Houston Today, September 05, 2012 by Black Press Media Group

COMMUNITY: Topley 4-H Club at BV Exhibition

FEATURE: Archeological excavating Babine River Fishing Village

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NO. 36 $1.35 Inc. HST

Canfor increasing offshore shipments By A. MacDonald Black Press

Staff photo/Houston Today

FUN in the Sun Heading back to school after a sunny summer are Hannah, Nelson, Jacob and Julia.

Cullen discusses economic challenges By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

Nathan Cullen talked with Houston business owners about the Northwest economy and what the government can do to encourage entrepreneurship in the community. The lunch in Houston with Cullen and local Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 27,

was for Cullen to hear local concerns and answer questions. The discussion centered around challenges and solutions for Northwest and Houston entrepreneurship and investment. Cullen suggested that one the barriers is the mentality that young people often graduate high school with, going into the

mills thinking it’s what their dad did, and what they’ll do and what their kids will do. Salvation Army supervisor Rick Apperson agreed. There’s a lack of motivation, said Apperson, we need more incentives for young people to want to start up their own businesses. Others suggested

that there is more behind it than that. Entrepreneurship is not seen as an option, said Tony Mondia, the Business and Loans Analyst from Nadina Community Futures. “We used to do self employment as a career option at the career days in the highschool,” added Jerry Botti, Community Futures manager, but

it dwindled away because of lack of interest. So there are cultural things that government can’t really play a role in, said Cullen, but what can the government do? John Sullivan from Sullivan Motor Products said that the government can give tax write offs for See CULLEN on Page 2

Canfor’s lumber shipments are up 16 per cent in their second quarter. The company also reported operating income of $26 million for the second quarter of 2012, compared to an operating loss of $21.5 million for the first quarter. The positive variance primarily reflected improved results in the lumber segment, where stronger markets supported higher prices. Canfor reported net income attributable to shareholders of $4.5 million, or $0.03 per share, for the second quarter of 2012, compared to a shareholder net loss of $16.2 million, or $0.11 per share, for the first quarter of 2012 and shareholder net income of $2.1 million, or $0.01 per share, for the second quarter of 2011. For the six months ending June 30, 2012, the shareholder net loss was $11.7 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to net income of $9.1 million, or $0.06 per share, for the first half of 2011. The shareholder net income for the second quarter of 2012 included various items affecting comparability with prior periods, which had an overall net negative impact of $6.6 million, or $0.05 per share. After adjusting for such

items, the company’s adjusted shareholder net income for the second quarter of 2012 was $11.1 million, or $0.08 per share, up $33.4 million, or $0.24 per share, from an adjusted shareholder net loss of $22.3 million, or $0.16 per share, for the first quarter of 2012. Adjusted shareholder net income for the second quarter of 2011 was $2.6 million, or $0.02 per share. Stronger demand is being attributed to market improvements in both North American and offshore markets. Additionally U.S. housing starts are on an upward trend averaging 739,000 units seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) up more than three per cent from the previous quarter. Canadian housing starts were also up, increasing 12 per cent from the previous quarter, to almost 230,000 units SAAR. In China, markets improved as inventories returned to more normal levels following the inventory build early in the previous quarter. Japanese demand remained solid through the quarter. Pulp markets were relatively balanced heading into the quarter but saw signs of weakness as the quarter progressed. The company announced as a result of improved conditions See CANFOR on Page 2

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

NEWS

“A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN OUR REGION”

John Rustad seeking re-election

37, 3RD Avenue, PH: 250-692-3195 PO Box 820, TF: 800-320-3339 Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 FX: 250-692-3305 www.rdbn.bc.ca E-MAIL:inquiries@rdbn.bc.ca

MEETING SCHEDULE 2012

Bill Phillips PG Free Press

September 6, 2012.....RDBN Committee Meetings September 20, 2012...RDBN Board Meeting/SNRHD Meeting October 11, 2012 ........RDBN Committee Meetings October 25, 2012 ........RDBN Board Meeting/SNRHD Meeting

The BC Liberal Party is continuing its candidate selection process and they will have a trio of incumbents will be seeking re-election in the spring. Bill Bennett, Pat Pimm and John Rustad are all seeking re-election. The three sitting MLAs will each have nomination meetings in their ridings over the next few weeks. Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad, first elected in 2005, looks forward to continuing to work hard to represent the people in the riding of Nechako Lakes.

Meetings tentatively commence at 10:30 a.m. please call (250) 692-3195/1-800-320-3339 for further information

PUBLIC IS WELCOME

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NEW G N LISTI

MLA John Rustad “The next election will be a choice between a government that manages the economy and supports job growth, and an NDP opposition who want to raise your taxes and drive businesses out of the province,” said Rustad, in a press release. Rustad recently

chaired a report by the Special Committee on Timber Supply that offered 22 recommendations on how to increase mid-term timber supply in B.C.’s central interior. The Nechako Lakes riding nomination meeting will be on September 8. Bennett, the MLA for Kootenay East, was first elected in 2001, earning reelection in 2005 and 2009. Bennett is looking forward to another campaign, this time under the leadership of Premier Christy Clark. “I personally feel renewed under the leadership of the premier and I am very much looking forward

to helping Christy Clark prove the pundits wrong by beating the NDP next spring,” said Bennett. Bennett is a vocal advocate for rural issues such as mining, energy, forestry, agriculture and land use and has had a stormy political past. He was turfed out of the Liberal caucus when Grodon Campbell was premier but invited by in by Clark. Bennett‘s nomination meeting will be on September 5. Pimm is also back in the saddle for his first run at re-election, and has his nomination meeting last night in Fort St. John. “Our government

has helped the province achieve the country’s best full-time job growth rate over the past year. That is a record I am proud to run on,” said Pimm. Pimm, the MLA for Peace River North, was first elected to the legislature in 2009. Pimm is focused on bringing jobs to the Peace region, as well as supporting local agriculture, the guide outfitters and the province’s natural gas industry. Prince GeorgeValemount MLA Shirley Bond and Prince GeorgeMackenzie MLA Pat Bell have already announced their intention to seek re-election.

Marketing the potential of Houston

$96,900

CULLEN from Page 1 apprenticeships. Botti agreed, saying that the government could provide specific low interest loans to individuals or companies that can’t afford to have apprenticeships. He added that they’ve seen dozens of people looking for jobs or apprenticeships who just simply don’t have the money to do it. But Mondia disagrees. “There’s money out

2231 Cataline Court

Great starter or rental income property! Huge demand for rentals in Houston right now. 3 bdrm home on large lot situated at the end of the cul-de-sac. Walking distance to school, shopping, and rec centre. Call today to view!

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Dan Hansma 250-845-8234 dan.hansma@gmail.com www.calderwoodrealty.com

THE CORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE OF GRANISLE Incorporated June 29, 1971

NOTICE OF PERMISSIVE TAX EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to the Community Charter public notice is given of the “Village of Granisle Exemption from Taxation Bylaw No. 443, 2012”, “Village of Granisle Exemption from Taxation Bylaw No. 444, 2012” and “Village of Granisle Exemption from Taxation Bylaw No. 445, 2012” to allow a permissive exemption from general municipal property taxation for a period of ten (10) years to the following as long as the property continues to meet the requirements for permissive tax exemptions.

Name

Houston Today

there. If you want it, you can get it,” he said, adding that the bigger need is education and support about how to launch a business. “It’s a maze of information that you have to go through -like how to do a lease or how to do a loan,” said Mondia. “If you don’t get any of that training in high school and you don’t know any of that, it is overwhelming. It’s completely overwhelming.” Tom Euverman, owner of Countrywide Printing and Stationary Ltd., suggested a different barrier, saying that what is needed is marketing about the potential of the valley. “From an industrial point of view, there’s more jobs here than Hazelton and

Nathan Cullen speaks with local business owner Tom Euverman at a recent Chamber luncheon. Smithers and Burns Lake combined,” he said, “hardly anybody knows that.” The problem is the quality of marketing, said Botti, adding that past attempts to advertise Houston as the industrial capital of the Bulkley Valley failed because of that. “There doesn’t see to be any centralized

organization for promoting those kinds of things, to coordinate those activities and getting that message out,” he said. Cullen said that what needs to happen is a regional conversation between Northwest communities. “We as a region have rarely thought

about us as a region,” said Cullen, adding that if the region did work together, there would be opportunity to advertise to investors and bigger markets. “We don’t have a regional conversation here because for many years towns like Houston or Smithers or Burns could survive independently -- you didn’t need your neighbors because there was more than enough jobs,” said Cullen. But when crisis hits people start talking and planning together and pitching the government and pitching industry more broadly, said Cullen. We’ve been in economic crisis for the last decade, he said, and as a region we need to get more coordinated.

Street Address

PID Number

Estimated exemption for 2012

Estimated exemption for 2013 & 2014

1. Conference of Mennonite BC Newman Ave. (Church of the Way)

Lumber shipments are up 16 per cent

009-478-850

$3,876.00

$3,953.00 & $4,032.00

CANFOR from Page 1 lumber prices “rallied.” The average spruce, pine, fir (SPF) two X four price rose 11 per cent to US$295 per Mfbm, with similar increases seen for most other grades, while the spread between Western SPF structural and utility grade pricing also narrowed. Strong prices through May triggered a reduction in the export tax

The proposed exemption is to allow permissive general municipal property tax exemption on land and improvements assessed by BC Assessment Authority as Class 8 - Recreation/ Non-Profit property currently assessed at $64,300.

2. Granisle District Senior Citizens 19 Chapman Street 009-477-608} Association 009-477-616} 009-477-624}

$413.00

$421.00 & $430.00

The proposed exemption is to allow permissive general municipal property tax exemption on land and improvements assessed by BC Assessment Authority as Class 1 - Residential Property assessed at $47,000.

3. Granisle Lions 21 Chapman Housing Society

009-477-594} 009-477-586}

$207.00

$211.00 & $215.00

in June to 10 per cent for the first time this year. Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) prices also saw similar increases over the quarter. As a result, Canfor’s lumber sales realizations saw solid gains, with a higher value sales mix also having a positive impact. For northern bleach softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp, U.S. dollar sales realizations were up slightly

with the average North America list price up US$30 to US$900 per tonne. Canadian dollar sales realizations across all solid wood and pulp products were positively impacted by a one per cent weakening of the average Canadian dollar. “The improvement in lumber prices and earnings reflected a modest increase in construction activ-

ity in North America and continued solid offshore demand for Western SPF lumber products,” Canfor CEO and president Don Kayne said. “The integration of these operations has gone very smoothly, and the start-up of our upgraded Radium mill in the same southeast Kootenay region of B.C. remains on schedule for the fall of this year.”

