Houston Today, March 05, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

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Transition help for workers By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

PROVINCIAL Support

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Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad presented a $51,490 cheque to the District of Houston for the Houston Opportunities for Workers (H.O.W) Program last Friday. The program is for the District of Houston to hire a consultant for community transition work and to link employees impacted by the HFP closure with work opportunities in the area. Above are MLA John Rustad, Houston Mayor Bill Holmberg, Economic Development Officer Maureen Czirfusz and Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. For more photos of the Forests Minister’s visit to Houston see page 8.

The Province is providing funding for the District of Houston to hire a consultant to coordinate the HFP closure transition work. Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad announced Friday that the Province would fund $51,490 for the Houston Opportunities for Workers (H.O.W.) Labour Market Partnership program. A program of the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training, H.O.W. was formed to help workers transition from the effects of the West Fraser mill closure and get connected with employment opportunities in the area. H.O.W. will launch in partnership with the District of Houston, to hire a

consultant to engage workers, local groups and stakeholders and develop a labour market strategy for Houston. “The community came forward with a request to look at how they can maximize the advantages in this area with the workers and skills that we have and to try and match them up,” said MLA Rustad. “They requested the funding and we’re very pleased, through the Community and Employer Partnership program, to be able to provide that. “This is a challenging time for Houston, but by working together we can find the best path forward,” Rustad said. A job fair is scheduled April 9 and a community information session will be held between March 3 and September 30, 2014.

Forests Minister visits Houston to discuss forest issues By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

Forests Minister Steve Thomson spoke to over 60 people at a Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the Houston Legion last Friday. He summarized some of the accomplishments of the Province, including

the balanced budget and some rural development initiatives, before discussing the Houston mill closure and forestry issues. He assured the crowd of Houston business people that the B.C. Government is and will continue to work closely with the District of Houston and local and

regional service providers to minimize the mill closure impact. “[When we heard the mill closure announcement, government responded right away with a cross-ministry team that has been working in the community with you - with council, the Chamber of Commerce and busi-

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ness groups - on a number of initiatives. And I know that that work is going to continue,” he said. COMPETITION BUREAU Discussing the impending HFP closure, Minister Thomson said the Competition Bureau is still working and does not have a

timeline for when they will make a ruling. The Competition Bureau is a Federal process, which will provide an analysis and recommendations to the Province about the timber agreement, Minister Thomson explained. “Once we get that, then we’re going to have to look at what

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that analysis says and determine how we respond from that point,” he said. Mayor Bill Holmberg said the Bureau has done an extensive canvas of the Houston community, and has spoken to many local business people about their thoughts on how the HFP closure will im-

pact the area. “I have to commend them… it’s obviously a tough decision for them,” Holmberg said. Asked what power the Bureau has with their ruling, Minister Thomson said they simply provide direction, but it’s up to Province to respond. See FOREST on Page 3

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Houston Today

“Northern Gateway is taking extraordinary measures to ensure marine safety—reducing tanker speeds on British Columbia’s north coast is just one.” - Chris Anderson, Master Mariner, Lead Marine Advisor, Northern Gateway Project

Northern Gateway has proposed tanker-related safety measures designed to maintain safe vessel transportation. These measures, together with lower tanker transit speeds in the coastal channels, not only reduce the risk of marine incidents, they also minimize potential adverse effects on the marine mammal environment. ACTING ON EXPERT ADVICE Northern Gateway has consulted with many of the top experts in Canada and the world, including Chris Anderson who, as a Master Mariner and seafarer, has over 50 years of experience including the development of port and terminal facilities in British Columbia’s coastal waters and internationally. Acting on the advice of a team of experts, Northern Gateway committed to a vessel transit speed range from 8 to 12 knots. Anderson says, “Reducing vessel transit speeds through a confined channel to within this range allows improved response from our escort tugs, substantially reducing the risk of a navigational incident, while maintaining safe vessel operation.”

initiatives that was put forward by Northern Gateway. As Anderson puts it, “Project-related vessels are capable of speeds of 15 to 16 knots. Many other oceangoing vessels can travel at even higher speeds. Northern Gateway is committed to reducing vessel speeds by as much as half that as an added measure of prevention.” GOING EVEN FURTHER TO ENSURE MARINE SAFETY In addition to reducing tanker speeds, Northern Gateway has committed to the use of two escort tugs for every loaded tanker associated with the Project, with one tug being tethered at all times. According to Anderson, “In the event of a mechanical issue, the tethered escort tugs can take over steering and braking which greatly reduces the risk of an incident occurring. This commitment will also help protect British Columbia’s north coast.”

BEYOND WHAT’S REQUIRED The commitment to reducing transit speeds is not a regulatory requirement, but one of many voluntary marine safety

ENDORSED AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS The Joint Review Panel’s endorsement of the Northern Gateway Project came after a rigorous, scientific review of the evidence, including Gateway’s precautionary approach to vessel speeds and escort tug standards. Northern Gateway is working hard to meet all of the final conditions set out by the Panel, the same way they are working to meet the five conditions set out by the Province of British Columbia. Northern Gateway is committed to doing everything possible in order to build a safer, better project.

Learn more at gatewayfacts.ca

Working in partnership with B.C. and Alberta First Nations and Métis Communities, and leading energy companies in Canada

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Meet the expert: Chris Anderson is a Master Mariner and port planning and operations specialist. He has substantial experience in the assessment and development of many terminal facilities on the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific Coasts of Canada.

Houston Today

NEWS

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Discussing forests

FOREST from Page 1 “To give an example, when West Fraser purchased Wellwood, one of the things they were concerned about was the mill in Burns Lake and so they actually forced that to be sold,” said MLA Rustad. “When Canfor made a deal in Fort St. James, [the Bureau] said that Canfor’s mill had to go to a third party. [In Houston], who knows where they will go or what recommendations they’ll give,” Rustad said. Mayor Holmberg said that for the District of Houston, the main concern is the timber rights that West Fraser wants to send to Smithers. “As a town, we fight that. It’s an economic driver for this community,” he said.

FOREST INVENTORY Asked about B.C.’s Forest Inventory, Minister Thomson said the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has approved funding for the Land Base Investment program which funds the inventory. “We’ve announced a ten year inventory program, $80 million over the next ten years… I’m really pleased,” he said. He added that in response to criticisms about the forest inventory, the right timing for the inventory update is now. “As the Mountain Pine Beetle impact was continuing, and until it’s stabilized and settled, it wouldn’t have been a good use of our resources [to gather inventory] when the

landscape was continuing to evolve and change so quickly. “Now that we’re at [the stabilizing] point, we need to go back and do an inventory. “In this area we will do a full re-inventory in 2014,” he said. Regional District Chair Bill Miller commended that initiative, adding that he felt the government commitment should be even longer then ten years. “It should be a long term commitment to maintaining that inventory on an ongoing basis,” Miller said. FOREST REGULATION Changing the discussion to forestry regulation, Rick Barden from the Morice Forest Salvage Society asked about the Morice River corridor. “We have the Morice River corridor that basically no one is allowed to log, and there’s a proposed

pipeline to run 60 km beside the river. Don’t you think that’s a bit more damaging to the Morice River corridor then a bit of logging here and there and cleaning up the dead pine? “For this Enbridge pipeline to go through there, there will have to be some relaxation of the rules, but for the people on the ground here in town, there is no relaxation of the rules for logging. Logging is a lot less detrimental to our land and, if the pipeline comes, to the most important spawning river we have in the province,” Barden said. Minister Thomson said they’ve recently been looking at land use objectives and constraints to find opportunities. MLA John Rustad added that action needs to be community driven. “Communities real-

ly drove the whole land resource management process… We don’t want to be over riding [those regulations], but if a community came forward and said we should take a look at some of those things, then that’s something we would look at,” Rustad said. He added that all pipelines will go through an extensive environmental assessment to avoid negative impacts on things like the Morice River. Houston Mayor Bill Holmberg said council is open for issues to be brought forward to the district level, so they can support local businesses in getting ansers and changes. Minister Thomson and MLA Rustad met with Mayor and Council, the Forest Salvage Society, Dungate Community Forests and other stakeholders late

Soup kitchen opens its doors today By Jackie Lieuwen

make any decisions until they hear from the Competition Bureau... The good thing is that they’ve been taking a long time to make this decision so hopefully they’re making the right decision,” he said.

