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PROPERTY VALUES RISE P. 3 EDITORIAL P. 6
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OUTDOORS BE PREPARED P. 8 MINOR HOCKEY WEEK P. 9-12
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Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Former resident selected for space mission
Sam Redding Omineca Express Marina Miral was born in Vanderhoof and has been shortlisted to join the Mars One program which could land on the red planet in 2025. Miral is a fiction novelist and one of 1,058 people selected to participate in the program which is planning to send only a handful of people into space in 2024. The plan is to keep sending the right individuals in small groups every two years to a total of 40 people, enough to establish a colony on Mars. Miral has yet to find out whether she will make it onto the next stage of the selection process. The Mars One program will eventually host a series of challenges that will be broadcast
and used to help fund the program and weed out the contestants. Miral found out she was chosen on Dec. 30 in the morning. “I had never been more excited,” she said. “I was shaking, I couldn’t sit down. I paced around the house for two days… It’s made my whole year, it’s made my whole life. I don’t know why they chose me, but I hope they see something in me that maybe I don’t.” Miral is a hardcore trekkie whose love for science fiction was part of the forces that drove her to apply for the Mars One program. She lived in Vanderhoof until she was eight years old and continues to visit the community since she still has family in the area. “They’re really excited and super supportive,” said Miral about her family. “I’m really blessed. They probably are worried but right now they’re not showing it.” In her application video Miral talks about her love of science fiction and how when she was younger all she wanted to do was join Starfleet Academy, a training ground for astronauts and adventurers in the Star Trek universe. She also says that she likes living in cramped quarters, would dedicate herself completely to the mission and even if she died en route or in orbit
it would still have been worth it for her. There are critics who ask whether the science or technology is feasible, and whether the funding, only $116,654 so far out of a proposed $4 billion that will be needed, will ever reach its
goal. To these critics Miral says “I don’t share those concerns, in fact I urge everybody not to listen to the critics because if we listened to them that’s what makes it come true. If everyone gets behind Mars One I think
there’s nothing that can stop it from happening.” The next step for Miral is to just wait and see what happens. The program will contact her soon, the interview process will begin, and the next step in her journey to Mars will be made.
Close call but good game for Viqueens
Olivia Brophy looks for an opening during the game on Jan. 3. The Senior NVSS team lost a close game, 56-57, against College Heights.
Community Telephone Directory 2014
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Stuart/Nec
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Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser, Cluculz Lake, Tachie and area ADverTise your business or serviCe in The Telephone DireCTory. There are several options: * Choose from a Line Listing, Bold Line Listing or Super Bold Line Listing in the white pages * choose from a Line Listing, Bold Line Listing or a Super Bold Line Listing in the back section of the directory listings er by Couri shed Publi Caledonia ress & imo DiMass anne e by Dy
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NEWS
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Omineca Express
Local business leader wins award
George Lacerte is a resident of Fraser Lake whose business, LHI Tutl’it Services Inc. has been active in the community and Prince George for over five years. He recently won a citation for the Aboriginal Business Awards for Joint Venture business
of the year. He started LHI Tutl’it and since it partnered with Stephen Bros. Contracting and TBD Consulting in 2008 it has grown in size and stability. “I’m proud but it’s mostly due to the hard work, efficiency and dedication of our employees,” said Lacerte.
“I share it with them. Plus I share it with their wives and their families because a lot of the time they’re away from home working in other parts of the province. It’s definitely a contribution from all our employees and our families.” He attended the
awards ceremony on December 5, 2013 in Vancouver. LHI Tutl’it is a company heavily involved in resource management in the area. It has contracts with BC
Hydro and logging companies and Lacerte has said that they would be interested in working on the Liquified Natural Gas pipeline “which is destined to come through our territory, it’s work that hits close to home for sure.” Lacerte is a member of the Nadleh Whut’en band and he strives to make sure that his workforce is always First Nations friendly. “Whenever we go into another territory we always try to make use of the First Nations subcontractors in the area,” said Lacerte. “There’s a good opportunity for First Nations here, we’re run well to compete with the other businesses that are out there and we definitely try to use them when we go into their territories but we have a very stable crew so we’re never having to lay anyone off to hire others.”
CORRECTION
In our December 18th issue of the Omineca Express we had an In Memoriam which read Ronald L. Bodie (not Brodie). We apologize for our error.
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS The dates and locations of the Regular Board Meetings of the Board of Education of School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) for the months of January and February 2014 are as follows: January 13, 2014 Video-conference February 17, 2014 School Board Office, Vanderhoof, BC Designated sites for video-conferencing are: Lakes District Secondary School, Fort St. James Secondary School, Fraser Lake Elementary-Secondary School, and the District Training Centre located in the W.L. McLeod Elementary School. These meetings will commence at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public are invited to attend. Darlene Turner Secretary-Treasurer
Mill fire cause undetermined The cause of the Dec. 19, 2013 mill fire which destroyed the Northern Forest Products Ltd. mill on Tachie Road has been ruled “undetermined.” Fort St. James Fire Chief Mike Navratil said the structure was fully involved when fire crews arrived shortly after the 6 a.m. call by a resident from across Stuart Lake who could see the blaze. Sixteen firefighters worked for four hours to contain the blaze, and kept it from spreading. The mill squared logs for transport but no employees were on site when the fire started and Navratil said there had only been a cleanup crew working the night before, with no mill equipment operating during the night and no
recent welding. The mill employed around 10 people directly. The mill was the second small mill owned by KDL Group to burn in 2013, after the fence post mill also on Tachie Road burned back in April of this year. The fence post mill was not rebuilt. The more recent fire caused electrical impacts on the local ski hill as well, as the ski hill is located just up the hill from the destroyed mill. The Murray Ridge Ski Area had attempted to open up for the holiday skiers after a good snowfall, but had to shut down again after a short in the line reportedly shut down the t-bar tow. The issue was resolved later in the week.
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Omineca Express Wednesday, January 8, 2014
INSIDE NEWS
Express
the
IEditorial NDEX ......................... 6
Nechako Notes ........... 13 Classifieds ............. 14-15
FLYERS
Ventin Vitamins Alice Chung-Alive
BRIEFLY Peace on rise Homicide in Canada went down in 2012 according to Statistics Canada. The decrease is noticeable mostly in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. With B.C. showing 16 fewer homicides. StatsCan also reports that 84 per cent of victims were killed by someone they knew.
Legebokoff voire dire The trial of accused serial killer Cody Legebokoff will continue on in 2014. A voire dire for the accused serial killer has been underway in Prince George since October of last year. A voire dire is a “trial within a trial” which examines which evidence will be admissible during the actual trial proceedings and if the accused’s Charter rights were violated at all during the course of the investigation. Because the voire dire reveals important but possibly inadmissible evidence, a publication ban prohibits the coverage of what is revealed in those proceedings. Legebokoff will likely face a trial by jury this year, and is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Loren Donn Leslie, Jill Stuckenko, Cynthia Maas, and Natasha Montgomery. The women disappeared between 2009 and 2010, and Legebokoff was arrested after a chance encounter with a member of the RCMP on Highway 27, when he saw Legebokoff pulling out of an unused logging road at night. The 10-month investigation then led to the three additional murder charges.
NEWS
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RCMP investigate fatal motor vehicle incident near Fraser Lake Fraser Lake RCMP were called to the scene of a serious motor vehicle incident at approximately 1:30 a.m. on December 22, 2013. A single vehicle traveling east on Highway 16, 34 kilometres west of Fraser Lake, collided with a moose. Emergency services, local Fire and Rescue and Fraser Lake RCMP attended to the scene and located two occupants in the small passenger vehicle.
The passenger, a 43 year old female, suffered life threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female driver suffered serious life threatening injuries and has since been transported to the Vancouver General hospital where she is in critical condition. Both occupants were from Burns Lake.
Fraser Lake RCMP and North District Traffic Services continue to investigate and a preliminary survey of the scene indicated the moose suddenly appeared from the ditch and jumped in front of the oncoming vehicle. The highway was closed temporarily for investigative purposes and removal of the vehicle but was soon re-opened to traffic.
