Prince George Free Press, February 13, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

FRIDAYFEBRUARY13

CITY: Budget discussion back on the table

www.pgfreepress.com | newsline: 250.564.0005

INSIDE TODAY:

Voices........................................P11

Classifieds................................P28

Datebook.................................P14

Sports........................................P31

Community..............................P22

Hartley Miller...........................P35

Join us as we Illuminate the North on the ﬁnal leg of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay!

Joignez-vous à nous alors que nous lluminerons le Nord pour le dernier segment du relais de la ﬂamme des Jeux d’hiver du Canada de 2015!

Line the streets and cheer on Prince George’s inspiring community torchbearers as they carry the Roly McLenahan Torch on it’s ﬁnal journey to the Opening Ceremony!

Sortez dans la rue aﬁn d’encourager les porteurs du ﬂambeau Roly McLenahan dans son voyage vers la cérémonie d’ouverture.

16h 30 18h 30

15th Ave

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Cr.

7th Ave

Vic to Bru ria St nsw ick St

Hwy 97

Win nip e

4:30PM 6:30PM

Ave

ve ll A be

Old sS t

pik

Fo ot St

yD sse a M

Ave

4th

Ave

START / DÉBUT : Canada Games Plaza

FINISH / FIN : CN Centre

22nd Ave

1st

Carney St

3rd

Cr st e Gu

More details at canadagames2015 A?ȧbȧPour de plus amples informations : jeuxducanada2015.ca

Prince George Free Press

GET YOUR 2015 GAMES TICKETS! PROCUREZ VOUS VOS BILLETS DES JEUX DE 2015! PLEASE NOTE: Passes and wristbands listed do NOT include entry to Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony or Reserved Seating Hockey Events. NOTEZ : Laissez-passer et laissez-passer d’une journée (bracelet) ne sont pas valides pour : la cérémonie d’ouverture, la cérémonie de clôture, les demi-ﬁnales de hockey et tous les matchs de la ronde des médailles de hockey

GAMES PASS | LAISSEZ PASSER JEUX 2015

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Valid at all venues for all sports, one week only | Valides sur tous les sites pour tous les sports pendant une semaine seulement Ź Priority Access at venues with limited seating | Accès prioritaire aux sites dont les nombres de places sont limités Ź

Week 1 Pass available for purchase until Feb. 20, 2015. | Laissez-passer Semaine 1 en vente jusqu’au 20 fév. 2015.

SINGLE DAY PASS LAISSEZ PASSER D’UNE JOURNÉE

SINGL LAISSEZ PASSER E DAY PASS D’UNE JOURN SINGLE DAY ÉE PASS LAISSEZ PASSER D’UNE JOURNÉE

CN CENTRCN E CENTRE

NORTH ERN SPORT CENTR E NORTHERN SPORT CENTRE

CN CENTRE SINGLE DAY PASS LAISSEZ PASSER D’UNE JOURNÉE AU CN CENTRE Ź

VALID FOR 1 EVENT ONLY VALIDE POUR 1 ÉVÉNEMENT SEULEMENT

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Valid for one day only at Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre | Valides pour une journée seulement à Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre

SINGLE EVENT TICKET LAISSEZ PASSER ÉVÉNEMENT UNIQUE Ź

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Valid for one day only at | Valides pour une journée seulement à : CN Centre / Kin Centre / Outdoor Ice Oval

CHARLES JAGO NSC SINGLE DAY PASS LAISSEZ PASSER D’UNE JOURNÉE AU CHARLES JAGO NSC Ź

Valid at all venues for all sports for one day only | Bracelet valides sur tous les sites pour tous les sports pendant une journée seulement

General admission ticket for one event at this location only | Billet d'admission générale pour une épreuve à cet endroit seulement

1& ("10 +! - 00"0 /" 3 &) )" 1, -2/ % 0" a OÙ ACHETER LES BILLETS ET LAISSEZ PASSER Games Pass and Week 1 or Week 2 Pass : Ticketmaster – CN Centre Laissez-passer Jeux 2015, Laissez-passer Semaine 1 et Laissez-passer Semaine 2 : Ticketmaster au CN Centre Single Day Pass : Official Sport Venues | Laissez-passer d’une journée : Sites officiels Single Event or Venue : Official Sport Venues | Laissez-passer Événement Unique : Sites officiels

NOVAK FAMILY LEGACY WALL

For $100, you can leave a legacy within the community by purchasing a piece of the Novak Family Legacy Wall.

MUR PATRIMONIAL DE LA FAMILLE NOVAK

Pour 100 $, vous pouvez laisser un héritage à la communauté en achetant une pièce du Mur patrimonial de la famille Novak.

For more information | Pour plus d’information 250-564-3700 bȩpenny@trimlinebc.ca

FRIDAYFEBRUARY13

CITY: Budget discussion back on the table

www.pgfreepress.com | newsline: 250.564.0005

GAME ON 2015 Canada Winter Games underway Opening ceremonies set for tonight at CN Centre

Photo coutresy of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Short-track speed skaing action during the Canada Winter Games in Halifax. Athletes began arriving in Prince George yesterday for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, which are now underway.

IINSIDE TODAY: Voices........................................P11 V Datebook.................................P14 D Community..............................P22 C

Northern Gateway

Classifieds................................P28 C

helps CNC with digital classroom Northern Gateway donates $250,000 to the new Digital Delivery Initiative at the college........................................Page 3

MMats ats w will ill pput ut yyou ou iinn yyour our LLheidli heiidli TTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ennehh open place............................ ............................P22 P22 pavilion for Games Games...... ......P7 P7 place

Sports........................................P31 S Hartley Miller...........................P35

Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 13, 2015

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

CNC prepares classes for the world Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com It started with a visit to Fraser Lake – and one to India. “There were two young mothers out there,” CNC President Henry Reiser said Tuesday morning, “who asked about access to postsecondary education.” The school was downsizing the satellite campus in Fraser Lake at the time, but Resier remembered a trip he had made earlier. “While I was in India, we had real-time conversations with Ottawa on a number of issues. The quality of the transmission was really good.” So Reiser and CNC started looking into the possibility of s new form of learning. On Tuesday, they announced that Northern Gateway was donating $250,000 to the new Digital Delivery Initiative (DDI), which will bring CNC courses to the north and, possibly, the world. “This is not online learning,” Reiser stressed during a media conference where the agreement was

signed “This is synchronous learning, where a group of students in a number of different locations can be ‘cobbled’ together to form a class. “Online is usually asynchronous, with the student accessing the course materials on their own schedule. The problem is the student needs to be intrinsically motivated, and some can be caught by surprise at the workload.” Northern Gateway senior manager of community benefits and sustainable development Catherine Pennington said Monday was a very exciting day for the company. “We believe education is the key to a brighter, sustainable community. This initiative opens up a whole new world of opportunities for learners.” Reiser said there was a lot of groundwork to be done before the initiative could get started, anticipating a three-year period before the first classes. “There are engineering costs and consultants costs up front, and there will also be teacher education to be done.” He says the plan now

is for a pilot program to be done with university transfer programs, includ-

ing business, before possibly expanding to other areas. DDI classrooms will be set

up at each CNC campus throughout northern B.C. “This is not a new idea,”

Reiser said. “UNBC has been using the same idea for their medical program.”

Allan WISHART/Free Press CNC President Henry Reiser, left, and Catherine Pennington of Northern Gateway sign an agreement Monday which will see Northern Gateway donate $250,000 to the new Digital Delivery Initiative at CNC.

City council opens discussions on budget by talking about changes Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com One of the last things the previous city council did was adopt a provisional budget for 2015. It did so knowing that the new council may want to “re-jig” it, in the words of Mayor Lyn Hall at the finance and administration meeting Monday. And it seems that is what is going to happen as the committee put the brakes on setting the tax rate structure, which would have reflected the 2.5 per cent tax increase contained in the previous p budget. g

“I think that there may be some conversation around the budget that needs to happen before we introduce (tax rates) to council,” Hall said. “Re-jigging” the budget, without changing the total amount, wouldn’t affect tax rates. However, changing the overall amount would. And the city has already made some changes that will affect its bottom line. Last month it parted ways with city manager Beth James. Hall said at the time that there will be a severance package, but didn’t disclose how much that will be. With James’ annual salary of $212,000, the severance will likely also be six figures. Plus, should the city undergo an executive search to fill the

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position, there would also be a cost to that. However, it has not yet announced how it will seek to fill that position. Plus some of the people let go by the previous city hall administration have been brought back and more may be re-hired. “We got rid of a number of people in 2012,” said Coun. Brian Skakun. “There are some situations where I think we may be able to use more people in different departments, but I don’t know that as well as the department heads.” He said that hiring more staff, or shifting existing staff around, may have an impact on the overall budget number. As for the tax rates themselves, for the

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past few years council has used the model of setting the tax rate increase, of the average house, at what council determines the rate increase should be … such as 2.5 per cent. From that, all other rates are applied equally in order to raise the amount required. Other scenarios would set the business rate higher or the heavy industrial rate higher. According to the B.C. Assessment Authority, 2.6 per cent of Prince George properties saw no change in assessments in 2014, 27 per cent saw a decrease in value and almost 70 per cent of properties saw an increase. In other business, the finance and audit committee elected Coun. Garth Frizzell as chair of the committee.

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Assaults get jail and victim surcharges In Provincial Court on Dec. 24: Preston P.M. Deveny was found guilty of resisting a peace officer, sentenced to 30 days in jail, placed on probation for 12 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Deveny was also found guilty of failing to attend court when ordered to do so, sentenced to seven days in jail, placed on probation for 12 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Deveny was also found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to eight days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Dillon D. Ertmoed was found

guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, sentenced to 27 days in jail, assessed a victim surcharge of $100 and ordered to make restitution of $1. Phillip T. Lazarre was found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to time served of seven days in jail and time credited of seven days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Shane A. McNelly was found guilty of assault, sentenced to 20 days in jail, placed on probation for 12 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. McNelly was also found guilty of failing to comply with a proba-

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tion order, sentenced to 15 days in jail, placed on probation for 12 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Stewart J. Pierre was found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to time served of 15 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Timothy J. Poole was found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to time served of 30 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Poole was also found guilty of a second count of failing to comply with a condition

of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to 21 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Jaret L. Taylor was found guilty of assault and failing to comply with a probation order, sentenced to 39 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. In Provincial Court on Dec. 29: Nicole R. Lehoux was found guilty of fraud, placed on probation for 18 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Roberta B. Poole was found guilty of resisting a peace officer and failing

to comply with a condition of an undertaking, sentenced to 30 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Poole was also found guilty of a second count of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking, sentenced to eight days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Andrew D. Woodcock was found guilty of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to 14 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100.

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Community Alert WA N T E D

Blair Tyler ALEC 168 cm or 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? 86 kg or 190 lbs

Crime Stoppers is asking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 0900hrs this 4th day of February 2015, Blair Tyler ALEC (B: 1986-0901) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PROBATION. ALEC is described as a First Nations male, 168 cm or 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? tall and weighs 86 kg or 190 lbs. ALEC has black hair and brown eyes. ALEC should be considered violent.

WA N T E D

Rory Patrick MCALLISTER 188 cm or 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;2â&#x20AC;? 70 kg or 155 lbs

Crime Stoppers is asking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 0900hrs this 4th day of February 2015, Rory Patrick MCALLISTER (B: 1985-08-09) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for POSSESS ION OF CONTROLLED DRUG. MCALLISTER is described as a Caucasian male, 188 cm or 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;2â&#x20AC;? tall and weighs 70 kg or 155 lbs. MCALLISTER has brown hair and blue eyes. MCALLISTER should be considered violent.

WA N T E D

Savhana Rose ALEC 170 cm or 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;? 73 kg or 161 lbs.

Crime Stoppers is asking the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistance in locating the following person who is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant. As of 0900hrs this 4th day of February 2015, Savhana Rose ALEC (B: 1987-03-21) is wanted on a British Columbia wide warrant for BREACH OF PROBATION. ALEC is described as a First Nations female, 170 cm or 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;? tall and weighs 73 kg or 161 lbs. ALEC has brown hair and hazel eyes. ALEC also goes by the name, Savannah Rose BARANIUK. ALEC should be considered violent.

