AHN FEB 23, 2023

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

By Hanna Petersen hpetersen@pgcitizen.ca

The founding of the Fort St. John Child Development Centre (CDC) is the story of a strong group of parents advocating for the unique needs of their children.

The CDC is now celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of helping children and their families, all while building a strong sense of community throughout the region.

The movement to bring the CDC to the Peace began in 1972 when Sherry McDonald’s infant daughter, Holly, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

As there were no services available in Fort St. John, the two had to fly to Prince George and stay in a motel so Holly could get the specialized physiotherapy services she needed from the Prince George CDC.

For McDonald, this was an exhausting time of life as she not only had to make sure Holly got the therapy she needed, but she also had three other children at home and a husband who was working in the oil patch.

Her other children were also involved in many extracurricular activities, and they had a large herd of cattle to feed.

Despite being so busy, McDonald was about to take on a major project.

The executive director of the Prince George CDC called McDonald into her office one day and asked if she would be willing to try and start a Cerebral Palsy Child Development Centre in Fort St. John.

“To say I was shocked and overwhelmed at the idea would be a gross understatement,” said McDonald, in a letter recounting the history of the CDC.

However, her husband Bill

suggested that if she decided to do it, it would benefit a large number children — so she accepted the challenge.

The first thing she did was put a call out to find parents and professionals who would be interested in such a centre in Fort St. John.

She took an ad out in the newspaper and scheduled a meeting asking Pat Phillips, the Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, to attend as a guest speaker.

“Fort St. John is a very generous community and there was a positive response to the request to start the organization and serve on the board,” she said.

McDonald served as vicepresident when the Association was incorporated in the fall of 1973 and the following year it hired its first

physiotherapist.

The name was later changed to the Child Development Centre of Fort St. John and District as it treated children with a multitude of issues.

Then in the early 1980s, the CDC acquired its own building and in 1990 an addition was added to provide more programming.

In 2008, the society undertook project “Build A Fort” to increase the building size to 20,000 square feet, and once again added more programs to meet the demand.

Most recently, the centre incorporated a nature-based playground into its outdoor space.

The CDC also has a history of receiving multiple awards for excellence, including the Premier’s award for Promoting Innovation and Excellence for Children and Youth with Special Needs, the Community Impact Award from Autism BC, and the People’s Choice award for best preschool and daycare.

“There are so many special moments that have occurred at our centre. Each day I get the pleasure of witnessing my colleagues make significant positive impacts on the lives of children and families,” said CDC executive director Tana Millner.

“Seeing a kiddo go from a wheelchair to a walker, watching the joy on a parent’s face when their son or daughter develops the necessary skills to communicate with them.

For all the

Seeing friendships form in our group programs for children that sometimes find it challenging to build relationships, all this and so much more is the reason I love my job and this centre.”

Looking back through the years, Millner says there are a few moments that make her tear up, including when Rick Hansen stopped by the centre on his Man in Motion Tour.

“He took time out of his schedule to hang out with one of our little people who had just received a new wheelchair. Rick demonstrated the fine art of ‘popping a wheelie’ and for that child you could see that his day shifted from one of uncertainty to one with possibilities.”

Karen Mason-Bennett, whose child began using services at the CDC in 2007, says the centre was a lifeline when her kids were growing up and became de facto extended family.

“I firmly believe that we would not have the child we have today — ready to graduate from high school and applying to university — without the support of the Child Development Centre,” said Mason-Bennett.

“Their family centred approach included us as parents and as people, understanding that we were also learning and adapting to our new norm, poorly equipped and desperately trying to do our best. I am forever grateful.”

Continued on A3

Tana Millner, executive director, and Paddy-Jo Gill, speech pathologist, inside one of the playrooms at the Fort St. John Child Development Centre, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.

It was all hands to turn the sod in mid-September 1982, as the Child Development Centre official got start on its new building. Equipped with hard hats and shovels were (left to right) Wayne Loewen, general contractor, Jim Rose, architect, Jim Jamison, long time board member, Dr. Moody, Mayor Brian Palmer, and Audrey Brummet. (Alaska Highway News Archives)

Biz owners object to downtown drug site plan

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Some Fort St. John business owners are speaking out against plans to open a supervised drug consumption site downtown.

Harold Goodwin says he isn’t opposed to such services being offered to those with addictions in the city, just Northern Health’s choice of location next to his telecommunications business on 100 Avenue, where it has operated for more than 35 years.

Goodwin, who neighbours the proposed site in the former H&R Block, says he’s concerned for the safety and welfare of local businesses and residents, including two day cares and an elementary school located within half a block.

“One of the highlights of our day at Deltek is to watch a train of a dozen small children in single file walking along the sidewalk in front of our business on their way to the library. It is heartwarming to live in a city where we can watch children walking downtown on main street safely,” wrote Goodwin in a recent letter to Alaska Highway News (see Letters on page A9). But, he says, “How are parents to feel when they are dropping off their little ones at day care on the same street where drug addicts are encouraged to inject drugs?”

“I would be terrified that my child may accidentally pick up a dirty needle along the street because this is truly what happens when you move a safe injection site to any location. How many parents and children as well as the day cares themselves will be affected?”

Northern Health has signed a five-year lease for the property at 10067 100th Avenue, which it plans to open before the end of this year as part of its response to the toxic opioid drug crisis in the province. The building is currently home to a warming centre, first opened in 2022 with federal and provincial funding, to give homeless and other vulnerable people a place to go on winter days to stay warm, eat, wash up, or rest. But Goodwin says the back of his property has become a hang out spot for loitering since the centre opened, and an increasing target of graffiti. Just three weeks ago, the fire department was called out to extinguish an early morning dumpster fire behind the two buildings, which could have proved devastating.

“Fortunately the fire department put it out,” he said. “When the steps have a group on them, staff are afraid to go to their vehicles.”

Goodwin fears public safety con-

cerns downtown will get worse once the drug site opens and wants Northern Health to reconsider its proposal. He says it’s at odds with the city’s downtown revitalization plan and unfair for businesses and residents paying taxes to support that vision.

“Will we be forced to move our business or close them? Who will ever consider purchasing our building? No one. What will happen to our property value?” he said. “Why would any health organization consider the needs of a few over the livelihood and safety of the people who work and visit businesses on this block?”

Last year was the third deadliest for overdoses in Northeast B.C., with 26 deaths reported by the coroners service, including 12 in the Fort St. John area. That’s up from just six fatal ODs seen in the region a decade ago in 2012, and the increase can be mostly attributed to the increasing presence of fentanyl in illegal street drugs.

But supervised consumption services aren’t new to the city. A 2016 ministerial order by the province gave health authorities a mandate to open supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites. Northern Health has been operating one on the third floor of Pioneer Square downtown, where its mental health and substance use office is located.

“But it was accessed by very few individuals,” said chief medical health officer Dr. Jong Kim, noting concerns were raised by peer workers about client privacy with other services located in the same building. “It’s the concern that the individual might be identified that created barriers, leading to the small number accessing the services.”

So the health authority began to look for a new location, first on 102 Avenue, but abandoned those plans last year when a lease couldn’t be finalized. It also launched a van to provide overdose prevention services directly on the streets near the First Nations Health Authority and Salvation Army shelter. The van has seen about 850 visits since launching in January 2022, according to Northern Health, though the van was destroyed by vandalism in October and subsequently replaced.

Dr. Kim says there is a need in Fort St. John for a more accessible, fixed location with more space to provide supports to drug users. The key idea of an overdose prevention site is to lower barriers to care, he said.

“We do have a significant toxic drug crisis in Fort St. John,” Dr. Kim said. “And what kills people in this toxic drug crisis is not only the

toxicity of the drug from contamination, another key factor is that people are using alone and without actually being connected to support and care.”

Plans for the current location on 100 Avenue facility include separate injection and inhalation rooms, medical rooms, washrooms, a laundry, and shower. Space is also being allocated for the warming centre, and Dr. Kim noted the facility’s close proximity to other community agencies, such as the Salvation Army.

“Part of that is being able to use the drug in a safe, supervised setting, but also being able to connect with the health services and social services that they need and that will keep them alive,” he said. “It is a part of our core consideration that we want to provide wraparound services, so it’s a part of the system of care and it’s a part of putting people on a pathway to health.”

Dr. Kim says Northern Health is aware of the concerns of business, and working with Urban Matters to lead consultations. Neighbouring businesses were invited to two open houses about the facility, and there will be more public engagement in the coming weeks and months, he said. He was optimistic that the facility’s health care staff, as well as support from peer organizations and other community agencies, can work to address concerns as they are raised. “For example, if there’s any concern about discarded needles and so on… then we can follow up and provide support.”

It’s planned to have the 100 Avenue facility open by winter, after the building has undergone significant renovations, the budget for which was not provided.

“Winter is usually quite significant time with toxic drug events,” said Dr. Kim. “So we want to be prepared for the next winter.”

With the ministerial order from the province, the City of Fort St. John says Northern Health can open a drug consumption site in the community without formal city approval. The provincial public safety ministry and coroners service says there was one reported death at an overdose prevention site in 2022.

“The ongoing opioid crisis in our community and throughout the province is a human tragedy that must be addressed,” Mayor Lilia Hansen said in a statement in December. “The City of Fort St. John supports and recognizes the need for wraparound harm reduction services in our community with consideration to the appropriate location and safety measures of these services.”

BCThroneSpeechreadswith nosubstanceordirection

We have also seen very few results over the last number of years with regards to other issues that are top of mind for British Columbians, including the economy, job creation and support for our vital resource sector. When I talk to people in my constituency o ce or when I travel to di erent parts of the province, people are really concerned that this government is not looking out for them. This Throne Speech was titled “We Have Your Back,” but I can tell you that many British Columbians do not feel this government has their back.