Animal collisions at peak Sam Redding Omineca Express There has been a sharp increase in animal collisions this winter and several residents have been keeping track and trying to change things. Neil Helland lives by Saranovich Road and he said that there have been six accidents within six weeks near that road. Helland is just worried about preventing accidents in the future. There are three high collision areas in Vanderhoof according to Helland: McCall Hill, Braeside Road to 12 Mile Hill and Saranovich Road. The Ministry of Transportation has acknowledged that these problem areas exist and are working on placing more signage up sometime but whether the winter will prevent them from doing so is another story. “We have convinced highways to erect a couple signs, they’re not really the best of signs but it’s a start,” he said. “$34 million was spent last year
on collisions with animals. In our region, there’s something like 140 accidents, three deaths.” But Helland would like to see more than that, although the signs are a step in the right direction, especially if they have the blinking lights on them. Helland recommends a few practices be included in the ICBC driver’s guide which has little to no information on animal collisions or safety: • if you see one deer on your right, you better be looking left to see the others • always watch to see what the first car in the line is doing, as well as the car ahead of you of course • if you see the lights flicker on the car ahead of you it means that something has crossed the road Helland has never been an accident near those roads himself because he and his family are very aware of the problem and they try to slow down long before. Helland has a few more suggestions for transportation authorities: signs to reduce the speed limit
Property values rise Property assessments are up slightly across most of B.C., with dips in average residential values in the Okanagan and on Vancouver Island. The biggest increases were in the Northwest and Peace River regions, where total residential value rose about 10 per cent as natural gas and other industrial development picks up speed. The B.C. Assessment Authority released its 2014 property assessment rolls Thursday, showing continued slight growth in total property values in most regions of B.C. The value of all property in B.C. rose 1.27 per cent, despite declines in most regions for farm, recreational and managed forest land. In the Prince George area, values increased or stayed the same, with Mackenzie and Burns Lake seeing the largest rises in assessed values. “Most home owners in the Prince George Assessment Area will see changes in the minus five percent to plus 15 per cent range,” said Geoff Radtke, Deputy Assessor with the North Region. In Fort St. James, the average assessed value for single family residential homes rose
1.2 per cent from $166,000 to $168,000. Vanderhoof saw an increase of 6.5 per cent, while Mackenzie saw the largest increase in the area, with a rise in value of 19.2 per cent, from $125,000 to $149,000 in 2014. The total value of commercial properties on the assessment roll increased 1.87 per cent in Fort St. James, from $40,579,000 to $41,338,000. Vanderhoof saw an increase of 9.12 per cent, from $96,739,00 to $105,560,000. Mackenzie commercial property on the assessment roll went up 2.3 per cent from $69,478,000 to $71, 092,000. In the Lower Mainland, most residential values showed modest increases, from almost flat on the North Shore to 1.61 per cent in Vancouver, 0.68 in North Fraser, 1.98 per cent in SurreyWhite Rock and 1.53 per cent in the Fraser Valley. RichmondDelta recorded the only decline in the region, with residential total value down 0.15 per cent. In Southern Vancouver Island, total residential property value fell 2.69 per cent, with similar decreases for recreational and farm property. Central Van-
couver Island residential property slipped 1.31 per cent, with similar decreases in industrial, recreational and farm property and a 2.67 per cent rise in business property. Penticton region residential property is down 0.94 per cent, with a similar dip in farm value. Kelowna also had about a one per cent drop in farm value, with residential value steady compared to 2013. Residential value held steady in the Cariboo region, with declines recorded in industrial, farm and forest land. The largest moves in the 2014 assessment roll were for managed forest land, which showed a jump of 15.3 per cent in the Fraser Valley and drops of 10 per cent or more in other regions. Rod Bealing, executive director of the Private Forest Landowners Association, said the value reflects fluctuations in the price of logs, with property value lagging the timber market by several years. Assessments for regions and individual properties are available at www.bcassessment.ca, where property owners can find information on appealing their assessment for property tax purposes.
earlier as one enters Vanderhoof. Before the slow to 70 km/h signs he would like to have slow to 80 km/h signs further east. Helland would also like to see shallower ditches on the sides of the highway. He admitted that this would probably be expensive but if the ditches had a more gradual slope than deer wouldn’t be able to hide in them. According to ICBC Crash data there have been 2,247 animal collisions in the Nechako district between 2006 and 2010 and 1,289 in the Lakes District. Of all those over half are deer collisions, moose collisions make up most of the other half that is shared with various other animals as well. The crash data suggests that the collisions peak between 6 and 9 p.m. at night and again at 6 a.m. with most collisions occurring in October and November for rest of the province but in the Nechako area most of the collisions actually occur in December. These figures cannot be completely accurate however since Helland himself has found carcasses in fields and gullies after the snow has melted because the injured animals often manage to get off the highway before they die.
St. John Hospital Auxiliary Society 2013 Raffle
Early Bird Winner Lil Ketlo - Fort Fraser Prize - Child size picnic table donated by Ross Williams 1st Prize Winner - Neil Helland, Vanderhoof Prize - Quilt donated by Fraser Lake Quilter’s Guild 2nd Prize Winner - Jim Ford, Vanderhoof Prize - Afghan donated by A. Thiessen 3rd Prize Winner - Fred Thiessen, Vanderhoof Prize - Doll House donated by D. Cutts 4th Prize Winner - Flo MacIsaac, Vanderhoof Prize - Food Hamper donated by Vanderhoof Co-op Thank you to all who supported the Auxiliary over the past year. Money raised goes towards a bursary for a student going on in the medical field.
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Walter Strong Lakes District News
Express
NEWS
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Omineca Express
New Gold caution issued
The recent drop in the market value of gold has caused New Gold Inc. to caution a possible delay of its Blackwater gold mine project southwest of Vanderhoof. Originally projected with a potential construction start of as early as 2015, New Gold said in a Dec. 12, 2013 feasibility report that mine construction would have to wait until market conditions improve. Market conditions do not currently support construction start. “The combination of gold being down by over $500 per ounce since we completed the preliminary economic assessment for Blackwater in September of 2012 and our Rainy River project having a more
modest capital requirement, results in our primary objective being the advancement of Rainy River,” said New Gold executive chairman Randall Oliphant. Rainy River is a New Gold project west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Like the Blackwater project, Rainy River is in pre-application stages for its provincial and federal environmental applications. Despite this cautionary announcement, New Gold will proceed with slated environmental application work over the next year, which is exactly what New Gold’s previous 2014 plan for the Blackwater project was for before the Dec. 12 announcement. “We’ll continue with the permitting process on both projects… but with current gold prices we wouldn’t be able to
start the capital investment to build the mine [Blackwater] until prices recover,” said New Gold director for corporate communications and investor relations, Julie Taylor. “We’re going to continue through 2014 as if it were a go,” Taylor added. If gold prices recover, then the project will be that much further ahead with a completed feasibility study and environmental permitting. The New Gold Blackwater project is expected to have an approximate 20-year working lifespan before closure and reclamation. According to information provided during a May 8, 2013 open house in Burns Lake, the project would require more than 1000 workers to build the mine and provide 500 full-time positions once
One dead following five-vehicle crash near Purden North District Traffic Services continue to investigate a five-vehicle crash that has claimed the life of a 56-year-old McBride man Thursday. RCMP were called to the collision at approximately 3:30pm, located on Highway 16 east near the Purden Ski Hill. Once on scene officers learned a westbound semi tractor pulling a trailer had collided with an eastbound black pickup truck. The trailer unit reportedly swung out into the oncoming lane. The driver of the pickup was fatally injured and died at the scene. The female passenger was uninjured. The driver of the semi truck was also not injured. After the initial collision a third vehicle, described as a white truck traveling east bound, lost control in the slush and hit the semi truck causing extensive damage. The driver of the third vehicle
was not injured. Soon thereafter a fourth vehicle approaching the scene from the west, also lost control but was able to stop without incident at that time. Police are now looking for a fifth vehicle, described only as a white truck which came upon the scene and reportedly struck the fourth vehicle causing damages. The driver then drove off without providing their name or information. While the investigation is ongoing, North District Traffic services are hoping to speak to the driver of the White truck who left the scene. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to call the North District Traffic Services at (250) 561-3100. Of note, all occupants and drivers involved in this multi vehicle collision were wearing their seat-
belts and therefore, with the exception of the one fatality, no one else was injured. Police are urging the motoring public to please slow down and drive cautiously to the road conditions. It is recommended that those who need to travel, wait for daylight hours or until the Highways can be cleared.
