AHN MAR 16, 2023

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Health and property management officials were a no-show last Tuesday night, March 7, as two dozen Charlie Lake residents met to discuss a drinking water crisis in their mobile home park.

Residents of Shady Acres say for three years they’ve been dealing with dangerous levels of manganese minerals in their water.

Updated federal guidelines set maximum acceptable concentrations to 0.12 milligrams per litre in 2019 “to protect the health of Canadians,” and residents say local operators were told levels were too high and to fix the park’s water system in February 2020.

But samples have consistently tested above allowable limits, even after a new treatment system was finally installed last year. Samples taken between May and October 2022 ranged from 1.2 and 2.0 mg/L, according to residents. In January of this year, samples tested at 1.8 mg/L — still more than 1,000 times above the limit.

“How is it possible that three years later, literally al-

most to the day, we’re still in the same boat? Nothing’s been changed and nobody’s doing anything other than [saying] ‘we’re working on it’,” said Cassandra Ross, who organized the public meeting for concerned residents at the community hall.

“Where’s the fire that needs to be lit?” she said. “Where’s the consequences, the fines, the penalties?”

Though manganese is found naturally in the environment, too much can

have a serious effect on a person’s health. Chronic overexposure in contaminated water is a particular risk to infants, according to Health Canada, causing neurological and behavioural effects as well as deficits in memory, attention, and motor skills.

Other research has found manganese toxicity affects the central nervous system, causing disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease, among other conditions. Residents at the meeting reported a foul

sulphur smell in their water, and say it has been thinning out their hair and causing bald spots.

Northern Health and Sterling Management Services, which runs the park, were invited to the meeting but weren’t in attendance. Residents were disappointed but not surprised; Ross says she’s even written to the premier’s office and health minister Adrian Dix to no avail.

NORTHERN LIGHTS WILDLIFE SOCIETY

Man ned for caging bear cub

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

A Hudson’s Hope man has been fined $7500 after police and wildlife authorities rescued a caged black bear cub from his property in 2020.

Justin Thibault was sentenced for unlawful possession of live wildlife in provincial court on Friday, March 3, and ordered to pay $7400 in restitution to the Habitat Conservation Trust, and another $100 fine to the provincial government, according to court records.

The cub was found caged on a Farrell Creek

property June 9, 2020, when RCMP went to arrest Thibault in connection with several thefts in the area.

The cub was seized by conservation officers and sent to the Northern Lights Wildlife Society in Smithers, where he was affectionately named ‘The Rock’ due to his unusual size.

It was alleged that the cub’s mom was killed in a vehicle accident, and the sanctuary says ‘The Rock’ was released back into the wild in the Hudson’s Hope region in June 2021. Wildlife charges against Tessa Ann Broad, who was also arrested in the incident, were dropped.

10,000 trees to be planted

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Ten thousand trees will be planted in Lower Post after the area was scorched by wildfire in 2018.

Natural Resources Canada says $300,000 in funding for the Daylu Dena Council will support capacity building and rehabilitate the land by providing community members training on tree planting techniques and forest management.

“Canada’s commitment to plant two billion trees is a key part of our collective effort to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss,” natural resources minister Jonathan Wilkinson said in a statement, adding wildfire land restoration “will help improve air and water quality

and will enhance local biodiversity while creating sustainable jobs.”

The Lutz Creek fire in August 2018 forced the remote northern B.C. community to evacuate for more than two weeks. The lightning-caused fire burned through more than 76,000 hectares of forest near the Yukon border.

Federal funding will also support feasibility studies for future planting sites and greenhouse facilities in preparation for long-term planting activities will also take place, according to Natural Resources Canada.

“I am excited to be part of a project to support climate solutions, and I hope we come up with a planting plan that provides shade and privacy to community homes,” said council lands director Vanessa Law.

T.W. BUCK PHOTO

WITNESSES

SOUGHT IN PEDESTRIAN FATALITY —  Fort St. John

police are looking for witnesses to a pedestrian fatality on 100 Street last Monday afternoon, March 6. A man was killed when he was hit by a piece of equipment used for snow clearing at the intersection with 99 Avenue shortly before 5 p.m. Bystanders provided first aid to the man, but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Any witnesses in the area between 4:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., or motorists who may have dash cam video of the area during this time, are asked to contact police, 250-787-8100.

The Rock’ at the Northern Light Wildlife Society in Smithers, B.C., in August 2020. He was released back into the wild in the Hudson’s Hope area in June 2021.

A mechanical system failure forced the Pomeroy Sport Centre to close early last Thursday night, March 9. Rec users reported flooding on the third floor of the building around 7:30 p.m., and the fire department was seen responding moments later. The city says there was a failure with the fire suppression system and that the building was closed early for the cleanup. The centre was reopened the next morning.

100 WOMEN WHO CARE FOR ABBEYFIELD HOUSE — It was a resounding evening for Abbeyfield House in Fort St. John, this year’s beneficiary from the March 7 meeting of the 100 Women Who Care philanthropy group. A total $33,900 was raised for the seniors home at the fundraiser held at the Lido, which included a matching $10,000 donation from Tourmaline Oil Corp. Abbeyfield Canada is a national non-profit organization that offers affordable housing and companionship for seniors, with 20 houses across the country. Ann Bergen and her late husband Ben introduced the Abbeyfield concept to local residents and officials beginning in 2007 as they presented a design for a house in Fort St. John. The House opened in 2008 on land Ben donated, and continues to offer a beautiful, spacious home with 12 rooms for seniors on 96 Avenue. The long-awaited and popular 100 Women event made its return after being put off to the side by the pandemic. The group has now donated $100,000 since launching in fall 2017 with a simple concept — at least 100 women getting together to donate $100 each to a local worthy cause. The North Peace Ride for the Disabled, the Fort St. John Fire Fighters Charitable Society, New Day in the Peace Ministries, and North Peace Seniors Housing Society have all benefited from the group since its founding.

Join our Foster Caregiver Community!

There are children and youth in your community who need temporary, nurturing homes. We have an urgent need for foster caregivers who are:

•First Nations, Metis, Inuit

•Interested in providing care for sibling groups

•Passionate about engaging and caring for youth

•Interested in supporting children and youth who identify as LGBTQ2S+

•Skilled in caring for children and youth with complex support needs

•Interested in providing weekend respite care for children and youth

To learn more about becoming a foster caregiver visit FosterNow.ca

Editor’s Note: Dear readers, I had hoped to have a number of stories written and prepared in time for this week’s edition of the News, alas it was not meant to be. I continue to type away on recent stories about our community, including A Brief History of the Peace River, as told by Arthur Hadland, as well as the recent Mission Vision church conference and the opening of the new Northern Lights Church. — Matt Preprost, Editor

Upcoming Events

Rose Prairie Community Meeting

March 30, 2023 @ 4pm Curling Club: 7077 260 Rd, Rose Prairie

Residents of Electoral Area B are encouraged to attend the event to get an update on the Rose Prairie water station, and have the opportunity discuss their community priorities with Director Kealy.