It is critical for British Columbians to know what to expect from their government as it continues into its second term. Unfortunately, after six years, the results are worsening across the board. Housing prices and rental costs are higher than they have ever been, the cost-of-living crisis continues to punish families and make life less a ordable every day, and our health care system is on the verge of collapse. There was one key sentiment displayed in this Throne Speech: how out of touch this government is with the pain and the challenges that the vast majority of British Columbians are feeling right now. The speech did not provide hope. It showed very little vision at a time when people are looking for direction.

We know that here in northeast British Columbia, we are a powerhouse region with incredible natural resources that include forestry, mining, natural gas, oil, and vast amounts of agriculture. Unfortunately, there was little mention in the speech of how our natural resources can drive our economy forward. There were a few lines on forestry and barely a note on agriculture. It is concerning how there was also no mention of the natural gas sector. The LNG Canada project is both environmentally friendly and has the capacity to be a major economic driver. There are huge opportunities that this government will not even address. The natural gas sector is a major part of my riding that keeps our community strong, and families paid. I have growing concerns and so do my constituents about this government’s priorities and lack of direction. I will keep doing my best to hold them accountable and represent the interests of Peace River North.

By Dan Davies, MLA for Peace River North

Winter fest carves up world folklore

Mythical monsters and creatures of world folklore will be on display this weekend as Fort St. John’s annual winter festival returns to Centennial Park.

Carvers spent two weeks building ice slides and carving up more than 300 blocks of ice for this year’s High On Ice, and will be finishing up with seconds to go before opening ceremonies on Friday night, Feb. 17. “They’re all 300 pounds each so we’re getting in shape,” says carver Kevin Lewis with a laugh, returning to the north this year from Vancouver Island.

“It’s a hard job but it’s very fun because at the same time we’re creating amazing sculptures and everybody comes and gets a kick out of them,” adds Britannia Beach carver Ryan Cook, also a regular festival artist making a return.

The festival returned to a normal, open event this year post-pandemic, and the Family Day weekend had it all with activities across the city: ice carv-

ing competitions, live music, horse sleigh rides, a bonspiel and comedy festival, and, new to the schedule this year, an “anything but snowshoes” race and a family tug of war.

Across the park, several ice sculptures big and small have been put up for display, including feature sculptures by Cook of a scene of dinosaurs of Tumbler Ridge, and by Lewis, the legendary sea monster the Kraken and a ship. Elsewhere, carver Dmitrii Klimenko of Saint Petersburg, Russia, worked with local artist Garry Oker of Doig River First Nation to sculpt two sculptures representing Dane-zaa stories and spiritual creatures, the Eagle and the Raven. Other carvers included Filipino artist Tony Baisas, sculpted Bakunawa, a sea dragon in Philippine mythology that swallowed the moon, and Netherlands artist Susanne Ruseler and B.C. artist David Ducharme made a sculpture of the mythical North American jackalope. “It’s a really fun event to be a part of,” says Cook. “It’s like coming to see your family of carvers, and seeing your family in Fort St. John.”

CDC talent show March 3

From the front page...

Almost as long as the CDC has been around, so has its annual talent show fundraiser.

The first one was held in 1976 and took place at the Alexander Mackenzie Inn with nearly 70 separate acts playing to an audience of 600-plus, and raising $3,300.

The talent show has since become a tradition in the community and will now be back for the first time in two years after a COVID-19 hiatus.

The funds raised at this year’s show will go towards the CDC’s “Raise The Roof” campaign, which will see a roof on the older section of the building replaced.

“As non-profit funding is always a challenge, we consistently fund raise to maintain quality programming and services,” explained Millner.

Despite being funded in part by the provincial government, Millner says the centre hasn’t received any increases to core early intervention services in

more than fifteen years.

“During this time our caseloads have tripled, creating long wait times for families, and adding stress to our staff as they try to navigate large caseloads and the pressure felt for those children waiting for service.”

She says recruitment and retention has also been a bit tricky in a rural, northern region, but that the CDC is fortunate though to have many long-term employees that are part of the community.

“I feel blessed to be part of an organization that helps children and families reach their full potential, and to be part of the community that built it,” said Millner.

While the 50th anniversary festivities kick off with the Talent Show, which takes place 6 p.m. March 3 at the North Peace Cultural Centre, celebrations will be ongoing all year long with several open houses, a summertime BBQ, and wrapping up with an anniversary gala in the fall.

Notice of Public Hearing

For More Information: Contact: Development Services 250-784-3200

Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773

Email: planning@prrd.bc.ca

View applications at: www.prrd.bc.ca

Peace River Regional District Official Page @prrdistrict

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Ice carvers Dmitry Klimenko, Ryan Cook, and Kevin Lewis get ready for a day of carving at Centennial Park on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Ceremonial burning of the mortgage belong to the Child Development Centre took place during mid-October of 1984. (Alaska Highway News Archives)

Lina Streeper sets track record to win Yellowstone Special

By Maria Glad

Lina Streeper and her team of sled dogs were the first place winners at the first big race of the season.

Team Streeper Kennels travelled to Montana a week in advance of the race, as they needed to acclimate their animals to the high mountains elevation.

The race is ran at 6,700 feet of above sea level, and coming from Fort Nelson, it’s important that the team gets a few practice runs before the event.

The three-day race took place on February 8, 9, and 10, on the western entry to the famous Yellowstone National Park.

The race included 16 teams from across North America, and with many championship teams competing, it was a show down of skills and speed.

Streeper Kennels has now extended

Hi everyone,

their undefeated winning streak to over one year, including their record-breaking Triple Crown win of 2022.

The team is now back home in Fort Nelson, as they reset for the Alaska circuit, and their attempt at the season’s most prestigious event, The Open World Championship in Anchorage, Alaska.

Buddy Streeper is the the nine-time reigning winner and is one win away from tying the record for most career championships of 10 wins.

Buddy and Lina’s daughters, Alva and Clara, will join the team for the winter Alaska circuit, as they set their sights on defending their 2022 wins at the Junior America National Championships March 1 to 3.

Fort Nelson will be hosting the season ending sled Dog race on April 1 and 2. Look for more info to be posted soon.

WONOWON4-HBEEFCLUB MonthlyReport

WONOWON 4-H CLUB REPORT

Hey, I hope that everyone had a great Valentines day!

I hope the start of a new 4-H year is going well for you !

Awards night was January 26th, 2023 and it went great. We got to visit with people that we haven’t seen in a long time and the dance was awesome, I had a lot of fun and I hope all the other Clubs did too. It was great to see everyone that was there. We also did fun games and we had a photo booth there as well. We did musical chairs and that was a lot of fun, all the Club members from each Club joined in for that. A huge thank you to everyone that made Awards night possible.

Shipping and picking out our new 4-H animals: We shipped Oct 3,4 and 5th, it went great. Picking out my steer was a bit challenging for me this year, there was so many good steers, as there always is. I really liked a calf ever since it was born but it has longer legs then I would have wanted, his tail is really short and he is really big. So I was thinking that I would pick a different steer, but even though there is three things wrong with him, I still really liked his build.

Sense a lot of us have been very busy with calving, Sara and I haven’t been able to do much with our 4-H animals. But we do spend as much time with them as we can, we have been petting them on their head and neck little bit every morning and night. They are really growing, and they are also getting pretty quite.

Everyone’s steers are growing great, I am very proud of our younger members and how well they are doing with their projects. They are even leading their animals around some. So keep up the great work and remember to have fun.

I ended up picking him anyway, he is a dark red curly calf with not much white. Sara picked out a steer that day as well, it was a brown long bodied steer. She also wanted to wait and see one of the calves that was still out on the range at the time, to compare it with the long, brown steer. So she waited until it came in then she compared the two of them, she liked the red steer better. So she too now has a big dark red panda eyed steer. Picking out our 4-H heifers went great, Sara has picked her heifer off her own cow, like she has done for the last 3 years in a row. I sold one of my cows and decided to give Mom and Dad the money I got from it, in trade for one of their heifers and guess what that is my new 4-H heifer.

Weighing the 4-H animals: I am not sure yet when we are weighing them but I think that Sara & I will soon see how big our 4-H animals are. I would also like to welcome our new members in the Wonowon 4-H Club too.

We had our Club Communications and Club meeting Feb 12, 2023 Club Communications went good, everyone did very well with their presentations. Ryder did very well with his speech. Everyone did very well with their educational displays, they were interesting and really well done. We talked about what we are doing for our barn decorations for at Achievement Days, District Communications March 3, 2023, and we also talked about Judging Rally.

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Grace Trask Wonowon 4-H Club Reporter

A Special Thank You to CO-OP For Sponsoring This Page Grace Trask Wonowon Club Reporter

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We salute the dedicated kids of 4-H. Keep up the great work!

Sara’s Heifer

Rowdy, Joelle and Sara with their Educational Displays

Rowdy and Ryder with their steers

BUDDY STREEPER PHOTO

Lina Streeper at the Yellowstone Special.

Active transpo grants awarded

Both Fort St. John and Taylor are sharing in provincial grants for active transportation.

The ministry of transportation and infrastructure says 59 projects and 15 plans across the province are sharing in $20 million of funding budgeted for the latest intake of the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program.

Locally, grants are being provided for lighting improvements along the multi-use trails in Surerus Park in Fort St. John. And in Taylor,

grants are being given to complete the paved loop around Lone Wolf golf course, which the ministry says will include “better trail access, new bike parking facilities and improved wayfinding.”

The infrastructure program offers communities cost-sharing grants up to $500,000 for the cost of an active transportation project, according to the province. Chetwynd is also receiving funding for a new sidewalk on Nicholson Road.