in operation. New Gold is a B.C.-based mining company with four mines operating in Canada, the U.S., Australia and Mexico. New Gold’s New Afton mine operation near Kamloops, B.C. is not affected by the recent slide in the price of gold.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91 (NECHAKO LAKES) EARLY PRE-REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN AT SINKUTVIEW ELEMENTARY ONLY Pre-registration for children who will be entering Kindergarten and who plan to attend Sinkutview Elementary in September 2014 will take place from now until Jan 13th. LOCATION
PRE-REGISTRATION TIME
Registration will take place at Prairiedale Elementary
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Kindergarten students must be five (5) years old by December 31, 2014. 2. An adult must accompany each child. 3. Please bring the child(s) care card and birth certificate. We encourage that immunizations be up-to date prior to starting school. Inquiries regarding immunization can be made by contacting the Health Unit at 250-567-6900. TO ASSIST US IN PLANNING FOR THIS COMING SEPTEMBER, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT IF YOU PLAN TO SEND YOUR CHILD TO SINKUTVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE 2014 YEAR THAT YOU REGISTER DURING THE ABOVE NOTED DATES. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING REGISTRATION PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL OR ADMINISTRATION OFFICE AT 250-567-2284.
Medical, pension payments up in 2014 VICTORIA – Medical premiums for all but lowincome B.C. residents go up again with the start of a new year. The B.C. government is increasing its Medical Services Plan premiums for the fifth straight year, by four per cent across the board. The Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation released its annual survey of tax and other payroll deductions Monday, calculating that MSP premiums in B.C. have risen 28 per cent since 2010. Effective Jan. 1, the monthly health premium for a single person rises from $66.50 to $69.25. In 2014, families of two pay $125.50, up from $120.50, and families of three or more pay $138.50, up from $133.00. Many full-time employees have their MSP premiums paid by their employer. People earning $30,000 or less are eligible for reduced premiums on a sliding scale, with premiums eliminated for those earning $22,000 a year or less. The B.C. government has used the increased MSP
revenues to offset the long-term growth of health care costs, which are approaching half of the total provincial budget. Finance Minister Mike de Jong’s 2013 budget projected health spending to increase 2.3 per cent in the current fiscal year, 2.7 per cent in the year beginning April 1 and only 2.2 per cent the following year. The government’s critics called that unrealistic after years of increases of more than five per cent. The CTF reports that Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance payments are also going up for many people, despite a federal government pledge to freeze EI premiums for three years. In its New Year Tax Changes report, it calculates that maximum EI premiums will go up $23 in 2014, totalling $914 for the year. The maximum employee Canada Pension Plan deduction, charged to those earning $52,500 or more, goes up $70 to $2,426. Employers match employee CPP payments dollar for dollar.
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Omineca Express Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Express
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Lost Cat: LUNA!
Dearly missed since November 12th from the area of of Campbell, Lampitt, Columbia and Stewart streets. May be elsewhere in town. 1-1/2 year old, small (6 - 7 lb) spayed female. Gray with white chest, belly and feet. Distinctive “milk moustache” on face. Wary of strangers but can be enticed with food and patience.
REWARD for information to lead us to her location Please call 250-567-3043 if you have any leads.
CLASS 1 DRIVERS Larry’s
HEAVY HAULING (1990 LTD)
requires full time Class 1 Drivers. Log hauling & lowbedding experience an asset. Please fax or email resume to: Fax: 250-563-1591 email: nmyers.larrys@telus.net
BE A MEMBER - USE YOUR VOTE
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 9 EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR POSITIONS ARE OPEN
Thursday, January 16, 2014 7:00 pm at the Vanderhoof Community Library - please use the rear door NECHAKO VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE
Call: 250-944-0333
Registration space available for Registration space availab Sunshine Discoveries Sunshine Discoveries Pres Preschool
Registration space availa
Sunshine Discoveries Preschool offers half-day tuition-ba
classes for three to five -year-olds Sunshine Discoveries Preschool Sunshine Discoveries Pre offers half-day tuition-based classes Our play-based programs encourage thepreschool development of each child’s unique Registration space available for Valley for three ve -year-olds For more information or for a to visitfiof the facilities please contact Nechako Sunshine Discoveries Preschool offers half-day tuition-b Sunshine Discoveries Preschool Services Society at 250.567.9205 Our play-based programs encourage the classes for three to five -year-olds development of each child’s unique potential OurSunshine play-based programs encourage development of each child’s uniqu Discoveries Preschool offersthe half-day tuition-based preschool For more or for a visit of the classesinformation for three to five -year-olds For more information or for a visit of the facilities please contact Nechako Vall Our play-based programs encourage the development each child’s unique potential facilities please contact Services of Society at 250.567.9205 For more information or for a visit of the facilities please contact Nechako Valley Community Sunshine Discoveries Preschool NechakoServices Valley Community Services Society Society at 250.567.9205 at 250.567.9205
Vanderhoof Girls Hockey
The Vanderhoof girls hockey team won 6-2 against Fraser Lake.
Winter is here so build a backyard skating rink and enjoy the snow For those of us with snow piled all around us, winter can be a time to stay in the house and wait for spring but it doesn’t have to be. Why not use all the snow to have fun and one of the best ways to do that is to build yourself a skating rink. It can be in your backyard or even in your driveway. ‘What To Do With The Kids’ has simplified this task so that you and your kids can put down the smart phones and get outside for some exercise, fresh air and fun. Find a flat area close enough that your garden hose can reach.
Stomp on the snow in that area to pack it down. Have the kids run around on it. Once packed, knock off the high points and fill in the holes with a shovel so that it’s somewhat flat. Sprinkle a light layer of water on it and let it freeze. This may take just a few hours or overnight depending on the temperature. Repeat with another light sprinkle until the entire surface has a thin layer of ice. Air pockets can be removed by stepping on them to crack so that your next layer of water fills it in. You want at least 2 inches of ice before the kids start skating
and make sure there is nothing sticking out of the surface such as rocks or branches. The secret to great ice is to water late at night and often but not too thick so that it has time to freeze between layers. Snow acts as an insulator so it’s important to keep it shovelled off. You can even use the snow you shovel off to make yourself seating on the side. There are more tips and tricks available at www.whattodowiththekids.com including how to make a hockey rink and how to turn your backyard into an almost NHL style venue.
