonus bid of $169,310 for a 558-hectare parcel near Laprise Creek. Venturion Oil picked up two 259-hectare leases, one for $14,573 and the other for $8,098, both near Doe River. Industry paid $192,000 in bonus bids, or roughly $178.50 per hectare. With rent and other fees, the province brought in $201,552 for the month. There were no bids on the three other leases offered.

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A10 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

BUSINESS

High-end real estate sales signal market confidence

ooking in the rear view mirror trying to figure out where you are going is often the view for an appraiser. It is much more than that. At times, we need to forecast with the evidence both behind us and anticipated, and sometimes just pure gut instinct and knowing where to find the clues. I have said many times before the northern real estate market is not for the faint of heart. If you don’t like what is happening wait a few weeks or months — unless you are unlucky, you may be stuck for a few years. We have been riding the bottom of the wave for a while. Just when I think things are looking grim during massive forestry curtailments and layoffs, I start to see or at least hear rumours

of high-end sales transpiring once again. The last I checked, we had 32 active listings of residential properties priced above $800,000. They included eight properties priced above $2,000,000 in the rural estate classification. Out of those 32, the most recent listing was about 12 days ago and the longest listing had been on the market for an impressive 1,143 days. The average days on market is 239 and the median is 166. As any good appraiser would do, I then confirm how many sales have transpired. According to MLS statistics over the past two years, in the same price point, can you believe six sales were reported as sold through the MLS service? Those sales ranged

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in value from $850,000 to $1,349,000 with an average days on market of 154. When the active listings overwhelm the completed sales, this indicates a buyers’ market. This is where it gets tricky in our region. Normally, the sales volumes match the listings within a three- or sixmonth window in a balanced market. There are often many opposing forces at any given time impacting the consumer confidence. Often people purchase with the intention of buying low and selling high. This rural estate market normally has different drivers. These types of properties are often prestige purchases. Quality custom homes are constructed for the owner/user. I

will often ask a people planning on building a custom prestige home if they would pay full replacement cost for someone else’s custom home. Most often the reply is, “No, I will build what I want for myself.” Some people understand their individual capacity and willingness to save their sanity and marriage will take the option and buy a newer home and complete minor renovations to suit their own needs. Normally, these high end properties are located on rural acreages ranging from five minutes to 20 minutes from the city. I will offer the suggestion and people are often in agreement that they are building a generational home that they have no intention of selling any time soon. Soon eventually does show up. When it is 20 years later, and the home has been well maintained and modernized, it will likely be a sound investment and sell well. There are times when soon comes sooner then expected and the anticipation of recovering full replacement costs on a super adequate construction are often not realized. If the market is strong and healthy, resale may realize much of the cap-

ital cost, and part of the sweat equity. If the market is in the trough of the cycle, then a hearty discount is applied. A lot of variances in pricing can appear in this submarket. Some of the pricing may be emotional while others may be motivated. So, if the rumours are true, and those high-end houses are once again selling, there is a sense of consumer confidence returning. I guess it is time to look down the side road and realize that there have been a lot of high-end light industrial purchases transpire over the past eight months. This is often an early indicatory of economic activity in the petroleum sector… So, I begin to look forward and wonder… maybe one more time I will ride the wave to the top, or near top, before I jump off for quieter pastures. Care to join me?

Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John. Her 30-year experience in the appraisal industry offers a unique lens on the challenges associated with the economic forces impacting real estate and the community.

