Prince George Free Press, February 07, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

FRIDAYFEBRUARY 7

PARKING: Off street parking rates change ... more or less

www.pgfreepress.com | newsline: 250.564.0005

City ranking for financial reporting/transparency drops Francofun Festival

Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com

dies near Mt. Milligan

Just how well is the city doing in terms of financial performance and transparency? According to a report from the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, not that well. Prince George ranked 57th out of the nation’s largest 100 cities examined by the group, down from its 38th place ranking two years ago. The centre scored communities in 10 areas – timeliness of audit opinion, receipt of accounting award, additional commentary and statistics, capital assets reported, capital assets depreciated/funded, goods/ contracted services separate, depreciation recorded, expenditure line items defined, and historical trend statistics given. Prince George scored 23 out of 33 possible points. The city, however, has been improving on the scale, scoring 19 out of 33 in 2009, 20 in 2010, and 22 in 2011. “It’s important for the city to improve the accessibility of information we have,” said Mayor Shari Green, pointing out the city’s financial information is readily available on the main page of the city’s website, although she agreed that it isn’t always easy to find. She also questioned some of the methodology of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy report, noting that communities are scored on whether they have won an accounting award, something out of control of the city. “Some of the areas that are critical to people, we did our best in,” Green said, noting the city scored eight out of a possible eight points in capital assets reported. The city scored zero out of two for historical trend statistics. Green said, however, that information is on the website, it’s just not that easy to find. Green added that video of budget meetings going back a few years is also on the website. In addition, finance meetings are open to the public and members of the public are actually attending. “Certainly, in terms of transparency, we are always looking for ways to increase that,” Green said. “The question is how are we presenting the data and how easy is it for people to find it. It’s all there, it’s just a matter of having a website that’s pretty functional.” Last year council turned down a motion put forward by Coun. Brian Skakun and Coun. Garth Frizzell to post all expenditures on the council agenda, breaking them down into categories. It was rejected due to the extra staff time it would require.

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P.G. truck driver RCMP were called to a report of a logging truck driver in medical distress on the morning of Feb. 5. RCMP, ambulance and Mount Milligan first aid attended a logging truck stopped on the Rainbow Forest Service Road, north of Fort St. James. The driver had reportedly pulled off at around 18 km on the forest service road and was suffering from a possible heart attack or some sort of medical distress. The male driver from Prince George had passed away at the scene before police arrived. RCMP did not believe the death to be suspicious and referred the matter to the B.C. Coroner’s Service.

Province appeals teacher ruling The B.C. government will appeal a B.C. Supreme Court ruling ordering a return to 2002 classroom rules, Education Minister Peter Fassbender announced Tuesday. Fassbender said the latest ruling could potentially cost the B.C. government more than $1 billion, which he called “completely unaffordable for taxpayers.” But the appeal will focus on Justice Susan Griffin’s interpretation of constitutional rights in union negotiations.

INSIDE TODAY: Voices..........................................P9 Community...............................P13 Classifieds.................................P18 Careers.....................................P20 Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Mariama Tounkara helps Hannah Patterson, 2, to keep a safe hand on the end of the saw during a crosscut sawing event Saturday at Francofun Winter Festival. The 29th Festival D’Hiver included outdoor and indoor games and activities for all ages.

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BILL PHILLIPS | 250.564.0005 | newsroom@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

Council takes middle road in setting new rates for off-street parking for three years Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com Even with a compromise, it was still a split vote as council softened the hit on off-street parking rates Monday night. Councillors Lyn Hall, Murry Krause, and Frank Everitt put forward a resolution calling for rates in parkades to increase by 10 per cent each year for the next three years, down considerably from the massive hikes, in some cases 90 per cent, approved by council in July as part of the core services ‘omnibus bill’ containing more than 70 recommendations. Staff has identified $4.1 million in suggested upgrades to city parkades over the next three years and the increases approved in the summer were designed to raise that amount of money. “We have a crisis of infrastructure,” said Coun. Cameron Stolz. “A stepped increase makes sense. The problem I have is that … those numbers (don’t) get us to the sustainable amount. It’s frustrating as all get out that we’re the ones that have to deal with it. For Christ’s sake, can we at least have numbers based on science?” Coun. Garth Frizzell agreed that increases of 10 per cent per year over the next three years won’t be sufficient and suggested the com-

promise of increases at 25 per cent this year and 15 per cent in each of the next two years. “With only 10, 10, and 10 we run the risk of never getting to the point where that’s self funding,” Frizzell said. “With 25,15, and15, we can more quickly get these rates to where they’re sustainable and so that we don’t hammer people.” Hall agreed that the city has difficulty with aging infrastructure everywhere, not just parkades, but pointed out that council should be consistent in its approach to dealing with the problem. “It’s interesting though, that we didn’t have the infrastructure discussion when we were looking at raising the rates for the rinks,” said Hall. “Why didn’t we do that? Because we’re going to hear back, when we hear the report, that we’re probably in a deficit there as well. (But we) didn’t look at passing any huge increase for the users. Let’s not just single out the parkade.” He said rather than dealing with infrastructure on a “piecemeal” basis, the council should be looking at the problem throughout the city. Everitt also defended the decision he, Hall and Krause made to bring the matter back before council. “We need to be up front and

Bonjour, Bonhomme

Allan WISHART/Free Press Emilie Fortin, 3, was one of the first to greet Bonhomme when he arrived at the pancake breakfast at Ecole Lac Des Bois on Wednesday morning. The breakfast was part of a week of Carnaval activities at the school.

say this is the right thing for the people who pay the freight in our parkades,” Everitt said. “When people say to us ‘you have cost

us too much money,’ it behooves council to listen to those folks rather than say ‘we made a decision and we’re not backing off.’”

The compromise rate passed with Mayor Shari Green, Stolz, and Coun. Dave Wilbur voting against.

Green says new parking rates will actually cost people more than original proposal Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com There is a certain irony to Mayor Shari Green’s opposition to adjusted off-street parking rates. She says the new rates, designed to soften the blow of massive hikes approved by council last July, will squeeze even more money out of beleaguered downtown parkers over the long run. In a split vote, council decided Monday

to set the parking rate increases at 25 per cent this year and 15 per cent in 2015 and 2016. “It does, in fact, on several of the itemized location rates, take us beyond what council’s core review decision was in last fall,” Green said. The original rate, however, was only set for one year meaning council next year could have increased rates yet again, which Green said was doubtful. The new rate structure sets the rates for the next three years. “(The 25-15-15 plan) takes us well

beyond, in some cases, what people were already paying,” Green said. “I think people are not going to be pleased when they get their increased bill.” As an example, Green said a rate of $55 per month in 2013 went to $75 in 2014 under the original plan approved by council. That rate, under the new plan, would go from $55 to $85.99 in 2015 and $99 in 2016. “It’s 23 per cent beyond what the council decision was originally,” Green said. The reason for the increase in the first

place was to raise about $4.1 million for upgrades and maintenance to the city’s 22 parking facilities. Even though the new plan will likely raise the needed amount, only over a longer period of time, Green said she can’t support it. “That stepped increase goes above and beyond, 18 times out of the 22 rates,” Green said. “Four of them we end up with less and 18 go beyond, so I wasn’t supportive of that. If we had a three-year increase that had the same result (as the original plan) in the end, that might have been supportable.”

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Friday, February 7, 2014

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Community Alert WA N T E D C Crime Stoppers is asking the ppublic’s assistance in locating the ffollowing person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As oof 0915hrs this 5th day of February 22014, John Henry THOMPSON (B: 11961-04-09) is wanted on a British C Columbia wide warrant for BREACH John Henry OF UNDERTAKING x2. THOMPSON is THOMPSON described as a First Nations male, 185 cm or 6’1” tall and weighs 185 cm or 6’1” 82 kg or 181 lbs. THOMPSON has 82 kg or 181 lbs. black/white hair and brown eyes. THOMPSON should be considered violent.

WA N T E D Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 0915hrs this 5th day of February 2014, Pamela Suzanne Marie CREAK (B: 1961-03-15) is wanted on a British Columbia Pamela Suzanne wide warrant for THEFT UNDER Marie CREAK $5000. CREAK is described as a 163 cm or 5’4” Caucasian female, 163 cm or 5’4” 55 kg or 122 lbs. tall and weighs 55kg or 122 lbs. CREAK has brown hair and green eyes.

WA N T E D Crime Stoppers is asking the public’s assistance in locating the ffollowing person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. AAs of 0915hrs this 5th day of February 2014, Murray Daniel VVARLEY (B: 1959-09-24) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant ffor IMPAIRED DRIVING and 7 other Murray Daniel charges. VARLEY is described as a VARLEY First Nations male, 173 cm or 5’8” 173 cm or 5’8” tall and weighs 77 kg or 170 lbs. 77 kg or 170 lbs VARLEY has brown hair and green eyes. VARLEY should be considered violent.

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In Provincial Court in Prince George on Nov. 25: Perry A. Cardinal was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order, sentenced to 22 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $200. Terrance A. Nicholas was found guilty of being unlawfully in a dwelling-house and resisting a peace officer, sentenced to six months in jail, placed on probation for 18 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Nicholas was also found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, sentenced to 166 days in jail, placed on probation for one year and ordered to make restitution of $349. Nicholas was also found guilty of two counts of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking

or recognizance and sentenced to 30 days in jail. In Provincial Court in Prince George on Nov. 26: Clayton W. Carty was found guilty of break and enter, sentenced to 90 days in jail and placed on probation for one year. Carty was also found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance and sentenced to 23 days in jail. Kayden J. Engstrom was found guilty of assault, uttering threats and mischief and placed on probation for 15 months. Engstrom was also found guilty of resisting a peace officer and failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance and sentenced to one day in jail.

Billy B. Lolly was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000 and failing to comply with a probation order and sentenced to 18 days in jail. Ronald J. Sukkau was found guilty of theft of a motor vehicle, sentenced to 118 days in jail and placed on probation for one year. Sukkau was also found guilty of possession of a break-in instrument and sentenced to 60 days in jail. Sukkau was also found guilty of assault and placed on probation for one year. In Provincial Court in Prince George on Nov. 27: Ralph D. Alec was found guilty of mischief and placed on probation for one year. Daryll D. Basil was found guilty of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats, mischief and failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking, sentenced to 102 days in jail, placed on probation for 18 months, assessed a victim surcharge of $1 and prohibited from possessing firearms for five years. Basil was also found guilty of assault, sentenced to 29 days in jail and placed on probation for 18 months. Janice A. Gauthier was found guilty of fraud, Lunches sentenced to 14 days in jail and placed on probaunder $10 tion for one year. Gauthier was also found guilty of Vegan & Gluten Free failing to comply with a condition of an undertakFridays & 5-8 p.m. Options ing or recognizance and sentenced to 30 days in Saturdays Dine In or Take Out jail. Theodore A.J. Laliberte was found guilty of drivBring this ad and receive a ing while prohibited, fined $500, assessed a victim surcharge of $150 and prohibited from driving for with your order. one year. Julia A. L. Lattie was found guilty of resisting Hours: a peace officer and placed on probation for six Tues.-Thurs. months. 11 am-7 pm Stanley R. Hill was found guilty of failing to Fri.-Sat. comply with a probation order, sentenced to 30 1085 Vancouver St., Prince George days in jail, placed on probation for 12 months and 11 am-8 pm 250-596-4800 • www.zaffroncuisine.ca assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Ryan D.K. Thibodeau was found guilty of assault and placed on probation for 12 months. Robert J. Tulari was found guilty of failing to comply with a probation order and sentenced to 14 days in jail. In Provincial Court in Prince George on Nov. 28: OUTSTANDING COLLECTION OF Stephen J.R. Maitland was found guilty of failing to produce a valid driver’s licence when ordered to do so and fined $500. Donald R. Reinhold was found guilty of false SILK TABRIZ, KASHAN, SHIRAZ GASHGAI, SIRJAN,SAROUG, CHOBI, NAIN, TRIABAL pretences, received a conditional sentence of one BALOUCH, MOUD, ONE OF A KIND VILLAGE RUGS, MASTER WORK BY RENOWED ARTISANS, RUNNERS, AND MANY LARGE DINING /LIVING ROOM SIZES. year and was ordered to make restitution of $1,000. Reinhold was also found guilty of a second count of false pretences, received a conditional sentence of one year and was ordered to make restitution of $1,400. Reinhold was also found guilty of taking a motor vehicle without consent and received a conditional sentence of six months. Richard E. John was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, sentenced to 30 days in jail and placed on probation for one year. Robert R. Prettie was found guilty of break and enter, sentenced to 90 days in jail, placed on probation for one year and assessed a victim surcharge of $1. VIEW FROM 1 PM, AUCTION STARTS 2 PM Christopher J. Rawn was found guilty of assault A large wholesaler of fine Persian & Oriental carpets is now insolvent. and placed on probation for one year. Rawn was Their assets are to be sold by auction. also found guilty of break and enter, placed on proShamirSANDMAN Santosh bation for one year and prohibited from possessing SIGNATURE HOTEL & SUITES wauction@shaw.ca firearms for five years.Rawn was also found guilty 2990 Recplace Dr, Prince George (Hwy 16th and Recplace Drive) Terms: Cash, Visa, MC, Amex, and certified cheques. 15% Buyers premium plus GST/PST in effect. Some items in advertisement are of failing to comply with a condition of an undersubject to prior sales/error/omissions. All sales are final. For more info call 6048086808. Licensed auctioneers. taking and sentenced to one day in jail. Jose Rodriguez was found guilty of driving while prohibited, fined $500, assessed a victim surcharge of $75 and prohibited from driving for one year. Daniel J. Snyder was found guilty of two With over 30 years of experience, I can help you preserve your freedom, reputation and livelihood. counts of failing to comply with a condition For an appointment call 564-4454 of an undertaking and sentenced to 75 days in 980 Fourth Avenue, Prince George • aartsenlaw.com jail.