Sunshine Discoveries Sunshine Discoveries Preschool Preschool
Sunshine Discoveries Preschool
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OPINION
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Omineca Express
Write The Editor c/o Omineca Express, Box 1007, Vanderhoof, B.C. V0J 3A0 l Fax 250-567-2070 l newsroom@ominecaexpress.com
A new year Sam Redding Omineca Express
The weather is certainly changing and I plan on changing with it for 2014. For proof of global warming, one only has to look out their window this holiday season. As I write this I’m watching a slushy mixture of rain and snow come down and sit on the melting roads. In January. In Vanderhoof. After a little time spent in the Okanagan this holiday season, where there were several coat-less and balmy afternoons, I have a few New Year resolutions and trying to be more environmentally conscious is one of them. I’ve found that once you start looking for ways to keep stuff out of the landfill it becomes so easy to produce very little waste, especially in a small household. Another resolution I have is to take more vitamins, an orange might contain about 60 milligrams of vitamin C. A vitamin pill contains 500 milligrams, you would have to eat eight oranges to get the amount contained in one pill. I went down to the big, chain grocery store here in town and checked out the prices for oranges and pills and found the following: for $1 you can get from 210 to 217 mg worth of vitamin C from oranges or you can get about 10,000 mg worth of vitamin C from the generic brand of pills. That’s a difference of about 50 times the value. Oranges might be healthier for their fibre and other nutrients but on a budget, pills can be a source of cheap, longer lasting nutrients. Vitamin D is another important nutrient to be taking, especially in winter and especially if you’re a Canadian. In 2011, Statistics Canada released a report stating that 32 per cent of Canadians do not have high enough concentrations of Vitamin D in their blood. Vitamin D is normally absorbed through the skin from sun exposure but living in higher latitudes with infrequent sunny days causes many to not receive the amount needed for healthy bones. So I shall be drinking lots of milk as well. I look forward to continuing to serve the community of Vanderhoof in the months to come and wish everyone a happy New Year. The Omineca Express is published every Wednesday in Vanderhoof by Black Press Ltd. Publisher: Pam Berger advertising@ominecaexpress.com Editor: Sam Redding newsroom@ominecaexpress.com
Office: Anne Stevens office@ominecaexpress.com Creative Services: Julia Beal Wendy Haslam advertising@ominecaexpress.com
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AUDIT
The Omineca Express is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a selfregulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Another year of enviro-wars begins VICTORIA – The new year lurched to life with a round of shouting about the environment, as our postindustrial, post-literate urban society grapples with conflicting claims of impending doom. The release of a group of Greenpeace protesters from a Russian prison was welcomed by TV news networks desperate to fill the holiday dead zone. Our intrepid Canadian pair got to describe over and over their bid to hang a strongly worded banner from a Russian offshore oil platform, and their horror when security forces boarded their vessel from helicopters and seized it. In all the fawning interviews, I kept waiting for two questions to be asked. What did they think Vladimir Putin’s regime would do? And what was the point? How is disrupting one oil platform for an hour going to save the planet? The Greenpeace “activists” claimed this was the first oil platform to operate above the Arctic Circle. So it was a line in the snow, which I’m sure impressed Putin as he ramps up his territorial claim to include the North Pole. Meanwhile at the South Pole, TV anchors remained carefully sombre as they reported numerous bids to rescue a scientific vessel trapped in thick ice. No quips about the predictive abilities of climate scientists please! In fact this ill-fated voyage was a re-enactment of Sir Douglas Mawson’s 1913 expedition, with proglobal warming news outlets BBC and The Guardian aboard to capture the melting wrought by a century of industrial expansion. The rescue efforts (from a Russian ship by Chinese helicopters) also disrupted an Australian icebreaker’s supply trip for one of the real scientific expeditions working in Antarctica. Skeptics had great fun with the Antarctic debacle, as they did earlier with the resurgence of Arctic ice that trapped climate tourists. As is normal in the Internet age, the climate debate has split into two fanatical factions, each of which pro-
motes the most extreme examples it can find to prop up its version of truth. They call each other “warmists” and “deniers” among other pithy names. Greenpeace is now known in B.C. as part of our Team America anti-tar sands brigade. They got off to a good start in 2014 by selectively seizing on reports of a new study of mercury contamination in northern Alberta. A “bullseye” of this dreaded neurotoxin has been drawn around oilsands operations by measuring traces in snow. The study by Environment Canada scientists isn’t published yet, but Postmedia News reported on a presentation in November by the researchers. “The federal scientists stress the mercury loadings around the oilsands are low compared to the contamination seen in many parts of North America including southern Ontario and southern Quebec,” the news report states. This is like the study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollution in northern Alberta lakes that was twisted into propaganda and fed to the news media last year. This is another group of neurotoxins that are far more concentrated in urban areas than around remote industry. Consumption, rather than production of coal, diesel and other fuels produces the vast majority of these emissions. I look forward to the study of their effects around Lost Lagoon and Burnaby Lake. Of course safe levels of these materials have been set by Health Canada. You’re more likely to get significant exposure to mercury from a broken fluorescent lamp or the mercury amalgam in your old tooth fillings than you are from feeding ducks at the lake, although you might get a whiff of PAH when you gas up the car or board the bus. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @tomfletcherbc Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca
Omineca Express Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Express
NEWS
www.ominecaexpress.com A7
The number 11 and number nine roping competitions were both held on Jan. 4-5 as part of the BCTRA Sanction roping competition. On the left is Stacey Soffel who partnered with Dustin Shields for the short roping event.
Fort Fraser Petro Canada
OPEN 24 HOURS/7 DAYS A WEEK
HELP WANTED Cooks needed immediately. Call: 250-690-7542 or drop off resume @ Fort Fraser Petro Canada 528 Highway 16, Fort Fraser
250-690-7542 or 250-690-7548
BC SPCA your first adoption option! Meet Martin Id 317537. Martin is a 5 month old Brown Tabby. He has been neutered and is ready to be adopted. He Has been in the adoption room waiting for his forever home. He is a cuddly fellow who will purr when you cuddle with him. He loves a good lap to cuddle! If Martin sounds like the cat companion for you. Please come to the North Cariboo BC SPCA to meet him. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT MARTIN OR NEED MORE INFO PLEASE CALL
250-562-5511
This ad is sponsored by
FUR BABIES PET BOUTIQUE Jodi Carlton
2421 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof
250-567-4646
In part with Omineca Express
HOLISTIC ALTERNATIVE THERAPY BY MAGDALENA SAITO
Vanderhoof Roping Club
Building our Community There is no greater good than can be done by buying what you can locally. Imagine a city where all you need can be supplied locally or gotten at a lower cost. Working together as a town starts with working together as a neighbour, a neighbourhood and then a community. Building community futures by keeping us together. It is evident to many of us how the acquisition of many modern time savers and trinkets has actually taken time away from the things that really matter; spending time with family has become texting to keep in touch, printing and creating photo albums is replaced by sending digital photos which all too often can get lost forever with no hard copy, even board games have been replaced by computer games often played online with strangers, does anyone have sleepovers, playing make believe and pop corn anymore? (not just the kids.. when was the last time you let yourself make believe?) This year think about how you can get back in touch with your 3-D life and not your 3-D T.V. For the next few weeks we will be discussing ways to become part of the community, to take advantage of all that there is to offer. If you have a local producer in mind, then get in touch with us and we will try to feature information about them. Buying and taking part in local activities does more than help our economy, but also the environment by reducing emissions, our carbon footprint and more. It also lets you get to know the people who make up your community, learn about the option out there for your children and yourself. Building a healthy you is easier when there is a healthy community that can support you in your health goals. Imagine a community where you have everything you need, and get to enjoy the things you want. A safe and amazing place to call home, to have a haven in your town. Join us next week for some articles about local food growers, and what your options are! Feel free to collect the following articles for reference and see how much you can do! Becoming active in your community is your best bet to make that community into something you want, and that works for you and your lifestyle! Good luck to all!