LADIES BONSPIEL WINNERS — It was a great weekend for curling Feb. 10 and 11 as the annual Fort St. John Ladies Bonspiel took to the ice at the Curling Club. Thirteen teams took part in the two day event, with Team Deanne Busche winning the A event. Team Kristin Bayet won the B event, and Team Pam Murray won the C event.

Elk skates to personal bests at Western Elite Circuit

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John speed skater

Connor Mason-Bennett had a great set of races on the Olympic Oval in Calgary last weekend.

Mason-Bennett represented the Fort St. John Elks club at the second Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit held Feb. 11 and 12, his first time competing in the series.

Mason-Bennett set a personal best in all of his

Grandma and granddaughter duo teaming up to support Peace Villa

The Peace Lutheran Care Home is where Brenda’s career as a nurse started in 1988. From there, she relocated to the old hospital to work on the medical-surgical floor, and from there she moved to pediatrics and maternity. In 2010, she transitioned to the respiratory department where she has worked ever since. Born and raised in Fort St. John, and after 35 years of service to our community, Brenda will retire this year.

Having Brenda as an Oma inspired Payton. One beautiful December weekend, Payton Webster, an 11-year-old Grade 6 student, came up to her grandmother, Brenda, who she fondly calls Oma, and told her that she wanted to cut her hair and donate it to the BC Children’s Wig Program.

Brenda was excited and supported the idea, as well as

committed to having her head shaved. Together they decided to raise funds in support of the Peace Villa Residential Facility through the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation.

“We want to give back to Peace Villa because that is where I started my career. We want to recognize their healthcare team and continue to advocate for seniors’ health,” Brenda said. She added, “We want to share. After all, every little bit helps.”

On Friday, March 31, at 2 p.m. at the Fort St. John Hospital lobby, Brenda will have her head shaved, and Payton will have her hair cut short.

Help Brenda and Payton raise funds for the Peace Villa Residential Facility by donating online, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/brenda, or call the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation at 250-261-7563.

ree out of four homeowners mortgaged

By Claire Wilson

New mortgage data is offering a snapshot of where B.C. homeowners are getting their first foot into home ownership and how recent interest rate hikes are weighing down younger people more than others.

“It just tells you that these very, very substantial interest rate increases disproportionately affect the people who are struggling the most to begin with,” said Andrey Pavlov, a professor of finance at Simon Fraser University.

Cities on the periphery of large census metropolitan areas, who have a higher percentage of younger and new homeowners, have higher numbers of mortgage holders, according to Statistics Canada census data provided to Glacier Media by Andy Yan, director of Simon Fraser University’s City Program.

“This is reflective of particular demographic trends,

but then also of particular financial trends, especially when it comes to interest rates,” Yan said.

Throughout the province, 58% of homeowners have a mortgage versus the 42% of homeowners who are mortgage-free.

The three communities in B.C. with the highest percentages of mortgage holders are Fort St. John, the City of Langley, and Surrey.

Fort St. John has by far the highest proportion of mortgages, with 76% of homeowners being mortgage holders. Twenty-four per cent do not.

In comparison, only 44% of West Vancouver homeowners have a mortgage, the lowest percentage in the province. The regional district of Powell River is second with 46% and Sechelt is third with 47%.

In Dawson Creek, 67% of homeowners have a mortgage compared to the 33% who are mortgage-free.

The distribution across the data is “striking,” said Pavlov.

“It really shows the impact on younger people, and in a way lower-income people, because those are the people, through no fault of their own, they are now impacted more from interest rates than the average person,” he said.

To compare, in the City of Surrey, where 68% of homeowners have a mortgage, there are 81835 people between the ages of 30 and 39, according to Statistics Canada. In West Vancouver, there are only 3,335 people within that age group. In Fort St. John, 4,065 people fall within that age group, or about 19% of the population.

“It ties into historic patterns of getting on the housing ladder. That if you’re young, if you’re a young household trying to step into housing ownership, that you buy in the municipalities outside of central cities,” Yan said.

— Glacier Business Wire

distances: 0:50.030 in the 500-metre; 1:21.174 in the 777-metre; 1:43.90 in the 1000-metre; and an impressive 10-second reduction in his 1500-metre with a time of 2:38.714.

The short track circuit, sanctioned by the International Skating Union and Speed Skating Canada, is described as a fun racing atmosphere focused on developing young speed skaters, and introducing them to highperformance competition.

Health foundations gave $500,000 in 2021-22

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

When it comes to supporting local health care needs in northern B.C., hospital foundations and auxiliaries across the northeast gave more than one-fifth of the total contributions to Northern Health last year.

In a news release, the health authority reported more than $2.2 million was received by groups across the north in the 2021-22 fiscal year.

That monetary support, and all the volunteer support notwithstanding, goes toward improving a range of services, equipment, and other emergent needs at local health facilities across the region.

“I am always amazed at the amount of work the foundations and auxiliaries do on behalf of the people of northern BC,” Colleen Nyce, chair of the NHA board, said in a statement. “The Northern Health board is humbled by their generosity and contributions towards improving health care for the people who live in the North.”

Of the contributions,

$500,807 came from organizations supporting the health care system in the northeast:

- Fort St. John Hospital Foundation - $282,754

- Chetwynd Hospital Foundation - $97,008

- Dawson Creek Hospital Foundation - $64,316

- Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary - $51,569

- Tumbler Ridge Health Centre Foundation - $5,160

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation was the third highest contributing charity to Northern Health, behind the Spirit of the North Health Care Foundation, which provided $609,776 for the University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George, and the Bulkley Valley Health Care and Hospital Foundation, which contributed $472,273 to help meet its regional needs.

“I am impressed by the commitment and dedication of the northern foundations and auxiliaries,” said retiring president and CEO, Cathy Ulrich. “We are very grateful for the financial and volunteer contributions made each year towards enhancing health care across the North.”

More than 12% of Fort St. John kids living in poverty

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

There were 1,080 children in Fort St. John living in poverty in 2020, according to a new report released last week.

The annual B.C. child poverty report card from the First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society shows the 2020 child poverty rate in B.C. was 13.3%, a decrease from 18% in 2019 and the largest one-year drop since 2000.

The society credited federal and provincial benefits during the Covid-19 pandemic for the decrease.

“This year, the data tells us that a variety of short-term pandemic benefits, one-time financial benefits, and changes to the Canada Child Benefit, dramatically reduced the

number of poor families,” the report said.

“As life was greatly disrupted for families with children in 2020, government can be credited with nimble action to ensure low and middle-income families avoided financial ruin and deep poverty in the first year of the pandemic.”

But one in eight B.C. children were still living in poverty, and the report says the overall statistics hide the fact that some B.C. kids are at greater risk than others.

Overall, the Peace River region had a child poverty rate of 14.2% in 2020, with the society reporting 430 kids living in poverty in Dawson Creek, or 15%. In Fort Nelson, the rate was 16.5% — with CP files

PAUL SHOEBRIDGE PHOTO

Connor Mason-Bennett at the Western Elite Circuit 2 in Calgary.

SUPPLIED

Brenda Baumeister and Payton Webster.

Every carving a story

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Johny Harder made his first wood carving when he was around 13 years old.

The craft was his grandfather’s, a school teacher who Harder says made a little bird for each of his students at Christmas time.

His grandpa had carved one for his mother too, but when he was a young boy moving with his family from Saskatchewan to Alberta, the bird broke.

“She said make me a bird, diamond willow, green,” Harder recalls. “And I cut my knee, I cut my pants, I cut my fingers… Finally, I got one made and she sent it to Guatemala to her sister.”

“Make a next one,” he recalls his mother saying to him. “Then that went to Saskatoon and the next sister... make a next one.”

Harder started carving more and more birds and later quit as he grew up, got married, started farming, had a family. It wasn’t until about 40 years ago that he says he picked up the hobby again while on compensation from a mining accident.

“I didn’t just want to sit and do nothing and so I started carving again,” says Harder, who turns 80 later this year.

Harder estimates he’s made at least 200 pieces over

the course of his life.

And each carving has a story, from those little birds to his replica model Red River carts and sculptures based on biblical hymns and scripture. Even a seven-foot statue of the prophet Moses he carved outside a home he built for himself in Jamaica after suffering a heart attack.

“I died one time,” he says.

Harder has also honed a magnificent skill building model log cabins inside glass bottles of all shapes and sizes.

If one looks closely, some of them are fully furnished with tables and chairs and even curtains.

“Some days, I feel very humble and I crawl in there with a little tool,” says Harder. His work is intricate and peaceful, and time consuming, often taking up to three weeks to build a little cabin inside a big bottle.

“First I measure, then build a house and take it apart piece by piece, and drop it in,” Harder says. “I have a drink-

ing straw, I suck some glue and I put a little bit in and then I wait about an hour or two until it’s set, and then do the next round and the next round until I get to the top.”

Harder says he has worked with his hands all his life, up until he was 74. He moved to Fort St. John from the High Level and La Crete areas when he was 65 to help on his son’s farm.

Harder recalls leaving school around the age of 13 with little more than an ele -

Seniors club elects a new executive

By Ruby McBeth

Saturday, Feb. 11 was a lovely day so Lorne and I decided to drive out to Hudson’s Hope. I had not driven that route lately and figured that more of the highway would be open on new road. And I was right. Not only were the road and bridge open at Bear Flat (apparently that opened on Dec. 1), but also the Lynx Creek bridge and the stretch before that, which raised the road away from the river. Fortunately, we managed to avoid the five deer that crossed the road and the two friendly dogs that thought the road belonged to them.