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The Bonnar familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Melting Snowmanâ&#x20AC;? was trying to beat the rain by getting out his rubber boots and umbrella!! He needed his sunglasses for the beautiful sun that was shining recently. This snowman was made by the Bonnar family, Mason age 5, Maggie age 3 and Molly age 1. We will see how long he lasts, the umbrella is working great so far!! He was made January 26. Their goal is to keep him until the 2015 Canada Winter Games! Bring on the cooler temperatures and snow so they can keep â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meltyâ&#x20AC;? the snowman. It is also their entry in the Snow Daze snowman building contest as part of Mardi Gras.

Local courts kept busy with charges In Provincial Court on Dec. 29: Melody R. Prince was found guilty of assault with a weapon, sentenced to 30 days in jail, placed on probation for 12 months, assessed a victim surcharge of $100 and prohibited from possessing firearms for five years. Prince was also found guilty of resisting a peace officer and failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to one month in jail, placed on probation for 12 months and assessed a victim surcharge of $100.

In Provincial Court on Dec. 31: Ruby A. Alexander was found guilty of theft of property with a value less than $5,000, placed on probation for 12 months, fined $200 and assessed a victim surcharge of $30. Cody J. Davis was found guilty of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, sentenced to 70 days in jail, assessed a victim surcharge of $100 and prohibited from driving for three years. Davis was also found guilty of failing to provide a breath sample when ordered to do so, sen-

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tenced to 70 days in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Mercedes S. Fenton was found guilty of breach of recognizance and failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to time served in jail, placed on probation for one year, assessed a victim surcharge of $100 and prohibited from possessing firearms for five years. Fenton was also found guilty of a second count of failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking or recognizance, sentenced to time served in jail and assessed a victim surcharge of $100. Colin J.McDouall was found guilty of breach of recognizance, sentenced to 27 days in jail to be served on an intermittent basis, placed on probation until the expiration of the jail sentence and assessed a victim surcharge of $100.

Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

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Friday, February 13, 2015

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Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh elder Duncan Gouchie looks over some of the displays at the Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh Pavilion, which will be open during the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The pavilion is located on Sixth Avenue in downtown Prince George.

Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh opens pavilion for 2015 Canada Winter Games Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com The 2015 Canada Winter Games will definitely leave a mark on the city. However, Prince George will also be leaving its mark on the Games. The Prince George Games will be the first, in the nearly 50-year history of the event, to have an official host First Nation. Taking on that role is the Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh. A centrepiece of the Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh involvement is the Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh Pavilion, on Sixth Avenue, which will be the hub of activity and a place for all to gather during the 18 days of the Games. CHIEF â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be designated DOMINIC the First Nation host FREDERICK is historic,â&#x20AC;? Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh Chief Dominic Frederick said Friday as the pavilion was opened up for the media to take a look. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are proud to be the ones to start this journey.â&#x20AC;? Frederick said everyone, of all cultures, are welcome in the facility, which will showcase First Nations of northern B.C. It will officially open at

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10 a.m. on Friday, February 13. 2015 Canada Winter Games spokesperson Mike Davis said the Games board and staff is also proud to have Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh as the official host 1330 Fifth Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3L4 First Nation. Phone: 1-250-561-2272 â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have always been vocal that we have a see northern story to tell,â&#x20AC;? Davis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And that story www.qprgi.com for our other psychological services starts with the Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh.â&#x20AC;? The pavilion, which consists of a nice, cozy warm inside replete with historical pictures and artifacts outlining the First Nations history in the area and mainstage area in a covered tent, will feature First The City of Nations artisans and Prince George Aquatics and Canadian Tire musicians. would like to ensure While the pavilion is you are an active historic for the Games, part of the community. it goes further than just Sponsored Sp po being a legacy piece, by:: said Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh Four Seasons councillor Louella Leisure Pool Nome. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that 'PVS 4FBTPOT -FJTVSF 1PPM r r %PNJOJPO 4USFFU _ "RVBUJD $FOUSF r r (FPSHF 1BVM -BOF Award touches my heart,â&#x20AC;? she Best Winner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re building Autobody Fine Dining Shop www.princegeorge.ca bridges between Lheidli Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;enneh and the City of Prince George.â&#x20AC;?

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

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Friday, February 13, 2015

LIFESAVERS

Two arrested in robberies FIRST AID

The Prince George RCMP have two men in custody following two robberies late Sunday night. At about 9:30 p.m. Sunday evening, the Prince George RCMP received a report of a robbery on the 2300 block of Ferry Avenue in Prince George. Officers attended and determined that a man wearing a bandana over his face left a vehicle and threatened to harm a 23-year-old man if he did not turn over his wallet and backpack. The victim complied and was not hurt. The suspect fled in a blue Dodge Durango SUV being driven by someone else. No weapon was used. A few minutes later, the Prince George RCMP received another report of a robbery, this time on the 1200 block of Douglas Street. A 20-year-old man was approached by what police believe to be the same suspect from the same SUV. Again, the victim complied and was not harmed. The suspects were not immediately located. Monday morning police located and arrested two people believed to be responsible for these crimes. Calvin Douglas Hiemstra, 26, and Alexander John Schmidt, 23, have each been

charged with two counts of robbery, uttering threats, and attempted robbery. Through investigation, police believe that these two

men were responsible for these two incidents, as well as an attempted robbery of two men near the corner of Fifth Avenue and Alward Street

around the same time. Both men reside in Prince George, although Hiemstra just moved here from the Vernon area.

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Allan WISHART/Free Press Foothills Elementary student Alexander Martinez describes his science fair project on the burning rates of different colours of candles to judge (and teacher) Laird Schade.

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Copies of the Free Press Daily - Games Edition will be available in the Athletes Village every day during the Games. Digital copies will also be available at www.pgfreepress.com on our Facebook page and on Twitter @pgfreepress

Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 13, 2015

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Long after the Rory McLenahan Torch leaves Prince George after the 2015 Canada Winter Games, a flame will still burn in Canada Games Plaza, thanks to a donation from Pioneer Log Homes from Williams Lake. The company donated a cauldron, made of western red cedar, and the city provided the base for the reminder of the Games. Mayor Lyn Hall, council members, Mike Davis of the Games, and Pioneer Log Homes members unveiled the cauldron Friday. The installation was filmed for the reality television show, The Timber Kings.