Magdalena Saito Holistic Health Practitioner
250-524-0333 -- www.HalcyonHolistic.com
Young Living Essential Oils Distributor & Reexologist
A8 www.ominecaexpress.com
Express
NEWS
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Omineca Express
Outdoor enthusiasts: Be prepared and exercise caution when entering BC’s backcountry Pictures submitted
Due to a number of recent events including the death of two outdoor enthusiasts, the RCMP are asking skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and anyone else enjoying the outdoors to exercise caution when exploring the vast winter wilderness. Seasonal fatalities across the Province highlight the risks involved when entering areas that are unmanaged, have unstable snow conditions and are at risk of avalanches. “Living in British Columbia, we are lucky to have some of the most spectacular outdoor areas in the world, and winter and spring activities frequently bring people into back
country areas,” said North District Media Relations Officer, Constable Lesley Smith. “While part of the enjoyment of these activities is being in pristine conditions it is vitally important for everyone to prepare and not put themselves at risk. We would ask that people err on the side of caution when the risks are high. Enjoy the outdoors but come home safely to friends and family.” Before heading out to the back country: - Check Avalanche conditions in the area you plan on visiting. If there is a high risk go to another area that is a lower risk. Avalanches can occur quickly and can have devastating results so plan ahead, ride safely and arrive home to enjoy British Columbia’s spectacular outdoors again. Plan and be prepared. - Bring along an avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, warm clothing, survival kit, first aid kit, and basic tool kit. - Leave an itinerary with someone, and don’t go alone. - Never rely on other snowmobilers to bail you out. Ride within your limits and ride with respect to the area you are riding in. - If you are visiting a managed Ski resort area, do not ski
out of bounds leaving groomed and managed trails. Signs are posted for your safety as the area is deemed unsafe due to unknown terrain. For more information on outdoor safety tips and planning ahead please visit the following websites: Get Prepared - Avalanches http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/vlchs-eng.aspx Canadian Avalanche Centre http://www.avalanche.ca/ BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Avalanche and Weather Programshttp://www.th.gov.bc.ca/avalanche_weather/index.html
Safety Milestone Nechako Mechanical is extremely proud of our employee’s safety record. To achieve this safety record in a high risk environment takes extraordinary effort by every individual Our commitment to being “On Time and On Budget” comes with the highest regard towards safety
5 Years No Lost Time Accidents
Omineca Express Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Salute to Minor Hockey in Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake
VANDERHOOF TIMBITS
www.ominecaexpress.com A9
VANDERHOOF NOVICE
Head Coach: Paul Hartwig. Team Manager: Kristen Boon. Players: Eve Atwood, Alli Boon, Jillian Boon, Tomas Boon, George Bruma, Liam Creamer, Taylor Danielson, Marcus Domhof, Noah Gilbert, Seth Gull, Brooklyn Haizimsque, Eric Hartwig, Chayde Jackson, Dawson Knackstedt, Hayden Koehmstedt, Mikayla LePoidevin, Dexter Malo, Ronan McIntyre, Sarah Prestmo, James Reed, Connar Schlamp, Regan Schlamp, Taylor Siemens, Avery Tait, Andrew Thiessen, David Wiens.
Head Coach: DJ Knackstedt. Asst Coach: Rick Ziler. Team Manager: Matt Malo. Players: Dominic LePoidevin, Wyatt Snow, Garret Schlamp, Cole Malo, Lowell Stevens, Garett Wiebe, Noah Gavric, Korben Macleod, Zachory Mason, Hadlee Wiebe, Pacey Bremner, Evan Warkentin, Damien Knackstedt, Cooper Ziler, Rylan Friesen, Ethan Hoffman, Grayson Turgeon, Lindsey Goncalves, Orlando Wiebe Cordell Wiebe, Seth Habsburg, Reiner Wild, Ian Seely, William Raphael.
Photo by Wallace Studios
Photo by Wallace Studios
Who is the Great Game of Hockey really for?
VANDERHOOF ATOM
The game of hockey is for kids. Kids play the game because they love it and because it is fun. As parents we must all realize, that for kids, positive participation is always more important than excellence.
The personal and social development that comes from being part of a team is one of the most enriching experiences offered by the game. We must continue to live the values of fun and fair play, Continued on page 12
Helping Build
Communities Stronger One game at a time
Vanderhoof Head Coach: Ryan Makow. Asst. Coach: Tom Kelly & Jeff Boon. Team Manager: Holly Makow. Players: Mathieu Holland, Gabe Atwood, Braiden Devauld, Reeve Thiessen, Kayden Young, Parker Loewen, Tyson Wiebe, Madison Kelly, Noah Wiens, Linden Makow, Evan Eadie, Tucker Ruzylo, Brody Johnston, Lachlan Pedersen, Triniti Martens, Joshua Habsburg, Ella Boon, Caleb Nome, Connor Webster, Tiago Santos, Darien Williams, Christopher Daly. Photo by Wallace Studios
The mission of the BC Hockey League is to... Lead, Develop and Promote positive lifelong hockey experiences
District of Vanderhoof Wishing all the minor hockey players a safe season. Good Luck and Have Fun! 250-567-4711
www.vanderhoof.ca
Hats off to all the Minor Hockey Teams and Coaches!
VANDERHOOF Doing it right
1169 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
250-567-9161
142 West 1st St. (Hwy 16) Phone: 250-567-3166
AutomotiveResidentialCommercial
Serving Northern Communities For Over 40 Years www.allwestglass.com
Vanderhoof and Districts Co-op Association 1-877-567-4414 Good Luck and have a fun and safe hockey season to all the Minor Hockey Teams!
A10 www.ominecaexpress.com
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Omineca Express
Salute to Minor Hockey: Vanderhoof Vanderhoof BANTAM
Vanderhoof PEEWEE
Head Coach: Marty Floris. Asst Coach: Mike Hassman, David Boon & Bill Lewis. Team Manager: Heather Floris. Players: Simon Nemethy, Ethan Floris, Cohen Thiessen, Kyle Wiebe, Weston Warkentin, Brooker Daniel, Griffin Thiessen, Spencer Lewis, Tyson Peters, Haley Stephen, Cole Geernaert, Connar Hoffman, Alex Bruma, Garrett Dick, Caleb Goncalves, Andrew deVos, Jackson Hassman, Dylan Boon, Dylan Penner, Nolan McCleary, LeMar Reed, Kinnon Cameron, Joshua Van der Giessen.
Head Coach: Marty Floris. Asst Coach: Mike Page. Team Manager: Heather Floris. Players: Max Moritz, Ewan Miles, Kolby Page, Reed & Owen Wiens, Dixon Loewen, Nicholas Warkentin, Hunter Floris, Daulton Swanson, Kyler Boucher, David Martens, James deVos, Casey Turgeon, Dominic Webster Mikael Bahr, Ethan-Jett Saharchuk, Marcus Allen, Jaret Van der Giessen. Photo by Wallace Studios
Photo by Wallace Studios
Vanderhoof girls team
Vanderhoof MIDGETS
Head Coach: Andy Reimer. Team Manager: Steve Silver. Players: Nicholas & Eric Silver, Jim Silver, Braden Boucher, Caleb & Noah Miles, Tate Page, Caleb Kelly, Graeme Thiessen, Kayden Bahr, Calvin Li, Nicholas Carter, Brett Fisher, Devon Downey, Kyrel Silva, Liam & Connar Arnason, Jasper Barfoot.
Head Coach: Brian Naka. Team Manager: Rex Millard. Players: Sarah Fitzpatrick, Brittany & Kayla Freitas, Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick, Riley Wiens, Megan Naka, Tawny Weinhardt, Mariah Douthwright, Darby Millard, Hanna Olinek, Chloe Perry, Bree Fulconer, Rivey Faulconer.
Photo by Wallace Studios
Speedway
CIE
CENTRAL INTERIOR EXCAVATING
Tire & Mechanical To All the Minor Hockey Teams: Play Safe & Have Fun! 250-567-5445
1289 Speedway Road, Vanderhoof
Photo by Wallace Studios
Residential Commercial & Industrial
l
Certified Septic Planner/Installer l Full Lot Development
Henry Wall Phone: 250-567-3855 Fax: 250-567-9695
Good Luck to all Teams!
ARO AUTO/INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY We Salute All the Hard Work and Dedication! “GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE TEAMS” Vanderhoof:
250-567-2251
Omineca Express Wednesday, January 8, 2014
www.ominecaexpress.com A11
Salute to Minor Hockey: Fraser Lake FRASER LAKE MITES
FRASER LAKE NOVICE
Coaches: Shane Hendriksen, Kyle Magnus. Players: Avorey Casimel, Anthony Ens, Breanna Ens, Deegan Gatehouse, Laiken Hendriksen, Aaron Johnson, Kaleb Ketlo, Evan Krambeck, Abigail Magnus, Kira Morris, Nicholas Ossi, Noah Ray, Charlee Rothenbusch, Kennedy Rothenbusch, Donald Sutherland, Connor Weber, Kaedon Weber, Emma Williamson, Jade Lepoidevin, Kian Shearer. Photo by AAA Photography
Coaches: Kyle Magnus, Jonathan Shearer. Players: Cadence Albinet, Ty Allen, Mattias Anderson, Jonas Charlie, Adanaz Fulton, Mason Graham, Tyler Howse, Dakota Magnus, Quin Nicol, Brooklynn Parker, Keiran Roberts, Deegan Schlamp, Logan Shearer, Shawn Stuart, Dominic Ward. Photo by AAA Photography
FRASER LAKE PEEWEE
Vanderhoof Midget Bears.