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coming back in, and to have that special connection again… we are all about relationships here, and [are excited to continue] where we left off,” she said.

Houston Today

The Houston Love by the Bowl Soup Kitchen opens its doors to serve soup today, March 5. Having been closed to relocate since May 22, 2013, Love by the Bowl opens on 11th Street in a new, totally renovated building. Last August, private investors bought the old house beside the Houston Legion to lease it to the soup kitchen. Since then volunteers have been hard at work fixing and renovating the place. Organizer Bobbi Edmunds says almost everything is new. The place has a new stove and new counters, new drawers and tables, new walls and windows and a new deck, as well as a wheelchair accessible washroom and entrance. It’s completely new and different, smaller and a lot brighter, said Edmunds. “It’s just so amazing. Here it was, the least likely, run down place for a soup kitchen, and yet how the doors

Friday to discuss concerns in more detail. Mayor Holmberg says the meeting was good. “We had a good cross section of people there and we certainly relayed our concerns to the Minister... They’re not going to

If you are buying or selling, call me today! I also offer Free Home Market Evaluations and information on the current real estate market.

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Thursday, MARCH 13th

Community

Soup kitchen cooks and servers Barb Barden, Donna Duzan and Bobbi Edmunds show off their donated aprons in the new soup kitchen. were just opened! It’s just amazing to see God’s hand upon this place and all the different people that came forward to help out… It wasn’t like I had to run out and search for people, they just showed up when needed… It’s been a really great team that God put together here,” she said. Edmunds says there were six core volunteers and countless others from the community who helped out at the soup kitchen.

Close to 1,500 hours were put into the renovations, she said. A ministry of the Houston Fellowship Baptist Church, Love by the Bowl will open every Wednesday to serve soup in two sittings, 11 to 12 p.m. and 12 to 1 p.m. Edmunds says they have capacity for 60 people in each sitting and will open up the deck and put out tables when the weather gets warmer. She adds that they hope to start up their Tuesday drop in and

5:00-6:30p.m.

Soup Fest Games Night and

Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

quitting group in April and they will see from there if other needs arise. Their mission statement is as follows: Love by the Bowl is dedicated to opening hearts to Jesus through humbly sharing Christ’s love. “I’m excited [to open the soup kitchen]… just to get together with the people from the old place. For all of us who serve, I can just see and feel the joy that’s going to be there. “To see our guests

*NEW* Soups to try!! HOMEMADE BUNS

The Houston GEMS Girls’ Club

invite you to a SOUP FEST. We are raising funds for: - Houston Hospice Society - Esther School in Zambia, Africa - Houston Food Bank & Soup Kitchen - Rough Acres Bible Camp

Dinner is by donation and you may try as many of our delicious soups as you like. Complimentary coffee & dessert will be provided. Shorter soup lines this year.

DATE: Thursday, March 13, 2014 TIME: 5:00-6:30 p.m. COST: By donation PLACE: Houston Christian School Gym The GEMS Girls will be serving and collecting the money. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun. For more information call Ena Groot at 845-7593.

Reserved seating for Seniors. Games are from: 5:45-6:45p.m.

Opinion

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HOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council” Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston Mall P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Houston Today

Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893 News: editor@houston-today.com or: newsroom@houston-today.com Advertising: advertising@houston-today.com

In our opinion:

Senator needed for northwest B.C. A

bolish the Senate? No way. Not when it could benefit northwestern B.C. Here’s how. B.C. has six Senate seats. Five are filled. One is vacant. Turns out a Senator can designate the area which he or she wants to represent. Four of B.C.’s current Senators chose the entire province. The fifth, Nancy Green Raine, chose the Thompson-Okanagan-Kootenay region. So the sixth Senator, in adapting the Nancy Green Raine model, would come from – and represent – northwestern B.C. The key word here is represent for that would be the expectation of this particular Senator – to act as an advocate for the northwest. It would be an admittedly risky move for a government to take but at the very least it would have the comfort of selecting someone tuned to its way of thinking. This in no way would diminish the role of northwestern B.C.’s elected Member of Parliament. The Skeena - Bulkley Valley riding takes in a huge area, making it a challenge at the best of times to get around and keep track of issues. Having another person on the ground in the region and with access to Ottawa cannot be such a bad thing. Of course, a northwestern B.C. Senator and a northwestern Member of Parliament may not come from the same party and may not always be in agreement. But if the goal is to make this a better place, than surely a couple of adults can figure that out. - Terrace Standard, Black Press

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New marijuana law stinks In the spring of 1997, four days before his 20th birthday, my new friend Bob Raven was goofing around at Pioneer Park in Kamloops, playing volleyball and having fun with his buddies when he decided to join some of them in the lake. Without thinking, the college student ran down the dock and dove in to what he later found out was less than three feet of water. He felt his neck break instantly. Lying face down, motionless, he wondered how long it would take his friends to notice he was paralyzed. Not wanting to be moved for fear his situation could get worse, he was supported in the cold water for over an hour before the ambulance finally arrived. By then the local newspaper was already there, and he was their front page story the next day. He spent the next two months at Vancouver General

Hospital before being admitted into GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, where he would begin learning to live his life as a quadriplegic. After plummeting from 160 lbs down to 105, he started using marijuana to help regain his appetite and dull his pain and spasms in order to get through the day and sleep through the night. “It was a natural way for me to get off most of the heavy prescription pills I was on,” he said. “Before my accident I had always been healthy and I wanted to keep living as well as I could. I didn’t want to be addicted to drugs like morphine.” Four years ago he attained a license to cultivate his own cannabis, and with the aid of his helpers he’s been able to medicate himself sufficiently by grinding it down and either vaporizing it, putting it in capsules or using it in his bak-

ing so he reaps the healing benefits without getting high. New regulations that the Canadian government is about to implement will change all of that. As of this April people like Bob, who are legally allowed to produce their own pot for medicinal purposes, will now have to buy it from a federally-approved supplier at a much higher cost. “It won’t just be more expensive,” he said. “It will be an inferior product delivered dry through Canada Post. I can’t imagine they’ll be able to keep up with the demand or retain our privacy. People will be forced to break the law by continuing to grow their own, or they’ll buy from illegal suppliers willing to sell it cheaper and more discreetly.” Frustrated there’s still such a stigma regarding marijuana, despite its proven therapeutic impact, Bob

2009

believes these new regulations come down to politics and money. “The only people happy with this change in law are the ones who will monetarily profit from it,” he said. “It will only hurt people like me.” Recognizing there is a crime element that needs to be controlled, Bob thinks the government should simply limit the number of plants per person. “With my prescription I only have access for enough to grow my own medicine,” he said. “But there are doctors out there willing to write up prescriptions for way more plants than one person actually requires.” He isn’t against federally-approved suppliers, he just wants to see a combination of options so people who aren’t abusing the system can continue to safely grow their own, and those who aren’t able will have access as well. “Big illegal grow-

On a brighter note Lori Welbourne ops on the news have much of society thinking pot gardens are dangerous,” he said. “It takes the same electrical equipment to grow tomatoes that it does marijuana, and with my intent and limited supply, there’s nothing unsafe or corrupt about it.” Bob is now hoping B.C. lawyer John Conroy’s class action lawsuit against Health Canada has these new changes declared unconstitutional, and the new regulations will be overturned. I am hoping the same. For more info: Jo h n C o n r o y. c o m / mmarcoalition

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Houston Today

Opinion

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

HOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council” Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston Mall P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0

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Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893 News: editor@houston-today.com or: newsroom@houston-today.com Advertising: advertising@houston-today.com

On the

Street... Are you looking forward to spring break? What are your plans?

Cody Longpre Grade 6

Tyler Birkedal Grade 7

Mark Fehr Principal

Nik Tompkins Grade 6

“Yes. I’ll play shinny hockey during the break. And I might go to Terrace and visit family there.”

“Yes. I’ll probably play video games and hang out at friends houses. I’m going downhill skiing in Smithers with my Dad. And I’ll probably visit my grandparents. We go there on long weekends usually.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to China to tour schools there. I’m going with a group of administrators from schools across B.C. and we’ll be there a little over a week.”