Bill PHILLIPS/Free Press

Home invasion arrests

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Four people have now been charged in connection with a home invasion and robbery in the Blackburn area last week. Several masked intruders entered the home at about 8:30 a.m. February 2, apparently with the intent to rob the homeowner. They got a little more than they bargained for and the resident beat off the attackers, two of whom required medical attention at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. On Friday, February 5, provincial Crown Counsel approved charges against Michael Campbell-Alexander, 18, Elliott Ryan Joseph, 30, Crystal Dawn Schielke, 22, and a girl under the age of 18. All four are facing the following Criminal Code changes of robbery, robbery with intent to steal a firearm, break and enter, break and enter with intent to steal a firearm, forcible confinement, use of an imitation firearm while committing an indictable offence, uttering threats, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, possession of a firearm knowing it was obtained by crime, possession of a firearm without a licence, knowingly possess a firearm without a licence, theft of a motor vehicle, theft over $5,000 and theft under $5,000. An arrest warrant has been issued for Elliott Ryan Joseph, who is a resident of Prince George, however he is originally from the Fort St. James area. He is described as: First Nations, black hair, brown eyes, 5’9” tall, 150 lbs.

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Visits are done by appointment Northern Region & Surrounding Area Call: 1.844.299.2466 www.welcomewagon.ca

Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Airport changes to meet Games demand With more than 15,000 people expected to arrive in Prince George as the 2015 Canada Winter Games get underway this week, the Prince George Airport will be a busy, busy place. “We’ve been meeting with the 2015 Canada Winter Games team for over two years ensuring a safe, efficient and enjoyable experience for those coming through YXS,” said Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) President and CEO, John Gibson. “Our airport is the first and last impression of our city and region. Having WorldHost accreditation will

enhance the level of customer service at YXS.” As an official non-sporting venue, a volunteer customer service desk will be set up in the arrivals area for the duration of the Games. A number of improvements have taken place throughout the terminal including additional, multi-use seating in the departure lounge, new artwork displays, Games pageantry and upgrades to the bathrooms. Additional regular scheduled flights have been added, additional rental vehicles brought in and the BG Urban Grill has extended its

operating hours. There are three heavy travel days expected; starting February 12 the first-week athletes arrive which means YXS will see an increase of about 230 per cent over regular daily traffic. The busiest day of all will be February 21, known as transition

day, where week one athletes leave and week two athletes arrive; the increase will be that of over 325 per cent. March 1 and into the early morning hours of March 2, there will be an increase of over 205 per cent. Four Canadian air carriers have signed contracts with the

federal government to transport athletes on charter service. Some flights will use the terminal, while others will park on Apron V located on Boeing Road and bused to their hotel. Between the three days mentioned, 71 flights directly related to the Games will land and take off from YXS.

1116 6TH AVE. 250-562-1292 BRITISH COLUMBIA / YUKON COMMAND

SPECIAL CANADA WINTER GAMES FUN OPEN DAILY: 11:00AM – 1:00AM • KITCHEN: 11:00AM – 10:00PM

Family Friendly every day!

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT DATE Feb. 13th Feb. 14th Feb. 15th Feb. 16th Feb. 17th Feb. 18th Feb. 19th Feb. 20th

Courtesy CNC CTC carpentry/joinery students show off their creations in the CNC Gathering Place.

CTC students building for Games Career Technical Centre (CTC) carpentry and joinery students at the College of New Caledonia have built recycling bins and presentation trays for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The 12 pine medal presentation trays and 23 bins were all built between 12 students over the past several months. “The students this year, as with past classes, have produced some excellent projects for themselves and community organizations,” said CTC carpentry/joinery instructor Ross Pullan, in a press release. “It has been my pleasure to instruct and often strike a creative spark with students as they discover the joy of working with a natural product for profit or home use.”

The scrap wood used to build the bins was destined for the incinerator before being donated to the class by Brink Forest Products. The bins will be placed throughout various venues where they will remain or be redistributed after the Games. The bins not only serve a practical purpose – through their construction they are artful reminders to the public that trash can be given a completely new function through upcycling. CTC comprises Grade 11 and 12 students from school districts 57 and 91 who want to complete their first year of trades technical training. The students celebrated their graduation from the program at the end of January.

Feb. 21st Feb. 22nd Feb. 23rd Feb. 24th Feb. 25th Feb. 26th Feb. 27th Feb. 28th

TIME 7:30pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 9:00pm 6:00pm 12 Noon 6:00pm 12 Noon 8:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm 12 Noon 6:00pm 9:00pm 6:00pm 8:00pm 8:00pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 2:00pm 7:30pm

EVENT Elvis Elite (Show/Dance) Elvis Elite Valentine (Show/Dance) DJ LTNFox (Dance) DJ LTNFox (Dance) Karaoke Tim Williams (Guitar) Karaoke Kenny Wayne (Electric Piano) Deuces Wild (Dance) Boom Booms Deuces Wild (Dance) Good for Grapes Deuces Wild (Dance) DJ LTNFox (Dance) DJ LTNFox (Dance) Bon Debarass Karaoke DJ LTNFox (Dance) Karaoke Deuces Wild (Dance) Deuces Wild (Dance) Jakes Gift Play Mud River Band (Dance) Jakes Gift Play Jakes Gift Play

DESCRIPTION A fabulous Elvis Impersonator—Back by popular demand $25/person A fabulous Elvis Impersonator—Valentine Show and Dance $25/person A fantastic DJ—A wide selection of tunes! A fantastic DJ—A wide selection of tunes! Come and sing your hearts out—open mic!! Lots of songs to choose from! Come to listen…while you ‘lunch’ Come and sing…or come and listen—open mic! Come to listen…while you ‘lunch’ These guys are awesome! We welcome children! These artists are fabulous! Wonderful local talent Children’s menu and Fabulous Group activity books are available. Check this group out! A DJ who ROCKS! Daily Kitchen lunch specials, hearty Dance the night away! homemade soups and sandwiches…good Awesome!! variety of menu items This girl can sing!! Rock out with this guy!! Sing, sing, sing!! Check out the talent! Check this out! Dance till you can’t dance any more! WW2 Veteran’s return to Juno Beach—This is a fabulous play…don’t miss it! Local talent you do not want to miss! WW2 Veteran’s return to Juno Beach—Audience discussion to follow performance. Final Performance of WW2 Veteran’s return to Juno Beach