Coaches: Sandor Buchi, Bill Evans. Players: Ethan Anderson, Cade Arnason, Nolan Buchi, Tyler D’Eon, William Evans, Bryden Fitzgerald, Thomas Ketlo, Brittany Lewis, Christina Morris, Nolan Nicol, Michele Ossi, Coen Roberts, Nicholas Stuart, Cody Vanwerkhoven, Tyrell Willier, Jillena Woolsey. Photo by AAA Photography
Wishing all the Minor Hockey Teams a safe and fun hockey season!
Schneider Services Ltd. PLUMBING/HEATING/GASFITTING Box 2033, Vanderhoof
Best of luck to all the hockey teams!
RICH’S SAW SALES LTD. Authorized Dealer
290 West First Street, Vanderhoof www.richssawsale.com
(250) 567-2362
Good Luck to all Teams! Have a safe and fun hockey season.
Taylor Bros. 135 E. Stewart St 250-567-2246 . Toll Free 1-866-567-2246
YRB
250-567-3010
yellowhead road & bridge
Best Wishes in all your games! Please travel safely during any out-of-town games!
Fort St. James, Fraser Lake & Vanderhoof
250-567-3114
A12 www.ominecaexpress.com
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Omineca Express
Salute to Minor Hockey: Fraser Lake FRASER LAKE Bantams
Coaches: Harry Koenig, Alan Laffin, Craig Lepoidevin. Players: Brailen Fitzgerald, Colton Heisler, Gavin Janzen, Jordon Kersey, Austyn Ketlo Samuel Ketlo, Alex Koenig, Joshua Laffin, Colton McMaster, Noah Nicol, Trent Peters, Devin Scott.
FRASER LAKE MIDGET GIRLS
Coach: Fernando Ossi. Players: Alyssa D’Eon, Kailee Duncan, Ashia Ens, Taylor Harder Aiyana Ketlo, Stephanie McLean, Brittney Morris, Michelle Ossi, Alysia Power, Emily Rankin, Kaitlyn Willier, Sierra Woolsey, Alannah Zaste. Photo by AAA Photography
Photo by AAA Photography Continued from page 9
Who is respect, integrity, and teamwork with a balanced perspective of expectations and the Great definition of success. We must celebrate good experiences with this great Game of our game. Our volunteers, our coaches, our refHockey erees, our parents and our children are critical partners in ensuring the game really for? all sustains these high values. No one, however, is more critical than our parents.
We must particularly assist our parents in setting reasonable expectations while understanding the game, its process and its administration. Being a hockey parent is no easy task. Often hockey parents are called upon to wear many different volunteer hats, some of which result in conflicting roles. A hockey parent may be a coach, an evaluator, a director or a referee - any of whom is required to make decisions in
everyone’s best interest while still being a mom or dad wanting what’s best for his or her own child. Parents wrestle with reconciling their roles and controlling their passion as fans while being faced with the constant challenge of “doing the right thing”. Hockey Canada is committed to helping those parents meet these challenges to ensure they continue to enjoy the game and have as much fun as their kids. Minor Hockey describes amateur
hockey played by athletes 20 years old and younger. Players are generally divided into playing levels according to age. The main levels and associated ages are: Initiation – 5 & 6 Novice – 7 & 8 Atom – 9 & 10 Pee Wee – 11 & 12 Bantam – 13 & 14 Midget – 15-17 Juvenile – 18 & 19
Peewee tournmanet.
Timbits hockey.
Wishing all the hockey teams a safe and successful season
Village of Fraser Lake
Ph: 250-699-6257 Fax: 250-699-6469
REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS
“Peter Ryks Property Services Ltd” 115-2375 Burrard, Tel: 567-9158
Wishing success and a fun season to all Minor Hockey Teams!
Email: pryks@hwy16.com Web: www.prps.ca
We hope your season is safe, full of fun, and learning! from
Glenda & Randy
Technopure 250-699-6688
Omineca Express Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Health workers ratify ‘unique’ wage deal Tom Fletcher Black Press
Health science union members have voted 75 per cent to accept a five-year “growth sharing” wage agreement with the B.C. government. First to accept the groundbreaking proposal are 16,000 specialists in diagnostic, clinical and rehabilitation services. A larger group of government union members is also voting on a similar offer. The agreements include guaranteed wage increases of about 5.5 per cent over five years, plus extra money in years where the B.C. economy grows beyond independent forecasts. They are also for an unusually long term and have been reached three months before the current contracts expire. Val Avery, president of the Health Sciences Association, said the “modest wage increases” were in addition to employer commit-
ments to recruiting and retaining professionals in highest demand. Finance Minister Mike de Jong said the health science agreement is “unique to the needs of the employers and employees, and I expect we will see that pattern continue with subsequent agreements.” A similar five-year proposal has gone to a vote of 51,000 mainly B.C. Government Employees’ Union members. They include direct government employees, home support workers, alcohol and drug counsellors, adult day centres, child development centres and mental health group homes. The growth sharing formula is based on the finance ministry’s economic forecast council, private sector experts who estimate growth in January as the provincial budget is being prepared. If actual growth exceeds projected growth by one per cent, it means $200 million more for the provincial treasury, which would be shared 50-50 with unionized employees for that year.
VANDERHOOF’S FAITH
Church Directory For more information or to join Vanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory
Call Pam at 250-567-9258
The Gospel Chapel 448 Connaught Street
NECHAKO COMMUNITY CHURCH MENNONITE BRETHREN
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
1393 Highway 16 East (Across from P.J. Collision)
(Affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada)
250-567-4960
For more information call
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am Sunday School - 11:00 am
567-3107
www.thegospelchapel.ca
Our Mission Glorifying God by helping all people move closer to Jesus Christ one step at a time.
Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship
The Church on the Corner “Giving you a Purpose to live for and People to live with” Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am Small Groups meeting together regularly: We have a place for you to belong! For more information call
567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com
Making Jesus known
Nechako Notes cOmiNG eVeNTs.... Will appear, as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for non-profit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ominecaexpress.com or by fax (567-2070). Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at 155 W. Columbia. Decision of the publisher is final. ***
www.ominecaexpress.com A13
PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’ fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even include school activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photo by e-mail (advertising@ominecaexpress.com) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo. This week’s submission....