Houston Today

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

www.houston-today.com

District of Houston

Newsletter ~ September 5th, 2012 edition Where the welcome is warm and the wilderness beckons! Council Meetings: Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month commencing at 7:00pm in Council Chambers at 3367 – 12th Street

Website: www.houston.ca Please visit the website for info on: • • • • •

Council Meeting Agendas Pool Schedule Arena Schedule Important Public Notices Tenders & Job Opportunities

Municipal Ofﬁce Hours The Municipal Ofﬁce located at 3367 – 12th Street is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on statutory holidays) Email: doh@houston.ca Phone: 250-845-2238 Fax: 250-845-3429

For Public Works Emergencies (example: water main break) Call the Municipal Ofﬁce @ 250-845-2238 for a recorded message with the contact number of the person on call.

Pool & Gym Phone: 250-845-7420 Email: reception@houston.ca

Arena Phone: 250-845-7432

Burning Permits Required All open burning within the District of Houston requires a Burning Permit all year round. To obtain a permit contact the Fire Department at 250-845-2250

Leisure Facility’s Annual Maintenance & Shutdown

Upcoming Council Meetings

The annual maintenance and shutdown of the Houston Leisure Facility is scheduled to run from September 4 until September 16. • The pools and steam room will be closed during that period, September 4 to 16. • The gym will only be open as follows: - September 5, 6 & 7 from 6am to 7pm - September 10,11,12 & 13 from 6am to 7pm - September 14 from 12pm to 4pm - September 15 & 16 – Gym closed Please note: no refunds or extensions will be granted to pass holders due to lack of access to the facility during maintenance. For more information call the Houston Leisure Facility at 250-845-7420. The new pool schedule commencing September 17th will be as follows: Sunday Gym Hours Mon-Thur 6am-8:30pm Friday 6am-9pm Saturday 11-6pm Sunday 11pm-6pm Public/ Lane Swim 11:00am6:00pm

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Saturday

Friday

Closed For Water Running Aqua-fit Closed For Aqua-fit 6:00-6:45am Maintenance 6:00-6:45am Maintenance 6:00-6:45am 6:00am6:00amPublic/Lane Public/Lane Public/Lane 12:00pm 12:00pm Swim Swim Swim 6:45-9:00am 6:45-9:00am 6:45-9:00am Seniors Seniors Seniors Aqua-fit Aqua-fit Aqua-fit 9:00-10:00am 9:00-10:00am 9:00-10:00am Public/Lane Public/Lane Swim Swim Public/Lane Public/Lane Public/Lane 10:00-1:00pm 10:00-1:00pm Swim Swim Swim 12:00-8:30pm 12:00-8:30pm Closed For Closed For 10:00-8:00pm Maintenance Maintenance 1:00-3:30pm 1:00-3:30pm Aqua-fit Aqua-fit Public/Lane 4:00-4:45pm Public/Lane 4:00-4:45pm Swim Swim 3:30-8:30pm 3:30-8:30pm Toonie Swim 7:30-8:30pm

Public/ Lane Swim 11:00am6:00pm

Please ask us about all our upcoming programs at the Houston Leisure Facility @ 250-845-7420 *Schedule subject to change without notice

Toter Carts – Mandatory – January 1, 2013 The District of Houston will have mandatory Toter Cart usage for residential and institutional (churches) garbage collection effective January 1, 2013. There is still a limited supply of slightly used toter carts at a cost of $60.00. For businesses that do not generate enough garbage for regular commercial bin service, the option is available for toter cart service. Contact the Municipal Ofﬁce for more information @ 250-845-2238. « Residential solid waste service shall consist of the removal of the contents of not more than 3 residential solid waste receptacles for each dwelling unit. The contents of each receptacle shall not exceed 20 kilograms. « Residential solid waste service with Toter Cart shall consist of 1 toter cart for each dwelling unit. The contents shall not exceed 60 kilograms. All residential solid waste receptacles shall be accessible within 3 feet of the curb or curb line on a public road. All receptacles containing waste for disposal shall be placed at the designated location by 8:00am on designated collection days.

Recycling in Houston Did you know that the Houston Recycling depot, located at 2266 Nadina Avenue in the industrial area, accepts the following items for recycling? « Beverage containers, plastic milk jugs, #2 plastics, electronics, cameras, cell phones, florescent bulbs and ink toners; « Cardboard – flatten boxes (no waxy cardboard); « Mixed paper – separate into newsprint, office paper, glossy paper (magazines); « They will purchase automotive and equipment batteries; Virtually all types of ready-to-drink beverage containers can be recycled. Please recycle and help save the environment by keeping as many items as possible out of the landfill. The items you return will be recycled into something new.

Burning Permits Required

The above meetings are held at 7:00pm in Council Chambers, 3367 – 12th Street. The Agendas can be viewed on the District’s website: www.houston.ca

Monday, October 1st The Claude Parish Memorial Arena will open for the 2012-2013 season Dungate Community Forest Limited Partnership

Teen Swim 8:00-9:00pm

The District would like to remind all property owners that a burning permit is required year round before you do any open burning. To obtain a permit please contact the Fire Department at 250-845-2250. Permit approval/denial is subject to weather conditions and the fire hazard risk assessment issued by the Ministry of Forests for our area. In British Columbia, the Wildfire Act specifies a person’s legal obligation when using fire. Those using fire are responsible for ensuring the fire is safe to light, that the fire does not escape, and that they have adequate resources immediately available to handle any escapes that might occur.

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Dungate Community Forest Limited Partnership is accepting grant applications from Non-Proﬁt groups and organizations. Applications can be picked up at Houston Chamber of Commerce, District of Houston Municipal Ofﬁce and Bulkley Valley Credit Union in Houston. For more info contact dungatecomfor@houston.ca

“Marks of a Century” History Book For a great Christmas gift idea, contact the Municipal Ofﬁce to purchase a copy of the “Marks of a Century” History Book at a cost of $9.95 plus HST (total cost is $11.14)

Houston Public Library Phone: 250-845-2256 email: hlibrary@telus.net Website: http://houston.bclibrary.ca

Coming for September... Book Club – Wed., Sept. 5th from 7 to 9 pm Mark Zagwyn Photography – Thurs., Sept. 6th from noon to 6 pm Tax-free Savings Accounts presentation – Tues., Sept. 11 from 6 to 8 pm Interlibrary Direct information session – Tues., Sept. 18th from 7 to 9 pm Eric Walters, Children’s Author – Tues., Sept. 25th from 7 to 9 pm NID Matinee – Fri., Sept. 21st from 2 to 3:30 pm The library will be closed on September 28 & 29 for staff training.

Important Notice to District Customers Court Services are held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Ofﬁce monthly. On Court days only, the Municipal Ofﬁce will be closed to the public during the Court lunch recess. Court dates for the remainder of 2012 are as follows: September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17 We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers.

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, September 5, 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:

A crude debate The biggest hurdle facing newspaper baron David Black in his quest to build a $13 billion refinery at Kitimat isn’t financing. (He said the boys on Wall Street have told him they could raise $13 billion in a week.) The biggest hurdle isn’t Canada’s stringent environmental regulations. In fact, Black’s vision is to build the most environmentally-friendly refinery today’s technology can produce. Having Canada’s crude refined with strict environmental regulations is better for the planet than having it refined somewhere where regulations are … less stringent. The biggest hurdle isn’t a recalcitrant oil industry that can make a lot more money with a lot less effort simply shipping crude. The biggest hurdle will be China. Or, more specifically, whether Ottawa favours Chinese quick money over Canadian entrepreneurship and ingenuity. China has come forward with a $15.1 billion takeover bid of Nexen, one of Canada’s largest oil companies. Nexen is a world player, but, of interest to our refinery plan, it has a big chunk of the Alberta oilsands. Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative government are now grappling with the stormy question of: “Do we salivate over the immediate Chinese offer of trinkets and baubles or do we actually develop policy that protects Canada’s resources … for Canadians?” We suspect that China is more interested in buying crude and refining it there than buying diesel fuel on the open market from Kitimat Clean (Black’s company). And, there is no doubt Harper wants some Chinese cash. But at what cost? Regardless of whether Black’s refinery proposal is a pipe dream or a possibility, it cleverly opens the debate that, in his words, we should be having in this country … that being developing a national energy policy and clarifying the rules surrounding foreign investment. The China National Offshore Oil Company, which is an arm of the Chinese government not an actual company and which is looking to take over Nexen, was sent packing by the U.S. when it tried a similar takeover south of the border. Of course the U.S. is a lot more protectionist that we are, but there is a message there. It’s a message that Harper sent loud and clear when it quashed the $39 billion bid by BHP Billiton to take over Potash Corp. in Saskatchewan. Have any promises been made to the Chinese? Black’s suggestion of a refinery puts pressure on Harper to, possibly, choose between sending resources, and jobs, to China at the expense of Canada becoming a country that dictates global oil policy rather than being one that reacts to it. Bill Phillips P.G. Free Press

Torture in paradise Hanging upside down and pleading to get off the colourful, yet horrendous ride called the Sky Diver at Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho was my least gleeful moment of the summer. My 12 year old son agreed. “Let us down!” Sam begged the unhearing ride operator as his knee bled from being tossed and turned in every direction possible for what seemed like hours. “I’m going to throw up!” Having witnessed his episodes of carsickness numerous times over the years, I knew he was serious about his feelings of nausea and prayed to the amusement park gods not to have a power outage as we hung helpless, eighty feet above ground. Luckily, my prayers

were answered and we soon descended and escaped the bright purple cage that held us captive. Once we were safely standing, we swore off that particular ride for good. “Do you want to go on a rollercoaster?” I asked, eager to erase that memory and replace it with a truly exhilarating experience instead. “No,” Sam said, white as a ghost. “I need to do nothing for awhile.” It was an understandable reaction from a kid who had just spent five minutes trying not to squish his mom or lose his lunch. It was also our last day at the jampacked park and he was ready for some downtime. We all were. After waiting in line

for countless hours and eating overpriced junk food for three days straight, my husband and I discussed how we could have made our amusement park experience a little more amusing. “We could have smuggled in some healthy snacks,” I suggested as I munched on another tub of stale, salty popcorn. “And we could have come the following week when the American kids were back in school,” my husband said. Simple things we should have remembered from our trip to Disneyland two years prior. Yet as we talked in private of other things we could do differently so the next trip would be better, our kids only talked about what they loved.