BON DEBARRAS KENNY WAYNE

PTP ASEP is Recruiting for a 5 week

Urban Aboriginal Youth Enhancement Program “Community Connections” Feb 16-Mar 20, 2015 To increase the participation of Urban Aboriginal Youth in the economy, and to connect to other Community Training Programs & Services. • Aboriginal youth 14-24 years old in Prince George • Life Skills • Essential Skills • Computers • Preparation to acquire your Learners License or • Novice License Funding Provided by: BCAFF Computers by - PGNAETA Financial Literacy sponsored by - ABDC

Call 250-561-1115 to Register for the Program

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Prince George - NEWS - Free Press

Friday, February 13, 2015

Ongoing 2015

Jamie Walker & Keith David February 13 @ 7:00 pm Jazz & Love Night February 14 @ 7:30 pm Paul Wood February 19 @ 7:00 pm Exit Glow February 20 @ 7:00 pm

www.pgfreepress.com

ARTISTS Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Until Sunday, March 1 Where: Rustad Galleria, Two

Blue Moon Marquee February 21 @ 7:30 pm

Murray Gable March 7 @ 7:30 pm

Mike Smith & Brad February 27 @ 7:00 pm

Erika Callewaert & Gen Tucker March 13 @ 7:00 pm

FEBRUARY & MARCH

Curtis Abriel March 14 @ 7:30 pm

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN PRINCE GEORGE

Navaz February 28 & March 21 @ 7:30 pm Eric M. Scouten & Jenn Neiser March 6 @ 7:00 pm

The Chevys March 20 @ 7:00 pm

Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: Exhibition: A Lexicon of the North, Regional Teens

How Much: Regular admission. Free for members. www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-6147800 Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Sunday afternoons, 1-4pm Where: Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: Sunday Open Studio Drop-in session for making art with your friends and family. Different activity each week. How Much: Regular admission. Free for Members. www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-6147800

Tammy’s

FEBRUARY 2015

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The problem with anesthesia-free pet dental cleaning Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of poor dental health in their pets; chronic bad breath is probably the most striking one. But a big area of confusion is how best to have your pet’s teeth cleaned. During National Pet Dental Health Month, it’s important for pet owners to think about the risks involved with anesthesia-free dental scaling. Plaque and tartar are caused by bacteria; these bacteria can circulate in the bloodstream and affect your pet’s major organs, and rotten teeth can affect his ability to eat nutritious food. Some pet owners opt for anesthesia-free teeth cleaning because they believe it’s less intrusive and less painful. But veterinary medicine holds that the risks you run with that kind of procedure are

far greater than any involved with anesthesia. With a professional deep scaling done under anesthesia, the veterinarian can clean under the gum line, where the real problems are. Because the animal is sedated, the cleaning is more thorough and gentler. And the sca ling instruments used on the teeth surfaces during non-anesthesia cleanings leave grooves that are susceptible to further bacteria development. Contact your veterinarian about a professional dental cleaning if you notice these signs in your dog or cat: • swollen red gums that bleed • rotten-egg breath • dif¿culty eating hard foods

Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Thursdays 5-9pm Where: Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: MakerLab 2RG: Open Make Night Take advantage of our multidisciplinary workspace and bring a project to work on or try your hand at making something from our project collection. How Much: 5 drop in fee; monthly and annual membership options 250-614-7800. www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-6147800

February

ARTISTS Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: February 14 – April 26 Where: Canfor Galleries, Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: Exhibitions: North – An Exhibition for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, by various artists and Elapsed, by Adad Hannah, Marianne Nicolson, Jennifer Pighin, Ann Smith and Philippa Jones How Much: Regular admission. Free for members. www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-6147800 Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Monday, February 16 – Friday, February 20 and Monday, February 23 – Friday, February 27, 9am4:30pm Where: Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: School Break Creativity Camps How Much: 185/week, Members

receive a 10% discount. www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-614-7800 Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Thursday, February 19, 7:30pm Where: MakerLab 2RG, Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: Maker Talk: Geoff de Ruiter, Raven Loft Treehouse How Much: Free. Everyone welcome. www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-614-7800 ARTISTS Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Saturday, February 21, 3pm Where: Canfor Galleries, Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: Artist’s Talk with Jennifer Pighin How Much: Free. Everyone welcome www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-614-7800 ARTISTS Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Friday, February 27, 7:30pm Where: Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: Annual General Meeting How Much: Free, Everyone welcome, Two Rivers Gallery members can vote. www.tworiversgallery.ca 250-614-7800

March

ARTISTS Who: Two Rivers Gallery When: Until April 26 Where: Canfor Galleries, Two Rivers Gallery (725 Canada Games Way) What: Exhibitions: North – An Exhibition for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, by various artists and Elapsed, by Adad Hannah, Marianne Nicolson, Jennifer Pighin, Ann Smith and Philippa Jones How Much: Regular admis-

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Friday, February 13, 2015

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

‘Enduring suffering’ may end for loved ones, but lasts for families My mother chose when, weary being hooked up to a mawhere and how she would die. chine. She never complained about Ten years ago, she asked that her kidney failure but we knew she her family be around her when wanted to be free of the machine the time came to ‘go on her that ruled her life. travels.’ I drove nine hours with Earlier on my brother, daughter my daughter and grandchild and I had told her doctor we wantto be there two days before she ed to be tested to see if we could was expected to end her life after donate a kidney. We were told that taking herself off kidney dialysis. would not be possible, that she was My brother declined to be preson a list waiting for an organ donor ent. He said he couldn’t handle it. and that we would have to wait. TEA WITH TERESA That I should be there for him. My mother got tired of waiting. TERESAMALLAM For some time before her Had she waited for science, personal ‘declaration of indepenmedicine and technology to dence’ my mother did her own dialysis treatadvance, she may have been saved. Had she ments, at home, five times a day, seven days moved up the organ donor list, she might still a week. Her formerly active lifestyle revolved be here. I wonder if my family were millionaround a treatment schedule. She’d sit quietly aires could we have saved her, taken her to a reading a book in a bedroom filled with Baxter treatment centre in Europe to try experimental boxes (containing bags of fluid needed for the things? exchanges). Who knows? Some of our best talks whenever I visited Kidney transplants are often performed on took place amid her piles of Baxter Boxes. She older people now. If she were here, I could have laughed when I told her, “I love what you’ve told her about this remarkable Prince George done to the place.” man who had a kidney transplant in his 70s But her stubborn resolve to do things her and was doing fine. I do know my mother way landed her in hospital several times with would have been pleased on Friday with the life-threatening peritonitis. Fatigued from it all, news of the Supreme Court of Canada’s unanishe often mistook one tube for another with mous decision that struck down a century old disastrous consequences. And over the years, law that prohibits assisted suicide. my mother, who was then into her 70s, grew She would have called that progress.