“Yes, I am. I might go and see my Mom in Vancouver, and visit my brother in Prince George. And I’ll probably game out for a while.”

By Jackie Lieuwen

Local government terms for four years Winners of next November’s local elections will serve four years on councils and school boards. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes said Tuesday she will introduce legislation shortly to extend local government terms from three years to four. The change is to take effect in time for elections next fall. Oakes said the

change comes after the Union of B.C. Municipalities supported it at their convention last September. The issue has been debated many times and has been divisive over the years, with some rural politicians arguing against extending the commitment for jobs with little pay. Oakes, who served two terms on Quesnel city council before being elected to the B.C.

legislature last year, said she had her own doubts about it when it was debated during that time. But she has made up her mind. “The reason why provinces across Canada have moved to four years is it provides greater certainty in communities to move those very important projects forward, things such as infrastructure improvements,” Oakes said. “It provides opportunities

“

for local government officials to understand

would mean the next municipal election

“It provides greater certainty in communities to move projects forward.” - Coralee Oakes, Minister of CSCD

their projects and to carry them through.” The change

would be held in 2018, on a schedule that follows provincial

elections by one year. Oakes said there was no intent to avoid having both elections at the same time, and she is acting in response to the UBCM’s vote to go ahead. Asked if the legislation would include a “Rob Ford clause” to remove politicians who misbehave while in office, Oakes said the ministry is examining changes to the oath

B.C. Views Tom Fletcher of office to “provide more tools” to deal with such situations.

Grizzly hunt isn’t going away By Tom Fletcher Black Press

A little-noticed protest tent sprouted up on the rain-soaked B.C. legislature grounds earlier this month. Green Party MLA Andrew Weaver spoke, asking whether B.C. residents would tolerate trophy hunting of killer whales. That would be a federal matter, but the point is vividly made about the onset of B.C.’s traditional spring grizzly bear hunt. It’s bigger this year, with Kootenay and Chilcotin wildlife management regions reopened after clo-

sures were enacted to preserve grizzly populations. In all, more than 1,000 grizzly bears are up for grabs. As with limited-entry hunts for deer and other animals, only about a third of those hunts are successful in an average year. The rally was sponsored by the Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative, the partnership with U.S.-directed environment groups Sierra Club, Greenpeace and ForestEthics that has become so influential in B.C. affairs. It produced a survey showing that 88 per cent of B.C. residents oppose trophy hunting, and its California experts

calculate a 10-fold increase in value when bear hunting gives way to bear watching. The Raincoast Conservation Society has bought up half a dozen guiding territories on the remote B.C. coast. Combined with government restrictions, more than half the coast is now off limits to bear hunting. Naturally, activists want the whole province shut down. Wildlife management is the responsibility of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson. He’s heard plenty from all sides and he maintains that bear watching and bear hunting will con-

tinue to coexist in B.C. Thomson has just introduced legislation to permit hunting guide territories to be operated by corporations as well as individuals. This is a long-sought change, allowing First Nations companies and others access to bank loans to expand the industry. Non-resident hunters are required to hire a licensed guide-outfitter. Resident hunters pay $32 for a one-year hunting licence and $80 for a grizzly bear tag. Non-Canadians pay $180 for the licence and $1,030 for a chance at a grizzly. Hunting in general is making a comeback in B.C. Ministry data

show hunting licenses had declined to 85,633 in 2006, but recovered to reach 97,828 by 2013. Thomson credits the work of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, which runs hunter training courses. Another program, Becoming an Outdoor Woman, has helped revive hunting and camping as a family activity, he said. Growing up hunting in northeastern B.C., I was taught not to shoot anything I’m not prepared to eat. I also remember the struggles to protect caribou and other endangered prey species that at one time had B.C. biologists resort-

ing to shooting wolves from helicopters. The reopening of grizzly bear territories is marketed to urban residents as a horrible crime against nature. In fact, it’s a sign of increasing population. Problems in B.C. wildlife these days include the fragile mountain caribou herds of the Kootenays, which have been subject to intensive management including relocation of animals. The ministry has also begun a five-year study of declining moose populations across a vast area of the Interior subject to salvage logging in the wake of the pine beetle epidemic.

Vancouver media recently highlighted a grizzly hunt by NHL journeyman Clayton Stoner. Typically, U.S. enviros promoted the deceased bear by name, “Cheeky,” and photos showed its carcass stripped to the skeleton by scavengers after Stoner left with the hide, paws and head. They don’t mention that the same fate awaits animals that die of starvation or other natural causes, which increase when animals overpopulate. As with many B.C. issues, there’s a cartoon version sold to impressionable city dwellers, and then there’s the truth.

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NEWS

Houston Today

Regional district to consider pot proposal

Houston’s

“Love by the Bowl”

By News Staff

Soup Kitchen

Black Press

IS NOW OPEN

Could 80 full-time jobs in a freshly reregulated medical industry be headed for Topley, B.C.? Alexander Mark Roberts, chief operating officer with K Town Medical Growers Inc. (KTMG), wants to bring a large-scale, licensed, industrial medical marijuana grow operation to Topley. According to correspondence between Roberts and his real estate agent, he is in the final stages of purchasing the former Topley elementary school for use as a licensed medical marijuana production facility. Roberts already has a small, licensed operation in Topley, but he wants to be ready to expand when new regulations come into affect at the end of March. On March 31, 2014 previous medical

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marijuana regulations will be replaced by new regulations which will eliminate small home medical marijuana grow operations in favour of large, industrial scale facilities (See sidebar). Seven licensed medical marijuana producers fitting the profile of the new regulations have already come on line, and are listed on Health Canada’s website. Roberts hopes to have KTMG added to that list. The facility would distribute its product by mail order through Health Canada channels. Roberts’ Topley plans do not include store front sales of medical marijuana. “We’re looking at employing 80 people to start, at $20/hr plus benefits,” Roberts said at a Feb. 17, 2014 Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) public meeting. The RDBN public hearing in Burns Lake was called as part of the zoning bylaw amendment process. The RDBN is amending zoning definitions to account for the possibility of medical marijuana production facilities within the region. Of the 30 different land use zones within the RDBN, none explicitly excluded or included a medical marijuana facility, although it is generally interpreted to be permitted wherever intensive horticulture and agriculture are already permitted. During the public meeting, RDBN chair Bill Miller and RDBN director of planning Jason Llewellyn heard that property Roberts had already purchased in Topley was purchased under an inaccurate mapping report which indicated the

property to be zoned industrial. Later, Roberts found out that it was zoned C3. Llewellyn said this was due to zoning updates which hadn’t been uploaded to the RDBN’s computer mapping system. It’s a moot point in any case. Property

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tor it rather than out in the middle of nowhere.” “We have very little ALR land left,” he added. “Why would you take agricultural land and put buildings and electric generators on it to grow marijuana?” Obtaining a federal

Medical marijuana grow op proposed for Topley, B.C.

zoned industrial within the RDBN would have needed an exemption under existing zoning bylaws for a medical marijuana production facility. Furthermore, the Topley elementary school is not zoned for medical marijuana production and would need a special zoning application as well, or complete rezoning. The new RDBN bylaw defining where such a facility could be placed will restrict it to H2, Ag1, and RR1 zones, while disallowing home cultivation. The RDBN would still have the option to allow a special use application outside those three zones. Land within the agricultural land reserve (ALR) is also available as an option for a medical marijuana facility, but rural properties are not desirable from Roberts’ point of view. Rural and ALR lands do not have ready access to the phase-three power Roberts needs. Remote properties also have inherent security risks. “The Topley school already has phase three power,” Roberts said. “It is secure and centralized. I’ve been told by the RCMP they would prefer an operation like this where they can moni-

RECRUITMENT

license to run a medical marijuana facility under the new regime requires significant investment before the application can be considered complete. “Health Canada isn’t handing them out [licenses] if municipalities are not on side,” Roberts said. He and investors will have to purchase the Topley school building and have zoning in place before their application can be considered complete. Purchasing the Topley school has been a complicated process. “The Topley school property is broken down into 27 separate [land] parcels,” Roberts said. “Some property titles have encumbrances on them, although the school board anticipates being able to resolve them.” Roberts reported communication from his real estate agent saying the School District 91 is about ready to sign a purchase agreement. “[After that] if we get RDBN approval, federal approval should follow quickly,” he added. Although one option is to rezone the school property for industrial purposes,

Roberts was advised by RDBN staff to apply for special use zoning. Roberts is currently working on an application for his existing property. It is unlikely that Roberts’ zoning application for his current property or for the Topley school, if the sale goes through, will be completed before the March 31 deadline. What that means for Roberts’ current operation, as well as the plant strains he has already developed, is unclear. “We’ll have to wait and see what the lawyers say,” Roberts said. The new bylaw defining where medical marijuana operations can be established was discussed briefly at last week’s RDBN board meeting. Roberts’ application was not specifically discussed as his application is not yet in, but electoral area G (Houston Rural) director Rob Newell said he has heard support for the idea among his constituents. “There’s a great deal of support for it [the Topley proposal],” Newell said. “There’s a need for work there.” Roberts has been informally engaging with locals about his operation and his plans for Topley, with generally positive feedback. The March 31 deadline isn’t the most significant issue for Roberts. Support from the RDBN is more important. “Whether we do it on March 31 or June 1, it doesn’t really matter if we’re all working towards the same goal,” Roberts said of the zoning application process. “This has never been done before,” Roberts added. “We can make history right here in Topley.”

