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An alleged fraud committed by a past employee put the Prince George Legion in the position of taking out a large mortgage, leaving the organization with a debt that may well lead to the Legion losing its charter at the end of April. “A former employee took us for about $300,000,” John Scott, Legion past-president, said. “That put us in trouble. The executive took over in 2010 and there was a massive amount of money owed. There were bills that hadn’t been paid in two years.” So the executive took out a mortgage on the building. But that wasn’t the only problem. The building itself, which has been up for sale for several years, is about 20,000 square feet, much too big for the membership, which is about 700 strong. However, as is true with most service clubs, there are about 100 members, maybe less, who come out regularly, though many more attend during special events, like Remembrance Day. And, Scott said, changes in liquor laws, smoking laws and a lack of interest in the public in seeking entertainment in the downtown core, has taken its toll, along with the cost of hydro and gas, particularly during the winter months. “It all combined and all of a sudden we’re not making the bills. When you’re running with no cash flow, you’re in trouble all the time.” turn to PAGE A9
City budget meetings end DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
The budget process is completed this year for the City of Prince George, with few surprises except an increase in the budget for the Prince George Library, and a promise to find a way to undertake some strategic planning for future infrastructure funding. Snow removal and roads were kept at the 2011 levels, however Coun. Cameron Stolz questioned the road budget of $3 and a half million, asking what the city should be spending
just to keep up with the rate of deterioration. He was told the number was double that amount, at $7 million. “I’m looking for us to be able to work with administration and finance and audit to create a three- to fiveyear sustainability plan around roads,” Coun. Lyn Hall said. “I think it’s important we establish that kind of a planning cycle.” The operations budget, which passed at $16 million, includes snow removal, road rehabilitation and other turn to PAGE A9
Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s
Hennas were just some of the wonderful ways to pamper oneself during Spa Day and UNBC on Saturday. For complete story turn to Page A11
■ COURT
‘It was just so disgusting’ Complainant testifies in sex assault case against three men TERESA MALLAM arts@pgfreepress.com
The complainant in a sexual assault trial broke down and sobbed during her testimony in B.C. Supreme Court and at least twice was excused from the courtroom so she could regain her composure. Tears flowed and the witness often dabbed at her eyes with a tissue as she spoke about the events she said occurred at an alleged biker club house in Prince George on March 24, 2011. Under direct examination by Crown counsel Cassandra Malfair, the witness took the stand Tuesday and Wednesday and described being sexually assaulted “over and over” by three men. She said oral sex was performed on her against her will by a woman. Some of the alleged forced sex acts happened on a downstairs couch, she said, while others took place on a bed upstairs. Two of the accused men held her arms down during some attacks, she said. Asked by the Crown how she felt after the oral sex incident, the witness covered her face, sobbed, and said, “I just felt helpless, like I couldn’t do anything
... It was just so disgusting.” In response to Malfair’s question, “why didn’t you leave?” the witness said, “I was too scared ... I just thought if I just did what they said, I would get through it.” On Wednesday, asked the same question, following another described sexual assault, she said, “I thought they would hurt me.” Albert Piche, 31, Julian Niskakoski, 19, and Adam Boyd, 21, are each charged with five criminal offences in connection with the case: assault, two counts of sexual assault with a weapon/ threats/ bodily harm, unlawful confinement or imprisonment, and administering a noxious thing with intent to endanger. On the stand, the witness was asked details about each sexual assault she could recall and asked to name the man or men involved in each one. At one point during her lengthy and often tearful testimony Tuesday, she said, “they were all the same after that, one person would have sex with me, then another, and another, they would just take turns.” The forced sexual penetrations were very painful for her, she said. Towards the end of her testimony Tuesday, she
said, “the same thing just kept happening over and over and I just stopped feeling anything ... I felt like my body was there but I wasn’t there anymore.” On Wednesday, the witness cried and began shaking as she was asked by the Crown to describe one occasion where she was sexually assaulted with a full bottle of vodka with the cap off. She also testified one man pushed her face into lines of cocaine on a dresser in the bedroom. “Did you voluntarily ingest that cocaine?” asked Malfair. “No,” replied the witness. In earlier testimony Monday, an RCMP investigator told the court about several items he retrieved from the the house and a series of pictures he took of the scene. In his description of the house, he noted there were sofas in the main floor living room and two bedrooms upstairs – one with a dresser in it. He also said he retrieved two vodka bottles from the recycle bin on the main floor, and under a bed upstairs he found a condom. The B.C. Supreme Court trial in Prince George is expected to last at least one week and is being heard before Madam Justice Sandra Ballance.
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Local skiers off to Canada Winter Games B1 Spa Day at UNBC was a great chance to get pampered for a good cause A11
Up Front BILL PHILLIPS 250-564-0005 newsroom@pgfreepress.com
www.pgfreepress.com ■ ABORIGINAL BUSINESS
Capacity crowd looks for perfect match DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
The 2012 Aboriginal Business Match was a success even before the first participant walked through the door, so much so, in fact, that it outgrew the Civic Centre as a venue for next year. Katrin Henry, managing partner with Raven Event Management, said the event was sold out to a capacity crowd, and people had to be turned away. “It’s exceeding expectations,” she said. “I’ve spoken to everyone, and every single one of them committed for 2013.” Henry said the event is the most cost-effective way to connect, providing 31 appointments for each First Nations band represented. “Companies are very happy to have access to all these connections,” she said. “People come here with plans and strategies about what they want to accomplish. We asked them ahead of time about their goals and expectations.” Those ran the gamut, she said, from something as simple as insurance questions to the more
complex quest of finding an appropriate business partner. “They were very specific in what they were looking for.” The e-profiles the business delegates and First Nations representatives completed helped match goals and interests and led to almost 5,000 hours of business meetings over the course of the event. On Feb. 13, during the first day of the event, Memoranda of Understandings were signed between seven of eight partners, to mark the launch of the Aboriginal Business Association. Industry Council for Aboriginal Business president Keith Henry said the BCABA will deliver workshops in regional sessions across the province, skills development forums and coordinate regional industry, corporate industry, First Nations business and Aboriginal entrepreneur sessions to identify contract opportunities and requirements. “First Nations are very serious about their economic development,” Katrin Henry said. She added a thank-you to the Lheidli T’enneh for welcoming them into their traditional terri-
De v o n C R A IG / Sp e cia l to Fre e Pre s s
Ron Mancewich and Randy Dakota man the booth at Angelique’s Native Arts during the Aboriginal Business Match event at the Civic Centre last week. tory. “As an Aboriginal person and CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C., I’ve never
seen such positive and concrete outcomes from a conference before,” Henry, who chaired the ABM 2012 steering committee,
said in a press release following the event. “I’m encouraged by what I think will be the longterm results of this event.”
School board won’t have separate LGBTQ policy ALLAN WISHART allanw@pgfreepress.com
A former school trustee wasn’t shocked by the current board’s discussion at Tuesday’s meeting. “I wasn’t surprised,” said Valentine Crawford. “I was disappointed.” Up for discussion at the meeting was a review of the district’s Code of Student Conduct. Crawford and others spoke to the board about the need for more protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students and teach-
ers. “In the January after I was elected,” Crawford said after the meeting, “so three years ago, a teacher and some students came to the board asking for an LGBTQ policy to be put in place. The matter went to the policy and governance committee, which prepared a report. The board at that time was fine with discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation being a part of all policies in the district, but with nothing specific.” That same lack of specificity, he said, was clear to him at the Tuesday meeting.
“What we had last night was talk around half the issue. It was mostly about the lack of instruction about possibly discriminatory language in schools.” One thing he found interesting, however, was the apparent non-unanimity on the board regarding a separate policy for LGBTQ discrimination. Trustee Kate Cooke spoke about the possible need for such a policy, which others did not think it necessary. Crawford said he also noticed the trustees still seemed to be looking for quick fixes.
“(Trustee) Sharon Bourassa talked about the need to revise the Safer Schools document quickly, but a quick rolling-out doesn’t do it justice.” He says there needs to be a policy put in place for the issues students and teachers face, and that it can’t be done by administration alone. “It can’t be done in isolation by someone who is not experiencing this behaviour on a daily basis.” Trustees felt there was no need to revise the current policy, but suggested more work be done on enforcement.
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Prince George - News - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
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Calvin Harry and Trevor Kempthorne show some of the wares at the Spirit Dancer booth at the Aboriginal Business Match event at the Civic Centre last week. Devon CR A IG / Special to Free Press
■ WILDLIFE COMPLAINTS
Low snow means low numbers ALLAN WISHART allanw@pgfreepress.com
It’s been a quieter winter than normal for local conservation officers. Officer Gary Van
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Spengen says the number of calls they have received this year about wildlife encounters is down substantially. “Since the beginning of November, we have
had 146 complaints this year. Last year, in the same period, we had 218.” Van Spengen says a lot of the reason for the decrease is the weather.
“The snowpack is down locally, so animals aren’t having to come into the city to find food. Also, because the highways have been clearer, there hasn’t been as much salt used on them, which normally attracts animals to the road to feed.” He says there has been the odd moose sighted in town this winter, but can’t remember immediately when the last call was for that. “They’re able to move around quite easily, so they’re able to stay out in the bush.” One species they have received a number of calls on is cougar. “We’ve had some
cougar complaints in the outlying areas. We’ve had a couple in Miworth, and we had to take one cat out of the Willow Cale area. There have also been sightings in Salmon Valley and on Cranbrook Hill, but it’s not unusual to have cougar in those areas.” While the numbers of wildlife sightings are down, Van Spengen reminds drivers to exercise caution. “Especially when you’re driving on the highways, drive to the conditions, and watch for wildlife on the side of the road or in the ditches beside the road. “It only takes one moose to ruin your day.”
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■ MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Public gives council input on spending DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
Several members of the public took the opportunity to speak during the public session at the first budget presentation meeting Feb. 15. Potholes in sidewalks, the lack of curb cuts on corners and the build-up of ice during winter are all conditions that make accessibility difficult for people in wheelchairs, scooters or those pushing strollers in the city of Prince George, according to members of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. Ken Biron and Heather Lamb spoke before council and discussed some of the challenges the sidewalks, particularly during winter months,
present to those travelling along them in the city. Biron said deteriorating driveways in some areas add to the problem, and are sometimes up to five cm lower than the sidewalk. “Those areas have been ignored pretty much since they’ve been here,” he said. Some areas of particular concern are along 17th Avenue, from Spruce to Winnipeg. The worst, he said, are near the old Odeon theatre on Vancouver from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue, with sloping narrow sidewalks and a lot of potholes. Dave Bakker, vicepresident of the Northern Bear Awareness Society, also took the opportunity to speak
during the public session of the budget meeting. His concern was with the city cuts to the environment department and how those cuts would affect the bear awareness program. He said three of the six required criteria to make Prince George a bear-smart community have been fulfilled. “The loss of the liaison with environmental services raises questions about the commitment of the city. NBAs will continue to provide education to the people of Prince George but we can only do this if the funding and sponsorships continue to support us. The final three requirements to become bear smart are beyond our abilities
and now fall under the mandate of the city. A committed action plan to the amending of bylaws, the enacting of others, and following the assessment and prevention plans is the responsibility of the City of Prince George,” Bakker read from a letter presented to council. In conclusion he asked council to reconsider the elimination of the environmental division. CUPE Local 1048 President Janet Big-
elow addressed council on the recent city employee cutbacks, which include nine people in various positions at the city plus another 19 vacancies that will not be filled. Bigelow brought up a remark made by Coun. Cameron Stolz earlier in the meeting. He was discussing a motion to cut back on councillor’s travel budgets and asked how council would learn about things like a grant that saved the city $1 million?
The question referred to a grant Stolz found out about that helped reduce costs on the new RCMP building. Bigelow said many grants, up to about $38 million, were generated by those who had been laid off at the city. “I can’t help but wonder who is going to find those grants?” she asked, adding she wondered who would generate the business cases for grants now many of those staff members are gone.
Other speakers during the public session included a gentleman who asked council to keep tax increases as low as possible and a lady who spoke on several matters including curb-side recycling as well as Dr. Marie Hay and Terry Robert, who both spoke in favour of the city continuing to support PGAIR. Towards the end of the budget meeting, council voted to continue supporting the organization with a $70,000 grant.
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Opinion
The Prince George Free Press, founded in 1994, is published every Wednesday and Friday in Prince George by Prince George Publication Limited Partnership. Contents copyright of Prince George Publication Limited Partnership.
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What’s the alternative?
I
t will be interesting to see what council comes up with as an alternative to the alternative approval process. Coun. Frank Everitt stated that he is out-and-out opposed to the system, which is kind of a negative-billing process for public input. Other councillors expressed concern and the elected group, as a whole, has stated they will work to make the process more accessible. Good for council to try and make the process more workable. One thing they can do, which they didn’t state they would do, is lobby the provincial government to get rid of the alternative approval process. While it’s commendable for council to try to make the process work, their hands really are tied. The alternative approval process came about when the Liberals introduced the Community Charter. Unhappy with Municipal Act laws mandating communities to go to the electorate to approve extraordinary expenditures (i.e. borrowing money to build a dike), the Liberal government crafted a way for municipal politicians to get around the requirement and still say they sought public input. Rather than go to the electorate and let the majority rule the day (which, by the way, provincial politicians steadfastly want to retain for general elections, hence their reticence to entertain proportional representation), the alternative approval process puts the onus on those opposed to something to mobilize and sign a petition. If the petition is successful, council must either abandon its plans or put the issue to referendum. In Prince George, with about 52,000 eligible voters, a successful alternative approval process petition would require 5,200 signatures. To put that in perspective, Mayor Shari Green was elected with just over 6,900 votes. In other words, the alternative approval process is designed to fail. Only in extraordinary circumstances would one even come close to being successful. The alternative approval process is a handy tool for municipalities to avoid a referendum on contentious issues. The excuse trotted out, and the River Road dike proposal is no exception, is that it costs about $1,600 for the alternative approval process and upwards of $50,000 for a referendum. It’s tough to argue against. However, the real issue is that the public is, essentially, being denied a chance to have a legitimate say. If a council feels strongly enough that an extraordinary expenditure is worthwhile and if it feels strongly that it should do the will of the people, then it should be prepared to defend extra expenditures through a referendum In addition, we now live in a world of online everything. Surely there must be a way to solicit the views of the electorate without going through the onerous expense of a referendum. Perhaps a move to online voting would provide an opportunity to institute, in conjunction with online voting, a process whereby electors will be able to have a greater say in such matters … and without breaking the bank. We wish council the best in clearing some of the alternative approval process quagmire for the citizens of Prince George. In closing we offer two quick comments: Firstly, council could have just sent the River Road dike matter to referendum if they don’t like the alternative approval process. Secondly, and this comes from the sending-good-money-after-bad department. Many in this community were shaking their heads a few years ago when the council of the day decided to upgrade River Road rather than build a dike. The upgraded River Road was to serve as the dike, leaving some rather confounded business owners on the river side of the ‘dike.’ That work was completed and now we are building a dike, pending the alternative approval process of course. In essence, we will have two dikes a matter of yards apart. It is indeed mind boggling. However, the city is doing now what should have been done following the 2007 ice jam.
■ OPINION
Toews should apologize Our personal liberties are always at risk. There lead their group to the Promised Land they will creare those who will argue strongly that there is a ate in Ottawa. The first thing they learn after being need to reduce our liberties for the common good. elected is not everyone thinks the same as them, not We all agree that we wish to get drunk drivers off even all members of their own party. the road and slam every single child molester into The government of Prime Minister Harper may jail forever. To do this, the politicians are lobbied just be realizing that majority in government does by interested groups and police forces, each maknot mean absolute authority and command. The ing a sincere and rational argument to support their manner of introduction of Bill C-30 is an indicator belief that greater powers are needed to properly of how fast things can go wrong. The introduction deal with the problems. While we can of the Internet Security Legislation sympathize with them, we don’t want by Minister Vic Toews turned into an to inconvenience us all for the sake of embarrassing farce. His remarks in the the few. Commons that either you support his The investigation of crimes and the proposed Internet surveillance bill or collection of evidence is frequently a you are in favour of child pornography difficult task. It is frustrating having to Onside will rank in the top 10 stupid comVICTORBOWMAN wait to obtain a warrant to probe into ments of the year. It was insulting to the personal affairs of those suspected all Canadians and will be remembered of being involved. Any investigator would love to for a long time. Minister Toews owes a very sincere have broader and quicker access to all the informaapology to the whole country and may be able to tion they may need or think they may need. We all salvage some shred of integrity and honesty by putwant to catch the rotten criminals, but we also have ting forth his resignation immediately. to ask ourselves how much we are willing to sacriIt does make one wonder if there are a bunch fice to do so. How far do we allow someone to pry of extreme right-wingers crafting this and further into our lives? How much power are we wiling to legislation in what are often referred to as “Chrisgive other over our lives? What is a reasonable limi- tian values and principles.” The implementing of tation on government powers? rules having the objective of bringing about narrow Limitations on the government’s powers were conformity of behaviour which we all shall have to fought for and defended by our forefathers. They obey or suffer the consequences of the law. seemed to realize that given the opportunity, there We have moved beyond the debates over such are those who will give themselves increasing things as abortion and capital punishment. The will power while diminishing the power and strength of of the majority of Canadians has been acted upon the individual. and those decisions are not retractable. To any politician, in or out of government, being While every Member of Parliament has a right to surrounded by individuals who may freely questheir opinions and values, they must not forget they tion, support or oppose their ideas is a sobering represent all Canadians. experience. Before they enter parliament, they are Their job is to evaluate all opinions and arrive at surrounded by like-minded people. They may even a consensus, not force policy based just upon their have convinced themselves that they are the one to personal beliefs. Circulation Manager ....................... Heather Trenaman Email: circulation@pgfreepress.com.............250-564-0504
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Viewpoints
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Nothing punny about some headlines An ESPN website editional, it was absolutely tor was fired this week blind to the race of the for writing the headline player, which is just as “Chink In The Armor” for unforgivable an offence. a story that It also exposes included the sliding scale a photo of of racism in Jeremy Lin, America, where an L.A.throwing racial born son of insults at Asians Taiwanese Rough is still acceptCuts parents able but making NEILGODBOUT similar slurs who currently plays against blacks is for the New York Knicks unforgivable. of the NBA. There is no way any It’s a play on words, headline writer would of course, to describe the make the same mistake team’s play while referring with Kobe Bryant or to Lin’s Chinese heritage. LeBron James with the The headline writer denied headline “Calling A Spade any racist intent but went A Spade” because no one on to say “this had nothcould ever sincerely claim ing to do with being cute innocence. Sensitivity to or punny.” As a former black racism is much furheadline writer myself, ther up on the radar. That nothing could be further phrase, as well as the word from the truth. It’s your “niggardly,” are rarely job to be cute and punny, heard in the U.S., even while pushing the taste though neither of them has barriers as far as they can anything to do with race go. (niggardly means stingy Did the headline writer or cheap), because of the deserve to be fired? Defihuge risk to offend anynitely. If it wasn’t intenone of African-American
descent. Writing cute and punny headlines comes with the headline writer’s job. In a few words, you have to pull the reader into the story, so “punching it up” any way you can is encouraged. A former boss of mine spoke to me several times about relying too much on song titles in headlines, a go-to trick of mine on deadline back in the day. The headline on a photograph of a highschool teacher decked out in green for St. Patrick’s Day became “Smells Like Green Spirit.” The headline for a photo essay about Canada Day festivities on a Saturday in Fort George Park was “Saturday In The Park (I Think It Was The First of July).” And here’s how easy it is to write offensive headlines. There was a front-page story about a man who came into a convenience store late at night with his hand recently cut off. He
refused to cooperate with police from his hospital bed and police said it was a gang punishment. The police spokesperson even made a slight joke, informing local residents not to worry because there’s no one going around the city
collecting hands. With that in mind, the headline seemed obvious. “Attack stumps police.” My boss said he could have lived with that but the secondary headline really took the cake. “Victim refuses to finger
assailant.” Now I can laugh about it for my cleverness but shake my head for my stupidity because I broke the headline writer’s first commandment – never use the best worst headline. Ever.
I’M OUTTA HERE!
A lla n W ISHA RT/ Fre e Pre s s
While some of the participants in the Polar Bear Dip on Sunday at Ness Lake Bible Camp were willing to spend a bit of time in the water, the majority just wanted to get out as soon as they got in.
Get all the facts before buying a business Buying a business is a bit like buying Have your accountant scour the finana used car, except there’s usually more cials for issues, risks, and liabilities. money at stake and potentially a lot more Determine whether the financials were risk. created by a qualified accountant or by Fortunately, there are a the owner while swashing back a number of things you can bottle of Jack Daniel’s. Seek your do to limit the risk and accountant’s help in structuring increase likelihood of a the deal, and be sure to lay it out Boudreau successful business purin a way that takes full advantage Biz chase or sale. of any tax breaks DANBOUDREAU Get The Financials. If Get Legal Advice. I recomyou can’t get a clean set of mend you meet with a lawyer financial statements – quickly and withthe minute you start to get excited about out fuss or excuses – walk away. Without buying a business – at a minimum the financials you are staring into a black information will be enlightening, and hole. Aside from the fact that you can’t you might just save yourself a whack of make any reasonable estimates without money. Some of the points you’ll want to financials, you can’t trust an owner who cover are: liabilities, buy-sell agreement, isn’t responsible enough to take care of and non-competition clause. bookkeeping and accounting. Ideally, Due Diligence. Determine why the get three years of income statements and owner wants to sell the business. Underbalance sheets, as well as summaries of stand that most rational folks won’t sell receivables and payables. a business that’s spitting out sustainSeek Accounting and Tax Advice. able profits, unless they’re ill or ready to
retire. Aside from discovering why the business is for sale, there are a number of other issues that need to be checked out. If you’re buying a corporation you need to confirm whether the taxes are paid and if there are any financial or other liabilities that are not reported in the financials. You may wish to speak with a few customers, past and current employees, suppliers, and vendors. Get To Know The Business. No matter what you imagine, working in a business is sure to be vastly different than it appears from the outside looking in. Determine what your days and nights will be like once you’re in it. One way to do this is to work in the business for a while before buying it – or you might work in a similar business to gain experience and perspective. Bind The Seller To The Deal. There are at least two ways to anchor the seller to the deal: time and money. If desirable, you can make your offer subject
to the owner continuing to work in the business until you get up to speed. The second way to tie the seller in is vendor financing – making a portion of the selling price into a loan by the vendor/seller. This means the vendor has a vested interest in the success of the operation after the sale. Don’t get stampeded into a quick purchase. Every once in a while a deal might come up that is time sensitive, meaning you have to jump on it immediately or lose it. There’s usually no real hurry. Take your time, do your due diligence. If the current opportunity slips through your fingers, understand that other opportunities will come along. There are hoards of baby-boomer business owners who will be retiring over the next few years and lots of opportunities coming down the pipe. Don’t get spooked into buying without doing your homework! Dan Boudreau owns RiskBuster Business Plan Oasis and Blog at www.riskbuster.com.
Free Press reserves the right to reject unsigned letters. Letters are edited for brevity, legality and taste. Contact Editor Bill Phillips, 250-564-0005
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Friday, February 24, 2012
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Keeping spending growth at an annual two per cent average, increasing funding for health and school districts while offering tax breaks to new home buyers are a few features of the province’s new budget. Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon said he watched with real concern as other governments lost discipline in controlling expenditures and who now have to pay for those mistakes. “They are reaping the whirlwind,” he said in a telephone press conference Wednesday. In B.C., the approach, he said, is to maintain fiscal discipline, and he pointed out that in nine out of 10 previous budgets the province has outperformed its targets. Falcon is also promising the province will be back to a balanced budget in 2013/2014. “We are protecting health care and education, but in virtually all other areas we are holding the line,” he said. Budget highlights include a B.C. first-time new home buyer’s bonus of up to $10,000. Prince George Mayor Shari Green said that was one of
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the items that caught her three or four weeks we might attention during the budget hear an announcement,” she announcement. said. “A $10,000 credit to first The budget also offers a time home buyers goes a lot senior’s home renovation further on homes tax credit of up in Prince George to $1,000, and a than Vancouver,” children’s fitness Green said durcredit as well as ing a luncheon a children’s arts address to the credit. Kiwanis Club It also elimiWednesday. nates the provinHowever, she cial jet fuel tax said she was for international concerned about flights. the one per cent “It’s a great Kevin Falcon drop in fundnews story for - Minister of Finance ing for advanced the Prince George education. She airport,” said said now seems to be the Lindsay Cotter, media liaison time the government should with the airport. “It makes be fast-tracking programs us more competitive comso the province doesn’t face pared to the United States or a skilled labour shortage in Alberta.” the near future due to the Cotter said the savings will resource boom. equal about $2,000 per land“I’ve heard there are skilled ing. workers in the Lower Main“It’s pretty significant savland who are out of work,” ings. It brings us more inshe said, adding having them line with other rates, which obtain employment locally is will make it easier for us great. “But I don’t want to to attract other carriers and displace people here.” cargo flights,” she said. And she noted there was The decision to go with no announcement in the bud- eliminating the tax came get regarding the Wood Inno- after a discussion with YVR, vation and Design Centre, Falcon said, during which though she said she thinks they committed to an addithe city might hear some- tional 22 international flights thing soon. if they were provided the “I’m hoping in the next relief, which translates to 150
to 200 more jobs. “Based on that commitment we provided relief,” Falcon said. Residents of the province will also be paying a higher price, again, for MSP premiums as well as more for the services provided by crown corporations. Falcon said it’s really important to have a bit of perspective when discussing the increased MSP premiums. He said prior to 2009 MSP premiums stayed the same for seven years. This meant the government took on a growing portion of the cost. Then, in 2009, a six per cent annual rise in premiums was announced over three years. Now the increase is four per cent. He added the province pays the cost of the premiums for 800,000 low-income residents, and many employers pay the full premium or a portion of it. “If you look at it in perspective, it’s not unreasonable,” he said. He added ICBC has taken a few hits of late. The corporation got hammered, he said, in investment income, and bodily injury claims have increased dramatically.
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Prince George - News - Free Press
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Friday, February 24, 2012
Financial woes put Legion in jeopardy from PAGE A1
If the building sold, the Legion would move to a smaller location, something about 9,000 square feet. “Then we could open with a new and improved version of the Legion, with new ideas too.” However, without a sale in the very near future, Scott said the organization is about to hit a wall when it comes to paying the bills. “The end of April is what we’ve estimated our wall is. At that time Command is going to have to take us over.” Command, Scott said, is likely to buy the mortgage, pay the bills and pull the charter. “They are highly
unlikely to do otherwise,” Scott said. “If we sell it ourselves, we can cut some deals and look good in the eyes of Yukon Command, and they will likely support us.” He added they have already received support from Command, a bridging loan of $100,000, money now gone. “As you can see, we’re digging a deep hole,” he said. Scott said they approached the city just before the election about selling the Legion to it, however at the time there was a lot of talk about the city already owning too much real estate. “It was not a good time to do that.” And the new council
is very reluctant to buy the building. “They have no interest in helping us in that matter,” he said.
He added formerly the city purchased property for senior’s clubs then leased the premises back to those organiza-
A FULL CHOICE FUNERAL CENTRE
towards bursaries and $30,000 from gaming goes to various societies, from the Salvation Army to sports clubs.
February 24, 2012
COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS MEETINGS
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provisions of Section 26(3) of the Community Charter that the City of Prince George intends to lease 1240 - 2nd Avenue, Prince George, BC to the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society for a term of 5 years at a rent of $1,000.00 per year. Ian Wells, Real Estate Services
Regular Meetings of Council Mondays, March 5th and March 12th Council Chambers – 6:00 p.m.
from PAGE A1
ASSMAN’S FUNERAL CHAPEL
Poppy Fund, which cannot be used to support running the Legion, is used to help veterans. Scott said $20,000 goes
YOUR CITY MATTERS
Budget wraps up operations. The emergency services and civic facilities budget passed at $38.2 million and includes the $21.5 million policing budget, which increased by 6.5 per cent. “If this was any other department people would be in the streets rioting,” Stolz said, adding council has very little control over that portion of the budget. Representatives from the library had the opportunity to make a presentation at the meetings, and asked for just over $50,000 in additional funding, above the 2011 level they were asked to keep the budget at. The library said the funding is the amount necessary to maintain services. However, last Thursday, the Regional District of Fraser Fort George agreed rural users had been underfunding the library over the years and passed a motion to support the library with $50,000. This money flows through the city, then goes to the library. There was confusion among some councillors regarding the total amount the city would give, then, since it seemed as though the $50,000 was extra funding above what the city had budgeted. But city manager Derek Bates said the budget already assumed the regional district would add the $50,000. However, many councillors said they felt the perception at the regional district may have been the $50,000 would cover the extra amount asked for by the library. Coun. Dave Wilbur made a motion the city support the budget, adding $50,000 from the regional district, rather than including it. Council voted in favour of the motion.
tions. Over the years the Legion has supported many local endeavours. About $80,000 from the
Budget Meetings February 27th (if needed) Council Chambers, 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. Advisory Committee on Development Design Wednesday, February 29th – 12:00 p.m.
BROADCASTING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Shaw TV runs a recorded version on Tuesday’s after each Council meeting. To follow live Council meetings, visit the City’s website at www.princegeorge.ca as webcasting services and video archiving of agenda items are available for the public.
INVITATION TO TENDER: T12-03
Sale of City Owned Property – Barnes Drive Closing Date: March 16, 2012
REQUEST OF PROPOSAL: P12-01 Consulting Services - Community Forest Management Closing Date: February 28, 2012
JOB POSTING Court Administrator Regular Part Time, Police Support Services, 12/004 - closing February 24th Data Processor Regular Full Time, Police Support Services, 12/005 - closing February 24th Programmer/Analyst 1 12/007 - closing March 16th
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Labourer Contingency List 12/010 - closing March 14th
REGISTRATION FOR HIRED EQUIPMENT - May 1, 2012 – April 30, 2013 The City of Prince George is now accepting registrations for hired equipment such as, but not limited to loaders, graders, backhoes, trucks, crawler tractors, sweepers, etc. for summer construction and maintenance projects as well as winter snow clearing operations.
PROCLAMATION
This registration is for hires on an as-required basis from May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013.
February 2012 is “Black History Month” February 2012 is “Heart and Stroke Month” February 15 – March 15, 2012 is “Strong Kids Month” February 20 –24, 2012 is “Chamber of Commerce Week” February 20 – 26, 2012 is “Heritage Week “
Registration forms are available on the City web site www.city.pg.bc.ca or from the Streets Division, located at 4050 – 18th Avenue. Registration forms must be hand delivered to the Streets Division or mailed to 1100 Patricia Blvd V2L 3V9 no later than 4:30 P.M. Friday, March 30th, 2012. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Streets Division at 561-7529.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARDS & YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARD
APPLY FOR A COUNCIL COMMITTEE
The City of Prince George is once again hosting the annual Volunteer Recognition Awards and Youth of the Year Award. Volunteers are the heart of our community and we need your help in recognizing those that give so much of themselves for others. The City of Prince George annually recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals in our community. Several awards are bestowed on volunteers that contribute so much and make a difference in our community. These individuals are recognized and honoured at the Civic Appreciation Dinner. There are four types of awards including:
You Can Make a Difference....... Here’s an opportunity to make a difference in your community
Recreation Award of Merit Community Service Award Youth of the Year Award Outstanding Volunteer Award of Merit Nominations are due by 4:30 pm on March 5th, 2012 and can be submitted to City Hall. For a Nomination Package please check the website at www.princegeorge.ca click City Living>Civic Appreciation or contact Community Services at 250-561-7640.
Prince George is a City full of volunteers willing to give their time to ensure their community is a better place to live, work and play. Council Committees provide residents of our community the opportunity to participate on the development of our municipality. At this time the City Manager’s Office is accepting applications for Membership on the following Council Committees: • Advisory Committee on Accessibility • Advisory Committee on Development Design • Advisory Committee on Enhancing Prince George (Enhance PG) • Board of Variance The Committees meet monthly, do research and provide information and recommendations to Council and City Staff. Applications are available on the City’s web site www.princegeorge.ca/cityhall/committees/, or may be picked up at City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard. For further information or to have an application form mailed to you, please call 250.561.7684. Applications or resumes received by the City Manager’s Office, Manager of Legislative Services prior to the February 24, 2012 deadline will be considered by City Council at its Regular Meeting of March 12, 2012. Deadline for Applications: 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2012. Information contained in the applications will be included in the public Council Agenda and posted on the City’s web page.
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Friday, February 24, 2012
In Focus
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www.pgfreepress.com ■ NDP LEADERSHIP
Singh and Nash campaign in P.G. Four leadership hopefuls have now made a pit stop in B.C.’s northern capita. DELYNDA PILON newsromm@pgfreepress.com
The private sector and environment can have a positive working relationship, according to Martin Singh, a declared candidate for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party. Singh visited Prince George last week, stopping in at Books and Company to discuss his platform. “I believe huge opportunities are being missed,” Singh, president of the NDP’s Faith and Social Justice commission and president of the Sackville - Eastern Shore NDP riding association, said. The adversarial relationship is unnecessary, he said, since environmentalists know the problems out there very well while the solution to those problems often lie in the private sector. Singh, who has a background as a businessman in both urban and rural settings, said he wants to broaden the conversation between those two groups. He added he has three main goals within the party. The first is the environment. Besides focusing on opportunities between the private sector and environmentalists, he said he has deep concerns about the Enbridge pipeline project. “The whole process concerns me,” he said He added the NDP wants to make sure the process of consultation remains fair and transparent while the Conservatives seem to want to marginalize different groups. “In a society of free speech, you are supposed to have fee speech,” he said. Singh also said job creation, particularly entrepreneurship, is important. “The Conservative party is currently lowering corporate taxes. I have two issues with that. First, we will see it reach a point of diminishing DeLynda PILON/Free Press returns.” NDP leadership hopeful Martin Singh speaks to supporters at Secondly, it is an inefficient business policy, Books and Company last week. he said, especially when it comes to encouraging entrepreneurs who will likely have to wait a few years before seeing profits. “So we neglect other areas of need,” he said. Providing financing and training for both employees and employers, especially when it comes to financial literacy, would be more beneficial, he said. The national Pharmacare plan is another area Singh wants to focus on. Instead of doing another study, Singh said it’s time to look at the studies already completed, evaluate them, and then take action. “We need to find out the impact and time line of implementation,” he said. “We need to look at where we are, where we need to go and the steps in between.” Affordable pharmaceutical care is important to all sectors of the population, he said. Singh said he was scheduled to visit Prince George earlier DeLynda PILON/Free Press in the campaign, however he NDP leadership hopeful Peggy Nash speaks to supporters at Books and Company couldn’t, so when another opportunity came up, he jumped at it. last week.
“I am making an effort to reach as many different areas of the country as possible,” he said.
PEGGY NASH Keeping that orange wave moving west with fringes in the east is something Peggy Nash, who hopes to be the next leader of the federal NDP, wants to see. Nash, MP for Parkdale - High Park, visited Books and Company Monday, meeting with party members and the curious in order to share her platform as she travels the country in preparation for the upcoming leadership vote. She said the party message includes protecting the environment and promoting a vibrant economy as well as strong social programs and values. However, those Canadian values are getting lost under the leadership of Stephen Harper, she said, citing as an example Canada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto accord. “With Stephen Harper we’re never going to get to express these values,” she said. “Under his leadership you’re a threat to the government somehow if you disagree with Enbridge.” She said Canada is losing good quality valueadded jobs. “I see so many trucks of raw logs going down the highway and every time I see that I think ‘there goes our value-added jobs’,” she said, adding the same is true for raw bitumen and minerals. These are the kind of jobs, she said, Canada needs to keep to succeed as a country. “We need to defend the middle-class lifestyle then we can pay for those programs we all want,” she said. Nash also spoke about health care, in particular the price of prescription medication. “The fasting growing cost in health care is pharma-care,” she said. Aiding with those costs and investing in seniors so they can stay in their homes as long as possible while offering long-term care remains important. Improving and investing in the Canadian Pension Plan is one way to take seniors out of poverty, she added, rather than increasing the age for Old Age Security. “CPP is rock solid. It is indexed to inflation. It’s a defined portable benefit. The problem is it only replaces about 25 per cent of the pre-retirement income. What we need to do is gradually increase the benefits of CPP so seniors can retire with a benefit that allows them to retire with financial security,” Nash said. Changing the OAS, she said, will penalize lower income seniors. “We have to hold this government to account. Don’t mess with seniors. We need to defend our pension system.” Nash said she has been a long-time community activist. She worked as a labour negotiator and served as industry and opposition finance critic. “I relish going toe-to-toe with Stephen Harper. We need someone who’s a fighter, someone with a proven track record,” she said. She added the party needs a leader who can build, not only ridings, but associations. “More importantly I want to reach out to the more than 40 per cent of Canadians who don’t vote and tell them that now is the time to get involved,” she said. “My plan is to build support to win the leadership and, in 2015, to give Stephen Harper the boot.”
www.pgfreepress.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
A11
COLUMN: Waiting for those new eyeglasses that can do it all A15
Community
One local RCMP member reaches a significant milestone A18
TERESA MALLAM 250-564-0005 arts@pgfreepress.com
www.pgfreepress.com
Free Press
Playbill OPEN HOUSE
■ SPA DAY
Special treatment for good cause Northern Women’s Centre benefits from UNBC event
There will be an AiMHi Open House today at 850 Kerry Ave. Welcome PG celebrates AiMHi as a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Diversity in the Workplace runs from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for employers, 3 to 5 p.m. AiMHi job fair.
ART EXHIBIT There is a new photography exhibition at Artspace, above Books and Company. Envisioning Change – Prince George Women Share Their Experiences of substance use and mental health Photography Exhibit. Opening night is Friday, March 9. The exhibit is open March 5 to 30.
BANNED BOOKS Freedom to Read Week runs from Feb. 26 to March 3. Did you know books by great Canadian authors Margaret Atwood, Margaret Laurence, Timothy Findley and Alice Munro have been challenged or censored? For a complete list of books challenged or censored in the last few years, see http:// freedomtoread.ca/docs/ challenged books and magazines February 2012. pdf. Then come in to Books and Company, pick up a banned book and see what all the fuss was about.
Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s
Feet weren’t neglected at the Spa Day held at UNBC on Saturday.
Teresa MA LLA M/Free Press
UNBC student Conan Winkelmeyer has his eyebrows threaded Saturday by Sukhdeep Bhatti of Jasmine’s Skin Care at Spa Day, a fundraiser for the university’s Women’s Centre.
Women – and men – got a little pampering Saturday at a special Spa Day put on by the Northern Women’s Centre at UNBC. The event was an opportunity to relax, socialize and indulge. Booths offered participants a chance to have manicures, pedicures, massages, eyebrow threading and hennas. They could also make natural skin care scrubs to take home. The event included live music, a Nia
demonstration and door prizes. Spa Day is a fundraiser to support the work of the NWC, a non-profit organization which supports, educates and advocates for the diverse needs of women in northern British Columbia. The centre offers information on recourses on campus and in the community and also provides a 24-hour safe place for all women in Prince George.
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Prince George - Community - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
www.pgfreepress.com
Ken Hodges elected to board The 65th council of the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) officially took office Wednesday at The Art of Forestry – the ABCFP’s annual forestry conference
and AGM in Victoria. This year’s president is Steve Lorimer, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), from the Ladysmith on Vancouver Island. A Prince George for-
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ester, Ken Hodges, was elected to the board. Hodges is a forest consultant with 37 years of forestry experience. His operational experience includes silviculture, planning, timber supply, harvesting, tenures and protection. He volunteers extensively with both the ABCFP and his community. Ken is currently the ABCFP’s stewardship committee chair and has participated with the tenure task group and mid-term timber supply working group. In the community, Hodges is a huge supporter of sports through coaching soccer and softball while more recently participating in teaching kids to ski on local ski hills.
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Potter Kathryne Koop creates works of art like the vessels pictured. She will be in Prince George on March 2.
■ ART
Koop talks pottery Artist to host a slide show at the library
The Prince George Potters’ Guild is host- Crossroads: Directions in Contemporary ing a slide show and talk with renowned Classics. Other exhibitions have taken her potter Kathryne Koop from Winnipeg. work to the U.S., Hong Kong and Japan. She will be at the Princee The artist has been the recipie George Public Library on Fri-ent of several awards including th First Prize in the national day, March 2 in the Jack Bryantt the e Room starting at 7 p.m. exhibition, The Collection from d M The slide show is free and Maxwell House, Coffee Services. S open to the public. She has won The Marilyn Wolod Koop began work as a full-darsky Levitt Award for Functi time potter after receiving herr tional Pottery and her work is BFA Honours degree from Uni-in many notable collections that in versity of Manitoba. In 1981, shee include private, public, corpor became an exhibiting memberr rate and government collecn ti of the Stoneware Gallery, an tions such as the governments of Kathryne Koop artist run co-operative which is Manitoba and Canada, the Art -Artist Banks of the Canada Council devoted to the show and sales of works in clay. and the Manitoba Arts Council. Together with four partners, Koop oper- For more information, visit www.pgpotates and manages an attached studio offer- ters.ca and http://stonewaregallery.com/ ing classes to the public. She’s also taught artists/kathryne-koop. many classes and given several workshops, both locally and nationally. Her porcelain vessels have been exhibited The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George in many shows including a national exhibi- board approved the following requests for Comtion On The Table, 100 Years of Functional munity and Recreation Grants: Ceramics in Canada at the Gardiner Museum • $1,495 to the Valemount Lions Club for in Toronto, as well as several shows at the liability insurance. Winnipeg Art Gallery including Clay at the • $2,000 to Valemount Secondary school for
Grants approved
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Prince George - Community - Free Press
www.pgfreepress.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
A13
Ness Lake gets go-ahead for new gym ALLAN WISHART
better.” Born said while they had some plans for a bigger gym, the timing wasn’t to do so right now. “But then,” he said, “you don’t think your gym is going to burn down.” The ground at the site has already been cleared of the remnants of the former
allanw@pgfreepress.com
Ness Lake Bible Camp is getting a new gymnasium. After the previous gymnasium was destroyed in a fire on New Year’s Eve, it didn’t take long for camp administrators to start planning for a replacement. “We’ve been moving ahead on the plans for the last month and a half,” said interim camp director Will Born. “We just need to get the final drawings finished.” The lack of final drawings wasn’t a big enough obstacle for Regional District of Fraser-Fort George directors to delay approving the construction of a new gym. In a report to the board for its Feb. 17 meeting, planner Heather Meier laid out the simple request. “Efforts to rebuild the gym have begun; however, the proposed replacement structure
6 CINEMAS
Free Press file photo
The remnants of the gymnasium destroyed by a New Year’s Eve fire at Ness Lake Bible Camp have been removed, and a new gymnasium will soon be constructed. will be larger than the original gym. As the camp property lies within the Ness Lake Development Permit Area, an amendment to the existing permit is required to allow a larger building footprint.” Her report said the
camp owners would be working with staff to update the site map “to better reflect the existing and proposed development at the camp.” The new gym will be built at the same location as the previous one, but will be larger,
Born confirmed. “We’ve added washrooms to the gym, which it didn’t have before. We’ve kept the indoor climbing wall in there as well. We knew we had the space at the location, so we decided to build it bigger and
Antique appraisals at Artspace Antiques appraiser Ted Pappas returns to Prince George this weekend to help Huble Homestead celebrate B.C. Heritage Week. Feb. 25 and 26, the public is invited out to Artspace above Books and Company to have Pappas look at their treasures and tell them a little more about them. Whenever he comes to Prince George, Pappas sees all kinds of fascinating and valuable items, says Huble’s operations manager Krystal Leason. “He can tell owners what their object is and more about its history, how much it’s worth and much more. Ted’s specialties include jewelry, art and First Nations items, although he’s very knowledgable and can appraise almost anything a person brings in. If someone brings in an item he can’t appraise, he can put them in touch with an expert who can.” Pappas can also appraise larger items like furniture from printed photos as long as the manufacturer’s markings are noted, she said. Papers are available, if required, for insurance purposes. A Huble Homestead curator will be on hand
gym and site preparation work was already taking place. “We’re moving ahead with the footings right away,” Born said. “We want to get the footings and foundation in place and the structural materials on site before the road restrictions come into effect. “We’re moving
to answer questions about how to clean, care for and store heirlooms they have at home. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to support Huble Homestead/Giscome Portage Heritage Society for the maintenance and preservation at the Huble Homestead Historic Site.
The antiques appraisal event runs Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Artspace, above Books and Company. Appraisals cost $10 each. Appraisal tickets are at the door and there is no limit to how many items a person can bring. When visi-
D
tors arrive, they can purchase their tickets and wait their turn while watching others have their items appraised. It’s also free for people to come and watch appraisals during the day. For more information, visit the website at hublehomestead.ca or call 250-564-7033.
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ahead at a very fast pace.” If the weather cooperates, both for the road restrictions and the actual construction, Born says they have a target date set. “We want to see a functional building by July 1. It may not be totally complete then, but we want to be able to use it then.”
A14
Prince George - Community - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
Seedy Saturday is tomorrow Seedy Saturday events celebrate the seeds that sustain us. The Seedy Saturday event – Prince George’s 13th seedy adventure – is on Saturday, February 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Exploration Place. Open-pollinated and heritage seeds that each of us grow, share, trade and save. Seeds that are part of our past and will be an important part of our future. The 2012 Seedy Saturday is part of B.C. Heritage Week celebrations for Community Gardens Prince George and The Explo-
ration Place, an event that brings together gardeners, farmers and food producers – and those wishing they were – to learn more about seeds and our local growing culture. “We have a lot of different groups involved in gardening and food production in our community,” said Jovanka Djordjevich. “Seedy Saturday brings everyone together at the beginning of the growing season to connect, to learn and in a sense, gain a new energy for the season.” The Exploration Place
Atrium will be full of gardening, environmental, seed and food displays from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be British Columbiagrown seeds for sale and a swap table for those interested in sharing open-pollinated seeds that they have saved on their own properties. Seeds for the seed swap should be labeled with the variety, original source of seed (if known), year harvested and contact information of the grower. This provides important information to the seed collector and helps
BC JOBS PLAN: FORESTRY
share the story every seed holds. Learning is a special part of this event and four free talks are scheduled: • 10:15 a.m. A Year in Seed Saver’s Garden with Wendy McRae: planning, planting, story, tracking your own seeds. • 11:15 a.m. From Snips to Slips with Andrea Eastham. Learn about pruning basics and using snips from your trees and plants to propagate more trees and plants. • 12:15 p.m. get lunch and join the no-host seed gathering. • 1:15 p.m. Principles of Organic Gardening with Yvonna Breed
Learn about organic method of soil preparation, composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, mulching and disease and pest prevention. • 2:15 p.m. Xeriscaping with Grace Morrice Learn about xeriscaping, principles of xeriscaping, plants, mulching and more • 3:15 p.m. National Film Board’s The World According to Monsanto will be shown. There will be free presentations, family activities and displays. Entry to the atrium and presentations is free. Lunch concession is provided by the Twisted Cork Restaurant. Seed trading, seed sales and more.
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COOKING IT UP
Te re s a M A LLA M / Fre e Pre s s
Chef Germaine Black prepares Caribbean delights Monday at First Baptist Church, part of Black History Month celebrations.
Youth can get their kicks reading The Prince George Youth Soccer Association (PGYSA) is set to promote literacy by providing free books to players at the Rotary Soccer Field on Saturdays during the outdoor season. The PGYSA Read program is a partnership with PGYSA, the British Columbia has traditionally been synonymous with forestry and today this industry is still one of the cornerstones of our economy, especially in many rural communities which strongly value and support timber harvesting. With over two-thirds (60 million hectares) of the provincial land mass covered in forest we can count on a healthy industry for many more years B.C. has more than 110 lumber mills, over 70 with a capacity of more than 40 million board feet per year; 27 veneer, plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) mills, eight pellet mills, 18 pulp mills (six of which are also paper mills) and over 80 other primary processing mills such as chips, shake and shingle, pole, and log manufacturers. The forestry sector has a deep pool of skilled professionals and a highly trained workforce. Altogether the industry employs well over 50,000 well paid employees, often the life-blood of small towns. B.C.’s forest sector is definitely starting to recover from the last decade’s downturn. Since 2009, over two dozen mills have announced they are reopening or adding shifts. The importance of this industry to B.C. is demonstrated by the fact that 40% of the province’s regional economies are based on forestry activities, in more than 7,000 businesses. Williams Lake is the proud location of the largest manufacturer of handcrafted log homes in the world, Pioneer Log Homes. Building log homes since 1983, they have used B.C. cedar logs for all their homes which are prized for their craftsmanship. These magnificent homes can be seen not only in Canada but spread throughout the world on four continents, Europe, Australia, Asia and North America. The staff at Pioneer is excited about their current project which is being hailed as the world’s largest log cabin. Located on a 7,000 acre ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colorado it is being engineered to last 400 years. One reason for growth in the industry is the Asian market. International buyers know that B.C. is a stable supplier of high-quality wood products; we can provide timber supply security. This secure supply, coupled with the fact our spruce, pine, fir, hemlock and balsam fibre baskets are among the richest in the world makes B.C. extremely attractive.
The B.C. brand of wood products is well established globally with market-leading shares in key countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. B.C. is also looking to be the first major country that deals in softwood lumber to establish its products in the India marketplace. Working with the federal government and industry, the Province has strengthened and diversified the B.C. forest sector by increasing market demand for softwood lumber throughout Asia. The global demand for bio-products from the forest is predicted to reach $200 billion a year. Renewable fuels, plastics, and chemicals for the pharmaceutical and food industries can potentially be manufactured by running wood fibre and residues through bio-refinery. B.C. has taken steps to make it easier for the non-lumber sector to source supplies of lower quality fibre. This includes fibre supply licences to cut to use logging debris that is left behind on landings and roadsides. Taking care of this natural abundance is critical. An amazing statistic is the fact B.C. has planted more than six billion trees since reforestation programs began in the 1930’s, and is on track to plant its seven billionth tree in 2013/14. We plant an average of 200 million trees each year. B.C. produces more wood products certified to environmental standards than any other region in the world and has 53 million hectares certified to one of three internationally recognized sustainable forest management certification standards. Growth now and in the future requires a solid foundation. B.C. created the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to deal with increasing demands and pressures on the land base by taking a more integrated approach to managing B.C.’s natural resources. BC Hydro launched a two-phase Bioenergy Call for Power. Phase one has helped advance bioenergy development in Kamloops, Castlegar and Prince George, while phase two has done the same for Chetwynd, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake and Merritt. B.C. has also passed the Wood First Act to promote and encourage a cultural shift that will make wood the first choice for construction in the commercial and institutional sectors as well as residential. The future looks very bright for this most iconic of British Columbia industries.
Prince George Library, REMAX, Prince GeorgeValemount MLA Shirley Bond and players for the upcoming outdoor season. Before or after games, player will be encouraged to visit the REMAX tent to pick up a book of their choice and donate gently used books for
another player to enjoy. During the outdoor season, 2,500 players have scheduled games at the Rotary Soccer Field, making it an ideal location to host the book exchange. In order to create a book inventory, players are encouraged to donate books as they sign up for the outdoor
HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box. Answer can be found in the classifieds. PUZZLE NO. 335
season. Registration runs until March 4, with the season commencing on May 5. This program is the first piece of Soccer Saturdays, an initiative to make the Rotary Soccer Fields a gathering place for more than just soccer. Details on other Soccer Saturday programs will be announced as the season approaches. “PGYSA’s goal is to provide players with the tools they need to develop as soccer players but also engage in partnerships to ensure they are able to work on other important skills as well including reading,” said PGYSA executive director Len McNamara, “Being able to provide the community of Prince George with access to reading materials is important for PGYSA and its partners.” “PGYSA provides great programs for 2,500 young athletes and their families. That includes everything from a chance to play, to be active and learn from their coaches and peers and even encouraging young players to read,” said Bond. “I’m really looking forward to participating in Soccer Saturday in the months ahead.” PGYSA strives to be a leader in soccer development in the interior and northern B.C. through above-average programming determined by its membership in the areas of player, coach and referee development. The partnership for the PGYSA Read Program fits perfectly with PGYSA’s programming goals.
Prince George - Community - Free Press
www.pgfreepress.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
A15
Looking into the future of eyeglasses
I Spy with my little eye – the future of eye and spy wear. One of my work mates at the Free Press was talking recently about having to get a new pair of spectacles. For those of us with seeing-things-close-up challenges, you know the telling signs: You can no longer amuse yourself at the breakfast table reading labels on cereal boxes. You find it more and more difficult to read newsprint. You never know – as you reach for a bottle of pills – if you have grabbed
aspirins or antacids. launched at the end of Well, there are solu2012. tions. Just Tea about the Not just contact with time, I’m lens Teresa guessing, soluthat the tions. world is I was supposed happy TERESAMALLAM to end and to hear about a new our civilization, as we product from I think know it, will be gone. Google, that may help Anyway, I read – my vision problems. with my own muscle The forward-thinking powered-eyes – that company has apparthe glasses are supently come up with posed to resemble android-powered, a pair of Oakley augmented realThumps, have 3 or ity, head-up display 4G connectivity, a for(HUD) glasses that ward facing camera, are expected to be GPS and full array of
movement sensors. They will reportedly cost about the price of current smartphones. Various writers (the one I quote is responding to a New York Times article) have mused about what life would be like wearing the futuristic glasses: “You wake up, shower and put on your ‘Google’ specs. Latitude records your movement and marks you ‘awake’. Brushing your teeth in front of the mirror, Maps tells you there’s traffic on the way to work.
Hopping into the car, Navigation shows you a different route to work. As you pass (donut place) Places warns you that the remains of a rat were recently found in a cup of coffee – but at the same time – Offers tells you that a cup of coffee and donut is only $1.” The author goes on to say that while stopped at the lights, it would be possible to not only admire
a “hottie” crossing the road but to snap a photo and take a quick video. Meanwhile your favourite tunes are playing in your ear and Wallet means you never have to reach for your credit card. The authors sums up by saying Google could kick start the wearable computer dream – once privacy, security and ethical questions (such as taking pictures of people
without permission) are worked on. Taking out the little camera in the glasses is a good start – but you can take clandestine photos now with your cell phone, so maybe the whole issue needs to be talked about. The first Google Glasses apparently won’t have all these features, just some. Actually, I am hoping the first ones will come with a designer case and a manual.
GUITAR GANG
Loose Threadz come together to raise $2,004
A llan WISHA RT/Free Press
Chad Brownlee and Hayley McLean play a guitar duet during the show Friday night at CN Centre.
More time for The Clockmaker Stephen Massicotte’s The Clockmaker has intrigued audiences at Theatre North West – but nothing lasts forever. The show won’t be on for an eternity but extra performances have been added to meet the demand for tickets with the final performance March 1. As always TNW reminds patrons that shows can sell out very quickly, even with an extended run. So it’s best to get your tickets as soon as possible. The Clockmaker is set to run until March 1 at Theatre North West in Parkhill Centre. Tickets are available at Books and Company or by phone at 250-614-0039.
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There is strength in numbers. It took a team of women to patch it all together but for cancer survivor Darlene Bowen-Colthurst, it gave the project much more meaning. For the past 10 years, she’s been quilting with a local group called Loose Threadz. However last May, Bowen-Colthurst had no idea when she began work on a queensized quilt that a much bigger challenge lay ahead for her. “I had just cut out the pieces for the quilt – and then I got sick. I’d already had a mastectomy (she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003). But then the cancer metastasized to my bones. I got the news in August, so I couldn’t finish the quilt. I didn’t know until much later on that the other quilters had finished the quilt and helped put a fundraiser raffle together.” The finished quilt, Hope – Paddles Up – raised $2,004 for Rotary Hospice House. Bowen-Colthurst is also a member of the NorthBreast Passage Dragon Boat team for cancer survivors. The team won the 2011 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Breast Cancer Survivor Challenge and they also won a bronze medal in Penticton the year before. Fabric donated to the paddle team was used in making the quilt and team members worked on the fundraiser. Bowen-Colthurst had only a short stay at hospice but it was enough time to see and appreciate the work they do. “They are wonderful at hospice. The
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The NorthBreast Passage Dragon Boat team with a quilt that raised $2,004 for Hospice House to help with the palliative care they provide for the community.
staff is so kind and understanding,” she said. “When I got out of hospital, I could hardly walk. I started my chemo at Hospice House in August, then I came home for another four treatments, they are 21 days apart. Then I was taken to Vancouver to begin my radiation.” Bowen-Colthurst, who was born and raised in Prince George, still faces challenges but now she knows she has lots of support. Besides her “two teams” cheering her on, she has the love and support of her husband, Dave, her children and four grandchildren. Hospice made her feel at home, she said. “It made all the difference being able to stay there because after I got out of the hospital, I wasn’t quite organized at home and it was restful there.” Visit the NorthBreast Passage Dragon Boat Society at www.northbreastpassage.com.
A16
Prince George - Community - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
www.pgfreepress.com
■ COMPUTER ACCESS
Skylab takes library service to a new level Construction begins Monday on SkyLab, a renovation project at the Prince George Public Library that will add nearly 1,000 square feet of new space for public access to computers and the Internet at the Bob Harkins branch. The upper level of SkyLab is a mezza-
nine floating above the second floor, which will offer computer stations with Internet access and printing capabilities. Comfortable arm chairs and other seating around the sides will let library users read and enjoy the amazing views inside and outside
For news and updates, check us out online at www.rdffg.bc.ca 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Telephone: (250) 960-4400, Toll Free 1-800-667-1959 Fax (250) 563-7520, Web: www.rdffg.bc.ca
of the library, including Connaught Hill, downtown and 15th Avenue leading up to UNBC. “By raising the floor, we give our customers great, never-before-seen views of the city without affecting the building,” explained chief librarian Allan Wilson. “At the same time, we’re creating a great new learning space for residents and a more efficient workflow for staff.” An expanded training area for the library’s popular adult basic computer classes will be located beneath SkyLab. When not in use for training, these computers will also be
available for personal use by the public. Since the library relies on grants from the municipal and provincial government for its operating budget, the library has to raise its own funds for necessary improvement projects, like SkyLab. “No municipal tax dollars are being spent on developing SkyLab,” said Wilson. “These nonoperational funds come from federal and provincial grants and generous donations and bequests from businesses and individuals, as well as fundraising efforts by our board of trustees.” SkyLab will also
Environmental Assessment of Proposed Amendments to the Kitimat-Summit Lake Pipeline Looping Project
Open Houses and Public Comment Period On June 26, 2008, Pacific Trail Pipelines Limited Partnership (Proponent) received an Environmental Assessment Certificate (E08-01) for the KitimatSummit Lake (KSL) Pipeline Looping Project (also known as the Pacific Trail Pipelines Project). The Project is an approximately 467 km pipeline that will transport natural gas from Summit Lake to a facility near Kitimat for export. The Proponent has submitted an application to the Environmental Assessment Office of British Columbia (EAO) to amend its Environmental Assessment Certificate (Amendment Application). The proposed amendments are subject to the review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act.
The public comment period will run for 30 days, from February 27, 2012 to March 28, 2012. All comments received during this comment period will be considered. The EAO accepts public comments submitted in any of the following ways: By online form: http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca By mail: Nathan Hagan-Braun Project Assessment Manager Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9V1 By fax: Fax: 250-356-7440
Open Houses
In order to provide information to the public about the Amendment Application and answer any questions, the The Proponent is proposing amendments to: EAO invites the public to attend one of the Open Houses • Change the location of the compressor station; to be held from 4 pm to 8 pm: • Establish two new temporary stockpile sites; and, Location: Nechako Senior Friendship Centre, • Make pipeline route modifications. 219 Victoria Street East An electronic copy of the Amendment Application and Vanderhoof, BC information regarding the environmental assessment Date: Monday, February 27, 2012 process are available at http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Location: Island Gospel Gymnasium Copies of the Amendment Application are also 810 Highway #35 available for viewing at the following locations: Burns Lake, BC • Burns Lake Public Library Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 • Fraser Lake Public Library Location: Houston Senior Centre New • Houston Public Library 3250 - 14th Street W • Kitimat Public Library Houston, BC • Prince George Public Library Date: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 -Bob Harkins Branch New Location: Best Western Plus Terrace Inn -Nechako Branch 4553 Greig Avenue • Smithers Public Library Terrace, BC • Terrace Public Library Date: Thursday, March 1, 2012 • Vanderhoof Public Library Displays containing information on the proposed Public Comment Period amendments will be available for public viewing. The EAO will be available to answer questions on the The EAO is seeking comments from the public amendment process. The Proponent will be available on the proposed amendments and their potential to answer questions on the Project and proposed effects to ensure that these issues are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process. amendments.
Sub mitte d
An artist’s rendition shows what the layout of SkyLab at the Prince George Public Library will look like on completion. feature a donor wall to recognize the generosity of local residents and businesses that have donated $100 or more towards making the project a reality. IDL Projects Inc.is the general contractor for the SkyLab construction project, which should take about eight weeks to complete, at a cost of $187,200. “The Bob Harkins branch will remain open throughout the construction period,” Wilson said. “The library will be a little noisier than usual but
all of our materials, as well as our computer access, will still be available for local residents.” SkyLab is the centrepiece of an overall redesign of the entire adult floor at the Bob Harkins branch. New shelving has been added to start replacing the 31-year-old shelves that have been in service since the building opened. The 31,000 paperbacks in the library collection are in the process of being catalogued to help library customers find the books they want faster and
easier. Other parts of the library’s collection, such as mystery, large print and general fiction, are also being relocated to better organize the library for customer use. The Prince George Public Library serves more than 53,000 cardholders in the City of Prince George and most of the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George. About 1,100 residents visit the Bob Harkins branch downtown and the Nechako branch in the Hart Mall each day.
Prince George Native Friendship Centre Employment Services Unit 21 - 1600 3rd Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3G6 Phone: 250-564-7440 Fax: 250-563-5627
Can’t Find Work? Don’t Know Which Way to Turn? Aboriginal Career Development Counsellor is available to meet with you: • Develop a Return to Work Action Plan • Assistance with targeting Resumés & Cover Letters • Job Search Assistance • Career Decision-Making • Find out about funding options for training • Computers with internet access are available for: • Job Searching • Labour Market Research • Resumé & Cover Letter development • Printed and computerized employment-related resources • Job Board • Fax, telephone, photocopy & email Services are available for unemployed Aboriginal residents in the Prince George Area.
NOTE: All submissions received by the EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed amendments are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website. If you wish your personal information (e.g. name) to be displayed with your comment online, please give EAO express permission to do so at the time of your submission.
This Service is funded in partnership with Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Program and Urban Aboriginal Working Group.
Prince George - Community - Free Press
www.pgfreepress.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
A17
■ NEW GALLERY
Griffith aims at young TERESA MALLAM arts@pgfreepress.com
Free Press file photo
Helene Griffith will open her new gallery with The Mask Show, which starts Feb. 25.
Helene Griffith is a self-taught artist who does not believe in the concept of the “starving artist.” Rather, she thinks artists, even young artists, can make a good living at what they do. Talking with the Free Press Wednesday, Griffith said that opening her own gallery is a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to have a place where artists, especially young artists, can take art classes, show their art and also sell it,” she said. “I want to really broaden their artistic horizons and let them do what they love – and also let them know they can make a living at it because I really believe you can do
that.” The Griffith Art Gallery officially opens Saturday, Feb. 25 with The Mask Show, an open house and reception. Featured works include unusual masks made by local and international artists. There will also be refreshments and music. “I will have some of my pieces in the show and there will be artists from Guatemala and other places. Artists are welcome to come by and meet other artists and anyone can sign up for classes.” Griffith, who has lived in Prince George for seven years, says
she thinks there’s a need for another art venue here, particularly on the Hart Highway, which is not as accessible for some artists as the downtown area. “Every month we will feature different local artists and also artists from around the world. It’s also going to be an art school and students will be showing their work every month. We want to encourage them to sell their work at the gallery.” The artist’s own foray into the art world began decades ago. “I’ve been studying art, especially
masks, since I was very young. I studied with native artists in Alexis Creek and lived on First Nations reserves. I learned a lot from First Nations people about art, especially the importance of nature in art and the respect they have for nature,” she said. Griffith Art Gallery is located at 7711 South Kelly Rd. on the Hart Highway. The Mask Show reception begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25. The public is invited to attend. For more information or to register for art classes, phone 250-301-3893.
Music festival begins Sunday Music is in the air, heralding, we hope, the oncoming of spring. The Prince George and District Music Festival begins Sunday and runs through March 7. Instrumental, Vocal, Choral and Strings classes are held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church from Feb. 26 to March 2. Piano classes are held at the Evangelical Free Church on Fifth Avenue from Feb. 27 to March 3. “We have highly qualified adjudicators who will work with students in all disciplines,” said key organizer Wilma Romanin. “The purpose of this festival is to give students of all ages a chance to prepare and to perform their musical selections. They listen to others performing at their same level and will gain knowledge and insight from the adjudicator’s comments. Students gain confidence from careful
preparation and performance.” There are just over 900 participants in this year’s festival, she said. The most popular classes are entries in Classical Concert Groups and Contemporary piano music. There are a large number of Musical Theatre entries
in the Vocal section and several school and community choirs are entered. The public is invited to attend all festival performances at the churches. Admission is free. Programs are available for $7 at Studio 2880 and at the door. The Showcase Recital
is March 10 at 5:30 p.m. and the Festival Gala is on the same day at 8 p.m. Both events are held at Vanier Hall and will highlight a variety of outstanding performances from the festival. Tickets for Festival Gala are $10 and may be purchased at Studio 2880 or at the door.
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DQ H[SHULHQFH \RXU FKLOG ZLOO FKHULVK The benefits of joining our educational family are endless and our doors are open to all families of diverse beliefs, cultures and backgrounds. We offer the BC Curriculum, including French, Music, P.E. and Religion from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Registration for the 2012-2013 school year is open now. AFTER SCHOOL CARE is available on-site and is provided by “Kool Cats Kid Care”. Please check out our website to see all the fantastic things that happen at our school. You will be amazed at all the opportunities we can provide for your children.
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Prince George - Community - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
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■ DARE PROGRAM
Medcke reaches 5,000
Photo submitted
Const. Debra Medcke helps a student read his DARE essay during the graduation exercise.
The students in a couple of classes at Harwin Elementary probably didn’t know it, but they were part of a milestone. When the 29 Grade 5 students in Mrs. Wilson’s and Mrs. Wintermute’s classes completed their Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, RCMP Const. Debra Medcke reached the 5,000 mark in students she has instructed in the program in the past seven years. She has taught the program in 149 classrooms at more than 20
schools in that time, teaching students about the dangerous effects of drugs, including alcohol. Each class is a minimum of 12 hours of instruction, meaning Medcke has put in close to 1,800 hours in the classroom on D.A.R.E., not counting preparation and marking time. “It’s my passion”, Medcke says about her time instructing D.A.R.E. With over 34 years of service to communities in B.C., Alberta and the Yukon, she considers her time instructing D.A.R.E. as
– THANK YOU – The ROTARY CLUB OF PRINCE GEORGE YELLOWHEAD would like to extend a HUGE “THANK YOU” to everyone that helped make our 3rd Annual “Taste of India” event on Saturday, February 18th, 2012 a success! The purpose of this evening was to help increase cultural awareness in our community through food, fellowship, entertainment and fun. To honour our ongoing commitment to two very special causes, the proceeds from our event this year will go towards the Kordyban Cancer Lodge (Prince George, BC), and the Health & Education Project in Amreli, India.
WE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Albert Koehler Ave Maria Gifts & Health Foods Balvir’s Fashion BC Fine Wines - Cheryl Lawrence BK 2 Way Radio Blake Productions Books & Company Brownridge and Co. Insurance Carol Gass Carpet Superstore Cimo Mediterranean Grill Chris Purves City Furniture City of PG Aquatic Centre Coast Inn of the North College Heights 2 for 1 Pizza College Heights Fitness Craze Hair Design Curves Dan Marcotte Law Dandy Lines Dean Mason & Co Direct Art Direct Automotive Dr Loose - Envision Eye Care Earl’s Restaurant Echo at Impressions Eco Pure Water
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Esther’s Inn Etta Hellyer and Cathy Hellyer Everything Baby Family YMCA of Prince George Finishline Auto Care Center Focal Point Studios Gilchrist Financial Services (Leslie Gilchrist) Great West Life Heidi Martel Homeworks Hummus Brothers Tapas Bar Integris Credit Union Interact Janine Fraser (RBC Dominion Securities) Janine North J.J. Springer & Company Judy Russell Enchainment School of Dance Karahi King (Jagdish Gill) La Tienda Hair Design Laura Hansen Designs Mann Dental Marc St. Arnault - The Saints Team McCall Communications & Marketing McInnis Lighting Melanie Desjardines/Groop Gallery
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Micro Age Computers Mina Bhandari Moxies Napa Auto Pro Gears Plus Nauroth and Assoc North 54 Northern Toyota Northern Troutfitters Ospika Pet & Farm Supplies Park Avenue Apparel Phil Ramage Financial Services Porter and MacMillan Prince George Citizen Prince George Civic Centre & Staff Prince George Cougars Purden Ski Hill Pure Sound (Anthony Jamais) Quizno’s Richard’s & Co.Hair Studio Ric’s Grill Roberta Stewart (Heather Sadler Jenkins LLP) Roger Kollner Ruth Hansen Sandman Signature Inn & Rockford Grill Sandra Sandy Scotiabank - Spruceland Shhhh
EVENT SPONSORS
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“the most enjoyable part of my experience as a police officer”. Redirecting the focus on the program instead of herself, Medcke says, “I enjoy the program. Children need the tools to make healthy decisions, D.A.R.E. provides those tools.” As part of her duties as an instructor, Medcke has read an essay from nearly every one of her students. One essay, she recalls, was written with symbols instead of letters by a student who was not able to speak. Many essays offered personal experiences, and almost all generated emotion. Supt. Eric Stubbs, Officer in Charge of the Prince George RCMP Detachment, said, “D.A.R.E. is an important part of our drugprevention strategy. To have a member with Const. Medcke’s dedication and passion for the program is exemplary. The impact that she’s had on the lives of thousands of children through the D.A.R.E. program is immeasurable. I congratulate Const. Medcke’s milestone of teaching more than 5,000 students in Prince George.” D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive drug-education and prevention pro-
gram designed to equip school children with the skills to recognize and resist social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. D.A.R.E. seeks to establish positive relationships between law enforcement officers, children, teachers, parents and other community members. Students learn a four-step decision making model that emphasizes healthy choices and a take charge attitude. Staff Sgt. Anthony Choy, in charge of the B.C. RCMP’s Drugs & Organized Crime Awareness Section, said, “D.A.R.E. officers are the most important part of the D.A.R.E. program, and Const. Medcke’s commitment to teaching her students over the past seven years is commendable. Const. Medcke will be recognized for her commitment”. For more information about the D.A.R.E. program in B.C., please go to the RCMP Drug and Organized Crime Awareness Section at www.rcmpda.com. To see how you can get involved with drug prevention efforts in your community, please contact Prince George RCMP Community Policing at 250-561-3366.
WANTED:
RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS Are you interested in contributing to science and supporting local research? Would you like to be part of a study looking at nutrients (vitamins/minerals) and brain health conducted by Dr Jacqueline Pettersen, a local Neurologist and assistant University Professor? You are invited to participate in a research study entitled,
NUTRIENT LEVELS AND MENTAL FUNCTIONING IN NORTHERN BC II Participation will consist of attending a session (90-120 minutes long) at the University Hospital of Northern BC up until March 30, 2012. You will then be asked to take a supplement every day for 4-5 months and then participate in a second session between June and August 2012. During these sessions, you will be asked to complete questionnaires on your general health, mood and pain and then will undergo a series of cognitive tasks assessing such things as your memory and attention. A blood test will then be taken. We will cover the costs of your parking. If you are interested, and have not already participated in our earlier study, we welcome you to call the clinical research office at: 250-645-6061 to talk to Dr Pettersen or her research assistant, Sara Fontes, for more information.
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A19
■ AUDIOBOOKS
For Bea Dezell, library service a blessing ALLAN WISHART allanw@pgfreepress.com
Bea Dezell loves to listen to a good book. The Prince George woman has always loved books, but found she had to adjust how she dealt with them some years ago. “I’ve been getting the talking books since Dr. (John) Konkal told me my eyes were getting worse,” says Dezell, who still lives in her own home at 102. “I had started reading the large-print books when my sight started to go, then I used a magnifier.” Dezell, the widow of former mayor Garvin Dezell and mother of former councillor Cliff Dezell, says her first talking books came in a different form than they do now. “The first ones came from the CNIB, and they were four-track tapes with a much larger player than I have now. They were mailed from Toronto, I would listen to them, then send them back for free in the package they provided.” Then the Prince George Public Library started providing audiobooks, and Dezell loves the service. “They’re delivered by volunteers, and you can get as many as you want. I usually get three books every two weeks, and I usually get them all read by the time the two weeks are up.”
Songs of Old West It will be a celebration of the Old West at ECRA in late March. The Forever Young Chorus will present Songs of the Old West for two shows. The first will be on Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m. A special guest for the concerts will be Laurie Meier, the winner of the recent Prince George 2012 Senior Idol contest. Tickets for Songs of the Old West are $10 at ECRA, 1692 10th Ave.
She also still sometimes buys books and has someone read them to her. “I like almost all kinds of books. I guess my favourites are historical novels and travel books. I used to travel a lot when I was younger, and I love listening to books talking about places I’ve been to.” She says she doesn’t usually put in orders for specific books from the library. “They pretty well know what I’ll want. Most everything they send, I’ll listen to.” She also enjoys the visits by the volunteers. “They’ll sit and talk with me when they come. Visually impaired people need company, because we can’t get out as much. All the volunteers like to listen, and I’m sure they remember what books I say I liked.” Dezell says the audiobook service from the library is something more people need to know about.
A lla n W ISHA RT/ Fre e Pre s s
Bea Dezell checks to make sure her DAISY digital talking book is starting at the right spot in the Sue Grafton mystery she’s listening to. Dezell, at 102, is the Prince George Public Library’s oldest user of the home delivery service. “I really feel visually impaired and blind people should
take advantage of the service. If they don’t, they’re missing a lot.”
Experience the effortless walking of Joya
The world’s softest shoe Receive a free pair of socks when you purchase a pair of Joya shoes March 2nd. It’s not about sculpting and toning a chiseled physique. It’s not about being the “cure-all” shoe for orthopedic pain.
It’s simply about making walking a joyful and effortless experience Slip into comfort today at
1080 Victoria St. | 250-562-4047 | 1-800-809-9339 | www.tlpg.com
In Timbits Hockey, kids learn that there’s more to hockey than just playing the game. It’s also a fun way to make new friends and discover a love for the game. Tim Hortons is proud to support the boys and girls who play Timbits Hockey in Prince George.
© Tim Hortons, 2007
A20
Friday, February 24, 2012
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Friday, February 24, 2012
B1
MILLER: Prince George has its own Jeremy Lin story to tell B4
Sports
The Cougars and Royals meet tonight at CN Centre B6
ALISTAIR MCINNIS 250-564-0005 sports@pgfreepress.com
www.pgfreepress.com ■ SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Sports
Shorts SPRUCE KINGS
Local skiers off to Winter Games ALISTAIR MCINNIS
The Prince George Spruce Kings are back on the road. Tonight, the team meets the Westside Warriors in Kelowna to begin a weekend in which they play three games in as many days. They resume the trip on Saturday against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks before wrapping up the swing on Sunday against the Penticton Vees.
WINTER GAMES Prince George athletes and coaches are in Vernon this weekend for the 2012 BC Winter Games. For more on the event, including a link to the results website, visit www.bcgames.org.
ROLLER DERBY The Rated PG RollerGirls are back in action this weekend. On Saturday night, the Roll-A-Dome will be the site of a pair of roller derby bouts involving teams from the Okanagan Shuswap Roller Derby Association. At 6 p.m., the Gold Pan City Rollergirls of Quesnel meet the Candy Strykers. Following that contest, the Rated PG RollerGirls will play the Raggedy Rollers. For more information, go online to ratedpgrollergirls.com.
sports@pgfreepress.com
They support effort and achievement. But the emphasis will be on fun for the Prince George athletes competing in next week’s Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in St. Albert, Alta. Why would it be any different? It follows the focus of a national organization’s mission of optimizing the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle to improve the well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Four of five Prince George athletes entering the Games have been training at Otway under cross country skiing coach Calvin Dyck: Barb Conway, Kim Erickson, Danny Lafrienere and Stephanie Tremblay. “If you got this far, it’s great,” Dyck said prior to a training session on Sunday. “They’re all champions as far as I’m concerned because you put the effort in, you did what you needed to do and you had a good time doing it. You go there, you do your best, you be a sport about it, say thanks, it was good.” Thom Ross, a coach with Special Olympics Prince George for more than 20 years, echoed Dyck’s comments. “With Special Olympics, we don’t put emphasis on medal count. It’s fun. It’s fitness, it’s fun, it’s comradeship.”
Also entering the multi-sport event is Jennifer Germann, who will compete in showshoeing. The Games are scheduled to run from Tuesday to Saturday. The Prince George contingent will join teammates on the provincial squad, who qualified during B.C. Games last year in Kelowna. “I think they’re getting fairly excited. When you land on the ground in St. Albert, Alberta, that will bring things to attention because they’ll meet their other co-skiers that they’ve worked with, their friends,” Dyck said. “They’ll meet them, they’ll see them and they’ll be sitting there. They’ll get excited.” Training for the skiers this season dates back to the fall. Dryland training in October included runs up and down University Way. Then, the following month, Mother Nature provided a helping hand. “(The season) has gone very good because we got snow in November, and it’s the first time we had snow in November for many a year,” said Dyck, who noted that their first session on the snow was Nov. 13. “That was really, really an assistance and a help for us here to get started on the snow very early. “December was a little cooler. We had a few days that were icy, cold. But that’s the way it is. We get what we get. That’s
A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s
Members of the Prince George contingent on Team B.C. for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games include skiers Barb Conway, left, Danny Lafrienere, Calvin Dyck (coach), Stephanie Tremblay and Kim Erickson. The national event is scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 3 in St. Albert, Alta. just the way it goes.” Dyck has worked with the Special Olympics group in Prince George for eight years, and been cross country skiing for 15 years. He also made the trip to the 2008 Canada Winter Games in Quebec City. Of the four skiers heading to St. Albert, only Conway competed in Quebec. While geography would suggest more spectators from the city
Coffee with a reporter Stories come to reporters in a variety of ways. News releases, press conferences and phone calls are some. Sometimes you might think whatever story you have in mind isn’t worth a phone call or visit to the newspaper’s office, but is it worth a cup of coffee? Reporter DeLynda Pilon would like the chance to hear what you have to say so every Friday at 11 a.m. she will be having a coffee break at Zoe’s Java House at 1251 Fourth Ave., and is hoping you will drop by to chat. Or just stop in and introduce yourself.
DELYNDAPILON
11:00 am Fridays at Zoe’s Java House 1251 - 4th Avenue
this year, Dyck said there wasn’t a shortage of B.C. supporters in 2008. “We had people from Prince George out there and we were in Quebec City. Opening Ceremonies at night at minus-20, outdoors and stuff, and there was just as much support in Quebec City as there was at any time. There was lots of support.” Other sports in the Games include curl-
ing, figure skating, floor hockey and speed skating. Jasper will play host to alpine skiing events. The Games are expected to attract more than 600 athletes. A portion of the athletes competing in St. Albert will qualify to represent Canada at the next World Winter Games, set to take place in PyeongChang, South Korea from Jan. 26 to Feb. 6, 2013.
Sponsored by Marguerite Odendahl and Zoe’s Java House
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B2 Friday, February 24, 2012 Prince George Free Press
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Prince George - Sports - Free Press
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Friday, February 24, 2012
B3
Skaters enthusiastic about coming meets sports@pgfreepress.com
Figure skater Chelsea Raful knew for
a few months sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be competing in this weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BC Winter Games in Vernon. But for anybody
participating in an event for the first time, the excitement of the experience never hits you until you arrive.
The anticipation had been building, and at the Spruce City Skating Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practice at the Elksentre this week, the 14-year-old novice skater talked about hitting the ice in the North Okanagan. Asked what sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoping to achieve, Raful said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not too sure, but I want to get a Level 3 footwork.â&#x20AC;? Spruce City Skating Club director of skating Rory Allen elaborated on Rafulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s routine. Could it win her a medal? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If she does her job,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a double axel in her program. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working on it in practice, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided to keep it as clean as possible, so sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing what she can do. But we want to get bonus marks on everything. We call that positive GOE, which is the grade of execution. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re try-
ing just to keep the program simple and go for positive GOE and typical spins, stuff like that.â&#x20AC;? Allen relocated to Prince George from Vancouver last April to take on full-time coaching and administrative duties with the club. A former national team member, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entered the BC Winter Games and Canada Winter Games as an athlete. He calls the Games a fantastic experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For (Raful), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about improving the report card,â&#x20AC;? Allen said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She gets a report card every competition and our goal is just to get better feedback.â&#x20AC;? The only Prince George skater on the Cariboo-North East (Zone 8) team, Raful qualified for the Games at the BC/YT (B.C. and Yukon) Sectionals competition in Kelowna in Novem-
ber. The head coach of the four-skater team, Megan Swan, is another Prince George resident, while assistant Kelly Hommy calls Dawson Creek home. Raful, a Grade 9 student at Kelly Road Secondary, has been a member of the Spruce City club for five years. She enjoys figure skating for the break from other activities it provides. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s somewhere where you can escape everything,â&#x20AC;? she said. Although Raful is the only Spruce City skater competing in Vernon this weekend, she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only club member making headlines. Ten-year-old juvenile skater Justin Hampole won gold at the Ogopogo competition Feb. 10 to 12 in Penticton, where he also passed his juvenile competitive test. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s having an awesome season,â&#x20AC;?
Allen said of Hampole. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In just under a year, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moved up three levels, which is typically very unheard of. Skaters would typically move up one level every one to two years, so in less than a year, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moved up three levels.â&#x20AC;? Hampole, a Grade 5 student at Lac des Bois, has been a member of the club for three and a half years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m focusing on my double lutz and my coach, Mike, put a double axel in my solo,â&#x20AC;? he said. Hampole and Raful will be among the group of Spruce City members travelling to Quesnel next month to compete in the Cariboo-North Central Regional Championships, scheduled for March 9 to 11. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really excited because I know what I need to focus on,â&#x20AC;? Hampole said.
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Alist a r McINNIS/Free Press
Spruce City Skating Club members Chelsea Raful and Justin Hampole are preparing for a couple of significant competitions over the next few weeks. Raful is part of the regional team entering the figure skating competition at the BC Winter Games in Vernon this weekend, while both skaters are going to the regionals in Quesnel next month.
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Prince George - Sports - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
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De Jersey story parallels Lin An old adage states, was similar to most “one man’s junk is fans who had never another man’s treaheard of the 23-year old sure”. This statement point guard; however, applies it’s hard not in sports, be drawn to profeshis Lin-credHart sional or ible story. Beat amateur. The HarAs vard grad HARTLEYMILLER strange seemingly as it may emerged appear, there are paralfrom nowhere to lead lels in the journeys of the Knicks to a recent Jeremy Lin of the New seven-game win streak. York Knicks and Paul He is the underdog De Jersey of the Prince that most can relate to George Spruce Kings. and cheer for with a It sounds farfetched salary of just $762,000 because one player is compared to the league attracting international average of over $5 attention in the NBA million. Lin, who was while the other is just not drafted, was cut going about his busiby both the Golden ness with little fanfare State Warriors and the in the BCHL. Houston Rockets, and The analogy stems after joining the Knicks from where they started was buried deep on the to where they are now. bench. Lin and De Jersey There were indicawere both labelled as tions New York was “junk” and turned into going to let him go, “treasure”. Lin’s story but with star Carmelo has become well docuAnthony injured, coach mented. At the beginMike D’Antoni gave ning of this month, I the first American-born
A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s
Prince George Spruce Kings forward Paul De Jersey unwinds for a slap shot during Saturday night’s B.C. Hockey League game against the Nanaimo Clippers. NBA player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent a chance to log significant minutes and Lin seized the opportunity. During the win streak he averaged 27 points and eight assists per game, highlighted by a 38-point game in a 92-85 victory over the L.A. Lakers. Yes, he has cooled a bit, and yes, he is
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committing too many turnovers and yes, he struggles at times defensively, but this player has defied the odds and has caused arguably as big a buzz (if not bigger) as Tebow-mania in the NFL. We don’t know where his continuing story is going to end, but Lin has given fans a reason to again pay attention to the NBA. Meanwhile, De Jersey is also a feel good story in his league. Like Lin, De Jersey was a castoff, as the 19-year old forward from West Vancouver was considered a journeyman prior to his arrival in Prince George. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound De Jersey had just 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in his 93 BCHL combined games with Salmon Arm, Coquitlam and Burnaby. Today, he leads the entire league with 40 goals and 50 assists for 90 points in 51 games. That’s an astounding accomplishment especially when he is ahead of each player on the Penticton Vees, who are shatter-
ing the record books averaging nearly a whopping six goals per game. It’s amazing the difference a fresh start, prime role and newfound confidence can make. Let’s emphasize that again: De Jersey has gone from 23 points in 93 games to 90 points in 51. He will be leaving the Spruce Kings after the season to join Providence (NCAA Div. 1) on a well-earned scholarship. These rags to riches stories offer a refreshing change from the mainstream and bring a human element that the casual fan can relate to. Yes, virtually overnight Jeremy Lin has become the Most “Linteresting” Man in the World. He doesn’t always suffer from mental illness but when he does it’s from Linsanity. Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the Opinion 250. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.
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Kelly Cup takes to ice for 86th time
Friday, February 24, 2012
SHIRT SIGNING
Prince George Spruce Kings forward Michael Colantone signs a shirt for Anataya Schnepf, 6, during an autograph session at the Dairy Queen off Domano Boulevard on Sunday afternoon.
ALISTAIR MCINNIS sports@pgfreepress.com
An experiment for the Kelly Cup hasn’t gone over as well as organizers would’ve preferred. Hoping holding the annual men’s curling bonspiel a month earlier than previous years would attract more participants, the number of teams has dropped once again. It may be at an all-time low, as 29 participants registered for this weekend’s 86th Kelly Cup at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club (PGGCC). The entry total may mark a significant drop from the glory years decades ago, when a maximum of 128 teams was met. But it’s similar to recent years. Thirty-four teams competed in 2011 and 30 in 2010. As recently as 2004, 56 teams entered the event. The bonspiel had been held at the end of March, shortly before the start of Probably people can’t the offseason. In a meeting last summer, organizers get off work decided to try holding the this time of year. They’re Kelly Cup in late February. This year’s total indistill working cates a lot of people weren’t too. That’s on board with the change what I’ve in weekend. But PGGCC heard a little curling coordinator Geof bit of.” Magrath wouldn’t call that - Geof the only reason for the McGrath drop. “Probably people can’t get off work this time of year,” he said. “They’re still working too. That’s what I’ve heard a little bit of.” No weekend works for everybody. Before the change of dates, Magrath noticed that holding the bonspiel near high school spring break proved to be challenging, since curlers left the city on vacations. Magrath said they’ll explore options for the 2013 event after this year’s Kelly Cup. They may decide to move the bonspiel back to late March. “We’ll definitely reassess it, see what the best idea is,” he said. Despite their challenges in attracting new teams, Magrath expects a competitive bonspiel this weekend. Action began on Thursday evening, with draws at 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Whoever is going to play is going to have a good time for sure,” he said. Magrath was working on the draws on Wednesday. He said they’d still have a bonspiel featuring five events. The top four teams from the A and B events qualify for the eight-team Kelly Cup draw, which begins Saturday. The Kelly Cup championship final will begin late Sunday afternoon.
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Prince George - Sports - Free Press
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Royals open homestand for Cougars Friday, February 24, 2012
Free Press file photo
The last time the Victoria Royals played at CN Centre, during the Prince George Cougars’ home-opening doubleheader on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, forward Taylor Thompson was still a member of the Cats.
By no stretch of the imagination is the road from Portland to Prince George short. But the trip must’ve felt especially long this week for the Prince George Cougars, who returned home overnight after the Portland Winterhawks hammered the visitors 8-1 on Tuesday night. Combined with a 7-2 defeat on Monday, the Cougars were outscored 15-3 in the Western Hockey League doubleheader. The Cougars will try and regroup this
evening when they host the Victoria Royals (7 p.m. at CN Centre), the start of an eight-game homestand. The two teams will meet again on Saturday at the same time and place to wrap up a weekend doubleheader. In Tuesday night’s game, the Winterhawks wasted no time getting the puck in the net. Only 2:52 into the contest, forward Ty Rattie opened the scoring with his league-leading 51st goal of the season. He added an assist in
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the game and when Wednesday evening’s WHL action began, was tied with TriCity Americans forward Brendan Shinnimin (44 goals, 58 assists) for second in league scoring with 102 points. Brandon Wheat Kings forward Mark Stone led the league with 38 goals and 66 assists for 104 points. Rattie’s goal only started Tuesday night’s scoring parade. By the time the final buzzer sounded, seven Winterhawks players enjoyed multiplepoint games. They were led by forward Brendan Leipsic, who had three goals and two assists. Derrick Pouliot (one goal, two assists) and Marcel Noebels (one goal, two assists) had three-point games, while Joseph Morrow (one goal, one assist), Troy Rutkowski (two assists) and Taylor Leier (two assists) had a couple of points each. Brad Ross also scored for Portland, which leads the U.S. Division with 42 wins, 15 losses, two overtime setbacks and one shootout defeat (42-15-2-1), two points ahead of the Americans (41-15-1-2). It’s a three-team race at the top of the conference as the B.C. Divisionleading Kamloops Blazers entered their
Wednesday night home game against Royals with a 41-141-3 mark. Forward Troy Bourke’s 12th of the season was the lone goal for the Cougars, who dropped to 19-38-0-2. With 40 points, the Cats are in the basement of the Western Conference, but only one point behind the ninth-place Everett Silvertips (16-34-18). Victoria carried an 18-35-2-4 record into Wednesday evening’s game. The Seattle Thunderbirds (20-37-1-1) have 42 points, as the four teams continue battling for the final two playoff spots. Portland was boosted by a power play that went 4-for-5 on Tuesday night. The Winterhawks outshot the Cougars 40-27 overall and outscored the visitors 5-1 in the second period. Goalie Brendan Burke made 26 saves for the win, while Devon Fordyce turned aside 32 shots in a losing effort for the Cougars. The Cougars have 13 games left on their regular season schedule. They play three more doubleheaders to conclude the homestand, against the Medicine Hat Tigers (Tuesday and Wednesday), Spokane Chiefs (March 2 and 3) and Seattle Thunderbirds (March 6 and 7).
STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUC PRO DUCTS TS STORES STO RES FLYERS FLY ERS DEALS DEALS COUPO COUPONS NS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS BROCHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES STO RES FLYERS FLY ERS DEALS DEALS COUPO COUPONS NS BROCHU BRO CHURES RES CATALO CAT ALOGUE ALO GUES GUE S CONT CONT ONTEST ESTS EST S PR PRODU ODUCTS ODU CTS STORE STORE ORES S FLY FLYERS ERS DEALS DEA LS COU COUPON PONS PON S BROC BROC ROCHUR HURES HUR ES CAT CATALO ALOGU ALO GU
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Prince George - Sports - Free Press
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Friday, February 24, 2012
B7
Cariboo Cougars set for final homestand A lot would have to happen for the Cariboo Cougars to finish the regular season lower than second place. That noted, they can secure that position this weekend at home against the South Island Thunderbirds. The two teams meet in a Kin 1 doubleheader, games set for Saturday at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. The Cougars have only four dates left on their 40-game BC Hockey Major Midget League regular season schedule, sporting a record of 22 wins, eight losses and six ties (22-8-6). With 50 points, they’re 12 behind the Vancouver North West Giants (28-4-6), who have already secured first place and home ice throughout the playoffs. Second isn’t as rewarding as first, but it would give the Cariboo squad a couple of benefits. First off, they’d get a first-round playoff bye. Secondly, they’d get to play the best-of-three semifinal series in their barn from March 16 to 18. The top six teams in the 11-team league advance to the playoffs. Of those six, the bottom four will play in the quarterfinals from March 9 to 11, the winners meeting the Giants and Cougars. The best-of-three league championship series is scheduled for March 23 to 25. The only team with a chance of overtaking the Cougars for second is the third-place Okanagan Rockets (18-10-8). The Greater Vancouver Canadians (18-12-8) also have 44 points, but with 38 of their regular season games complete, don’t have enough available points to catch the Cougars.
On a bye weekend, the Canadians are getting ready to host the Cougars. The two teams meet in the league’s final regular season weekend, March 3 and 4 in the Lower Mainland. As for the Rockets, they host the leagueleading Giants this weekend at Kelowna’s Capital News Centre before concluding their pre-playoff schedule against the North Island Silvertips in Nanaimo. The fifth-place Vancouver North East Chiefs (19-13-4) sit two points behind the Rockets and Canadians. A little further down in points, it’s a close battle for the league’s final playoff spot. Three teams are separated by two points: the sixthplace Fraser Valley Bruins (15-14-7), the seventh-place Silvertips (16-16-4) and the eighth-place Valley West Hawks (16-17-3). In another crucial series this weekend, the Bruins and Silvertips meet in Nanaimo. Second-last at 3-26-
7, the Thunderbirds enter their two-game set against the Cougars
already eliminated from the playoffs. The Cougars are
coming off their bye weekend. In their latest BC Hockey Major
Midget League set, they swept the Thompson Blazers in Chase,
recording wins of 7-2 on Feb. 11 and 9-0 on Feb. 12.
I’M OPEN!
A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s
Duchess Park Condors Grade 10 forward Carly Frenkel sees an open teammate during a fast break against the College Heights Cougars on Saturday at D.P. Todd Secondary. The Condors downed the Cougars 54-21 in the basketball game, the final of the junior girls district championship tournament. This weekend, the Condors are hosting the eight-team zone tournament at Duchess Park Secondary. Games began on Thursday afternoon, with the gold-medal final slated for tonight at 6:30 p.m. A second final, in which the second of two berths to provincials will be awarded, is slated for Saturday at 4 p.m.
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Prince George - Sports - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
Black leads Barracudas The Prince George Barracudas competed in the Speedo Western Canadian Championships for short-course swimming on the weekend. Ten members of the
club entered the meet, held last Thursday to Sunday in Winnipeg. They were: Danica Ludlow, Haley Black, Patricia Fortier, Samantha Bleackley, Bailey Hardy, Jessa Wing,
Claire Shrimpton, Sterling King, Sava Yungman and Harrison Lagzdin. In the female categories, the Barracudas finished fifth overall. Among men, they
E L SA
ended up 12th. Black had another strong weekend in the pool. On Sunday, she won gold in the 100m butterfly with a time of one minute and 0.23 seconds (1:00.23). She also took home silver in the 50m backstroke with a time of 29.62 seconds and bronze in the 200m individual medley at 2:21.16. On Saturday, Black finished first in the 200m butterfly and fifth in the 200m backstroke. She also picked up a trio of medals on Friday, gold in the 50m butterfly, silver in the 400m individual medley and bronze in the 100m backstroke. Other medal results among Barracudas, with times in parentheses, were: Ludlow - gold in 800m freestyle (8:45.69), silver in 200m freestyle (2:01.98), 400m freestyle (4:20.12) and 1,500m freestyle (16:57.91) and bronze in 50m freestyle (26.57); Sterling King - gold in 400m freestyle (3:56.42), silver in 800m freestyle and bronze in 200m butterfly (2:05.28) and 50m freestyle (24.23).
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EARLY BIRTHDAY RIDE
A lis ta ir M cINNIS/ Fre e Pre s s
Joe Mellott pushes his daughter Makyla, who celebrates her fifth birthday today, along the ice on the Outdoor Ice Oval during the City’s P.G. Skates 2012 event on Sunday.
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B9
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2nd Annual UPPER FRASER SAWMILL REUNION July 27, 28, 29that Francis Lake on Buckhorn Lake Rd. PotLuck - BBQ - July 28th BBQ’s will be provided.
A+ Massage gives you complete stress release with a total body comfort massage. (250)617-5283
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Obituaries
Dec 8, 1945 Feb 20, 2012 Predeceased by his Mother, Sister Jean, Brothers Bert, Donald, Clifford, James, Benny & Gordon.
FIELD PLANNER
A detailed job posting can be viewed at: www.westernforest.com/careers/current_openings.php
No farewell words were spoken No time to say ‘goodbye’ You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why Our loving brother and a wonderful friend. He will be sorrowfully missed by his sister Joyce, Brothers Ronald and Larry, and good friends Dan and Lottie. He’s gone on a long ¿shing trip!! No memorial at this time.
Career Opportunities
Available ONLINE, or at our Kamloops campus
WFP is currently seeking a Field Planner to join our Stillwater Forest Operation located in Powell River, BC on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Western’s Stillwater Forest Operation is a fully integrated Planning Department where members of the planning team are entirely cross functional in both engineering and silviculture activities. This temporary role is currently available due to a planned maternity leave.
Charlie Arvid Kopp
The first CCAPP accredited program in BC Online program – 10 months - Class work can be done from home - Constant instructor support - 6 weeks of on-campus labs required We also offer an Online Medical Transcription Program 9 months– starts monthly Financial Aid available for qualified students P.C.T.I.A. accredited college
Call Today For Free Info Kit
1-877-840-0888 www.ThompsonCC.ca
Western offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package. If you believe that you have the skills and qualifications that we are looking for, please reply in confidence: Human Resource Department Facsimile: (1)866.840.9611 Application Deadline:Friday, March 16, 2012 Email: resumes@westernforest.com Reference Code: Field Planner, SWFO As only short listed candidates will be contacted, WFP thanks you in advance for your interest in our Company. Please visit www.westernforest.com
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Career Opportunities
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Operations Manager - Manufacturing MILLWRIGHTS West Fraser Mills Ltd, Quesnel Sawmill is currently looking for Millwrights. This position offers a challenging, diverse and exciting opportunity to become part of our team. Job duties will fall within our Maintenance department. This position requires an individual who will perform a variety of tasks related to the safe and efficient application of the technical skills and knowledge of an Industrial Millwright in the repair and maintenance of industrial machinery, conveyors and mechanical systems associated with the manufacturing of lumber. Continually ensuring the quality and standards of service to safety and production are maintained. Our ideal candidate must possess: • Journeyman certificate or 4th year Apprentice • Strong working knowledge of hydraulics, industrial machines, pneumatics and compressors etc • Troubleshooting and problem solving in a mill environment • Good Interpersonal and Communication skills Successful candidates should be competent, enthusiastic and capable of working in a team environment. West Fraser Mills offers an attractive benefit and compensation package. Please send your resume along with appropriate documentation to: Attention: Millwright Position quesresumes@westfraser.com or fax: 250 992 9233 or mail: 1250 Brownmiller Road, Quesnel, BC V2J 6P5 on or before March 30, 2012
Career Opportunities
Pharmacy Technician!
HOT GUYS! HOT CHAT! HOT FUN! Try Free! Call 250227-1114 or 800-777-8000. www.interactivemale.com
Obituaries
Career Opportunities
Western Forest Products Inc. is currently seeking an Operations Manager to join our Wood Products Manufacturing Group, located on Southern Vancouver Island. Reporting to the Vice President – Manufacturing, the Operations Manager is responsible for all operational activities in pursuance of business goals. Specifically, the Operations Manager will ensure continuous improvement in worker safety, operational efficiency, product quality and the profitability of the Operation. This is a senior role within our Manufacturing Group and represents a significant opportunity to be involved in driving excellence with a hands on management style and a strong focus on driving margin through a team based approach. A detailed job description can be viewed at http://www.westernforest.com/careers/current_openings.php You possess a post-secondary degree in wood processing or business administration with 10 years progressive leadership experience in the wood products manufacturing sector. Worker safety is a core value for you, and you continually strive for excellence in this critical area of our business. You possess expert knowledge of wood products manufacturing and you are known for your strong financial analysis and strategic planning skills. You are comfortable with change and managing in a unionized environment. Western Forest Products Inc. is an integrated Canadian forest products company operating primarily on Vancouver Island. The Company’s focus is on the solid wood sector and includes timber harvest and lumber manufacturing. The Company is committed to the safety of our employees, the culture of performance and the discipline to achieve results. If you believe that you have the skills and qualifications that we are looking for, please reply in confidence: Human Resource Department Facsimile: 1.866.840.9611 Email: resumes@westernforest.com Application Deadline: March 8, 2012 Reference Code: Operations Mgr - Manufacturing
Career Service / Job Search
Career Service / Job Search
Unemployed? Recently laid off? Finding a job in today’s market can be tough.
WORK CONNECTIONS CAN HELP: • • • • • •
Career Decision Making Expert employment counseling Resumes and Cover Letters that work Winning interview techniques Plans for retraining options Connections into the Hidden Job Market M. Turner & Associates has been helping people get back to work for over 25 years. Come to the experts.
Give us a call at 250-563-6181 or visit us at 1360 Fifth Avenue Get Connected…
Funded in whole or in part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
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Prince George - ClassiďŹ eds - Free Press
Friday, February 24, 2012
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HHDI RECRUITING
Walmsley & Associates
HOME BASED BUSINESS, Established franchise network, serving the legal profession, seeks self-motivated individuals, No up-front fees. Exclusive territory. Complete training. Continuous operational advertising support; www.lormit.com
SPROTT-SHAW RCA training info session Feb 28th, 12-6pm at Mariposa Gardens. Bring this ad and your registration fee will be waived! Find out how to save an additional $800 on tuition! Call 250-4958124 for more info.
Food Safety is EVERYBODYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Business
If you have information regarding a missing blue faced Rolex wrist watch. Please call 250-563-2367
Food Handlers â&#x20AC;˘ Volunteers Care Givers â&#x20AC;˘ In Home Now accepting registration:
FoodSafe Level 1 Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Now Hiring for Exciting Exploration Project Nechako Plateau of central British Columbia
Saturday Mar 3rd Tuesday Mar 13th Saturday Apr 14th
Keeping Food Safe
Career Opportunities
CLASSES TAUGHT AT 7:45AM TO 5PM
Group Rates Available
Diane Rosebrugh & Dick Rosebrugh, B.Ed.
New Gold Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blackwater Project is an exciting exploration/development project located 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George in central British Columbia. The Company is actively engaged in exploration at Blackwater with the ultimate goal of bringing it through development and into production.
ABC Foodsafe School
We are currently looking for qualiďŹ ed candidates to join our team in the following roles:
Fax: 250-563-2572
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See the full posting details at our website below. We oďŹ&#x20AC;er a competitive salary including bonus incentives and a comprehensive beneďŹ ts package. Interested candidates are encouraged to email a cover letter and rĂŠsumĂŠ outlining your qualiďŹ cations and experience in Word or PDF format to: ><M@@MN =G<>FR<O@M I@RBJG? >JH
www.newgold.com/careers
Professional/ Management
Professional/ Management
Professional/ Management
Share in our growth and success Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. is an integrated wood manufacturing company with operations throughout central British Columbia. We are known in the industry as producers of some of the highest quality wood products available today, and we distribute our premiere products throughout North America and Asia. While our focus is meeting the needs of our customers, our success is driven by our people. We are currently looking at adding additional strength to our team.
Accounting Manager We are currently looking for an Accounting Manager to join our management team at our corporate office located in Prince George, BC. This new position will play a key role in implementing a new strategic direction for Finance within our multidivisional organization, while providing ďŹ nancial support to all levels of our ďŹ nancial and operational teams. Along with at least ten years experience in progressively more challenging roles, the ideal candidate will have an accounting designation, a proven track record of professional development, and have excellent verbal, written and presentation skills. Someone with a keen analytical mind, coupled with a strong desire to effect change, will thrive in this challenging role. QualiďŹ ed candidates can send their applications to hr@sinclar.com prior to: Wednesday, March 7, 2012.
www.abcfoodsafe.com Member of: info@abcfoodsafe.com
Central Interior Mapping Co. Ltd (CIMCO) is currently looking for Forestry Technicians. Duties will include compassing for cruising, GPS traversing, silviculture surveying and aiding in other phases of forestry development. A valid BCDL is required. A diploma or certiďŹ cate in forestry or a related ďŹ eld would be an asset. Wages are commensurate with experience. Please mail resumes to: 535 North Fraser Drive Quesnel, BC V2J 1Z2 Attention: Roland Jarrett or Fax: (250)992-6891 or Email: cimco@centralinterior.ca DIRECT SALES REPRESENTATIVES. Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere home automation and Security Company is NOW hiring AprilAugust. No experience necessary. Travel Required. E-mail resume: kkurtze@vivint.com Visit: www.vivint.ca Fowler Moving - Agent for Allied Van Lines, require two relocation drivers for the moving industry. Class 3 with air & Class 5 tickets required. Mileage paid along with hotel and meal allowance. Fax resume & driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abstract to (250)991-0255
An earthmoving company based in Edson Alberta requires a full time Heavy Duty Mechanic for ďŹ eld and shop work. We require Cat Dozer/Deere excavator experience. You will work a set schedule for days on and off. Call Lloyd @ 780-723-5051 Dana Mandi EAST INDIAN RESTAURANT REQUIRES: 2 full-time Chefs, 40 hrs per week, $17/hr min 2 yrs exp. 1 Food server supervisor 40 hrs per week $18/hr. Must speak Hindi or Punjabi & English. Drop resume @ 2095 5th Ave. or email: nijjerb@hotmail.com
Green Mountain Gemstones Inc. is looking for experienced workers for its open jade pits at Dease Lake, BC for ongoing projects, including 40 Drill Operators (drill blast holes in rocks after measuring location and staking out pattern of holes, $26/hr & up); 40 Heavy Equipment Operators (Operate bulldozers, excavators, and rock trucks, etc. to excavate, move, load and grade earth, rock, or other materials for mining, and maintain the equipment, $26/hr & up); 40 Helpers (assist drillers to set up and operate drills, assist heavy equipment operators to secure special attachments and signal in moving equipment, remove debris, and load & move materials and supplies, $20/hr & up); 4 Cooks (prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes, $20/hr & up); and 8 Tradesperson (skillful in different trades with credentials as an electrician, plumber, carpenter, etc., $35/hr & up). Minimum three years of relevant experience required. Free food & lodging, WCP, with other beneďŹ ts. Please submit resume to jobs2012@gmgemstone.ca.
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
250-563-2585
Become a Psychiatric Nurse - train locally via distance education, local and/or regional clinical placements and some regional classroom delivery. Wages start at $30.79/hr to $40.42/hr. This 23 month program is recognized by the CRPNBC. Govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t funding may be available. Toll-free 1-87-STENBERG www.stenbergcollege.com
Help Wanted
is hiring on behalf of Baker Hughes Baker Hughes Alberta based oilďŹ eld services company is currently hiring;
DRIVER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & SERVICE SUPERVISORS Class 1 or 3 License required.
Drivers
3rd or 4th apprentice or Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanics with their Red Seal and CVIP License to work in Red Deer & Hinton. Please call 250-718-3330 or Fax: 1-888-679-0759 For more information or send your resume & current drivers abstract to: driverclass1@shaw.ca INTERSTATE BATTERIES is seeking a Route Sales Manager. This position entails delivering and servicing customers with their battery needs. Applicants must have Class 1 with air and capable of being on the road for up to 5 days in a row. This position requires repetitive heavy lifting, sales experience and excellent people skills. Must be physically ďŹ t and neat in appearance. We offer a competitive wage with beneďŹ ts. Email resume, references and driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abstract to: ib4666mg@ibsa.com. No phone calls please. JOEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AUTOBODY REPAIR in Prince Rupert, BC. Currently has an opening for a Collision Technician and CertiďŹ ed Painter. Must be a team player for this relaxed and friendly,but hard working atmosphere. Wages and moving expenses negotiable. Email resume to: joesauto@citytel.net Fax: 250627-4702. Call: 250-624-1795 MegMar Maintenance is currently looking for licensed Heavy Duty Mechanics, Automotive Mechanics, Welders as well as Tow Truck drivers for the Tumbler Ridge area. Must be able to work independently of others. Preference will be given to diesel mechanics. Interested parties can fax resumes to 250-242-3138 or email trudy@megmar.ca . Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Park Attendants Required
This position is full time. Broadwaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabrication shop operates under a collective agreement with I.W. 712. Wages and full beneďŹ ts including medical, dental, extended care, and pension are provided.
Mariah Recreation Management Services is seeking suitable couples or individuals for employment in the following Provincial Parks for the 2012 season (May - Sept): Beatton, Charlie Lake, Moberly Lake & Swan Lake Duties will include: â&#x20AC;˘ Park maintenance & landscaping â&#x20AC;˘ Fee collection & park security â&#x20AC;˘ Record keeping & customer service â&#x20AC;˘ Use of small power tools Requirements: â&#x20AC;˘ Must by physically ďŹ t & â&#x20AC;˘ willing/able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions â&#x20AC;˘ Experience with power tools for park maintenance â&#x20AC;˘ Must have experience with handling cash & customer service delivery Fax/E-mail resumes to: Mariah Recreational Management Services Fax: (250) 964.2286 mariahrecreation@ hotmail.com
Broadwater Industries (2011) Ltd Fax: 250-624-5668 Email: bw@citytel.net
Now Accepting Resumes For
Receptionist At Happy Trails RV No phone calls please. Resumes can be emailed to debbies@happytrailsrv.ca Or faxed to 250-963-3392
Professional Counselling Services 250-564-1000 www.walmsley.ca
Financial Services
Reduce Debt by up to
70%
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â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid bankruptcy â&#x20AC;˘ Rebuild Your Credit â&#x20AC;˘ 0% InterestCanadian â&#x20AC;˘ Proudly
250-277-1677 250-434-4226 www.4pillars.ca
HD MECHANICS
FABRICATOR/WELDER
Broadwater is a growing company servicing the Northwest Region of B.C. If you would like to be part of our fabrication team, send resume to:
Services
TrafďŹ c Control (ďŹ&#x201A;agger) 2 day classes PG Mar 3/4 New $280 Renew $150 call 1-866737-2389 www.roadsafteytcs.com
OfĂ&#x20AC;ce Support WANTED: Part-time Bookkeeper/Admin. Flexible hours. Experience with Simply Accounting required. Submit resume to info@chbanorthernbc.ca
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the net at www.bcclassiďŹ ed.com
GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com
Home Care HART HOME CARE *In-home care * Housekeeping *Palative care 250-962-1537 or 250-649-8783
Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Guaranteed Record Removal since 1989. ConďŹ dential, Fast, & Affordable. Our A+BBB Rating assures EMPLOYMENT & TRAVEL FREEDOM. Call for FREE INFO. BOOKLET
1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366) RemoveYourRecord.com
Cleaning Services House and ofďŹ ce cleaner available $20 per hr. 250-613-6957 250-963-7722
Contractors McElhanney Associates Land Surveying Ltd. 250-561-2229
Handypersons Handyman from Newfoundland All jobs big & small, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;se the bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ye to do it all. Carpentry & plumbing etc. W.E.T.T. CertiďŹ ed. Call Jim 250.562.8203 / 250.613.5478
Home Improvements G Gilbert Renovation Year round reno needs. Int/ext, nothing too small. 30 yrs exp. Free estimates! Call Gaetan (250) 560-5845 or 552-7184
Landscaping FALL YARD CLEAN-UP Garbage Removal & Gutter Cleaning Power Raking ~ Aerating (250)961-3612 or (250)964-4758 res
Misc Services R & R Sewing Centre #7-423 Elliot St., Quesnel 1-250-992-9777
Water Services Canadian Springs Home & OfďŹ ce Delivery Bottled Water & Coffee Service
250-563-8918
Merchandise for Sale
Building Supplies Steel Building Sale. Inventory Discount Sale. 30x40, 42x80, 100x100. Erection Avail, 40 yr paint. Must Sell, Will Deal Source# 1O2 800-964-8335
Free Items
Free Pallets No pick up until after 6:00 pm Back Door
Free Press 1773 S. Lyon Street Phone (250)564-0005
Friday, February 24, 2012
B11
Merchandise for Sale
Merchandise for Sale
Real Estate
Real Estate
Rentals
Rentals
Transportation
Heavy Duty Machinery
Misc. for Sale
Commercial/ Industrial Property
Houses For Sale
Apt/Condo for Rent
Apt/Condo for Rent
Auto Services
1 1/2 - 2 bdrm apts. Safe, clean & quiet. Receive your 12th month rent free (conditions apply) 250-613-7483 Darby Apts. Bach $500, 1 bdr. $570, 2 bdr. $650; heat, h/w incl., 1601 Queensway; 250-596-4275 250-301-0664
VENICE PLACE APTS 1438 Queensway Bachelor, 1 & 2 bdrm Suites Balcony, Elevator, Underground parking. Heat included Call (250)561-1446
DIRECT AUTOMOTIVE CARE & REPAIR 1615 S. LYON ST. 250-563-5959
Legal Notices
HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?
FOR Sale Commercial Property, Main Street, Beautiful Smithers – Please Call 250306-5345
Misc. Wanted
For Sale By Owner
Wanted, camper or camperette to fit a Ford Ranger pickup.250-563-0862
3 bed. mobile with lrg add, separate ldry room on .26 acres in Hart area. Comes with 4 appl. New flooring throughout. $80,000 250-962-8568
Legal Notices
Briarwood Apts. 1330/80 Foothills Blvd. 1 & 2 Bdrm suites 250-561-1571 HARDWOOD MANOR APTS Under New Management! Bachelor, 1 & 2 bdrm suites
Legal Notices
Ask about our move in incentives!
1575 Queesway 250-596-9484
DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Application #: CN-PMP-2012 Applicant: CN Rail, 3rd Floor, CN Thornton Yard, 11717-138th Street, Surrey BC V3R 6T5. Attention: c/o Douglas Allen, Manager, Environmental Services. Tel: (604) 589-6542 Fax: (604) 589-6525 Agent: SMC Consulting, 1582 Lawrence Avenue, Penticton BC V2A 3C1 Tel/FAX: (250) 492-6193 E-mail: smcconsulting@shaw.ca The purposes of the proposed Pest Management Plan (PMP) are to manage vegetation, including noxious weeds and invasive plants, in track ballast, rights-of-way, station grounds, rail yards, and around road and pedestrian crossings, shops, buildings, communication facilities and signals on all property owned or controlled by CN within, or in proximity to, the following communities: Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers, Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, McBride, Valemount, Blue River, Clearwater, Kamloops, Boston Bar, Lytton, Spences Bridge, Ashcroft. The pest management methods proposed for use include hand removal or cutting, weed trimming, mowing, brush cutters, chain saws, biological control, alternative technologies and the use of pesticides. The use of pesticides is intended within the area to which the PMP applies. The common name and an example of a trade name of the pesticides proposed for use under this plan include: aminopyralid (Milestone), clopyralid (Transline), dicamba (Vanquish), diuron (Karmex XP), flumioxazin (Payload), glyphosate (Vantage), imazapyr (Arsenal), metsulfuron methyl (Escort), triclopyr (Garlon), picloram (Tordon 22K), 2,4-D (2,4-D Amine 600), chlorsulfuron (Telar), and bromacil (Krovar). Application methods include: wick/wipe-on, cut surface, and backpack soil and foliar applications using backpack, wipe/wipe-on applicator, handgun (power hose and nozzle), shrouded boom on a hi-rail vehicle and Radiarc® (boomless) sprayer. The proposed duration of the PMP is from May 19, 2012 to May 18, 2017. A draft copy of the proposed PMP and maps of the proposed treatment areas may be examined online at http://www.cn.ca/en/corporate-citizenship-public-issues-vegetation-management.htm or by contacting Agent listed above. “A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant c/o SMC Consulting, Agent, within 30 days of the publication of this notice”
HILLSBOROUGH Apts 3820 - 15th Ave
PINE GROVE Apts 412- 420 Voyager Dr (off 5th Ave) Spacious 1, 2 & 3 bdrm apts Clean, quiet, secure entrance. Students Welcome. Rental Incentives. No Dogs
Phone 250-563-2221
JUBILEE Apt’s 1 bedroom Adult orientated, close to downtown & bus route. N/S, N/P. Parking.
Call: (250) 562-7172 Near hosp & Parkwood. Deluxe 2 bdrm, gr floor, lrg appl, dishwshr, storage rm, $685 + hydro. Avail Mar 1st. Working person or senior. 250-563-2709
Parklane Garden Apartments
Mobile Homes & Parks FACTORY DIRECT WHOLESALE modular homes, manufactured homes, and park models. New homes starting as low as $37,209, 16 wides $49,183, and double wides $70,829. www.hbmodular.com or 877976-3737 The Home Boys.
Rentals
NOTICE PARCEL TAX ROLL REVIEW PANEL The 2012 Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel will meet on: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., in the Boardroom of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George 155 George Street, Prince George BC V2L 1P8 for the purpose of hearing complaints with respect to the inclusion or exclusion of properties affected by the following parcel tax rolls: Adams Road Community Sewer Service, Azu Water System, Bear Lake Water System, Bendixon Road Community Sewer Service, Buckhorn Community Sewer Service, Shell-Glen Fire Protection, Shelley Riverbank Erosion Protection, Syms Road Street Lighting, Tabor Lake Community Sewer Service, Tallus Road Community Sewer Service West Lake Community Sewer Service To be considered by the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel complaints must be received, in writing, not later than 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012 (Complaints received by fax at 250-562-8676 are acceptable.) The parcel tax rolls will be available for inspection at the Regional District Office: February 23 to March 9, 2012 during regular business hours. For further information, please contact Meredith Burmaster, Community Services Leader, at 250-960-4400 or 1-800-667-1959
155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Telephone: (250) 960-4400, Toll Free 1-800-667-1959 Fax (250) 563-7520, Web: www.rdffg.bc.ca
Apt/Condo for Rent
Midtowne
• 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available • Close to hospital & downtown • Rent includes heat, hot water • Elevator to undercover parking • Fridge, stove, quality carpets, drapes • Laundry on each floor • No pets
To Rent Call:
250-561-1447
461 N. Ospika Blvd. Solid Brick & Conc. Bldg. Enjoy Quiet & Safe Living.
Adult Oriented 2 & 3 bdrm. Large Balcony & Patio’s Incl. Cbl, Heat, Lrg. Stor Fr/St/DW - N/S N/P Call Resident Mgr.
250-561-2236 www.parklanegarden.com
Park Village Apartments 125 N Ospika Blvd 2 & 3 bdrm suites Phone 250-612-5162 Pine Glen Apartments 255 N. Ospika (Rental Office) Spacious clean 2 & 3 bdrm 1 1/2 bath Heat, Hot water & Parking incl. Laundry & Play ground on Site. Ask about our new rates Bus route to all amenities 250-561-1823
SUMMIT APTS 2666 Upland Street
Commercial/ Industrial
Majestic Management (1981) Ltd. CE • OFFI ERCIAL M • COM IL • RETA Space available for rent For all your rental needs Call 562-8343 or 562-RENT
Duplex / 4 Plex 3 bdrm w/garage. Also 2 bdrm, gr. level, fenced yard. Near Parkwood Mall. NP, Avail. now. Ph (250)564-0101
2011 ACCESS 31J
STK# 19205
WAS $103,649
by WINNEBAGO IS $79,999
Interior Upgrade, Electric Entrance Step, 19” LCD TV, Microwave/ Convection Oven, Radio/Rearview Monitor System, Electric Awning, and many more features.
MOTORS 805 1st Ave. 250.563.8891
Cars - Sports & Imports
A RARE FIND
Misc for Rent Reduced rent 1, 2, & 3 bdrm suites for rent, reasonably priced. Heat & Hydro incl. Ph (250) 552-1178
Shared Accommodation 2 bdrm apt to share with mature person. Smoker OK. St Laurant Manor 250-640-0986 Furn. rooms TV, Cable, internet, phone, shared kitchen & laundry, Ref. required, $375/m
STK# 7325-1
2010 NISSAN FRONTIER PRO-4X Only 23,000 kms. Automatic, V-6, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Anti-Lock Brakes, Keyless Entry, PW, PL, PM, Sunroof. Sale $29,900
Hub City Motors 1822 Queensway 250.564.7228
Scrap Car Removal
(250)614-9123 or (250)613-9123
Suites, Lower 2 bdrm furn/unfurn NS Utilities & laundry incl. References required. Incentive for seniors. Avail immed. 250-562-2444 2 bedroom basement suite in College Heights. Close to bus and shopping. Sep entrance, laundry and parking. Ref req. NP $750 mth. util included 250-964-6106 Bachelor 1,2,3 bdr. Avail Mar. 1st. 1/2 month free for seniors. 250-596-3838
Transportation
Auto Accessories/Parts
1 & 2 bedroom apts. Rent includes: hydro, heat, hot water, appliances, drapes and parking. Quiet, no pets
Quick way Boring bar with table and tooling $5000. Sunnen dual rod heater CRH-50 $500 250-962-9260
250-564-3162
Auto Financing YOU’RE APPROVED Poor, Good, OR No Credit at AUTO CREDIT NOW Details and APPLY online autocreditwithbarrie.com OR TOLL FREE 1-877-356-0743
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 335
Cars - Domestic
DL# 5365
A- STEEL SHIPPING STORAGE CONTAINERS / Bridges / Equipment Wheel loaders JD 644E & 544A / 63’ & 90’ Stiff boom 5th wheel crane trucks/Excavators EX200-5 & 892D-LC / Small forklifts / F350 C/C “Cabs”20’40’45’53’ New/ Used/ Damaged /Containers Semi Trailers for Hiway & StorageCall 24 Hrs 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com
DL# 7970
Prince George - Classifieds - Free Press
www.pgfreepress.com
SCRAP BATTERIES WANTED We buy scrap batteries from cars & trucks & heavy equipment. $4.00 each. Free pick-up anywhere in BC, Minimum 10. Call Toll Free 1.877.334.2288
SCRAP CAR REMOVAL MOST FREE! Give Us A Call! 250.963.3435 15270 Hwy 97 South
Snowmobiles 1990 Yamaha Ouation 340 Runs good. $800 250-962-9260
Wrecker/Used Parts USED TIRES Cars & Trucks $25 & up
Most Sizes Available 15270 Hwy 97 South 250.963.3435
FOR THE AFTERNOON CUP...
B12
Friday, February 24, 2012
Prince George Free Press
www.pgfreepress.com