SENIORS CLUB AGM

The Seniors Club AGM was held Feb. 16, which included elections. Wendy Clayson, Deb Vandal, and Bob Trobak continue in their positions. Jim VandeWark retired as vice-president after many years of faithful service – fixing anything that didn’t work around the place! John VanDyken has agreed to take on the job of vice-president and is

already seen helping out.

The directors are as follows: Yvon King, Dean May, Richard Compart, Marilyn Maple, and Connie Chretien. The first bingo of the year was a great success with 95 people attending. The Seniors Club is grateful the City has covered 95% of the city portion of the taxes.

ORPHAN SITES

I know there are retired farmers out there with orphan wells on their land. They may be interested to know that the BC Oil and Gas Commission is putting on an orphan wells information session on Wednesday, March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre.

mentary school education, finding a job digging waters wells for farmers and anybody else who wanted. Sometimes he dug two wells a week.

“Twenty-five feet deep was twenty-five dollars. A dollar a foot I got,” he says.

Throughout his life, Harder says he also worked construction, helping build the hospital in High Level where he made his home, and worked a dairy farm, line milking — “Seven days a week, seven o’clock in the morning to seven in the evening. No Christmas, no holidays, just milk.”

He even taught his artful carving skills to a high school class in Edmonton after impressing school administrators.

“The principal phoned me, he said, you have to come to teach. I said, no, I only got Grade 2 education. He said, you’re only one that’s qualified,” Harder recalls.

“I thought my qualifications was to shovel, to wheelbarrow, and pick-axe… but I did teach.”

And, it turns out, qualified with a beautiful collection of life works, many of them now in the hands of his friends and family.

“Most of them were this price,” Harder says, making a zero sign with his hands. “I make them all, but they’re not all mine now.”

CELL PHONE CHALLENGES

Recently, my cell phone flashlight went on. I don’t know how this happened but I did not know how to shut it off. Lorne and I were going to the Pomeroy Sports Centre to walk. When we got there and were changing from boots to shoes, I asked a fellow who came in if he knew how to shut the flashlight off. He didn’t but a couple of ladies gave it a try. Finally, one of them figured it out.

There was a drop-down menu which included an icon for a flashlight. Hit on that and bingo, the light went off. Apparently, you can turn the light on even if you haven’t accessed your phone. You learn something new every day!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty… Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” — Franz Kafka

Ruby McBeth lives and writes in Fort St. John

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Johny Harder with a collection of his carvings. From digging wells, milking cows, to making cabins in a bottle, Harder has worked with his hands all his life.

Harder with one of the many intricate model log cabins he has built inside a glass bottle.

A selection of works by Johny Harder

RUBY MCBETH PHOTO

The new executive at the seniors club. Back left to right: Yvon King, DeDean May, Marilyn Maple, and Connie Chretien. Front left to right: Wendy Clayson, John Van Dyken, Deb Vandal, and Bob Trobak. Missing is Richard Compart.

It’saBoy!

ISAIAH COLE KLASSEN

Parents: Ernie&JudithKlassen

Weight: 7lbs9oz

Length: 19.75inches

Time: 12:23am

Date: February4,2023

Hometown: Buick,BC

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement to : The Alaska Highway News, 9916-98 St • Fort St. John • V1J 3T8 or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

It’saBoy!

NIXON REID

Parents: Ron&Maryann

Weight: 8lbs6oz

Length: 22inches

Time: 5:56pm

Date: January31,2023

Hometown: FortSt.John,BC

CELEBRATEBABIES

BIRTH Ph:250.261.7563

BABY BOUQUET WALL

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

Honouring Paul Leriger

By Paul van Nostrand FSJ Senior Flyers Hockey Club

On August 26, 2018, we lost a great Flyer when Paul Leriger succumbed to his battle with MSA, a rare disorder affecting his central nervous system.

Paul was born in Leicester, England. At a young age, Paul’s family found their way to Wanham, Alberta, a small farming community about 2.5 hours east of Fort St. John.

There wasn’t much for organized minor hockey in those days and Paul honed his skills on frozen ponds in the area. He played midget hockey in Spirit River, Alberta and a couple of seasons with the Rangers, as a teenager.

As the story goes, in the fall of 1965, Paul announced to his family that he wanted to tryout with the Fort St. John Flyers. His Mom was in tears at the thought of her oldest son leaving home. However, his Dad was quick to chime in that there was no need for her to carry on crying as her boy would be back home in a week or two!! Paul of course made the team and so began a new life in Fort St. John and a

32-year career with the Flyers!

Paul played 13 seasons with the Flyers from 1965-1978. During that period, he was instrumental in helping the Flyers win an un-paralleled 10 South Peace Hockey League championships and 6 All Peace championships.

When his playing days came to an end, Paul then continued to be heavily involved with the Flyers as an Assistant Coach, Head Coach, General Manager, Director, and President until his retirement from the Club in 1997.

Paul also found time to coach Andrew all through his minor hockey years, and he routinely chased Lesley and Jennifer around to their varied athletic pursuits.

And to top that all off, Paul was a member of the Fort St. John Fire Department for 30 years, achieving the rank of Captain.

The Flyers are very proud to retire Paul’s #16 and present Judy and her family with a framed sweater in honour of his over 30 years of service to our Club. As well, this sign will be hung in the Flyers dressing room alongside our other Flyers greats.

ARIES  MAR 21/APR 20

Opportunity awaits you, Aries. You just need to know where to look to get the best deal. Start chasing after your heart’s desire because you could just get it this week.

TAURUS  APR 21/MAY 21

A nancial windfall could be just over the horizon, Taurus. Stay the course over the next several days and wait and see what falls into your lap. You may be very surprised.

GEMINI  MAY 22/JUN 21

People in your life want the best for you, Gemini. Accept their support and good wishes and use each as a guiding light when challenges arise.

CANCER  JUN 22/JUL 22

The stars are all but shouting that you need some self-care right now, Cancer. Put aside all of the tasks you think you need to do and turn attention to tending to your own needs.

LEO  JUL 23/AUG 23

Leo, your love interest seems like he or she is keeping something from you, but avoid drawing any conclusions. A surprise may be in store for you.

VIRGO  AUG 24/SEPT 22

Virgo, take it slow may be the advice that is coming your way, but that might be hard right now. Your time is in demand and many people are seeking your expertise. Take a breath.

LIBRA  SEPT 23/OCT 23

You don’t have to travel too far to nd happiness this week, Libra. It’s in all the small things around you. No extraordinary gestures are needed to make you smile.

SCORPIO  OCT 24/NOV 22

Scorpio, a potential love match could be on the horizon. Approach this with caution, but don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and dreams with someone special.

SAGITTARIUS  NOV 23/DEC 21

Be careful when sharing your deepest desires and secrets, Sagittarius. There are many people you can trust, so make an e ort to identify them before opening up.

CAPRICORN  DEC 22/JAN 20

Capricorn, your dreams can take you far, but smarts and action need to factor into the equation as well. Start eshing out your plan and get moving.

AQUARIUS  JAN 21/FEB 18

Your friends can be a great help when you need some relationship advice this week, Aquarius. Seek their input and factor it into any decision you make.

PISCES  FEB 19/MAR 20

Pisces, if a friend or family member causes drama for you, don’t let it get in your way. O er to help but be ready for this person to seek

their own path.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY 19 Millie Bobby Brown, Actress (19)

FEBRUARY 20 Rihanna, Singer (35)

FEBRUARY 21 Sophie Turner, Actress (27)

FEBRUARY 22 Rajon Rondo, Athlete (37)

FEBRUARY 23 Dakota Fanning, Actress (29)

FEBRUARY 24 O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Actor (32)

PHOTOS COURTESY STREET LEGAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Puck drop at Paul Leriger Night, January, 14, 2023, before a North Peace Hockey League game between the Fort St. John Senior Flyers and the Spirit River Rangers.

Asking the lord for a eece

By John Grady

So often when we think that God is trying to get our attention or wants us to do something we are either uncertain, fearful and/or not comfortable, we then often just back off and sadly after a while the matter gets lost, and normality returns. The reality is we are comfortable with facts as we see and understand them, and we address those facts in a carnal systematic process that we understand and are accustomed to.

Letters: Supervised drug site ill considered

Re: ‘New location for supervised drug site’ (Alaska Highway News, Dec. 8)

I am shocked that the ministry would choose this location for a safe injection site before speaking with the people and the businesses that will be gravely affected by this move. I was only made aware after the Alaska Highway News published their article.

I am concerned for the safety and welfare of the people and businesses who will be gravely affected by placing this site on our street. There are two day cares and an elementary school located within a half a block of this proposed site. One of the highlights of our day at Deltek is to watch a train of a dozen small children in single file walking along the sidewalk in front of our business on their way to the library. It is heartwarming to live in a city where we can watch children walking downtown on main street safely.

How are parents to feel when they are dropping off their little ones at day care on the same street where drug addicts are encouraged to inject drugs? I would be terrified that my child may accidentally pick up a

dirty needle along the street because this is truly what happens when you move a safe injection site to any location. How many parents and children as well as the day cares themselves will be affected?

Was there any consideration to the negative affects to other commercial property and businesses along this street? How are we to keep our staff and our clients safe? Will we be forced to move our business or close them? Who will ever consider purchasing our building? No one. What will happen to our property value?

Why would any health organization consider the needs of a few over the livelihood and safety of the people who work and visit businesses on this block?

We are not opposing the safe injection service just the choice of location. The city is spending millions of dollars for downtown beautification. This conflicts with the vision of our city and every taxpayer paying for that.

I can only hope that the Northern Health will reconsider this move. This is so unfair for our people and our clients as well as every other business along this street.