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Houston Today

Over 60 attend Forest Minister Luncheon Top left: Bill Miller, Chair of the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, asks Minister Thomson a question about the Provincial Forest inventory. Forests Minister Thomson said the Province has committed $80 million over ten years to update their forests inventory, and they will do a full re-inventory of the forests in this area in 2014. Top right: Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, addresses Houston business people at a local Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The Minister talked about the Provincial response to the timber agreement between Houston Forest Products and Canfor and the subsequent Houston Forest Products closure announcement. Left: District of Houston Mayor and council, Dungate Community Forests, the Houston Salvage Society and other local stakeholders met with Minister Thomson and MLA John Rustad late Friday. Houston Mayor Bill Holmberg said they raised their concerns more strongly but the Minister was very non-committal until he hears from the Competition Bureau. Holmberg says he hopes that will be sooner rather then later. “The good thing is that they’ve been taking a long time to make this decision so hopefully they’re making the right decision. But we told the minister that even if they come out and say there is no problem, he doesn’t have to agree with that. We’re saying ‘you should do what you think is right for the community,’ and we told him what that was,” Holmberg said. Bottom left: Local business people and members of the Houston Chamber of Commerce met at the Houston Legion for a luncheon with the Minister of Forests last Friday. Bottom right: Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad responds to questions from a news broadcaster from CFTK TV. Jackie Lieuwen photos/Houston Today

Houston Today

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

COMMUNITY

www.houston-today.com

Houston Hospice Art Show and Auction Friday By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

Local artists and artisans will show and sell their work at a Hospice Art Show and Auction on Friday. A fund raiser for the Houston Hospice Society, the art show and auction will be a formal, drop in event from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Houston Community Hall. Hospice Coordinator Linda Bush says the event will feature mostly local art and will have both a silent and live auction. “We’re trying to

have [more then] just paintings and sketches. We have a little bit of wood work, metal work, and some carved jade jewellery. “We want get as wide a variety of things as we can,” Bush said. They will also have appetizers, and lots of door prizes, including a Hawkair flight for two and a two for one ski pass. The Houston Hospice Society is fund raising for the services they provide in Houston. Bush says they do a variety of things such as lend-

ing beds and equipment to people who are terminally ill and running grief support groups, which will be starting up soon. They are also building a Hospice Library with resources for people facing terminal illness or grief, she said. The art show and auction on Friday is a new Hospice fund raiser, as the Hospice Yard Sale is no longer running. “[Yard Sale organizer Ann Wilson] has retired from the yard sale project, and she was a very reliable fund raiser for

Hospice for 12 years. “It has given us a really solid framework to work on,” Bush said, adding that the yard sale raised nearly $250,000 for the Hospice during those years. Bush says she hopes other community groups will take on the big yard sale, but Hospice doesn’t have the resources to run it anymore. The art show and auction fund raiser is to keep the Hospice programs running. “I just hope that [the event is] a really good time and that

there’s lots of good conversation and also that it will bring out lots of awareness for both the Hospice and the work we do and the local arts… bring [local artists] out of the woodwork,” she said. Hospice thanks event sponsors and welcomes everyone to attend. “Don’t miss this event because you don’t have a tie, we will have a supply at the door. Your three year old won’t let you borrow her tiara? That’s okay, we have those too!”

Ottawa rejects New Prosperity mine project By Tom Fletcher Black Press

The federal government turned down Taseko Mines’ application for a gold mine near Williams Lake for a second time, citing “environmental effects that cannot be mitigated.” The decision comes after repeated efforts by the B.C. government to lobby for project approval, and a court challenge by Taseko to the federal assessment that it said did not take into account the efforts made to protect the watershed from tailings from the open-pit cop-

per and gold project. Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said Thursday the project would have created 1,200 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs that would help the region recover from the decline in the forest industry from pine beetle impact. “I think the federal government has made a big mistake,” Barnett said. F e d e r a l Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq issued a statement saying the decision was made “based on the best available scientific evidence while balanc-

ing economic and environmental considerations.” Taseko CEO Russell Hallbauer said the company accepted the federal government’s 2010 invitation to reapply, and committed $300 million to redesign the project in response to the first rejection. Hallbauer said Taseko will proceed with a judicial review applied for in December, arguing that the federal review panel used the wrong design for its updated waste rock storage facility. The panel concluded that the project was likely to cause significant adverse effects

on fish and fish habitat, wetlands and aboriginal interest in the Fish Lake area. B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett made two trips to Ottawa since the decision to assure federal officials that the tailings control proposed for New Prosperity Mine is similar to other mines operating in B.C. B.C. enlisted John Meech, a mine engineering professor at the University of B.C., who said the compact soil liner proposed by Taseko has been proven effective at the company’s nearby Gibraltar Mine and

Celebration Dinner

Saturday, March 8th at the Houston Seniors Centre Doors open at 5:30 a.m. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. (Ladies of all ages are welcome)

International Women’s Day 2014 Theme: INSPIRING CHANGE Women’s equality has made positive gains but the world is still unequal. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action. There is no charge for dinner but reservations are required. Please call Northwest Community College at 250-845-7266 to book your seat.

Mount Polley Mine, operated by Imperial Metals northeast of Williams Lake. Bennett said Thursday the question of the tailings pond will likely be resolved in court, and the province has a proven ability to regulate mines. “We know how to make sure that the design is such that it’s not going to contaminate surrounding groundwater, or a lake that’s two kilometres away,” Bennett said.

“Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen

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serving homemade soup in two different seatings, Wednesdays 11:00am-12:00pm and 12:00-1:00pm.

HOPE forToday Entropy

Have you ever noticed a truck go past on the highway with a load of flattened vehicles stacked one on top of the other, each flattened to about one or two feet high? As we think about it, all were shiny and brand new once, on the parking lot with a salesman waiting for someone to make a purchase. What happened? How did these vehicles end up as just plain old scrap metal? There is a process that is happening throughout the whole universe. In this process, everything is deteriorating and becoming less organized, less complex and tending to become more disorderly, that is why cars rust, tires wear out, houses deteriorate and people get old and frail. Scientists confirm that the whole universe is moving toward a state of disorder as time goes on. Given enough time, the whole universe would come to a complete state of disorder. This is expressed in the Second Law of Thermodynamics and is sometimes called entropy. As a law, there have been found no exceptions to this, or it would no longer be a law. The universe was not created this way. When God completed his creation on the sixth day, he saw that “It was very good.” (Genesis 1:31 NLT) The problems started when, back in the Garden of Eden, Adam rebelled and sinned against God. God said to him, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. By the sweat of your brow you will have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:17-19 NLT. The whole universe began to deteriorate at that moment and evidence of entropy was all around them. All because of their rebellion against God, death and disorder were the rule of the day. Some people believe that things are getting more complex. That everything is progressing to a higher, more organised state; given enough time, mutations and chemical reactions it will produce a better more ordered world. Sometimes this is called the Theory of Evolution, but the evidence around us, is that everything is deteriorating, just like the load of cars going by on the highway. What will we believe, a Law which has no exceptions, or a theory that goes against all the evidence? “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command …” Hebrews 11:3 NLT Submitted by Ken Penner Sponsored by Riverside Gardens

@hotmail.com ustonhospice ho l: ai Em , 5-4921 Phone: 250-84

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

SPORTS

Houston Today

BASKET Ball Left: HCS Jordan TenBrinke goes after the ball against the Thunder of Haida Gwai in the recent Senior Boys Zones at HCS. Right: Tyrell takes off on a break away in a basketball tournament at Silverthorne last Thursday. Silverthorn and Twain Sullivan grades 6 and 7 students competed in the Houston tournament with several schools from Smithers.