Rotarians at Work The Rotary Club of Dawson Creek funds the Rotary Hot Lunch Program that aims to provide ﬁnancial assistance to students and families on their hot lunch from school.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 A11

Local News

court docket Sentences handed out in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Fort Nelson provincial courts for the week ending August 30, 2019. Fort St. John Law Courts Douglas Joseph Tennant (born 1988) was fined $2,000 and given a oneyear criminal driving ban for impaired driving. • Robert Ronald Mayer (born 1969) was fined $1,500 and given a oneyear criminal driving ban for impaired driving. Gordon James Gilbert (born 1979) was given a suspended sentence with a 12-month probation order for assault. Gilbert was fined $200 for breach of undertaking. Dawson Creek Law Courts Corey Patrick Kiklas (born 1994) was sentenced to 90 days in jail and given a one-year probation order for possession of stolen property under $5,000. Kiklas was sentenced to 78 days jail, given a one-year probation order, and ordered to provide a DNA sample for assaulting

a peace officer with a weapon. Kiklas was sentenced to 90 days in jail, given a one-year probation order, and a twoyear criminal driving ban for dangerous operation of a vehicle. Kiklas was given a suspended sentence, with a two-year criminal driving ban and a one-year probation order for fleeing from police. • Daryn James Middleton (born 1997) was sentenced to 120 days in jail and given a one-year probation order for possession of stolen property over $5,000, and sentenced to an addition 30 days in jail for breaching an undertaking. Middleton was sentenced to 57 days in jail, given a one-year probation order, and ordered to provide a DNA sample for a second charge of possession of stolen property. Middleton was jailed for 30 days for another charge of breach of undertaking. • Jeremy Frederick Scott (born 1981) was given a suspended sentence with a 12-month probation order for assault. Fort Nelson Law Courts Matthew Glanfield (born 1973) was fined $5,000 and assessed a $750 victim surcharge for using a natural resource without a valid park permit. • Chauncey Narcisse Glen Brooks (born 1994) entered into a one-year, $500 peace bond for causing fear of injury or damage.

Men wanted after violent attack Mounties in Fort St. John are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men involved in a senseless attack against another man back in June. RCMP say surveillance video from a financial institution in the early hours of June 11 shows a male in a red jacket entering an ATM lobby and then leaving. Shortly afterwards, the same person is seen returning to the lobby but, this time, carrying a hockey stick. RCMP report a third man, resting

inside in the lobby, was then struck in the head with that stick. The video also reveals a second man, wearing a black hoodie, filming the disturbing incident on his cell phone. Police say the victim in

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A12 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Local News

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OAKDALE

Classic stone veneer wainscoting wraps across the front and frames the door of the two-car garage. Entering the foyer via the front porch, you pass a den on the right that could be used as a home ofﬁce, a fourth bedroom, or whatever suits. The coat closet on the left is revealed when the front door is closed again.

Moving ahead, you pass a short hallway on the left before stepping into the comfortably large gathering space. The hallway leads to secondary bedrooms, a two-section bathroom, and a fully outﬁtted utility room with a direct link to the garage. Natural light spills into the living room through windows that ﬁll most of the rear wall, and more washes in through another wide expanse of glass in the dining room. These two rooms

ﬂow into each other, wrap around a covered patio, and are open to the kitchen. The gas ﬁreplace, that nestles into one corner of the living room, can serve as a warm and colorful focal point on gray days and long winter nights.

Cabinets, counters and appliances span three sides of a C-shaped kitchen, anchored by a central work island. An eating bar rims the side that bounds the dining room.

The Oakdale's owners' suite is well separated from the secondary bedrooms. Entry is through a hallway off the living room, and the suite's deep walk-in closet creates a sound buffer. A sliding door offers privacy between the sleeping area and a bathroom with a dual vanity, large shower, and private toilet.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Oakdale 30-881. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Owners’ Suite 12'4'' x 16' Living 17'8'' x 17'8''

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Kitchen Bedroom 11' x 12'

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Den 11'8'' x 11'4''

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Alaska Highway News A part of YOUR Community