In her 20s, my mother was diagnosed with nephritis which necessitated the removal of her right kidney. Surgery left her with a wide white scar which snaked from just above her waist to high up on her back (the standard surgical procedure of the day). When two-piece bathing suits came in, my mother who had a slender model’s body and a movie star’s face – truly – then wore a cover-up at the beach. While her scar was still healing, and her children were young, she’d called it her ‘red badge of courage’ because she had survived against the odds. Our family members took turns at my mother’s bedside. It was day three of her decision to die. I was on the night shift. My mother and I talked about her favourite lavender flowers growing in the garden, just outside her hospital window. A friend had picked her some earlier in the day and now she put them to her face. When I called her doctor and insisted on seeing any document my mother had signed that this final act was in fact her request, my mother motioned for me to come over and said as sternly as she could in her weak voice: “I don’t want you to be my champion. I’m ready. We will see each other again.” Then she said she was tired. I read to her while she fell asleep. Early in the morning, I heard the rustle of bed sheets. My mother had managed to put

her bare foot out from under the covers and she had propped her head up from the pillow. Then it sank down again. I went over and asked her gently what she thought she was doing. “I’m getting ready to go on my travels,” she whispered. Her breathing had been steady and shallow before but now she took a deep breath like someone who is about to jump off the high diving board. There was complete silence in the room. My mother was gone and I was left to grieve. A nurse came in, followed by my mother’s doctor who checked her vital signs and left the room. I was crying. “It’s what your mother wanted,” the nurse said. My father arrived. He pulled a chair up to the bedside of his wife of 55 years. He checked his watch. The habits of a lifetime spent as a doctor seemed to kick in momentarily as he closed her eyes with one hand. Then he removed her wedding ring and put it into his shirt pocket and sat there in stoic silence. I’ve thought a lot over the years about the issue of our right to die in dignity. And sometimes I think it is not so much about our loved ones right to die as it is our desperate need for them to stay with us longer. My mother was my hero in life – and in death.

You never know who you might meet at the Games There will be enough media in town over the next couple of weeks to cover a Kanye West announcement that Beyonce should win the gold medal for ice dancing. Or, barring that, a slew of federal politicians who will want their picture taken without acquiescing to interviews. Yes, there will be media all over the place. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, however, for those who swoon at the Global lights, don’t forget those of us who bring you the news, even when there isn’t a big event to cover. As a journalist, though, covering big events like the 2015 Canada Winter Games are exhausting and exhilarating, all at the same time. I cut my teeth on big sporting events covering the B.C. Winter Games back when we used to have winters and photographers shot only film. It was only four days, but it was four jam-packed days. The highlight of those games, at least for me, was getting to interview Gene Kiniski … who billed himself as Canada’s

Greatest Athlete. Having spent many a Saturday afternoon as a kid watching Kiniski demolish all comers on Stampede Wrestling, getting to interview him, even though he had long since retired, was a real thrill. He was tagging along with Bernie Pascall, who was one of the best-known sportscasters in the province, working for what was then BCTV. For a wet-behindWRITER’S BLOCK the-ears sports reporter from the BILLPHILLIPS Fernie Free Press, it was a thrill to meet Pascall as well. But Kiniski was the real thrill. He was larger-than-life in person, just like he was in the wrestling ring. It was when I was covering the Northern B.C. Winter

Games in Williams Lake that I first met Colin Kinsley, who was the mayor of Prince George at the time. OK, not quite Gene Kiniski, but still entertaining. There will be plenty of big names here for the 2015 Canada Winter Games and forget the media folks who will be here, the big names are the athletes. Just look at the line of flag-bearers for tonight’s opening ceremonies: • Susan Auch, three-time Olympic medalist, speed skating; • Eric Bedard, four-time Olympic medalist, speed skating; • Bo Hedges, two-time Parlympic medalist, wheelchair basketball; • Cathy Preistner, Olympic silver medalist, speed skating; • Kelsey Serwa, Olympic silver medalist, ski cross; • Joy Ward-Fera, hall of honour inductee, two time world championship medalist, rowing. Wow. But the real joy of the Games is meeting, and seeing, those who are still working on getting their names big.

CARMINA BURANA

February 21 & 22, 2015

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Friday, February 13, 2015

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

Get in the Games I

t’s hard to believe that just two weeks ago we were worried that there wouldn’t be enough snow for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. My how things have changed. When the Lheidli T’enneh unveiled its downtown pavilion last week, they had been busy the day before shoveling snow off the roof. Without a doubt, there is enough of a snowpack now that the skiing events for the 2015 Canada Winter Games will have enough snow. The only question mark is the speed skating, slated to take place on the city’s Outdoor Ice Oval. It doesn’t need snow, it needs temperatures to be below freezing. With highs predicted for six degrees Celsius today, Mother Nature is definitely putting some challenges before the Games crew. Luckily, the Games has a contingency plan, (using the oval in Fort St. John), should the local ice oval not be suitable. Other than that, the Games are ready to go. For 18 days, starting today, Prince George welcomes the nation. For 18 days the city will be bustling with athletes, coaches, officials, media, volunteers, spectators, and the occasional local trying to get to work. It will be 18 days of adventure, so hang on to your hat and enjoy the ride.

Best practices BAT and BAP. If you’re around resource industries these days, you’ve probably heard those terms a lot. The acronyms stand for “best available technology” and “best available practices.” In the wake of an independent engineer’s report into the failure of the Mount Polley tailings pond last summer, BAT and BAP are being batted around with great abandon. Mines Minister Bill Bennett said that “government will act immediately on key recommendations” contained in the engineer’s report. The recommendations, however, contained enough wriggle room for both the government and Mount Polley to squeeze a couple million gallons of sludge through. The engineers recommended that: “BAT should be actively encouraged for new tailings facilities at existing and proposed mines … BAT principles should be applied to closure of active impoundments so that they are progressively removed from the inventory by attrition. “ Notice the use of the word “should” rather than “must.” And that is the problem. Best available technology and best available practices sound impressive when talking about such developments. It invokes images of everything being the “best” that it can be. And, in many cases, it probably is. However, it is still a practice of relying on industry to set regulatory standards, not government. Best available practice, for government, should be to set the standards for industrial projects and have industry either meet those standards or not proceed. That, however, would involve having inspectors, something this government seems philosophically opposed to.