2009

“That was the best trip ever!” our nine year old daughter exclaimed on our way home. “Especially the water park!” “It was,” Sam chimed in. “Can we go again next year?” Already forgetting the frustrating long line-ups they had previously complained about, they were now left with precious moments of pure delight, exactly the way my husband and I seemed to remember our amusement park days as children. “I’m done with theme parks,” my friend commented when we got back home. “They might be fun for kids, but they’re torture for parents. A relaxing vacation it’s not.” Okay, I have to agree, they’re not re-

On a brighte brighter note Lori Welbourne laxing and some of it felt like torture to me too. Yet a lot of it was so much fun, and watching the kids faces light up when they first found out about our surprise trip was something I’ll never forget. Next time we’ll just try to visit when it’s less crowded and we’ll do our best to avoid terrible rides like the Sky Diver. But the stale, salty popcorn? I’ll be eating that again for sure.

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2009 WINNER

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Houston Today

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

www.houston-today.com

Website Poll results Yes - 71% No - 29% If you rent your home, do you buy renter’s insurance?

Opinion

This week’s Website Poll at www.houston-today.com Was this year a good year for gardens and flowers?

On The

Street What is it that you enjoy about living at Fort Babine?

Gary Marlowe

Bruce Charlie

Angel Marlowe

Fern Marlowe

“I like the fresh air and the quiet, and getting to see all the different kinds of animals.”

“The nice lake. It’s nice to go fishing and hunting.”

“That’s easy! Fishing, hunting, the traditional stuff.”

“The outdoors, I get to experience it more out here. And it’s quiet.”

By A B Andrew d H Hud Hudson d ds

Letters to the

Editor

Thank you Falcon for years of service Anyone with young children can identify with Kevin Falcon’s decision to leave politics to focus more time on his family, especially with another child expected

early next year just prior to the provincial election. Politics is a demanding occupation, especially when you are the Minister of Finance

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.

and Deputy Premier of B.C. As Finance Minister, Falcon can be particularly proud of the fact that B.C. has been able to maintain its Triple AAA credit rating at a time when so many other provinces, states and countries have seen their credit ratings downgraded.This is no small accomplishment

and it’s a testament to good government B.C. has enjoyed over the past 12 years. It was also very admirable of Falcon, in stepping away from politics, to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and service of all who are involved in the public life of this province, from all political parties in the

“

“B.C. has been able to maintain its Triple AAA credit rating”

B.C. legislature, but especially the Premier. Truly, the travel and time from away from family alone warrants our appreciation.

-Christopher Law So, thank you to Kevin Falcon for his many years of service to this province and congratulations to him and his wife on

the pending addition to their young and growing family. Christopher Law Coquitlam B.C.

Separating the oil from the manure I

was as surprised as anyone to hear about the plan by this newspaper’s owner, David Black, to begin regulatory work on an oil refinery for Kitimat. I’ll leave it to others to comment on the practicality of that plan, and whether it would make the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project more acceptable to B.C.’s government and population. Black Press news coverage, columns, letters to the editor and other reader comments are not affected by this project, and there has been a range of views expressed already. Whatever the merits of the refinery

idea, it has advanced the debate over pipelines and the place of oil in our society. And that’s a good thing, because as someone with a basic knowledge of chemistry and some experience in oil refining, I have noticed a lot of ignorance about the subject. Today I’d like to address some of the main misconceptions, which have been exploited by some opponents. The first one is oil pollution in general and how it gets into the environment. A global study by the Smithsonian Institution in 1995 calculated the amount of oil making its way into oceans this

way: Big tanker spills accounted for 37 million gallons a year, about five per cent of the total marine oil pollution identified. By far the largest source was oil runoff from land into drains, from oil changes, municipal and industrial wastes and other sources: 363 million gallons. Bilge cleaning and other routine ship maintenance added 137 million gallons, four times the tanker spill average. Air pollution from vehicles and industry deposited hydrocarbon particles equal to another 97 million gallons; natural seeps added 62 million gallons; offshore drilling discharges accounted

for 15 million gallons. So that’s the first thing to understand. It’s not tankers and pipelines doing most of the polluting. It’s you and me. Then there is the propaganda about greenhouse gas emissions from the oil sands crude. Actor Robert Redford is one of the highestprofile pitchmen for the false notion that “tar sands” oil generates three times the greenhouse gases as conventional oil. The facts are clear. The most widely cited source is a graph prepared by Cambridge Energy Research Associates, which shows that 75 per

cent of greenhouse gases from all types of crude occur when the gasoline, jet fuel and diesel are burned by the end user. Yes, there are variations in emissions on the remaining quarter. Emissions from mined oil sands crude are slightly higher than steam extraction, which is slightly higher than conventionally drilled and pumped crude. The most greenhouse gasintensive crude used in North America is California heavy crude, which is conventionally drilled. Burning coal produces far more greenhouse gases than oil, as University of Victoria climate sci-

entist Andrew Weaver has calculated. Two U.S. environmental groups, including the one fronted by Redford, have lately been promoting a study that suggests oil sands crude is more corrosive to pipelines. False, says the industry, showing analysis of pipes that have carried diluted bitumen for decades. The TransMountain pipeline has been carrying crude from Alberta to Burnaby and Washington state for more than 60 years. It has periodically carried heavy crude for 40 years, and diluted bitumen for 25 years. Some of that crude is refined in

B .C. Views Tom Fletcher

Washington and the gasoline and diesel barged up to supply B.C. gas stations. And of course Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and all other B.C. islands depend on marine fuel shipments. And let’s not forget the most common heavy oil used in B.C. It’s called asphalt.

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Houston Today

NEWS

Pinnacle Pellet Rupert terminal approved Staff Reporter Black Press

The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) announced today that the environmental assessment of the Westview Terminal Redevelopment Project proposed by Pinnacle Renewable Energy Group (Pinnacle) is complete, and the project has been approved. PRPA has made the approval subject to

strong mitigation and enforcement measures designed to ensure the operation fulfills its environmental, health and safety performance requirements. The assessment was conducted under the Canada Port Authority Environmental A s s e s s m e n t R e g u l a t i o n s (CPAEAR) and included the participation of a working group comprising the

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PRPA, Environment Canada, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Lax Kwalaams, Metlakatla, and Gitxaala. Public input was solicited through an invitation for written comment, a May 29 open house held by the working group, and a June 18 public meeting held by Pinnacle Renewable Energy. Through this process, the assessment determined that the project as proposed is unlikely to result in a significant adverse environmental effect. The environmental assessment determination is subject to the implementation of a number of mitigation measures relating to environmentalprotection, including adherence to current regulations for maintaining air quality (including dust and greenhouse gases) and limiting noise. Pinnacle will also be required to meet the following commitments: Air Quality: Pinnacle will be required to car-

ry out continuous air quality monitoring by qualifiedenvironmental monitors throughout construction, operation and potential decommissioning of the project. Pinnacle will work with the BC Ministry of Environment to develop a plan that will achieve the required monitoring, ensure adherence to current regulatory standards, and determine corrective steps to be taken in the event that limits are exceeded. Noise: Pinnacle will be required to carry out continuous noise monitoring during terminal operations. Furthermore a plan will be designed to confirm the accuracy of the Baseline Noise Assessment, confirm that the proposed noise mitigation measures are effective, and determine corrective steps to be taken in the event that limits are exceeded. In the event that emissions exceed the limits set out in any

Canfor sawmill workers on the job. of the mitigation measures, Pinnacle is required to take immediate corrective action, and PRPA has specifically maintained the ability to require an operational shutdown if required. If the nature or scope of the project changes at any time in the future, PRPA has also expressly reserved the ability to order a reassessment, and Pinnacle shall not proceed with any work until approvals are properly obtained. “PRPA acknowledges the feedback and concerns expressed by some local residents regarding land use management in the in-

ner harbour adjacent to CN’s downtown railyard,” said Ken Veldman, Director of Public Affairs for the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “However, we believe we can strike a balance between creating the economic opportunity a growing port represents and enhancing the livability of Prince Rupert through improvements to public access to the waterfront. PRPA is committed to working with the City of Prince Rupert to this end.” The Pinnacle terminal project represents an estimated capital investment of $42 million in Prince Rupert,

File photo

90,000 hours of construction work, up to 24 direct jobs in terminal operations, and a significant increase in the municipal tax base. The terminal will provide the capacity to export two million tonnes of wood pellets annually, creating a strategic trade gateway for the expanding biofuel industry across Northern British Columbia. Pinnacle operates six pellet manufacturing facilities in the communities of Houston, Burns Lake, Meadowbank, Quesnel, Williams Lake and Armstrong, supporting 350 jobs in those operations.

your source for FREE coupons

Helen Sullivan Memorial 5th Annual 1km/5km/10km Walk Run Bike or Stroll September 22, 2012

10:00 am at the Houston Senior Centre For all ages & abilities. All money raised will go towards the Houston Retirement Housing Society

Come out & support your community, see you all there!! Contact Houston Leisure Facility for Race Maps, Pledge Sheets & More Info @ 250-845-7420

NDP aims to stop Enbridge pipeline By Tom Fletcher Black Press

NDP leader Adrian Dix has found what he believes is a legal roadblock to the Enbridge Northern Gateway oil pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat. Dix announced Wednesday that if he becomes B.C. premier next spring, he will withdraw from the federal-provincial review of the pipeline that is currently underway, and launch a “made in B.C.” review of the pipeline. If that doesn’t result in rejection of the project the NDP opposes provincially and federally, Dix said the B.C. cabinet would have the final say. And if Prime Minister Stephen

Harper tries to overrule the province, the battle would shift to individual provincial permits required for river crossings and wildlife corridors in B.C., he said. Dix and NDP environment critic Rob Fleming said the B.C. Liberal government’s decision to cede control over environmental assessment to Ottawa, and then present no evidence at the federal hearings, left the province out of the discussion. Premier Christy Clark and Environment Minister Terry Lake have announced preconditions of pipeline and tanker safety, and provincial officials are scheduled to crossexamine Enbridge be-

NDP leader Adrian Dix fore the federal review panel makes its recommendation to the federal cabinet next year. Dix emphasized that the B.C. cabinet can overrule its own environmental review, just as the federal cabinet can. A provincial review of technical issues would have to be carried out to justify refusing provincial

permits, he said. Lawyer Murray Rankin was hired to advise the B.C. NDP. He said the joint review agreement with Ottawa allows B.C. to give 30 days notice and opt out, and the existence of the agreement shows that B.C. does have jurisdiction over whether the pipeline proceeds.

Dix said he wants to return B.C. to separate federal and provincial reviews of major projects, like the Prosperity gold mine near Williams Lake, where the B.C. government issued a permit, but the federal review later rejected it and spurred a costly redesign. Dix said he met Tuesday with Black Press chairman David Black, who is backing a refinery at Kitimat to process oil sands crude for shipment by sea. Dix said the idea of refining crude domestically is worth pursuing, but the Kitimat proposal doesn’t change his opposition to the Enbridge plan.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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Prices effective at all British Columbia and Alberta Safeway stores Friday, September 7, 2012 only. 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, September 5, 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 Houston girls crowned rodeo royalty Andrew Hudson Her crown came from New Mexico, but when Houston’s own Rebecca Dallaire won the first-ever Smithers Rodeo Queen contest, the moment was totally Bulkley Valley. When a stubborn sash worn by one of her fellow rodeo royalties needed a pin, it came courtesy of a spectator who happened to have a spare in his arm sling. And high among the diamond driller’s caps and Western art given out as door prizes at the Aug.18 coronation was an egg carton filled with home-made fire-starter and a bag of gardenfresh potatoes. If that sounds too homespun a prize for such a regal event, the three girls who competed this year had plenty of sparkle on their crowns, belt buckles and metallic blue riding chaps to outshine it. Dallaire’s mother Bibs says the sparkling side of the contest, which combines fashion, speaking and horsemanship events, is something best left to her daughter. “She likes shiny things,” she says with a laugh. “She’s like a magpie.” Dallaire’s father Marcel also more toward rodeo than royalty. “I think they should all have to ride a bull,” he joked. “The one who’s under 8.2 seconds gets to keep the crown!” But speaking with Dallaire and her fellow rodeo princesses Amber Gregorowich and Adele Murray, it’s clear that for them too, being rodeo royalties means more than a smile and a slow wave. Now 22 years old, Dallaire has been riding horses since before she could walk. And while she likes to show horses, Dallaire says her biggest thrill is barrel racing. “Your heart gets racing as soon as you come through the gate,” she says. “Everything happens incredibly fast—you don’t have time to make mistakes.” “If you mess up in your pattern and lose half or even a tenth of a second, that could change your position from first to fifth and your payout might not even happen.” Dallaire watches rodeo and racetrack events all over North America, keeping a sharp eye on

Rebecca Dallaire, front, rides in the Bulkley Valley Fall Fair on Aug. 22 with Amber Gregorowich, left, and Adele Murray, right. Photo by Grant Harris how different horse breeds and bloodlines are doing. Paint and quarter horses are favourites for barrel racing, she says. “They’re built to take off from a standstill into high speed, and they handle corners really well also.” Of the two, her mother Bibs says she likes paint horses best. “They say on the fifth day, God created the horse and on the sixth day he painted all the good ones.” Rodeo princess Amber Gregorowich agrees. A confident speaker who won this year’s award for speech craft, Gregorowich warns that she could talk about paints forever.

“Paint horses are my favourite breed because there one of the most versatile horses, and no two look the same,” she says. “You can do jumping, you can do barrel racing, Western pleasure, they make amazing kids’ horses, they drive, and they’re not as skittish or spooky as some other breeds.” At 23, Gregorowich has plenty of Smithers and Terrace horse shows under her belt already, but in the next two years she hopes to scout out the world show for paint horses in Fort Worth, Texas. “It’s the best of the best,” she says, adding that she would like nothing better than to win at Fort Worth with a Bulkley Valley-bred horse. “If you go down to worlds with a horse that

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

was bred in a small town and you beat some of these big shots, it’s a great feeling,” she said. Three months ago, her well-named horse Crayola had a foal that Gregorowich plans to train up in Alberta and Oklahoma. “I’m hoping she can be my world contender,” she says. The youngest of this year’s rodeo royals, Adele Murray says the contest was her first time giving a public speech, let alone a TV interview. Murray did great, says organizer Andi Houlden, picking up the award for Most Improved Public Speaker. At home, Murray keeps eight fish and a cat named Chevy along with her one and only horse, Chip. “I was on a riding lesson and I ended up riding her and fell in love,” Murray said. “I said ‘I want this one—I don’t care about any of the others.” Murray bugged her dad about Chip for years until one fine December day in 2008. “I woke up that Christmas morning and she was standing outside,” she says. Chip is a fast horse, Murray said, a thoroughbred and quarter-horse cross who is more into gymkhanas and barrel racing than showing. Murray also came to the contest without a lot of show experience, but her confidence grew after a practice session she held at her house in the weeks before. “We had good times,” she says. Each of the girls took a practice spin down a pretend “runway” that stretched from her kitchen to the living room, she added, with coaching from former Williams Lake rodeo queen Savannah Davies. As for who finally won the queen’s crown or the princess tiaras, Murray said the three friends agreed it was no big deal. “We’re all good,” she said, smiling. Smithereens got their first chance to meet their rodeo royals during the fall fair last weekend and Rodeo Queen Rebecca Dallaire will be riding a paint horse made for celebrity. “He’ll definitely be the prettiest horse there,” says Rebecca’s mother. “He’s the Ashton Kutcher of the horse world.” “He thinks he’s a male model, he really does.”

Houston Today

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

www.houston-today.com

COMMUNITY

Garden summer student gets hands dirty By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

With many helping hands, Houston’s Community Garden stayed green and mostly weed-free this summer. At 15 years old, summer student Austin Warren is younger than the usual college-aged students who take the annual position, but his boss Sandy Wetterstrom says he did a fine job. Warren worked full-

time for the Community Garden this summer, organizing barbecues and manning the garden booth at the farmers market as well as tending the garden rows. Warren even got a chance to join free yoga sessions at the garden, not as a leader, he laughed, but just a helper and sometimes photographer. And working the garden itself was rewarding, Warren said.

“Just a little bit of weed whacking or a little bit of mowing— and a lot of weeding— just makes it look so much nicer,” he said. “People appreciate that and it’s really worthwhile.” Run by Houston Link to Learning, the garden motto is “It’s not just a garden,” said Warren, explaining how its main focus is on education and people rather than plants. “It’s focused

around skill-building with families and individuals,” he said. “The garden is a way to show them handson where they get their food from and how to grow it themselves.” Still, Warren learned a lot about growing vegetables during his time at the garden, and a lot of it was from the experienced gardeners who would give him tips about various things. “I know about three ways to get rid of slugs

in your garden,” he said. When asked what he liked most about the summer position, Warren said that he enjoyed the barbecues and the appreciation people showed about his work in the garden. “I met a whole other group of people that I wouldn’t have known otherwise,” Warren shared, “And they are really nice people and I’m glad I know them.”

Falcon’s exit not the last By Tom Fletcher Black Press

Premier Christy Clark is planning a pre-election cabinet shuffle as early as next week to replace S u r r e y - C l ove rd a l e MLA Kevin Falcon and other ministers who are likely to leave. Falcon announced Wednesday he has stepped down as finance minister and won’t run in the 2013 election, because his wife is expecting a second child, at around the same time as the next B.C. budget is due. “Putting aside the timing associated with the newest addition to our family in February, I genuinely believe the premier requires a finance minister who will prepare a budget and make taxation and spending measures that he or she will be prepared to defend in the upcoming election campaign.” Clark appointed Attorney General Shirley Bond as acting finance minister, but said it is a short-term arrangement and a new cabinet lineup will be announced “in the coming days” to prepare for the May 2013 election. The second-place finisher in the 2011 B.C. Liberal Party leadership race, Falcon was appointed finance minister and deputy premier by Clark. He has overseen the windup of the harmonized sales tax, which battered the government’s popularity and pushed Gordon Campbell out of the premier’s office.

Falcon’s current budget projects that the province will balance the books again after a string of deficits that was extended to this year by the repayment of a $1.6 billion transition fund from Ottawa for adopting the HST. After being rejected in a provincewide referendum, the tax comes to an end next spring, just as the province is preparing for a scheduled election in May 2013. NDP finance critic Bruce Ralston questioned whether Falcon’s promised balanced budget can be delivered. Natural gas revenues have fallen with the price of gas this year, and Falcon’s planned sale of government assets may not come in time to generate the needed cash, Ralston said. Education Minister George Abbott, another leadership contender, said Tuesday he will soon make announcement about his political future as well. Energy Minister Rich Coleman’s future has also been the subject of speculation. In his resignation statement, Falcon praised Clark as a “great campaigner and communicator.” He wouldn’t rule out a return to politics at some point. Falcon was first elected MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale in the B.C. Liberal sweep of 2001. His first cabinet post was minister of state for deregulation, and he served as minister of health and transportation before moving to finance in March 2011.

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PASSPORTS and OTHER ID PHOTOS by Marks Photography at the Houston Public Library

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 from Noon to 5:00 p.m. ~ Wear Dark Colours ~

Area photographs will be on display and for sale.

Marks Photography Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

Topley - 250-696-3680

Aaron and Abner Wanyamah enjoy a few juicy burgers at the Houston Community Garden barbeque on Aug. 23.

www.marksbcphotos.com

Houston COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Learn about the salmon ecosystem of the Bulkley River. There will be a presentation in the Houston Community Garden (3rd and Copeland), Sat., Sept. 8 at 10:00 AM. For more information call Sandy at 845-2727. St. Anthony’s Parish in Houston will be holding its Annual Garden Party Fundraiser, Sat., Sept. 8, 12:004pm at 2001 Riverbank Drive. Please come out for some fun, music, fellowship! Tickets will be sold for food, games, face painting and more, loads & loads of prizes!! Questions: Sherry Kelly 250-845-3410/ Georgina Dotta 250-845-7775/Dawn Bishop 250845-250-845-3335. The Houston Figure Skating Club is having a registration night on Wednesday Sept. 19 at the Houston Secondary School Library at 7:00pm. Houston Community Services is 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!

Houston Public Library Events... Book Club Meeting - Wed., Sept. 5 at 7:00 pm. Grab your copy of Alan Bradley’s “A Red Herring Without Mustard” from the circulation desk. Join us on Oct. 3 as we discuss “Who Has Seen The Wind” by W. O. Mitchell. Mark Zagwyn will be taking “Passport Photos” on Sept. 6 from 12:00 to 6:00 pm. The Investor’s Group will be discussing “Tax Free Saving Accounts” on Sept. 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Information Session on the new “Interlibrary Direct System” by Toni McKilligan on Sept. 18 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. We are looking for patrons who would be interested in testing this system. Non-Instructional Day Matinee on Sept. 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Join us for a family friendly movie and popcorn as we present “The Lorax”. Admission is by donation and children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Author Eric Walters Sept. 25 at 7:00 pm. Eric Walter’s is a Canadian author of children’s literature. More information will be available soon. Phone 250-845-2256 for more info on any of the above events or to register. The Houston Public Library will be closed on September 28th and 29th as staff will be attending the North Coast Library Federation Conference in Smithers. Houston Secondary School hssweb.sd54.bc.ca

Community Calendar proudly sponsored by

Bulkley Valley CREDIT UNION HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave. P.O. Box 1480, Houston • Ph: 250-845-7117

You Belong Here

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Topley

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.

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

NTRE ks BV HOME CE an th rm ge ar M Alyssa ket Hog for buying her Mar

Carli Wardrop than

ks SALEM C ONTRACTING for buying he r

Market Steer

Houston Today

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

RRY & COMPANY Chaelle Margerm thanks PE t Hog for buying her Marke

www.houston-today.com

Jerica Reay th anks

PACIFIC INL AND RE Market Stee SOURCES r

for buying he r

ssie Brent thanks N ADINA TRUCKING for buying her Gra nd

Champion Market Hog

Topley 4-H members would like to thank their BUYERS BUYERS... ... Topley 4-H Club 2012 Bulkley Valley Exhibition Results:

Jody Siemens than

ks TURCOT T E B RO S CO N for buying he TRACTING rM

Sheep Project: Reserve Champion Market Lamb - Taylor Beck Senior Sheep Showmanship - Taylor Beck

arket Steer

& SO Nicole Dieleman thanks JP er Ste t for buying her Marke

Swine Project: Grand Champion Market Hog - Jessie Brent Reserve Champion Market Hog - Justin Brent Junior Swine Showman - Jessie Brent Senior Swine Judge - Chaelle Margerm Junior Swine Aggregate - Jessie Brent Senior Swine Aggregate - Chaelle Margerm

AST ENT. & T. Juanita Dieleman thanks BL arket Steer for buying her M ANS MOTOR PRODUCTS Taylor Beck thanks SULLIV Champion Market Lamb for buying her Reserve

STRIMBOLD

Beef Project: Top Heifer Project - Carli Wardrop Top Cow/Calf Project - Jody Siemens

Justin Brent thanks BULKLEY VA LLEY CREDIT UNION for buying his Reserve Cham pion Market Hog

Second place Senior Beef Judge - Nicole Dieleman

Taylor Belsham thanks KJM SA LES for buying his Market Steer

And the hay bales fly at BVX

4H Clubs from the area get together for a fun competition!

Trent Siemens th anks

SALEM CONTRA CTING ket Steer

for buying his M ar

By Victoria Kaiser August 24th witnessed the first ever 4-H Hay Hauling Competition at the Bulkley Valley Exhibition (BVX). 4-H members aged 6-21 years old grouped together t in teams of 5 to compete for the fastest f time through the hay-hauling obstacle course c designed and co-ordinated by BC 4-H A Ambassador Victoria Kaiser. Each member manned a different station of the course, resulting in a relay-style race with the two fastest teams facing off at the end for the grand prize. Bales flew across the beef ring at the BVX as members tossed them over saw horses, wove them around barrels in wheelbarrows, and carried them through tire obstacles one at a time until all five of the teams bales

were stacked on the other side, with the team stacked on top as well. It was a roaring success, drawing a crowd of almost 100 spectators, with 8 ﬁve-person teams competing. Members broke through club boundaries, forming teams with mixed-club members and creating an event that fostered the District 4-H Family as a whole. Two days later, people were still talking about it. “It was awesome,” commented Wendy Siemens, a leader from the Topley 4-H Club who also volunteered as a timer for the event. “It was so fun to watch, and really brought the kids together,” said Jan McLary, a leader from the Evelyn 4-H Club. Shirley Hamblin from Nadina Agri-tech Services sponsored the event as well as volunteered her time to help execute it. Prizes were additionally sponsored by Coast Mountain GM and Dairy Queen. With such a successful run this year, many hold hopes that the 4-H Hay Hauling Competition will become well established as an annual event at the Bulkley Valley Exhibition in Smithers.

44-H H Ha Hay Ha H Hauling a linng phot ph photos hot otos os by b Kr K Kristine isstine isti tiine ne H Huxtable taabl be

STRA Trichelle Reay thanks BAND Steer for buying her Market

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

NTRE ks BV HOME CE an th rm ge ar M Alyssa ket Hog for buying her Mar

Carli Wardrop than

ks SALEM C ONTRACTING for buying he r

Market Steer

Houston Today

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

RRY & COMPANY Chaelle Margerm thanks PE t Hog for buying her Marke

www.houston-today.com

Jerica Reay th anks

PACIFIC INL AND RE Market Stee SOURCES r

for buying he r

ssie Brent thanks N ADINA TRUCKING for buying her Gra nd

Champion Market Hog

Topley 4-H members would like to thank their BUYERS BUYERS... ... Topley 4-H Club 2012 Bulkley Valley Exhibition Results:

Jody Siemens than

ks TURCOT T E B RO S CO N for buying he TRACTING rM

Sheep Project: Reserve Champion Market Lamb - Taylor Beck Senior Sheep Showmanship - Taylor Beck

arket Steer

& SO Nicole Dieleman thanks JP er Ste t for buying her Marke

AST ENT. & T. Juanita Dieleman thanks BL arket Steer for buying her M ANS MOTOR PRODUCTS Taylor Beck thanks SULLIV Champion Market Lamb for buying her Reserve

STRIMBOLD

Beef Project: Top Heifer Project - Carli Wardrop Top Cow/Calf Project - Jody Siemens

Justin Brent thanks BULKLEY VA LLEY CREDIT UNION for buying his Reserve Cham pion Market Hog

Second place Senior Beef Judge - Nicole Dieleman

Taylor Belsham thanks KJM SA LES for buying his Market Steer

And the hay bales fly at BVX

4H Clubs from the area get together for a fun competition!

Trent Siemens th anks

SALEM CONTRA CTING ket Steer

for buying his M ar

44-H H Ha Hay Ha H Hauling a linng phot ph photos hot otos os by b Kr K Kristine isstine isti tiine ne H Huxtable taabl be

STRA Trichelle Reay thanks BAND Steer for buying her Market

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Houston Today

FEATURE

At right, Curtis Hamilton hangs a row of freshly caught sockeye salmon. At bottom, from left, Curtis Hamilton, Sarah Charlie, Lena Wilson, Jennifer West and Christie West stand by 200 sockeye salmon caught and cleaned on Sunday Aug. 5. Elders Charlie and Wilson are teaching young members of the Lake Babine Nation to clean, dry, smoke and can sockeye, a program that the band runs every year at the height of Babine River run at Fort Babine. “It’s coming late, but it’s very good,” said Wilson of this year’s run. Over 10 days, 1,000 sockeye will be caught at the Fort Babine fishing weir for local families. Andrew Hudson photos/Houston Today

Sockeye Catch at Fort Babine

Houston Today

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

www.houston-today.com

SPORTS

Gold at the Seniors Games

A FISH Tale Jacob helps Bev Lyons with an over 30 pound spring salmon that she recently caught in the Morice River near ByMac Park.

Photo submitted

Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

Adrian Meeuwissen training shot put for the Seniors Games on Aug. 8. By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

Two Houston competitors returned from Senior Games with gold metals. The 2012 Senior Games, Aug. 20 to 24, were much enjoyed, said Adrian Meeuwissen, one of Houston’s two competitors this year. He and his wife Jo, who is Houston’s other competitor, drove to Burnaby where the 2012 games were held

and spent the weekend there. “It was good,” said Adrian. “We had good weather, we had good competition, and good friendships.” Out of the ten track and field events that he entered, Adrian won nine metals, he said - three bronze, three silver and three gold. Adrian competed above his expectations, he said, adding that his highlights were winning gold in

triple jump and weight throw, two events that he had not done well on in previous years. Adrian also won gold in the 400 m, and took silver in 200 m and 100 m because of Norman Lesage, whose is the tenth best man in the world among the 80+ age group, said Adrian. Adrian told his competitors that it would likely be his last year in track and field, he said, because his previously injured

knee was bothering him quite a lot throughout the weekend. “I’m going to get my knee and leg checked out and go from there,” he said, adding that he might try out a different, less physical sport. Jo Meeuwissen also came back with gold from the 2000 m walking event she competed in. “We are elated with the results,” said the Meeuwissens.

Willow Grove Ladies Night

Willow Grove Men’s Night

August 28, 2012 - Number of Golfers: 22

August 29, 2012 Sponsor: Bulkley Valley Credit Union

Sponsor: Royal Bank & Countrywide Sports A Flight Low Gross: Elsi Makowichuk (44) Low Net: Karen Flynn (31) B Flight Low Gross: Dawn Szydlik (52) Low Net: Joan Lombardi (36) C Flight Low Gross: Elaine Nustad (53) Low Net: Marj Epps D Flight Low Gross: Darlene Euverman (57) Birdie Pot: Leslie Gillies $16 Par Pot: Annette & Betty Lou & Louise $4 - $1each Bogey Pot: Darlene $2 Putt Pots: A Flight Karen Flynn (15) $6 B Flight Rose & Lil $3 each C Flight Betty Lou $4 D Flight Darlene $1 A Flight Long Drive Hole #7: Sonya Bowes B Flight Long Drive Hole #8: Rose Cronin C Flight Long Drive Hole #1: Linda Bassani D Flight Long Drive Hole #8: Darlene Euverman KP on Hole#2 - Canadian 2 for 1 Pizza: Leslie Gillies KP on Hole#3 - Willow Grove: Darlene Euverman KP on Hole#5 - Babine Barge: Diane Fraser Easton KP on Hole#6 - Sunlife: Dallas Edwards Long Putt on Hole#9 - Willow Grove Ladies: Sylvia Lindaas Cow eye 1: Louise

Come and join us... ...on our great full length 9 hole course

Sunlife KP (Ron Morris): J. Mayer Food Market KP (Bob Wheaton): B. Patrick 2nd Shot KP (Everyone): W. Decooman 0-14 KP: L. Flynn 15+ KP: n/a LD: B. Mayer

Golf & Country Club Ltd. 250-845-2100

The BVDRA would like to acknowledge the following sponsors for their generous contributions. Houston Fire Dept Houston Ambulance Credit Union Paciﬁc Truck Sulivan Motor Products Nadina Truck Napa Minute Mufﬂer Country Wide Printers Houston Food Market

Pleasant Valley Cleaners ARP Collision Kermode Automotive A&W - Houston Whiskey Creek Niven Rod & Custom Town of Houston Regional Dist. of Bulkley Nechako Houston Daily & Volunteers

Pleasant Valley Plaza Bowling Centre Phone: 250-845-2298 2350 Butler Ave. pleasantvalleyplaza@yahoo.ca

Bowling News

Low Gross 0-14: 1. J. Epps 37 2. B. Patrick 38 3. P. Slaney 40

Low Net 0-14: 1. D. Kenzle 32.5 2. S. Emberly 33 3. R. Kenzle 34.5

Low Gross 15+: 1. B. Mayer 38 2. W. Decooman 39 3. A. Huls 41

Low Net 15+: 1. J. Sullivan 31 2. P. Van Bergen 32 3. M. Bowes 34.5

Sunday....... 6:30pm ...5 per team ..3 games (Mixed Team)

0-14 Birdie Pot $34: G. Kelly $10 D. Kenzle $10 J. Epps $10 P. Slaney $10

15+ Birdie Pot $24: B. Mayer $24

Tuesday ..... 9:00am....5 per team ..3 games (Coffee Team) 7:00pm ...5 per team ..3 games (Mixed)

Deuce Pot: $58 B. Mayer $28 B. Patrick $30

Wednesday.. 9:00am....4 per team ..3 games (Coffee Team) 1:00pm ...Club 55+ (Srs) - 3 games 7:00pm ...Cash - 2 per team - 4 games Both

Come and join us... ...on our great full length 9 hole course

Willow Grove Just minutes east of Houston

Number of Golfers: 39

Houston Drags

Willow Grove

Golf & Country Club Ltd. Just minutes east of Houston

250-845-2100

LEAGUE START UP September 4th, 2012

Thursday.... 7:00pm ...Cash - 2 per team - 4 games

Come out for some fun!

4BC start up - September 20th

)LMeaixguedes

More details after August 20th ~ Closed Mondays ~ Registration for 4BC & Adult Leagues Will start after August 20th

• 6 Lane 5-pin Alley • All New Pin Setters & Newly Refinished Lanes • Automated Scoring PLUS Glow in the Dark Lanes & Pins!! • Java Lounge with Large Screen TV and Free wifi

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Houston Today

COMMUNITY

UBC Grad student wins accolade for research Submitted

PhD student Kurt Smith conducts a procedure measuring blood flow to the brain on Gordon Binsted, dean of UBC’s Faculty of Health and Social Development. Both were members of the 2012 Everest Research Expedition. Smith won an international award, based on the research he conducted on the expedition. A UBC graduate student has won an international award for his work in physiology. Kurt Smith, a PhD candidate in the

School of Health and Exercise Sciences, won first place among more than 20 master’s, PhD and post-doctoral fellows making research presentations at a national conference at the University of Lethbridge recently. Smith’s presentation focused on blood flow to the brain during exercise at high altitudes. Smith was among a team of 30 researchers on the UBC-led international Everest Research Expedition last May. Smith’s work was based on the experiments conducted

at the EV-K2-CNR Pyramid Laboratory in the Kumbu Valley, Nepal at an elevation of 5,500 metres. The award is based on clarity of presentation, quality of science and capability to answer questions about the research subject. “This is a great recognition for Kurt and his research,” says Philip Ainslie, Canada Research Chair in Cerebrovascular Function in Health and Disease, associate professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences and Smith’s PhD supervisor. “It’s

good to have some acknowledgement of his effort, being the best in North America.” Smith, who is from Kelowna, says he’s pleased that his research struck a chord with his peers. “This is the kind of research that I hope will lead to improvements in people’s health and lives. This is an honour and I am extremely proud.” In addition, Smith has also published some of his earlier research in the prestigious academic magazine, Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology.

Black refinery meets mixed reactions By DeLynda Pilon PG Free Press

UBC graduate Kurt Smith has won an international award for his work in physiology. Smith was born in the Bulkley Valley and grew up in Houston.

Hwy frontage lot cleaned up By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

A new business opportunity has opened up on the vacant lot on highway 16. Steve Arky bought the commercially zoned lot on Aug.13 from Shell, and it is completely remediated and ready for construction, he says. “For the next few months, we’re perfectly willing to sell it,” Arky says, but if they don’t get their asking price by spring, they plan to build on it themselves, he added. There have been a lot of suggestions for the lot already, from a meat shop to a bakery to a produce store, and he’s not sure what will happen yet, he says. “My wife would really like to start a bakery,” he added. Arky said they have approached Tim Hortons about the lot, but were told that since about a year ago they have suspended all new starts in Canada because they are ex-

“ “It’s right dead-centre in the middle of town, right on the highway— there’s no better location in town for a business.”

- Steve Arky panding into the U.S., UK and China. “We pleaded with them, because just about every single person in town we’ve talked to wants a Hortons there,” said Arky. Other ideas keep flying around, but nothing is settled, said Arky. “It’s right deadcentre in the middle of town, right on the highway—there’s no

better location in town for a business.” “It’s a premium piece of property, and by all accounts nobody knew it was for sale,” Arky said, adding that most people assumed it was still contaminated because of the fence and Hazco sign. But after four or five months and an awful lot of paperwork and lawyers, Arky says he now owns a certificate of compliance and the papers showing that, after vapour and ground testing, the lot is clean of contaminates. “There is quite a bit of buzz about it already,” he said, adding that friends have been calling excited about the sale and glad that something is finally happening there. “Al Madigan, the owner of the A&W, he came right out and almost gave me a hug there just because we were cleaning up that lot,” said Arky. “It just cleaned the main street up,” Madigan said.

A proposal to construct a $13-billion dollar refinery in Kitimat by media mogul David Black as an end point for Enbridge pipeline bitumen has met with mixed reactions from local leaders. MLA Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, says he sees the potential of such a project, though a lot needs to happen before such a proposal becomes a reality. “I think it’s a very interesting proposal. Of course it will have to go through an environmental review, and we have to make sure corporate investors are on board,” he said. He added he expects the addition of a refinery, should the project take hold, will change the conversation around the pipeline. “It changes the dialogue of the conversation around the Northern Gateway Pipeline, especially when you get an individual such as David Black, who comes with real credibility, and who’s engaging in this project. I look forward to following it along and seeing where it goes.” Bell said he knew Black was considering the project. “Mr. Black has e-mailed myself

and Minister (Rich) Coleman over the last bit of time,” he said. “We knew he was thinking about this and thought it a was an approach to take in terms of adding value to the bitumen as well as mitigating some of the environmental risks in terms of transporting heavy oil on the ocean.” Bell added it’s a bit to early in the game to speculate on what having a refinery in Kitimat will mean to northern B.C. “There’s a lot of work to be done. I think we’re jumping a bit ahead. Mr. Black, however, suggested there may be upward of 3,000 jobs created,” Bell said. “The notion of increasing capacity of refined product in B.C I think should be attractive to the consumer as well. Refining your own oil then selling it back as oil and diesel to the consumer is likely going to create a more competitive environment for automotive fuel.” Bell added he’s disappointed by the NDP’s reaction to the announcement. “There’s a whole bunch of real interesting things that come with this,” he said. “It’s disappointing to me the NDP opposed it without knowing anything about it. I think that is worrisome. My interest and approach

is ‘tell me more.’ I’m interested in knowing more about this and what it can do for us. I think their approach shows a real lack of respect for environmental process and a lack of understanding of what needs to be done to drive the economy. If they were to form government and just say no to every major proposal that comes forward there will not be a lot of jobs in B.C. Instead there will be a high rate of unemployment.” The proposal brought forward by David Black is certainly ambitious, but it is unclear whether he will be able to commandeer the supply of oil from Enbridge and the foreign partners involved in the Northern Gateway Project,” said NDP energy critic John Horgan in a press release. “It remains to be seen whether it’s a pipe-dream or if it is a credible plan with realistic price tags and capacity.” Horgan said if it ever manages to get off the ground, it would still have to follow a rigorous environmental process and full consultation with First Nations. New Democrat MLA for Skeena Robin Austin said seeing as there is no change to the level of risk with the pipeline, then the pipeline should still not move

forward. “There is nothing wrong with the principle of trying to add value or economic benefit to the project, but the potential for disaster with the pipeline is unchanged,” said Austin. “Northern communities know the risks are too great, and that’s why they oppose the project.” Terry Teegee, Carrier Sekani tribal council chief said the addition of a refinery is immaterial to him. The pipeline, he added, will still be crossing First Nations land. The risks, he said, are just too high. “They have that recent ad of 99.99 per cent of safety success rate,” Teegee said. “We got a guarantee of 100 per cent. Don’t build the thing, and we’d like to see Christy Clark say the same thing. Don’t build the thing.” Paul Stanley with Enbridge said building or not building a refinery really has no affect on building the pipeline. “What we’ve been saying is that it’s not something that would impact the Northern Gateway project,” Stanley said. “If Mr. Black is successful he’ll still need a pipeline to move crude oil from Alberta to Kitimat. It’s an interesting idea but it really has no impact on the project.”

Houston Today Wednesday, September 5, 2012

www.houston-today.com 15

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OLESEN, KARL ERIK: Born August 18, 1954 in Prince George, BC passed away in Williams Lake, BC on August 21, 2012. He leaves behind to mourn, his loving parents, Agner and Alice Olesen, his brothers, Allan and Harry, his sister Linda and his two nieces, Candace & Sandra. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, September 7, 2012 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church at 3590 Dufferin Avenue, Prince George, BC. In lieu of ﬂowers, please make donations to the Parkinson’s Society BC or the charity of your choice.

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

MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1-888-744-3699

VISITING ARIZONA for the Winter? Meridian RV Resort. Good Sam-Trailer Life Top 100 RV Resorts in America. Check us out at www.meridianrvresort.com or call 866770-0080.

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LAW of attraction, success and money making secrets revealed by Wealthy Benefactor. Incredibly powerful life changing information. Call Lorne for your free CD (250) 513-0243.

COMMERCIAL BEEKEEPING Certiﬁcate Program. GPRC Fairview Campus, Alberta. Extensive study of beekeeping, queen rearing and honey business. Paid work experience. Affordable oncampus residences. Starts January 7, 2013. 1-780-8356630; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview

Also, participate to win one of 10 prizes totalling $1000! www.yourinsights.ca

CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program. Stop mortgage and maintenance Payments today. 100% Money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

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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.

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

Our classified ads are on the net! Check it out at www.bcclassified.com Cards of Thanks

Thank you! to the Yard Sale Crew

for raising $40,560.59 at the Annual Yard Sale, 2012 AWG Northern Industries Inc. is currently seeking a full-time, permanent Financial Controller Reporting to the Chief Financial Of¿cer and responsible for overseeing and managing the accounting operations of AWG Northern Industries and af¿liate companies. Duties including but not limited to: Management • Oversee the operations of the accounting department, including setting and achieving department’s goals and objectives • Oversee the accounting operations, accounting staff, transaction-processing operations, control policies and procedures Reporting • Timely issuance of ¿nancial statements • Coordination and preparation of corporate returns • Recommend benchmarks to measure the ¿nancial performance of company operations • Manage the production of the annual budgets and forecasts • Coordinate and issue ad-hoc ¿nancial and management reports • Provide ¿nancial analysis as needed Compliance • Coordinate and prepare year end information to external auditors for the annual audit • Monitor bank debt covenants • Comply with local, provincial and federal government reporting requirements and tax ¿lings Additional Information The successful candidate will have: • Post-secondary education in Accounting, Finance, Business or other related ¿eld • Hold a recognized Canadian accounting designation (CA, CGA or CMA) • Prior experience in a controllership or public accounting role is preferred • Prior experience in/related with the construction, renovation or building verticals industries would be an asset • Strong computer skills including a superior understanding of the Microsoft Of¿ce Suite, especially MS Excel is required • Working knowledge of Microsoft Great Plains is desirable • Exceptional organizational skills and precise attention to detail are essential • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Strong team player, motivated self-starter with the ability to work under minimal supervision to provide consistent and reliable results Interested applicants please forward resume and cover letter in con¿dence to: Sean Endacott AWG Northern Industries Box 850, 3424 Hwy 16 E, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 Fax (250) 877-7610 seane@awgni.com www.all-westglass.com

Proceeds from the sale will be divided 50-50 between Houston Hospice and buying food for the Salvation Army food bank Those who helped: Kathy Odine Henk and Suzanne Buter Sandy Lokken Beau Wilson Marcel Dallaire

Halle Wilson Julie Reeves Steve Wilson Eric Perrault Tom Barden

Cordella Carroll Melinda Neufeld Ian Hall Karlene Mackinzie

A special thanks to Bev Lyons and Daljit Jaswal for keeping the crew fed all weekend!

Those who donated: Houston Salvation Army Darrell and Sandi Merriman Tom Bosche Mark and Renee Smaill 123 Let’s Play Kim Marks Gay Marks Dave and Heather Banks Kevin and Lisa Horsnell Dave Ketchell Smithers Storage Betty Dumonkos Jim Anderson Jason and Lori McEwen Pete and Linda Bodnar Shannon Scott Henk and Suzanne Buter Dave and Irene Barden The Christian Reform Church Aloma Vielleux Marshall and Donna Duzan Julie Reeves Doris Tompkins Frank Stanga H. Vanerheide Marilyn Nicolussi Mary McMartin Mrs. Parmar James and Miellisa Mackowichuk Norren Scott The Reitsma Families Ann Hols Milan Lacika Pete and Ann Baggerman Jen Epps Dennis and Denise Hotte Rick and Doreen Van Rhijn Clarence and Sharon Meints Sonny and Barb Perkins Sylvia Salze-Lindaas Carrie Earp Ivan and Jan Christianson Marie Rieder

Kelby Trottier Marty Johnson Jerry and Diane Vanderwijk Brian and Rosann Pedersen Olaf and Gloria Halvorson Clyde and Barb Barden Myrna Himech Ron and Melinda Neufeld Morgan Edwards Ivo and Anna Perlotto John and Bev Emberley Mike and Jocelyn Rourke Jim and Glenn Proctor Reg and Yvonne Marcotte Mryna Manthorne Dwayne and Jackie Gerow Houston Chamber of Comm. Bob and Yvonne Wheaton Dana and Kris Chelsberg United Church Roger and Camille Trottier Jean MacKenzie Lee Nustad Tom and Rachelle Barden Mary Ann Ruiter Ian and Carrie Wardrop Al Annis Sievert and Marie Vanderwijk Bob and Myrna Lieuwen Angie Esselink Karl Prins Bears Paw Inn Shannon Clarke Stephen and Rhona Healey Tony and Marilyn Kerr Les and Susan Auston Joan Lombardi Mike Andrews Korena McLoy Finning Tractor Inland Kenworth Ken and Haley Halvorson Laurence Spence

Rilla Middleton Tena Neufeld Al Johnson R. and J. Delege Waste Management Ian Hall Mary Reeves Jillian Standbridge Vince Ross Bernard and Mary Johnson Gary and Shelly Hay Dave McKilligan Tom Schnieder Todd and Amanda Clee Jerry and Jackie Viellette Robert Anderson Ian and Elaine Hamblin Michaella Brown Pat Rozenberg Joanne Lecomte Daljit Jaswal Pleasant Valley Restaurant Sherry Fitch Rhonda Anderson Ivan Schoﬁeld Linda Potvin Irvin Himech Barden Contracting R and A Enterprises Ray and Ceri Siemens Ebony Eakin Charlie Reitsma James and Sharon McEwen Brian and Carol Wilson Darlene Prins Relay for Life Teams Stan Imrie/Laura Lynch Tom and Sue Stringfellow Dennis and Tracey Opdendries Heide DeTeeves Houston Today All those who donated anonymously

We apologize to anyone whose name we have missed or misspelled.

Thank you to everyone in the area who comes out to support Houston by purchasing items at the Yard Sale!!

16 www.houston-today.com

Where to Worship Anglican Church of St. Clement 2324 Butler Ave., Box 599, Houston 250-845-4940

Services are: 10:30 a.m. Sundays

St. Anthony’s First United Catholic Church Church 2001 Riverbank Drive, Box 819, Houston

2106 Butler Ave., Houston Phone: 845-2841 • Fax: 845-2823

Services at Tolentino 11 a.m. Fr. Rectorino

Pastoral Assistant: Ronnie Cruz (Houston) Contact: (Marianne

Mass: Sunday 11:30 a.m. Dekker) 250-845-2282 Weekly activities or events announced as they occur. or 778-816-0039

HOUSTON First United PENTECOSTAL CHURCH Church 2024 Riverbank Drive, Box 597, Houston 2106 Butler Ave., Houston

Phone: 845-2678 • Pastor: Mike McIntyre

Services at 11 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 amContact: Sunday Prayer (Marianne Meeting: 6:30 pm Dekker) Sunday 250-845-2282 School: 9:45 am or Everyone 778-816-0039 Welcome

GuruHOUSTON Nanak Sikh PENTECOSTAL CHURCH Temple Association 2024 Riverbank Drive, Box 597, Houston

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 Houston Today

Employment

Education/Trade Schools

21 WEEK HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Prepare for a Career in Heavy Equipment Operation. Introducing our new Apprenticeship Program which includes:

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options. Apply online! IHEschool.com 1-866-399-3853 KNOW SOMEONE with a WCB claim? Retraining for a high-paid career with Canada’s best heavy equipment operator school, job placement assistance, $70K+ per year. Limited seating, government licensed. Talk to your WCB worker about funding then call 1-866-963-4766; www.heavymetaltraining.com LEARN FROM Home. Earn from home. Medical Transcriptionists are in demand. Lots of jobs! Enroll today for less than $95 a month. 1-800-466-1535 www.canscribe.com admissions@canscribe.com

• • •

ITA Foundation ITA HEO Theory Multi Equipment Training (Apprenticeship hours logged) Certiﬁcates included are: • Ground Disturbance Level 2 • WHMIS • Trafﬁc Control • First Aid Reserve your seat for August 13, 2012. Taylor Pro Training Ltd at 1-877-860-7627 www.taylorprotraining.com

Help Wanted

Employment

Help Wanted

Trades, Technical

Volunteers

An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilﬁeld road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

ALBERTA BASED Company looking for qualiﬁed & experienced: Equipment Operators, Mulcher, Feller Buncher & Processor Operators. Out of town & camp work. Safety tickets & drivers abstract required. Email resume: jobs@commandequipment.com Fax 780-488-3002.