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 A13

arts & culture

Capturing the life of the Peace Country, from film to canvas An employee at Spectra Energy and an avid gardener and competitive cyclist, he admits art sometimes gets As part of Bright Nights in June, the pushed to the side. “It’s a juggling act. North Peace Cultural Centre hosted an Truly, it’s really weather dependent on evening with four renowned Fort St John when you can get out,” Lane jokes. artisans – writer Patrick (Pat) Ferris, However, when there is time to dephotographer/painter Ken Lane, pho- vote, Lane’s photography and paintings tographer Wayne Sawchuk, and photo- have garnered the attention of locgrapher/painter/sculptor Eliza Stanford. al art lovers – some of his works were In our fourth and final installment, a featured earlier this year at the Points conversation with Ken Lane... of View show at Peace Gallery North. There will likely be more. “There always If you ask Ken Lane if he is more of something on the easel,” he says. a photographer or a painter, you might When asked about his works or what get two different answers. inspires him, Lane is somewhat re“Depends on which day,” he laughs, served to talk about himself, preferring when asked that question. “Right now, to shift the focus to his peers. “I really I photograph to paint.” admire artists that’ll make an absoPhotography, though, is probably the lutely beautiful piece of artwork from answer Lane will likely give you as you a scene that may seem fairly ordinary. get more into the conversation. “Got Something we would drive by everyday my first camera at age 11...my first 35 on the way to work, and you look at in a millimetre camera for my 18th birth- different light and you look at that say, day, and from there, really never looked ‘Wow, that’s truly amazing.’” back. My wife and I love to travel, so When finally held down (figuratively photography is a big part of me,” he speaking) Lane confesses he’s drawn in concedes. by the region’s natural environment. Born in England and raised in Vermil- “The beauty, obviously... it’s a passion, ion, Alberta, Lane moved to the Peace but I also love the agricultural landCountry with his wife from Nanaimo. scape and the old farm buildings, farm The intent in 1995 was to stay for two animals, because it truly exemplifies years. life in the Peace Country.” Dave lueneberg

Alaska Highway News

dave lueneberg photo

Ken Lane shares his story of how his love for photography and painting began during a Bright Nights in June event held at the cultural centre on June 6, 2019. Two of Lane’s paintings are to his right.

Burpee challenge to help local girl fight cancer On September 14, the Vertical Slam Ultimate Challenge will host the Burpee Challenge for Adaura, to raise funds to help Adaura Cayford and her in family in their fight against her inoperable brain tumour. The challenge will take place at World Gym on Sept. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m, and donations can be made at the event. Those interested can also donate money to Adaura’s Go Fund Me page. The Cayford’s received news

summer shades

Adaura Cayford

earlier this week that she had an inoperable brain tumour, and she was rushed to the Vancouver Children’s Hospital. The page has a goal of $20,000, and has raised $16,720 so far. A burpee is a full body exercise.

Three-year-old Nora Wells and her mom, Chelsea, enjoy the evening sunshine while listening to some of the entertainment provided at the final TGIFSJ of the summer at 100 & 100 August 30, 2019. dave lueneberg photo

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 Reverend: Christopher Samson 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 4:00 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: 10:00am ********** 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: 9:00am, 11:00am www.evangelfsj.com ********** The Journey 10011-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-6254 Pastor: Larry Lorentz Services: Sundays: 10:30am Tuesdays: 7:00pm **********

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

A14 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

ARTS & CULTURE

Temerarious Tabias

School Dayz NORMA RRAE

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

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

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

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

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) You will be productive at work today because you’re in the mood to work, plus you’re clear thinking and won’t overlook details. It’s a good day to make long-range plans. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) This is an excellent day to study your technique or do the groundwork for a creative, artistic project you want to explore. This applies to arts and crafts, music and anything that takes practice. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) A discussion with someone older, especially in the family, will be productive today. (It never hurts to listen, because you might hear good advice.) CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) This is a good day to make long-range plans for the future because you are in a sensible, practical frame of mind. Discussions with others also will be about practical matters. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) If spending money today, you will want to buy something longlasting and practical. You won’t be frivolous with your money. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) You’re in a sensible frame of mind today, and you have excellent concentration. Therefore, choose work that requires attention to detail, because you will succeed.