Not news, let’s overreact New technology has brought us the means to communividual and more appropriately handled by the police than cate with others at a speed just short of astounding. the news media. It raises some question as to the values the Today Facebook and other social media, based on the web, caller has and how seriously were they concerned about the allow us to be in touch with many more people well-being of the street person involved. with far less effort than we could in the past. The suggestion that we should all boycott While it brings out a good amount of thoughtthe company for the act of an individual with ful and sometimes witty comment, it also gives that company also is based on faulty logic. To insight into the odd way some view the world. punish all the employees over the actions of one Don Cherry giving Ron MacLean a bad time employee indicates an imbalance between honover MacLean’s enjoyment of a seal burger est social conscience and a somewhat perverse stimulated reactions well in excess of what was personal logic. warranted. Cherry and McLean were having a bit It is similar to hearing about one teenager of fun with each other and the viewing audience. stealing a car and taking it for a ride and then Those who felt compelled to comment either assuming all teenagers are car thieves. It does not lack a sense of humour or view life with an inorcompute. dinate amount of seriousness. The classic comThat said, the individual reporting the incident ment came from the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, who ONSIDE at least has the personal courage and convicVICBOWMAN saw Cherry’s comments as an insult to the Inuit tion to take some action to bring the situation people. That is a large stretch even in the world of political to light. It is very probable that the incident with the street correctness. It is most likely that any Inuit people aware of person was witnessed by many others who just quietly disaphis comments just chuckled and mentally wrote it off as one peared. Someone was good enough not to be a selfish and more dumb comment from a southerner who doesn’t have a cowardly person when they witnessed a situation that they clue about what he is talking about. Newsworthy, not really, felt should be exposed. it was just something to fill in space on a slow news day. Every society survives by having a common core of values The drenching of a street person in Vancouver by a Tim we all believe is appropriate and fair. Without that common Hortons employee was more newsworthy than the discuscore of beliefs, our society would fall into a state of total sion over seal burgers. chaos. The first question that comes to mind is why didn’t the We have a duty to speak out when we see something that witness use her mobile telephone to call the police rather is inappropriate. What we have to try to avoid is taking wellthan calling a radio station? It was an assault on an indiintended action that is inappropriate. circulation@pgfreepress.com | 250-564-0005

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Friday, February 13, 2015

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More games than just the Games

My little chickadee

Bill PHILLIPS/Free Press A chickadee rests on a snow-covered branch ... a sure sign that winter is upon us. The snow has arrived just in time for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

The inequality of it all Paul Strickland Special to the Free Press In the 1950s and 1960s people were promised that advancing technology would do more of the work and give us more leisure time. The 32-hour or even a 24-hour work week were seen as inevitable in the not-too-distant future. From the mid-1980s, the era of Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservative government, Canadians have constantly been promised that lowered trade barriers would create more jobs and increase prosperity for everyone. Current facts are at variance with these predictions and promises. A guest on this week’s Sunday Edition program on CBC Radio One, Ed Clark, former president of TD Bank, said Canada’s productivity had increased significantly during the past 30 years while there has been no meaningful rise in wages in real-dollar terms for ordinary workers and the middle class. Among other measures, Clark suggested a fairer tax structure for the middle class and more charitable donations by the wealthy. He also said Canada’s post-secondary education system and universal health-care are its strengths on the world scene, and require more investment, not less. A half century ago, one breadwinner working 40 hours per week could support a family and save money, says Bruce O’Hara of the former Work Less Party in B.C. “Today’s typical family has two breadwinners working a total of 90 or more hours each week, and saves almost nothing. “The doubling of the family employment load is particularly vexing when you consider that today’s worker produces twice as

much per hour as their 1950s counterpart,” O’Hara continues. “What kind of prosperity is this, when our reward for producing twice as much per hour is that we have to work longer?” At the same time, during this era of more and more free-trade agreements, the problem of income inequality has worsened. “Our leaders have been chasing the freemarket dream for 30-some years now, and for every step closer they’ve brought us, the more inequality has grown, the more financial bubbles have blossomed and burst, the more political corruption has metastasized, the harsher the business cycle has become,” writes Thomas Frank, American political columnist, in his 2012 book, Pity the Billionaire: The Hard-Times Swindle and the Unlikely Comeback of the Right. While increasing inequality is not as bad in Canada as it is in the United States, it is still serious enough that it has to be addressed by the federal government and the provinces, Clark said on the Sunday Edition program. Clark added that, to be fair, some Canadian business executives are aware of the issue of income inequality and want it addressed. Yet too many other senior managers in the country and in the U.S. continue down the path of socially destructive leanand-mean policies under the reigning philosophy of austerity. “New corporate vice-presidents work to de-skill jobs as well as downsize staff,” writes Jennifer Klein, Yale history professor, in the Winter 2015 issue of Dissent, a New York social-democratic magazine. There is a relentless campaign to promote greater global labour mobility to drive wages in Western countries down to world levels. Wages in America’s “right-to-

work” states, the European periphery, and in Brazil, India and China are increasingly entering a similar range, Brooklyn writer Ross Perlin says in the spring 2013 issue of Dissent. The current North American cultural atmosphere is such that people living in poverty, including the working poor, are held responsible for their condition, supposedly brought about by their bad choices. In the late 1920s, on the eve of the Great Depression, labour leaders and critics of the system had some impact when denouncing the excesses of the rich and unfairness to the poor, labour journalist and former B.C. resident Barbara Ehrenreich says in her 2009 book, Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America. “In the twenty-first century, a very different and more numerous breed of ideologues promulgated the opposite message--that all was well with our deeply unequal society and, for those willing to make the effort, about to get much, much better.” “We know the new orthodoxy well,” observes John Marsh, associate professor of English at Pennsylvania State University. In a land of opportunity, those who do not seize opportunities have only themselves to blame, he comments in the Fall 2014 issue of Hedgehog Review. “The corollary follow neatly: By rewarding dependence instead of independence, charity toward the poor (including welfare) only makes the problem of poverty worse.” On a bad day one mutters darkly about a general strike. At the very least we need much stepped up enforcement of labour and safety standards and renegotiation of trade agreements that adversely affect labour and the middle class.