Harold Goodwin, Fort St. John

BIZ CONCERNS ECHO

I am a business/property owner in Fort St. John. More specifically, directly across the alley from the proposed site for safe injections. Currently the back door of Friendly Pets is used by the public to drop off pets to be groomed. I just underwent an extensive renovation to my building making the upstairs accessible for business use with the main access being from the alley.

I enquired about the policies that Northern Health was putting in place regarding what happens after the safe injection takes place. The answer that I received was that the injector would be monitored for 15 to 20 minutes, then released. There is no follow up in place to ensure that he/she makes it to a safe space or concern about whether they would remain in public spaces while under the influence of drugs. I was told that the police are in place to deal with any of those types of concerns. As it is illegal to be intoxicated or under the influence in a public place, Northern Health is turning a blind eye to their patrons breaking the law as soon as they step outside their building.

The city has just spend

A look into the past

20 YEARS AGO – February 17, 2003

Fort St. John native, Michelle Kelly, now of Grande Prairie, won a world skeleton title along with Jeff Pain of Calgary after the competition was limited to three heats due to heavy snow. Kelly, who also won the World Cup title this season and led by 1.05 seconds after Saturday’s heats, had a time of 57.73 on her final run for a three-heat time of 2:50:63. Russia’s Ekatrina Mironova was second in the women’s event, 1.31 seconds back, and American Tristan Gale was third in 2:52:10.

30 YEARS AGO – February 15, 1993

Finola Finlay, principal of the Fort St. John college campus is recognized for her efforts and awarded the Chancellor’s Award for distinguished service outside of the university. They say those who “drink the waters of the Peace” never leave. Finlay found that out while excavating around Fort St. John, where the student’s doctoral research on the fur trade established the northeastern town as the oldest Euro-Canadian settlement in B.C. Finlay, who came from Ireland to study, never left. Instead, settling on the shores of Charlie Lake, she became involved in solving one of the North’s toughest education problems – finding teachers.

millions of dollars on the “Revitalization of the Downtown Core” project. This site is proposed for a building within the scope of that project. How is this congruent with the vision of this project? Why did the city purchase the Condill Hotel building? I thought that it was to aid in the clean-up of the downtown core. But now the proposed site of the safe injection site is within this same downtown core.

Tolerance of the Warming Centre by the neighbouring businesses should not be mistaken for “some acceptance from surrounding businesses” as the brochure from Northern Health states regarding this matter. We all had sympathy for the homeless when it was -40 outside. That does not mean that we want to see this open all year round, and a safe injection site added.

This project is basically collecting all of the homeless and addicts from all over the city and pulling them into one central location - which I agree is a good thing, but not within the downtown core, and not right outside of existing businesses. I am opposed to the proposed location of the safe injection site.

Tina Almond, Fort St. John

50 YEARS AGO – February 16, 1973

Fort St. John’s Mayor Peter Frankiw laid it bluntly on the line. “I am not anxious to manage a ghost town, much less live in one, and I am sure that neither would you.” The Mayor put that thought in a letter to the B.C’s Premier David Barrett last week because of his concern for the economic future of the district, and particularly, Fort St. John as a result of the NDP government’s announced intent to tax crude oil royalties at an accelerated rate.

For many it is hard to believe that the God of the universe would somehow and in some way try and get our attention. If He did try, we can wonder how He would do it. Would it be a loud voice, a soft gentle voice, a nudge, a whisper reading something in the bible, maybe an unusual event that cannot be explained, somehow drawing our attention to Him when we don’t expect it, a person sharing something that only God and the person would know?

One of the great encouraging events in the bible is the story of God’s relationship with Gideon. The Lord chose Gideon who came from a weak family and Gideon acknowledged that he was the weakest of his family and was tasked by the Lord to save Israel out of the control of the Midianite’s hands. Gideon was first asked to break down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it., Gideon like many of us was unsure if it really was the Lord so he asked the Lord for a sign that this request was in fact from Him. It was the Lord who confirmed that indeed it was Him and Gideon accomplished his first task. His confidence grew but before he attacked the Midianites Gideon asked the Lord for another sign which was to take a wool fleece on the threshing floor and in the morning if there was dew on the fleece and the ground underneath it was dry, he would know. The Lord agreed so in the morning the fleece was soaking wet and the ground underneath it was dry. Gideon made one more request for another sign which was to have the fleece dry, and the ground covered with dew which took place. Gideon’s confidence grew and eventually the Israelites attacked the Midianites and seized back their land.

As we see the Lord was very patient with Gideon and confirmed His reality and the task He had given Gideon. What about us? The Lord knows our hearts and knows the difference between a sincere and desperate sign and someone who is trying to manipulate and test God for their own self-satisfaction and not an ounce of sincerity. Before I became a Born again Christian, I also asked the Lord for a sign which He gave me in His own timing and His own way. The Lord is so faithful, loving, and real that He not only puts up with us but honors our deep questions and concerns. Truly He is faithful.

John Grady lives and writes in Fort St. John.

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Adventure begins

Second in a six-part series

By Evan Saugstad

Last week, I wrote about why I chose to hunt mountain sheep with Scoop Lake Outfitters in the Kechika Mountain ranges of northern B.C. I also referenced a successful 2020 mountain sheep hunt on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This time, my sheep hunt was to be different. I was searching for a ram with a distinction, one that was much older, or larger, or uniquely different from what I already had, and was willing to pass on legal rams and come home without one, if that was the way things turned out.

I also learned from my last five-part series about my sheep hunt in Alaska Highway News that many B.C. residents are extremely interested in knowing the locations where rams hang out, as sheep tend to frequent the same habitats year over year. When one makes those locations public, the following years can result in an inundation by hunters. With that in mind, this time around, there will be little information on the size, number and type of rams observed, no real location names given, and more about the adventure and why I think hunts of this nature are one of B.C.’s hidden gems.

Good hunters, with hard work and perseverance, will eventually find their quarry, and it’s the search that makes most hunts rewarding and meaningful. A mountain sheep hunt should be much more than just pulling the trigger and watching an animal become yours. A hunter who doesn’t appreciate the place, the rugged beauty and remoteness of the mountains, and feel some sort of hurt and pain in the process, is a hunter who missed the best parts of being there.

After a short flight from Watson Lake on Sept. 29, I arrived at the Scoop Lake landing strip with one other hunter to begin my 12 day hunt. We were some of the last hunters of the season, and if I stayed until the end, I would be the last one in camp, the last hunter in the mountains.

The weather was exceptional, warm, and very dry. Black flies still abounded, and the forecast was for more of the same. Except for the flies, it was literally T-shirt weather. I was also going to begin my hunt at a high elevation lake, which would freeze up with the first cold weather. The plan was that I would have to ride for most of two days to get back to Scoop Lake at hunt’s end.

I knew from my earlier years when I too was a big game guide, that today’s plan was just that, today’s plan. Tomorrow’s events could and would change those plans. This trip started with no exceptions. The hunter I was replacing was due to come out on this day, on the same plane as I went in on, but a last-minute billy goat the afternoon before changed all that and I was delayed until the following morning.

A short flight in a floatequipped Super Cub to Wiser’s Lake and I was in sheep country. Gone were

the previous hunter and his guide, and I was now with my guide, Nick Fabish, a 30-something from New Zealand and Richard Craig, a 20-something southern Albertan as wrangler and guide’s helper, along with eight horses. It was Richard’s first year working at Scoop and Nick’s third, but first in two years, as he had to stay home during the COVID mess. After a non-scheduled aircraft flight comes the mandatory six-hour wait and no hunting period.

Since I was first a biggame guide at Yukon’s Kluane Lake in 1982, some things have changed, the main one being satellite communications and horses with GPS units that show their location on the receivers. In less modern times, one was dropped off and unless you were at a place where the plane could land, there were no communications. Today, each guide and wrangler carry satellite-linked receivers/ GPS where texts can be sent and received.

A quick check of the forecast showed continuing warm and dry weather, so we decided to pack some food and two tents, take the horses and head for a distance to Spike Camp and stay four or five days, hunting an area that had less pressure during the earlier part of the season, as it’s more inaccessible to most hunters.

As we waited our six hours, we readied for the next day’s departure, and after that, it was a short hike to a nearby lookout to glass for rams. Nothing legal, though one legal bull moose and one grizzly bear, on a slow march, heading straight for camp. It was a hurried retreat, and we beat the bear by minutes, and with a few bellows and hollers, deterred it from entering camp.

After a good sleep in the hunter’s cabin, we were up at 6, had coffee at 6:30 and breakfast at 7 (this became the norm), then saddled three, packed four, and with one horse spare, headed out with a plentiful supply of alfalfa cubes and crushed oats, as horse feed at ele -

vation would be in short supply.

Ride, stop, glass, walk, ride some more, and repeat; up, over, and down the hills, through brush and timber, but with the dry weather, mud almost absent, and so we went for a few hours until, just before our destination, those words: “Rams.” Two were spotted on a distant mountain, travelling fast and disappearing behind a hill, yet nothing seemed to be chasing them.

With no confirmation on whether one was legal or not, off Nick and I went while Richard continued with the pack horses to unpack and set up our tent camp.

After an hour’s ride in light rain showers, which

turned out to be the only day we truly needed to put on rain gear for rain (used mainly for cutting the wind), we finally spotted the rams. Alas, not legal this time, but it was a good start and there was no need to check this mountain again tomorrow.

It was another hour’s ride back and we arrived at Knob Creek Camp at 6 p.m., shortly before dark, and ready for the first of many dehydrated and quickly prepared meals. I hit the bed at 8 to rest my tired and horsestretched knees.

Next week, Part 3, on guides and guiding.

Dear Miss Patti, Our family is from another country, and we speak a language other than English at home. We were wondering if we should be speaking English with our child at home to give them more practice.

—To Speak or Not to Speak?