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

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New recycling program gets Chamber’s OK The Prince George Chamber of Commerce is supporting toneddown recycling changes announced by the province this week. Small business and local government was in an uproar late last year when Multi-Material B.C. rolled out a proposed stewardship program for packaging and printed paper that shifted all responsibility for recycling from a public service to a privately funded system. The Fraser-Fort George Regional District, which Teresa MALLAM/Free Press operates the city landfill, Alexina Perreault-Cook, 3, has the final “magic” touches put on opted out of the plan. her face by artisan Penny Douglas on Saturday at the 29th Festival Changes announced D’Hiver. this week mean it impacts less than one per “Our chamber has just secured funding for a cent of B.C. businesses, said Chamber CEO Christy project that will increase awareness of this recyRay. cling legislation within the Prince George business “This is a huge relief to our local business comcommunity,” Ray said. “We want our members to munity,” said Ray. “This change exempts the major- be ready when the provincial government contracts ity of our local businesses, including all of our Multi-Material B.C. to provide mandatory recymom-and-pop shops, from new costs and red tape.” cling services to all B.C. businesses.” Under the amended rules, businesses can exempt The chamber network throughout B.C. raised the if they have annual revenue of less than $1 million; alarm about the regulation last summer after busiless than one tonne of packaging and printed paper nesses across the province were contacted about produced annually and/or a single point of retail coming new obligations and fees by Multi-Material sale (and not supplied by or operated as part of a B.C. franchise, chain or under a banner). “It became clear that this regulation would have That means that less than 3,000 businesses in the unintended fallout for businesses, and particuprovince will be captured by the regulation, out of larly small businesses, across B.C.,” said Ray. “As a more than 385,000. Chamber network, we knew we needed to roll up “Multi-Material B.C.’s next focus is launching our sleeves, get to work and fix this thing.” the program in May, so B.C. residents can start recycling new categories of packaging, like milk cartons, foam polystyrene, plant pots, aluminium foil packaging, plastic film packaging and drink cups,” said Allen Langdon, managing director. Ray said that the Prince George Chamber of Commerce supports the principle of extended producer responsibility but cautioned that such programs need to be 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 implemented carefully Telephone: (250) 960-4400, Toll Free 1-800-667-1959 to avoid unintended Fax (250) 563-7520, Web: www.rdffg.bc.ca consequences.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

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• Increase hours of operation on weekends: There is no service on Sunday evenings, which is challenging for university students, people with jobs, or those looking to enjoy a meal with friends that day, said the committee in its report to council. Service is limited to once per hour the rest of the weekend. • Introduce express trips. • Improve transit stops: The Prince George transit buses are very accessible, the committee said. Overall accessibility of the transit system can be improved with better access to bus stops by continuing to fix and install sidewalk and curb cuts and by removing snow banks. Council received the report without discussion Monday.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Lift a glass to Alefest in 2015 Kiwanis Club gets behind beer-tasting event As part of a milestone year, Prince George will be hosting its first craft beer tasting festival in one year on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Two Rivers Gallery. Kiwanis AleFest is a new, unique event that will offer attendees the opportunity to taste and discover a variety of high-quality specialty and premium beers made by local B.C. and Yukon independent brewers. About 60 people crammed into Pacific Western Brewing’s offices Friday to hear about the event, even though it’s still a year away. Over the last number of years, consumers’ beer palates have become more sophisticated and so the craft beer market has exploded across North America. Craft beer now represents the fastest growing segment within the beer category, although still relatively small compared to “big” brands with more than 10 per cent market share, said Bjorn Butow, chair of the Kiwanis AleFest committee. In B.C., the industry has grown from 35 breweries in 2007 to 50 in 2013. In the last few months, three new breweries have opened in northern B.C. … Barkerville Brewing Company in Quesnel, Three Ranges Brewing Company in Valemount, and Wheelhouse Brewing Company in Prince Rupert. Not standing still, Prince George’s Pacific Western Brewery is releasing new premium recipes and seasonal specialty beer, utilizing its recently installed

pilot craft brewing system. In 2015, Kiwanis AleFest will feature these breweries along with Whitehorsebased craft brewer Yukon Brewing Company, Penticton-based Cannery Brewing, and a few others to be announced. “There is such an amazing world of more flavourful beers to be appreciated beyond mainstream products,” said Butow. “Craft beer is about variety of flavours, higher quality smaller batches all locally made by independent brewers.” Volunteer-run, the event is being organized by the Kiwanis Club of Prince George as an annual signature event to raise funds for local children charities and Kiwanis programs. Kiwanis (meaning “we trade” or “we share our talents”) is a community service organization with a long history since its founding in Prince George in 1954. Over the years, Kiwanis has held a number of fundraisers to benefit charities and legacy projects, such as golf tournaments, community dinners, the building of the Kiwanis Bandshell in Fort George Park, and the Kiwanis Picnic Area. “We really believe Prince George is ready for this type of event, and the timing couldn’t be better,” said Don Gowan, Lieutenant Governor for Kiwanis. “The event coincides with the 100 year anniversary

Bill PHILLIPS/Free Press Prince George Kiwanis Club members Amy Erickson (left) and Bjorn Butow (right) along with PWB brewmaster Henryk Orlik announce AleFest, a celebration and tasting of craft beer from around the province next January in Prince George.

of Kiwanis International, and unofficially celebrates community milestones such as the 100 year anniversa-

ry of the city, the 25 year anniversary of UNBC, and excitement of hosting of the Canada Winter Games.”

YOUR CITY MATTERS February 7, 2014

COUNCIL COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES MEMBERSHIP Prince George Heritage Commission Apply for the Prince George Heritage Commission! Deadline for Applications: 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2014 Prince George is a City full of volunteers willing to give their time to ensure their community is a better place to live, work and play. Council Commissions provide residents of our community the opportunity to participate on the development of our municipality.

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Regular Council Meeting Monday, February 24, 2014 – Council Chambers – 6:00 p.m.

COUNCIL, COUNCIL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS MEETINGS Advisory Committee on Development Design Wednesday, February 12, 2014 – 2nd Floor Conference Room – 12:00 p.m. Advisory Committee on Accessibility Wednesday, February 12, 2014 – 2nd Floor Conference Room – 5:00 p.m. Select Committee on Enhancing Prince George (Enhance PG) Thursday, February 13, 2014 – 2nd Floor Conference Room – 12:00 p.m.

At this time the City Manager’s Ofﬁce is accepting applications for Membership on the Prince George Heritage Commission. The Commission meets monthly, does research and provides information and recommendations to Council and City Staff. Applications are available on the City’s web site www.princegeorge.ca/cityhall/committees/, or may be picked up at City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard. For further information or to have an application form mailed to you, please call 250.561.7602. Applications or resumes received by the City Manager’s Ofﬁce, Director of Legislative Services by the February 7, 2014 deadline will be considered by City Council at its Closed Meeting of February 24, 2014.

**Applications in their entirety, will be included in a Regular Council Meeting Agenda, and forwarded to Council for consideration. Those Agendas may become public and the City of Prince George will use personal information collected for the purposes of committee appointments and committee member listings.**

PROCLAMATIONS • February 2014 is proclaimed “Toastmasters International Month” • February 6, 2014 is proclaimed “British Columbia Privacy and Security Awareness Day”

INVITATION TO BID Invitation to Tender: T14-03 Installation of Energy Transfer Stations at WIDC Closing Date: February 19, 2014 T14-04 Flagging Services Closing Date: February 19, 2014 Request for Proposal: P14-06 Provision of Aerial Photography LiDAR Closing Date: February 20, 2014 For information concerning City of Prince George bidding opportunities visit BC Bid at www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca

Dr. C Murdoch Dr. J McConnell Dr. T Machell Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am-5:30pm Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm

250.963.9898 24-Hour Emergency Call www.murdochvet.com 2933 Gunn Rd. Pr Geo. V2N 2H8

1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC V2L 3V9 Tel. (250) 561-7600 • Fax (250) 612-5605 www.princegeorge.ca • ServiceCentre@city.pg.bc.ca

Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 7, 2014

Electoral

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Serving It Up

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It is a municipal election year and council is getting ready. On Monday it appointed legislative services director Walter Babicz as chief election officer and deputy corporate officer Deanna Wasnik as deputy chief election officer.

Fire on Pine Street Fire severely damaged a home in the 2500 block of Pine Street on Sunday. Fire crews were called out at a 4:20 p.m. and, upon arrival, discovered the house “heavily involved with fire.” Crews remained on the scene for several hours. Damage is estimated at about $200,000. The Prince George Fire Rescue Service and the RCMP are investigating the cause of the fire.

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press One of 30 kitchen volunteers, Sandra Butler prepares to serve sausages Saturday for the Sugar Shack Brunch crowd. The Francofun Winter Festival (Festival D’Hiver) is an annual event put on by Le Cercle des Canadiens Francais.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

BILL PHILLIPS | 250.564.0005 | editor@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

Do the math on off-street parking

Franco Fiddle

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Raymond Claymondon of the Old Time Fiddlers group warms up the audience at the 29th Festival D’Hiver Francofun Winter Festival on Saturday. The event is put on by Le Cercle des Canadiens Francais.

When wolves roar I am glad I went to see The Wolf of Wall Street at a Comedy at the Golden Globes, he winced. our local theatre. He looked hurt. It cost me a lot of money if you factor in the “Comedy, eh? Wow.” he said, or words to that candy, drink and popcorn for my “date”, but this effect. was one movie I wanted to see on the big screen. Didn’t they take him seriously? Well, the film Director Martin Scorsese scored with an admitted- is classified as a black comedy and in that sense, ly irreverent look at larger-than-life, get-rich-quick it fit the criteria. This one just happened to have a schemes, pump-and-dump scams that pervade the little more drama and depravity than most black flawed financial landscape and too often leads to comedies, especially when it came to issues of imlives in ruin. morality, illicit drug use and potty mouths – there I’m still reeling from it. is said to be 569 uses of the F-word Not so much from the sordid sex in the final version. No word yet on scenes or the copious swear words (the how many such utterances are in the numbers of which rivalled the incidents uncut version. of couples’ copulating) – I just said that Critics of the film did point to the to twist your tongue – Oh, and they did fact DeCaprio’s character got the a lot of that too. No, it wasn’t even the hero hype as opposed to the villain display of drugs. venom he deserved and his real-life It was just the excess of it all. victims of the financial deals gone When it comes out on video in a few bad were not represented. That’s a weeks, I am sure Wolf of Wall Street will good point. not be nearly as shocking sitting in my But this is a Hollywood producliving room with the lights on and my TEA WITH TERESA tion, not a morality play. For me, cat purring on as it was in a darkened TERESAMALLAM The Wolf of Wall Street did provide theatre with people cheering and jeering a slice of life that is not often served in (in my view) all the wrong places. up and seen by “regular” folks who make their Actor Leonardo DeCaprio, who portrays realliving in the most boring of ways like writing for a life stockbroker Jordan Belfort (the movie is based ... tabloid. on his memoirs), said in a promotional interview There is one lesson to learn from this for Mr. Delast month that he and his fellow actors “pulled Caprio. Here it is. Leo, this is the Year of the Horse, out all the stops” and “just went for it” shooting not the Year of the Lion. Maybe it’s time to lose this portrayal of immoral living. There were even the models and join Katy Perry so we can hear you reports he did his own nude scenes. Two thumbs roar or you can climb aboard with Miley Cyrus on up, if that’s true. But when it came time for awards her wrecking ball. Just saying... and I could be your season and when DeCaprio won for Best Actor in press person.

Professional Theatre

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Shari Green asked me if I had done the math. Having majored in English, I had to admit that I hadn’t. So I did. The math on the new rates for off street parking, passed Monday by city council, is interesting. Back in July, council approved rate hikes for off street parking. In some cases, rates more than doubled. For example, the rate in the Second Avenue parkade, without a plug in, went from $42.41 per month to $90 per month. At Monday’s council meeting councillors Lyn Hall, Frank Everitt, and Murry Krause brought forward a motion to increase rates by 10 per cent per year over the next three years. Council heard, at length, that money is needed (about $4.1 million) to bring the city’s parking structures up to snuff. It’s not a safety issue, but onWRITER’S BLOCK going maintenance has been lacking. Fair enough. BILLPHILLIPS As a bit of a compromise, Coun. Garth Frizzell brought forward an amendment setting parking rate increases at 25 per cent this year and 15 per cent in 2015 and 15 per cent again in 2016, which would raise funds needed for the repairs. The motion passed with Mayor Green, Coun. Cameron Stolz, and Coun. Dave Wilbur voting against it. The math Green was referring to was the 25-15-15 rate increase would actually, in the vast majority of the lots, see users paying more after three years than they would have under the rate approved in July. For example, using the Vancouver Street lot where rates would have gone from $48.66 per month to $55. Now, under the 25-15-15 increase, users will see their monthly rate go to $60.82 this year, to $69.94 next year, and to $80.44 in 2016. So some users will pay more in three years’ time, which only would hold true if, had things not changed, the next council is not increasing the rates again next year. The benefit of the 25-15-15 plan is that the rates will be set for three years. I suggested to Green that she should be happy because the 25-15-15 plan likely brings in more than the $4.1 million council needs for upkeep on the rates. “I’m not going to complain,” she said jokingly, but added she could not support the rates going past what staff had recommended. She said she could have supported a stepped-rate increase over three years if it had come in closer to what staff had recommended. Which brings me to the goofy part of council’s meeting. Coun. Cameron Stolz, who isn’t the finance committee chair anymore but likes to pretend he is, was obviously frustrated with the motion to bring in gradual increases. He went on and on about the “infrastructure” deficit and the need to make the fund “sustainable.” The former finance committee chair obviously hadn’t done the math either since the new plan will bring in more money … over time. Stolz ended up with the quote of the night though by blurting out: “For Christ’s sakes can we at least have numbers based on science.” As a card-carrying Conservative who sought the party nomination in Prince George-Peace River, it was a career-limiting quip. Once Prime Minister Stephen Harper finds out Stolz wants numbers based on science, he’ll be out of favour with the PM.

By Kevin Loring FEBRUARY 13 MARCH MARCH 5 “A genuinely great piece of theatre about our nation’s dark secret” - Vancouver Sun

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Friday, February 7, 2014

There’s no point being grown up if you can’t be childish sometimes. - Dr. Who

BILL PHILLIPS | 250.564.0005 | editor@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

Matters jury did an outstanding job

he conclusion of the inquest into the death of Greg Matters was somewhat anti-climactic. After all the media hype and legal posturing that surrounded this case, it was refreshing to see that the coroner’s jury stuck to the task it was charged with and didn’t embroil itself in all nonsense that swirled around the inquest. It ruled Matters’ death, at the hands of an RCMP Emergency Response Team, was a homicide, which means his death was caused by another human. Not coming to that conclusion would have been surprising, to put it mildly. The jury also put forward a list of recommendations such as equipping police with video equipment; equipping them with, and training them on, less lethal weapons; that mental health professionals be available to ERT members; that mental health training be given to all RCMP members; that police dogs be used on armed suspects; and that the Department of Defence have programs in place to monitor physical, emotional and financial health of its members after they are discharged. All good solid recommendations, and hopefully the appropriate agencies will take heed and implement them. That is what a coroner’s jury is supposed to do and credit must be given to this jury for doing so with so many distractions. The inquest was derailed almost from the very beginning. Coroner’s inquests are not tasked with assigning blame although this one certainly went down that path. It had lawyers positioning themselves for the almost inevitable civil suit to follow. It had out-of-town reporters demanding every gory detail and photo as well as disrupting proceedings so much that, at one point, a Canadian Press reporter was warned that if she persisted she would be physically removed from the room. Jurors ended up listening to testimony of people so far removed from the events of that terrible day that it’s remarkable they came to any conclusions. For example, was it really necessary to listen to testimony from a woman who dated Greg Matters 10 years ago in eastern Canada? The result of all this was that the inquest couldn’t be completed during the time allotted for it last fall so it was reconvened last week. Regrettably, everything the jury really needed to hear could have been presented in the time allotted. Once again, congratulations to the jury for not being swayed by the sideshow going on around it. Be ﬁrst to add to the story or read what your neighbour thinks. Be a part of your community paper. Comment online.

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Where have all those who made us think gone? The recent passing of folk singer Pete Seeger marked the vast majority of the citizens agreed the primary task was departure from our world of a dedicated social activist and to defeat the threats of conquest in Europe and the Pacific. talented folk singer. Men, women and families came out of the war years with He was in the forefront of the changes many of us went a different view of what life and the society they lived in through in the latter part of the last century. Most of those should be. The western democracies retained the view of the changes can be summed up in the growth of our social conindividual having freedom to choose the life they wished science. No matter where one sits on the political to live but with an acknowledgement to the scale, his life and his work must be respected. importance of our duty to others. For those who are younger, his name may only Politics moved toward the left, not without ring a faint tinkle of recognition. What is more resistance, but still towards a more colleceasily recalled by all ages are some of the songs he tive view of the world they wished to live in. and others sang. There are still a lot of people who Through that era, particularly during the 50’s can still hum the tune of some of his more notable and 60’s, the debate raged on. Reflecting this hits even if the words have receded into the black demand for change were the folk singers who hole of memory. Songs like “Where Have All the became prominent as the voice for change. Flowers Gone?”, “If I Had a Hammer” and “Turn, Change did come, resisted by many, but Turn, Turn” are just a few. supported by a majority of citizens. Few As with all of us, Pete Seeger was a product of would argue with the values we hold in CanONSIDE his time, coming to age during the Great Depresada of the importance of universal education VICBOWMAN or Medicare. The debate continues to rage sion which sped up the growth of social activism throughout the western world. The period was about many other aspects of our society and marked by impoverishment and desperation of many. Famiwhat should or should not be done. That is one of the joys of lies fought to simply survive. Not surprisingly, the feeling living in a democracy. We can have divergent points of view there must be change was on the minds of most. What that and fight for them with words rather than guns and bombs. change would be and how their world would look afterwards Individuals who hold honest and strong positions are eshad many versions. sential to progress. We may agree or disagree but at the very It was a time when socialism, in its many manifestaleast they make us think and frequently become involved. tions, gained traction with significant numbers of people. That will never be a bad thing. Some advocated violent overthrow of the government but Like our own Tommy Douglas, Pete Seeger made us think. they were few. Most of those drawn to the beliefs of the left We may have agreed or disagreed but we did have to sort simply wanted a world with some greater security. It was a our way through. Bless Pete, Tommy and hundreds of others significant departure from the prior mainstream political who have had the courage and conviction to stand up and thinking. express their views. Politics were set aside during the Second World War. The We need them. circulation@pgfreepress.com | 250-564-0005

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Parents must ensure Zimmer blames gov’t doesn’t ‘throw kids under the bus’ PSAC for vet woes Editor: I wear many hats: Vice-president of the PGDTA. teacher (25 years SD57). But I am first a father, a grandfather, and a greatgrandfather. I share this to give context for my comments. There are many articles in the media regarding the court case - BCTF and B.C. government. The serious story continues to be buried by your paper. This is about the government and its representatives goading teachers to a full-blown strike. This is about the government pushing teachers to strike for political gain. Using our children, our grandchildren, and our great grandchildren as pawns in a political game. The government wanted to interrupt our children’s education and inconvenience parents of the province to find alternative arrangements for their children. The government threw our children under the school bus, so they could gain the political support of parents and legislate a contract stripping settlement on the

teachers. In the court case, cabinet documents were presented that showed the government wanted to goad the teachers to a strike and to drive wedges between BCTF members and parents. This is not spin. This is the ruling of a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. It is based on evidence, testimony, examination, cross-examination, and the facts of the case, not spin. To quote Justice Griffin: “Their strategy was to put such pressure on the union that it would provoke a strike by the union. The government representatives thought this would give government the opportunity to gain political support for imposing legislation on the union.” The government changed, a few new faces added, but at root is the same. It is our responsibility as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents to ensure this never happens again. We must be alert, informed, and watchful, that the government never throws our children under the school bus again.

For 12 years, our children have been deprived of the supports they need - counselors, librarians, learning assistance teachers, learning resource teachers, ESL teachers, and educational assistants. Children with highly complex needs, behaviorally, academically, socially, emotionally, and psychologically, have not been provided the supports to meet their needs. Instead, classroom composition absorbs teacher energy and focuses teacher attention away from learning in classrooms with high levels of complex needs manifested. The unconstitutional stripping of contract language that provided those supports for our children deprived a generation of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the best education they could have had. The government threw our children under the school bus. Richard Giroday, First Vice President Prince George District Teachers’ Association

Site C hearings over but only result is more questions Editor: Now that the Site C hearings have been completed, I, as an average taxpayer of the province, am more baffled than before. We have heard from two diametrically opposed opponents: The B.C. government and big business on one side and various environmental and First Nations on the other side, along with other interests with viable alternatives for the generation of power. BC Hydro appears somewhat ambivalent to the whole idea, with no suggestions as to how the taxpayer will pay for it. Judging on previous projects, we can expect the costs to double before it gets finished. I suppose this will be on top of the already approved increases. According to Landforms of British Columbia, by Stuart Holland, the Peace River valley was occupied by a pre-glacial lake, called Lake Peace. As sediments were deposited in this lake basin to a thickness of about 100 feet, this will provide a very unstable land mass if flooded.

I would like to see the government at least seriously investigate other sources of generating power before destroying this area of excellent agricultural land. I would also like BC Hydro to be more definitive as

to whether it really needs this power in the light of decreasing use, or will be surplus for power for many years to come. Harry Coates Prince George

Kudos to all for the Premier’s B.C. Natural Resource Forum Editor: I would like to congratulate MLA Mike Morris and the organizers of Premier’s B.C. Natural Resource Forum, held January 26- 27 in Prince George. I attended as an exhibitor and was extremely pleased with the energy and flow of traffic through the trade show. It was a very well-attended event with, I understand, well over 500 delegates. I was very impressed with the high calibre of speakers, the very good mix of MLAs, First Nations and the resource sector. I particularly enjoyed the keynote presentations of Premier

Christy Clark and Calvin Helin – both very positive and encouraging. It was great to have the premier walk through the trade show floor to meet the exhibitors, as I don’t believe that happens at every event. It is the first year I have attended this event and I definitely will be registering again for the 2015 event. It’s a great conference to kick off the year. Congratulations again to Mr. Morris and his team – keep up the great work! See you in 2015. Bob Joseph Port Coquitlam

Editor: The issue of Veterans Affairs Canada service locations is once again grabbing headlines, and it is doing so because of the amount of misinformation out there about the changes being made by our government. The fact is that Canada’s veterans will be better served now that employees at any one of 600 Service Canada locations across the country will be trained and equipped to provide those services in smaller communities. A veteran living in Dawson Creek or Mackenzie will be able to access service locally, instead of traveling to Prince George or Edmonton to visit a VAC office. Veterans who did receive service from the now-closed VAC offices will not have to look for their new service point, as all of those cities have Service Canada locations in the same building or across the street. Veterans will receive face-to-face service from a real person at any Service Canada office, or go online if they wish to do so. Also, my constituency offices are more than willing and able to provide help to veterans in need of assistance. The Public Service Alliance of Canada, or PSAC, is spearheading the campaign against Veterans Affairs Canada. When the union launched their campaign in July 2013, they failed to note that the Veterans Affairs office in Prince George had been closed for six months! They simply lump our community in with eight other offices that closed on January 31, 2014. The union also does a grave disservice to their own members. They imply that Service Canada employees, who are also represented by PSAC, are incapable of putting the training they have received from Veterans Affairs Canada to good use. Since 2006, our Government has invested nearly $4.7 billion in new funding to enhance veterans benefits, programs and services. Close to 90 per cent of the department’s budget goes toward direct service and support for veterans services. In order to support Canadian veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada delivers a number of personalized benefits such as home visits by a registered nurse or case-manager, in addition to grass cutting, snow clearing and home cleaning services. We have also made improvements, increasing the number of case workers in the regions where veterans need them most, and opening and maintaining 17 Operational Stress Injury Clinics and 24 Integrated Personnel Support Centres near Canadian Forces Bases and in major city centres right across the country. I have family who are veterans. I truly care about them and the quality of service they, and all veterans, receive. Our Government has been extremely supportive of our veterans through several initiatives such as the Helmets to Hardhats program as well as doubling Government contribution rates to the Burial Services Fund. Our government is working hard to serve our veterans as well as they have served Canada. The campaign by PSAC only serves to disrespect their own members working at Service Canada, and keeps veterans in the dark about the services available to them. Bob Zimmer Prince George-Peace River MP

Prince George - VOICES - Free Press

Friday, February 7, 2014

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Hunter Sones wasn’t taking any chances with frostbite Sunday morning at the Otway Nordic Centre. Sones was up from Squamish to compete in the Biathlon Western Canadian Championships.

Time for the Olympics The 2014 Winter Olympic Games start today in have favoured the countries that are, you know, good Sochi, Russia. at figure skating. I’m kind of guessing the idea was Except for some of the sports, which started teams like Russia and the United States aren’t going yesterday. to have their top people wear themselves out ahead And there aren’t any sports on today. Just the of their specialty, whereas teams that figure their opening ceremonies. skaters might do well in the different So for most people, the Olympics start disciplines but not medal in any one of tomorrow, which sort of makes sense, them might be able to pull together a being a Saturday. high enough score to win a team medal. Oh, and if you’re reading this at 7:55 One other things I have to note about a.m., turn your TV on quick. The openthe figure skating. It’s taking place in a ing ceremonies start at 8 a.m. Pacific venue which translates into English as time. That’s 8 p.m. Sochi time, so in one the Iceberg Skating Palace. sense it’s easy for us to know what time Just for kicks, I’d love to see someone events are on. We just flip a.m. for p.m. skate one of their routines to Celine Of course, that means if we want to Dion’s My Heart Will Go On. You watch the sports live, we might have to remember? The song from the movie get up awfully early in the morning to Titanic? Wouldn’t that be appropriate? ALLAN’S AMBLINGS do so. In times past, I’ve spent more time ALLANWISHART Oh yeah, those sports that actually looking at some of the different sports started before the Olympics are officially opened by and even juggling my personal schedule to make Vlladimir Putin? That would be the first qualificasure I could see some of the key events. I did a bit of tion runs in slopestyle snowboarding and women’s that last time, mainly because since they were just moguls freestyle skiing as well as team figure skating. down the road in Vancouver, the times for the events What’s that? You didn’t know figure skating was usually worked out OK. now a team event. Well it is. Each country has six This year, even with my weird sleep patterns, I’m skaters: one man, one woman, one dance pair and not going to put myself out. one pair. They each skate and their total scores are If I happen to catch one of the major hockey added to determine who wins the medals. games, or the curling gold-medal games, or someWhy couldn’t they have just said, “We’re going to thing like that, I won’t turn the TV off or switch take the top score for each country in the regular over to the Weather Network. (Well, probably not. events and add them together?” If I have some outdoor assignments to cover and I Because that would have been too easy, and would want to know how many layers of clothing I’m going to need, I might switch over.) And guess what? I don’t think my watching or not watching will make one bit of difference in how well our with Forever Florists Canadian athletes do. I will take joy in any romantic blooms this medals we win, and I’ll probably try to catch the Valentines Day! highlights of the winning Lush red roses, exotic orchids, performance or run or delightful tulips or mixed game, but I’m not going European Handtied Bouquets. to make a huge effort. And there is no way Forever Florists I’m going to make an Olympic-sized effort, 6551 Hart Highway even though logically I 250-962-2323 to arrange pick up or delivery should.

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TERESA MALLAM | 250.564.0005 | arts@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com

The woman without the mask Cancer journey leads local artisan to pursue her dream Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com For Sandee Bartsch, art doesn’t imitate life. It has become her life. Two years ago, Bartsch was in a Vancouver cancer clinic, enduring rounds of gruelling chemotherapy and radiation to her head and neck. Today she is cancer-free. Now back in Prince George where she’s lived for 25 years, with help from family and friends, she has opened an art studio filled with supplies in the lower level of her home. She takes each day as it comes. “There is always the knowledge it [cancer] could come back,” she says. However she doesn’t dwell on that, life and living is too precious. “I’m home every day now, this is my new normal.” But her life has new meaning, she says. Bartsch, 52, wants to share her love and appreciation of life and her belief that art can heal the heart and soul with other women in the community. That was the idea behind turning her downstairs into a well-stocked crafts room where students can use the hundreds of materials and art supplies she’s collected over the years and take workshops learning new techniques. There are dozens of plastic organizers and shelves filled with craft supplies and books, drawers of found objects like keys, ribbons and buttons, paints, glue, brushes and even antique paper dolls. The artist’s philosophy is this: “Lots of people want to be creative but they need foundation. To do art takes a lot of courage, you need community support, the tools, the step by step foundation. Some people who have been doing scrapbooking want to take it to the next level and do mixed media pieces.” Although she had dreamed of something like this for years, it was only after she recovered from cancer treatment that her home studio became a reality. Still, she thought cancer was something that would never happen to her. “Two years ago, I was living a healthy life. I was eating healthy, I took part in the Vancouver Sun Run, I didn’t smoke, I lifted weights. When I was 50, I found out I had head and neck cancer and I felt my body had left me down.” It began with feelings of fatigue reported

to her doctor, followed by her own discovery of a lump under her ear. Further testing, including biopsies and a CT scan, led to her cancer diagnosis and Bartsch went to Vancouver for treatment. “They have a team of specialists that designs a program for you. I had a mask made for me and I had to lie flat on this bed, perfectly still, while this big machine hovers over me. You can’t move because it is programmed to treat the precise spots that are marked on the mask.” She missed home. “I am so happy that people can now stay in Prince George [cancer clinic] for their treatments. It means so much. My husband had to leave work to be with me and I had to leave behind my home and my pets.” More than being homesick, however, Bartsch faced the fight of her life. However, she fought through her fear that she might not survive this to rediscover what was most important in her life. “My vision was suddenly very clear,” she said. “I knew I’d been in the wrong career [in the lumber industry] for 27 years. Cancer has a way of cutting right to the chase with people. And for me, it all came down to two words: love and regret. I began to ask myself questions, ‘Did I heal relationships? Did I feel loved? Did I give love?’ “As for regret – I had only one. That I had not followed my dream of creativity.” For her that meant creating her own art, and then sharing her knowledge and techniques with others. Bartsch shows the reporter a white plastic mask in her private studio. It is riddled with tiny holes and marked with pink areas. It could have come out of a horror movie. “That was my chemo mask,” she says, simply. “They use your own face to create, out of this plastic that smells terrible as it’s being shaped and they mark it so they know exactly where to pinpoint the treatments. She [the mask] saved my life. The nurses put the tiara on it when I had completed 35 rounds of radiation and three rounds of chemotherapy. I leave her there to see every day, to remind me how precious life is and to live it to the fullest.” When the mask came off, Bartsch said she felt a new sense of freedom. She likes to blog and share her thoughts with the world. “This has been my dream for this com-

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Sandee Bartsch with the “life-saving” mask she wore during her treatments for neck cancer two years ago.

munity for seven years now but I was too scared, scared to listen to my heart, scared of failure, scared of rejection, all of those fears that artists and entrepreneurs face. Now two years in remission, after receiving treatment for throat cancer, I am no longer afraid. I am more afraid of the regret I would have

to face, again, if I did not do what I really wanted to do not only for me but for my community.” Inspired by the phrase, “go big or go home,” she undertook the huge art room renovation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was touched when many of my friends and family pitched in, making this dream a reality, not only for me, but for my community.â&#x20AC;? Creating art also relieves stress and takes away the worries of the day, she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me it keeps away what I call my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;monkey mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to think about things, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry and do art at the same time. I am at home now and this is what I do with my time. This is my new normal.â&#x20AC;? About The Mask The mask was originally one large flat piece of mesh. It was soaked in hot water and, when pliable, technicians placed the mesh on Bartschâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head, face, neck and shoulder area. It was moulded to fit. Bartsch had to remain still while the mesh dried in place. The first piece did not mould properly, so a second one had to be made. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the Surrey Cancer Clinic where I attended treatment hung a mask, exactly like mine, but an artist had

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decorated it with lights and stuff. It was super cool.â&#x20AC;? The mask was taken down, she said, because some patients found it eerie. Could masks become part of her future work in art? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I highly doubt it,â&#x20AC;? she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;because the mask has already left me with two gifts. One was the gift of life, and the second gift â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gave me was the freedom to take off my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;social maskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: the mask we wear to be loved, liked, fit into society, etc. was peeled off for good. And now I am free of all that. Like chains being broken from a schackle my social self melted away making room for my essential self which is the self that allows me to be free to be me.â&#x20AC;? From that, she was able to move on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gained an awareness, life was too short to care what others thought of me. For these reasons, I see no need to explore masks and their meaning to me through a creative process such as art. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ Studio Workshops include: Butterfly Sisterhood, a weekly meet up at the studio for women to create, share and connect together; BBF Party, spend an afternoon with you and your BFF in the studio, creating, having fun, making memories together and taking home a beautiful finished piece; Group Workshops, taking fear out of creating a complicated art piece through step-by-step instruction and guidance in a small group setting of six people; and Technique Tuesday: Learn a new mixed media technique every week (day or evening class available) that you can add to your creative toolbox to use whenever you need it. The studio has ambiance with music, coffee, tea and maybe a cupcake or two. More programs will be launched in the coming year. For more information, visit www.soulpurposeartist. com.

P.G. Playbill WRITERS WORKSHOP On Feb. 8 writer Ed Zaruk will be offering a non-fiction workshop teaching how to research and compile material for biographies, autobiographies and memoirs along with a session on creative non-fiction. Session runs from 8 to 4 p.m. Cost is $40. Register early at Books and Company or by contacting Zaruk at www.edzaruk.com.

JIMMY RANKIN HERE Mark the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar for a very special concert at Artspace featuring singer songwriter Jimmy Rankin followed by a fiddle-playing, stepdancing family, Everything Fitz. Wednesday, April 23. Tickets are $20 on sale at Books and Company on Third Avenue.

X-TAILS READING On Saturday, Feb. 15 starting at 10 a.m. there is a special edition of the weekly story time for children at Books and Company. Local author L.A. Fielding will be in the store to read his new book, The X Tails Snowboard at Shred Park. The event is free and open to children of all ages.

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JRDN plans on keeping it smooth be disappointed. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting good music, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just me and a three-piece band. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a dancer, so there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a lot of moving around. I just stand there and belt it out.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise there are a lot of He figures some of the people different styles coming through in in the audience that night might JRDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music. not know who he is, so heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll start â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hip-hop kind of raised me,â&#x20AC;? the with some of his older tracks, â&#x20AC;&#x153;stuff singer says from Toronto, where he they may remember hearing on the was doing some studio work, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but my radio.â&#x20AC;? first love was R&B. And then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Then it will be onto some newer some soul splashes in there.â&#x20AC;? stuff, and he says people will notice a Prince George will get the chance to difference. hear a lot of those styles when JRDN â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a slight change in tempo opens for Hedley on Feb. 14 at CN on the new stuff. I stayed away from Centre. Given his style and Hedleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the uptempo songs. style, it may sound like a strange mix, HEDLEY OPENER â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m more of a laid-back guy.â&#x20AC;? but he says it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Tickets for the Feb. 14 show at CN â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely a little bit different, JRDN Centre with JRDN and Alyssa Reid but Hedleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing a little bit of R&B opening for Hedley, are on sale at all Ticketmaster themselves now, getting some of that sound.â&#x20AC;? locations. While JRDN has only played one previous date with Hedley, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s somewhat more familiar with the other opening act, Alyssa Reid. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done shows with her, and we actually just finished up a duet. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be on her next project, which comes out the same day as my new EP.â&#x20AC;? Having a mix of musical styles can make it easier to find songs, he agrees, but it also makes it easier to adapt songs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I might hear a song thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really soft rock and I start thinking how it could sound, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll mix it Are you new to and fuse it with some R&B.â&#x20AC;? Prince George? Sometimes, though, the musical genres thing can get a bit mixed up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rap, but I do sometimes write hooks for rappers. I give them something that sounds good, and they go from there. Have you delivered a baby â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of collaborations going on. in the last 3 months? I work with hip-hop people, I work with R&B Or know someone who is pregnant? people.â&#x20AC;? Lately, JRDN has been focusing on his writing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still pretty new at it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve only been writing Call: Leandra Hooker-Armstrong for about six years. I just havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had the time before to really sit down and just do some writing.â&#x20AC;? 1-866-856-8442 Now, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still not finding it easier, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier welcomewagonpg@hotmail.com to get things flowing - sometimes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of the time when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m writing, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll work Welcome Wagon has with the melody. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get something that sounds information and gifts to present good, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll start trying different things. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky, the words will start coming while on these occasions. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still on the melody. Sometimes it ends up Visits are done by appointment being a verse that I get going, sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the chorus. You never know.â&#x20AC;? Northern Region & Surrounding Area And sometimes, even when he thinks a song is Call: 1.866.856.8442 finished, something changes. www.welcomewagon.ca â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was back home in Nova Scotia a couple of weeks ago, back where I came from, and I caught the vibe of growing up there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was the first time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been home in months, and it just felt right when I started putting the song together.â&#x20AC;? Then he got back to the studio in Toronto. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I came back, went into the studio, and the melody got changed. The concept of the 100% Locally Owned song is the same, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Operated! still about the same thing, but the song itself changed. It just felt like a better fit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how it goes. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the atmosphere, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the mood Prince George 250-964-1103 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of wine you drank.â&#x20AC;? #450 - 5240 Domano Boulevard If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting a Located in College Heights next to Save-On Foods /PU SFEFFNBCMF XJUI BOZ PUIFS PĂľFS lot of glitz and glamour 0OF DPVQPO QFS DVTUPNFS $PVQPO FYQJSFT "VH Not redeemable with any other offer. One coupon per customer. Coupon expires February 15, 2014. when JRDN takes the stage on Feb. 14, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll

Friday, February 7, 2014

Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com

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Schedule of Events 9 Jan - 22 Feb

Snowman Building Contest Over a six week period we encourage groups, clubs, families, schools and businesses to build a Snowman to enter to win a prize. Submit photo with registration form to editor@pgfreepress.com

8 Feb Mardi Gras Snow Daze presents SENIORS FUN FAIR DAYS â&#x20AC;&#x153;SENIORS IDOL CONTESTâ&#x20AC;? Elders Recreation Centre 1692 - 10 Avenue Starts at 7:00 pm (Must be 55 or over to compete) Prizes and Trophies. $10 at the door. Contact: Odelia @ 250-561-9381

10 Feb Mardi Gras Snow Daze presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;SENIORS FUN FAIR DAYSâ&#x20AC;? Senior Activity Centre on Brunswick Street 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Crib, Whist, Floor Curling, Carpet Bowling & more. Prizes awarded to winners of all games. Lunch service at noon for a minimal charge Live Entertainment from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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You can hear them coming even before you see them. That’s because a local barbershop quartet leads with a happy song. The BeezNeez quartet will be buzzing around Prince George on Valentine’s Day serenading loved ones, friends, workmates or bosses with a perfectly harmonized song and a round of smiles. “We will travel to homes, offices, mills or anywhere within Prince George city limits to sing surprise songs,” says quartet member Marilyn Johnson. For almost a decade, talented vocalists: Johnson, Kathy Pereira, Barb Humphries and Sam Isabelle, have made Valentine’s Day more special and brightened the lives of people from all walks of life. “It is an ancient and very pervasive idea that music expresses emotion. So we thought ‘why not try sending a song to your loved one on Valentine’s Day – the day for expressing love?’ This will be the BeezNeez ninth annual Valentine’s Day adventure. “We know that we will have a wonderful day, filled with lots of lovely memories, various reactions and a whole lot

Courtesy of The BeezNeez From left, Kathy Pereira, Barb Humphries, Marilyn Johnson and Sam Isabelle, also known as The BeezNeez are ready to serenade your special Valentine on Feb. 14.

of fun and laughter.” When they say they will sing just about anywhere, they mean it. “In the past we have sung in offices, homes, schools, hospital, bars, pulp mills, garages, meat lockers – and the list goes on. Whether you

send this musical gift to your special Valentine, spouse, significant other, child, parent, friend or a group of people, we have a song that will suit.” Cost of $25 includes the song, flower and packet of chocolates. “We shower people with

music, chocolates and flowers. We have four different songs to choose from and we also give each person a flower and chocolates.” To book a visit from the BeezNeez quartet for Valentine’s Day or for more information, phone 250-564-9130.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Lauzon takes on

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Where the Blood Mixes is a play about relationships, family and moving on. That is why audiences are able to connect with it and will enjoy coming out to see it, says one of the play’s leading actors. Craig Lauzon of Toronto puts in his debut role for Theatre North West as the dark, pensive and moody Floyd although the actor is not new to the play. Where the Blood Mixes runs at TNW from Feb. 13 through March 5 at Parkhill Centre. “I’ve been cast as a comedic actor in the past [CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce for which he got two Gemini nominations] but I really love dramatic roles. “Last year I played the part of Mooch in Where The Blood Mixes. He’s a very emotional character, he wears his heart on his sleeve. That’s where getting the role is often as hard as trying to get the work because it’s so draining. At times like that, you Teresa MALLAM/Free Press have to draw on your training. Toronto actor Craig Lauzon as a brooding Floyd on the At the end [of the run] it was rehearsal set Wednesday of Theatre North West’s new play actually kind of hard for me to Where The Blood Mixes. shake him off. I was in the play a future. speaks Ojibway and French as with Lorne Cardinal, who played Lauzon says he’s happy to be well as English, Lauzon is also Floyd, and he was just terrific in performing in Prince George for an accomplished writer and has the role.” the first time. been nominated for several CaThe play’s run lasted almost a “I think it’s great too that it’s nadian Comedy Awards, and has year, so Lauzon was relieved, he being done is this area, so close to co-written the Gemini Industry said, when he could finally be where Lytton is,” he said. Galas. himself again. The actor has done TV shows Where The Blood Mixes, a “I love Kevin Loring’s writing, and film work and says that has Governor General Award-winand it’s a great play, so when the its financial rewards and allows ning play by Kevin Loring, is at role of Floyd came up – which is him to pay the piper. However Theatre North West at Parkhill a very different from Mooch – I his work in theatre over the years Centre from Feb. 13 to March really wanted to do it.” 5. Herbie Barnes of Toronto is This role too has its challenges. has made him grow artistically, he says. director. “Some people who are not His credits include King Lear Evening shows are at 8 p.m., actors may not know this, but (National Arts Centre), Thunmatinees are at 2 p.m. on Feb. it’s not easy to ‘get into’ a guy derstruck (Persephone Theatre/ 23 and March 2. Tickets are like Floyd, you have to go to a Theatre Network), and Harold available at Books and Company very dark place. He keeps all Pinter’s The Hot House (The on Third Avenue or by phone at his feelings inside, to himself, Lab). A versatile actor who 250-614-0039. and there is one scene where he does a monologue and finally lets his emotions come out, and then you know how much he has actually kept bottled up inside him.” It’s a very powerful scene, Lauzon says. The play is set in small town Lytton, B.C., *K a place that may be s *Lob ing Crab p o l l quite familiar to Prince ster *Sca ns Tail George audiences. The w s a r P * story is about how lives become intertwined and how coming to terms with our past allows us to move forward. $ Our Famous Love Bobs ea With Loring’s solid balance of drama and Check our “Lovely” variety of Seafood. light-hearted humour, the characters in Where Mon-Fri 9:30-6 Sat 9:30-5:30 Sun 11-5 The Blood Mixes must deal with their inner demons, the pain of their pasts and the promise of 1709 S Nicholson St Prince George 250-564-3474

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Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Friday, February 7, 2014

www.pgfreepress.com

250.564.0005

INDEX IN BRIEF

Announcements

Employment

Obituaries

Business Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools

Trades, Technical

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INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Job board! Funding options. SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT SERVICE GUIDE - PERSONAL BUSINESS SERVICES PETS / LIVESTOCK ITEMS FOR SALE / WANTED REAL ESTATE RENTALS TRANSPORTATION MARINE LEGALS

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any Display or ClassiÄed Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

bcclassiÄed.com cannot be

responsible for errors after the Ärst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the Ärst day should immediately be called to the attention of the ClassiÄed Department to be corrected for the following edition.

bcclassiÄed.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassiÄed.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental. DISCRIMINATORY LATION

LEGIS-

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justiÄed by a bona Äde requirement for the work involved.

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassiÄed.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in 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.

“Advertise across Northern BC in the 32 best-read community newspapers!” Prince George

Free Press Press

Coming Events QUALITY ASSURANCE Course for Health Canada’s Commercial Marijuana Program. February 22 & 23 Best Western Hotel, Kelowna, BC. Tickets: www.greenlineacademy.com or 1-855-860-8611 or 250870-1882.

Information ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women. Two year edition- terriﬁc presence for your business.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: ﬁsh@blackpress.ca ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Do you think you may have a problem with Alcohol? Alcohol Anonymous, Box 1257, Prince George, BC V2L 4V5 Call 250-564-7550

Denied Long-Term Disability Beneﬁts or Other Insurance? If YES, call or email for your FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

and protect your right to compensation. 778.588.7049 Toll Free: 1.888.988.7052 Julie@LawyersWest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE 29 January 2014 Reservoir Elevation: 850.74 m

(2791.15 ft.) SLS Discharge: 33.89 m3/s 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

=H;7J :;7BI ED IJK<< JE :E" FB79;I JE ;7J 7D: J>?D=I JE I;; Register Online at www.bcdailydeals.com

BCDaily

Career Opportunities START NOW! Complete Ministry approved Diplomas in months! Business, Health Care and more! Contact Academy of Learning College: 1-855-354-JOBS (5627) or www.academyoflearning.com We Change Lives! TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager online! Graduates get access to all jobs posted with us. 33 years of success! Government certiﬁed. www.rmti.ca or 1800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

Help Wanted North Enderby Timber is looking to hire for various sawmill positions including Heavy Duty Mechanic (Journeyman or Apprentice). Millwright and Fabricator. We offer competitive wages along with a comprehensive beneﬁt package. Please fax resume to 250-838-9637.

Home Stay Families HOST FAMILIES needed. Northern Youth Abroad is looking for families to host 2 youth from Nunavut/NWT. Volunteering in your community. July/August. www.nya.ca. 1866-212-2307.

Medical/Dental FT Registered Dental Hygienist required. Please mail resume to: Dr. Mirko Pellizzari, 674 Front St., Quesnel, BC V2J 2K8.

Trades, Technical

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

HIGHWAY OWNER OPERATORS $3500 SIGNING BONUS Van Kam’s Group of Companies requires Highway linehaul Owner Operators based in our Prince George terminal for runs throughout BC and Alberta. Applicants must have winter and mountain, driving experience/training. We offer above average rates and an excellent employee beneﬁts package.

To join our team of professional drivers, email a resume, current driver’s abstract & details of your truck to: careers@vankam.com Call: 604-968-5488 Fax: 604-587-9889 Only those of interest will be contacted. Van-Kam is committed to Employment Equity and Environmental Responsibility.

Career Opportunities

CEDA is Hiring! Shutdown Labourers & Operators • • • • •

Qualiﬁcations include: Physically demanding Clean driver’s abstract Travel within Alberta Class 1/3 driver’s license MED 3 boating license

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.

Career Opportunities

The HART Prince George, BC

Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. has an immediate opening

for a Mechanical Manager in Dease Lake, BC As part of our management team in our Stikine area, you are responsible for supervising and directing a team of mechanics to maintain our ﬂeet of plow trucks & equipment. You will work closely with the Operations Manager to determine shop & equipment priorities, and manage shop & inventory schedules to meet those priorities. You have previous experience in a similar role, managing employees and budgets. You

are able to manage and plan effectively with tight deadlines and under pressure. Available are excellent remuneration and beneﬁts, including housing and relocation assistance for the right person.

SENIORS RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY 21 BEDS Looking for Experienced Staff Positions available: Part time and Casual • Licensed Practical Nurses • Long Term Care Aides Send resumes: email: manager@schafferresidences.com fax: 250-962-9848 Attention: Ms. Debbie Schofield (Manager) 7780 Hart Hwy. Prince George, BC V2K 3B3 Tel: 250-962-9840 www.schafferresdences.com

Help Wanted

We also have an opening for a Receptionist in our Dease Lake ofﬁce if your spouse / partner is looking for local employment. Apply with resume and references in person at the Dease Lake or Burns Lake ofﬁces, or to: careers@ldmltd.ca or fax to 250-692-3930 For details on these positions and more, visit: ldmltd.ca/careers

To submit resume please visit online: www.cedagroup.com

TRUCK Drivers - Class 1 Fort St John, BC Drop off/pick up bin srvc, haul mtls. Clean Lic, 3-4 yrs exp, TDGC, drug screen req’d. Email resume & abstract to hr@abcrecycling.com.

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities PARTS & SERVICE COORDINATOR Prince George, BC

Chamco is searching for a front line Customer service and Internal Sales person with commensurate administrative responsibilities associated with organizing parts and service capabilities to meet and exceed customer requirements. Some knowledge of the operation and maintenance of rotating equipment such as compressors, dryers and or pumps would assist you. If you are customer oriented, organized, a team player, enjoy building a business within a business, and have previous experience in Parts and Service- we may have the position for you. F/T opportunity with benemts

Email: egibbons@chamco.com • Fax: (604) 626-0085

www.chamco.com

Travel

Timeshare

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GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected Territories. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com VOTED BEST side business in Canada. Guaranteed to receive your full investment back. Minimal time required. Pay after machines are installed. Exclusive rights available; www.locationﬁrst vending.com. 1-855-933-3555.

Career Opportunities

Call Cheyenne Murray 250-564-3568 ext 265 Email cmurray@pgnfc.com ABORIGINAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT COUNSELLOR

Vanderhoof and Districts Co-operative Association invites applications for the position of: CREDIT MANAGER Reporting to the Controller, this position is responsible to grant or deny new credit applications and to ensure any new approved accounts are set-up and running. Collection of overdue accounts is another key component of this position including sending overdue letters, phone calls to accounts, referring to third party collection agencies and any legal collection activity required. The successful applicant must possess strong communication and organizational skills. Applicants should be self-reliant and goal orientated. The candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the credit / collections field. Vanderhoof and Districts Cooperative offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package. Vanderhoof and Districts Co-operative Association operates 15 cardlock locations (Terrace to the West, East to Valemount, North to Fort St. James and South to Quesnel), 4 bulk petroleum locations (Vanderhoof, Houston, Prince George and Quesnel) with 16 petroleum delivery units. Quesnel location also operates an Agro/CStore along with a second C-Store located in Vanderhoof. In Vanderhoof the co-operative owns a 70,000 square foot shopping centre, and operates a food store, and home centre (new home centre under construction 2013/2014). The successful candidate must be a team player with effective communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines. Please forward your resume by Thursday, February 13, 2014 to: Human Resources Vanderhoof and Districts Co-operative Box 560 188 East Stewart Street Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Phone: 250-567-4414 Fax: 250-567-4355 Email: hrmgr@vhfcoop.com We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment Business Opportunities EXCITING NEW Canadian Business Opportunity. Available in your area! Min investment req’d. For more info, call 1-866-945-6409.

Place a classiﬁed word ad and...

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Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Transportation

Computer Services

Misc. for Sale

Trucks & Vans

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper? SAWMILLS FROM only $4,897 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT. STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Commercial/ Industrial

Misc for Rent

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

Midtowne

1 & 2- bdrm suites All utilities included except phone & internet. Call Theresa 250-962-5570

Employment Trades, Technical ELECTRICIAN Houston, BC DH Manufacturing is looking for a F/T Electrician. Candidate needs to be min. 3rd yr, reliable, team player, mechanically inclined, able to work independently on projects, and willing to travel for some jobs. Wage will be negotiable on experience. Email to: dhmnfg@gmail.com JOURNEYMAN HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS Fort McMurray & Leduc Alberta Gladiator Equipment Ltd. has immediate positions for Journeyman Heavy Duty, off road Certiﬁed Mechanics for work in Fort McMurray and Leduc, Alberta. Excellent wages and beneﬁts. www.gladiatorequipment.com fax 1-780-986-7051. hr@gladiatorequipment.com

Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. has an immediate opening for a TJ Heavy Duty Mechanic in Dease Lake, BC You will be part of a team of mechanics maintaining a medium sized fleet of trucks and equipment. A valid CVI ticket or ability and qualifications to get one are preferred. This position offers excellent benefits and allowances. We also have an opening for a Receptionist in our Dease Lake office if your spouse / partner is looking for local employment.

Apply with resume and references in person at the Dease Lake or Burns Lake offices, or to careers@ldmltd.ca or fax to 250-692-3930 For details on these positions and more, visit: ldmltd.ca/careers WORK IN TOWN Now HIRING Certified Mechanics Competitive Rates and Benefits. 250-962-9041 careers@geotechdriling.com

Services

Household Services A mature lady interested in doing light housekeeping in your home. If interested call Sandra at (250)981-3752

Landscaping Fall YARD CLEAN-UP Garbage Removal & Gutter Cleaning (250)961-3612 or (250)964-4758 res PAL’S MAINTENANCE

Paint Special 3 Rooms $589 incl. prem qlty paint, your color choices, 2 coats, ﬁlled nail holes. Ceiling & trim extra. Free Est. HB Tech Painting 250-649-6285

Community Newspapers We’re at the heart of things™

Pets & Livestock

Pets

Home Care

Private in-home care and housekeeping services tailored to your needs. Call for more info 250-649-8783

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certiﬁcation, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

YOUR NEWSPAPER:

The link to your community

Firewood/Fuel

250-561-1447

Majestic Management (1981) Ltd. CE • OFFI ERCIAL M • COM IL A T • RE

HARDWOOD MANOR 1575 Queensway Bachelor, 1 & 2 bdrm Suites Heat/hot water included

Pine Grove Apts

Sony Big Screen 43” TV on matching cabinet. A1 condition. $250 OBO(250)562-5977

To Rent Call:

Apt/Condo for Rent

Merchandise for Sale

$300 & Under

• 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available • Close to hospital & downtown • Rent includes heat, hot water • Elevator to undercover parking • Fridge, stove, quality carpets, drapes • Laundry on each ﬂoor • No pets

Rentals

Adult Oriented/Students welcome Incentives for long-term students

Space available for rent For all your rental needs Call 562-8343 or 562-RENT

For Seniors 55+

Suites, Lower Fully furnished 1 bdrm bsmt suite for 1 person - no pets. New appl, wireless cable, & all utilities included in rent. Available March 1st. Close to CNC UNBC & Pine Centre. 250-564-9443 or 250-301-9350

Transportation

Scrap Car Removal

FREE SCRAP CAR REMOVAL within 15 km

P&R 250-963-3435 Email: prﬂeet@telus.net MEMBER OF AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLER’S

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC.

“DO’IN IT RIGHT”

Trucks & Vans Lets You Live Life.

Help Wanted

2010 Ford F-150 Platinum, 4X4, 40520 km, black, $15900, abde@netscape.com

Help Wanted

Call (250)561-1446

Clean 2 bdrm apts available Student & other incentives No Dogs

Phone 250-563-2221

Apartment Furnished

Firewood, driest wood in town split & delivered $180/cord (250)964-2020

Quality Executive/Worker/Crew suites. 2 & 3bed, or 4bed 2ba

Help Wanted

spacious clean 250-960-0861 pgr

Local electrical wholesaler in Quesnel requires self motivated, experienced, professional, hard working person with valid drivers licence. For inside sales / warehouse position with room for advancement. Salary based on experience. Please forward your resume & drivers abstract to Adam at 1275 Cariboo Hwy 97 North in Quesnel B.C. V2J 2Y or Email: adam.daly@nedco.ca

2007 Chev 1/2 ton Silverado Standard Cab, 8’ box, 2 wheel drive, 107,0000 km, winter tires $13,500

(250)441-0126 www.autotrader.ca

Wrecker/Used Parts

Legal Notices NOTICE IS GIVEN BY HIGHWAY 16 STORAGE 4422 KIMBALL RD, PG BC Under the Warehouse Lien Act, That a claim is made against the Persons listed below for the goods they have abandoned in storage. All efforts to contact you have failed. If the storage fees and related costs are not paid in full and the goods removed by February 15, 2014, the goods will be seized and sold with the proceeds to be kept against your debts, as per the contract you signed: Shirley Conlon $756.00 Charlene Krinner $1302.00 Valerie Leclair $1016.79

USED TIRES Cars & Trucks $25 & up

Most Sizes Available 15270 Hwy 97 South 250.963.3435

Legal Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS RE: BENNY ALBERT WOYTKIW, DECEASED, FORMERLY OF: 6955 CRANBROOK HILL ROAD, PRINCE GEORGE, BC NOTICE is hereby given that creditors and others having claims against the Estate of BENNY ALBERT WOYTKIW, Deceased, who died on October 8, 2013, are hereby required to send them to the Executor, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada, Attention: Jacqueline Eddy, Senior Trust Ofﬁcer, 7th Floor, 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4P3, Ref. No. 46432218, before March 31, 2014, after which date the Executor will distribute the said Estate among the parties entitled thereto, having regard to the claims of which it has notice.

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 435

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Legal

^Ƶŵŵŝƚ ZĞĨŽƌĞƐƚĂƟ ŽŶ ŝƐ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůǇ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟ ŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ƵƚŽŵŽƟ ǀĞ DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐ ͬ dĞĐŚŶŝĐŝĂŶ͘

Health Products

Financial Services

TO LEARN WHAT’S ON SALE?

SAMOYED PUPPIES Beautiful Healthy CKC reg’d show quality 8 weeks $1000 pjwarden@telus.net 250-335-3072

FOUR SISTERS SEWING 250-564-4985

DROWNING IN debt? Cut debts more than 60% & debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free Consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1-877-556-3500 BBB Rated A+ 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 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.

WHERE DO YOU TURN

Painting & Decorating

Alterations/ Dressmaking

WHY YOUR Fat Friends Will Hate You When You Lose Weight! As Seen On TV, RiskFree 60 Day. Toll-Free 1-800804-1381. www.FatLossFAQ.com

Friday, February 7, 2014

X CROSSWORD ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 700

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Friday, February 7, 2014

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Friday issue: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday

Deadlines for

Forums aimed at seniors a funeral director who pursued his work as a vocation and conducted himself like a true professional in his calling. He Trish Johnson would like used to say that when it ‘came to see baby boomers and time’, people were not ready. seniors maintain and enjoy a He was saddened by how higher quality of life by taking families were torn apart as a a planned approach to make result of arguments over what sure their hopes, dreams and they thought their loved one wishes are realized. wanted. I have not forgotten She will host two forums the lessons I learned from my this month which highlight father.” topics of interest to our aging And when Johnson’s brother population. became incapacitated at age “I am undertaking a 37, married with three young 10-month period of research children, the family found out which will be completed in what can happen when there is August and I’m using the no Power of Attorney in place. forums as a way to connect to Johnson hopes people will betissues boomers and seniors ter understand the importance are facing in real life,” she of such things for the peace of said. (“Boomers” were born mind of all family members. between 1946 and 1964.) “My “In my career, I worked with goal is to get conversations estates and again found that started on the things that there were things that could be matter most, exchange views, done better,” said Johnson. “At clarify issues and to promote the end of my research, I hope understanding in a broader to be able to help boomers and sense, on topics of interest to seniors with life-event readiboomers and seniors.” ness planning in a consulting Besides her training as a cer- role.” tified professional consultant Johnson has 19 years of on aging (CPCA), Johnson experience in research, analyzknows first hand the pitfalls of ing, writing resolutions and improper or inadequate plangrant writing. She’s written ning. newspaper columns on small “I grew up as the daughter of business and finance. She spent 31 years banking PRINCE GEORGE NATIVE in working in

Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com

FRIENDSHIP CENTRE

management, lending, investments, mortgages, life insurance and writing and completed courses in financial planning, bookkeeping, disability benefits, tax credits and palliative: end of life care. Johnson will be hosting two seniors’ informational events on Friday, Feb. 21: Seniors, Tea and Talk from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the topic of Aging Well: Things That Matter Most. Prince George Civic Centre. Tea and coffee are complimentary. An interesting panel of guests will share their thoughts on the topic. For Boomers: Takin’ Care of Business from 2 to 4 p.m. Prince George Civic Centre. Tea and coffee are complimentary. A lively, interactive, information forum with a great panel of local experts who make this subject fun. (Those aged 50 to 67 will benefit most.) Both events are free of charge. Forum topics and guest panel of experts includes: Wills and Estates/Power of Attorney with lawyer and mediator Andrew Kemp, and Lee Ongman, lawyer with Traxler Haines; Housing: Challenges and Opportunities with Lorie Hunter, realtor, Royal LePage, and Gloria Brown, move-in coordinator, The Chateau;

The Prince George Native Friendship Centre, a visionary non-proﬁt society, has been serving the needs of the entire community for the past 43 years.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Native Healing Centre – Youth Drug & Alcohol Counsellor Closing date: February 17, 2014 at Noon A hard copy listing the roles, responsibilities and qualiﬁcations of the position are available from the Prince George Native Friendship Centre’s web site at www.pgnfc.com (click on Join Our Team / Careers). To apply, submit a resume, cover letter and three (3) references detailing which position you are applying for, to: Prince George Native Friendship Centre 1600 Third Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3G6 Fax: (250) 563-0924 E-mail: employment@pgnfc.com Applications will be accepted until dates noted on posting, no telephone inquiries please. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Bill PHILLIPS/Free Press Willard Andal rides the rail during Winterfest activities at UNBC on Friday.

Health and Wellness: Colon Cancer Screening Program with

Our People make a difference in the community

We are seeking candidates for the following position within our organization

Ridin’ the rails

Gibson Energy ULC is a progressive, growth oriented, North American midstream oil & gas company. Our Fort St. John, B.C. branch is currently seeking dedicated, safety oriented, full time Contract Carriers for our Fort St. John Area.

OWNER OPERATORS Qualiﬁcations required: • • • • •

Valid Class 1 license Clean driver’s abstract 2+ years driving experience is an asset Current H2S and First Aid certiﬁcates Oilﬁeld experience is an asset

Gibson Energy ULC offers a competitive compensation package.

Interested candidates are invited to apply via email at driveforgibsons@gibsons.com or by Fax at 780-392-6722.

Colleen Bowers, nurse navigator/Northern Health; and Financial

Wisdom with Allan Johnson, financial advisor, Allan L. Johnson Financial Group. Pre-register by calling 250-640-8050, or register on contact page of the website at www.age-wiseconsultingcorp.com or e-mail info@age-wiseconsultingcorp.com. Sponsors are welcome to contact Johnson to help support this event.

If you’re out of sight...

...you’re out of business! Advertising Works! 250-564-0005

www.pgfreepress.com

Friday, February 7, 2014

Datebook www.pgfreepress.com Friday

250-963-8381.

Wednesday

H&H Market, FridaySunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 3955 Hart Highway.

Sweetheart auction, Feb. 9, 1-4 p.m., Masonic Hall, 450 Vancouver St. Hosted by Order of the Eastern Star. Information: Geraldine Bailey 250-962-5528.

Valentines’ Day tea, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre.

Read-to-me Storytime, Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m., South Fort George Family Resource Centre, 1200 La Salle. Information: 250-6140684.

Saturday

Nechako Public Market, Sundays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 5100 North Nechako Rd.

Parkinson’s Disease support group, Feb. 8, 2 p.m., The Chateau.

A Butler’s Market, Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1156 Fourth Ave.

Senior Idol Contest, Feb. 8, 7 p.m., 1692 10th Ave. Information: 250561-9381.

Monday

Dance to Jonah Borden and the Renegades, Feb. 8, 8 p.m.-midnight, Hart Pioneer Centre. Over 19 welcome. Nechako Public Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 5100 North Nechako Rd. A Butler’s Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 1156 Fourth Ave. Bible talks, Sundays, 4 p.m., Columbus Community Centre, 7201 Domano Blvd.

Sunday Livingstone Springs snowshoe trip, Feb. 9, hosted by Prince George Naturalists Club. Meet at big Spruceland Mall sign at 9 a.m. Information:

Canasta, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Family Day open house, Feb. 10, YMCA, 2020 Massey Dr. Donations to Strong Kids campaign accepted. Tai Chi, Mondays, 1:30 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr.

Cariboo Toastmasters meet Mondays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Ramada Hotel, 444 George St. Information: caribootoastmasters.com or Laura (250) 961-3477. Northern Twister Square Dance Club meets Mondays, 7 p.m., Knox United Church basement. Information: Gys 250- 563-4828 or Reta 250-962-2740.

Tuesday “GIVE A LITTLE… GAIN A LOT!” Big Brothers Big Sisters March 2 Do you like to bowl? We’re recruiting bowlers for our annual Bowl for Kids Sake on Sun, March 2. Get together a team and collect pledges, then come down to the Strike Zone for a great day of bowling! Prizes, contests, and a great silent auction, Carli 250-563-7410 Immigrant & Multicultural Services Two volunteer projects open for young people aged 14-26 of all backgrounds. Projects run until June 2014 and involve leaderships skills, communication, arts and computer skills. Call Tonianne 250-562-2900 Help, Learn & Discover Help, Learn & Discover offers 28-day long educational & volunteer programs in Ecuador, South America. Visit www.ecuaexperience.com For information on volunteering with more than 100 non-proﬁt organizations in Prince George, contact Volunteer Prince George

250-564-0224 www.volunteerpg.com

Bridge, Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr.

Center City Toastmasters meet Tuesday, noon, City Hall Annex. Information: 9164.toastmastersclubs.org. Buddhist meditation class, Tuesdays, 7:158:45 p.m., 320 Vancouver St. Information: 250-962-6876 or www. kmcvancouver.org. Spruce Capital Toastmasters meet Tuesdays, 7:25 p.m., 102-1566 7th Ave. Information: Tom 250562-3402. Sweet Adelines women’s four-part chorus meets Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Studio 2880. New members welcome. Information: Kathy 250563-5170.

A U T O B O D Y LT D .

Community Builder

Northern Eagles juvenile football club, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., PG Youth Soccer indoor fields, conditioning and registration. Information: headc– oachnortherneagles@ outlook.ca, badrian93@ hotmail.com or cachous_09@hotmail. com.

Bingo, Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., Spruce Capital Senior Recreation Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Whist, Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Hart Toastmasters, Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Information: harttoastmasters.ca CNC Retirees meet fourth Wednesday, 9 a.m., D’Lanos. Information: Lois 250563-6928. Army Cadet Rangers free youth program, meets Wednesdays, 6:309:30 p.m., Connaught Youth Centre. Information: Sondra 250-963-9462 or Andrew 250-981-8270.

Thursday Bingo, Feb. 13, 12:30 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Potluck, Feb. 13, 5 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Whist, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Little Artists, Thursdays, 10:3011:30 a.m., South Fort George Family Resource

Students at Foothills Elementary get an up-close look at a lion as members of the Chinese Benevolent Association perform a lion dance at the school on Jan. 30, marking the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Proud to recognize those who give in our community.

A U T O B O D Y LT D . 2065 - 1st Ave. • 250-563-0883 www.csninc.ca Centre, 1200 La Salle. Information: 250-6140684. Prince George Grassroots Cribbage Club registration, 6:30 p.m. play 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Information: Gerda 250564-8561.

Tai chi, Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., Knox United Church, 1448 Fifth Ave. Information: Lister 250964-3849 or listerchen@ shaw.ca. DayBreakers Toastmasters meets

Thursday, 7-8 a.m., UHNBC Conference Room 1. Information: Heather 250-649-9591. BC Civil Liberties Union meets second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., 1575 Fifth Ave. Plaza 400 Toastmaster Club meets Thursday, noon, Aleza room, fourth floor, Plaza 400 building, 1011 4th Ave. Information: 6252. toastmastersclubs.org/ or 250-564-5191.

Thank You Prince George For Voting Us Best Auto Body Shop! AiMHi, 950 Kerry St. Information: pgtoastmasters.com, Joyce 250-964-0961.

Old Time Fiddlers jam, Thursday, 7-10

Best Auto Body Shop

p.m. Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 10th Ave. ECRA Forever Young Chorus meet Thursdays, 12:45 p.m., ECRA, 1692 10th Ave.

Prince George Toastmasters meet Thursdays, 7:15 p.m.,

Comfortable 55+ Living 1 and 2 Bedroom Suites available NOW!!!

Providing secure, comfortable, worry-free rental housing for seniors.

All utilities included (except phone and internet). New tenants can apply to BC Housing for funding through SAFER.

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Call Theresa at 250-962-5570 www.countryseniorscommunity.com

Sunday-2 Services 9:00am and 11:00am

“Where the nations and generations worship, connect, & work together”

2055 20th Avenue, Prince George

(250) 563-1003 www.gatewaychristianministries.com

The Community Datebook provides free community event listings every Friday. Submissions are accepted in written form only – dropped off, mailed or emailed – No Phone Calls please. Datebook runs as space allows, there is no guarantee of publication. Mail to 1773 South Lyon St., Prince George BC V2N 1T3. E-mail datebook@pgfreepress.com

www.pgfreepress.com

Friday, February 7, 2014

drivewayBC.ca |

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Honda knows how to make a good, solid car—and for 2014—things just got a little more interesting. Zack Spencer

Visit the 2014 Honda Civic gallery at DrivewayBC.ca

From rather ordinary to rather extraordinary Tampa, Florida – Being the best at something is an achievement, and doing it repeatedly is impressive. The Honda Civic’s 16-year streak as the best selling passenger car in Canada is nothing short of astounding. For the introduction the 2014 Civic, Honda chose usually sunny and hot Tampa, to introduce their latest update. It was sunny but anything from hot, with overnight temperatures near freezing. Honda has been improving the Civic continuously since the 7th generation model was introduced as a 2012 model. Last year, for 2013, they updated the styling, handling and interior of the 2013 model and now for 2014 they are at it again. Looks The styling focus for 2014 is on the coupe. Roughly 15 per cent of all Civics are sold as a coupe, the most dominant player in the small coupe market. Last year, this sedan received updates to the front and rear styling to help make it look more upscale and sophisticated, and this year the coupe gets a similar update to the front and back, but the changes are meant to provide a sportier look with a bit more aggression. The most aggressive version of both

the sedan and coupe is the SI model that gets an even more forceful grille and front bumper design plus a rear spoiler and lower air diffuser. Wheel sizes have also changed with the regular coupe receiving 16-inch wheels, up from 15-inches, and the SI now bumps the size from 17-inches to 18-inches.

addition, the front seats are very supportive and the steering wheel is low and small for a racy feel. What is new for both the sedan and this coupe is the introduction of Display Audio system that is available From fuel on the EX and Touring economy to reliability, models. This is a large iPad-like touch-screen resale value, cost design that lets the driver of ownership and access many functions Inside sportiness the 2014 from the radio to apps One of the reasons that Honda Civic is a good that piggyback off your the Civic is the best iPhone. (No Android apps selling car in Canada is choice yet but they are working the practical, yet sporty Zack Spencer on this.) This taps into the interior in both the sedan power of your phone, in and coupe. Many people, the big screen, with full including me, didn’t integration. I liked the speed and funcinitially like the split dash with the tion of the design but really missed a speedometer on the top and the tarotary dial to adjust the volume over a chometer on the bottom, but over time touch screen volume design. Yes, there this design has proven to be a winner. is a volume control on the steering I was wrong. The split design now wheel but one next to the radio would incorporates more information to see complete the package. without having to take your eyes off the road. The trip computer and other Drive functions like radio station information Honda has made one small change are just below the front window. In and one big change to help with fuel

‘‘

’’

economy. The small one is the exhaust system has been adjusted in both the sedan and coupe to let the engine breath better, improving horsepower slightly from 140hp to 143hp. The big change is the introduction of an inhouse continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the old 5-speed automatic. This actually makes this little car more drivable and might be the best CVT on the market. The car snaps away from a stop and cruises with ease on the highway, with quick changes

in the gear ratio that helps mimic a conventional automatic design. In addition, there is a sport mode and paddle shifters on the steering wheel to help liven things up. Honda has done a first rate job here and their efforts have been rewarded with a six per cent improvement in city fuel economy and an overall drop from 6.2L/100km combined to 6.0L, something very hard to do with such a small car. The driving dynamics of the Civic has always been very good due to a fully independent suspension and willing engine. The 143hp is a nice match for this car and the CVT is a great complement. The 5-speed manual is a blast to drive but it could use a 6th gear on the highway, as the high-revving engine can get noisy. The steering is crisp and the car overall instills a high level of confidence. Verdict Honda admits that their Civic might not be the top choice in every reason to buy a compact car but they are near the top in all categories. From fuel economy to reliability, resale value, cost of ownership and sportiness this car is a good choice. The many improvements made to the car over the past three-model-years, has taken the Civic from rather ordinary to rather extraordinary. They know how to make a good, solid, reliable car and for 2014t hings just got a little bit more interesting. The Lowdown Power: 1.8L 4-cylinder with 143hp or 2.4L with 205hp Fill-up: 6.7L/5.0L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price: $15,690-$26,655

Question OF THE WEEK:

Should all new drivers be required to take a course with a driving school before taking a road test? Please explain why you have made that decision.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip: B.C.’s Family Day offers many of us the first chance of taking a long weekend away. If you’re taking a road trip with your family, it’s a good idea to plan your rest stops ahead of time to avoid feeling fatigued behind the wheel and to give the kids a chance to burn off their energy.

Find more online at

drivewayBC.ca

zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

We can help drive your customers to your door step! Call your sales rep today! 250-564-0005

Your best resource for community news

driveway

Friday, February 7, 2014

www.pgfreepress.com

Incentive program for clean energy cars While awareness about clean energy vehicles is growing, incentives to buy are still needing according to the industry. “It’s a marathon not a sprint,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. “We’ve made some good progress in creating awareness of clean energy vehicles and we’re trying to work with government to keep the (CEV incentive) program going. Last year around the same time we were in the same situation, not knowing what’s going to happen.” The BC Government

$5000) is still available with the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV) and there are rebates (up to $500) available for residential “home” charge stations. Funding for public charge stations concluded at the end of March last year. In addition to plug-in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and natural gas vehicles are also included in this incentive program. BC has certainly embraced the switch to clean energy and probably leads the country in adapting to the EV. Level 2 (240 volt) public charge stations in place are now in the hundreds, home charge stations are starting

originally committed $14.3 million to the Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) Program, back in 2011, to support a market transformation to the use of clean energy in the light duty transportation sector. It tied-in with its goal to reduce BC greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020, and by 80 per cent by 2050 (compared to 2007 emissions). About 36 per cent of BC’s greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to come from the transportation sector. As long as current funds last and until the program concludes at the end of March, a point-of-sale rebate (up to

to cost less to buy and install as the market expands and more (high-voltage) fast-charge stations will be joining the three already in operation. That said, the EV is still a fragile market sector that’s struggling to establish a foothold. When the CEV program started, according to Qualey, the inventory of EVs available for sale at local auto dealerships was very limited. A few years later the supply situation is much better, competition has certainly increased and prices are even starting to drop with increased production volume. Yet, there’s still a significant

price gap between an EV and a comparable gas engine vehicle. The large spike in the number of buyers who claimed the EV incentive in this past year is a reflection of those changes in the market. The Chevrolet Volt, followed by the Nissan Leaf were (by far) the two most popular vehicle recipients. Interestingly, third most popular EV was the Tesla Model S, since Tesla doesn’t currently even have a walk-in-the-door dealership in BC. Most working people commute within the driving range (100km to 150km) of a fully charged EV, which

makes them viable and the cleanest commuter vehicle choice. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can also currently qualify for a $2,500 instant rebate and are another excellent clean vehicle choice. A PHEV typically has an electric-only driving range of about 20km to 30km and then switches to hybrid extended range operation. Quebec recently renewed its clean-vehicle incentive program, which offers up to $8,500 off the price of an EV, for another three years. Ontario also continues to provide a similar program with an up to $8,000 incentive. Some auto manufacturers may have second thoughts about the BC market, if incentives are no longer

available, as the support costs involved in offering an EV in a product line are high. “We’re at the point now where we have all the components necessary to do what everybody had envisioned back in 2010,” added Blair Qualey. “The reason to have these incentives is to help prime the pump, allow people to look at a new option and help the environment. All the pieces of the puzzle are there and it would be a shame not to put it together, when we have a chance to succeed.” Here are some useful Electric Vehicle information web sites: www.cevforbc.ca, www. livesmartbc.ca, www.nrcan. gc.ca/ecoaction, www.plugshare.com. bob.mchugh@drivewaybc.ca

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Fuel consumption based on GM testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. Comparison based on wardsauto.com 2013 Large Pickup segment and latest competitive data available. Excludes other GM vehicles. ^Based on Wardsauto.com 2013 Large Pickup segment and last available information at the time of posting. Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your dealer for additional details. +Whichever comes first. See dealer/manufacturer for details. Based on Wardsauto.com 2013 Large Pickup segment and last available information at the time of posting. ~ Includes 6 months trial of Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn Navigation (Turn-by-Turn Navigation not available in certain areas; availability impacted by some geographical/ cellular limitations), advisor assisted-routing available; Visit onstar.ca for coverage map, details and system limitations. Services vary by model and conditions. † Whichever comes first. Limit of four ACDelco Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ¥¥ For retail customers only. $3,500/$4,000 manufacturer-to-dealer credit available on cash, finance or lease purchases of 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab 2LT Z71/2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab 4X4 1WT. Other cash credits available on most models. See participating dealer or chevrolet.ca for details. Offers end February 28, 2014. ** True North Edition Package (PDU) includes credit valued at $2,265 MSRP. Offer only valued from January 3, 2014 to April 30, 2014 (the “Program Period”). †† $1,000 manufacturer to dealer lease cash available on 2014 Silverado Double Cab. Other cash credits available on most models. See your GM dealer for details. Offer ends February 28, 2014. ‡ Offer only valid from January 3, 2014 – February 28, 2014 (the “Program Period”) to retail customers resident in Canada who own or are currently leasing (during the Program Period) a GM or competitor pickup truck to receive a $1,000 credit towards the purchase,finance or lease of an eligible new 2013 or 2014 Model Year Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty, Silverado Heavy Duty, Sierra Light Duty, Sierra Heavy Duty, or 2013 Avalanche. Only one (1) credit may be applied per eligible vehicle sale. Offer is transferable to a family member living in the same household (proof of address required). This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. The $1,000 credit includes HST/GST/PST as applicable by province. As part of the transaction, dealer will request current vehicle registration and/or insurance to prove ownership. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Void where prohibited by law. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See your GM dealer for details. ¥ 2.5% lease APR available for 48 months on a new or demonstrator 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab 4X4 1WT, O.A.C by GM Financial. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometre. Down payment or trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payments may vary depending on down payment/trade. License, insurance, dealer fees, excess wear and km charges, applicable taxes, registration fees and other applicable fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See participating dealer for details. ^^ The 2014 Silverado has been awarded the 2014 North American Truck of the Year. For more information, please visit www.northamericancaroftheyear.org W Based on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary.

Call Wood Wheaton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac at 250-564-4466, or visit us at 2879 Hwy 16 West, Prince George. [License #9621]

Prince George - SPORTS - Free Press

Friday, February 7, 2014

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2011. The Cats are six points behind While the Americans schedule the Americans, nine points back would appear to be a tad easier, Triof the Silvertips and 12 behind the City only has two games remaining Giants. against teams with a Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another challosing record. lenge. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play One huge advantage Tri-City, Everett or for the Americans is they Vancouver. In fact, only are practically comthree of their remaining petitive in every game games are against a team because of standout with a losing record, goalie Eric Comrie, who with all three against is second in the WHL in Kamloops. save percentage (.932) The schedule, while and goals-against-avertop-heavy with games age (2.29). HART BEAT at CN Centre, is exIf Prince George wants HARTLEYMILLER to leapfrog Everett, the tremely challenging. The Cougars had not beaten Cougars will need to win a team with a winning record in 2014 11 of their last 17 games, while the until last Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6-2 triumph in Silvertips will have to lose 12 of their Swift Current. last 18. While possible, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly This weekend, Prince George will unlikely considering teams often host the Red Deer Rebels (eighth in get a point for playing beyond 60 the East) tonight and Saturday. OK, minutes. these are certainly â&#x20AC;&#x153;winnableâ&#x20AC;? games, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to bring out the boring clibut look at tests they face in their chĂŠs. Yes, the Cougars have to worry final 15 games. about one game at a time, one period Besides the three they have with at a time, and one shift at a time. Kamloops, the Cougars have three While that seems mundane and borgames left with defending WHL ing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their only hope. Sometimes champion Portland (including looking at the immediate future is home action Monday at 2 p.m. and not as daunting as the looking at the Wednesday at 7 p.m.). They also have big picture. to play first place Kelowna four This is the time of the season times, third place (in the Western where every player and team will Conference) Victoria twice, Seattle suggest â&#x20AC;&#x153;we just have to take care of once and Spokane twice. our own businessâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;let the chips Now, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at the Americans fall.â&#x20AC;? In the Cougars case, there is no schedule. Tri-City has nine at home other way to look at the dire situation and 10 on the road. While the they have put themselves in. Americans have more away games Hartley Miller is the sports dithan P.G., they, more importantly, rector for radio stations 94X and have two games in hand. the Wolf@97fm. He also writes The Americans have five remaining for hqprincegeorge.com. Send with Spokane, three with Portland, along a quote, note, or anecdote to Kelowna, and Everitt, two against hmiller@94xfm.com. Seattle, and one with Victoria, KamFollow him on twitter: @Hartloops and Prince Albert. ley_Miller

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Prince George - SPORTS - Free Press

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Gymnasts flip to top finishes The drop in temperature in Prince George last week may have rendered the name Ice Breaker a little more realistic than organizers would have hoped, but local gymnasts turned in strong performances at the Prince George Gymnastics Club on the weekend. Locals swept the top eight places in the All Around in Level 1 Argo/Tyro, led by Jade Jacobs, who finished first in bars and floor and third in vault and beam to claim top spot. She was followed by Hannah Gould, who was first on beam, second on bars and fourth on vault and floor, and Kaylee Oberg, who was second on beam and floor, third on bars and fifth on vault. Sydney Doyle was the other winner on an individual apparatus, winning the vault and placing fourth on beam, seventh on floor and eighth on bars to finish fourth in all around. Audrey Cole and Rachel Massey wrapped up the top five in all around, thanks to a second in vault and third in floor for Cole, while Massey was seventh in vault, bars and beam and eighth in floor. For many of the Level i gymnasts, the Ice Breaker was their first competition. In Level 1 Novice/ Open, Sydney Casey took top spot in all around, with first in vault, second on floor and bars and third in beam. Kayla Hanson was second in all around, winning the bars and placing second on beam and third on floor and vault.. Madison Boomhower was third in the all around, winning the floor and finishing third in the bars, sixth in beam and seventh in vault. Kalena McCarville was the other individual apparatus winner, taking top spot on beam and finishing fourth on bars, sixth on vault and seventh on floor to finish fourth in the all around. RaChel Scheutz was second on vault, third on beam, sixth on floor and seventh on bar to finish fifth in the all around. Monica Bronowski finished sixth in the all around, thanks to a

Allan WISHART/Free Press Monica Bronowski of Kelly Road Secondary works through her balance beam routine during the high-school portion of the Ice Breaker Competition at the Prince George Gymnastics Club on the weekend.

fourth on floor, fifths in beam and vault and sixth on bars. Ella Cole was seventh in all around, with fourths on floor and vault, fifth on bars and seventh on beam. The Level 2 Argo/ Tyro division saw Sydney Hamilton almost pull off a clean sweep, as she won the vault, bars and floor events while finishing second on beam, good for first in the all around. Macyn Unger won the beam, and also finished second on vault, third on bars and fourth on floor to take second in the all around. Farrah Normand was third in the all around after finishing second on bars, third on floor and fourth on beams and vault, while Dallyn Long was fourth n the all around, with second on the floor, third on beam and vault and fourth on bars. Emily MacDon-

ald took the Level 2 Novice/Open division with firsts on beam and vault, second on floor and third on bars. Amy Hackle won the floor exercise and was second on vault and bars and third on beam to finish second in the all around. Samantha Thomas won the bars and was second on beam and third on vault and floor on the way to a third in the all around. Shannon Fairservece finished fourth in all four events, as well as the all around. Many of the Level 2 athletes will be in Quesnel this weekend for the Gold Pan Invitational, which is also a trial meet for the BC Championships, to be held in Kamloops in March. The Ice Breaker meet also saw a high-school competition. Caitlyn Simunac of Duchess Park won the Level 1

all around, finishing first on bars and beam. Shivani Banotra of Kelly Road was second, with her top finishes being seconds on beam and floor, and Adrianna Minard of PGSS was third in the all around after winning the vault and placing second on beam. Nikki Fleury of PGSS was the other individual apparatus winner, claiming top spot on floor. In Level 2, Brodie Needham of DP Todd was first on vault, bars and floor to take the all around, while Kalena McCarvill of PGSS won

the beam and was second on bars to first on beam and second on vault, take second. Paula Lube of College bars and floor to claim top sot in the Heights was second on floor and Provincial Level 4 Tyro age group all third on beam to take third in the all around. around. Bronwyn Ellington was fourth on Lexi Pelletier Ballum of PGSS floor and bars, sixth on vault and topped the Level 3 all around with eighth on beam to finish sixth overall a first on vault, seconds on bars and in the Provincial Level 3 Tyro group. beam and a third on the floor. Jenna Naara Little put together a second Bennell of Duchess park was first on on bars, fourth on vault, seventh on beams, second on vault and third on floor and eighth on beam to finish bars to finish third in the all around. fifth for Provincial Level 3 NovThe Level 4 all around title went to ice. Lina Goto claimed 10th in the Rhiana Palfy of College Heights, who Provincial Open all around following was first on bars and beam, second eighths on beam and floor, ninth on on vault and third on floor. Teamvault and 10th on bars. mate Kimberly Marsh was first on beam and floor and third on bars to finish second, while Jaymie Hinks made it a clean sweep in the all HOW TO PLAY: around for the school, Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the finishing third after numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few a second on bars and numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box. third on vault. Answer can be found in classifieds. PUZZLE NO. 435 Miranda Doerksen of PGSS was the other individual apparatus winner, finishing first on vault. Five Prince George gymnasts were also on the road on the weekend, competing at the Omega Invitational in Coquitlam, where Anna MacDonald and Alia Wilson won their classes. MacDonald finished first in vault, second in beam and floor and third on bars to take the all around in the Provincial Level 4 Open age group. Wilson was

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Prince George - SPORTS - Free Press

Friday, February 7, 2014

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Pair of Pee Wee teams top tourneys A pair of local Pee Wee hockey teams took their shows on the road on the weekend, and both came back with tournament titles. The Tier 3 Cougars headed out to Burns Lake and went undefeated through the tournament to claim first place. They met the host team in the final and fell behind 2-0 at the halfway point, but came back to win 5-3. Blake Astorino finished with six goals on the weekend, while the tandem of William Beaupre and William Tanemura were strong in goal, surrendering just six goals in the four games. The Scotiabank Pee Wee Female Cougars were in Surrey for the Surrey SuperHeart tournament, and also went undefeated.

The first two games looked like carbon copies of each other, with the Cougars downing the South Island Royals and Surrey Falcons by identical 2-1 scores. In both games, Jaydn Hickey got the winner for Prince George. Justine Guillet got the opener for the Cougars against South Island, while Mishayla Christensen had the the other goal against Surrey. The third game saw the Cougars face the Kamloops Mystix, and this one wasn’t quite as close, as Prince George won 3-0 behind goals from Guillet, Emmelin Leclerc and Braxtyn Shawara and a shutout from Colby Wilson. Something unusual occurred in the game against the Kootenay Wildcats, as Aspen Vassallo

became the only Cougar on the weekend to score more than one goal in a game, notching a pair in a 6-1 win. Other Cougar goals came from Hickey, Shawara, Jessica Herdman and Malena Pillipow. That put the Cougars into the final, and a rematch with the Surrey Falcons. This game was just as close, with Shawara getting the only goal of the game on a breakaway halfway through the second period. That was all Wilson needed, as she posted the shutout in a 1-0 win. It wasn’t easy, though, as late in the third period, the Cougars had to kill off consecutive penalties, including a five-minute major. Coach Brett Hickey said it got very

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Photo submitted The Prince George Pee Wee Tier 3 Cougars celebrate a tournament win in Burns Lake on the weekend.

tense. “We took a two-minute penalty, to one of our defencemen. We still had four, though, so that was OK. Then while we were killing that penalty, one of our other defencemen took a major penalty, so she was gone.” The good news for Prince George was that one of the Surrey players took a penalty after the whistle blew, so it would be a 4-on-3 power play. “I was looking down the bench to see who to send over to serve the five-minute penalty,” Hickey said, “and the ref told me it had to be one of the players on the ice. I had two of my best penalty-killing forwards out there and two defencemen, one of whom had just taken the penalty. “If I send the other defenceman over, I’m only got two left to kill the penalty. I ended up sending my daughter (Jadyn) over. It wound up being 4-on-3,

then our first penalty ended so we were back to even strength for a few seconds, then their penalty ended and they had about two and a half minutes on the power play. It was a real nailbiter.” With all that shorthanded time in a 1-0 game, Hickey was already starting to mentally prepare his shootout list, in case it went that far. “We played great defensively all weekend,” Hickey said. “Colby Wilson was the only goalie we had, so she played all five games. Our defencemen were great, and our forwards did a great job of coming back and helping out.” The win gives the Cougars back-toback tournament titles, as they won their own tournament earlier in the season. Now, they’ll pick up some exhibition games and prepare for the provincials, which will be held during spring break in March in Surrey.

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Prince George - SPORTS - Free Press

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Biathlon range gets rave reviews Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com The most important number Sunday morning at the Otway Nordic Centre was -20. If it was colder than that, the Biathlon Westerns would not be able to start. Organizers had already pushed the start back by an hour, but the wait paid off. By 9 a.m., the temperature was about -21 and rising, so the competitors were allowed onto the range to zero their rifles, with the races starting at 10 a.m. Pierre Beaudry was the competition chair for the weekend races, as well as the sport director for biathlon at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The weekend’s races were a test event for the Games, and Beaudry says it appears they passed.

“The thing to realize is that the weekend was made more challenging by the fact we had 16 competitive classes. The start change cascades down, and each of those classes is pushed back. “In the Canada Winter Games, we will have two classes - Junior Men and Junior Women. If the start is pushed back a bit, it won’t have anywhere near the effect it did this weekend.” Racers came from across Western Canada as well as Washington state and the Yukon, meaning it was probably a bigger event than the Games themselves will be in terms of athlete numbers. “We had never done anything of this size before out here,” Beaudry said. “We were incorporating new equipment, some of which was bought at the last minute because we suddenly realized we needed it.”

Tabor passes first big Canada Games test Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com Competitors and officials alike agreed on one thing about the new slopestyle and snowboard-cross runs at Tabor Mountain. “The track was phenomenal,” says Flynn Seddon, the president of the boar of directors of BC Snowboard, and the technical director for a pair of events at the resort on the weekend. Tabor hosted races in the BC Provincial Series, which also served as test events for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. “It proved the energy Fern and Mitch Thibault (Tabor Mountain Resort owners) had come to fruition. The features Mitch put in really fit the level of competition.” He said there was a wide variance in the level of experience of the racers on the weekend. “We had members of the provincial team here, we had a Korean skier chasing FIS points, and we had a 4-year-old on the slopes as well.”

He said while the Tabor Mountain facilities proved themselves on the weekend, for the Canada Winter Games next February, there is one other very important ingredient. “What the whole Games needs now is volunteers. You need a lot of people to pull this off. “You don’t have to know a lot about snowboarding to volunteer. You might end up helping to mark the course or helping with parking.” Seddon said one problem snowboarding has is a smaller profile, meaning there isn’t the large core of volunteers other sports can draw on. Mark Tanemura, the head of sport for snowboarding for the Games, said the weekend was awesome, especially for the volunteers. “Having BC Snowboard come up to train our minor officials was great. “Now, we’re going to be keeping in touch with them and hoping to set up another event either later this season or early next winter.” He said it’s crucial now that the officials keep their new skills fresh.

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Allan WISHART/Free Press William Fascione, closest to camera, and Markus Klein take a round of shots in the Biathlon Western race at Otway Nordic Centre on Sunday, while other racers ski into the range area.

“But it was worked out in military precision, and everybody worked hard to make it a success.” The Biathlon Westerns were also the first full-scale trial for the new range, and it passed with flying colours. “Everyone I spoke to was very impressed with the new range,” Beaudry said. “It worked out well that we didn’t have a big dump of snow just before the event, since

it gave us lots of time to prepare the range surface.” When the Canada Winter Games come next February, Beaudry knows there will be a different chain of command. “For this meet, we (Caledonia Nordic Ski Club) were in total control. For the Games, I’m in charge of the sport competition, the actual event, and John Huybers will be the venue team leader.”

He says the next step is a debriefing among their own team, followed by meetings with Games officials to determine what things could be better. Beaudry says they could get in one more major event, possibly. “We may bid for an early BC Cup event next season, which would be in January. We may also be asked by the B.C. team to host the Canada Winter Games selection event.”

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Friday, February 7, 2014

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Kings set sights on top spot Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com The Prince George Spruce accomplished two goals with a pair of home-ice wins on the weekend against the Coquitlam Express. “It was what we needed to some breathing room,” coach Dave Dupas said of the wins at the Coliseum, which moved the Kings 10 points ahead of the Express in second place in the BCHL’s Mainland Division. “Now we can look ahead, without worrying too much about who’s behind us.” The Kings won Friday night’s game 7-4 behind a hat trick from Chad Staley, then got a goal halfway through the third period Saturday from Justin Rai for a 3-2 win. The two wins moved the Spruce Kings to just six points behind the Langley Rivermen for top spot in the division, with a game in hand. “We play Langley five of our last eight games,” Dupas said. “When you’re chasing

a team, you want to play them. If you win, you gain ground and don’t give up any games in hand.” For this weekend, though, the focus is on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, who will be at the Coliseum tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m.. In what is a rare event for the Spruce Kings, they’ll have two home games this weekend against two different opponents, as the West Kelowna Warriors furnish the opposition on Saturday. “The good thing about that,” Dupas said, “is it means both of them will be doing some travelling to get here, and them travelling never hurts us.” Both of this weekend’s opponents are in playoff fights of their own, with Alberni Valley in a dogfight with Cowichan Valley for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Island Division, while West Kelowna is neck-andneck with Penticton for top spot in the Interior Division, with Vernon, Salmon Arm and Merritt all right behind them. “Both teams are battling

Allan WISHART/Free Press Jeremiah Luedtke of the Prince George Spruce Kings doesn’t let a loss of balance stop him from getting off a shot Saturday night against the Coquitlam Express. The Cougars beat the Express 3-2 at the Prince George Coliseum, their third straight win over their division rivals.

hard,” Dupas said, “so that should mean some good hockey this weekend.” The Spruce Kings made a bit of news earlier in

the week on the nationals stage, as they received an Honourable Mention in the latest Canadian Junior Hockey League rankings.

The Powell River Kings are ranked eighth of the 20 teams, while the Rivermen are 11th. “It gets our name out

there,” Dupas said of the ranking, “but we can’t look at those as having more importance than they really do.”

Cougars come back home after winning four in a row on the road Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com When the Prince George Cougars started a six-game WHL eastern road trip with an 8-0 loss in Regina, there were probably a lot of concerns among the fans in Prince George. They lost 6--3 to Brandon in the second game, then came back with four wins in a row to finish the trip. Coach Mark Holick said they only played one bad game. “We got off to a really bad start. I thought we played better in Brandon, and kept getting better as we went along.” They edged Prince Albert 6-5 in a shootout to get things turned around, then scored

seven goals in the first period en route to a 10-6 win in Saskatoon. “We were the beneficiaries of some subpar goaltending,” was how Holick put it, “but sometimes you get games like that. It makes up for the games when you play really well and don’t get anything to show for it.” The Cougars made it three in a row with a 2-1 win in Moose Jaw, with Todd Fiddler getting the winner against the team which traded him to the Cougars earlier this season. “I was happy for Todd when he got that one,” Holick said. “He’s been a big addition for us, and for him to do that against the team that traded him, I think was something he enjoyed.” The Cougars wrapped up the trip with a

6-2 win in Swift Current, leaving them six points behind the Tri-City Americans in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Cougars are home for their next four games, starting with a Friday-Saturday doubleheader against the Red Deer Rebels. That will be followed by a split doubleheader against the Portland Winterhawks. The teams will meet Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in a Family Day matinee, then again on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Right now, though, Holick isn’t thinking about Portland. “I’m just concerned with Red Deer right now,” he said. “They’ve played well lately. They have a couple of games on their way up here, so that means they’ll be doing some travelling, which may be to our advantage.

“We’ll watch the tapes of those two games, and be ready to go Friday.” The Feb. 10 days will be a Family Day extravaganza, with special ticket deals for families and a family skate from 5 to 6 p.m. with popcorn and hot chocolate provided. Fiddler Tops Scoring the game-winning goal in Moose Jaw may have been the most meaningful goal of January for Todd Fiddler, but his work the whole month earned him WHL Player of the Month honours. Fiddler had 16 goals and 13 assists in 14 games in January, including five goals on the power play and two shorthanded. He scored or assisted on 49 per cent of the Cougars’ goals in regulation time in the month.

TONIGHT - 7:00pm • Feb. 7 • REMATCH - 7:00pm Sat. Feb. 8 vs Red Deer Rebels MONDAY - 2:00pm • Feb. 10 vs Portland Winterhawks Family Day - February 10th Brought to you by 4 Ticket Family Pack • (2 adults & 2 children) - $39 Cougars Family Skate 5-6 pm after game Popcorn and hot chocolate provided.

Red Deer Rebels

Portland Winterhawks