ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS
A6 | NEWS | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020
Rimrock Wildlife rehab centre the first of its kind in the Peace Region Dillon Giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca
JASON HARVEY PHOTO
Mariah and William Harvey feed the two moose currently at the Rimrock Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Continued from front page The Old Fort hillside area wants to sit at six degrees, and is between eight to 18 degrees right now, Case said. “We can throw an awful lot of steel into the ground to try keeping it there, we can try to re-slope it. The problem is if you try to blast it, you’ll probably start another landslide somewhere close. If you try to re-slope the slope, now you’re probably going to have that landslide wanting to go further up the hill,” said Case. “If it moves too far, it keeps going up the hill. And if you play with it, then we’re going up past the 240 Road with this thing failing,” he said. “There is the ability to get a road across, there is no
guarantee that the road won’t move when this landslide wants to move in the future. But it is a road you can put in that’s safe,” Case added. There have been about 70 residents who have chosen to evacuate and register for emergency support services. Those who remain in the community are under evacuation alert. Residents remain concerned about the long-term liveability of Old Fort and their property values, lack of emergency planning from the regional district, and lack of transparency from the province. It took 10 days before a water taxi service was implemented, which forced many residents to walk over the slide or use an ATV trail
Jason and Corinna Harvey, who spend a lot of their time around animals through their work on Rimrock Ranch, realized in 2019 there was no rehab centre for injured wildlife near their home in Dawson Creek. Bears and other carnivores are looked after by the government, but there was nowhere for injured or compromised deer, moose, and other ungulates to go to be rehabilitated back to health. Enter the Rimrock Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre — a place where injured animals across the Peace region are brought until they are ready to be released back into the wild. The non-profit centre is certified by the provincial government, and the Harveys receive calls from conservation officers informing them of animals that have either been hit by a car or survived an attack, and which are then brought to the centre. Corinna is a veterinarian for the federal government, so this is right in her wheelhouse. And her kids, William and Mariah, are having a blast feeding the animals and helping them regain their strength. “The kids enjoy it, and are out there every three hours taking turns with the moose. We have two people on rotation for feeding, so that the animals don’t get accustomed to certain people. There is no petting them or anything like that,” said Jason.
to go to work. Alternative garbage and sewage service has yet to be established. “It’s been 20 months since the last slide, we knew this was likely going to take place. There was supposed to be a plan in place and I think that the Peace River Regional District has not done a very good job at this all,” said Scott Campbell. “We’ve got a lot of very well paid people at the regional district, and it is their job to do this. I feel they’ve failed at their job and we need to do a better job. I don’t want to go through this a third time.” The way many see it there are only two options: fix the hill, or buyout and relocate the community. Last week, the PRRD with
He’s referring to two young moose currently at the centre. They are currently building permanent pens to house and nurse animals, and replace the temporary ones currently in use. When the centre started last year, they rehabilitated two deer — one survived while the other didn’t make it. Once the animals have healed and regained strength, Jason said they do a soft release on the Crown land near their ranch. This August, they will let the animals out each day, and they will return at night, until they are ready to be fully released. Jason said he’s noticed a huge need and appreciation for this service in the region. So far, the centre has received animals from near Chetwynd, Fort St. John, and Dawson Creek. “We have had an overwhelming response of support overall. We’re not activists by any means, we hunt and fish. But I’d rather we release a bull moose back into the wild and he is eventually harvested rather than left to die from being hit by a car. That’s a success story to me.” The Harveys are a busy family. In addition to their rehab centre and ranch — where they raise cattle, horses, turkey, and chickens — Jason works in the oil industry and Corinna is a vet. Still, the heavy work-load doesn’t stop the family from doing whatever they can to help out the wildlife in the region. If you see an injured animal or for more information, contact Jason Harvey at 250-719-9575.
the help of North Peace Search and Rescue volunteers, offered escorted access across the slide for those who could remain at home due to dwindling supplies or anxiety. Water taxi was briefly suspended due to the heavy rains, but has since restarted. On Monday, RCMP surveyed the helicopter for emergency landing sites, and made a visit the community. The PRRD says materials will be long-lined into and out of the community. The Ministry of Transportation says it continues to monitor ponding and flowing water impacting the eastern crevice of the slide. “The slide continues to adjust to on-going changes
and although the movements are currently slowing, it is not possible to continuously monitor and report all site changes and that makes the slide unsafe for the public to cross,” the ministry said. It is hoped a temporary access road can be established as early as next weekend, though that will depend on the weather and slide conditions. “A geotechnical review of the slide area will determine when it is safe to start construction of what will initially be a temporary, supervised-use, access road,” the PRRD said. “Initially, the road will be used to provide passage for essential services vehicles including household water, garbage and sewage services.”