Dear To Speak or Not to Speak, Speaking from my own background, I personally say hold on to your language and culture! My parents were immigrants from Europe and spoke German and Polish in our home. When I started school, my mom stopped speaking German to me and I completely lost it. I could understand my mom when she spoke but I couldn’t speak back. When relatives visited, I couldn’t understand them. In university, in the hopes of learning German again, I took a course and had to drop out. I found it way too hard for my adult brain to comprehend at that point. (FYI: Many people DO learn languages later in life, it’s just my busy brain couldn’t.) We lost our language and a bit of our culture. Now that my mom and dad have passed, it also means I can’t just pick up the phone and continue the communication with their relatives overseas.

It’s a myth that retaining your home language at home will be a disadvantage to your child when learning English. It’s actually the opposite. All language learned is the foundation for future language and literacy skills, it doesn’t matter which language. Children learn the grammar and the rules of their home language, which makes it easier to learn a new language because they already have a basic grasp of how language works. Also, if English is not natural to you, then you might be unintentionally teaching mispronunciations or bad habits that are harder to break.

Children immersed in a program where other children are speaking English can help. Attending Strong Start with your child or enrolling them in a preschool setting can be beneficial for both you and your children. Some families may want to turn to screens to help children learn English, but this lacks the back and forth interaction of natural communication. Children exposed to this kind of screen learning tend to sound scripted and struggle with reading social cues. They might have a difficult time when educators or other adults stray from the script, such as reading a book differently or asking comprehensive questions as they go along.

It can be deceiving sometimes since children who learn English through a screen know their alphabet and numbers and some can even read by the age of 4, but ask them what they ate for breakfast and they stare at you blankly. As with anything else, screens should be used as a teaching tool in moderation, supplemented with real life communication with others.

We want children to be proud of their culture and their history, this includes their language! As educators we can help bridge this gap by learning key words in the child’s language and practicing them with everyone. We can write out these new words, add pictures and the English word so that diversity is encouraged. This gives the child a sense of belonging and they will feel welcomed and embrace their culture rather than shy away or hide it. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from each other!

—Miss Patti

Evan Saugstad lives and writes in Fort St. John

EVAN SAUGSTAD PHOTO

Kechika River Valley.

EVAN SAUGSTAD PHOTO

Taking a break on the way to Spike Camp, glassing for sheep.

EVAN SAUGSTAD PHOTO

Bullmoose spotted last day of season.

EVAN SAUGSTAD PHOTO

Rain shower coming.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Police were called to this home in the Sunrise Valley Mobile Home Park in Prince George early Tuesday morning, Feb. 14, where a murdered woman was found inside.

City woman charged in PG murder

By Ted Clarke

Prince George RCMP have arrested and charged a 23-year-old woman in connection to a homicide last Tuesday in a residential city neighbourhood.

Danika Rose Payou, of Fort St. John and now living in Prince George, faces a charge of second-degree murder after a woman was found dead at a home at the Sunrise Valley Mobile Home Park in the 3700 block of Lansdowne Road.

Police were called to the scene after a disturbance was reported shortly after midnight on Tuesday and were looking for two women who a witness said left the scene at about 12:30 a.m.

“Through the course of the investigation, the Prince George RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit has identified and arrested one of the women involved in the homicide and

are continuing the search for the other female involved,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Second-degree murder implies that act was committed on impulse. To convict a person of first-degree murder, Crown must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the act planned and deliberate.

The sentence for seconddegree murder is life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 10 to 25 years, as determined by a judge.

Cooper said the investigation continues and police believe there are other suspects connected to the murder.

Payou has a criminal record for offences committed in Prince George and Fort St. John, according to court records. They include convictions for assaulting a peace officer and assault with a weapons.

Court Docket, Feb. 6 to 10

• Jake Robert Bonko (born 1998) was fined $1500 and ordered to pay a $150 victim surcharge for driving while disqualified under the Criminal Code in Fort St. John in July 2022.

• Tyler Wayne Doherty (born 1991) was sentenced to time served and given a three year criminal driving prohibition for driving while disqualified under the Criminal Code in Fort St. John in February 2022. Doherty was sentenced to time served for assault, also committed in Fort St. John in February 2022.

• Vincent Casey Calahaison (born 1965) was given a suspended sentence of 18 months probation for mischief $5000 or under committed in Dawson Creek in May 2022.

all committed in Fort ST. John in May 2021. Chipesia was given a suspended sentence of 12 months probation, ordered to submit a DNA sample, and ordered to pay a $100 victim surcharge for assault committed in Fort St. John in December 2021.

• Alan James Joseph Renouf (born 1980) was given an eight-month conditional sentence with 12 months probation, and 18 month criminal driving prohibition, and ordered to pay a $100 victim surcharge for dangerous driving in Dawson Creek in May 2021.

• Terrence Jamie Gibson (born 1977) was given a sixmonth $500 recognizance after allegation of causing fear of injury or damage to property in Fort St. John in June 2021.

In addition to the murder count, Payou also faces counts of two counts each of assault with a weapon and breaching probation and one count each of assault, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose from an alleged January 21 incident in Prince George and was released from custody following a bail hearing on January 27. Payou remained in custody on the murder charge as of Thursday with a bail hearing scheduled for March 20.

It is the second homicide of the year in Prince George. On Friday, RCMP said the death of a woman found in a 500-block 17th Avenue home on February 4 is also a homicide investigation. Names of the victims in both cases have not been released.

- Prince George Citizen with files from Mark Nielsen

Stolen guns recovered after break and enter

A Fort St. John man is facing a number of charges after a break-in and theft at a home in Charlie Lake this month.

According to a news release, RCMP say they were called to a residential break and enter on Feb. 7 in which a pistol, two shotguns, a rifle, and a video gaming console had been stolen.

The investigation quickly led officers to a home in the 9200 block of 93 Avenue in Fort St. John, according to police, where a search warrant was executed the next day, on Feb. 8. The stolen two shotguns, along with the gaming console, were recovered, police said, and “a significant amount” of suspected drugs were seized.

Police say Christopher Darryl Munch faces charges

of break and enter to steal a firearm, break and enter to commit theft, possession of property obtained by crime, and breach of probation.

Munch, who was prohibited from possessing any firearms at the time of his arrest, according to police, is also charged with careless use of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, and possession contrary to court order.

He was held for court, and remanded into custody until Feb. 13 and again until Feb. 15, police said.

“Two firearms have been recovered which is a testimony to the seriousness the RCMP gives to firearms related offences,” said Constable Chad Neustaeter in a statement. “With two more outstanding firearms, our officers will continue to work on this.”

RCMP say the investigation continues.

• Christopher Lee Chipesia (born 1979) was given a sixmonth conditional sentence with 18 months probation, a 10-year discretionary firearms prohibition, ordered to submit a DNA sample, and ordered to pay a $100 victim surcharge on charges of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless use or storage of a firearm, and possessing a fire without a license or registration, offences

• Grace Trinity Simon (born 2002) was given a 12-month $0 recognizance after allegation of causing fear of injury or damage to property in Fort St. John in October 2022.

• Nicholas Robert Wadden (born 1987) was granted a conditional discharge and given 12 months probation for breach of probation committed in Fort St. John in October 2022.

Area C by-election opens

The first of two advanced polls opened last week for the Area C by-election being held for rural residents around Fort St. John.

The electoral area includes the communities of Charlie Lake, Old Fort, Baldonnel, Grandhaven, Clairmont, and Two Rivers, who will be voting on a director to represent them on the board of the Pecae River Regional District.

The by-election is a do-over of October’s general election, the results of which were tossed after the B.C. Supreme Court ruled them invalid when it discovered voters outside the electoral area were given ballots despite being ineligible to vote.

Final results of the Oct. 15 election showed Suzanne Haab, a political newcomer, winning with just a three-vote

edge over the incumbent Brad Sperling, 234 to 231.

The concern with the narrow margin was whether the actual number of ineligible votes cast impacted the margin, and to what degree.

As a result, Supreme Court ruled the results couldn’t be validated, meaning the position of Area C director was vacant.

Haab and Sperling were the only two candidates to file their nominations for the by-election.

A second round of advanced polls takes place Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pomeroy Sport Centre.

General voting day takes place Feb. 25, with poll stations at Charlie Lake and Baldonnel schools open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

OGC rebrand now o cial

The BC Oil and Gas Commission is getting a new name, a bigger board of directors, and an expanded mandate to reflect the evolution in energy.

The former commission is being renamed the BC Energy Regulator, and its board of directors is being expanded to between five and seven. Previously, the BCOGC had only three directors.

The biggest change for the commission, however, is that its mandate is being expanded to cover energy forms other than just oil and natural gas –including hydrogen and geothermal energy. It will also become the regulator responsible for carbon capture and storage.

“As the energy sector evolves, it’s vital that we ensure its regulation reflects the values and expectations of a modern industry and of British Columbians,” Josie Osborne, minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, said in a press

release.

“Emerging energy sectors, such as hydrogen, geothermal and carbon capture, will generate economic opportunities and help B.C. reduce emissions and transition to clean energy. Increasing the size and diversity of the board of directors improves inclusion and better reflects the expanded energy resource mandate.”

The new chairman of the board for the BC Energy Regulator will be Chris Hayman, who has served as a consultant to the BCOGC.

New board members are Natascha Kiernan and Ken Cameron, who will serve two-year terms, and Sharon Singh and Kevin Brewster, who are appointed for one-year terms.

To maintain greater independence between the board of directors and management, the executive director will no longer serve as a board member.