Information Session: Introduction to Grant Writing (virtual)

April 19, 2023 | 9am to 10:30am

April 20, 2023 | 7pm to 8:30pm

Register at prrd.bc.ca/services/grants

Workshop: How to Write a Successful Grant Application (virtual)

April 21, 2023 | 9am to 12pm

April 22, 2023 | 9am to 12pm

Register at prrd.bc.ca/services/grants

PRRD Public Hearings

April 3, 2023 | 6pm

Chetwynd & District Recreation Centre

Zoning Amendment to rezone subject property on 2959 Sawchuk Road from A-2 zone to R-4 zone and A-1 zone.

April 5, 2023 | 6pm

North Peace Leisure Pool, Meeting

Room

OCP Amendment to exempt approved

Non-Farm Use applications from requiring an amendment to the Official Community Plan.

Next PRRD Board eetings:

PRRD brings back free information sessions and workshops through the Grant Writer Services program

In partnership with Clear Course Consulting, the PRRD is offering four free grant writing opportunities for community groups in the Peace region.

An Introduction to Grant Writing information session is available on Wednesday, April 19 (9am to 10:30am) and Thursday, April 20 (7pm to 8:30pm). In this session, participants will learn about how grants work, understanding types of funders and grants, searching for grants, ensuring projects are grant-ready and about the PRRD’s Grant Writing Services program.

A How to Write a Successful Grant Application workshop is available from 9am to 12pm on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. In this workshop, participants will receive a high-level overview of how grants work, understanding application guidelines, how to demonstrate a need for funding, knowing which documents to submit with an application and building a budget.

The Grant Writer Services program has connected directly with non-profits in the community through the information sessions and workshops since 2021, and the events have grown in popularity with each year. Residents are encouraged to secure a spot by registering early by visiting prrd.bc.ca/services/grants or by calling 250-784-3200.

Director Kealy set to connect with residents at community meeting in Rose Prairie

The newly elected Director of Electoral Area B has set a community meeting for March 30 at the Rose Prairie Curling Club. The Peace River Regional District last held what is sometimes referred to as a “roundtable” in Area B in 2018, chaired by the former and now alternate, Director Karen Goodings. With COVID-19 restrictions no longer an obstacle, the PRRD is clear to return to more in person events throughout the year.

The community meeting is an opportunity for residents to connect with their local government representative and bring forward their priorities and concerns. The PRRD will provide an update on the Rose Prairie water station, which has been closed since March 2021, and provide refreshers on regional initiatives and services.

Residents can RSVP to the event or pose questions in advance of the meeting on the Rose Prairie Community Meeting event page on Facebook, @prrdofficial. Event inquiries can also be directed to the PRRD at 250-784-3200 or communications@prrd.bc.ca.

March 30, 2023 10:00am | Facebook Live, Fort St. John

April 20, 2023 10:00am | Facebook Live, Dawson Creek

To view board and committee meeting dates and agendas, visit: prrd.bc.ca/agendas-minutes

Jordan Kealy, Director for Electoral Area B; elected in in the 2022 Local Government Election

Hi there again Katelynn Bueckert reporting for the Green Valley 4-H Club.

Since my last report we have had our Club Communications, and it went really well. It was the biggest one we’ve had in a long while and I think everyone had fun with it. Our little “Clover Buds” did a little colouring Educational board on horses and it looked really good. Good job guys. I personally did an Educational display on “Support Animals” and I was really proud of it. Seven members of our club went to the District Communications, including me, Jada Morton did her Educational Display on “Honeybees”, Kade Gertz did his on “How Many Minutes”, and Emry Clay did hers on “Premarin Mares”. Farrah Wieler did a speech on Snowman which was a famous horse and Jesse Giesbrecht and Teana Kimmie did a Demonstration on “How To Clean A Saddle”. At home the bonding and leading has been going pretty well for everyone. My steers personally love their grain and almost eat me every time I feed them. The Green Valley Horse club is very new to us, but they are learning to work with horses and getting to know each

Huskies return to NWJHL nals

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Huskies and Grande Prairie Wheat Kings will once again face off in the North West Junior Hockey League championships. The Huskies won their semi-final series against the Dawson Creek in four games last Friday night, March 10, beating the Kodiaks 5-3 on the road to secure a return to the Senator Cup finals.

Cayden Frenette scored twice, and Justin Brownlee, Kurtis Lee, and Ray-

mond Dick each put one in the net for the win. Jackson Powers stopped 19 of the 22 shots he faced.

The second-place Wheat Kings also won their semi-final against Sexsmith Vipers in four games last week.

The Huskies are the defending NWJHL Senators Cup champs, and finished this year’s season with a historic 38-3-1 record and 77 points.

The team beat Grande Prairie in the best-of-seven final last season, four games to two. Game one of this year’s championship starts 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the North Peace Arena.

Green Valley 4-H Report

other. They have had a meeting on February 24 and after the meeting they did a colouring page “My Dream Horse” and then they watched a movie called “Flicka”. They have also watched a movie on different horse disciplines barrel racing and freestyle reining and also horse jumping. Their next meeting is on April 6. Which they will be learning horse, safety, and the importance of wearing helmets and also decorating their helmets. It’s gonna be a very fun time.

250.785.2116|9511-85thAve,FortSt.John

Thanks again for reading my article. I hope you have enjoyed it.

And thanks to our page sponsor.

Katelynn Bueckert

Reporting for Green Valley 4-H Club

Honey

Katelynn Bueckert Club Reporter

The Green Valley 4-H Horse Club

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KEY CITY CLASSIC — More than 500 athletes from B.C. and Alberta took part in the Key City Classic in Cranbrook March 3 to 5, including seven gymnasts from Fort St. John. Read more about how local athletes performed on the next page.

Unforgettable provincials for Bert Bowes basketball team

By Kristy Erickson

Bert Bowes grade 8 boys competed at the Coach Goulet Provincial Basketball Tournament in Surrey, B.C., this past weekend. Bowes dominated the Zone Championships to earn their way to Provincials but, having never faced any competition from the south, they had no idea what to expect. The result was an unforgettable learning experience for the entire team.

Their first game was a tough start. Seeded last, Bowes was matched against the top seeded team in the province. Odds were stacked even more against them when they discovered that the ball being used at this tournament was smaller than the one they’d been using all season. A smaller ball forced the boys to adjust their shots and was an Achilles heel throughout the competition. The No. 1 ranked team came out hard and fast and it was a blow out. The loss put Bowes in the B side of the tournament. The boys were not prepared for the speed and athleticism and had a lot of mental recovery to deal with after the game.

The second game brought them up against the 9th seeded team. Bowes was more prepared for the intensity but they struggled to make buckets and ended up losing by 19 points. Bowes faced the 12th seeded team for their third game. The boys came out strong and took an early lead. They worked hard but ultimately ended up losing by 7. The team lost

their last game on Saturday morning.

My thoughts as a coach: If the tournament was only about winning and losing, then it was a waste. But this tournament was so much more than that. It was humbling. It was inspiring. It was a learning experience. It was an opportunity to grow.

We beat every grade 8 team we ever played before this. We were the best grade 8 team from Vanderhoof all the way to the Yukon border. A good slice of humble pie is healthy now and then. It puts things into perspective. Sure, relative to our situation and what we’d faced, we were an excel-

lent team. But put us in a different pond and suddenly we became small fish. That’s okay. It’s a reality check and everyone needs that now and then.