Photo submitted

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WINTER Games

Jackie Lieuwen photos/Houston Today

Nine Houston girls competed in the ringette competitions at the B.C. Winter Games in Mission, B.C. Feb. 20 to 23. The Houston girls were part of a team with nine girls from Terrace, who got seventh place at the Games. “It was an amazing experience. I got to travel with friends and make new friends and go all over the place to play an amazing sport that I love,” said Captain Camryn Himech. Above are Camryn Himech, Madison Emberley, McKenzie Chudyk, Alicia Bishop, Nadyna Monkman, Chaperone Kari Niven, Shaely Niven, Brooklyn Bowes, Emily Anderson, Kassidy Stuart.

Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club says

THANK YOU!!!

The following people & businesses paid for the new Ski Library through their donations!

120 athletes from the North West competed at the 2014 BC Winter Games bringing home 7 medals. Thank you to the coaches, officials, volunteers, and families who support these growing champions. See photos, videos and results at

BCGAMES.ORG

All-West Glass Bassani Fuels Inc BC Bearing Bulkley Valley Credit Union BV Community Foundation Grant Bulkley Valley Financial Services Bulkley Valley Insurance Services Ltd Castle COOP Country Wide Sports Deb & Gerry Jenks DH MFG

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Houston Today

NEWS

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Police report

By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

Police arrested a male for theft from the Houston Bowling Alley at 9:15 p.m. Feb. 21. RCMP Sgt. Stephen Rose says the drunk male caused a scene in the Bowling Alley and then left wearing his bowling shoes. Police found that the male also had a small amount of marijuana. Charges for theft are expected, Sgt. Rose said. *** Police got a report of two males fighting at a local liquor establishment at 1 a.m. Feb. 22. Sgt. Rose says police arrived to find the fight over, but one of the drunk males was outside. The male was arrested for being

drunk in public and lodged in cells until sober and served a ticket for being drunk in public. *** Police stopped a vehicle on Highway 16 near Estates Drive at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Sgt. Rose says the driver was going below the speed limit and weaving back and forth in the lane. Police demanded a breath sample, which the driver failed. Police issued the driver a 90 day driving prohibition and impounded the vehicle for 30 days. *** Police arrested a female for common assault in a home on Hagman Cres. at 1:30 a.m. Feb. 23. Sgt. Rose says the female was

www.houston-today.com lodged in cells until sober and charged for assault. *** Police stopped a vehicle on Hagman Cres. at 7:45 p.m. Feb. 23. Sgt. Rose says there were too many people in the vehicle with a new driver, and one occupant was bound by conditions not to be in contact with another occupant. Police arrested and charged the offending occupant for breach. *** Police got an arrest warrant Feb. 24 for a male who failed to report to probation. Sgt. Rose says police are continuing efforts to find and arrest the male. *** Police got a report at 5 p.m. Feb. 24 of a break and enter at the Babine Lodge in Topley Landing sometime overnight.

Sgt. Rose says money that was fixed to the wall at the lodge was stolen and used. Police have a male suspect and are seeking to find and arrest him. Charges are expected for theft, Sgt. Rose said. *** Police got report of a fire at an apartment on Hagman Cres. at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Sgt. Rose says police forced entry into the home and found no one inside, but a pot was left on the stove turned on. There was no flames or damage and no charges, and Sgt. Rose says the homeowner returned shortly after, having remembered that they left the stove on. *** A silver headache rack was turned into police Feb. 26 after being found at the intersection

of Highway 16 and Tweedie Ave. Sgt. Rose says if the owner can identify the equipment and manufacturer, they can claim it at the Houston RCMP Detachment. *** Police got a report of a disturbance at an apartment on Butler Ave. at 3 p.m. Feb. 26. Sgt. Rose says a drunk tenant had a fight with his roommate and no charges were pursued. Police were called back at 7 p.m. as the two were fighting again. The people were separated by a female acquaintance and when police arrived they warned them to keep the noise down. *** Police got a report of a female trying to harm herself at a home on Butler Ave. at 8:40 p.m. Feb. 26. Sgt. Rose says police found the female and

brought her to the Smithers hospital for treatment. When she was released to police she was arrested on an outstanding warrant to face charges for breaching probation. *** Police got a report of a fire alarm at a home on Hagman Cres. at 1:18 a.m. Feb. 27. Sgt. Rose says police learned that a drunk, 6-foot male in a white hoodie had activated the alarm and fled on foot, and there was no fire. The male was not found and if anyone knows his identity is asked to contact Houston RCMP at 250-845-2204 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477. *** Police got a report of an injured deer on Highway 16 and Eichenberger Road at 1:30 a.m. Feb. 27. Sgt. Rose says the deer was

put down because of its injuries. *** Police arrested a female for being drunk in public after being called to a home on Butler Ave. at 2:35 a.m. Feb. 27. Sgt. Rose says the female was held in cells until sober and released without charge. *** Police got a report of a shop lifter at a local store at 10:45 a.m. Feb. 27. Sgt. Rose says the theft was caught on video surveillance and the suspect was talked to and banned from the store. No charges were laid because of the minimal value of the stolen item, Sgt. Rose said. *** In the past seven days, police have dealt with four other traffic complaints, one false alarm, and two abandoned 9-1-1 calls.

Two week spring break By Ryan Jensen Black Press

Students in School District 54 will get a two-week Spring Break for the next two years, starting in the 20142015 school year. At the SD 54 regular board meeting Feb. 18, trustees passed a motion to accept a draft calendar that ties spring break to Easter, resulting in a longer break. The decision was based upon consultations with students and staff in the district. Assistant superintendent Mike McDiarmid said more than 400 parents responded to their

PRETTY In pink Silverthorne Elementary was one of the schools that participated in Pink Shirt Day, throwing a bit of an assembly to talk about anti-bullying. Above: The Peak Radio Station talks to the kids about the meaning and origin of Pink Shirt Day. Right: Silverthorne students in pink line up for a group shot. Jackie Lieuwen photos/ Houston Today

survey and the results were very clear. “It was overwhelmingly in favour,” McDiarmid said. “Almost all of our stakeholders would like a two-week spring break.” Now, the district is considering ways for the students to make up for the time that will be lost. One idea — moving a non-instructional day to late August — was rejected by the Bulkley Valley Teachers’ Union. The draft calendar will now be sent out to stakeholder groups before it is officially approved.

12 www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 Houston Today

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INDEX IN BRIEF Family Announcements .......... 001-007 Community Announcements ... 008-076 Children................................ 080-098 Employment .......................... 102-165 Services ............................... 170-387 Pets/Livestock ...................... 453-483 Items for Sale/Wanted .......... 503-595 Real Estate ........................... 603-696 Rentals ................................ 700-757 Transportation ....................... 804-860 Marine.................................. 903-920 Legals ....................................... Legal

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HISTORICAL ARMS Collectors. Guns-Knives-Militaria. 42nd Antiques Show & Sale. Sat. March 8, 9am-5pm. Sun March 9, 9am-3pm. Heritage Park, 44140 Luckackuck Way, Chilliwack (exit 116 off Hwy 1) Buy-Sell-Trade. For info or table rentals Gord 604-747-4704 Al 604-941-8489. See our website www.HACSbc.ca.

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Request for Quotation

Request for Quotations

ANNUAL CRACK SEALING PROJECT Take notice that sealed quotations for the 2014 Crack Sealing Project will be received by the District of Houston, PO Box 370, 3367 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 up to 4:00 pm (local time) on Thursday, March 13, 2014 and will be opened in public at that time.