— Glacier Business Wire

Christopher Darryl Munch

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

TOWING YARD FIRE INVESTIGATED — RCMP are investigating after several vehicles were destroyed by fire at a local towing yard early Tuesday, Feb. 14. Fire crews were called to Rezilliant Towing and Transport on Swanson Street around 4:30 a.m., where responders found three vehicles on fire, with the fire spreading to other vehicles. Deputy Fire Chief Matt Troiano says six fire apparatus and 16 firefighters responded, and extinguished four vehicles. Cst. Chad Neustaeter says the investigation is in its early stages. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call RCMP a 250-787-8100, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Nelson Bennett nbennett@biv.com

Officials responsible for energy security in Japan and South Korea are eagerly awaiting the first imports of Western Canadian natural gas from the LNG Canada plant in Kitimat a couple of years from now.

“If everything goes well, by the end by the end of 2024, the first shipment of LNG will be will be sent to Japan,” Yamanouchi Kanji, Japan’s ambassador to Canada, said Tuesday in a webinar with Japanese and Korean ambassadors and energy officials sponsored by the Canada West Foundation.

“That will be a game changer.”

But as to the central theme of the webinar – Can Canada provide clean, secure energy to meet demand in Japan and Korea? – the answer was not at all clear. Officials for Japan and South Korea made it clear there is a demand for LNG in both countries and that they viewed Canada a potential energy ally and reliable trade partner. But it’s unclear whether any more large LNG projects will ever be built in Canada, beyond the one that’s under construction.

Kenryo Mizutani, deputy director and legal counsel for the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), noted that Japan’s energy sufficiency ratio is just 12 per cent; Canada’s is 180 per cent. In other words, Canada has more energy than it can ever use. It was also pointed out that the 15 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of natural gas that Korea and Japan consume in the form of LNG is close to Canada’s total natural gas production (17 to 18 bfc/d).

“The market potential in Korea and Japan is just tremendous,” said Dulles Wang, director, Americas Gas and LNG Research, at Wood Mackenzie.

But a decade of failure on the LNG development front in Canada appears to have left potential customers questioning Canada’s apparent reluctance or inability to fully exploit its potential as a major exporter of natural gas. Out of more than a dozen LNG proposals in the queue in B.C. a few years ago, all but one – LNG Canada –were abandoned.

Moderator Marla Orenstein, director of Natural Resources for the Canada West Foundation, asked panelists if Canada is viewed as a reliable LNG supplier, “given our stalls so far.”

“I would describe it as hesitant – cautiously optimistic,” answered Karl Pires, partner at Shearman and Sterling LLP and governor of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan. “I think they view Canada, from a geopolitical perspective and from a security

perspective, as an ideal partner. It would be great if they could work more with Canada, but I think they’re very hesitant just because of the experience with LNG…in terms of the pace and the progress, and the various obstacles they ran into.”

Pires cited regulatory uncertainty and aboriginal relations and consultation in Canada among the perceived “obstacles” to LNG development.

“There’s a lot of built-in obstacles that make it more difficult than some of the other regions – Australia, Malaysia, Brunei, Qatar and even the U.S.,” he said. Asked what signals Japan and Korea need to see from Canada to assure them Canada can be a reliable energy partner, Mizutani said regulatory uncertainty could be addressed. He also cited “an increased signal of federal and provincial cooperation, as well as inter-provincial cooperation, and I think that’s one of the signals that we’re waiting for.”

There also seems to be some question whether Ottawa’s support for an LNG industry has waned. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lauded the $40 billion investment the LNG Canada partners announced in 2018, more recently his response to Japan’s overtures to secure more Canadian energy, including natural gas, appeared to many to be less than enthusiastic. “Like many, I was disappointed to see little or no commitment at a federal level to increasing efforts to supply LNG to our reliable allies in Asia, particularly in these uncertain times,” said Patrick Maguire, vice chairman and Calgary managing partner for Bennett Jones, a sponsor of the webinar.

But there may also be some uncertainty on the other side of the trade equation as well that might lead investors to question the long-term prospects for the demand for LNG in Japan and Korea. Japan, Korea and Taiwan currently account for about 40 per cent of the global LNG trade, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). In response to a global energy crisis and rising LNG costs, both Japan and South Korea have reversed their positions on nuclear power. Both countries have been switching both nuclear and coal power plants back on. Both also have plans to increase the development of renewable energy in the coming decades, all of which raises questions about the long-term demand for LNG for generating power.

“The high price LNG environment in 2022 has spurred a renewed focus on nuclear power in Japan and South Korea,” the IEEFA notes. “A gradual restart of Japan’s nuclear fleet and a reversal of anti-nuclear policies in South Korea are likely to significantly reduce power sector LNG demand.”

Investors need some assurances of long-term demand to make investments in new LNG plants and natural gas pipelines. They may balk at sinking billions into a new LNG plant with a 40-year export licence if there is a chance the demand for LNG in a given market might start drying up half-way through the export licence period. Dulles Wang, director for the Americas Gas and LNG Research at Wood Mackenzie, said both Korea and Japan are concerned about energy security and want to diversify their energy sources with reliable

suppliers. He noted that 20 to 25 per cent of the long-term contracts in Japan and Korea are expiring in the next five to 10 years. He suggested Canadian LNG suppliers could win away some of those contracts from other suppliers.

“We’re talking about opportunities – not just in the sense of displacing coal, or in terms of the energy transition – but also in just renewing or securing enough to meet current demand,” Wang said. “The market potential in Korea and Japan is just tremendous.”

The question is how long that potential demand will last, and whether Canada can compete with other suppliers, notably the U.S. It was acknowledged the U.S. has certain advantages over Canada for LNG development. For one, it’s simply more expensive to build pipelines and LNG plants in Canada than the U.S. On the other hand, Canadian natural gas is a bit cheaper than American natural gas, and the shipping distances from B.C. to Asia are much shorter. Ultimately, Wang said the delivered cost of Canadian and American LNG are “comparable.”

Pires said Japan is focused heavily on offshore wind and geothermal energy, and is aiming to have renewable energy eventually account for 36 to 38 per cent of its energy needs. But there would still be a demand for firm base load power, which is something natural gas fired power plants can provide, with lower emissions than coal power. “For the most part, a lot of the renewables are not seen as reliable in terms of base load power,” he said. “We don’t see LNG really being reduced much.”

As for Korea, renewables currently account for only sev-

en per cent of Korea’s energy mix, said Won Cho, energy project developer for Korea Gas Corporation, one of the five partners in the LNG Canada project. Coal accounts for 35 per cent, nuclear power 25 per cent and LNG 27 per cent.

“Altogether, it just doesn’t make sense right now to focus only on renewables,” Cho said. “Some people say LNG will push out the renewable investment. All I would have to say is it’s pushing out more on the coal.”

One advantage Canadian LNG may have over other exporters is its relative low emissions intensity. Asked if he thought the fact Western Canadian LNG would have some of the lowest emissions intensities in the world actually matters to buyers, Cho said it does.

“I’ve been talking to a lot of potential buyers who are interested in (Canadian) LNG specifically,” he said. “Because it’s a low carbon intensity, it’s bringing a lot of attention and appetite in the market.”

It’s expected that the LNG Canada plant under construction in Kitimat will be producing LNG by the end of 2024. Early pre-construction work has also begun on the smaller Woodfibre LNG plant in Squamish.

One other small project –the Haisla First Nation’s Cedar LNG project – concluded a BC Environmental Assessment review process in mid-November.

Provincial and federal environment ministers ostensibly have 45 days to make a decision. It’s now been three months since the Cedar LNG completed the EAO process, with no decision yet from either the provincial or federal environment ministers.

—Business in Vancouver

LNG CANADA

Construction at the LNG Canada site in Kitimat. The plant is expected to be producing liquefied natural gas by the end of 2024.

Conflict

Con ict and bullying aren’t the same things. One describes a healthy dialogue between two parties, while the other represents an intent to harm someone else. Learning to deal with con ict healthily can give you essential social skills. It can also help you better identify bullying.

WHAT’S CONFLICT?

Con ict is a normal part of life and happens when two people respectfully disagree. The two parties have equal power in the relationship, and each has a chance to express their views.

Even though there may be negative emotions and hurtful words exchanged, both people are looking for a solution and don’t want to harm each other. Each person takes responsibility for their actions and modi es their behaviour if they feel they’ve made the other person feel bad. Con ict can

One memorable Valentine’s

It was a very special Valentine’s this year for seniors in Fort St. John as they were treated to an evening of dancing, handmade cards, and singing telegrams last week.

First, members from the Fort St. John RCMP detachment donned their Red Serge and visited Apartment 3 on Saturday, Feb. 11, for an evening of dancing, with music performed by Classic Country. Roxanne Chmelyk of the Fort St. John Senior Care Foundation said the event, sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary club, was “an appreciation for all they do for us.”

“It was such a special, fun-filled evening,” said Chmelyk, who gave a special thanks to the RCMP who attended

to make it a special night. “What a great group. Humour and laughter so good for the soul.”

And that wasn’t all the love seniors were treated to. On the special day Feb. 14, local students made a visit to the seniors apartments to deliver handmade cards, and local musician Naomi Shore stopped in with her singing telegrams.

Elsewhere in the community, firefighters joined residents and staff at Peace Villa for their Valentine’s dance party on February 14.

“It was an absolute blast and everyone had a fantastic time dancing and socializing. It was so nice to see the community come together,” said Northern Health.

often lead to two people learning to solve problems and overcome challenges.

WHAT’S BULLYING?

Unlike con ict, the goal of bullying is to hurt, harm, insult or humiliate another person and make them feel bad about themselves. The actions are unwanted and unwarranted, and the bullied person has little power to stop them. Bullying can result in physical and emotional harm.

Bullying happens when one person uses their power to control another. Power can mean the bully is bigger, stronger, older or more popular than the person they’re bullying. Moreover, bullies aren’t trying to resolve anything and show no remorse if they hurt someone else. There’s no interest in a relationship with the other person.