NEW EVENTS.... VANderhOOf puBLic LiBrAry... Celebrate Family Literacy Day. Inspiring families to learn together come and join us for PJ’s and Pizza. We invite everyone to come and enjoy this Free Family Fun evening at the Library! (be sure to wear your PJ’s!) Mon. Jan 27, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Free Admission ~ by TICKET only. *** The NechAKO VALLey fesTiVAL Of The perfOrmiNG ArTs...has a new website. www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako. Please visit the website for syllabus and registration information. You can view the syllabus online. If a paper copy is required, there is a limited number available at the Vanderhoof Public Library. Registration for the festival is online. The festival will take place from Apr. 12-25, 2014 with the festival concert happening on Apr. 27, 2014. *** VOLuNTeers Needed fOr ididALAp4cANcer...For more information please contact Carrie Smith. Email: carriesmith@hubinternational.com *** NechAKO VALLey hisTOricAL sOcieTy...meets at 7pm on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the OK Cafe. *** AduLT BAdmiNTON...every Thursday at 8pm at NVSS gym. Bring your own racquet. Indoor runners required. For more info call Ann at 250-567-9908. *** sTuArT NechAKO mANOr...looking for volunteers. Help needed with outings, Serving meals, entertainment and visits for the residents. Please contact Marnie at 250 567 6290 for more information. *** VOLuNTeers Needed....Would you like to become part of a team working together to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors? The Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to join their team. Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery’s goal is to encourage stroke survivors to improve their lives through education, exercise, work groups, crafts, outings, etc. No special skills required; training and orientation are provided. Patience and caring understanding a necessity. Volunteers share responsibilities: assisting with activities, exercises, education, crafts, outings, fund raising. Time commitment: 3 hour meeting each Monday morning (excluding stat holidays), from September through mid-June. Please contact Penny (250) 567-3966 vanderhoofstrokerecovery@ gmail.com *** seNiOrs cONNecTed... is looking for Seniors in need of Outreach & Transportation. We are also taking applications for Volunteers wanting to take part in the VSC Program. Vanderhoof Seniors Connected is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Seniors/Elders in our community through Companionship and Transportation Assistance. For more information contact DebraAnn Bishop at 250-567-0623 or email at vanderhoofseniors@hotmail.com *** cALLiNG ALL seNiOrs... come and join us for carpet bowling, pool or snooker - Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Friendship Centre. We
Contestants getting ready at the BCTRA Sanction roping competition. also have cards or bingo on Wednesday evenings. Music nights are also popular and these are the last Friday night of the month. Come and have some fun! Everybody welcome young or golden agers. Call Oscar for more info: 250567-4582. *** AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The AlAnon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318. *** The NOrThside WOmeN’s iNsTiTuTe...meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 567-9705. *** V’hOOf hOspice sOcieTy... Do you have a few hours a month to give? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community, then we are looking for you. The V’hoof Hospice Society is a not-for profit charity looking for new volunteer members. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. For more info contact Debra-Ann at 250-567-0623 or email vanderhoofhospice@gmail.com *** The fOOd BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifically the following is needed: “Chunky” soups and stews and canned milk. *** BAdmiNTON AT fLess Gym... Every Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out and have some fun! *** The VANderhOOf cANcer suppOrT GrOup...meets the first Friday of every month @ noon at the The Reid. For more info call Karen @ 5674828. *** eNdAKO hALL sOcieTy...meets every THIRD Wednesday of the month in the hall at 7:30pm. *** The yeLLOWheAd drAfT hOrse AssOciATiON...is an organization for those interested in light and heavy horse driving. Monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the month. For more info contact: Jon 250-567-8484. *** NechAKO QuiLTers GuiLd... meets the third Tuesday of the month 9:30 am (Sept. - May) at Nechako View Seniors Common Room. Fran Sheeley 5675254. ***
The frAser QuiLTers GuiLd... meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Fort Fraser Community Hall. Newcomers welcome. *** hOspice Tree Of Life... is to honour the living as well as to remember and honour those who have passed on. For more info call Debbie @ 250-567-7956. *** The frAser LAKe cANcer suppOrT GrOup... meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12 noon in the New Fraser Lake Restaurant. For further information call Judy at 250699-7763. *** NechAKO VALLey hisTOricAL sOcieTy...meets every second Thursday of the month 6:30 pm at the Chamber of Commerce office. *** VANderhOOf 899 Air cAdeT sQuAdrON...Cadets will meet every TUESDAY night – 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel. Anyone age 12 to 18 interested in the Cadet Program is welcome to attend. Any adult interested in assisting in anyway, please contact the officers at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel Tuesday night. For more information call: Capt. John Callaghan 250-640-0218, Yvonne Melo - 250-6907496 Evenings. *** AA meeTiNG... Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. United Church Hall. 567-8087 or 5674588 *** frAser LAKe AA meeTiNGs... Tues & Thurs 8:00 p.m. at St. Wilfred’s Church just across from police station. *** sT. JOhN hOspiTAL AuXiLiAry sOcieTy... meets second Tuesday of the month (with the exception of July & August) at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. For further info contact Edna 567-9759 - New members welcome. *** VANderhOOf LiBrAry hOurs Tuesday 10:00am to 5:00pm Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm & 6:30pm to 8:30pm Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm Friday 10:00 am to 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm *** frAser LAKe LiBrAry hOurs Sunday & Monday Closed Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday & Thursday 3pm - 8pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm *** NVss BOTTLe depOT hOurs Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm Saturday 10am-5 p.m.
A14 A14 www.ominecaexpress.com www.ominecaexpress.com
Wednesday, 2014Omineca OminecaExpress Express Wednesday, January January 8,8,2014
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ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis
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250-567-2070
E-Mail: advertising@ ominecaexpress. com OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00 pm Omineca Express published every Wednesday Stuart/Nechako Advertiser published every Friday ADVERTISING DEADLINES Express -- Friday, 12-noon Advertiser -- Tuesday, 12-noon
TERMS & CONDITIONS Advertisements should be read on the first publication day. We are not responsible for errors appearing beyond the first insertion. NO CASH REFUNDS AGREEMENT: It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION: Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminated against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry, place of origin, or age unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved. COPYRIGHT: Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other advertising material appearing in this edition of the Omineca Express. Permission to reproduce wholly or in any part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.
Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE 2 January 2014
Reservoir Elevation: 850.94 m (2791.83 ft.) SLS Discharge: 33.35 m3/s
MOTEL ASST Manager team to run small nice Motel in Parksville BC. Non-Smoking, no Pets, in good Health, fulltime live-in position. Call 250586-1633 or email: kjjr27@hotmail.com
Education/Trade Schools
LEARN FROM Home. Earn from home. Huge is a demand for Medical Transcriptionists. Start your online learning today with CanScribe Career College. www.canscribe.com 1-800-466-1535 info@canscribe.com.
Help Wanted Experienced parts person required immediately for James Western Star in Williams Lake. Full time, competitive wages, benefits and signing bonus. Fax resume to 250-398-6367 or email: nwejr@jamesws.com
Employment
Employment
Employment
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Cleaning Supervisor req’d. Sal: $18.00/hr. F/T, Pmt. 1+ yrs. exp. Duties: Supervise and co-ordinate the activities of cleaners. Inspect & ensure of established safety and cleanliness standards are met. Recommend and arrange additional services. Hire, train and schedule staff. Estimate and optimize budget. May receive payments or perform cleaning duties. Lang: English, Contact: Shyama, Dependable Janitorial Services in Burnaby, BC. Work at various locations in Prince George, BC. Apply at dependable_janitorial@yahoo. ca or fax: 604.630.7275
TUG SKIPPER Full time senior & junior positions available. Minimum Limited Master <60GT Certificate required. Apply via email: alertbaytowing@cablerocket.com or by fax: (250) 974-5216
Timeshare 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. 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.
Employment Career Opportunities MUKS-KUM-OL HOUSING Society, a member of M’akola Group of Societies seeking: Office Coordinator, Tenant Relations (2), Buildings Supervisor,
Building Caretaker, Caretaker, Maintenance (2) in Prince Rupert. Visit MAKOLA.BC.CA for full job postings. THERE IS a critical need for Medical Transcriptionists across Canada. Work from home. CanScribe graduates welcome and encouraged to apply. Apply through MTR at www.hds-mt.com/jobs
Competitive Wages Please Fax resume to 250-692-0043 Or Deliver in Person at: 135 Roumieu Dr. Burns Lake (In the Industrial Site)
1-800-680-4264
info@youthagainstviolence.com
GROW WITH US Canfor is one of the world’s largest producers of sustainable wood building solutions, and we’ve built our reputation on top quality products and superior customer service. A global leader in dimension lumber, Canfor is not only meeting but driving demand for green building products and serving markets in every corner of the world.
Travel
Must be willing and able to work independently Drivers Licence required
YOUTH AGAINST VIOLENCE LINE
Visit website www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time flow information for the Nechako River. Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-5675105 for more information. A recording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250567-5812
EXPERIENCED MECHANIC REQUIRED SHOP, FIELD AND CAMP WORK
Maintenance Planner/ Supervisor A leadership opportunity for an experienced Millwright A strong leader with great organization skills, you'll drive corrective, preventive, predictive and repair maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime in the most cost-effective manner. As part of your duties, you'll work closely with the Purchaser on all aspects of material purchasing to maintain critical spare parts as well as operational and mechanical supplies. You have supported your Millwright ticket or experience with a 3 year background in maintenance planning or supervision and advanced proficiency with MS Office and Project as well as Synergen or other computerized maintenance management system. Expect competitive compensation and benefits, together with a safe, highquality work environment. We thank all applicants for their interest in Canfor; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. To apply, please forward your résumé by January 18, 2014, to: Colleen Fitzpatrick Human Resources Manager Fax: 250.441.3308 Email: Colleen.Fitzpatrick@canfor.com
Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Isle Pierre (Prince George)
WWW.CANFOR.COM
CED Project Coordinator Community Futures Stuart Nechako has an opening for a CED Project Coordinator. The CED Project Coordinator position is a part time (25hrs. per week) and will support the organization in the development of Community Development projects. Job Description: Reporting to the General Manager, the CED Project Coordinator will work to develop various Community Development projects initiated by Community Futures through engagement with the community, establishing partnerships and guiding the process to completion. The successful candidate must be a self-starter and have an interest in Community Development. Position Requirements: 1. Strong (oral / written ) communication skills 2. Sound knowledge of Community Economic Development 3. Experience working in partnership with other agencies 4. Experience assisting in the development and implementation of programs 5. Experience promoting Community Economic Development programs and services 6. Experience promoting and supporting program delivery, including special projects 7. Experience assisting clients in conducting business / market research 8. Combined relevant education and experience 9. Strong computer skills in Microsoft environment 10. Ongoing interest in development of new business opportunities 11. Valid BC Driver’s License and reliable vehicle 12. Experience with the development and maintenance of Social Media. Salary to be commensurate with experience Please provide a cover letter with resume and send to: Box 1078, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Or contact Graham Stanley at 250-567-5219
Top Employers Now Hiring. Start Today!
8,2014 2014 Omineca Express Wednesday, Wednesday,January January 8,
Employment
Employment
Help Wanted
Professional/ Management
Dental clinic seeking a full time receptionist. Tasks include scheduling and confirming appointments, processing payments, knowledgeable with computers, prefer experience with dental program; willing to train right applicant. We are looking for someone with good communication skills, reliable, work well as a team member, friendly and professional disposition a must, be detail oriented with ability to prioritize and multitask. Submit resumes to Nechako Valley Dental Clinic at 240 Stewart Street West in Vanderhoof, or mail to Box 1106, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0. Wanted: Support Worker/ Tutor 28-40 hrs per week to provide one-on-one support for a male youth with challenges, some home school support in conjunction with E-Bus in the family home. Require valid driver’s license with reliable vehicle, criminal check, Gr. 12 Ed. Call 250-567-4188 for details
DIVISION MANAGER Needed for trucking company. Position is Salmon Arm Based. Minimum 5 years verifiable experience in truck or supply chain management. Details on line @ sutco.ca or call 888-3572612 ext 230.
Trades, Technical JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages, relocation allowance, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop. Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info at: hannachrysler.ca Fax 403-854-2845; Email: chrysler@telusplanet.net.
www.ominecaexpress.com A15 A15 www.ominecaexpress.com
Services
Merchandise for Sale
Rentals
Financial Services
Misc. for Sale
Apt/Condo for Rent
IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: it’s that simple. Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161.
STEEL BUILDING. The big year end clear out! 20x22 $4,259. 25x24 $4,684. 30x34 $6,895. 35x36 $9,190. 40x48 $12,526. 47x70 $17,200. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca
Victoria Manor
Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind and a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.
Computer Services ENCLAVE MANAGED NETWORKS is rolling out the same great I.T. support for individuals as we do for our corporate clients, at a great price, too! See website for details: https://bcenclave.ca/bulletins/ newdeal
Services
Merchandise for Sale
Financial Services
Misc. for Sale
DROWNING IN Debt? Cut debts more than 60% and be debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. Toll Free 1-877-5563500 BBB Rated A+ www.mydebtsolution.com GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com
HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper? RESTLESS LEG Syndrome and leg cramps? Fast relief in one hour. Sleep at night. Proven for over 32 years. www.allcalm.com Mon-Fri 8-4 EST 1-800-765-8660. STEEL BUILDINGS, Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206; www.crownsteelbuildings.ca
Misc. Wanted Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Estates, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins, Paper etc.Confidential 778-281-0030
Store Equipment/ Fixtures SHARP PROGRAMMABLE er-a 440 cash registers in G/C Asking $125 each. Contacted Carters Jewelers 1-888-847-9766
Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent
Large 2 Bdrm from
$725 - $755
Large 1 Bdrm from
$695 - $725
NO SMOKING - NO PETS * Balconies * Landscaped View * Cablevision Available
250-567-4048 or 250-567-9080 BURRARD APARTMENTS. Two bdrm suites. No pets 250-567-9128
ABOVE THE REST!
Silvermill Apartments Secure quiet apartments VACANCY
Townhouses 3/bdrm townhouses in a family- friendly complex. Close to downtown, schools & park. $695/mth. 250-567-4430
250-567-4208
VANDERHOOF AND AREA BUSINESS DIRECTORY
PLUMBING
PLUMBING/HEATING/GASFITTING SOLAR THERMAL Box 2033 Vanderhoof
Tandem dump truck, 4x4 Backhoe, gravel sales, general hauling, foundations, water & sewer lines and snow removal.
Plumbing & Heating Rural Water & Sewer Systems Water Treatment & Filtration Systems INSTALLATION & REPAIRS
FRANK TEICHROEB 3393 Sinkutview Rd, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2 567-2029
“Your Water Professional”
250-567-5888
ACCOUNTANTS Chartered Accountants
ADVERTISING
IF YOU WOULD
Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972 Pam Berger Publisher
LIKE TO ADVERTISE
GIVE US A CALL:
J.C.’s WATERWORKS LTD.
All jobs BIG or small, give us a call!
250-567-3010
HERE
PLUMBING
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Schneider Services Ltd.
EXCAVATING PRAIRIEDALE EXCAVATING
996-8482
Fax: 996-8451
Advertising: advertising@ominecaexpress.com News: newsroom@caledoniacourier.com Website: www.caledoniacourier.com
ADVERTISING
ADvertiser
Providing a Full Range of Business Services
Accounting Computers ● Financial Planning
HST Income Tax ● Payroll
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KPMG Prince George #400 - 177 Victoria Street Prince George, BC, V2L 5R8 250-563-7151
ADVERTISING
STUART NECHAKO
Reaching Every Door
250-567-9258
Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake
Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake
Pam Berger Publisher
Pam Berger Publisher 150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0
Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com
150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0
Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com
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Express
SPORTS
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Omineca Express
NVSS Viqueens lose out to CHSS Sam Redding Omineca Express The NVSS Viqueens Senior basketball team lost to College Heights on Friday, January 3, 56-57. The Viqueens managed to stay ahead of College Heights for the first quarter but throughout the rest of the game the score would oscillate from one to the other with neither team getting a great lead on the other. The teams remained within five points of each other for the entire time with the score at 32-28 at the end of the first half for College Heights. College Heights managed to keep the lead up until the very last
moments of the game when NVSS almost came back. The score was 56-57 for the last 60 seconds and when NVSS got possession of the ball with only 10 seconds left the coaches called a timeout to decide their move. Everyone in the audience was discussing the strategy the teams would choose during that last tense timeout but NVSS failed to get the points needed to take the game. Even though the Prince George team only had three substitute players whereas NVSS was working with six subs, the teams were evenly matched. The next game between these two should be very exciting.
Vanderhoof Midget Bears
The Vanderhoof Midget Bears played to a 4-1 loss to the Burns Lake Bruins last Sunday in Burns Lake. The game was hard-played by both teams, with Vanderhoof not getting any breaks.
Staffing Shortages? Get The Help You Need. Fast. Call 1-855-678-7833 today for more details.