WANTED MOTIVATED Entrepreneurs. Learn the water business where you live from a Pro with over 30 years experience in Edmonton. Teach you all the business, unlimited leads to tax deductible equipment. Call 780-421-7776; www.homewatersystems.ca.

Quotation to include cost per lineal meter to seal non working cracks as per MMCD Platinum Edition specifications. Quotation to include cost for all materials, labour and traffic control required to complete the work. The crack sealing project to be completed by June 15, 2014.

Career Opportunities PUT YOUR experience to work - The job service for people aged 45 and over across Canada. Free for candidates. Register now online at: www.thirdquarter.ca or Call Toll-Free: 1-855-286-0306. 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!

The term of the contract will be for one (1) season. The contract may be renewed for a further term of two (2) seasons, up to a total potential of three (3) seasons. For more information please contact the following; c/o John G. Guenther, PhD, MCIP Director of Engineering and Development Services District of Houston, Box 370, Houston BC V0J 1Z0 Phone: (250) 845-2238 or Fax: (250)845-3429 Quotations shall be submitted, in writing, and delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked â&#x20AC;&#x153;2014 Crack Sealing Programâ&#x20AC;? to the office of the District of Houston, 3367-12th Street, no later than 4:00 pm, Thursday March 13th , 2014 and will be opened to the public at that time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not a call for tenders. The lowest or any quotation will not necessarily be accepted. The District will not be obligated in any manner to any person submitting a quotation unless a written contract is executed relating to an approved quotation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The District of Houston Purchasing Policy provides that local suppliers will receive a 5% preference. For more information about this policy, please contact the undersignedâ&#x20AC;?. John G. Guenther, PhD, MCIP Director of Engineering and Development Services

If YES, call or email for your

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

John G. Guenther, PhD, MCIP Director of Engineering and Development Services

P M A

Four bedroom 2 bathroom house located close to elementary and high school. Numerous upgrades include kitchen, bathrooms, windows, and vinyl siding over two inches of blue Styrofoam insulation. Open floor plan and good room sizes, attached garage. Back yard has plenty of play room. Large outside shed to store your toys in. Must be viewed to be appreciated. For appointment to view

FOR ONLY

thousands of orphaned and + GST E $ L HOUSE FOR SALE P abandoned cats each year. If you can give a You get a 2 column x 2" display ad M here (includes photo) & it A homeless cat a second chance at happiness, S RUNS 10 WEEKS!! please visit your local shelter today. Phone: 250 845-2890

2930 Nadina Way, Houston BC

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

1200 square feet 3 bedrooms upstairs 1 bedroom down Large rec room 1 Â˝ bathrooms

â&#x20AC;˘ All appliances updated â&#x20AC;˘ Paved driveway â&#x20AC;˘ New flooring & paint â&#x20AC;˘ Vinyl siding main floor & basement â&#x20AC;˘ & more â&#x20AC;˘ Chain link fence â&#x20AC;˘ Front & rear decks Selling price

Phone evenings

BCSPCA www.spca.bc.ca www.houston-today.com Email: advertising@houston-today.com

Timeshare

$1000 A week mailing brochures from home! Helping Home-Workers since 2001. No experience required. Start Immediately! Visit us online: www.mailingnetwork.net GET FREE Vending Machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected territories. Full details call now 1-866668-6629. Or visit our website www.tcvend.com HELP WANTED - Local people needed! Simple, flexible online work. FT/PT. Internet needed. Very easy. No experience required! Guaranteed income! No fees. Genuine! Start immediately. Visit online at: www.OnlineHelp4Cash.com 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.

The District of Houston is now accepting quotations for our annual Line Painting/Pavement Marking Program. Details of quotation: â&#x20AC;˘ Quotation should include cost for both paint and thermo; for each of the following: - Single solid centre line with reflective glass bead 11,900m - Double solid centre line with glass bead 500m - Stop bars with glass beads 440m - Parallel cross-walks with glass beads 360m - Zebra cross walks with glass beads 24 bars â&#x20AC;˘ Quotation to include all materials, labour and traffic control required to complete the Pavement Marking Program. â&#x20AC;˘ Pavement Marking Program to be completed by June 30, 2014. â&#x20AC;˘ All materials must meet Provincial specifications. â&#x20AC;˘ Successful applicant shall provide proof of WCB coverage, valid Business Licence and $2,000,000 Liability Insurance naming the District of Houston as additional insured. â&#x20AC;˘ Contractor to pick up map before painting commences. Contract: The term of the contract will be for one (1) season. The contract may be renewed for a further term of two (2) seasons, up to a total potential of three (3) seasons. For more information please contact the following; c/o John G. Guenther, PhD, MCIP Director of Engineering and Development Services District of Houston, Box 370, Houston BC V0J 1Z0 Phone: (250) 845-2238 or Fax: (250)845-3429 Quotations shall be submitted, in writing, and delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked â&#x20AC;&#x153;Line Painting/Pavement Marking Programâ&#x20AC;? to the office of the District of Houston, 3367-12th Street, no later than 4:00 pm, Thursday March 13, 2014 and will be opened to the public at that time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not a call for tenders. The lowest or any quotation will not necessarily be accepted. The District will not be obligated in any manner to any person submitting a quotation unless a written contract is executed relating to an approved quotation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The District of Houston Purchasing Policy provides that local suppliers will receive a 5% preference. For more information about this policy, please contact the undersignedâ&#x20AC;?.

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Selling your Adopt homeaor business? Shelter Cat!

LOOKING FOR the whereabouts of my nephews, C.F. Single & S.W. Single. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of these people, please phone 1-204-224-4815 and leave a message.

Employment

Business Opportunities

District of Houston

UP TO $400 cash daily FT & PT outdoors, Spring/Summer work. Seeking honest, hard working staff. Visit us online: www.PropertyStarsJobs.com

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CANCEL YOUR timeshare. NO risk program stop mortgage & maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! Call 1-888-356-5248.

Business Opportunities

Place of Worship

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Everyone Welcome! 3KRQH

Houston Canadian Reformed Church SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM Pastor Carl Van Dam s.carl.vandam@canrc.org 2IĂ&#x20AC; FH 3KRQH ~ Everyone Welcome ~ 3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston, BC

Houston Christian Reformed Church 1959 Goold St., Box 6, Houston 250-845-7578

3DVWRU 0DUWLQ 9HOOHNRRS ~ Everyone Welcome! ~

Services: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

Place of Worship

HOUSTON & AREA

CHURCH DIRECTORY Anglican Church of St. Clement

2324 Butler Ave., Box 599, Houston, BC

HOUSTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 2024 Riverbank Drive, Box 597, Houston Phone: 250-845-2678 â&#x20AC;˘ Pastor: Mike McIntyre

Phone: 250-845-4940

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 pm Sunday School: During the Service Everyone Welcome

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Services are: 10:30 a.m. Sundays 2106 Butler Ave. Houston, B.C. Contact: 250-845-2282

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Santokh Singh Manhas 250-845-2705 Houston, B.C. V0J lZ0

Houston Today Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Business Opportunities

www.houston-today.com 13

Career Opportunities

www.houston.ca

has an immediate opening for the position of

Request for Quotation

SERVICE

DITCHING PROGRAM Preference will be given to the following equipment: Excavator with street pads and landscape bucket with operator. Dump truck with operator (the quantity of trucks dependent on distance of dump cycle). Details requested: • Type of equipment to be utilized and hourly rate. • Previous experience. The term of the contract will be for one (1) season. The contract may be renewed for a further term of two (2) seasons, up to a total potential of three (3) seasons. For more information please contact the following; c/o John G. Guenther PhD, MCIP Director of Engineering and Development Services District of Houston, Box 370, Houston BC V0J 1Z0 Phone: (250) 845-2238 or Fax: (250)845-3429 Quotations shall be submitted , in writing, and delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “2014 Ditching Program” to the office of the District of Houston, 3367-12th Street, no later than 4:00pm, Thursday, March 13, 2014 and will be opened to the public at that time. “This is not a call for tenders. The lowest or any quotation will not necessarily be accepted. The District will not be obligated in any manner to any person submitting a quotation unless a written contract is executed relating to an approved quotation.” “The District of Houston Purchasing Policy provides that local suppliers will receive a 5% preference. For more information about this policy, please contact the undersigned”. John G. Guenther, PhD, MCIP Director of Engineering and Development Services

Career Opportunities

MANAGER Lumber Graders

We are pleased to announce we are soon adding another planer shift at our Big River SK mill, and are accepting applications for Lumber Graders.