Forestry Hooktender/Spotter Required. Prefer experience but will to train. Must be physically ﬁt, able to work all weather conditions. Fax:250-503-1148 Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Fax resumes to: 780-725-4430

Experienced Fallers and QSTs Cabo Drilling Corp is searching for experienced Fallers and QSTs to supervise projects in Panama that include pad cutting and platform building. Individual contractors are encouraged to apply. These positions offer a competitive day rates and emergency medical insurance. All travel and board paid for. Please forward resume in con¿dence to: jamesg@cabo.ca

Eavestrough

Houston, V0J11:00 1Z0 Sunday WorshipBC Service: amPhone: 250-845-2705 Sunday Prayer Meeting: 6:30 pm Sunday Singh School: 9:45 am Santokh Manhas Everyone Welcome 250-845-2217

Guru Nanak Sikh Houston Fellowship Temple BaptistAssociation Church 3790 C.R.Box Matthews P.O. 1784,Rd. Pastor: Larry Houston, BCBallantyne V0J 1Z0

Sunday Service - 10:30 am Phone: 250-845-2705 Santokh Singh Manhas Everyone Welcome! 250-845-2217 Phone: 250-845-7810

Houston Fellowship Houston Christian Baptist ReformedChurch Church

250-846-5509

Bulkley Valley Eavestroughing - Telkwa Serving the Bulkley Valley for over 16 years Willy Verhelst

Kennels Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. is seeking qualified “chip truck”drivers for immediate openings in Houston BC. We offer steady longterm employment and a very competitive compensation package. The successful candidates must have “clean” drivers abstract and good references as well as experience with “Super B” train chip vans. Please send resume and drivers abstract to: Fax: (250) 314-1750, E-mail: delliott@arrow.ca or Call 877- 700- 4445

C.R.St.,Matthews Rd. 19593790 Goold Box 6, Houston Pastor: Larry Ballantyne 250-845-7578

Sunday Service - 10:30 ~am ~ Everyone Welcome! Everyone Welcome! Services: Phone: 250-845-7810 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

Houston Christian Houston Canadian Reformed Reformed Church Church SUNDAY 1959 Goold St.,SERVICES: Box 6, Houston 10:00 AM AND 2:30 PM 250-845-7578 Pastor Hendrik Alkema

~(hendrik.alkema@canrc.org) Everyone Welcome! ~ Ofﬁce Phone: 845-3537 Services: ~ Everyone Welcome ~ 10:00 am & 7:00 pm 3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston

Houston Canadian AttendChurch the Reformed

church of your choice

SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 AM AND 2:30 PM Pastor Hendrik Alkema (hendrik.alkema@canrc.org) Ofﬁce Phone: 845-3537 ~ Everyone Welcome ~ 3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston

Eavestrough

Continuous Aluminum Gutters

Phone: 845-2678 • Pastor:1784, Mike McIntyre P.O. Box

• DRILLERS • BLASTERS • POWDERMEN • CONCRETE LABOURERS VK MASON Local Union Underground Contractor is seeking experienced labor for remote camp job near Kitimat. Looking to hire immediately! Please contact Ashley Halden at 778-724-2500 or ashley.halden@ vkmason.ca

CERTIFIED MILLWRIGHTS needed for growing northern company. Competitive wages and benefits. Safety tickets necessary. Fax resume to 250-775-6227 or email: info@torqueindustrial.com www.torqueindustrial.com OFA Level 3 Attendants needed on a permenant full time basis, in the Terrace,Kitimat and Prince Rupert Area Send resume and certifications Attention: DL Martin cso@frfirstaid.com Benefit package available.

Help Wanted

Cabo Drilling Corp. - Panama

CERTIFIED ELECTRICIANS wanted for growing northern company. Competitive wages and beneﬁts. Safety tickets needed. Fax 250-775-6227 or email: info@torqueindustrial.com www.torqueindustrial.com

The British Columbia Press Council

Kennels

Services • Heavy Duty Mechanics • Automotive Mechanics or • Millwrights (engine exp. an asset) The successful candidate will be operating a service vehicle in Fox Creek, Northern Alberta. Must be willing to work overtime. Exp. in natural gas compression is an asset. The successful candidate is not required to reside in Fox Creek, shift work negotiable. We Offer Top Competitive Wages, Beneﬁt Plan & Performance Bonuses. E-mail resume to: jobs@ advantage-engine.ca or fax to: (1)780-622-4409 QUALITY CONTROL Person experienced with Piping and Structural Welding needed for a growing northern company. Competitive wages & beneﬁts. Please email resume to: info@torqueindustrial.com Fax 250-775-6227 or apply online: www.torqueindustrial.com

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is seeking three persons to serve as public directors on its 11-member Board of Directors. Public Directors serve two-year terms and are eligible to serve four terms. A nominal per diem is paid for meetings. Candidates should have a record of community involvement and an interest in print and online media issues. Applications together with names of two references and telephone numbers should be submitted by Sept. 30, 2012, to: The B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. See www.bcpresscouncil.org for information about the Press Council.

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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 immediate openings in Houston as well as Smithers, of Part-Time Community Support Worker and Casual Support Staff. 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, fax: (250) 847-2261 or in person at 3439 Fulton Avenue, Smithers, BC. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please indicate which town you are applying for.

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Houston Today Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Silver Coins etc. Available now: 250-863-3082

www.houston-today.com 17

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NOTICE TO REMOVE PRIVATE LAND FROM WOODLOT LICENCE WL184

Real Estate

Please be advised that Englemann Enterprises Ltd is proposing to remove 40.1 hectares of private land from Woodlot Licence WL184 located in the vicinity of Summit Lake north of Mount Harry Davis.

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Inquiries/comments to this proposal must be submitted to Englemann Enterprises Ltd, Box 1073, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 by October 5, 2012. Only written inquiries received by the above date will be responded to. Information about this proposal can be obtained by contacting Doug McRae RPF, ph 250-845-2550.

Houston Today

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Pursuant to the Local Government Act, notice is hereby published of the District’s intention to provide assistance to the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce by entering into an agreement to lease the Chamber building and a portion of property in Steelhead Park where the Chamber Building is situated on in District Lot 622, Range 5, Coast District, Park dedicated by Plan PRP41845 approximate. The term of the proposed lease is for five years, from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2017, and the lease cost shall be One ($1.00) Dollar. Under the term of the proposed lease agreement, the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce is entitled to the exclusive use of the Chamber building and lands on which it is situated. Any persons wishing to make comments regarding this lease, may do so in writing, or in person, prior to Friday, September 7, 2012 at 5:00pm to the Municipal Office at 3367 - 12th Street, Houston, B.C. Linda Poznikoff, Chief Administrative Officer District of Houston, Box 370, Houston, B.C. V0J lZ0 Phone: 250-845-2238

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Houston Today

FEATURE

Archeological excavating By Andrew Hudson Houston Today

tanding on what was once the floor of a longhouse in Carrier village built by the mouth of the Babine River, archeology student Adam Kantakis bends to point out a corner of folded birchbark just visible in the freshly dug soil. If lab tests on the birchbark and other organic materials found at the village site this summer prove at least as old as those found during a smaller 2009 excavation nearby, the longhouse may be 1,500 years old or older. Kantakis, one of several graduate students working under UNBC professor Farid Rahemtulla, says the birchbark is likely the corner of what was once large container, about three feet wide at the mouth, that Carrier peoples used to store smoked salmon, berries and other household goods. It is one of some 400 artifacts recovered from the site so far on a dig funded by the Lake Babine Nation. Some, like the remnants of a brick oven, may date to a time before contact between European settlers and the first nations peoples who fished and hunted in the Babine and Nilkitkwa watersheds. Others, like a Hudson’s Bay Company harmonica, a cigar cutter, and a flint-fired musket ball, likely date from as recently as the late 1790s. While it’s too early to say for sure, luxury items like the harmonica, trade beads and others suggest that the riverside village, rich in salmon, was a major and perhaps wealthy hub for Babine peoples. “We’ve only done a small part of it,” Kantakis said late last month. “And we’re down to the last two, three days of excavation.” Professor Rahemtulla, who was invited by the LBN to lead led the first excavation in the area in 2009, says the 40 square metres that the team dug the summer is just the

“

“It’s unusual to see a village this large in the northern interior... But it doesn’t mean there aren’t more here, it’s just that we haven’t explored it yet.” - UNBC professor Farid Rahemtulla

start of what could be done. “It’s unusual to see a village this large in the northern interior,” Rahemtulla said. “But it doesn’t mean there aren’t more here,” he added. “It’s just that we haven’t explored it yet.” Rahemtulla explained that except for a pair of 8,000 and 10,000 year-old sites near Prince George and some excavations near Hagwiliget, very little archaeological excavation has been done in northern B.C. Dating artifacts and running a large dig team is expensive work, he said, and tends to cluster along older, coastal sites or closer to the large universities in the Lower Mainland. That fact alone makes excavating the Babine River fishing village exciting, but Rahemtulla believes it may also be unique for other reasons. Like a similar village site at Lilloet, along the Fraser River, Rahemtulla believes the Babine village may stand at a kind of sweet spot—a place where the salmon have shed just enough fat in their journey back to their spawning grounds that they are perfect for preserving. “This may be one of those places—I don’t know,” he said. “Right now it’s just a hunch.”

Rahemtulla said his team can make a few interpretations on-site, but most of the work will happen over the rest of the year, as they do mass-spectrometry dating tests and run sketches of the excavated walls into a 3D computer model. “We’re here for a few weeks, but we’ll spend months and months analyzing it.” And no one has excavated a longhouse like this in the interior before, says student Cory Hackett. With its long rectangular shape, it seems to have a far more coastal style, rather than the round pit houses that so far seem more typical in interior B.C.. Even before man-made spawning channels were installed at Pinkut Creek and Fulton River, the Babine/ Nilkitkwa system makes it the largest natural lake in B.C. and has likely supported a large number of salmon for hundreds of years. Behind him, fisheries workers with the Lake Babine Nation work a steel weir that works not too differently than the wooden weirs that the first nation used up until 1906—a fence that spanned the river with several platforms where fishermen would stand and use dip nets. According to the so-called Barricade Treaty, members of the LBN were forced to move upriver to the current site of Fort Babine in 1906, and their wooden weir dynamited two years later to meet the demands of commercial fisheries in the lower Skeena. “The argument was that downriver there wasn’t enough salmon,” Hackett said. “But that wasn’t the problem. The problem was fishery management.” A strong salmon run likely explains why the longhouse depression that the UNBC team is excavating is just one of several along a 700-metre stretch of the riverbank. But Hackett said that at this point, the team has a lot of work to do—the story behind the longhouse’s coastal features, for example, is still far from explained. “Really, we don’t know why,” he said. “It’s unexplored territory.”

Houston Today

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

www.houston-today.com

Babine River Fishing Village: Previous page: UNBC professor Farid Rahemtulla stands in front of the excavation site on the Babine River. Left: Archeology students sift through dirt from the site to find artifacts. Below: Farid Rahemtulla and students digging for artifacts and clues for their research. Some 400 artifacts have been recovered from the site so far on a dig funded by the Lake Babine Nation. Andrew Hudson photos/ Houston Today

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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