Peace River closure begins in June As part of the Site C project, BC Hydro will be installing debris management structures across the Peace River in advance of river diversion this fall. For safety reasons, starting mid-June, a 4 km section of the Peace River near Fort St. John will be permanently closed to boaters. Portage program: To move boaters around the construction area, a Portage Program for nonmotorized boats will operate between the Halfway River boat launch and the Peace Island Park boat launch from June 15 to September 15. Reservations are required seven days in advance of pickup. For more information visit sitecproject.com/boating or call 1 877 217 0777
DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO 5740
An operator waits for a new load of gravel during construction of an elevated base at the Bert Bowes outdoor track on June 26, 2020.
ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS
A8 | NEWS | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020
Residents, businesses rise to the surface amid flooding Rob Brown editor@dcdn.ca Resiliency. The ability to bounce back and recover quickly. Elasticity. When it comes to bouncing back after flood work in the Peace Thursday, there is no shortness of resiliency come July 3 throughout the Peace region. While it looked like Bear’s Den Liquor Store was to take the brunt of a failed culvert at the Dangerous Goods Road and 8th street, that wasn’t the case come Friday morning. Representatives say while the flooding did appear to block customers from all-important spirit access, it was business as usual. “We did have some water seep into our cellar but we are open for business and customers today,” says Kennedy Wright at the store. Jackie Baskic, accounts receivable with NAPA Auto Parts in Fort St John, says the business learned from flooding in previous years. “We have done some dredging around the building previously,” she said. “Last night (Thursday), the waters were headed for the store, but not a drop of water has entered the store,” she says this morning. “What an incredible story.” Nicole De Vuyst, general
MARK SUTTON PHOTO
Flooding in Dawson Creek, July 2, 2020.
manager at Nawican Friendship Centre, says the location has been a community hub since COVID-19 and more recent flooding. Members of the community assembled at noon at the centre Friday for a gratis hot lunch on a cold day from new cook Bernie
McEwen. “We served more than 1,100 meals in May and even more in June,” De Vuyst notes, saying Canada Day’s lack of activities brought more people than usual to their Canada Day pancake giveaway. “We’re here for
those who need us.” Dawson Creek resident John MacDonald along 108th Avenue in Dawson Creek says despite his road remaining closed as of Friday, they are doing rebuilding and mitigation work were they can on their land.
“We got out early Thursday morning with our grandkids when it was time to go,” he says noting the entire event is a lesson for his grandchildren. “They got to learn about the power of mother nature, and what we can do to help protect home.” MacDonald says the key to the 108th street culvert properly working is a vortex on the other side of the road from him. “A vortex is needed for culverts to be working, if there is no vortex - there is no flow because the culvert is clogged. It is that simple,” he says noting being relocated to a hotel in Dawson Creek for the time being. Meanwhile, the George Dawson Inn is showing compassion to American travellers. “I have had Americans stay at my hotel since day one,” says Tracey Lynn Moore-Winland. “And there have been zero issues. They self distance just like the rest of us, they wash their hands just like the rest of us, and the big one, they respect us,” she says. “I understand that some Americans apparently are not following the rules, however most are so it is not fair to lump them all in to one. I will continue everyday to welcome our fellow neighbours.”
Retiring dentist endows hospital foundation Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca One of Fort St. John’s longest serving dentists has established a new $50,000 endowment fund at the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. The Foundation said Tuesday the generous gift comes from Dr. Leslie Ho, and will help to to buy vital medical, diagnostic, and surgical equipment for the hospital and Peace Villa care home. “We are delighted in establishing a named endowment fund in Dr. Ho’s name as his legacy to this community,” said executive director Niki Hedges. Dr. Ho first visited Fort St. John in 1978 after graduating from the UBC School of Dentistry and travelling around the province in a mobile dental trailer. He fell in love with the city, and the following year set up his own dental practice. After 42 years, he has been one of the
longest service dentists in Fort St. John, the Foundation said, and will officially retire this summer to spend more time with family and his new grandchild. Dr. Ho’s contribution makes for the ninth endowment fund at the Foundation. The Foundation says interest from these invested funds will sustain help sustain it for the long-term and through difficult economic times. “We are honored that Dr. Ho has chosen the Foundation as the recipient of such a generous gift,” said Chris Maundrell, board chair. “Charitable giving via gifts of publicly traded securities is a great and effective way to donate versus cash gifts.” The Foundation has an endowment fund in its name, as well as others recognizing Edmondo & Giovanna Mucci, Betty Pimm, Henry Petrie, Jean Gardner, Evelyn Hadland, Arthur Hadland, and Energetic Services.