What we did see was what grade 8 boys are capable of. We thought we were good and then we saw what they could do and realized how much better we could be. Every single player on my team came back from this tournament hungry to get into the gym to work on their game. They have something to aspire to. Something to work for. And that will only make them better players in the long run.

The boys had to adapt on the fly. They came into each

Gymnasts impress at Key City Classic

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game better prepared than they were for the game before it. This experience forced them to do things they’d never done. They had to learn and grow in the moment. This is the kind of real life training we all need! How often does life throw us curve balls where we end up in situations we’re unprepared for that don’t go as we expect? All the time. The boys were beaten and could have chosen

to give up. Honestly, it was a battle not to give up. But ultimately they pushed through as a team, they played as hard as they could and did not give up till the final buzzer rang. That life lesson was one that will stick with these kids forever. Giving our boys this experience in grade 8 has set them up for success in the future. The next time they earn a spot at Provincials, they won’t be going in blind, they’ll know what to expect. And now, they have four more years to work on their game to be ready for it. The life lessons, growth, and inspiration from this are what sports should be about at every level. Yes, the financial cost for a team trip to Surrey is a lot. Next to us, the furthest teams away from the tournament were from Kamloops and Vancouver Island. But I strongly believe our northern kids deserve these opportunities just as much as any other kid in B.C. I am deeply thankful to our amazing community for rallying behind us. For now, having our Bowes boys be one of the top 16 grade 8 teams out of over 250 schools in the province is a distinction we can all be proud of.

A massive thank you to the amazing businesses and individuals who sponsored and supported our team!

10AllRETAIL

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Seven athletes from the North Peace Gymnastic Association had an impressive showing at the Key City Classic in Cranbrook this month.

NPGA Team Lead Mimi Lessard shares the local athletes performed in three categories, bringing home ribbons in all

events as well as thirteen Top 3 finishes.

“So many goals were achieved and even more friends were made. Natalia Carroll hit the ground running with an amazing vault on Saturday winning her the most Dynamic Vault award for her session,” Lessard said.

“It was weekend full of amazing gymnastics brought

to us by over 500 athletes from all over B.C. and Alberta,” she said. “Key City Gymnastics put on a great event and we can’t wait to go back again!”

Lessard says local residents can come out to watch and enjoy more awesome gymnastics on April 15, as the Northern Lights Invitational gets underway at North Peace Secondary School.

Bert Bowes Middle School Grade 8 boys basketball team with coach Kristy Erickson and teacher sponsor Morgan Peever. The team recently competed in the Coach Goulet Provincial Basketball Tournament in Surrey.

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More than 500 athletes from B.C. and Alberta took part in the Key City Classic in Cranbrook March 3 to 5, including seven gymnasts from Fort St. John.

Crowdfunding for very sick new mom

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Efforts are underway to support the family of new Fort St. John mother medevaced in critical care to Prince George.

Jennifer Eady says her sister in law Danielle Creed gave birth to her daughter Leia in February after what she describes was a difficult pregnancy. But serious health complications have followed, and Eady says Creed was rushed to hospital with severe pancreatitis on Feb. 27. Making matters worse, her lung collapsed a week later on March 6, and she is now being medevaced to Prince George for care, according to Eady.

Eady explains there are further concerns that her sisterin-law’s blood is low in certain minerals and that she cannot control her blood sugars; fluid is continuing to collect in her abdomen, she says.

“She is in critical condition,

and will now be separated

from her new baby for an undisclosed amount of time,” says Eady, who has begun crowdfunding efforts to support her brother, Michael, as well as Creed’s mother with the unexpected financial burden, including formula, diapers, and travel to Prince George.

“Danielle and baby Leia have not had time to properly build the newborn/mother

bond. I know we have a great community, and all support and prayer is appreciated,” Eady says.

A GoFundMe page started last week has raised $5,400, and Eady says donations of size two diapers and baby clothes size 3 to 6 months will also help to ease the stress of family. To learn more and help, visit gofundme.com/f/help-mikemeyer-and-danielle-creed

Sentences and fines from Fort St. John and Dawson Creek provincial courts, Feb. 27 to March 3:

• TOMKINS, Kaylie Ann (born 1991) was sentenced to 36 months jail and given a mandatory lifetime firearms ban for possession for the purpose of trafficking committed in Dawson Creek on March 11, 2019.

• HALBERT, Jordan Allan (born 1989) was sentenced to 121 days jail with 12 months probation, given a mandatory lifetime firearms prohibition, ordered to submit a DNA sample, and was subject to forfeiture for possession for the purpose of trafficking committed in Dawson Creek on Nov. 7, 2019. Halbert was further sentenced to time served with 12 months probation, given a mandatory lifetime firearms prohibition, and subject to forfeiture for possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats, also committed in Dawson Creek on Aug. 16, 2021. Halbert was sentenced to time served with 12 months probation for possession of stolen property over $5,000 in Dawson Creek on Nov. 7, 2019; sentenced to 12 months probation, fined $500, and given a one-year driving prohibition for driving while prohibited in Dawson Creek on March 14, 2020; and sentenced to time served with 12 months probation for mischief $5000 or under committed in Dawson Creek on Oct. 30, 2021.

• FALLOWS, Ryan Matthew (born 1991) was sentenced to 30 days jail for failing to stop after an accident in Fort St. John on April 11, 2019; 7 days jail for mischief $5000 or under committed in Fort St. John on March 22, 2019; 7 days jail for breach of undertaking in Fort St. John on April 11, 2019; and 7 days jail for breach of undertaking or recognizance in Fort St. John on Dec. 1, 2019.

• SPENCE, Raymond (born

1953) was sentenced to 30 days jail and given a two-year criminal driving prohibition for impaired driving in Houston on Aug. 2, 2022.

• ASKOTY, Frederick Joseph (born 1958) was sentenced to 14 days jail and ordered to pay a $100 victim surcharge for driving while driver’s licence is suspended in Fort St. John on Oct. 24, 2022.

• MEISE, Charles David (born 1963) was given a 90day conditional sentence and driving prohibition of two years less a day for dangerous driving committed in Dawson Creek on Oct. 9, 2021; fined $500 and ordered to pay a $75 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited/licence suspended in Dawson Creek on Sept. 27. 2021; and fined $500, given a one-year driving prohibition, and ordered to pay a $75 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited/licence suspended in Dawson Creek on July 17, 2022.

• CONQUERGOOD, Tanner Shawn (born 1997) was fined $2000 and ordered to pay a $300 victim surcharge on a lesser included charge of driving without due care and attention in Fort St. John on July 14, 2018.

• BAINS, Shawn Gordon (born 1984) was fined $2000, given a six-month driving prohibition, and ordered to pay a $300 victim surcharge for driving while driver’s licence is suspended in Dawson Creek on Oct. 15, 2021.

• CAPOT, Damian Richard Patrick (born 1997) was granted a conditional discharge with 12 months probation for assault committed in Dawson Creek on Nov. 28, 2022.

• THIBAULT, Justin Marshall (born 1994) was ordered to pay $7400 in restitution, fined $100, and ordered to pay a $15 victim surcharge for unlawful possession of live wildlife in Hudson’s Hope on June 9, 2020.

T.W. BUCK PHOTO

Morse code with Mir at the library’s Lego club on March 8, 2023. Can you decipher the message? Read more about the library’s bi-weekly club for kids on page 16.

Danielle Creed and her daughter Leia

$25M treatment centre planned

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Regional politicians got a look last week at plans for a $25-million addictions recovery and housing centre in Pouce Coupe.

North Winds Wellness Centre Society presented an update to the PRRD on their development of a 60-unit facility, including 10 beds for detox, 10 for addictions treatment, and 40 for recovery housing.

North Winds, which currently operates a 10-bed centre in Farmington, says statistics substantiate the need, processing 228 applications and accepting 75 into treatment in 2021-22.

Of those, 147 were from the north, including 64 from the Treaty 8 and PRRD areas, according to the society. Another 81 applicants were accepted from the Island, Interior, Fraser, and Vancouver Coastal regions, as well as three from the Yukon and one from Saskatchewan.

An expanded facility in Pouce Coupe would use an addictions recovery community housing model (ARCH) in collaboration with Vancouver-based Streetohome, according to the society. As well as detox and treatment, the facility would also include dining and meeting rooms, a library, kitchen, and laundry, as well as reception, intake, and administrative areas.

“There will also be a Recovery Community Centre at the hub of the facility that will use therapeutic models of treatment to support recovery,” the society says in its proposal outline to the regional district board, adding

it is working with Streetohome “to be the first Canadian Wellness Centre to use the ARCH Model, providing the whole continuum of care under the same roof.”

The society says the project is planned for 23 acres of land already zoned for its proposed use, and that public engagements with the local council and community were held from February to May last year.

A development application was submitted in June. Kumlin Sullivan are the architects of the planned net-zero building, and SynergyROC has been appointed construction manager, which is aiming to start on site as early as this May.

“A complete feasibility study has been prepared; a building permit application is currently being progressed with submission in the next 6-8 weeks,” the society outlines in its presentation to the board.

However, it adds, “We are still needing to meet the target budget.”

“Our intent is to start on site when the weather improves in May 2023,” the society said. “The project has been designed to maximize off-site manufacture so that we can fast track the delivery and completion anticipated by October 2024.”

The project so far has secured $834,000 in seed funding from the health ministry, Northern Health, and CMHC, as well as $5.6 million from the First Nations Health Authority. The society is also seeking project funding from BC Housing, Streetohome, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Shady Acres consider next steps

From the front page

Now, residents are considering their next steps: filing complaints with the Ombudsman and Residential Tenancy Branch, or hiring an environmental law firm to take on their case.

Ross says both agencies need to do their job: Northern Health to ensure safe water is being supplied to citizens, and Sterling to honour its contract with residents of the park.

“We haven’t really gotten any communication from Sterling in a year. Anytime we speak to them they ask us to speak to Northern Health,” she said, adding the health officer residents have been dealing with through Northern Health was leaving for a maternity leave. “It’s kind of hard to have somebody who’s brand new come in to sit down for a meeting, who probably doesn’t have all the details yet. So I’m not overly surprised.”

Residents say they are being supplied with bottled water as an interim measure as the problem persists, but that it isn’t enough.

Some believe the root issue is the actual water supply itself, which they say is sourced from a well at the bottom of a hill in the park. The well is next to a stagnant holding pond for emergency fire response, according to residents, who have also had to deal with a number of boil water advisories over the last year due to E. coli bacteria.

The problem with boiling water, however, is that then concentrates the already unacceptably high levels of manganese.

“The water has never been good,” said Bernie Pettipas who has lived in Shady Acres for the last seven years.

“We need a new system, we do not need a well,” he said. “They need to put something else in there. Either haul the water in to a holding tank, which gives us city water, or actually connect to city water would be the solution in my mind. We’re not that far away from the Charlie Lake system.”

“Nobody came. It’s not their problem,” he added. “If it was in their neighbourhood or in their homes, they’d be here.”

Ross agreed the water source is the key issue, and that she has also taken up the matter with MLA Dan Davies, Fort St. John mayor Lilia Hansen, and Brad Sperling, who repre-

Still boiling water in Hudson’s Hope

Hanna Petersen hpetersen@pgcitizen.ca

The District of Hudson’s Hope and representatives from Northern Health recently had a meeting regarding the community’s water treatment situation as it transitions back to river water.

The district is currently undertaking a phased approach moving from well water back to a surface water system from the Peace River.

According to a Feb. 27 update from the district, the treatment plant is now running with source water from the Peace River and passing through prefilters, also known as sediment filters, which are meant to prepare the water for further purification.

The water is then passing through two groups of cartridge filters in sequence and a chlorine option.

During this trial period, district operators are facing difficulties with 1-micron absolute filters which are getting plugged within two to three days.

The district says regular bacteriological tests are continuing to be conducted with good results. However, the boil water advisory is still in place.

To withdraw the boil water advisory the plant needs to run with two groups of cartridge filers as there is not yet a UV system for further filtration installed.

This work is part of Phase 1 of the approach, which began with the installation of installing two pumps across the berm into the river along with the associated piping infrastructure and electrical work had to be completed in order to receive the river water to the plant.

This allowed the district to be able to pump river water directly into the distribution system and start the flushing process.

Throughout last year, the district’s water treatment plant had seen multiple repairs.

The plant failed in July 2022 due to bio-film clogging the system, which lead to a boil water advisory and eventually a “do not consume” order which lasted from April until Oct. 14.

The building of a shoreline berm for the Site C reservoir adjacent to the community necessitated a choice and the district switched from river-drawn water to a groundwater aquifer. B.C. Hydro agreed to fund test wells and a new water treatment plant.

sents the area at the regional district.

“We need Northern Health to tell Sterling to do their job. They need to both do their jobs. Get us the water and fix the water,” she said.

Davies is currently in Victoria as the legislature is in session, however, a constituency representative attended and told Tuesday’s meeting that he has written and lobbied the health minister about the matter, and has had regular meetings with Northern Health about the issue.

“It is incredible that the residents of Shady Acres Trailer Park have been fighting for clean water for over a year with no resolution,” Davies said in an emailed statement on Wednesday, March 8.

“I have been demanding that Northern Health and the government act immediately and am shocked at how slow the process is moving to get clean drinking water for the residents,” he said. “My office will continue to work closely with the residents until this issue is resolved.”

In February 2021, the plant was completed but upon use residents began to notice the water smelled and tasted bad and was heavily chlorinated. As the plant hasn’t been able to produce quality water, in November 2022 both the district and B.C. Hydro agreed to return to a river source as soon as possible.

Phase 2 of the project involves the installation of a UV system, which will support surface water treatment during times of higher turbidity which is expected during the spring freshet and heavy rain events.

The UV System is on order and expected to be available mid-April and installed at the end of April 2023.

Artist rendering of proposed addictions treatment centre in Pouce Coupe

A Shady Acres resident’s sediment filter water cartridge, which she changes every three months.

It’saBoy!

CASSIDY SKY ROSCHER

Parents: Ulrich&LinaRoscher

Weight: 8lbs8oz

Length: 20.25inches

Time: 02:00am

Date: March3,2023

Hometown: FortSt.John,BC

Drop

It’saGirl!

FIONA EVA JANZEN

Parents: Amos&JessicaJanzen

Weight: 8lbs1oz

Length: 54cm

Time: 8:03am

Date: March8,2023

Hometown: Altona,BC

CELEBRATEBABIES

BIRTH Ph:250.261.7563

BABY BOUQUET WALL

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

Brave shavers wanted

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

More than 900 supporters have signed up over the last 24 years to shave their heads in support of patients battling cancer in Fort St. John. Will you join them this year?

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation has opened registrations for its annual Bluey Day fundraiser to held May 27, and wants to raise $100,000 for the local cancer diagnostic and treatment fund.

“This fund is to purchase emergent equipment needed for the Diagnostic Imaging Department, Laboratory, Operating Theatre, and Endoscopy Suite to help with early cancer screening and diagnosis; and for cancer

By Don Pettit

Ten years ago, we thought we had lots of time to deal with our changing climate. Back then, no big unstoppable changes had been triggered.

But now evidence is increasing that we are rapidly moving away from the stable climate that has made human life on Earth quite comfortable for the last 10,000 years. Irreversible destabilization is looming. Time to sound the alarm.

ARIES  MAR 21/APR 20

A development may have you feeling a bit down, Aries. That is only temporary, though, as your mood and circumstances will rebound in no time at all.

TAURUS  APR 21/MAY 21

Taurus, people you encounter this week may be exceptionally stubborn, so you may need to avoid confrontations. Keep your emotions in check as best as you can.

GEMINI  MAY 22/JUN 21

Gemini, the weather may not be suitable for getting much done outdoors, but you can certainly stay busy inside the house with any projects you have been putting o .

CANCER  JUN 22/JUL 22

This is a great opportunity for getting rid of any clutter that has been holding you back, Cancer. Start sorting through the garage or cleaning out a desk at work.

LEO  JUL 23/AUG 23

Leo, do not worry about the small stu that you feel could be holding you back. If you step away from the situation, you may nd that everything is working out.

VIRGO  AUG 24/SEPT 22

Virgo, there are plenty of opportunities open to you, but you may not realize they are so close by. A friend may need to guide your way on this for the time being.

LIBRA  SEPT 23/OCT 23

You may be feeling bad about something you did in the past, Libra, and now you want to make amends. It’s the little changes you implement that will make a di erence.

SCORPIO  OCT 24/NOV 22

Scorpio, you may be ready to give your life an overhaul. That may amount to you changing careers in the weeks to come. Do your research before you put in notice.

SAGITTARIUS  NOV 23/DEC 21

Sagittarius, stay focused and disciplined this week, especially as it pertains to a diet. You can maintain your commitment, especially with others cheering you on.

CAPRICORN  DEC 22/JAN 20

Capricorn, rewards will not come without hard work and dedication. Now is the time to stick with the plan and keep moving forward. Save days o for later.

AQUARIUS  JAN 21/FEB 18

Do not go up against managers or superiors this week, Aquarius. Doing so likely won’t go in your favor. Just keep out of the spotlight for a little while longer.

PISCES  FEB 19/MAR 20

You may be building the blocks of a major life project, Pisces. Use all of the resources at your disposal in the days to come.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

MARCH 5 Madison Beer, Singer (24)

MARCH 6 Shaquille O’Neal, Performer (51)

MARCH 7 Bryan Cranston, Actor (67)

MARCH 8 Freddie Prinze, Jr., Actor (47)

MARCH 9 Oscar Isaac, Actor (44)

MARCH 10 Carrie Underwood, Singer (40)

MARCH 11 Thora Birch, Actress (41)

treatment at the Community Cancer Centre,” the Hospital Foundation says.

Participants will spend the next three months growing out their hair and collecting pledges — and will have their head shaved on Bluey Day on Saturday, May 27 at Dooley’s Barbershop on 100 Street. It’ll be the first in-person event since 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic, during which the event was held virtually.

Since the first event in 1999, more than $2.2 million has been raised for local cancer supports and services.

The Hospital Foundation is inviting individuals, families, friends, and businesses to register individually or as a team.

To register online, go to fsjhospitalfoundation.ca, or call 250-261-7563.

about 10 kilowatts of solar.

Our local Peace Energy Cooperative in Dawson Creek, in a joint venture with Moch Electric Ltd., designed, supplied, and installed the grid-tied solar power systems and powered them up in 2018. Since then, the District has saved over $200,000 in electrical expenses. Not bad for a small rural community, hey?

We have now had ten years of record breaking climate extremes: fires blazing in Australia, Siberia, California, and the Amazon; floods in China, Bangladesh, and India; heat waves across the entire northern hemisphere; we are only a few decades away from an Arctic without sea ice in the summer; permafrost is thawing at alarming rates... the list is long and frightening.

For the first time, we are now forced to realize the risk of destabilizing the entire planet. Over the next tens years we must see the most profound transformation the world has ever known. The world that we know, our economies, our food supplies, our water, our everything, depend 100% on a stable climate and a wide diversity of species, all working together to support and sustain us.

So this is our mission: energy systems must move quickly to very low and then zero carbon emissions and the number of species extinctions must begin to decline rapidly. We can start there.

Over the next tens years, our actions (or inactions) will determine the state of the planet that we hand over to our children. They have every reason to be alarmed.

But if you are a regular reader of this column, you know that many people around the world and here at home are listening, sharing these concerns, and taking action.

You don’t have to be big to be green. With a population of just 1,100 people, the District of Hudson’s Hope in Northeastern B.C. has gone solar, big time. It is probably, per capita, the most solarized community in the province.

With the help of a Federal Gas Tax grant, Hudson’s Hope placed more than 500 kilowatts of solar (some 1500 solar panels!) on nine of their municipal buildings and facilities. For comparison, a modern home can run on

Saint John, New Brunswick, will soon be powered in part by wind energy. The first of ten turbines in the Burchill Wind Project recently began to spin, feeding power into the local grid. Nearby Saint John Energy is buying the wind power under a power purchase agreement, securing good electricity prices for residents of Saint John for the next 25 years. Burchill should provide about 15% of Saint John’s electricity.

Natural Forces, an independent power producer, is a partial owner of the wind farm. Nequotkuk First Nation, formerly known as Tobique First Nation, is the majority owner.

Global spending on electric vehicles (EVs) is going crazy. A new report from Bloomberg shows that annual spending on passenger EVs hit $388 billion in 2022, up 53% from 2021. Add that to global sales to date and you get $1 trillion now spent worldwide on passenger EVs!

Although still small compared to overall global auto sales of $2.5 trillion per year, it’s growth that counts, and in this case very rapid growth. Those manufacturers early into the game are set to prosper the most, while latecomers, like Toyota and Honda, are bracing for a scramble to catch up.

In this issue of Watt’s Happening, I have sounded the climate alarm again, and then picked three examples of real actions taken by real people, both here and around the world, that are making a genuine difference. There are literally thousands and thousands more.

We are not trying to save the planet. We are trying to provide a good future for all people and all living things. And hey, the good news is that we can do this. We have the knowledge, the knowhow and the technology. We know it makes social and economic sense. We know what to do, and we are beginning to do it.

Pat Cole raised $2,440 for Bluey Day 2018.

Don Pettit lives and writes in Dawson Creek and is Executive Director of the Peace Energy Cooperative.

You don’t have to be big to be green

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

By Ruby McBeth

Irish dancing became a worldwide cultural phenomenon when Michael Flatley starred in the show Riverdance and later created his own show Lord of the Dance, followed by Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger

Local Irish dancers trained at the Watt School of Irish Dance toured with Flatley’s show. Amanda (O’Toole) Hanson, Carmen (Timmins) Belfrage, Ciara Watt, and Aisling Watt performed with Lord of the Dance in the late 1990s through early 2000s touring across North America and abroad. Highlights of touring with Lord of the Dance included: performing alongside Michael Flatley in Feet of

Flames at Hyde Park, London; dancing on stage at wellknown venues, such as Radio City Music Hall and the Grand Ole Opry; and performing in western Canadian cities where family and friends of these dancers travelled to watch the performances.

Amanda O’Toole Hanson is a granddaughter of Lois McBeth, my sister-in-law.

Amanda tells me that the Watt School of Irish Dance in Vancouver is run by Aisling Watt.

Amanda toured with Lord of the Dance from 1998 until 2004 when she left to pursue her studies in biology at Carleton University in Ottawa. And yes, Amanda’s parents Rhonda and Paul O’Toole did travel to London to watch Feet of Flames, where Amanda performed

alongside Michael Flatley.

USING TECHNOLOGY

When I had trouble printing some drum music, my daughter Joyce used Adobe Acrobat to get the print job on the road. The music was only printing about a quarter of the page on the left side. Once I opened the file in Adobe Acrobat instead of the Edge browser, the whole page printed with no problem. I don’t need to understand why this worked, but I am glad that it did!

MEAL REPLACEMENT DRINKS

At our March Baldonnel WI meeting, Norma Currie gave a talk about meal replacement drinks. While these can be a valuable supplement, it seems

Who is your Jethro?

By John Grady

In such turbulent divisive times that we are living in, there is a real need for good mentors and role models to be a sounding board, a listening ear, a wise counsel, a caring person, a person who speaks truth to those who seek guidance in fulfilling God’s purposes for their lives. It requires two parties in this process, which, of course, is the mentor as well as the person who desires to be mentored.

For young believers who have been blessed with parents who can put their own purposes, control, and vision aside for God’s purposes, will, and calling for their children, it is important for the children to know how fortunate they are. The same goes for a young couple in their marriage to have in-laws whose primary interest is the Lord’s for their lives and marriage.

A great example of this is Moses’ father-in- law Jethro, a priest of Midian who encouraged and affirmed to Moses

Letters...

QUICK FIX TO DRUG CRISIS

A MERE BANDAGE

This letter is in response to your drug site plan. I live in North Bay, Ontario. We have had a number of sites in our downtown sector. It was once a vibrant area where you could shop locally and it was safe. Today, many people in the homeless population are strung out daily in our downtown core. They visit these sites to get the help they need as part of their harm reduction plan but it is no longer a safe area. My mother-in-law used to work in a beautiful jewellery store. It is no longer there. It had been a successful business for many years until harm reduction services came to the downtown sector resulting in the door being smashed in four times resulting in a number of robberies.

they are not all equal. Norma told us some guidelines for these drinks: they should have 15 grams of protein, 3 grams of fibre, less than 10 grams of sugar, no corn syrup, no hydrogenated vegetable oil, and at least 33% of the daily value for important vitamins and minerals. People on vegetarian or vegan diets will want to check first for the 15 grams of protein.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold—and at the end of your rainbows may you find a pot of gold.” — Old Irish Blessing

Once upon a time, the City of North Bay was home to a regional mental health centre but the government closed it and that is when this problem started to snowball as those with mental health issues and addictions had nowhere to go. The opioid crisis didn’t help as well. I realize that people with addictions and those suffering from mental health afflictions do need help. However, at the same time, when people with addictions are under the influence they can present a danger and can destroy the safety of a community. I think more needs to be done and better solutions need to be explored rather than this quick fix which is a mere bandage rather than a well thought out solution to support those suffering from addictions.

the Lord’s deliverance of Moses and the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, King of Egypt. Later, in observing Moses leadership and care for the Israelelites in their disputes, he gave insight and counsel to Moses so he would not burn himself out, and yet change the reporting system in dealing with the disputes for the benefit of all concerned. In this case, Moses took Jethro’s advice which is a great example of a two way relationship in action.

We see where Moses mentored Joshua primarily in how to walk in the presence of the Lord. Like how good is that, but also when Moses laid his hands on Joshua as Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom. You can’t pass on something you don’t have. What incredible words spoken by Moses and then Joshua who replaced Moses to the Israelites, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.”

We know that Jesus taught, mentored and exhibited the ways of the Lord to His disciples. You have to love the heart

of the Apostle Paul, who walked and mentored Timothy and in writing to Timothy he writes, “To Timothy my true son in the faith.”

We all need accountability, spiritual covering, and counsel. For the one looking to be mentored you need to ensure from the Lord you have the right mentor for you and for the potential mentor you need to ensure the person is sincere and not just checking off the boxes. Sometimes these relationships happen organically and that is great and often of the Lord.

I have been so fortunate to have had mentors that have been giving, loving, supportive, patient, honest, and wise in putting God’s purposes and priorities in my life. It is my hope and prayer that you too can have your Jethro to walk in love and God’s purposes for you as well.

John

Grady

Most importantly, all sides and voices need to be heard and considered to envision a future for your city that is a vibrant, safe community for all to enjoy and visit. I wish your community well and encourage you to do better. Come up with solutions where those afflicted can get the help they need, but one where the safety of children, community members, and visitors are at the forefront of your decision making as it is hard to turn back and rebuild a community once it is nearly destroyed by those suffering from addictions.

I would say to your city officials and to the decision makers, come visit North Bay, Ontario, for one week and see your future.

Rhonda Couchie North Bay, Ont.

lives and writes in Fort St. John

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class mail registration No. 0167

Ruby McBeth lives and writes in Fort St. John

Around the mountain we go

Fifth in a six-part series

By Evan Saugstad

Two days ago, we found him. An old broomed ram was feeding near treeline with one other ram, but on the opposite side of Mount Gibson’s, and a long ways away from where horses can get to. After a day of rest, off we went in search. This was to be a day to tax my endurance and resolve.

I am in the Kechika Mountains, it’s early October, and I’m hunting with guide Nick Fabish and wrangler Richard Craig on a guided hunt with Scoop Lake Outfitters. We have finally spotted a ram that I was looking for, likely over 10 years old.

As usual on adventures like this, plans change. Despite wishing to leave a bit earlier than normal, the horses have the last say. Overnight, they had wandered a couple miles from camp in search of better feed and it took until 8 a.m. before they were caught and brought back to camp and readied for the day.

After an hour’s ride, we tied the horses to the last bit of willow brush tall enough to hold them and the hike started. Up the first hill, down the other side, then up to “Moose” Pass, a 1.5-hour hike. No luck. The old guy is still not back with the others, who are feeding in the same place they have been for the past three days.

Nick asks, again, if I’m interested, and once again I pass on going after the same legal ones as two days previously. Good rams, just not what I’m looking for.

Down the other side of the hill, good going on sheep trails and then through another dreaded boulder field, in plain view of the rams some half mile away. Seems they understand when we aren’t headed in their direction and don’t spend much time looking at them. They keep feeding until nap time and then go lay down, some keeping an eye on our progress.

It takes until 1 p.m. for us to navigate the boulders and cliffs, to get where we can now see around the mountain and into another goodlooking sheep basin; lots of feed, with a bit of last year’s snow still on the shady side of the mountain feeding the creek.

Damn, thought they would be here, but no. Nothing. Even the two billy goats that were at treeline two days before have disappeared.

It now becomes crunch

time. Do we turn back and climb up over 1,500 vertical feet to Moose Pass, even more if we drop down to avoid the worst of the cliffs and boulder fields we had to navigate to get here? Or do we drop further down into the timber and look for them in the goat bluffs below? Do we continue around the mountain in hopes the rams are there?

Or, more importantly, can we get across the slopes of this mountain without being “cliffed out” — an impasse — and then be forced to climb even higher and through a much more difficult boulder field and go over top of Gibson’s peak?

I know, for myself, I have enough left in me to keep going, but not enough to make it part way around and then be forced to turn back. That would likely mean a cold night on the mountain, or a long slow trek, long into the dark.

We opt for the three-plus miles it will take of sidehilling around the mountain and through unknown terrain, with the hopes the rams have moved “just around the corner.” Thankfully, it’s not cold, still dry with no snow, so our footing is good. It just becomes hard to walk for so long on steep mountain slopes and never changing the uphill/downhill foot. All the pressure is on the right side of the right foot, and right side of the left foot.

Alas, no sheep, just one black bear feeding at tree line, numerous rock ptarmigans flying with their telltale cackle, and one young nanny goat feeding on a ridge below. Five and a half hours later, we are back at the horses, a trip that has stretched over six miles. I now know how Wile E. Coyote feels as he watches the Roadrunner always disappearing over the next rise.

Chasing two young guys across this difficult terrain is hard on a old guy, but I do make it, without overheating or pooping out. But I sure do appreciate the horses, even if it’s only for a twenty-minute ride and then another hour of walking and leading them down the steep hills and back

into camp by 7 p.m. We eat another quick freeze-dried meal, about the last we have from the cache as we have been here longer than planned, along with a good shot of Kentucky bourbon and off to bed. No problem sleeping this night. After a good sleep, we eat freeze-dried granola for breakfast and break camp; some goes back into the cache, the rest onto the horses, and we head back to Wiser’s Lake where we will hunt for a couple of days. Another five-hour ride back over hill and dale. When in sheep country, we keep looking for rams, but alas, only ewes, lambs, and a few immature rams scattered in bunches. A couple large bull moose were high on a mountainside hiding in the willows, and fresh grizzly tracks on the trail.

As seems the norm at these remote northern camps, a grizzly paid a visit to camp while we were gone. It stayed out of the buildings but did turn the generator upside down. After a bit of head scratching as to why the engine was seized and could not be pull-started, we figured out that the head was full of oil and fuel. Pulled the plug, turned upside down to drain, a couple more pulls and the ever-reliable Honda generator fires up, and we have electricity for lights and charging up our batteries.

Sure feels good to be back in a cabin, out of the wind, eating inside at a table, and sleeping in a heated cabin.

Next week, part six, on horses: friends or foe?

Evan Saugstad lives and writes in Fort St. John

Dear Miss Patti,

My son, who is four, is an extremely picky eater. I try to send healthy choices to his daycare like fruit and veggies but they always come back uneaten. He will eat them at home when they are fresh but doesn’t seem to like them after they’ve been sitting for a bit. He’ll eat the crackers or cookies I send but I feel like a bad mom if I only send these kinds of things. Advice?

—Permanently Picky

Dear Permanently Picky,

This is a concern for many parents who have children that are picky about different textures. Carrot sticks can get sweaty, strawberries can get mushy, but a cracker is a cracker all day long. I would do the same and throw in the carrots knowing they would come home but wanting to make sure my kid’s teachers didn’t think I was a bad mom as well.

Finally, I just had a conversation with my son’s teachers and shared their sensory issues. Textures are tricky and not something as adults we think about too much. But there are textures we avoid as adults as well. Some people don’t like soups with chunks of veggies in them or avoid bananas due to their mushy texture. We just don’t pack these things in our own lunches yet we pack things in our kids lunches in order to look good to others.

As my boys got older, they were able to verbalize more what was going on for them. My youngest would literally gag at certain smells. I had him help me once make a dip and didn’t make the best choice. I was making artichoke dip and as he watched these artichokes sluggishly come out of the can and plop into the mixing bowl, he was already gagging and I could see my mistake. Carving pumpkins as a child or the smell of tomatoes ripening would also cause a reaction. Cook things that are appealing to all the senses and respect their choices without guilt or arguments.

On hot lunch day at school, my youngest would always request just the hot dog and not the bun, but one day they forgot and he had both. He came home and proudly announced he tried it. He told me it was very hard to get past the texture of the bun as it switched to the texture of the hot dog but he pressed on and found something new he could eat. (I know not the healthiest of things to try but it was new so I still considered it a victory!)

Keep introducing new things and don’t make a big deal about it. My friend Lisa had a lazy Susan on her table and would fill it mostly with options she knew her children would like and one thing that they could try that was new but only if they wanted. And honestly it changes all the time as well. What they eat one day changes tomorrow, but just keep trying. Eventually as their sensory needs change so will their diet. Add vitamins to their diet and if you can sneak healthy options into things they like (if this works, it never did for mine…they were like the princess and the pea, they always seemed to know!) this might work as well.

Also remember, sometimes it can be a sensory issue and not just your child being stubborn about certain foods. And just because they ate something yesterday doesn’t mean their palettes or sensory needs don’t change tomorrow. Educate your children about moderation, share with the educators your child’s needs and keep trying new things without adding pressure or a power struggle.

—Miss Patti

Send your questions to Miss Patti at motherofdragonflies2021@outlook.com

EVAN SAUGSTAD PHOTO

One of many hours looking for rams

EVAN SAUGSTAD PHOTO

Kechika

EVAN SAUGSTAD PHOTO

Richard glassing for ram

Winter time carnival time

T.W. BUCK PHOTOS

Above: Makayla Mclarry at the Lil Chipper’s wall at this year’s High on Ice winter festival held in the city in February. Below: Staff help lil chipper Zoey White.

Construction continues on the generating station and spillways at Site C on the Peace River

Dam workforce swings up to 4,778

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The jobs count at Site C climbed up to just under 4,800 workers at the start of 2023, according to the latest employment figures from BC Hydro.

The company and its contractors reported 4,778 workers in January, up by 302 after the seasonal and holiday slowdown in December.

Roughly one in four workers were local, with 935 Peace region residents

employed by construction and non-construction contractors. Locals comprise 24% of contracted construction and nonconstruction workers.

There were 3,308 B.C. residents, or 69% of the workforce, working for construction and nonconstruction contractors, and in engineering and project team jobs, according to the report.

Not all were on site or in camp at one time, BC Hydro says.

BC Hydro reported

174 apprentices for the month, up from 166 in December, as well as 350 indigenous workers and 505 women working on the project.

There were no temporary foreign workers employed in a specialized position, says BC Hydro, with 26 managers and other professionals working under the federal international mobility program.

Last month, the first turbine rotor on the project was placed into the

Unit 1 generator pit inside the generating station.

Construction of the earthfill dam is now around 90% complete, and the project more than 70% built overall.

BC Hydro president Chris O’Riley told the BC Natural Resource Forum in January that the official target for commissioning is still nearly two years away.

However, he suggested the company could potentially generate first power in December of this year.

Unemployment rate jumps to 4.1%

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Stats-Can reports an estimated 34,800 people were employed last month in northeastern B.C.

The local jobs count is down by 1,300 from January, according to the agency’s latest labour force survey released March 10, in which B.C. as a whole added 6,700 jobs.

However, he suggested the company could potentially generate first power in December of this year.

The regional unemployment rate was reported at 4.1%, with 1,500 estimated to be out of work.

Month-over-month, the jobs count is down from January, when 36,100 were reported to be employed and unemployment was also too low to be reported.

In February 2022, 36,200 people were reported employed, with unemployment estimates too low to report due to confidentiality.

B.C. unemployment rates, February 2023

• Kootenay - 2.9%

• Vancouver Island/Coast - 3.4%

• Northeast B.C. - 4.1%

• Thompson/Okanagan - 4.2%

• Lower Mainland - 4.8%

• North Coast & Nechako - 5.9%

• Cariboo - 6.6% B.C.’s unemployment rate jumped 0.7 percentage points between January and February. With more people entering the labour force, the rate now sits at 5.1%.

The biggest job losses were felt in wholesale/retail (-7,200 jobs), while the biggest gains came in healthcare (+8,100 jobs).

Overall, the country added 22,000 jobs and the national unemployment rate remained static at 5%.

The February jobs data comes after the Bank of Canada on Wednesday hit the pause button on rate hikes for the first time in a year.

“Arriving on the heels of the January jobs jamboree, this result is far too strong for the BoC’s comfort. There simply is no sign that the labour market is succumbing whatsoever to the rapid-fire tightening of the past year,” BMO chief economist Douglas Porter said in a note, referring to the national numbers.

“The economy is likely just one wrong turn on the inflation front away from the Bank flipping back into rate-hiking mode.”

Andrew Grantham, senior economist at CIBC Capital Markets, said the underlying trend of job growth remains stronger than what would normally be justified by the pace of GDP.

“Because of that, we still expect to see some softer employment figures and a gradual rise in the unemployment rate throughout the balance of this year, particularly as economic activity slows further with the lagged impact of past interest rate hikes,” he said in a note.

“However, for now the still historically low unemployment rate and strong wage growth will keep the Bank of Canada leaning towards future rate hikes, although we still don’t think the data will be strong enough for policymakers to actually move again.”

—with files from Glacier Business Wire

Developers fail city subdivision agreements

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John city councillors were to be asked this week to approve $1.14 million in roads spending after a pair of developers failed to live up to their agreements with the city.

The city last month issued a tender for both the construction of 108 Street at 114A Avenue, and to complete repairs in The Station subdivision.

According to a March 13 council report, FSJ North Point Developments Ltd. breached a September 2015 subdivision and servicing agreement by failing to fix all defects of its construction while it was under warranty. Solarium Industries, meanwhile, defaulted on a December 2016 agreement by failing to finish construction

works by the completion date, according to the report.

“The City holds funds from these developers in the form of security and deficiency deposits which will be used to pay for this work and the individual Servicing Agreements allow for the collection of any shortfall of those funds,” writes city engineering manager Jim Stewart.

He’s recommending councillors award the remedial work to Terus Construction, one of five companies that bid for the work.

PHASE 4 OF 100 STREET

Meanwhile city councillors will also be asked Monday to approve an $8.23 million for 100 Street redevelopment

between 101 and 103 avenues. City engineers are recommending councillors approve the fourth phase of work to Knappett Industries, which has built the first three phases up from 96 Avenue. This year’s work would include upgrades of all underground utilities and the paving of 100 Street from north of 101 Avenue to the north side of 103 Avenue.

The city budgeted $10.54 million for the work, and says it again used a best value procurement process that “uses selected criteria to evaluate tender submissions not just the cost of construction.” That includes a project and risk assessment plan, as well as interviews with proponents.

“This process has provided significant advantages to the municipality in past awards,” comments CAO Milo MacDonald in a report to council. “It allows for multiple factors to be considered in addition to pricing which provides greater value for taxpayers on large or complex projects.”

City council approved a finalized plan for 100 Street’s redevelopment through downtown in 2019.

Work is planned to continue up to 105 Avenue, which includes the replacement of underground water and sewer lines that the city says were installed in the 1940s and 1950s.

For updates on these stories, visit alaskahighwaynews.ca

Ecole Central Elementary - Disney’s e Aristocats Kids

MATT

facilities, Right-of-Ways (RoW’s), lease sites and related infrastructure. This IPMP will cover various activities within the Peace River Regional District and nearby associated communities such as Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Arras, Groundbirch, Chetwynd and other small communities in that region.

Using the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), the pest management methods proposed for use may include seeding, re-vegetation, hand-pulling/cutting, mowing, string trimmers, brushing, biological control agents, and the use of herbicides.

Trade names of the herbicides proposed for ground application use under this plan may include:

•EcoClear, Vantage RT, V 480, Clearview, Milestone, avius VM, Escort, Tordon 22 , Banvel VM, MC A Amine 600, 2,4- Amine, Truvist, Esplanade SC, Transline, Lontrel 360, arlon, Arsenal, ayload, Fierce.

•Active ingredients are: Acetic Acid, Aminopyralid, Metsulfuronmethyl, iflunfen opyr, MC A, icloram, Chlorsulfuron, icamba, 2,4- , Aminocyclopyrachlor, nda iflam, Clopyralid, lyphosate, Triclopyr, Flumio a in, yro asulfone.

The proposed duration of the IPMP is from May 30, 2023 to May 29th, 2028 Maps and the draft IPMP document are available and may be viewed by contacting the appropriate office or contact persons below. Jim Chramosta, Shell Canada Ltd., 6814 Airport Road, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4M6, Tel: 250-794-3426, Email: im.chramosta shell.com

The EAO is holding a public comment period on the amendment application:

Building youth imagination

challenge from a bin.

Near the end of the hour, once all the blocks are cleaned up, the kids are given an opportunity to showcase their builds in the glass display outside the library. The builds are given titles and left on display for friends and family to see until the next club meeting, when the kids are given the chance to improve on their projects.

The kids were building all sorts of things: space stations with hidden vehicle bays, cafeterias just as colourful as the food they served, and children were even supplied a Morse code alphabet and encouraged to write their name or a message to be deciphered.

The kids are supplied with Lego bricks and build plates, and under the supervision of Alisa Lurie, children’s services and program co-ordinator, are allowed to free build or to draw a

“You’re building something you’re really proud of, you want everyone to see it, and you want to keep it for a little bit,” says Lurie. “The display really helps with that.”

Lego has long been credited with encouraging creativity and problem solving as well as assisting social skills development.

The playful construction sets will continue to do so, at the drop-in afterschool club held every other Wednesday at the library.

T.W. BUCK PHOTO

Riley Rivey builds a space station at the library’s Lego club on March 8, 2023.