This Pink Shirt Day, February 22, stand up to bullying when you see it. Don’t be afraid to share your views and express your opinions constructively. Not all con ict is bad.

FORT ST. JOHN AND AREA SENIOR CARE FOUNDATION

Fort St. John RCMP detachment commander Insp. Tony Hanson during the RCMP Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 11.

NORTHERN HEALTH

Members of the the Fort St. John Fire Department joined the Valentine’s Day dance party at Peace Villa on February 14.

FORT ST. JOHN AND AREA SENIOR CARE FOUNDATION

Constable Chad Neustaeter during the RCMP Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 11.

FORT ST. JOHN AND AREA SENIOR CARE FOUNDATION

Constable Logan Trask during the RCMP Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 11.

COMING EVENTS

St Patrick’s Day

Dinner & Dance & Pie Auction

March 18, 2023

Senior’s Hall in Dawson Creek

Dinner: 6 pm

Dance: 8 pm Music: 3 On The Tree

Tickets: -$30 Adult Dinner & Dance

-$20 Adult Dance Only

-$15 12 & Under

Come support your Hosts of the Kiskatinaw Fall Fair!

Sunset Prairie Recreation Commission

Linda: 250-843-7418

Selinar: 250-782-0457

Faye: 250-843-7567

COMMUNITY NOTICES

We’re here to help!

• PREVENTION

• EDUCATION

• SUPPORT Northern Brain Injury Association

1-866-979-HOPE (4673)

We’re here to help!

• PREVENTION

• EDUCATION

• SUPPORT Northern Brain Injury Association

1-866-979-HOPE (4673)

MEDICAL/ DENTAL HELP

Nordlys MedicalClinic

Wearecurrently lookingforanex− perienced,full− timereceptionistto joinourteam. Applywithin.

EDUCATION

TAKE YOUR CONFI-

DENCE & communication a level. Get the career and family life of your dreams! Jon a Toastmasters International group near you. www.toastmasters.org/ nd-a-club

BOOKS, COINS,STAMPS

Todd’s Coins:

Buying gold, silver & coins 250-864-3521

HORSES & TACK

Registered Percheron Draft Stud for Sale. Call Craig at 780-2961855

STEEL BUILDINGS / GRANARIES

INTEGRITY POST

FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. sales@integritybuilt.com.

1-866-974-7678. www.integritybuilt.com

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Kathy orlakson

February 21, 1954 ~ February 11, 2023

Kathy was born February 21, 1954 in Lethbridge Alberta, the rst child of Ken and Mary Graham. She had a ful lling career in a wide variety of roles serving those in her community. Kathy is survived by her husband Steve, son Trevor (Megan), daughter Meagan (Je rey), stepdaughter Shannon (Shawn), stepdaughter Jenn (Isaac), and six grandchildren. Also her father Ken, siblings Janet (Ken), Michael (Stephen) and Richard (Sharon), predeceased by her mother Mary. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

FOR SALEMISC Mini Greenhouse with plastic lid is now available. Custom work also. 4X4 feet. Mike 250-329-7477

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED SASQUATCH SKULLAlso purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leafs, bulk silver, pre-1969 coins. Coin collector BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ & Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-864-3521.

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

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

Don Stirling

February 21, 1952 ~ February 7, 2023

It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and friend, Donald Gordon Stirling, who passed away peacefully on February 7, 2023 at the age of 70. Don was larger than life and he impacted his family and community in countless ways. He was an outstanding father, grandfather, Freemason, businessman, mentor and friend. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Family invites you to join them in celebrating

Don’s life at an open house Saturday, March 11th starting at 4:00 pm at the Northern Grand Hotel Ballroom. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

Cheers To

Please join us for Marie Kirkpatrick’s 100th Birthday

Tea/Lunch on February 25, 2023 11:30 - 3:00 PM at the Fort St. John Senior’s Hall

Please

CABINS/ COTTAGES/

NIGHTLY

cabin, can snowmobile right o the property and lots of room for private parking. Call 250-997-5064 or text 250-997-1354 for details as we would love to have you stay with us.

Josephine Jane Pimm

(October 10, 1927 - February 8, 2023)

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Josephine on February 8, 2023 at Peace Villa with family members at her side.

Josephine was born in Manitoba and moved to the Peace Country with her parents Jim and Minnie Cassidy, brother Jimmy and sister Helen as a four year old in 1931. Josephine was raised on the family farm in the Sunrise, Two Rivers area.

A er arriving here, she was joined by sister Levonne (who passed away at two years old), then sister Doreen.

In 1946 she married Cecil Pimm. Together they had ve sons, Larry (Pearl), Darwin (Monica), Ron (Donna), Pat (Cathy), and Ed (Rebecca). A er Cecil passed away in 1980, Josephine married Fern Desharnais.

Josephine is predeceased by her parents Jim & Minnie, brother Jimmy, sister Helen, husband Cecil, second husband Fern, daughter-in-law Betty, and great-grandson Daniel. She leaves to mourn her ve sons, twelve grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and one sister.

e family would like to send a special thank you to the sta at the Peace Villa Care Home and the Fort St. John Hospital for all their care and compassion.

Funeral service for Josephine were held

Wednesday, February 15th at 11:00 am from the Catholic Church of the Resurrection with evening prayers held

Tuesday, February 14th at 5:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Josephine to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation - Peace Villa Fund.

John William Greig 1947 ~ 2023

John Greig, a resident of Dawson Creek, BC, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Dawson Creek, at the age of 75 years.

John was born on Friday, May 30, 1947 in Victoria, BC to William and Ivy Greig. He loved northern BC and spent many years living in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. John was predeceased by his parents; William and Ivy and sister; Margaret. John is survived by his brothers; Irwin (Gail) and Gordon, nieces; Charlene and Elaine, nephew; Barry as well as their families. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of John to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 200, 885 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6C1N5. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium

Land Act:

Notice of Application for Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that Shaw Cablesystems Ltd. (“Shaw”) from Calgary, Alberta, is seeking to build a fibre optic Open Access network, designed to help connect rural communities to high-speed internet. Shaw has applied to the Ministry of Forests (FOR), Northeast Region, for a Statutory Right of Way for a Telecommunication Line situated on Provincial Crown land located at West Moberly Lake. This Statutory Right of Way will be for an underground fibre optic cable located approximately 425m on the east side of Pioneer Road between Highway 29 and West Moberly Road.

FOR invites comments on this application, the Land’s file is File 8016213. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Andrew Tofflemire, (250) 774-5518, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, FOR, at 100-10003- 110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7. Comments will be received by FOR up to March 30, 2023. FOR may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

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

Trappers continue centuries old tradition

Todd Buck tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

It could be said that trapping is a dying industry.

“But it’s absolutely not,” says Raymond Ensz, president of the Fort St. John’s Trappers Association. “It’s just that it’s way harder to do.”

Ensz was the special guest of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum on Friday night, Feb. 10, where he gave a detailed and informative presentation on the history and influence of the fur trade in the Peace River region.

The resource-driven economy of the fur trade had brought opportunity, along with challenges, to the people of the region in the late 1700s, and still does to the present day. It was the first of many significant economic changes that would follow, from farming to logging, to the oil and gas industry.

With fur trade prospering in British North America during the 18th century, the Hudson’s Bay Company founded the “Made Beaver” (M.B), a token of value to accommodate indigenous peoples bartering pelts with Europeans, as beaver fur was the prime animal of the trade. At the time, four M.B.’s could buy a pistol, and seven to 10 could buy a trade gun, the price depending upon length.

“It’s still a billion-dollar industry around the world,” said Ensz, but “unfortunately it’s really declined recently. We’re down to one Canadian fur auction house, when there used to be dozens just years ago.”

The golden age of trapping was about 30 years ago, when a large, prime beaver

pelt would have got a trapper between $60 to $100. Now, a low-quality pelt might get $10, while a large, good quality pelt gets around $25. In the 1970s, a cross fox averaged $300 each, a red fox just under $200. Fox are only

worth about $10 now, and that’s if you can sell them. For other furs, such as the marten, the market is still staying afloat averaging between $20 to $30, and with the uncertainty for Russian sable on the world market, many buyers

may turn to the marten.

Currently, more than 700 northeastern British Columbians hold trap licenses, and Ensz says Canada leads the way in ethical trapping through scrutinous mandating of usable traps and

the application of exclusion plates. Trappers credit population declines as of recently to loss of habitat, and land degradation.

The North Peace Rod and Gun Club hosts the wildlife camps for kids, where Ensz says that instead of building birdhouses, the Trappers Association supplies the lumber for the kids to build marten nesting boxes to teach conservation practices to the youth.

“My commitment as the president is to preserve our industry,” said Ensz. “Our industry is a lot like farming and logging, it’s generational.”

Today, the modern trapper is often needed for human conflict with animals, as humans have created all sorts of situations just by exploring different places and changing the natural balance of the environment, which has forced the animals to go elsewhere.

“The bigger part of trapping these days is mitigation for nuisance animals,” Ensz said. “The coyotes that are chasing and biting people in Stanley Park, there’s trappers trapping them every night and picking up their traps in the morning.”

The B.C. Trappers Association will be holding its annual convention this year at Logan Lake. The convention is host to all sorts of events such as beaver skinning, trap setting, fire building competitions, as well as a banquet and awards gala.

For seasoned trappers, it’s a place to showcase skills and furs, and for those just getting into it, or showing an interest, it’s the perfect opportunity to educate themselves about the lifestyle.

TODD BUCK PHOTO

Raymond Ensz of the Fort St. John’s Trappers Association and Heather Sjoblom, curator of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum.