PROFILE: Castle manager shares community power tools.
COMMUNITY: Watoto choir sings its way north.
PAGE 10
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012
PAGE 15
Proudly serving Houston and District - Home of Canada’s Largest Fly Rod
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NO. 11 $1.35 Inc. HST
Townhome reno project planned By Andrew Hudson Houston Today
Allan Wishart/ Prince George Free Press
TOWERING Win
HCS Wildcats centre Ruth Hamblin stretches for a jump ball in the senior girls single ‘A’ basketball final Saturday in Prince George. HCS won the final with an 80-63 win over Cedar Christian, capping a perfect season. Turn to page 15 for the full story.
Grant changes add District budget stress By Andrew Hudson Houston Today
Changes to a provincial grant are causing the District of Houston some extra budget headaches. At issue is the Small Communities Grant— an annual grant that Victoria transfers to B.C. municipalities with fewer than 19,000 people to help them
pay for basic services such as parks and street lighting. How much money each municipality gets depends on its population and the strength of its tax base compared to other parts of B.C. That formula hasn’t changed, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Sport, Culture, and Community
Development. What has changed is the timing of those grants. As the global economy slipped into recession in 2009, the province decided to “pay forward” some of the grant money so that small municipalities had the means to stimulate their economies. In the fiscal year of 2009, for example,
the District received $845,489 under the program. In 2010, that dropped to $134,247. Speaking in the B.C. legislature last week, the Hon. Minister Ida Chong said paying the grants forward is intended to give local governments more financial certainty. But in a municipality the size of Houston, Director of Finance
Tandra Bamsey said that such funding swings are big enough that the District would have to significantly raise and lower taxes each year. To put it in perspective, Bamsey said that $71,000 represents roughly two per cent of all the revenue that the District receives from all sources. See GRANT on Page 2
Renovations company Artisan Projects Inc. is planning major exterior upgrades to the Park Lane apartments, one of three apartment complexes it owns on top of the hill along Mountain View Road. But Artisan may have to delay or cancel its plans to renovate a larger set of apartments on Pearson Road and turn its Hillside Townhomes over to BC Housing as a low-income housing project. Doug Caya, Houston project manager with the Coquitlam-based Artisan, told Houston council last Tuesday that the company plans
“ “It really feels different than when we first came.”
- Doug Caya
to add fresh “curb appeal” to 21 apartments along Park Lane. Built in the 1980s to house workers at the Equity silver mine, those apartments are familiarly known in Houston as “rabbit hutches” for their dated, square-shaped look. “What we’re doing on those is changing the exteriors substantially,” Caya said. See RENOS on Page 2
To clarify Feb. 29 In the Feb. 29 story, “Huckleberry to invest over $100 million,” our reporter wrote, “Huckleberry’s extension plan got a green light in November, when a committee of B.C.’s “dirt” ministries and area First Nations permitted the company to log some 70,000 cubic metres of timber and build a new tailings pond.”
To be clear, Mines Operations Manager Bryan Deagle referred to the ministries using proper titles: Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Forest, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. The Houston Today apologizes for any offense caused by the use of an improper term.
2
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Accepting new patients Handle ALL insurance coverages CertiӾed hygenist on staӽ
Mountain View Dental Clinic 3429 10th Street, Houston
Phone: 250-845-7131 The Houston Retirement Housing Society is holding their
Annual General Meeting March 26 @ 7:00pm at the Houston Seniors Activity Centre. Everyone welcome! To the persons who have been riding their snowmobiles on the property of the Pleasant Valley Village (seniors apartments located across and beside the Ambassador and Houston trailer courts), please STOP. This complex is a 5 acre parcel of private property, so it is especially not your right to ride your machines close to the apartments, as well as through the parking lots and over the lawns. It is the equivalent of someone driving through your front yard, of which I’m sure would prompt a quick call to the police. Never mind being just plain inconsiderate.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
NEWS
Pearson presents biggest reno challenge RENOS from Page 1 But the B.C. government has recently extended a similar program to March of 2013. Caya said that even if the federal grant does not start up again, it won’t necessarily stop Park Lane from going ahead. But he said would throw a serious wrench in plans to renovate the 52 more apartments on Pearson Lane, which need more extensive repairs. Mayor Holmberg said he was glad to see Artisan’s vision for the properties. But Holmberg said
he was surprised to learn that the Pearson Lane apartments might be worth renovating. “We were always of the opinion that they would be a good place to do fire practice,” he joked. Caya said he too had heard the buildings were condemned, but added that Artisan has had structural surveys and property inspections done, and those were enough to convince them to insure the apartments. Still, Caya said, any renovations on the Pearson apartments “will be a lot more
work,” and Artisan plans to hire a professional engineer for more guidance. Artisan has had the most success with what it calls the Hillside Townhomes. “We are really pleased with the rate of tenancy that we’ve received so far,” Caya said. Twenty of the 32 Hillside apartments are rented right now. All are two-bedroom apartments with rents starting at $550. Even after what Caya said were fairly minimal renovations last fall, those apartments already have lower heating and
GRANTS from Page 1 “We’re not alone,” Bamsey said, noting that she has heard from finance directors in towns across northwest B.C. who are also struggling with the
grant. Rather than raise and lower rates year to year, the District and several other northwest municipalities have decided to save the surplus of the big-
ger-paying years, effectively averaging out the grant to the steady funding it was before 2009. But that became difficult in 2011, when the province made no for-
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Holmberg. In total, Artisan now owns 105 apartments between the Hillside, Pearson, and Park Lane complexes. Both Pearson and Park Lane are three- and four-bedroom apartments. Caya said the company bought them in late September with just three days to view and consider the purchase. “It looked obvious to us, but we’ve learned lots and lots since then,” Caya said. “We’ve had some tremendous challenges that we’ve gotten over.”
mal agreements with local governments. And this year, District staff could only get a rough estimate until Feb. 27, less than a month before municipalities had to sign the agreement or forgo the grant entirely. Mayor Holmberg said council has lobbied hard for improvements to the grant, even speaking directly with Premier Christy Clark last fall. “It’s gone absolutely nowhere,” he said. Looking ahead, Bamsey told council there is concern the grant will decline.
From 2009 to the current agreement, there is a $76,535 drop in average funding. Asked about such reductions in the legislature, Minister Chong said there will be some smaller amounts in the years ahead because of an infrastructure program that is now wrapping up. Minister Chong said an expert panel is reviewing how municipalities tax large industry, a major revenue source. Another review into local funding will look at the question of what would happen if there were no small community grants.
Houston Leisure Facility
2012 SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS & SCHEDULE Houston Leisure Facility Spring Break Schedule March 18th - March 24th, 2012 Sunday
Monday
Gym Hours
Aquafit
Mon-Thur 6am-8:30pm Friday 6am-9pm Saturday 10-5pm
Tuesday
6-6:45am
Public/Lane Swim
Wednesday Aquafit 6-6:45am
6-9am
Thursday
Public/Lane Swim 6-9am
Friday
Running 6-6:45am
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Swim
Swim
Swim
6:45-9am
6:45-9am
6:45-9am
Seniors Aquafit 9-10am
Sunday
Parent & Tot
Seniors Aquafit
Swim
9-10am
9-10am
Saturday
Water
Public/Lane
Parent & Tot
Seniors
Swim
Aquafit
9-10am
9-10am
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
11-5pm
10-8:30pm
10-8:30pm
10-8:30pm
10-8:30pm
10-8pm
10-5pm
Toonie Swim 7:30-8:30pm Teen Swim
For more information visit: BCOGC.ca Fracfocus.ca Phone: 1-250-794-5200 Or follow us on:
hydro bills. “It really feels different than when we first came,” he said. Artisan had planned to turn the Hillside apartments over to BC Housing—the provincial agency responsible for building supported housing for low-income residents. “BC Housing were on board last week,” Caya said, but the agency since decided not to join the project. Mayor Holmberg said that news was disappointing. “Certainly, I think we’ve identified a need for low-cost housing in this town,” said
Ministry reviewing municipal funding HOUSTON STORAGE HOUSTON STORAGE
Community information meetings will be held in the following communities this month:
Houston Today
8-9pm
Extended Public Swimming Hours 10am-8:30 Mon-Thurs
Public/Lane
WACKY WATER DAYZ
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CLUB
Get crazy this Spring Break with the Leisure Facility staff. Checkout the pool, play wacky games and get messy as the play leader leads you through a fun filled day. Please remember to bring a towel, swimsuit, healthy lunch and indoor running shoes.
The Junior Lifeguard Club is designed for kids who have a budding interest in becoming a lifeguard. The club gives kids the skills to help themselves and others in an emergency. Club members take part in teamwork games, learn about lifesaving and lifeguarding and get fit.
March 19th-23rd $35 (additional sibling $10) 6-12yrs • 9-4pm
March 19th-23rd • $35 8-12yrs 1:30-3pm (#4717)
BRONZE MEDALLION
STROKE IMPROVEMENT
Are you interested in becoming a lifeguard? Bronze Medallion will get you started on the right track. This course teaches the four main components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, defense and release methods and challenging rescues involving conscious and unconscious victims. Lifesavers are required to complete an endurance swim.
In this program swimmers will work with an instructor to improve specific skills or work towards completing items from previous swim levels. March 19th, 21st & 23rd 8-15yrs old 10-11am $25 (#4719)
March 19th-23rd •13+yrs 10am3pm • $187 Incl. manual (#4716)
District of Houston ~ Houston Leisure Services Department
For more information or to register please call the Houston Leisure Facility @ 250.845.7420
www.houston.ca
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Opinion
HOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council” Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston Mall P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0
Houston Today
Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893 News: editor@houston-today.com or: newsroom@houston-today.com Advertising: advertising@houston-today.com
In our opinion:
Essential service?
T
here is something terribly wrong with how the province’s school system is valued. It begins with the law declaring education as an essential service. No argument here. But things go haywire when teachers then go before the provincial Labour Relations Board asking for permission to withdraw certain services, which they did last fall. That permission is not only granted but the school districts then lose the argument that because teachers are doing less, they should be paid less. This theme carried on last week when the same Labour Relations Board ruled teachers could strike for up to three days without seriously disrupting a student’s education. Not good news for the parent of a young student struggling to learn the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic nor for the high school student hoping to earn a scholarship. Nor is it good news for taxpayers to learn that they are paying for some school and teacher services which, in the opinion of the Labour Relations Board, aren’t needed. Now consider the hours teachers spend on extra curricular activities. It’s work without compensation but generally expected as part of the overall system. On the one hand, we’re paying teachers for work that isn’t needed and then aren’t paying them for something of actual value. No wonder no one can make any sense of what’s going on.
“ Not good news for the parent of a young student struggling to learn....
Terrace Standard
Time to change daylight savings?
S
pring forward, fall back” is an easy quote to remember, guiding us which way we should be changing our clocks during daylight saving time, but is there something simpler we could be doing instead? As a gag, I hit the streets to ask people how they felt about the government making things easier for us by getting us to change our clocks by 10 minutes monthly instead of an hour every six months. As expected, most of the people I talked to were less than impressed with that idea. Yet is the system we have now so much better? While I love gaining an hour of sleep in the fall, losing an hour each spring is a drag and leaves me wondering why we do it at all. There are so
“
“I don’t like it because I already feel like I have no time.”
many places around the world that don’t do this back and forth thing and I recently learned that even some cities in my very own province of B.C. stay on standard time. Finding out that a neighbouring city doesn’t change their clocks makes me feel like a little kid asking my parents why my sibling can ignore the same dumb rule that I’m forced to abide by. I understand that having a longer day can benefit farming and other activities that depend on sunlight after working hours. It has also been argued that there are
energy savings due to the time change, making it better for our environment. But what about all us parents with children who don’t want to go to bed when it’s still light out? Of course, we’re a few months away from that being an issue. I’m just complaining early because of the whole losing-an-hourof-sleep thing. Sleep deprivation can make me grumpy. “I don’t like it because I already feel like I have no time,” one of my friends said. “Setting my clocks back makes me feel like I’m being gypped
out of an incredibly precious hour of it.” I hear you friend. My sentiments exactly. “Your column is called On a Brighter Note,” I was reminded when I declared that I’d be writing on this very important subject. “You can’t be whining in public.” But it’s fun to publicly complain about trivial matters occasionally. I can’t explain why, it just is. “The whole thing is ludicrous,” one of my senior friends said when I asked him how he felt about springing forward or falling backward in time. “What did our ancestors do? They weren’t controlled by clocks and what time they were ‘supposed’ to work. If the sun came up earlier they worked earlier, and if the sun came up later they
2009
On a brighte brighter note Lori Welbourne worked later, it was as simple as that.” Not everyone thinks of it as hogwash, however. Many even look forward to the change. “It gives us more daylight during waking hours,” said one of my friends. “And I have a built-in excuse for being an hour late for work once a year when I forget to set my clocks ahead.”
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Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
Website Poll results Yes - 70% No - 30% Do you support the teachers’ job action?
Opinion
5
This week’s Website Poll at www.houston-today.com Do you think the province should have a role in securing low-cost housing for Houston?
On The
Street
By A B Andrew d H Hud Huds Hudson d
Say Cut Loose Quilters, what’s your favourite thing about quilting?
Letters to the
Editor
A historic day blows by
Editor: For most people in B.C., Thursday, February 16, 2012 was just another day. But
in the annals of B.C.’s energy sector it was an historic day marked by the official completion of the Dokie wind farm project near Chetwynd. The Dokie wind farm is now B.C.’s
Ena Groot
Mary Forster
Coralee Roy
Corrie Goold
“It’s great therapy!”
“I really enjoy making something that I will give away to other people.”
“I think that the friendships are really the number one thing.”
“It keeps us off the streets! And it’s great when you finally see all those patches of scrap material come together into one piece.”
Letters are welcomed up to a maximum of 250 words. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, brevity and legality. All letters must include the writer’s name, daytime telephone number and hometown for verification purposes. Anonymous, or pen names will not be permitted. Not all submissions will be published. Letters may be e-mailed to: editor@houstontoday.com, faxed to: 250-847-2995 or mailed to: P.O. Box 899, Houston B.C., V0J 1Z0.
largest wind farm, supplying enough cost-effective renewable green energy annually to power nearly 30,000 average B.C. households. In terms of costeffectiveness and wellproven technology, wind energy ranks
right alongside runof-river energy as one of the most cost-effective renewable energy sources available with one of the smallest environmental footprints of any form of energy generation. Moreover, wind energy and run-of-river
energy complement each other perfectly because wind energy peaks in the stormy winter months when hydro resources are typically at their low point. And neither energy technology harms salmon as traditional hydro dams
have in the past. If it was not for B.C.’s incredibly abundant hydro resources, we would probably have tapped B.C.’s equally abundant wind energy and other renewable green energy resources much sooner than now. The
fact that we are now doing so, and diversifying B.C.’s renewable energy portfolio, deserves not only acknowledgement but a hearty two thumbs up. David Field B.C. Citizens for Green Energy
Teachers’ union is indoctrinating our kids P “It was the BCTF that didn’t
erhaps the single most ridiculous stunt in the leadup to this week’s teachers’ strike was pulled at an elementary school here in the capital. A teacher gave her Grade 1 class an assignment for anti-bullying day: take crayons in hand and write to Education Minister George Abbott, demanding he stop “bullying” their teacher and address class size and composition. This North Korea-style political indoctrination of six-year-olds was a mistake, according to the local teachers’ union boss, who vaguely indicated that the unnamed teacher would apologize to parents. Is this self-serving abuse of teacher authority an isolated incident? My experience
as a parent and journalist suggests it is not, and recent events support that. By Friday, students across B.C. were skipping class in solidarity with their teachers, led by budding campus radicals suddenly conversant with B.C. Teachers’ Federation talking points about “Bill 22.” This left-wing groupthink pervades the education system from public schools through taxpayer-supported colleges and universities. After a couple of generations of this indoctrination, almost everyone “knows” that government underfunding is at the heart of every school problem, standardized testing is an assault on the fragile self-esteem of students, and reducing class size is the top
priority for improving educational outcomes. All of this is glaringly false union propaganda, reinforced in classroom “current affairs” discussions. Don’t believe me? Google “Study: Class size doesn’t matter.” The top result will take you to a link to a study by Harvard researchers. It’s the latest of a growing stack of scientific evidence that shows you and your children are being force-fed lies. B.C. Teachers’ Federation president Susan Lambert announced the strike on live TV with a remarkable string of rhetoric about the “Orwellian” legislation that will soon put an end to this teacher tantrum. The government needs to negotiate “clearly, rationally and respect-
“
even present its outrageous 16-per-cent wage demand until January.”
fully,” said the boss of union representatives who have spent the last year insulting the taxpayers’ negotiators by telling them to “go back to your masters” and get a couple of billion more. Clearly? It was the BCTF that announced its work-to-rule plan for the fall and then took the summer off. It was the BCTF that didn’t even present its outrageous 16-percent wage demand until January, a full 10 months after formal negotiations began, and accompanied it
with a false costing. Orwellian? At a sparsely attended rally on the legislature lawn, local teachers’ unions marched out their most strident tame trustee to demand the government “come to the table” with billions. One teacher in the crowd held up a large sign adorned with three mug shots: Premier Christy Clark, ex-premier Gordon Campbell and Benito Mussolini, to illustrate a multiple-choice question about “fascism.” This teacher should be assigned to write
an essay about the Italian dictator’s formative years, and his schooling in particular. In Vancouver, a protesting teacher got big media play, holding up a sign proclaiming that “it’s not about a wage increase, it’s about classroom conditions.” This too is a lie. The BCTF trotted out its standard “children first” rhetoric, then tabled its breathtakingly out-of-touch benefit demands. It doesn’t take a math teacher to see what its $2 billion wage and benefit fantasy would actually do to classroom conditions. For his part, Abbott started out pretty keen about students and parents heading down to occupy their
B .C. Views Tom Fletcher
local school and replace striking teachers with volunteers for a couple of days. But he changed his tune after the support staff union started grumbling about parents colouring too close to their craft lines. One fight at a time, I guess. The next one will be over teacher performance assessment and the chokehold of union seniority on school jobs.
6
www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
DID YOU KNOW... 64 per cent of people listened to a radio station yesterday - to achieve this reach, an advertiser would have to buy spots all day long in all local stations. Reach your audience by advertising in:
NEWS
Smart meters save money, power By Andrew Hudson Houston Today
www.houston-today.com Ph: 250-845-2890
LATE T-4 SLIPS Question — What do I do about filing my 2011 tax return when my T-4 slips are not available? Answer — Estimate your income and deductions and mail the completed tax return with a letter explaining your problem, your list of income and deductions, and the full name and address of your employer. If you have any pay stubs, enclose them as well. Unless you or your spouse is selfemployed, you must file your 2011 tax return by April 30, 2012 to avoid a late filing penalty. As a precaution, always make copies of any communication and original documents you send to the CRA.
Shannon Clarke
, BComm, CGA
Phone: 250-845-3221
Building Tomorrow
Fax: 250-845-3250 email: denommee@telus.net 2005 Nadina Avenue (Beside Driftwood Vet)
Days left ‘til Tax Deadline...
47
Houston Today
BC Hydro’s new network of wireless Smart Meters is expected to save some $8 million a year, but that’s not enough to stop hydro rates from rising. Such bottom-line questions were top of mind for Houston councillors last Tuesday when three people from BC Hydro visited to explain the new system. Mayor Holmberg asked them why, if Smart Meters are saving money, BC Hydro customers have been told to expect a five per cent rate hike. “This program actually reduces that pressure, but it’s not going to cause your rates to drop because there are other things driving them up,” said spokesperson Cindy Verschoor. Most of B.C.’s power grid is 40 to 60 years old, she explained, and
in need of costly upgrades. Councillor Van Barneveld asked if the new Smart Meters network means BC Hydro will start using time-of-use billing—a rate that goes up during hours of peak demand. “The answer is no,” said Verschoor. With abundant and flexible hydro power, she said B.C. and Quebec are the only two provinces in Canada where time-of-use is not an issue. Time-of-use makes more sense in places like Alberta and Ontario, which rely on expensive “peaking plants” to keep the lights on during time of high demand. “What it really comes down to is that we are not capacityconstrained, and we don’t need time-of-use rates,” Verschoor said. “What we need is to target losses in the system.” “Is Hydro willing to put that in writing?”
Looking for work? We can help.
joked Councillor Rick Lundrigan. More than 1,700 Smart Meters were installed on Houston homes and businesses over the last few weeks. Connected by WiFi, cellphone and satellite networks, they are now linked to a system that will eventually allow BC Hydro to track the power usage for 99 per cent of its 1.8 million customers. Under the current system, Verschoor said BC Hydro can’t tell exactly how much power needs to go out beyond its substations. “Today we send way more power than we need to, just to make sure there’s enough on the other side,” she said. Smart Meters will cut costs at BC Hydro by allowing it to send out a more accurate amount of power, said Verschoor. That will also save businesses some headaches because heavy appliances like grocery-store fridges currently get an over-supply of power and tend to wear down
“ “What we need is to target losses in the system.”
- Cindy Verschoor
faster. Another benefit of Smart Meters is that they will allow BC Hydro to quickly spot marijuana grow-ops. Grow-ops steal an estimated 850 gigawatts of power every year, she said, costing BC Hydro customers about $100 million and causing a lot of safety hazards. “We’re seeing things like wooden power poles that had a groove gouged through the back of them, with a primary line in the groove,” she said. “So now we’ve got a live pole, and they bury that shallowly under ground, so we’ve got live ground.
HIGHWAY 16
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Are You Aboriginal and in Need of Legal Aid? BC’S LEGAL AID provider has special services aimed at helping Aboriginal people and their families. t Have you been charged with a criminal offence? t Do you have child protection or family issues? t Do you have questions about the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, wills and estates, or Aboriginal hunting and fishing rights? t Do you want information about your Gladue rights and First Nations Court? Aboriginal people have unique legal rights, and help is available to understand and claim these rights. Advocates, legal representation, clinics, and advice are available to you both on and off reserve. For more information, see www.legalaid.bc.ca/ aboriginal.
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Houston Today Smithers Interior News Terrace Standard Kitimat Sentinel Prince Rupert Northern View Northern Connector Lakes District News Prince George Free Press Vanderhoof Omineca Express & Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CENTRES Locations across B.C. Visit one near you. WorkBCCentres.ca 1.800.663.7867 TDD: 1.800.661.8773
If anybody hits that, they’re done.” By installing Smart Meters on BC Hydro transformers, Verschoor said the utility will be able to alert RCMP when it looks like a line is being illegally tapped. During their stop in Houston, the BC Hydro representatives also presented at a Chamber luncheon, where they were asked several questions about the health implications and security of the new system. Made by iTron, a company based in North Carolina, Verschoor said that Smart Meters come equipped with two radios similar to what people would find in a cordless phone. Together, she said the radios send data for a total of 2.47 seconds every 48 hours, and do so at very low power. “If you stood next to this meter at 20 cm, you would have to stand beside it for 20 years to get the equivalent of a 30-minute cell phone call,” she said.
1-866-577-2525 Legal aid in BC is provided by the Legal Services Society (LSS). LSS is committed to increasing awareness of Aboriginal legal rights and supporting the strengths of Aboriginal cultures and communities.
P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0 Phone: 250-845-2890 Fax: 250-845-7893
advertising@houston-today.com www.houston-today.com
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
®
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be presented . LID MAR. 14 pe- rM Coupon mustgle nsaction or transaction. ma With coupon... earn VA de in a sin ertra nus Offer Bo t offer be e st on it mu Lim ase d y oth discoyun& Senior’s . Purch an an th ase 00 wi rch d pu $1 ine of d e comb n Da be at tim tio t spen cia no pre can s Ap r on stome prescriptions, AIR MILES coup iles er including Cures on excludes es, blood LES coupon off r Sto . Couppu MI uo pli AIR Liq 100 reward m sup ay mp few Sa t valid at made in a levies, bottle mps, insulin
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Prices effective at all British Columbia Safeway stores Wednesday, March 14 thru Friday, March 16, 2012. We reserve the right to limit sales to retail quantities. Some items may not be available at all stores. All items while stocks last. Actual items may vary slightly from illustrations. Some illustrations are serving suggestions only. Advertised prices do not include GST. ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Canada Safeway Limited. Extreme Specials are prices that are so low they are limited to a one time purchase to Safeway Club Card Members within a household. Each household can purchase the limited items one time during the effective dates. A household is defined by all Safeway Club Cards that are linked by the same address and phone number. Each household can purchase the EXTREME SPECIALS during the specified advertisement dates. For purchases over the household limits, regular pricing applies to overlimit purchases. On BUY ONE GET ONE FREE items, both items must be purchased. Lowest priced item is then free. Online and in-store prices, discounts, and offers may differ.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Houston Today
AIR BRAKES COURSE B.V. Driving School Ltd.
is offering an air brakes course in Houston on
Friday (evening) March 30th, Saturday, March 31st & Sunday, April 1st, 2012. Anyone interested in taking the course or wants more information about the air brakes course, please call
250-845-3288 or Cell 250-845-1112 Email:
Toll Free: 1-888-644-3555 bvdrivin@bvdrivingschool.ca • www.bvdrivingschool.ca
Spaces are limited so call ASAP
BC’s treaties mean jobs, more business, community development and infrastructure investment for First Nations and all of us. Treaties are good for BC. Learn more at www.bctreaty.ca
Photo submitted
Accounting & Tax Services Houston Relay sponsors jump starting line Kyle Thomson of Monster Industries hands a sponsorship cheque to 2012 Relay for Life organizers Sue Jones and Jocelyn Bell.
Ask us about deductions and tax credits including: • Children’s Arts Credit • Increase in Allowable Medical expenses of other dependants OFFICE HOURS:
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2435 Poulton Avenue, Houston
Colin T. Bruintjes, FCGA Certified General Accountant
Phone: 250-845-2895 Toll Free: 1-888-847-1567 email: ctbruin@telus.net
The power of a
smile H Have you ever noticed that when you smile at someone, you get one back?
Is your smile aӽected by:
By News Staff Houston Today
Before organizers even had a chance to knock on their doors, Monster Industries and Huckleberry Mine came forward with a combined $3,500 to sponsor the 2012 Relay for Life, Houston’s largest fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. “We’re really happy,” said organizer Sue Jones, adding that those two sponsorships alone put Houston ahead of its 2012 sponsorship target of $2,500.
Other businesses are helping out the 2012 Relay by giving in-kind help, Jones said. Hawkair has put up two $1000 return tickets to Vancouver as a prize. Home Hardware has got candles covered for the luminaries event, and Finning will fire up the generators that power the stage lights and sound system on Relay day. Checking all the cheques and fundraising figures will be staff from Bulkley Valley Credit Union, who have volunteered to handle finances for the event.
During the last relay, Jones said the District of Houston went beynod the call of duty and donated thousands of dollars worth of staff time. “They put out picnic tables and garbage cans, and they set up the stage, which was wonderful,” she said. Relay contacts for sponsorship are Lisa Makuk 250-845-0081 or Tasha Standbridge 250-845-4731.
New teams sign on Several new teams have also signed up for Relay, including Organizers Footloose and Fancy Free, a
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year there is just one fellow running among all the teams that have signed up. But Jones said plenty of guys will be out on race day, and she has seen a lot at organizing meetings across the province, too. “There’s a lot of young fellows that step up,” she said.“Quite often they’ve lost a real close loved one, and that’s their mission.” “It’s pretty powerful when you see these kids that are barely shaving and pulling off $200,000 and $300,000 events.”
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team from from the Credit Union, the Bootcamp Girls, the Vipers hockey team, Team Pharmasave and the Illuminators from Topley. The District of Houston is also back on track with its Swim, Surf and Turf team. Asked about the leading number of ladies’ teams, organizer Sue Jones said Houston women do take the lion’s share of Relay fundraising. “We’d like to see more men, that’s for sure,” she said, laughing. In fact, so far this
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RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2012 Royal Bank of Canada. All rights reserved.
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
THE
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THERE’S MORE TO IT THAN OIL* AND A FILTER.
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Trust the experts who know your Ford best: Ford-Trained Technicians. For more details and offers, see your Service Advisor or visit ford.ca All offers expire April 30, 2012. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. See Service Advisor for complete details. Applicable taxes and provincial levies not included. Dealer may sell for less. Only available at participating locations. ‡Applies to single rear wheel vehicles only. Diesel models not eligible. *Up to 5 litres of oil. Disposal fees may be extra. Does not apply to diesel engines. ◊Based on a Ford Fusion V6 automatic that has a fuel consumption rating of 10L/100 km in combined city/highway driving (properly tuned), a one-year driving distance of 24,000 km and $1.02 per litre for gasoline. Improved fuel efficiency and emission reduction levels depend on model, year and condition of vehicle. †† In order to receive a local competitor’s advertised price: (i) tires must be purchased and installed at your participating Ford Dealer; (ii) customer must present the competitor’s actual local advertisement (containing the lower price) which must have been printed within 30 days of the sale; and (iii) the tires being purchased must be the same brand, sidewall, speed and load ratings as shown in the competitive advertisement. Offer only available at participating Ford dealerships. This offer is valid on the cost of the tire only and does not include labour costs, valve stems, mounting, balancing, disposal, and taxes. Offer does not apply to advertised prices outside of Canada, in eBay advertisements, by tire wholesalers and online tire retailers, or closeout, special order, discontinued and clearance/liquidation offers. Limited time offer. Offer may be cancelled or changed at any time without prior notice. See your Service Advisor for details. ‡‡Rebate offers are manufacturer’s mail-in rebates. Rebates available on select General Tire (credit card gift card), Continental (credit card gift card), Goodyear, Pirelli, Yokohama, Bridgestone (credit card gift card), Firestone (credit card gift card), and Michelin tires. Offers are valid on qualifying sets of four tires, purchased and installed at participating locations during the respective promotion periods for each tire brand. Offer is valid on the cost of the tire(s) only and does not include labour costs, valve stems, mounting, balancing, disposal, and taxes. Amount of rebates, start dates and expiration dates vary depending on tire manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the customer to submit the required claim forms and proof of purchase to the relevant tire manufacturer with sufficient postage by the required deadline for that rebate offer. See your Service Advisor for complete details and claim forms. †Available on most brands at participating locations only. Limited time offer. Price reductions vary: $7.00 on 12”-14” rims, $10.00 on 15” and 16” rims, $12.50 on 17” rims, $15.00 on 18”-20” rims, $20.00 on 21” rims, $25.00 on 22” and up rims. See Dealer for full details. VFord Protection Plan is only available for non-commercial cars and light trucks. If an eligible Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-approved part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship, wear out or rust through, it will be replaced at no charge as long as the original purchaser of the part owns the vehicle on which the part was installed. Labour is covered for the first 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever occurs first) after the date of installation. Emergency brake pads are not eligible under this plan. See Service Advisor for complete details and limitations. **Excludes emergency brake pads or shoes. Machining or replacement of rotors and drums available at additional cost. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.
HOSKINS FORD SALES LTD
Hwy 16, Smithers
This is Ford Country 250-847-2237 1-800-663-7765 www.hoskinsford.com
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Houston Today
Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad
Pioneers Courageous Battles
Serving the community of... Houston
Athletes Achieving
Human Interest
Featuring the spirit of the local people CastleLearning manager shares community power tools to build a community Andrew Andrew Hudson Hudson When Amanda Veillette was asked to give a keynote speech for International Women’s Day in Houston, she didn’t say no. But she did wonder, why her? Last year, she was told, the Women’s Day speaker was a college president. “Oh well, how am I going to top that?” she said. “I’m not some big academic person.” But seeing Veillette at work in the manager’s office at Houston’s Castle building supply store, it’s immediately clear why several women asked her to speak. You hear it Veillette’s voice—friendly and quick, it rings with confidence. She would be a natural for Manager Amanda Veillette stands at Houston’s Castle building supply store. Veillette was chosen radio, but her voice does a keynote speaker for International Women’s Day in Houston. fine job directing things at Castle. when rows of precisely-spaced shelving had to volunteers on Houston’s Economic DevelTwice in ten minutes, staff came to her with be screwed into the concrete floor. opment Committee and at Houston Link to questions. “It’s done, and I lived to tell the story,” Learning, a local literacy group. First it was someone asking how to price Veillette said, laughing. “I took great pride in “I do quite a bit, but a lot of that comes from a piece of pre-painted hardware of such-and- burning the blueprints when it was all said and my parents,” Veillette said. “They are awesome such a gauge? done.” examples of what you should be in a commuWithout missing a beat, Veillette gave the But Veillette nuts-and-bolts knowledge of nity.” answer—price it like roofing tin—and went Castle is just a part of her story—what really Indeed, it’s especially hard not to see how back to answering the reporter who dropped in stands out is her knack for building commu- Veillette follows her father, Jerry Veillette, a at 10 minutes to close. nity. director with the Dungate Community Forest But then comes another staff member, this After years as a camper and then a counsel- and an electrician who organizes Houston’s time to tell Veillette she’s been invited to din- lor at Camp Caledonia on Tyhee Lake, Veillette Christmas light-up. ner at Elements Restaurant and has to go. now runs their summer program, where she Veillette says that growing up, her father “I have to look after her,” she explained. works with many kids from troubled homes. didn’t treat her or her sister any differently than It’s not every twenty-something who can be She remembers one young boy who, after he would have done if they were boys. trusted to run Castle’s busy shop floor and be a few days, felt comfortable enough to tell her She remembers him saying things like, so admired doing it. that he’d been abused at home—the first step “’Amanda, you want to help me change the oil Veillette credits a lot of her success to an in helping him out. on the truck? Get under here!” upbeat attitude. It was certainly handy last “To see the difference, in a week, that rou“I didn’t have a choice,” she said, laughing. spring, when she oversaw a major renovation tine and structure and trust made to a kid with Whether it was jump-starting a car or changat Castle and discovered the whole store off severe issues was amazing,” she said. ing a tire, Veillette said her dad was deterits floor plan by three inches—a big headache Along with Camp Caledonia, Veillette also mined his daughters would never be helpless
John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes 183 First Street Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822
Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 E-mail: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca
2500 Butler Avenue Houston Tel: 250-845-7770 Fax: 250-845-7780
women stuck on the side of the road. And in her life’s biggest challenge, too, Veillette says both her parents were there to help her be strong. Years ago, Veillette’s boyfriend died suddenly of a cardiac arythmia. “He had no idea he had it,” said Viellette. Back when they were 17, he had felt poorly on a trip to Irrigation Lake, and in hindsight, that was probably a sign. But by the time they got to the Smithers hospital, his heartbeat had settled and showed no problems. High school sweethearts, the two had already been thinking long-term. “I wanted to be married with kids by the time I was 24,” Veillette said. “But that wasn’t going to happen.” as this year’s With emotional and financial support from her parents, Veillette got her life onto a new course. She took a Special Education certificate and helped students at Twain Sullivan elementary. And when the manager’s position at Castle came up, she had already worked up from a cashier to a contract salesperson. “We all have choices,” she says. “And how you choose to react will determine where you end up.” With her own life coming together, Veillette is looking to see who will lead Houston through its own ups and downs. “You have heroes in each generation,” she said. “You have the Arnold Amonsons, who build seniors complexes. You have my dad, who has done light-up for 25 years.” But where’s my generation of people?” she asked. “I don’t see it. Rather than sit around and complain about it, you’ve got to step up to the plate and try to be that person.” “It’s the only way it’s going to get done.”
ON NOW AT YOUR BC GMC DEALERS. bcgmcdealers.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. GMC is a brand of General Motors of Canada. */††/†/**Offers apply to the purchase of a 2012 Terrain FWD (R7A), 2012 Acadia FWD (R7B) equipped as described. Freight included ($1,495). License, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offer available to retail customers in Canada. See Dealer for details. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in the BC GMC Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. GMCL, Ally Credit or TD Financing Services may modify, extend or terminate this offer in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See GMC dealer for details. y$4,700 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit available on 2012 Acadia FWD (tax exclusive) for retail customers only. Other cash credits available on most models. See your GM dealer for details. ††0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by Ally Credit for 72 months on new or demonstrator 2012 Terrain FWD. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/ trade. Example: $10,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $138.89 for 72 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $10,000.00. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. †Variable rate financing for 84 months on 2012 Acadia FWD on approve credit. Bi-Weekly payment and variable rate shown based on current Ally Credit prime rate and is subject to fluctuation; actual payment amounts will vary with rate fluctuations. Example: $10,000 at 3% for 84 months, the monthly payment is $132. Cost of borrowing is $1,099, total obligation is $11,099. Down payment and/or trade may be required. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will also vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Biweekly payments based on a purchase price of $34,995 with $2,599 down on 2012 Acadia FWD, equipped as described. **Credit valid towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC, Buick or Cadillac vehicle, excluding Chevrolet Volt, delivered between January 6th 2012 and April 2nd 2012. Customers must present this authorization letter at the time of purchase or lease. All products are subject to availability. See Dealer for eligibility. Only one $1,000 Bonus may be redeemed per purchase/lease vehicle. This offer may not be redeemed for cash. The credit amount is inclusive of any applicable taxes. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and will contact GM to verify eligibility. The $1,000 Bonus is not compatible with the Employee New Vehicle Purchase Program or the Supplier Program New Vehicle Purchase Program. Void where prohibited by law. $1,000 offer is stackable with Cardholder’s current GM Card Earnings, subject to Vehicle Redemption Allowances. For complete GM Card Program Rules, including current Redemption Allowances, transferability of Earnings, and other applicable restrictions for all eligible GM vehicles, see your GM Dealer, call the GM Card Redemption Centre at 1-888-446-6232 or visit TheGMCard.ca. Subject to applicable law, GMCL may modify or terminate the Program in whole or in part with or without notice to you. Subject to Vehicle Redemption Allowances. Primary GM Cardholders may transfer the $1,000 Bonus to the following eligible Immediate Family members, who reside at the Primary Cardholder’s residence: parents, partner, spouse, brother, sister, child, grandchild and grandparents including parents of spouse or partner. Proof of relationship and residency must be provided upon request. The $1,000 Bonus is not transferable to Immediate Family residing outside of the Primary Cardholders residence. WBased on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. Δ2012 GMC Terrain FWD, equipped with standard 2.4L ECOTECŽ I-4 engine. Fuel consumption ratings based on Natural Resources Canada’s 2012 Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. Competitive segment based on WardsAuto.com’s 2012 Middle Cross Utility Vehicles Segment, excludes other GM models. ‥ Comparison based on 2012 Wards segmentation: Large/Cross Utility Vehicle and latest competitive data available. Excludes other GM brands. ◊OnStar services require vehicle electrical system (including battery) wireless service and GPS satellite signals to be available and operating for features to function properly. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Subscription Service Agreement required. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.ca for OnStar’s Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and details and system limitations. Additional information can be found in the OnStar Owner’s Guide
Houston Today Wednesday, March 14, 2012
#$! "
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Houston Today
SPORTS
First-year wrestling team grabs armful of medals By Andrew Hudson Houston Today
Houston wrestlers landed 33 medals last night at an awards banquet hosted by Houston Secondary School. That’s an amazing achievement, says head coach Randy Chapman, especially for a team in its first year. “The athletes showed an amazing work ethic and hard determination,” said Chapman. Houston Wrestling
finished a close second at the northwest zones a few weeks ago, winning six gold, four silver, and one bronze medal. To their haul at zones, the team added 23 medals earned in regular season contests. The team would like to say thank you to all the school staff who helped out this year, with special thanks going to Scott Jackson and Wendy Siemens. A big thank-you also goes to assistant coach Jaron Flett for
many hours of coaching and videotaping help as well. With 11 wrestlers from both Houston Secondary School and Houston Christian School, the team is now looking forward to sending a few of their top athletes to the B.C. Summer Games. Chapman said Houston elementary students will get a chance to join their own wrestling team starting this week. That team will meet on Wednesdays after school.
Photo submitted
Coaches and wrestlers with Houston Wrestling take a time-out for a group photo after an end-of-season awards banquet at Houston Secondary last week.
FUNDING FOR STUDENTS, NOT FOR WAGE HIKES. The BCTF is demanding a 15 per cent wage hike and other benefits that would cost $2 billion and raise taxes for BC families. Virtually all other public sector unions have settled for no wage increases. It’s unacceptable that schools are disrupted and that students and their families are inconvenienced over an unreasonable salary demand in difficult economic times. The union is making claims and demands that simply don’t add up.
BCTF CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
FACT
The union wants more paid time outside the classroom – sick leave for teachers on call, expanded bereavement and discretionary leave.
The government wants more time for teacher training and to ensure that Pro-D days really are for professional development.
The union says all teaching positions should be selected on the basis of seniority.
The government supports seniority but qualifications must also count so that math teachers teach math, and science teachers teach science.
The union says that teachers who perform poorly in evaluations will be dismissed – ‘one strike and you’re out’.
The government wants to support teacher improvement through a standardized evaluation process.
The union says that government refuses to negotiate.
There has been over a year of negotiations and 78 full bargaining sessions.
The union says that class size limits have been eliminated.
Class size limits will remain in place on all grades across BC.
The union says that BC has 700 fewer special needs teachers.
2100 new teaching assistants have been hired since 2001. And, with a new $165 million Learning Improvement Fund, we will hire more.
It’s time to focus on what matters most in education – BC’s students. That’s why we are focused on per-student funding which is at an all time high, not on wage increases. We all want to do more to make BC’s education system even better. It’s the driving force behind BC’s Education Plan that teachers, parents and students are helping to shape. Teachers care about their students. Parents care about their children’s future.
LET’S PUT STUDENTS BCEDPLAN.CA
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Houston Today Wednesday, March 14, 2012
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Houston Today
COMMUNITY
SOUP’S On Elaine Hamblin gets shining service at the GEMS Girls Club Soupfest on March 8. More than 400 people filed into the Houston Christian School gym to try 26 varieties of soup, raising $3,600 for Houston charities and a GEMS sister club in Zambia.
News Staff/Houston Today
there’s more online » houston-today.com
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
COMMUNITY
Ugandan choir to sing in Houston Houston Today
When was the last time you heard someone sing a Swahili song in Houston? On March 15, the Watoto children’s choir will sing Swahili, Luganda and English songs at the Houston Fellowship Baptist Church in a concert called “Beautiful Africa: A New Generation.” “We know that for a long time, Africa has been known as a place of suffering and pain,” says Watoto choir director Sam Kimera. “But Africa is still beautiful, especially when you look at the generation we are raising. If you fix the roots, then the fruit is much better.” Started by a Canadian couple in the late 1980s, Watoto is a Christian charity that cares for Ugandan children who have lost one or both their parents to war or to diseases such as HIV/ Aids. “We started with six children in 1992,” Kimera said. “But now, over time, with the help of partnerships and friendships around the world we’ve been able to care for a little over 2,400 children.” It’s a great accomplishment, he said, but there are many more
Ugandan children who need help. In northern Uganda, an estimated 30,000 children have been abducted in the last 20 years and forced to join a civil war as child soldiers or victims of sexual abuse in the Lord Resistance Army. As they tour Canada, the U.S. and other countries, Watoto choirs raise awareness about the ongoing challenge Ugandan children are facing. “You get to hear a bit about the children’s stories, and how they came to be in Watoto,” Kimera said. “But ultimately, it’s a celebration of what life has become now, compared to how it was.” Each home in the three Watoto villages houses eight children and one mother, he said, and the mother is often a widow herself. “We keep them in school, we dress them, we feed them, we clothe them,” Kimera said. “We basically become their family, so they get a sense of identity and restoration.” Watoto built its own schools, which go up to high school level. Graduates can also move up to a skilledtrades college where can take welding, sewing or carpentry. For all the children in the choir, Kimera
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WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Beautiful Africa: A New Generation Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at 7:00pm Houston Fellowship Baptist Church (6790 Cr Matthew Rd.) Concerts are FREE and open to the public. Established in 1994, The Watoto Children’s Choir has travelled internationally as ambassadors for the millions of children in Africa, orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war and poverty. Each of the children in the choir has suffered the loss of one or both parents. They live in Watoto Children’s Villages where they receive the care and nurture they need to grow up as productive citizens of their country. Today, Watoto is impacting the lives of more than 2,500 children who have been orphaned and abandoned. Watoto’s purpose is to RESCUE the vulnerable, RAISE them up to be leaders, so they can REBUILD their nation.
Please visit our website at
www.watoto.com
or call our toll free number at 1-888-9-WATOTO to be part of the solution.
Image courtesy Watoto
said this tour is their first time outside Uganda. “It’s fun,” he said, laughing. “They love PLEASE READ THE FINE PRINT: *2012 RAV4 Base 4wd Automatic BF4DVP(A) MSRP is $29,260 and includes $1,760 freight and pre-delivery inspection, tire levy, battery levy and air conditioning federal excise tax. Lease example: 2.9% Lease APR for 48 months. Monthly payment is $309 with $2,768 down payment. Total Lease obligation is $17,600. Lease 48 mos. based on 80,000 km, excess km charge is $.10. Applicable taxes are extra. **2012 Tundra 4x4 Crewmax 5.7L Platinum edition Automatic HY51T(A) MSRP is $53,950 and includes $1,760 freight and pre-delivery inspection, tire levy, battery levy and air conditioning federal excise tax. Lease example: 2.9% Lease APR for 48 months. Monthly payment is $559 with $8,599 down payment. Total Lease obligation is $35,431. Lease 48 mos. based on 80,000 km, excess km charge is $.10. Applicable taxes are extra. ***2012 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab V6 Automatic MU4FNA(A) MSRP is $31,660 and includes $1,760 freight and pre-delivery inspection, tire levy, battery levy and air conditioning federal excise tax. Lease example: 3.9% Lease APR for 48 months. Monthly payment is $349 with $3,348 down payment. Total Lease obligation is $20,100. Lease 48 mos. based on 80,000 km, excess km charge is $.10. Applicable taxes are extra. Down payment, first monthly payment and security deposit plus HST on first payment, full down payment are due at lease inception. A security deposit is not required on approval of credit. Offers valid until April 2, 2012. Non-stackable amounts applied to cash purchase only and cannot be combined with TFS rates. Vehicle must be purchased, registered and delivered by April 2, 2012. See toyota.ca for complete details on all cash back offers. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between Toyota prices, rates and/or other information contained on toyotabc.ca and that contained on toyota.ca, the latter shall prevail. Errors and omissions excepted. †0% finance for 36 months, upon credit approval, available on 2012 Corolla, Matrix RAV4 and Venza. ††Up to $5000 Cash Back available on 2012 Tundra with $2000 in Stackable Cash and $3000 in Non-stackable cash. Non-stackable cash back offers may not be combined with Toyota Financial Services lease or finance rates. Vehicle must be purchased, registered and delivered by April 2, 2012. See toyota.ca for complete details on all cash back offers. Visit your Toyota BC Dealer or www.toyotabc.ca for more details. Some conditions apply; offers are time limited and may change without notice. Dealer may lease/sell for less.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Houston Today
NEWS
Burns Lake couple win $20,000 dream wedding package Rebecca Billard Black Press
Babine Forest Products employees, Dwayne Joseph and Leona West cheered in excitement as they were announced the winners of a $20,000 dream wedding package on live TV last week. West and Joseph, along with 10 of their friends or family members will be whisked away to the four star all inclusive Catalonia Yucatan Beach Resort and Spa Chameleon Gold in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. The prize package includes private round trip transfers, two hours of wed-
ding coordinator services, a fruit basket and bridal bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom as well as wedding decorations. Also included is wine and wedding cake after the ceremony for up to 24 guests, a romantic dinner for the bride and groom including wine, flowers and candles, $50 credit for hairdressing and makeup sessions for the bride and $100 credit for wedding photos. As reported in the Lakes District News edition of Feb. 15, 2012, both Joseph and West applied to win a dream ‘passion’ wedding package through a Global
TV B.C. competition. She said to Lakes District News, “After the explosion and fire everything paused. I wanted to cancel the wedding. I thought how can we celebrate after such a tragedy? My family said we should continue with our plans and that even though it seems like Burns Lake has stopped, the whole world is still going. They said that by September, many things may have changed in Burns Lake for the better. They also told me that it would give everyone something to look forward to ... a happy celebration.� A week later, while watching the news,
West saw a competition to win a dream wedding and decided to enter the competition. Their entry was chosen as one of the top 10 in the running for the prize and it was up to voters across the country to decide which of the couples would win through online voting. West created a Facebook page to help campaign for votes, her sister created posters which were hung up around town and they did several radio and newspaper interviews. West said winning the competition was a complete surprise. “The producer phoned us two days
before and asked us to download Skype. He said the finalists would all be interviewed live via Skype for the announcement, but it was just us. He tricked us,� she laughed. West said just in case they did win, she had a speech prepared, but said in the excitement she forgot to thank Global TV for holding the competition. According to Global TV West and Joseph received an overwhelming amount of votes. “We were very excited that we received so many votes. The Global TV executive assistant phoned me and said we were 1,200 votes ahead
of the couple in second place. She said the judging panel was very excited when they were tallying the votes. We are really happy because all 10 [finalists] deserved to win.� West said she wasn’t sure if they would win because all but three of the couples were from the Lower Mainland. “I thought they would have a lot more people voting for them. Aside from us, there was only two other couples from the North, there was another couple from Fort St. James and one from Williams Lake.� West and Joseph have been together for almost eight years and have two
daughters, Susan who is five and Vayda who is two months old. Joseph proposed on Christmas Eve 2011 in front of his whole family. For now the plans are still up in the air as to when the couple will jet off to their dream wedding. “We had planned for Sept. 29, 2012, but that was before we won the competition. We have to reorganize things a little. We have a lot of family and friends who are willing to pay their own way to Mexico to join us for the wedding and we also want to hold a wedding in Burns Lake.�
Building a brighter future in a stronger BC. These are challenging times in the global economy. But with BC’s enviable record of strong ďŹ scal management, we can continue to make investments that matter to British Columbians while maintaining low taxes and controlled spending. This is exactly what Budget 2012 delivers. t * ODSFBTFE GVOEJOH GPS IFBMUI DBSF XJUI CJMMJPO JO BEEJUJPOBM GVOEJOH CZ t CJMMJPO B ZFBS JO CMPDL GVOEJOH GPS TDIPPM EJTUSJDUT QMVT B ZFBS NJMMJPO -FBSOJOH *NQSPWFNFOU 'VOE UP TVQQPSU UFBDIFST BJEJOH TUVEFOUT XJUI TQFDJBM OFFET t " MNPTU CJMMJPO JO OFX DBQJUBM TQFOEJOH JO IPTQJUBMT TDIPPMT QPTU TFDPOEBSZ JOTUJUVUJPOT SPBET BOE PUIFS JOGSBTUSVDUVSF
Budget 2012 also supports families and individuals. t ' BNJMJFT XJMM CF BCMF UP DMBJN VQ UP o QFS DIJME QFS DSFEJU QFS ZFBS o GPS BOZ FMJHJCMF TQPSUT PS BSUT QSPHSBN t 6 Q UP B ZFBS JO UBY DSFEJUT GPS TFOJPST PS GBNJMZ NFNCFST TIBSJOH B IPNF UP IFMQ DPWFS UIF DPTU PG SFOPWBUJPOT UIBU BMMPX TFOJPST UP TUBZ JOEFQFOEFOU MPOHFS t " OFX 'JSTU 5JNF /FX )PNF #VZFS T #POVT NBLJOH mSTU UJNF CVZFST XIP QVSDIBTF OFXMZ CVJMU IPNFT FMJHJCMF GPS B QFSTPOBM JODPNF UBY DSFEJU PG VQ UP t & þFDUJWF "QSJM UIF DVSSFOU )45 SFCBUF UISFTIPME GPS OFX IPNF QVSDIBTFT JODSFBTFT UP 1VSDIBTFST XJMM CF FMJHJCMF GPS B QSPWJODJBM )45 SFCBUF PG VQ UP Budget 2012 keeps BC’s economy strong in the midst of uncertainty in the global economy.
INVESTING IN PRIORITIES
British Columbia. Canada Starts Here. 2012/13 Expenditure Budget Totaling $43.87B
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For more details on Budget 2012, visit www.bcbudget.ca or www.bcjobsplan.ca
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
SPORTS
HCS Wildcats win second B.C. banner By Allan Wishart
Prince George Free Press
As the teams gathered in the hallway at the Northern Sports Centre on Saturday evening, Ruth Hamblin had one request for her coach, Wendall Ewald. “Coach,” said Hamblin, towering over everyone in the hallway as she had in leading the Houston Christian Wildcats to a second straight provincial basketball championship, “I need a hug.” Ewald was happy to oblige, then hugged each of the other senior players on the squad. It was a moment to savour, because there may not be another one for a while. “We might not have a team next year,” Ewald had said quietly a few moments earlier. “It’s one of the problems with being a small school. We only had nine girls in Grade 11 and 12 this year, so we may go from hanging our second straight banner to not even having a team.” But that’s a worry for the next school year. Saturday night was about an 80-63 win over the host Cedars Christian Eagles in the championship game, the second title game in a row between the northern rivals. Last year’s game saw the Wildcats post a 75-48 win. The win also gave the Wildcats a 26-0 record this season. Ewald said the Eagles showed some new styles in this year’s final. “Their pressure defence this year is much improved over last year. They obviously wanted to put pressure on our guards, but it ended up that our guards could handle it.” Cedars coach Al MacDonald agreed the pressure his team put on had worked, but not well enough. “Ww found some success pressing, we forced some turnovers, but then we had too many turnovers ourselves. I thought we had more depth than they did, so the pressure would hurt them more. They’re a very fast team, though, and they stayed away from
Allan Wishart/Prince George Free Press
fouls.” Cedars Christian had a large crowd at the Northern Sports Centre rocking early, as they jumped out to a 6-2 lead, but drives by Kelly Ewald and inside baskets by Hamblin had the Wildcats up 19-10 after the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Eagles cut a 2411 Wildcats lead to 2422 before the Houston went on a 12-point run of its own. That
seemed to be the story the rest of the game, as Cedars would cut into the Houston lead, only to see the Wildcats not just recover, but pull ahead a little more. Both coaches agreed the Cedars press had been designed to limit the influence of Hamblin on the game, but both also said the results showed something important. “They’re more than Ruth,” MacDonald said. “Their guards
handled the pressure, and they made baskets when they needed to.” Ewald said Hamblin’s presence on the court changed the game. “Ruth influences so much, even when she doesn’t have the ball. She draws defenders to her, and that leaves opening for the other girls. “It’s part of being a team. Ruth sacrifices some points for herself to help the team.” In some of the earlier games on the tournament, Hamblin had sat out long stretches, especially in the second halves. Against Cedars, though, she played until there was just 1:29 left in the fourth quarter. “That was the game plan, to play Ruth until the end, until we felt safe. I had five girls who could play the whole game if we
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needed them to.” MacDonald said his team played hard, but didn’t have enough answers. “It was a hard, gritty performance. On offence, we found some answers, but we didn’t have enough stops on defence.” “It was a real gutsy effort.”
Lordy Lordy Look Who’s 40
from all your friends and family.
THANK YOU! The Houston GEMS Girls Club thanks “Houston” for supporting us once again at our SOUP FEST held last week... We want to thank our businesses who donated as well: Mr. Sub, Tea House With A Twist, The Elements Restaurant, Lee’s Garden, Brewstirs Café, Pleasant Valley Restaurant, Love By The Bowl, CountryWide Printing for donating soup and supplies and the Houston Today for advertising the event.
Thanks so much The money was distributed among the Houston Food Bank; the GEMS Esther School in Zambia, Africa; Houston Soup Kitchen and Rough Acres Bible Camp.
New Residential Construction Guide Benefits Homeowners and Builders Homeowners have a new tool at their fingertipss to help them better understand how warranty providers evaluate claims for possible design, labour or material defects in new homes. The Residential Construction Performance Guide is the newest online resource available on the provincial Homeowner Protection Office website at www.hpo.bc.ca. It explains how homes covered by home warranty insurance should perform. Every new home built for sale by a licensed residential builder in B.C. is protected by mandatory third-party home warranty insurance. It’s the strongest system of construction defect insurance in Canada. “For most consumers, buying a new home is one of the largest financial investments they will make. So it’s essential that homebuyers can make that investment with confidence, knowing that they will not be faced with additional expenses to repair defects after they move in,” said Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners’ Association and an advocate for consumer protection. This simple, practical guide is easy to use. It outlines more than 200 possible defects that are searchable online. This includes the most common defect claims that might be submitted under a home warranty insurance policy – from windows that malfunction, to driveway or interior concrete floors that have cracked, to siding that has buckled. Designed primarily for conventional low-rise, wood-frame homes, the guide also provides some helpful guidelines for the common property of multi-unit buildings. Builders can also use the guide to help ensure that they deliver high performance homes.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Houston Today
NEWS
Cold climate on Planet BCTF by Tom Fletcher Black Press
VICTORIA – The stories began tumbling out as soon as last week’s column on teacher union indoctrination of students was posted on our websites. Most parents, retired teachers and administrators requested anonymity, because their kids and grandkids still have to go to school, or they have relatives or fair-weather friends in the B.C. Teachers’ Federation who mustn’t be enraged by any contradiction of their dogma. There was the Grade 3 art class in Langley where students were assigned to create anti-Bill 22 protest signs. There was the Grade 6 teacher in Greater Victoria who started a one-hour drill on BCTF talking points by telling students not to believe anything they see in the media. There
was the middle school in the Gulf Islands that dismissed students early to force them all out in a show of solidarity against the latest of many legislated settlements. And there were the BCTF-BCGEU pickets that blocked entrances to government offices here in Victoria, harassing, threatening and physically blocking office workers in an effort to force them to join the thousands bused in for the traditional howling show of strength for Big State Labour bosses on the legislature lawn. In my 20 years of criticizing the policies and tactics of teacher union radicals, I have had my office windows smashed twice. I have seen a mob of self-absorbed strikers push a senior off the sidewalk into the snow. My daughter has been subjected to hard-left environmental propaganda
in elementary school. I’ve never seen anything quite like this. But hey, let’s be constructive here. First, I should emphasize I understand that these incidents do not represent the vast majority of dedicated teachers, who wouldn’t think of intentionally abusing their position for personal or political gain. I mean that sincerely. And thanks to all the teachers who sent me lecturing letters, particularly those who insist that they don’t really want another 16-per-cent raise, because their first priority is improving classroom resources. Volume doesn’t permit individual responses to everyone. Authors who begin along the lines of “Sir, you are an idiot” receive lower priority. If I don’t get back to you, please convey your willingness to accept a brief wage freeze to your union
executive. They’ve scaled back some of their more egregious prep time and paid leave demands, but apparently your admirably altruistic message has not yet been absorbed. And yes, I’m aware that the Harvard study of class size and performance I mentioned last week examined charter schools in the United States. I understand that “charter school” is considered coarse language in B.C. As with health care, there must be no serious competitive dynamic or other dangerous experimentation permitted within the unionized state monopoly model. And thanks for suggesting I’m an agent of the B.C. Liberals, who invented poverty 11 years ago. East Van MLA Jenny Kwan touched on it in the debate on Bill 22. Children coming to inner city schools hungry,
inadequately clothed, with lice. Abused children. I can assure Kwan that these tragic realities are not confined to the hellish B.C. Liberal era of spending increases. Indeed, I witnessed all these things in my three-room school in Tomslake, B.C. in the 1960s. Social Credit was to blame then. I remember the school more for its great teachers than its undrinkable water or alcoholic principal. And to all those who provide spelling-challenged advice on journalistic objectivity, here’s the thing. The first rule of opinion writing is to have one. I’m not looking for middle ground in the cold vacuum between Earth and Planet BCTF. Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com. tfletcher@blackpress.ca
Houston COMMUNITY CALENDAR Topley
Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the office. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com
Watoto Children’s Choir - BEAUTIFUL AFRICA: A NEW GENERATION - Thurs., March 15 at 7pm @Houston Fellowship Baptist Church (6790 Cr Matthew Rd.) Concerts are FREE and open to the public. Houston Cutloose Quilters will host a quilting instructor on Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at Rough Acres Bible Camp. The guest instructor is Dianne Jansson and admission to the evening event is by donation and food bank goods are accepted. Everyone welcome. Are you interested in supporting local food vendors, artisans and crafters? Healthy Options for People and the Earth Society (HOPE) is looking for a Market Manager for the 2012 Pleasant Valley Community Market held on Fridays in Steelhead Park in Houston. This is a volunteer position (although a small stipend may be available) beginning mid May at the latest and ending mid October. Please contact Pauline at 250-845-3611 or email ckeeper@telus.net for more information or to share your interest. Ton (really) of BOOKS Sale plus bake and craft sale Fundraiser for Telkwa Museum Sat. Mar. 17, Mon. - Sat. Mar. 19-24 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Telkwa Village Office. Contact: Janet 250-846-5282 or Gail 250 846-9846.
Houston Public Library Upcoming Events... Dessert Club is the last Tues. of the month from 7-9 p.m at the Library. Please call to register at 250-845-2256. • Spring Break matinee Thurs., March 22 from 2-4 p.m. Admission is by donation and children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. ”Puss and Boots” is the movie and popcorn will be served.
Indra & Friends - Sat., March 24 at 7:30 pm. Houston Christian Reformed Church. Tickets @ Countrywide Printing & Stationery Ltd. 1st Choice Fashions. All proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada Babysitting course every Thurs. from 6:30-8:30 pm from April 5 thru May 10. The course is sponsored by Houston Community Services and to register call: 250-845-3484 The Houston Legion Branch 249: Darts Sat. at 7:30. Meeting: 2nd Mon. of the month is Executive, 4th Mon. is General Meeting (we have not been able to get a quorum in months, members please attend) “Fit For Life.” Senior Exercise @ Cottonwood Manor on Mon., Wed., & Fri. @10 a.m. Call Hanne 8457414 or Bunny 845-7110. Cross Country Skiers! Check out our website @ www. xcskimoricemtn.com Houston Community Services is now open Mon. thru Fri. from 9am to 4pm We have clothing to give away. Baby clothing; women’s and mens as well as children of all ages. Come and check it out!
Topley Fire Protection Society - Annual General Meeting - Sun. March 11, 2012 at 2PM at the Topley Fire Hall. We will be holding elections meeting is open to the public. Info contact Trish at 250-696-3155.
Structural Firefighting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250-696-3348 or come to a fire practice: Thurs. @ 1930 hrs (7:30 pm) Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. meetings every 2nd Tues. of the month at 7:30 pm. Fire practices every Thurs. at 7:30 pm. Topley Victory Church services: 10:30 a.m.
Granisle
Granisle and District Seniors meetings are the 2nd and 4th Thurs. of each month at 1pm in the Seniors Centre. Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & fire practices every Tues., 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall. Granisle Church of the Way services are Sun., 11 a.m. Bible study is Thurs. at 7 p.m.
Community Calendar proudly sponsored by
Bulkley Valley CREDIT UNION The power of membership HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave. P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117
www.bvcu.com
Proud supporters of Ringette in Houston.
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
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AL-ANON Are you affected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon meetings are Monday, 7pm at the Houston United Church. Contact numbers are: (250) 845-3356 or (250) 8457774. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Meetings are at the Houston United Church, Monday and Thursday at 7:00pm. Contact number is:1-877-644-2266
Employment
DRIVER. Class 1 Drivers wanted. Offering top pay. Close to home. Home most weekends. Family comes first! 1 year flat deck exp. & border crossing a must. Fax resume & driver abstract to 604-853-4179.
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Business Opportunities BECOME SUCCESSFUL! Work From Home & Own Your Own Business! Earn Unlimited $$$$. Toll Free 1.877.880.8843 leave mess. WORK From home, turn 10hr./week into excellent income free online training. www.freedom nan.com (250) 286-3292
Career Opportunities The Kootenay Boundary Div. Family Practice seeks Ex Dir to develop/maintain operations, build strong relationships with the HA and Min of Health Services. Apply to: kootenaybhiring@gmail.com. For More Info go to: http://www.charityvillage.com/. Search “Kootenay”
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINING Get Practical Skills That Get Jobs Vancouver Island University training for over 50 years, No simulators. Low student / instructor ratio. 1-888-920-2221 ext: 6130 www.viu.ca/ heavyequipment
INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. Sites in AB & BC. Hands on real world machine training. NO Simulators. Start any Monday. Funding Options. www.IHESchool.com 1-866-399-3853
Career Opportunities
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Houston Today reserves the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any classified ad not meeting our standards. No refunds on Classifieds Ads. AGREEMENT - It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of the Houston Today (Black Press Group Limited) in the event of failure to publish an advertisement in or the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only one incorrect insertion or the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. All claims of errors in advertising must be received by the publisher within 2 days after the first publication. All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher. The Houston Today reminds advertisers that under Provincial legislation, no person shall use or circulate any form of application for employment, publish or cause to be published an advertisement in connection with employment or prospective employment, or make any written or verbal inquiry of an applicant that (a) expresses, either directly or indirectly any limitation, specification or preference as to race, religion, colour, sex, martial status, age, ancestry, or place of origin or a person; or (b) requires an applicant to furnish any information concerning race, religion, colour, ancestry, place of origin or political belief. In order to be credited for any mistakes the Houston Today is responsible for, corrections must be made before the second insertion.
BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH US Purchaser Lavington, BC ` Focus on safety performance ` Industry leader in world markets ` Competitive Compensation packages ` Sustainable business practices ` Progressive environment Do you thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment with opportunities for continuous growth and development?
Apply today at www.tolko.com
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An earthmoving company based in Edson Alberta requires a full time Heavy Duty Mechanic for field 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 Heavy Duty Mechanic Vernon,BC Required for maintenance and repairs of mechanical,electrical, hydraulic systems, & diesel, 2 & 4 stroke engines. For details or to apply: e-mail hr@nor-val.com
HAPPY ADS Birthday, Engagement, Anniversary or Thank You! Happy ads for all occasions... call today for more information:
HOUSTON PELLET HIT THE ROAD WITH US! NAPA Auto Parts in Houston is seeking a full-time and part time
cbarlow@uapinc.com We are located at
250-845-2890
Career Opportunities
2805 Kanata Avenue.
Career Opportunities
NADINA TRUCK SERVICE LTD. SERVICE WRITER/ WARRANTY CLERK WANTED Must be computer capable. Experience preferred but willing to train the right candidate. Please send resume/application to: hfennema@nadinatruckservice.ca WESTERN STAR/STERLING TRUCKS
Help Wanted
SMITHERS PARTS AND SERVICE
TRANSPORT MECHANIC PERMANENT, FULL-TIME Position available immediately for a Commercial Transport and/or Heavy Duty Mechanic. Competitive wages and full beneÀt package.
Please email resume to: dgrootsps@telus.net Or by Fax: (250) 847-5048
is currently accepting resumes. Please send resumes to jeff.johnston@pinnaclepellet.com or send by fax to 250-845-5137
Shipper/Receiver responsible for deliveries, receiving, sorting, picking and putting stock away. Applicants must have a valid Drivers licence. If you are interested in working for a dynamic company with great perks and benefits drop your resume off in store today or email it to
Help Wanted
District of Houston www.houston.ca
SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES The District of Houston is now accepting applications for the following seasonal positions:
INDEX IN BRIEF Family Announcements .......... 001-007 Community Announcements ... 008-076 Children................................ 080-098 Employment .......................... 102-165 Services ............................... 170-387 Pets/Livestock ...................... 453-483 Items for Sale/Wanted .......... 503-595 Real Estate ........................... 603-696 Rentals ................................ 700-757 Transportation....................... 804-860 Marine.................................. 903-920 Legals ....................................... Legal
Employment
Houston Industrial Park, Houston, BC
BC BEST BUY ADS 25 words- No changes - ad runs one week, all papers covering: Lower Mainland .............$102.28 BC’s Interior ..................$124.95 Vancouver Island ...........$119.00 All of the Above .............$299.00
Employment
STUDENT LABOURER (3 positions)
Primary responsibilities include turf maintenance, building maintenance and repair, general repair and ground maintenance. Qualifications: First Aid and experience in grounds keeping and general labour. Preference will be given to applicants with qualifications in Park Maintenance. This is a CUPE Union position with a rate of pay of $18.04/hr. Preference will be given to applicants enrolled for postsecondary education in the Fall of 2012. Approximate Employment Dates: May 14th to August 17th, 2012 (14 weeks) (35 to 40 hours/week) Applications will be received at the District of Houston Municipal Office, 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, BC until 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 16th, 2012. Interested persons should direct all queries and applications to: Michael D. Glavin, Director of Engineering & Development Services District of Houston PO Box 370, 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 PH: 250-845-2238 • FAX: 250-845-3429 email: doh@houston.ca
GITKSAN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION IS SEEKING AN: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR You are an energetic, self-motivated, task-oriented individual who enjoys varied responsibilities as the senior representative and service delivery authority. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing of programs, goals and objectives as set by the Board, staff and community development. Management, administrative and financial experience is essential. Basic Requirements: • Significant experience and understanding of organizational, community, Board and proposal development; • Knowledge and understanding of current local and provincial political climate; • must possess excellent organizational, written and verbal skills; • ability to plan, guide and direct Commission programs in social, economic, finance, technical services, housing, lands and membership; • above average interpersonal relationship skills; • working knowledge of band administration, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development reporting requirements and program guidelines; • Post Secondary Degree in Administration/ Management is a definite asset; • Knowledge of Gitksan culture and language is an asset; • Must possess a valid driver’s license; • Criminal Record check to be carried out. Should you possess the necessary skills and qualifications to fill this position please submit a covering letter, resume and at least three references to: Gitksan Government Commission P.O. Box 335, HAZELTON, B.C. V0J 1Y0 Phone: 250-842-2248 or Fax: 250-842-6299 OR E-mail: diane.mcrae@ggc.gitxsan.com Phone: 250-842-0041 A detailed job description may be obtained from the same address. Salary is negotiable depending on experience. This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.
We’re on the net at www.bcclassified.com
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
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Job Title: Position Type: Reports To: Subordinate Staff: Level/Salary Range:
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Full-time TCC-Executive All Tahltan Central Council (TCC) Employees To Commensurate with Education and Experience
Chief Administrative Officer POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Tahltan Central Council Government Executive, primarily the President, the CAO is responsible for the day-to-day management of TCC’s operations. The CAO is responsible for the financial management and support to the Council, its committees and agencies. The CAO is responsible for coordinating the activities of all employees to ensure efficient delivery of public services approved by the Council. PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES t Manages the day to day affairs of the councils, based on approved policies and bylaws of the Council. t Coordinates the development of policies and bylaws of the Council. t Prepares agendas and attends meetings of the Council and Council Committees. t Provides advice as required to the Council on matters of policy and finance. t Coordinates activities of TCC solicitor and other hired experts. t Ensures that risks are properly insured through the insurance provider. t Prepares and maintains current policies dealing with Council governance and management, e.g., finance, human resources, workplace safety, etc. t Coordinates information technology required by the operations. t Posts entries on a timely basis to the ledger. t Prepares monthly bank reconciliation for all bank accounts. t Prepares regular financial reports for the Council and staff. t Prepares working papers for the auditor as required. t Prepares and presents draft budgets to the Council. t Monitors budgets regularly and takes action on variances. t Prepares applications and claims for all grants available to the TCC. t Prepares and submits the annual reports to government agencies as required. t Administers employee benefit program. t Performs all other assigned duties. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS t University degree with studies in Public or Business Administration; and t Two or more years in a senior public sector management position. The position will be based in Dease Lake, British Columbia at the TCC office. Dease Lake is located in the Northwest Region of British Columbia, approximately 600km north of Terrace and Smithers, BC via Highway 37. Please visit our website at www.tahltan.org for more information on the Tahltan Central Council Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter, or CV to the address below: Attention: Annita Mcphee, President Email: annitamcphee@gmail.com Or info@tahltan.org Fax: 250-771-3020 Tahltan Central Council PO Box #69 Dease Lake, BC VOC 1LO Phone: 250-771-3274 Deadline is March 19, 2012
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Heads Up for Healthier Brains
is hiring on behalf of Baker Hughes
Healthy Options for People and the Earth Society (HOPE) is looking for a MARKET MANAGER for the 2012 Pleasant Valley Community Market held on Fridays in Steelhead Park in Houston.
Baker Hughes Alberta based oilfield services company is currently hiring;
The Pleasant Valley Community Market provides a venue for local producers, artisans and crafters to sell their wares from June - September. The criteria for selling is that if you make it, bake it, sew it, grow it or raise it you can sell it at the market. This is a volunteer position (although a small stipend may be available) beginning mid May at the latest and ending mid October. Please contact Pauline at 250-845-3611 or email ckeeper@telus.net for more information or to share your interest.
DRIVER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & SERVICE SUPERVISORS
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
Journeyman Automotive Technician Four Seasons Automotive Smithers, B.C. • Looking for an experienced journeyman that is highly motivated, productive, and energetic. • Con¿dent in diagnostics, electrical, and engine management. • Is able to communicate with customers and a team player. • Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm • 20 years in business.
To apply fax resume to 250-847-9153 or email: seasonsf@telus.net Call Lisa at 250-847-5277
Job Posting –Millwrights Needed
Pinnacle Renewable Energy requires journeyman millwrights at both its Strathnavor and Burns Lake BC plant locations. Ideal candidates will have experience with the various automated operations and systems in a modern pellet plant. They will be highly motivated journeymen that have demonstrated the ability to apply their trade skills and knowledge safely and effectively. Candidates should also have good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Pinnacle pays competitive rates and provides full benefits. To apply please submit your resume and cover letter, along with proof of trade’s qualification. For more information on this position see www. pinnaclepellet.com Send your resume to: E-mail: hr@pinnaclepellet.com No Phone Inquiries Accepted – Closing date March 23, 2012.
2. Be Socially Active – connecting socially helps you stay connected mentally
Take action for a healthier brain today. Find out more at: www.alzheimerbc.org or call 1-800-936-6033
Drivers
HD MECHANICS
1. Challenge your Brain – give it a daily workout
4. Protect your Head – use a seatbelt and wear a helmet for sports
Class 1 or 3 License required.
3rd or 4th apprentice or Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanics with their Red Seal and CVIP License to work in Red Deer & Hinton.
Here are 4 simple things that you can do at any age to improve your brain health and that may help reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease:
3. Choose a Healthy Lifestyle – be active, eat well and watch your health numbers (cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, blood pressure)
HHDI RECRUITING
Are you interested in supporting local food vendors, artisans and crafters?
High Road Services Society, a non-profit organization working for adults with developmental delays, is accepting applications from dedicated and motivated individuals to fill the position of Temporary Part-Time Community Support Worker in Houston, BC to cover a maternity leave. Qualified applicants will have a minimum of Grade 12. A certificate, diploma, or degree in the Human Services Sector would be an asset. If interested please forward your resume to: High Road Services Society, Box 69, Smithers, BC, V0J 2N0 or email highroadservices@telus.net. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Trades, Technical
y Today Houston
Employment Home Care/Support NURSES, Care Aides, Home Cleaners - Bayshore Home Health is hiring casual, on-call nurses, certified care aides and experienced cleaners. If you are: empathetic; personable; possess an outstanding work ethic; a “can do” attitude; a passion for superior client service, and a reliable vehicle, forward your resume to shgeekie@bayshore.ca.
Sales RV SALES REP needed for asap! We need someone to join the Voyager RV sales team! We have a rare opening for an energetic & effective RV salesperson, to start this Spring! It’s an amazing opportunity to sell the industry’s top selling RV brands (Jayco, Itasca, Winnebago towables, Northern Lite & more!) and work at the BC Interior’s Largest RV dealer. Email resumes to sales@voyagerrv.ca or fax to 250766-4640.
Trades, Technical DL Baker Construction Canada is looking for Journeymen Carpenters and Foremen in Kitimat. BC, Canada. Red Seal Preferred. Carpenters must have experience with installation of footing forms, slab on grade forms, build and install wall, column and elevated horizontal forms. Ability to layout work, off supplied control lines. And the ability to correctly rig and hoist material, ability to signal, rig and work safely with cranes. Project Terms is Project Based Wages are in accordance with Project Labour Agreement between Kitimat Modernization Employer Association and Coalition of British Columbia Building Trades for the Kitimat Modernization Project Please forward resumes to patton@bakerconcrete.com
Huckleberry Mines Ltd. is a Vancouver based mine company which operates a 16,400 TPD open pit copper molybdenum mine located 120 km south of Houston in west central British Columbia. The Accounting Team is expanding to the meet the challenges of the recently approved Main Zone Optimization (MZO) Project expansion.
Senior Buyer The Senior Buyer will be responsible for the mine’s mid tier purchases, tenders and contracts, and will be responsible for the maintenance of Huckleberry Mines’ purchasing policies. Additional responsibilities will be establishing, and maintaining, appropriate inventory levels for all stock items. The successful candidate will report directly to the Accounting Superintendent, and will supervise the Purchasing / Warehousing Department. Applicants require a minimum of five years industrial purchasing experience, with preference given to individuals with an open pit mining background, and have a Purchasing Management Association of Canada certificate or equivalent. Experience with Guardian, Word, and Excel software would be considered an asset. Excellent negotiating, organizational, planning, and computer skills are required. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES & SKILLS: • research abilities • people and communications skills • attention to detail and good memory • organizing, planning and prioritizing work • decision making and problem solving skills • administrative and computer skills • technical knowledge of the mining industry • budgeting abilities Huckleberry Mines is located approximately two hours driving time from Houston, British Columbia. Employees live in a camp environment on their days of work. The work schedule for this position is 4 days on followed by 3 days off. Transportation to and from the mine site is provided from Houston and Smithers by bus and while at the mine site all meals and accommodations are provided free of charge to employees. Houston and Smithers are located in the scenic Bulkley Valley on TransCanada Highway 16, an excellent area to raise a family and has exceptional outdoor recreational activities. More information on the area is available at www.smithers.ca, www.houston.ca and www.rdbn.bc.ca. Huckleberry Mines Ltd. offers a competitive salary and a full range of benefits including medical, life, disability income and RRSP savings plan. We thank all applicants for their interest in Huckleberry Mines Ltd., but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Qualified candidates can submit their resumes in confidence to:
Human Resources Department Huckleberry Mines Ltd. P.O. Box 3000, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0 Fax: (604) 517-4701 Email: HR@Huckleberrymines.com
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
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DL Baker Construction Canada is looking for Laborers and Foremen in Kitimat. BC, Canada. Red Seal Preferred. Laborers will possess competency in assisting on the installation of all types of formwork, performing general labor work and placing concrete. Have the ability to correctly rig and hoist material, ability to signal, rig and work safely with cranes. Project Terms is Project Based Wages are in accordance with Project Labour Agreement between Kitimat Modernization Employer Association and Coalition of British Columbia Building Trades for the Kitimat Modernization Project Please forward resumes to patton@bakerconcrete.com
LOOKING FOR BUSINESS, PERSONAL OR TITLE LOAN? Now get up to $800k business or personal loan, with interest rate from 1.9%. Bad credit ok. Apply now
Heavy Duty Machinery
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
3rd/4th Year Heavy Equipment Technician Apprentice Williams Lake - Western Region Reference Number: HET-14320-02062012
SMS Equipment Inc. supplies equipment parts and service to the construction, forestry and mining industries and utility product users. It was created to provide customers with integrated solutions and to expand our service capabilities as a nationwide organization. Are you interested in excelling in a fast paced, challenging environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. We are currently seeking a 3rd/4th Year Apprentice Heavy Equipment Technician to work in our Williams Lake location.
The Role: • Perform assemblies, preventative maintenance, repairs and complete overhauls on construction/mining/forestry equipment. • Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized or other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required. • Make recommendations regarding extent of repairs and suggest methods of improvement. • Think logically and keep up with changes in technology. • Interpret work order and technical manuals. • Have a strong awareness and attitude towards workplace health and safety. • Motivated and able to work in a challenging environment with minimal supervision. • Other duties as required.
QualiďŹ cations: • Requires a thorough knowledge of maintenance and repair of construction/mining/ forestry equipment. • Strong organizational skills. • 3rd/4th year Heavy Equipment Technician Apprentice. • The ability to use precision measuring tools along with hand and power tools. • The ability to follow instruction, utilize shop and assembly manuals and be able to work with minimal supervision. • Possess a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, acute safety awareness. • The ability and attitude to ensure compliance to all workplace health and safety policies. • Effective interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy with a variety of individuals and groups. This is a very exciting time to be a part of SMS Equipment Inc.We are one of the largest Komatsu dealers in the world and believe our continued growth is a result of our highly skilled and engaged employees who deliver excellence in the workplace. If you are interested in working for a very dynamic company where your input, your ideas and your participation is valued, apply today. Our growth means your success.
Apply Today QualiďŹ ed applicants are invited to submit their resume by e-mail or fax, quoting reference number: HET-14320-02062012, to: E-mail: bcjobs@smsequip.com or Fax: (1)250.305.1070 SMS Equipment Inc. 1115 Boundary Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4K3
PLANER/MOULDER Technician Required for Planermill in Creston BC. Please Contact: justinstorm@shaw.ca Fax: (250) 428-2366 WRANGLER wanted for Chilcotin backcountry. 250-2382375 rides@sprucelaketours.ca
Services
Financial Services 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
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Call 1-866-642-1867
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
Pets & Livestock
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
Misc. for Sale HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?
Misc. Wanted
HAY for sale. $70/ton. Please call 250-846-5855 HAY FOR SALE Small Square Bales. Good Alfalfa mix. $5.00 per bale Call (250)567-9813VANDERHOOF
LOCAL Coin Collector, looking to buy collections, Mint & Proof sets, Accumulations, Olympic, Gold, Silver Coins Etc. Any amount. Please Call Chad at 250-863-3082.
Merchandise for Sale
Real Estate
Auctions
For Sale By Owner
HUGE RESTAURANT AUCTION
HIGHLY sought after waterfront on beautiful 10 Mile Lake. Main  laundry, vaulted living room, maple kitchen. 4 bedrooms upstairs, Lg master w/balcony. Barn, extensive landscaping, + + + B&B potential. w w w . f o r s a l e b y o w n er.com/23757172. Asking $725,000, willing to negotiate. 250991-7994 for appt to view.
Trades, Technical
Huckleberry Mines Ltd. is a Vancouver based mine company which operates a 16,400 TPD open pit copper molybdenum mine located 120 km south of Houston in west central British Columbia. The Mine Maintenance Team is expanding to the meet the challenges of the recently approved Main Zone Optimization (MZO) Project expansion.
Heavy Duty Mechanics On January 2, 2012 we received approval for the Main Zone Optimization Expansion Project which will extend mine operations to 2021. As a result, we will be expanding and modernizing our eet of haul trucks, loading equipment, drills and support equipment and are seeking journeyperson mechanics to be part of our growing maintenance department during this exciting time. We are looking for self starters who can work safely with minimal supervision, work well in a team environment and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Responsibilities will include preventative maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of engines, transmissions, hydraulics and electrical systems on 777 and 785 Cat Trucks, 992 Loader, Komatsu PC 2000 and 3000 Excavators, Cat support equipment, P & H 2100 shovels, Bucyrus-Erie and Atlas Copco rotary drills, and other small support equipment. Applicants for these positions must possess a journeyperson’s trade qualiďŹ cation (B.C. ticket) or an Interprovincial Heavy Duty Mechanic’s ticket and be able to perform basic welding. Experience with shovels and drills is not necessary but would be considered an asset for this position. Huckleberry Mines is located approximately two hours driving time from Houston, British Columbia. Employees live in a camp environment on their days of work. The work schedule for this position is 4 x 4 (4 days on, 4 days off) or 8 x 8 (8 days on, 8 days off) working 12 hours per day. Transportation to and from the mine site is provided from Houston by bus and while at the mine site all meals and accommodations are provided free of charge to employees. Houston and Smithers are located in the scenic Bulkley Valley on TransCanada Highway 16, an excellent area to raise a family and has exceptional outdoor recreational activities. More information on the area is available at www.smithers.ca, www.houston.ca and www.rdbn.bc.ca. Huckleberry Mines Ltd. offers a competitive salary and a full range of beneďŹ ts including medical, life, disability income, RRSP savings plan and relocation allowance. We thank all applicants for their interest in Huckleberry Mines Ltd., but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. QualiďŹ ed candidates can submit their resumes in conďŹ dence to:
Human Resources Department Huckleberry Mines Ltd. P.O. Box 3000, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0 Fax: (604) 517-4701 Email: HR@Huckleberrymines.com
Where to Worship Anglican Church of St. Clement 2324 Butler Ave., Box 599, Houston 250-845-4940
Rev. Margaret Powell Services are: 10:30 a.m. Sundays except 7 p.m. on the First Sunday of the month.
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 2001 Riverbank Drive, Box 819, Houston
Phone: 845-2841 • Fax: 845-2823
Feed & Hay
New & Used Food Services Equipment. March 17 11am at Dodds Auction, 3311 - 28 Ave Vernon. View photos at doddsauction.com 250-545-3259
21
Misc for Sale COLONIAL SOLID maple dining room table- 3 leaves with 6 chairs and buffet - solid oak for sale - moving must sell $1500. For more info call Sylvia during the day at 250-692-7791 or evenings at 250-845-3568
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Fr. Rectorino Tolentino Pastoral Assistant: Ronnie Cruz (Houston)
Mass: Sunday 11:30 a.m. Weekly activities or events announced as they occur.
First United Church 2106 Butler Ave., Houston
Services at 11 a.m. Contact: (Marianne Dekker) 250-845-2282 or 778-816-0039
HOUSTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 2024 Riverbank Drive, Box 597, Houston Phone: 845-2678 • Pastor: Mike McIntyre
Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 amSunday Prayer Meeting: 6:30 pm Sunday School: 9:45 am Everyone Welcome
Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Association P.O. Box 1784, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 Phone: 250-845-2705 Santokh Singh Manhas 250-845-2217
Houston Fellowship Baptist Church 3790 C.R. Matthews Rd. Pastor: Larry Ballantyne
Sunday Service - 10:30 am Everyone Welcome! Phone: 250-845-7810
A new pacemaker implant saved Max’s life.
Houston Christian Reformed Church
Now he can spend more time with
1959 Goold St., Box 6, Houston 250-845-7578
his grandfather.
~ Everyone Welcome! ~
Max underwent surgery to implant
Services: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm
a new kind of pacemaker, one with technological advancements unavailable just 5 years ago. Every time you give to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, you fund
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research that leads to medical breakthroughs, like the one that
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Houston Canadian Reformed Church SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 AM AND 2:30 PM Pastor Hendrik Alkema (hendrik.alkema@canrc.org) OfďŹ ce Phone: 845-3537 ~ Everyone Welcome ~ 3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston
New Beginnings Church Exploring the Hebrew roots of our Christian faith 2106 Butler Ave. (United Church Building)
Worship Service: Saturdays at 10:30 am Pastors’ Whelan Phone: 250 845-7516 Everyone Welcome www.nbcc4all.moonfruit.com/
Please give to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Call toll free 1 888 HSF INFO (1 888 473 4636) Visit our web site www.heartandstroke.ca
www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Real Estate
Real Estate
Rentals
Transportation
Transportation
Houses For Sale
Mobile Homes & Parks
Apt/Condo for Rent
Auto Financing
Snowmobiles
NICEST APARTMENTS Crest Villa seeks mature, responsible tenants for large, modern, clean, one or two bedroom apartments. Near arena & pool. Downtown location. Call: (250) 845-4037
YOU’RE APPROVED
1998 POLARIS 440, touring, long track snow machine, 2000 km’s (250) 692-7882
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.
Real Estate For Sale By Owner
Poor, Good, OR No Credit at AUTO CREDIT NOW DL9597 Details and APPLY online autocreditwithbarrie.com OR TOLL FREE 1-877-356-0743
Trucks & Vans
Scrap Car Removal
1989 Extended Cab Ford, 4x4, 100,000 kms. (250) 692-7882
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
FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
Auto Services
Auto Services
For Sale By Owner
House for Sale - 4th Street 2 bedroom house on large 90 x 100 foot lot in a quiet neighborhood at 3294 - 4th Street in Houston. Extensive renos including new roof, new floor, new plumbing, new windows and new water service from the street.
AUTOBODY REPAIRS $
• ICBC Repairs • Frame Repairs • Body & Paint • Heavy Duty • Windshields
79,900
Call: 250-845-2954 or Cell: (250)-845-9524
2340 Nadina Ave., Box 280, Houston Industrial Park Hours: 8 am - 5 pm (Monday to Friday)
Ph: 250-845-2280
See our website for more info...
FOR SALE
www.houston.ca
• 3 bedrooms • vaulted ceilings in kitchen and living room • Central air conditioning • skylight • includes fridge/stove dishwasher (new) washer/dryer (new) • sundeck • 8 x 12 wired and sided outbuilding
ASKING $49,000.00 #57 Bye Frontage Rd (Uplands Trailer Park)
Townhouses
Townhouses
HOUSTON TOWNHOMES
Legal Notices
District of Houston
WELL KEPT 1999 14 X 70 MOBILE HOME
Phone 250-696-3306 (after 5pm) or Cell 250-845-8162 (weekends)
arpcoll@telus.net
www.arpcollision.com
Legal Notices
D L SO
Townhouses
PARKS/PLAYGROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS Take notice that quotations for the 2012 Maintenance Service Contract for Parks/Playgrounds Maintenance in the District of Houston will be received by the District of Houston, PO Box 370, 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 up to 2:00 pm (local time) on Friday, March 23, 2012 and will be opened in public at that time. Contract dates are from the 4th Monday in April, 2012 to the 2nd Friday in October, 2012. The terms of the proposed contract will be for one (1) season. The District Contract may be renewed for a further term of two (2) seasons, up to a total potential term of three (3) seasons.
FOR RENT
Contract packages will be available at the District of Houston Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, during working hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday).
• Newly Renovated • New Furnaces • New Roofs • New Flooring
• 2 Bedrooms • Ample Parking • New Hot Water Tanks • New Windows
• New Paint • Fully Eco Insulated • Washer/Dryer Fridge/Stove
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY!! $
550 per month - LOW HEAT COST! For all enquires call Doug Caya at 250-845-0031
This is not a call for tenders. The lowest or any quotation will not necessarily be accepted. The District will not be obligated in any manner to any person submitting a quotation unless a written contract is executed relating to an approved quotation. The District of Houston Purchasing Policy provides that local suppliers will receive a 5% preference. For more information about this policy, or If further information is required, please contact Curtis McPhee at (250) 8457420or leisure.services@houston.ca.
or email dasdoug@shaw.ca
HIGHWAY 16
Regional Classifieds
SELLING... TRADING... 4BUYING... OUT OF 5 PEOPLE WITH DIABETES $ 88 DIE OF HEART DISEASE. 78
Have your classified ad running in.... Houston Today
Smithers Interior News
Terrace Standard
for only...
Kitimat Sentinel
Prince George Free Press
Prince Rupert Northern View
Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Northern Connector
& Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
Lakes District News
Houston Today
The Hometown Experts with a World of Experience® PARADISE FOUND! • Custom built 4 bedroom home on 160 acre parcel. • Adjacent to Irrigation Lake west of Houston. • Garage, 280x056 machine shed, 35 x 48 barn, workshop with lean-to. • New drilled well, outside wood furnace. • Fenced and cross fenced, electric stock waterer. • Spectacular spot!
$
399,000
ONE OF A KIND!
µ
22
• Extensively renovated, tastefully decorated, spacious rancher on huge lot. • Spacious open kitchen, dining and living with gorgeous laminate, fresh paint, new light fixtures. • Huge master with 3 pc en-suite and large closet • Beautiful dark laminate throughout. • Built in entertainment centre in living room.
$
169,900
6 ACRE LOT IN TOWN!
• 6 acre lot located just minutes from town. • Property has 380’ drilled well, lagoon, hydro, treed. • 280 sq. ft. building with lean-to on each side, wired 220. • A great place to build that dream home!
$
104,900
SPLENDOR OF AMENITIES! • Spacious custom built split level home on a huge corner lot. • Huge country kitchen with patio doors off eating area to private deck. • 3 bedrooms up, 2 below main. 4 bathrooms, sauna. • New flooring, furnace replaced, 2 bathrooms being completely renovated. • New asphalt shingles.
$
229,900
LIVE UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS! • Unique custom built 2 storey executive home on a huge corner lot. • 4 huge bdrms, 3 baths. Spacious living room with fireplace. • Formal dining room, family room off kitchen eating area with patio doors to deck. • Carport and garage. Beautifully treed yard.
$
192,900
LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE! • Charming 2 storey log home on over 5 acres 15 min. from town. • Many renoslaminate floors, new woodstove, metal roof, 2 baths redone. • Spacious open floor plan. Master w/ ensuite and walk in closet & patio doors to small deck. • Fenced and cross fenced, small barn, greenhouse.
$
159,900
+HST
3 lines (No changes) runs 1 week in all 11 papers
Better your odds. Visit getserious.ca
P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0 Phone: 250-845-2890 • Fax: 250-845-7893 advertising@houston-today.com
www.houston-today.com
Lia Long 250-845-1147
Re/Max Houston 2436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC e-mail: remaxhou@telus.net
Tanya Belsham
Call 250-845-7325 www.realtor.ca
Houston Today
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
www.houston-today.com
23
SPORTS
HCS girls win provincial Single ‘A’ Basketball Championship
Houston Leisure Facility
2012 SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS & SCHEDULE Houston Leisure Facility Spring Break Schedule March 18th - March 24th, 2012 Sunday Gym Hours Mon-Thur 6am-8:30pm Friday 6am-9pm Saturday 10-5pm
Monday Aquafit 6-6:45am
Tuesday
Wednesday
Public/Lane
6-6:45am
Swim
Aquafit
6-9am
Thursday
Friday
Public/Lane
Running
Swim 6-9am
Water 6-6:45am
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Swim
Swim
Swim
6:45-9am
6:45-9am
6:45-9am
Public/Lane
Seniors Aquafit
Parent & Tot
Seniors Aquafit
Parent & Tot
9-10am
Swim
9-10am
Swim
Aquafit
9-10am
9-10am
Sunday
9-10am
Saturday
Seniors
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Public/Lane
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
Swim
11-5pm
10-8:30pm
10-8:30pm
10-8:30pm
10-8:30pm
10-8pm
10-5pm
Toonie Swim 7:30-8:30pm Teen Swim 8-9pm
Extended Public Swimming Hours 10am-8:30 Mon-Thurs
Public/Lane
WACKY WATER DAYZ
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CLUB
Get crazy this Spring Break with the Leisure Facility staff. Checkout the pool, play wacky games and get messy as the play leader leads you through a fun filled day. Please remember to bring a towel, swimsuit, healthy lunch and indoor running shoes.
The Junior Lifeguard Club is designed for kids who have a budding interest in becoming a lifeguard. The club gives kids the skills to help themselves and others in an emergency. Club members take part in teamwork games, learn about lifesaving and lifeguarding and get fit.
March 19th-23rd $35 (additional sibling $10) 6-12yrs • 9-4pm
March 19th-23rd • $35 8-12yrs 1:30-3pm (#4717)
BRONZE MEDALLION
STROKE IMPROVEMENT
Are you interested in becoming a lifeguard? Bronze Medallion will get you started on the right track. This course teaches the four main components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, defense and release methods and challenging rescues involving conscious and unconscious victims. Lifesavers are required to complete an endurance swim.
In this program swimmers will work with an instructor to improve specific skills or work towards completing items from previous swim levels. March 19th, 21st & 23rd 8-15yrs old 10-11am $25 (#4719)
March 19th-23rd •13+yrs 10am3pm • $187 Incl. manual (#4716)
District of Houston ~ Houston Leisure Services Department
For more information or to register please call the Houston Leisure Facility @ 250.845.7420
www.houston.ca
24
www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Your Pantry Fill Specialists
Houston Today
NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED!
M E AT
Canadian AAA Striploin Steaks
PRODUCE
Superpack, 13.65 per kg
Whole Cantaloupe pe
19
6
.59
/lb
Fort Hardy Pork Back Ribs
Spartan Apples
in BBQ Sauce, 568 gram
99
00
10
5 lb bag
2 for
Pill ’ O Piller’s Original i i l Ball B ll Park Weiners 450 gram 00 2 for
F R O Z E N S AV I N G S
Russet Potatoes
Boneless Skinless 4 kg
10 lb bag
Value Priced d Margarine
Western Family JR Ice Pops
3 kg
or assorted Varieties 24x50 ml
99
6
Orville Reddenbacher’s Popcorn
Pringles Potato Chips
Microwave, 2 varieties 32 pack
Assorted Varieties 162-182 gram
9
99
1
Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner 1.18 litre
999
2
Kraft BBQ Sauces Assorted Varieties 455 ml
2 for Dragon King Rice 9.07 kg
99
398 Farkay Steam Fried Noodles or Chinese Style 1 kg
9
399
Hunt’s Thick & Rich Sauce
Mott’s Fruitsations Snacks
Variety Pack 6x680 ml
Assorted Varieties 6x113 gram
Deli World Light Ryee Bread
2 for
Italpasta Noodles Assorted Varieties 900 gram
99
399
99
3
Top Choice Chicken Breasts
2699
5
/lb
98
3
99
00 0
4
500 gram
97
5
6
2 for
Purina Beneful Dog Food
Johnson’s Baby Wash
Soft & Pure Premium Bath Tissuee
Assorted Varieties, 16 kg
or Powder 624 gram 444-592 ml
36 roll
2999
349
3 for
99
17
BULKLEY VALLEY WHOLESALE 3302 Highway 16 Smithers, BC • (250) 847-3313 • 1 (800) 579-3313 • bulkleyvalleywholesale.com Open: Mon. to Thurs. 8 am - 7 pm • Fri. 8 am - 8 pm • Sat. 8 am - 7 pm • Sun. 9 am - 6 pm Cash & Carry Only
Prices in effect: March 14 – March 20, 2012