We prefer experienced and certiÀed Lumber Graders, but will provide training to the right candidates. A competitive industry beneÀts package is available. Interested candidates may submit resumes in conÀdence to: Executive Assistant resumes@carrierforestproducts.ca Fax: 250-963-7023 Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

District of Houston www.houston.ca

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Working closely with Mayor and Council, you will provide advice and support, and have overall responsibility for managing the constantly changing and increasingly complex day-to-day affairs of the community. You are a motivated professional responsible for demonstrating a high degree of discretion, confidentiality, excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to work with Council, staff and the public. The ideal candidate will have a relevant combination of experience and education preferably with a diploma, degree or certification in Local Government Administration and a minimum of five years municipal administration experience. The incumbent shall have a broad knowledge of the Community Charter and Local Government Act. You are a take charge, visionary strategic thinker with impeccable human resources and labour relations skills and a communicator with sound political judgement. This is an opportunity created by the impending retirement of the incumbent. Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter, resume and references in confidence by 4:00 pm local time, March 14, 2014 to:

Trades, Mobile Equipment Operators, Production Workers, Shift Supervisor, QC Technicians

Linda Poznikoff, CAO, District of Houston PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 cao@houston.ca Please visit our website at www.houston.ca The District of Houston requires all positions undergo a Criminal Record Check. We thank all applicants for their interest however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are pleased to announce we are soon adding another sawmill shift at our Big River SK mill, and are accepting applications for the following positions: Millwrights, Electricians, Mobile Equipment Operators, Production Workers. We are also accepting applications for salary positions: Sawmill Shift Supervisor and Quality Control Measurement Technicians. A competitive industry beneÀts package is available. Interested candidates may submit resumes in conÀdence to: Executive Assistant resumes@carrierforestproducts.ca Fax: 250-963-7023

Closing date is March 14, 2014. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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Automotive

TERRACE CHRYSLER

District of Houston

The District of Houston is now accepting quotations for the 2014 ditching program to take place during June 2014. All equipment and manpower to be supplied by the contractor.

Automotive

Terrace Chrysler is looking for a Service Manager that understands there is nothing more important than the customer! Apply if you are 100% committed to customer satisfaction. If you are organized, able to prioritize, and multitask and work exceptionally well with others and want to be part of a great team then please drop off a resume with handwritten cover letter and drivers license abstract to:

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking J. RYBACHUK & Sons Trucking LTD has an immediate opening for a logging truck driver in the Sparwood/Elko area. Previous quad logger experience required. Fax resume to 250-425-0505 or e-mail to rybtrk@telus.net.

Education/Trade Schools 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

Help Wanted

Robert Onstein 4916 Hwy 16 West Terrace, BC

GREENHOUSE WORKERS needed at Riverside Gardens. Work begins March 3, 2014. Apply in person. Call: (250) 845-7707

email: robonstein@terraceautomall.com

Help Wanted

Employment

Help Wanted

DRILLER’S HELPER COURSE MAY 2014

Are you looking for an opportunity to receive hands on training in the Diamond Drilling Industry? The Driller’s Helper Course will be held in Smithers, BC and will include 6 days of hands on training in Hy-Tech’s yard as well as 3 days of classroom training. Application Deadline: March 16, 2014 Training Fee: $550 due by April 25, 2014 (Participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodations and food)

For more information on the course and how to apply, please visit our website at: www.hy-techdrilling.com

At Bulkley Valley Credit Union we love what we do. We work as a team. We contribute to our community. We serve our members every day. Join our team.

Millwright and Electrician Carrier Lumber Ltd. is currently accepting applications for a Millwright and Electrician for our Prince George Operations. Ideal candidates must be highly motivated, possess good communications skills and be proÀcient at troubleshooting. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment. A competitive industry beneÀts package is available. Interested candidates may submit resumes in conÀdence to the Executive Assistant at resumes@carrierlumber.ca Or fax: 250-963-7023 Closing date is April 25, 2014. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

As a Member Services Representative you will experience a flexible schedule, a competitive wage, and great benefits. But there’s more. We provide outstanding learning opportunities if you are up for the challenge. And we will value your contribution. We currently have an opening for a Part-Time Member Services RepresentativeCash Services in our Houston Branch for an energetic, detail-oriented person with a high school diploma and relevant training and/or experience. If you have exceptional service skills, are community minded, take initiative, are solution oriented and love working as part of a team, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume to: Jamie Mayer, Office Supervisor at: jmayer@bvcu.com 2365 Copeland Ave. Box 1480 Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 Application deadline: March 7, 2014 To learn more about us please visit www.bvcu.com

You Belong Here

14 www.houston-today.com

Help Wanted

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 Houston Today

Help Wanted

RV TECHNICIAN Sullivan Motor Products & SMP-RV are currently looking for a Certified or Experienced RV Technician to work in Houston BC. Our dealership is the largest volume dealer in the northwest and recently added a full service RV dealership for the upcoming spring.

Employment

Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services

Labourers

SAMARITAN’S Purse is looking for a Working Chef to coordinate the Restaurant Kitchen, maintain a professional rapport within the community and train junior cooks, in Dease, Lake, BC samaritanspurse.ca

Full benefits after 90 day trial period. Please drop your resume in person to: Sullivan Motor Products, Highway 16 West in Houston, Attention Gary Hay or email gary@sullivangm.com

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 setup 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 e_perience in the credit collections Äeld. Vanderhoof and Districts Co-operative oɈers a competitive salary and a comprehensive beneÄt 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/C-Store 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, mini storage and home centre (new home centre under construction 2013/2014). The successful candidate must be a team player with eɈective communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines. Please forward your resume by Monday, March 17, 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.

By shopping local you support local people. Help Wanted

Help Wanted

LABOURERS Houston, BC DH Manufacturing in Houston BC is looking for labourers. Must be reliable, physically fit and willing to work shift work. Starting wage up to $16.75/hr. Benefit package after 3 months employment. Email dhmnfg@gmail.com

Help Wanted

Employment

Services

Trades, Technical

Business/Ofﬁce Service

ELECTRICAL COMPANY requires Journeymen & Apprentices for a new hospital project in Burns Lake. Email resume to: birk@keldonelectric.com

Services

Help Wanted

HOUSTON FOOD MARKET

APPLY WITH RESUME

Heavy Duty Mechanic As a Heavy Duty Mechanic, you will be responsible for the maintenance, overhauling, reconditioning and diagnosis of gas/diesel powered wheel loaders, forklifts, skidders, material handlers, dozers, pick-ups, manlifts, etc. The successful candidate must be familiar with systems such as: fuel, brakes, steering, suspension, tracks, undercarriage, hydraulics, transmission, emission control & exhaust, electrical, heating and air conditioning. Ideally you will possess journeyman status (Red Seal preferred) or be an indentured 3rd or 4th year apprentice. Please forward your resume by Monday, March 24 to: Anne Currie Human Resources Assistant Babine Forest Products Limited hrcanada@hamptonaffiliates.com Confidential fax 503-291-5591 Babine Forest Products, working jointly with First Nations, provides equal opportunity for employment including First Nation status privileges. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and the potential for career advancement. We wish to thank all those who apply; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Babine Forest Products Limited, Burns Lake BC

Misc. for Sale

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.

District of Houston

3428 - 9th Street, Houston • email: hfmbob@telus.net

Rate: $10.25 - $11.50 per hour

Merchandise for Sale 4 YEAR old Polled registered Hereford Bull. $2500. Ph: John at (250) 695-6548 HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper?

4 FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

Customer service making subs and pitas. Kitchen prep work as required. Must be able to work weekends and nights Must be able to work split shifts as required. 40 hours per week.

Misc. for Sale STEEL BUILDINGS/Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 Visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Financial Services 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.

Legal Services

• • • • •

Merchandise for Sale

www.houston.ca

CONSULTANT Between March 10, 2014 and September 30, 2014, the District of Houston will hire a consultant to facilitate the collaboration between workers, community groups and other stakeholders to produce a Labour Market Strategy for the community. In addition, a job fair and a community information session will be held to address the labour market issues impacting affected employees of the West Fraser sawmill and the community. The consultant will: • attend all Transition and Pillar Committee (Worker Transition, Economic Development and Community Service pillars) monthly meetings. The consultant will document meeting activities and action items, which they will upload to the website (with District approval). • coordinate communication between the District, the Transition Team and Pillar Committees and will produce a written report to the District bi-weekly. • organize and deliver a Job Fair. • develop a “Mill Closure” web page. • develop and conduct “Exit” Surveys specifically meant to target affected mill employees as well as community members having to relocate as a direct result of the mill closure. • organize and deliver one community meeting. With the information gathered through project activities and other research, the consultant will develop a Labour Market Strategy final report and deliver to the District of Houston and the Houston Transition Committees. The results of the labour market strategy will be disseminated throughout the community. Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter, resume and references by 2:00 pm local time, March 7, 2014 to: Linda Poznikoff, CAO, District of Houston PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 • Email: cao@houston.ca

Misc. Wanted Coin Collector Looking to Buy Collections, Estates, Gold & Silver Coins + 778-281-0030

Real Estate Acreage for Sale 17.4 Acres pristine elevated property priced to sell. Minutes from down town, 4 acres cleared, multiple artesian wells, utilities to property line. Perfect time to buy before prime acreages are unaffordable in the Terrace area. Must Sell. $150,000. 250-641-1848

For Sale By Owner HOME FOR sale on a quiet street in Mackenzie, BC. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms with many upgrades. For more information, call (250) 997-4200.

Transportation

Boats 1989 SUN RUNNER boat. 21.5 feet, 125 aq Volvo inboard motor, Merc leg, excellent running condition. $7000 (250) 698-7533 leave a message we will call you back. Pictures available.

CANOE FOR SALE

in Burns Lake: 14’ red Clipper “Prospector” 52lb solo canoe with white gunnel covers: $700. Call Ted (250) 692-2372

Help Wanted

EŽƌƚŚ ŽĂƐƚ >ŝďƌĂƌǇ &ĞĚĞƌĂƟŽŶ ŽŽƌĚŝŶĂƚŽƌ The North Coast Library Federation (NCLF) is seeking a part-time (750 hours annually) Coordinator to work collaboratively with the federation’s Board and Library Directors Advisory Group to implement the NCLF’s strategic plan and oversee the operations of the NCLF. The Coordinator will have demonstrated: ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work in a team environment; fiscal responsibility and knowledge including accounting procedures and budget development and management; and, ability to effectively organize meetings. The Coordinator will also have excellent organizational and communication skills. Post-secondary education in libraries or a related discipline and previous experience and/or knowledge of public libraries are assets. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who reside within the NCLF region. For more information about the NCLF and its member libraries, visit www.nclf.ca. Please apply to Tim MacDonald, NCLF Board Chair c/o Northwest Community College 353 Fifth Street Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3L6 tmacdonald@nwcc.bc.ca The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CA

Professionals Connecting Professionals

FIND WORK You Love to Do

www.localwork.ca

Houston Today

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Help Wanted

www.houston-today.com

AND SAVE!

Thank You

THANK YOU! EXCITING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY!! JOHN HIMECH LOGGING LTD. has an exciting full time employment opportunity for someone with accounting or bookkeeping experience/qualifications. Experience in woodlands administration is not mandatory but would be a significant asset. Position comes with competitive salary, benefit plan and some flexible work options. Interested persons should email resume to jhlog@bulkley.net or mail to PO Box 1299, Houston, BC, V0J 1Z0. We thank all candidates who apply and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

District of Houston www.houston.ca

SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES The District of Houston is now accepting applications for the following seasonal positions:

STUDENT LABOURER (3 positions) Primary responsibilities include turf maintenance, building maintenance and repair, general repair and ground maintenance. This is a CUPE Union position with a rate of pay of $18.68 per hour. Required Qualifications: • Experience in grounds keeping and general labour • First Aid certification • Driver’s Abstract required Preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled in a post-secondary institution for the Fall of 2014. Approximate Employment Dates: May 12th to August 15th, 2014 (14 weeks) (35 to 40 hours/week) Interested persons should direct all queries and applications to: Ryan Coltura, Director of Leisure Services District of Houston, PO Box 370, 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 PH: 250-845-7420 • FAX: 250-845-3429 E-MAIL: doh@houston.ca Applications will be accepted at the District of Houston Municipal Office until 4:00 pm, Wednesday, March 14, 2014.

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STYLED TO PLEASE! • Attractive, well kept quality built two storey house on big lot! • Rustic oak flooring in dining and den. Very open concept, birch cabinets, eating nook in kitchen, tons of windows and lots of natural light! • Large entry way with ceramic tile. Three spacious bedrooms up. • Master is 16’10 x 14’6 & features a 3 piece ensuite and huge walk in closet! • Double carport, sundeck, storage shed. • All appliances and window blinds included. • Call Lia at 250-845-1147 to view!

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Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen reopens March 5, serving homemade soup in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12-1. Houston Hospice Society 1st Annual Art Exhibit, Auction & Gala at the Houston Community Hall. Art Exhibit Fri March 7 4-8pm - open to the public. Auction & Gala Sat March 8: Cocktails at 6:30pm, Colour Logo File

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Houston LEISURE Guide

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• Spectacular Mountain views. • Bright spacious open design home has many features such as a sun room, library, gym area with lots of windows and hot tub. • Detached bakery building with wood heat oven. • Cute 1 bedroom guest cabin. • Storage building, woodshed and barn as well a fire pit.

MILLION DOLLAR VIEW • • • • • • •

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Family home with no neighbours behind. Many unique features, including 9ft ceilings. 4/5 bedrooms, 3 baths, sunken living room. Double garage, sundeck and patio. Family room in basement, outside basement entry. Lots of windows and natural light. Call Lia for more information 250-845-1147

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Houston COMMUNITY CALENDAR Topley

Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the office. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com

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Houston Public Library - Story Time – Mar. 5, 12 & 26 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm • Lego Club – Mar. 6 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm • After School Games – Mar. 11 & 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm • Free Guitar lessons – Mar. 7, 14 & 28 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Sponsored July 2007 by Northwest Community College, Houston Link to spapers Learning, and the Houston Public Library. You must bring your own guitar. • Mark Zagwyn Photography – one 287 Mar. Blue 20 from noon to 5 pm • Home Schoolers Group 18 from 1 to 2 pm. For more info on any of the one 356 – Mar. Green events or to register, please call the Houston one 139 above Harvest Public Library at 250-845-2256.

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Auction starts at 8pm. Admission $25 or 2 for $40. Semi formal dress (ties required). Tickets available at 1st Choice Fashions, Co-op and Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds to Houston Hospice Society.

Annual General Meeting & Election of Directors Houston Cutloose Quilters meet March 8 for a Topley Fire Protection Society Sunday March 9, Quilters Day-Out in the Houston Library’s Canfor 2014 at 2:00PM at the Fire Hall in Topley. Everyone room. Call Mary at 845-2668 or Pam at 845-2573 is welcome to attend. for more info. Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. meetings every 2nd Houston Hikers annual general meeting March Tues. of the month at 7:30 pm. Fire practices every 11: 7-9 pm at the Houston library’s Canfor room. All Thurs. at 7:30pm. interested hikers and mountain bikers are welcomed, we will review our proposed plans for this coming season, plan a “hack and slash”(trail clearing) party out at the Equity Ice Falls on Sat March 15 and demo an app call PDF Advenza, so please bring your Granisle and District Seniors meetings are the gps enabled mobile devices. Please call Mary or 2nd and 4th Thurs. of each month at 1:00pm in Andy at 845-2668, or email houstonhikers@gmail. the Seniors Centre. com for more information. Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings &

Granisle

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Houston Figure Skating Club Annual Carnival, fire practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall. titled “What’s on TV?” Fri., March 14 @ 7pm and Granisle Church of the Way services are Sun., Sat., March 15 @ 2pm at the Claude Parish Memorial 11:00am Bible study is Thurs. at 7:00pm. Arena. Admission: $7/adults, $5/seniors and students, $20 family (max 5), children under 3: free.

Community Calendar proudly sponsored by

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

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Houston Today

March 5-11, 2014

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