For Thursday September 5 2019

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) You’ll find it easy to research something or study the past because your mind is focused today. Furthermore, your powers of concentration are excellent. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) In a group situation today, someone older or more experienced might have something valuable to offer. Listen to this person, because it could be to your advantage. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) You make a great impression when talking to parents and bosses today because they see you as sensible, grounded and reliable. (Don’t do anything to change this impression!) CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) You will find it easy to study today or to finish a paper or a writing project because your mind is focused and you won’t be distracted. You also might learn something valuable from a teacher. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) This is an excellent day to tie up loose ends regarding inheritances, taxes, debt and shared property because you’re in the right frame of mind to tackle these subjects. You won’t overlook a thing! PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) A serious discussion with a partner or close friend will be worthwhile today. Discuss how to divide duties. Who takes out the garbage? How do you share expenses?

Tabias watched the ants crawling up the corner of the table, ignoring his teacher. He had been scolded and made to stay after school. Everyone else had left, except these ants. Tabias had one half-friend at school, a boy who would be his friend only on the days he chose. Tabias was the boy’s back up plan, but that was OK with him. He had found his friends; they lived in his head. Together, they battled dragons and saved beautiful princesses (that had lots of candy) who were locked high in the tree. While other boys played video games like Call of Duty, Tabias would carve his name into the tree and climb it for the princess (candy was a bonus). Those boys hardly caught a tan during the summer while Tabias traded roles in his own game from Cowboy to Indian by the time school was back in. But today, Tabias was in trouble. His one half-friend hadn’t shown up. He was all alone, which normally wouldn’t bother him had the teacher not instructed them to pair up. So really, it was her fault. Tabias had found himself still sitting alone after everyone else had partnered up. The teacher began writing the art project instructions on the chalkboard. She didn’t even bother to notice he was alone. They were to paint the masks they had sculpted last week. Last week, Tabias was alone too. That was OK, he tipped his head back and sculpted his own face. The teacher even gave him ex-

tra marks for ingenuity. He should get extra marks again, and he rolled his eyes. Now, he didn’t turn away from the line of marching ants as he heard his father arrive. The ants climbed to the top of the table where a small puddle of syrup from lunch had been left behind. The two adults spoke about Tabias’ behind him as if he weren’t even there. The ants wouldn’t do that, they stayed in line, watching each other’s back, never questioning status, colour or name, following commands just as Tabias had. He had picked a partner! For these insects, there was no man, or ant, left behind. If one got stuck in the syrupy mess, others gathered and feasted on the nectar until he was free and fell back into line. “Temerarious!” Tabias exclaimed to the ants, his bear ears twitched and his fox tail flicked. His father’s words broke his concentration. “Tabias, you were supposed to paint your clay mask.” “I painted a partner instead,” Tabias replied. “That would have been OK,” his teacher interjected, “had it not been on the wall!” She pointed to the painted stick figure about the height of a young boy that Tabias had painted on the wall. Tabias thought it had been a great addition to the classroom. The stickman winked in agreement.

Norma Rrae is an author based in Fort St. John. Read more of her works at notmewriting.com.

Fan of Fasting

Dear Annie: I cannot tell you how elated I was to read the letter from “Eating and Satisfied.” I, too, found success with intermittent fasting -- even to the extent of losing more than a hundred pounds. The experts have found that going without food for 16 to 18 hours straight will facilitate faster weight loss by using up your glycogen stores. Unless you are an athlete, which most of us are not, one of the worst things you can do for your weight is to eat every few hours. I found success with the two most common forms of fasting: the 18-hour fast and the 24-hour fast. One month I will do the 18hour fast, where I will finish eating for the day by 6 p.m. and not eat again until noon the following day. I can then eat as much as I reasonably want (the key is “reasonably”) between noon and 6 p.m. The cycle starts again after supper and continues on a daily basis. The following month I switch to a 24-hour cycle, where I will eat whichever meal I choose, generally lunch, and then not eat again until I reach that meal hour 24 hours later -- but only twice a week. My fasting during that

Dear Skinny and Happy: Yours is such a cool story. Thank you for sharing it.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

cycle amounts to only eight to 10 days for the whole month total. Intermittent fasting has become the silver bullet that has killed my lifelong struggle with weight loss. The residual positives are that my cholesterol and blood pressure have gone down, my HDL’s have shot up, and my LDL’s have dropped dramatically, along with increased muscle tone and energy. I’m 64 years old, and I now look like I’m 40, and love the admiring looks from both men and women. Intermittent fasting has changed my life, and if I could stand on the street corner and shout from a pedestal, I would do it. Going without food for 18 or 24 hours is not as hard as you may think. I tried every diet plan available, including all those you see advertised on television that will cost you beaucoup bucks, and something free that was inside of me the whole time was the key to success. Thanks, Annie, for letting me share. -- Skinny and Happy

Dear Annie: This is in response to “Brushless.” It has been my experience that no amount of educating about disease, longterm damage, pictures or cost of repairs will motivate someone to brush their teeth -- until they are ready. My teenage stepsons had just “listened” to another of their father’s lectures on the subject. When it was finished, I asked, “Do you know what that is on your teeth?” I received a grudging, “What?” I answered, “Germ poop.” They both went immediately to brush their teeth (after almost gagging!), and they continued to do so on a fairly regular basis. -- A Beginning Dear A Beginning: Congrats on getting your stepsons to brush their teeth. They will truly thank you when they are older. I hope your letter helps other parents who are desperate.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 A15

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

• • • • • • • •

ADVERTISEMENT ASSIGNMENT BEAT BODY COPY BOLD BROADSHEET BULLET BYLINE

• • • • • • • •

CIRCULATION CLASSIFIEDS COLUMN COVER CUTLINE EDITION EDITOR EXTRA

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FEATURE FILLER FOLIO HEADLINE MASTHEAD PUBLICATION REPORTER TYPE

TODAY’S PUZZLE

41. One who lades 43. Russian pop duo 44. Fictional free city of Essos 45. Cool! 47. Strong liquor 48. Rural delivery 50. Brews 52. Compound found in hops 54. Where golfers begin holes 56. Third note of a major scale 57. City of Angels 59. Snag 60. Exclamation of surprise 61. Controversial retired wide receiver 62. For example 63. Free to use 66. Carson’s sidekick 67. Pirate saying 70. Convulses 71. Semitic gods CLUES DOWN 1. Split apart

Help Max the dog find the sheeps. START

FINISH

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14. Type of structure in organic chemistry 15. Card game 25. Feeling of discomfort 26. Get free of 27. Unit of measurement 29. A person who enjoys good food and drink 31. Violin maker 33. Noted psychotherapist 36. Complete 38. Ballplayers’ tool 39. Afternoon illumination 41. Points a finger at 42. Moved quickly 43. ‘__ death do us part 46. Blue jeans 47. French Jesuit theologian 49. Dissuades 2. Equally 51. Eastern European 3. Mountain passes peoples 4. Another name for 53. Abnormal rattling Thor sound 5. Chinese chess piece 54. Air-breathing land snail genus 6. Helpless 55. Turfs 7. US army designation (abbr.) 58. Farewells 8. Micturated 60. __ mater: one’s school 9. One to respect 10. Small Greek island 64. They __ 65. Baby’s eating 11. In a thinly accessory dispersed way 68. Priestess of Hera 12. Put two together 69. Type of railroad 13. Of the supernatural

A16 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Local News

OD aware

ALL SANDALS MUST GO!!!

dillon giancola photo

From left: Becky Grimsrud, Jeryn Mackey, Savannah Zachary, Caroline Whiteoak, with Victoria and Amelia Grimsrud (front) were on hand at the Overdose Awareness Community BBQ on August 30, 2019 handing out overdose awareness and safety information.

WE CARRY A GREAT SELECTION OF RED WING BOOTS! To learn more about diabetes, volunteer, advocate or donate, please contact : Northern Region (250) 561-9284 boyanne.young@diabetes.ca

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Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR GOLF GAME FUN

CHINA COMES TO FORT ST JOHN

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BATTLING IT OUT

Farewell productivity

Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Kale Goulet (black) puts the pressure on his man in the Huskies’ annual Dougie Cup game at Huskies Training Camp on September 1, 2019. The camp was a battle all weeklong this year, forcing the team’s coachign staff to make some tough decisions this week.

Increased skill at training camp has Huskies expecting strong start well on a personal level, so I know where they are mentally and where their game is. You don’t always have that much information on new players.”

DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Judging by how the 201819 season went for the Fort St. John Huskies — they won their second straight NWJHL championship — it might come as a surprise to hear that last year’s training camp didn’t feature much promise and skill. Coaches say that’s certainly not the case this year heading into 2019-20. The Huskies were at the Pomeroy Sport Centre August 30 to September 1 for their main camp and tryouts, and the Huskies management and coaches will have some very tough decisions on their hands, which is always a good thing. “The skill level we had this year at camp, and the options we have heading into the season, are much greater this year than last. We had some really great battles between good hockey players vying for spots, and that’s what you want after camp — hard decisions, not easy ones,” said Head Coach Todd Alexander. Fewer spots up for grabs Part of the reason is there isn’t a lot of spots up for grabs to begin with. The Huskies could have 15 returning players this year, and have five players making the jump from the Trackers this year who are virtually a lock to make the team, not to mention some other really strong local talent that tried out. Alexander also gave a lot of credit to GM Jeremy Clothier and Assistant Coach Cam Weir, who ran the Huskies inaugural

Improving local talent

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Connor Kindrat swoops in from the blue line to try and create some offense (and hopefully impress his new coaches and teammates in the process) on September 1, 2019.

ID Camp in Edmonton this summer, resulting in some talented, fresh faces showing what they’re made of last weekend. “Those guys did a really good job of putting a shot in the arm of camp this year for sure, and there are players from that camp in the mix,” Alexander said. One of the biggest reasons camp was so tight this year, according to Alexander, is the growth of the

development programs in Fort St. John and the players who are coming out of those systems. “In years past, it had been a bit of struggle having good local players make the jump to this level. We still have guys each year make the team from the Trackers and other teams, but never this many. That’s a bonus,” Alexander said. “I get an opportunity to work with these players as

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A lot of credit for that goes to trainer Phil Hiscock and Midget Trackers coach Gerard Dicaire, Alexander said. “We have guys coming in who know how to win and what it takes, and that really helps. If you want to play good tactics, you need mature players who understand the importance of the work they put in on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” he said. As a result of the strong, promising camp, Alexander is expecting a better start for his team out of the gate this season. The 2018-19 team struggled at first, going 2-3 to start the season, before turning it on later in the year. The exact roster that will make up the team isn’t known, as the Huskies have more than two weeks before their first regular season game. Exhibition series The Huskies won’t open the season until September 20, but are hosting the Cold Lake Junior B Ice for two exhibition games at the North Peace Arena, Saturday September 14 at 8 p.m., and Sunday September 15 at 12 p.m. Admission to the games is by donation. The Huskies’ season opener is in Grande Prairie against the Kings, September 20, at 8 p.m.

very year I eagerly wait for September, and this year is no different. I’m aware I might be alone in this thought, as September signifies the end of summer, the return to school, and even going back to work. But, for me, it really only means one thing — football is back. However, this year I wished September could wait just a couple more weeks before arriving, not because I’m not eagerly awaiting football — trust me, I am — but because I know what happens during football season. You see, this summer, and this year as a whole, I’ve been trying to be more productive and healthy, both at work and outside of it. Most recently, it’s been my push to hit the gym every day, lose a couple pounds (or a lot, whichever comes first), and eat better. I’ve also been writing more, reading more, and been generally more efficient with my time. The Raptors run to the NBA championship in May and June consumed my time and energy in a way I’ve never experienced before, and as a result, I really didn’t mind the slow July and August period in which there is no sports on at all. It also allowed me to hunker down and work out six days a week, cook and plan healthy meals, and develop other positive habits. This was all because, well, there wasn’t anything better to do. In case you think this column is just an excuse to brag about all the great things I’m doing and how strong my willpower is, fear not. Football is back and now I don’t want to do anything. Sure, I’ll continue to do a good job at work, and I’ll keep my house clean, but how am I supposed to go to the gym when there is 10 hours of football on Sunday, and football on Thursday and Monday? God forbid I take into consideration any Friday night CFL action. Because I’m committed, I’ll do what I need to do. Maybe I’ll start going to the gym in the mornings like the smart people do, but then what do I eat? I’m sorry, but a grilled chicken breast and a nice green, leafy salad doesn’t exactly measure up to football foods like nachos, wings, and chilli. The thing is, I knew this was coming, and that’s the only real reason I was able to go so hard this summer. Because, no matter how hard we try to focus on positive change, we all have those things we have a passion for and can’t quit. Mine just happens to be watching NFL football on a Sunday afternoon. Well, plus hockey, basketball, and baseball playoffs, which will all jump into the mix in October. And maybe add in some college football and club soccer for good measure. Still, there’s no reason to panic. I’m a new person, and if this column resonates with you, you are too. Who knows, maybe in Week 7 when the Dolphins play any other terrible team, we’ll be able to say, “Hey, I think I’ve watched enough football this week and going to the gym was really fun.” But probably not.

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B2 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Local Sports

Pro Tips

Keeping your golf game fun and interesting “Hey, judge, a hundred bucks if you slice it in the woods.” “Gambling is illegal at Bushwood, sir… and I never slice!”

he quote above is from one of my favourite scenes from the cult classic, Caddyshack. For those of you who enjoy the occasional side game to make the round more interesting, here are a few suggestions. The game of Nassau is a head-tohead game where a bet is placed on the front nine score, the back nine, and the overall score. You can lose the front nine to your opponent but could still win the back nine and overall, for example. Handicaps are generally used to even the playing field. When a player is down in the match he can “press,” and if accepted this means a new game starts from that point. Using the press means you could roll into the clubhouse with five, eight, even 12 games going! Skins is a game played with a group of players where each hole is worth a “skin.” Once a player has the outright

Larry Ramstad lowest score on a hole he/she wins the skin. This game can be played with carry-over skins. This would mean for example, holes 1 and 2 were tied, but the third hole had a winner. That player would get credit for all three skins. So, don’t worry, if your partner suggests you play skins, no one is taking their shirt off! And, on the golf course, we prefer everyone stays clothed anyway. The game of Las Vegas is a partner game played within your foursome. If player A gets a 4 and player B gets a 5, their team score is 45. If the opponents score a 4 and a 6, their score would be 46. The first team would win 1 point (46-45) The fun part is if a team makes a

Alaska Highway News 2019/20

HOCKEY POOL Send Trades to Cam Martin cam@accro.ca or to William Julian Julian12@telus.net Trades sent in will be posted the following day.

POINTS AS FOLLOWS Goal Assist SHG PP Goal

1 Point 1 Point 1 Point 1 Point

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Pick 1 Player in each Box 6 Player Trades during Season Drop off Entries to Cam Martin Napa Auto Parts OR 9224 100 Street FSJ BC

1 Point 3 Points 1 Point 2 Points 3 Points

No Goalie Trades during Season William Julian Alaska Highway News 9916 98th Street FSJ BC