FORT ST JOHN HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Dr. Leslie Ho with Chris Maundrell, Chair of the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation.
Petition calls for noise pollution protection Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca Hudson’s Hope residents are petitioning council and BC Hydro to cut noise pollution as Site C activity ramps up through town. Up to six trucks an hour are expected to travel through town starting, hauling riprap from the Portage Mountain quarry to construction sites along Highway 29. The trucks will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week — or about 500 trips a week. In an online petition started last month, residents are demanding noise reduction barrier be installed along Canyon Drive above the community, and stretching to the Jamieson subdivision. The petition, signed by 17 people so far, also raises concerns for safety caused by the degradation of roads. “The sound in this valley will be deafening. I believe it is a right of every member of the Hudson’s Hope community to ‘quiet’ enjoyment of their property,” reads the petition, started by a group called Stop Site C.
DUZ CHO GROUP OF COMPANIES
Work at Portage Mountain Quarry near Hudson’s Hope.
“If it is to take four years to complete the highway realignment how many of you want to remain living in this valley with that level of noise?” The work, in conjunction with the transportation ministry, is being “done to prepare for filling the Site C reservoir, which will widen the Peace River and cover parts of the existing highway,” BC Hydro says.
BC Hydro says the truck traffic will increase dust and noise, and cause minor traffic delays. The transportation ministry will continue to maintain the road, also used for logging and oil and gas traffic, said BC Hydro said. “To improve safety and prepare for the hauling from Portage Mountain Quarry, the ministry recently
expanded the brake check at the top of the hill on this road,” said spokesperson Dave Conway. “At the moment, we do not plan to install a sound barrier. However, we will work with the ministry to monitor traffic and noise levels, and take further steps as necessary. Hudson’s Hope has installed a pedestrian light-controlled crosswalk at the intersection of Canyon Drive and Beattie Drive, which which sees a high amount of pedestrians in the summer months. It’s a first for the town, and was installed in anticipation of the increased Site C traffic. “It’s up and running, it’s going to be an asset for our folks going across that intersection,” said Mayor Dave Heiberg. “We want to make sure that it’s visible, especially when they start hauling more riprap for highway and berm alignment, it’s nice to have that visual there.” “It’s going to get more hectic as they continue work in the fall,” he said. — with files from Tom Summer
ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS
A12 | NEWS | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020
SYDNEY SOUCY PHOTOGRAPHY
A pair of pelicans walk into the Peace... Photographer Sydney Soucy recently captured these great pictures of American White Pelicans enjoying a swim in the Peace River where it meets the Pine. And late last month, residents up at Bear Flat say they saw a flock of 35 flying downriver. Rare sights!
Homeowners, and those who want to be, take note
C
OVID-19 has affected how we do so many things. Obviously, it affects how we meet, how we eat, where we go, and what we do. But it also has a big impact of some things that might not be top of mind until we stop to think about them. Like how do you buy a house in the middle of a pandemic? Or, how do the historic low interest rates affect those that already have a mortgage? Recently I was talking with my friend Rob Macdonald. Rob is a veteran mortgage broker and partner in DLC Pilot Mortgage Group out of Vancouver. The DLC Pilot Mortgage Group has been serving clients for over 30 years and has funded over $2 billion in mortgages I asked Rob how COVID-19 has changed the way that people are able to get financing to buy a home. He says, “There is no question that COVID-19 has had extensive effects on every industry, and that is the same for the mort-
gage industry. During the quarantine, there was a definite negative shift in the real estate market. In most markets, we saw a decrease in the number of listings, and therefore the numbers of sales were down. While at the same time, we did see a steady flow of clients looking to refinance their mortgage and take advantage of historically low rates. As our province pulled out of the quarantine, the markets bounced back with vengeance and now we are seeing above normal activity in mortgage applications.” “In regard to lending guidelines, we did see some significant shifts in policies with some lenders that we work with. There was an obvious tightening around income confirmation. Lenders will not be willing to approve applications where clients had received any benefits like the CERB, or emergency loans from the Federal Government. Full verification of income was done upfront, prior to an approval being granted. For self employed borrowers,
BRAD BRAIN we are required to provide evidence that there was little or no negative affect on 2020 income versus the previous year’s income. Self employed income was verified by bank statements and/or interim financial statements.” “On a positive note, the mortgage industry had to implement several improvements to their process to manage workflow. Previously we still had several lenders that would not accept electronic signatures. Now clients are able to arrange a new mortgage, right from the application and through to the registration and funding, on a 100% virtual basis. Lawyers are permitted to witness signatures through virtual conference, and even appraisals can be completed without the appraiser setting foot in your home.” One thing that I have noticed in my financial
planning practice is the opportunity that these low interest rates present. I asked Rob about what this ultralow interest rate environment means for people who already have a mortgage. Rob says, “Right at the onset of COVID-19, the Bank of Canada made three unprecedented emergency moves with the overnight rate in Canada. This reduced the prime rate from 3.95%, down to 2.45%, a level that we have not seen since 2009. At the same time, the uncertainty with the stock markets across the globe caused the fixed rates to also drop to unprecedented low levels. Five year fixed rates are now below 2.5%, with high ratio rates pushing the 2% level.” “While many homeowners were content with their interest rates around 3%, there is now a huge opportunity to refinance your current mortgage and save thousands of dollars in the remaining years of your term. In most cases, the penalty can be capitalized into the new mortgage, and your savings starts to
accumulate. Many clients are improving their interest rates by over half of a percent. The amount of savings will depend on the amount of your mortgage, the time left in the term, and the amount of your penalty with your current lender. With some basic information about your mortgage, a mortgage professional can review your mortgage and identify any potential savings you may have.” COVID-19 has had such an impact on us, but it has also created some opportunities. In all the attention that is given to COVID-19, do not overlook the obvious opportunity. Lower interest rates may mean that you can reduce your mortgage costs. Brad Brain, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, TEP is a Certified Financial Planner in Fort St John, BC. This material is prepared for general circulation and may not reflect your individual financial circumstances. Brad can be reached at www.bradbrainfinancial. com.
Sports are back, but the fans are not DILLON GIANCOLA
W
e all know what it feels like to be looking forward to something for months, only to be disappointed when it doesn’t quite live up to our expectations. I’m not sure I’ve ever looked forward to something more than the return of sports — as a fan, as a reporter, and as someone who loves playing them. But the return didn’t disappoint. In fact, the feeling was felt in a way I didn’t expect — relief and familiarity. No, it wasn’t joy and excitement I felt recently when watching Series A soccer and Formula 1 racing — though I suspect I will indeed be quite joyful when the NHL returns with eight playoff games a day — but it was the satisfaction of knowing I was doing what I love to do. It was a relief that, for one Sunday morning, life felt a bit more normal. This will happen more and more over the next several weeks, especially with the return of the NHL, NBA, and MLB at the end of July. This is how I’ve felt when playing golf and tennis late-
CANADIAN PRESS/ AP PHOTO
Empty seats are seen in the Signal Iduna Park without spectators during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, May 16, 2020.
ly — glad that I was actually out of the house, getting some exercise, and having fun while doing it. My golf game will need at least another month before it’s at the stage where it brings me pure happiness. The Fort St. John Mixed Slow Pitch season began Tuesday, July 7, after press
time. I’m playing on one of the 20 teams that signed up for the compressed, sevenweek season. On the one hand, that’s less than half of the 50 the league would fielded in a normal season. On the other hand, that’s still more than 200 ball players who were eager to register and play at least a
couple games this year. The lack of fans hasn’t affected me personally. For some reason, people don’t show up to the Surerus tennis courts to catch my Roger Federer impression. But it will be nice to know there are fewer eyes on me when I am batting during a slow pitch game.
It’s definitely surreal watching sports on T.V. If it’s NASCAR or F1, you don’t really notice the fans during a normal broadcast. But hearing the echo of a large European soccer stadium is a bit eerie. I know it will be weird watching high-intensity NHL and NBA playoff games with no crowd noise. At the same time, it will be kind of awesome, a memory we will have to keep from when everything was a little different for a couple months. After all, anything I’ve watched without fans this year, while noticeable and different, has still been enjoyable and pleasing. If the Toronto Raptors make it back to the NBA Finals, I can promise you I will not be focused on the lack of fans. I will be worried about my heart not giving out from the excitement and panic that comes from watching one of your favourite teams on the biggest stage. Sports are finally, mostly, back. There aren’t fans in the seats, and the games feel a lot different than normal, but it’s much better than having no live sports to watch for three whole months. sports@ahnfsj.ca