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birdie, then their opponents score reverse. For example, on a par 4, a team has a 3 and a 4 for 34 — the opponents made a 4 and a 5, once reversed would be 54. (54-34= 20 points). What keeps this one interesting is that you are really never out of it as one hole can be worth all of the points already scored in the match. If you’ve ever tried to catch and hold a rabbit, this next game is the one for you. In Rabbit, you are trying to catch the ‘rabbit’ and hold it, but to catch the ‘rabbit’ you’ll need to bring your A game. When the round begins, the first player to win a hole captures the ‘rabbit’. If two players tie for low score no one captures the ‘rabbit’. On a following hole, if someone other than the holder of the ‘rabbit’ is the low scorer, the ‘rabbit’ is set free and can be captured again on the next hole. The winner is the player who holds the ‘rabbit’ on the ninth and 18th hole. After the ninth hole, the ‘rabbit’ is set free again. In this one, sometimes no one wins because the ‘rabbit’ stays free.

If you want to focus on your short game, Snake is a great one because everything happens on the green. It’s similar to Rabbit, but this time, it’s the ‘snake’ and this one bites! Whoever three-putts first gets and keeps the ‘snake’ until someone else three-putts, then it goes to that golfer, and so on. The great thing is you decide when you get caught with the ‘snake’. You can do it based on who has the ‘snake’ when the beverage cart comes around, on 9 or 18, or any other time you decide upfront. So, next time you’re out on the course, try a side game to keep things interesting. It’s also a good way to get used to the type of pressure you might feel in tournament. Many people don’t compete seriously when they golf and then find the tournament competition pressure to cause higher tournament scores than their normal day-to-day ones. Putting yourself in similar conditions in your fun games can help you be ready to make that six-foot putt on 18 to win your club championship.

Box 1 P Kane L Draisaitl N Mackinnon J. Gaudreau S Crosby

CHI EDM COL CAL PIT

Box 5 C Atkinson P Kessel C Giroux T Hall M Scheiffele

CBJ ARZ PHI NJD WPG

Box 9 V Tarasenko M Zibanejad E Dadonov M Barzal E Lindholm

STL NYR FLA NYI CAL

Box 13 E Petterson M Domi A Debrincat J Guentzel D Larkin

VAN MON CHI PIT DET

Box 17 T Barrie K Yandle E Gustafsson T Krug J Trouba

COL FLA CHI BOS NYR

Box 2 A Matthews D. Pastrnak S Stamkos J Tavares A Ovechkin

TOR BOS TBL TOR WAS

Box 6 T Seguin M Duchesne A Panarin J Voracek G Landeskog

DAL NAS NYR PHI COL

Box 10 J Toews J Skinner B Boeser A Radulov T Teravainen

CHI BUF VAN DAL CAR

Box 14 D Brown J Thornton R Getzlaf E Staal J Williams

LAK SJS ANA MIN CAR

Box 18 Binnington Murray Rittich Bishop Kuemper

STL PIT CAL DAL ARI

Box 3 M Marner J Eichel Rantanen B Wheeler E Malkin

TOR BUF COL WPG PIT

Box 7 N Backstrom M Stone S Monahan J Benn F Forsberg

WAS VEG CAL DAL NAS

Box 11 S Coutourier J Huberdeau T Meier M Hoffman T Hertl

PHI FLA SJS FLA SJS

Box 15 B Burns M Reilly M Giordano E Karlsson V Hedman

SJS TOR CAL SJS TBL

Box 19 Markstrom Lehner Gibson Smith Mrazek

VAN CHI ANA EDM CAR

Box 4 P Bergeron B Marchand A Barkov B Point E Kuznetsov

BOS BOS FLA TBL WSH

Box 8 M Tkachuk L Couture S Aho R Oreilly P Laine

CAL SJS CBJ STL WPG

Box 12 K Palmeiri R N Hopkins R Johansen D Krejci J Pavelski

NJD EDM NAS BOS DAL

Box 16 K Letang J Carlson R Dahlin R Josi D Byfuglien

PIT WAS BUF NAS WPG

Box 20 Kincaid Saros Hutton Korpisalo Copley

NJD NAS BUF CBJ WAS

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