While it may seem to people in Prince George over the next couple of weeks that the entire sporting world is the 2015 Canada Winter Games, that isn’t quite true. The NHL is still playing, as I understand. So is the NBA. Oh, and the Spruce Kings and Cougars are still playing, even though they’re both having to take rather lengthy road trips while the local arenas are used for the Games. And how about the UNBC Timberwolves men’s basketball team? They’ve made the playoffs for the first time in their (admittedly short) time in Canada West, and they may have to ‘”host” their first playoff series in history in Kamloops? If they finish third in the Explorer Division, they would host a team from the Pioneer Division next weekend. Well, the Northern Sport Centre is being used for archery and artistic gymnastics for the first week of the Games and badminton and judo the second week, so there’s no place for the Timberwolves to even practice. They will be taking advantage of the hospitality of Thompson Rivers University to have a place to practice next week, and with UNBC taking its reading break to ALLAN’S AMBLINGS coincide with the Games, ALLANWISHART the players won’t miss any classes. If they manage to finish second in the division, they won’t have to worry about hosting a playoff series in Kamloops, but they will end up on the road the weekend of Feb. 27, heading to one of the Pioneer Division schools. They still don’t know which school they would be playing, no matter whether they finish second or third. That’s basically because the Pioneer Division playoff race is as confusing as anything I have ever seen. Saskatchewan and Victoria are tied on top at 13-5. Alberta, Calgary and UBC are one game back at 12-6, and Winnipeg is another game bak at 11-7. Those six and Manitoba (9-9) have clinched playoff spots, but anyone could end up just about anywhere after this weekend. At least it’s not quite as bad as the standings going into last weekend in the Big South Conference in American college basketball. Gong into Sunday, there were seven teams tied for top spot in the conference. ••• Almost lost in the hoopla over the Canada Winter Games is that a good proportion of local curling fans will also be paying attention to Moose Jaw next week. That’s where Patti Knezevic and her rink will be playing at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. For Knezevic, it’s her second trip to the Hearts, as she played last year as the fifth member of the Kesa Van Osch team. I have interviewed Patti a few times, and, coincidentally, will also be following the Brier at the beginning of March with some interest, since B.C. is represented again by Jim Cotter, who I interviewed a few times while I was working at the paper in Kamloops.

www.pgfreepress.com

Friday, February 13, 2015

Datebook www.pgfreepress.com Friday Valentine’s Day tea, Feb. 13, 1-3 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Meat draw, Fridays, 4:306:30 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, 1116 Sixth Ave. Crown Market, Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 3955 Hart Highway. Read-to-me Storytime, Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m., South Fort George Family Resource Centre, 1200 La Salle. Information: 250614-0684. Dance, Fridays, 8 p.m.midnight, Royal Canadian Legion, 1116 Sixth Ave.

Saturday

Dance, Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. 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. Meat draw, Saturdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Royal

Canadian Legion, 1116 Sixth Ave. Crown Market, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 3955 Hart Highway. Dance, Saturdays, 8 p.m.-midnight, Royal Canadian Legion, 1116 Sixth Ave.

Sunday

Easy snowshoe hike, Livingston Springs, Feb. 15, meet 8:50 a.m. Information: Carolyn 250562-1826. P.G. Farmers’ Market, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 1074 Sixth Ave. Cribbage, Feb. 15, 1 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Roast beef dinner, Feb. 15, 5 p.m., Hart Pioneer Centre. Nechako Public Market, Sundays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 5100 North Nechako Rd. A Butler’s Market, Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1156 Fourth Ave. Meat draw, Sundays,

“Mocha” Mocha is an 8 year old, domestic short haired, chocolate point male. (Not exactly as shown! Photo not available at press time.) He is incredibly affectionate, loves to sit and cuddle with anyone. He would be perfectly content to sleep in the sun and get as much love and attention as he could possibly stand. Sound like a pet for you? Contact BC SPCA at 250-562-5511 or visit us at: 4011 Lansdowne Road • northcariboo@spca.bc.ca

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3-5 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion, 1116 Sixth Ave. Crown Market, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 3955 Hart Highway.

A U T O B O D Y LT D .

Community Builder

Monday

Royal Purple Ladies, meet second and fourth Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m., Studio 2880. 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 250563-4828 or Reta 250-9622740.

Tuesday Bridge, Tuesdays, 1 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. City Centre Toastmasters meet Tuesday, noon, City Hall Annex. Information: 9164. toastmastersclubs.org. ACBL duplicate bridge, Tuesdays, 7 p.m., 425 Brunswick St. Information: 250-561-1685. Spruce Capital Toastmasters meet Tuesdays, 7:25 p.m., 1021566 7th Ave. Information: Tom 250-562-3402. Sweet Adelines women’s four-part chorus meets Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., Studio 2880. New members welcome. Information: Kathy 250-563-5170.

Wednesday Bingo, Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., Spruce Capital Senior Recreation Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. TOPS meeting, Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m., Kordyban Lodge dining room. Information: Jessie 250-613-5933. Whist, Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Army Cadet Rangers free youth program, meets Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Connaught Youth Centre. Information: Sondra 250-963-9462 or Andrew 250-981-8270. CNC Retirees meet last Wednesday of the month, 9 a.m., D’Lanos. Information: Lois 250-5636928.

Thursday Tai Chi, Thursday, 7-9 p.m., Knox United Church, 1448 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-9643849. Central Interior Darts Club, meets Thursday, 6:30 p.m., P.G. Legion, 1116 Sixth Ave.

Firefighter Kip Skaar joins other members of the International Association of Firefighters at Fire Hall 3 in Prince George in presenting a cheque for more than $2,000 to Shari MacLellan of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The money was raised through the sale of pink T-shirts.

Proud to recognize those who give in our community.

Thank You Prince George For Voting Us A U T O B O D Y LT D . Best 2065 - 1st Ave. • 250-563-0883 Auto Body Shop! www.csninc.ca Crown Market, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 3955 Hart Highway. Bridge, Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., Spruce Capital Seniors’ Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Information: 250-563-6450. ACBL duplicate bridge, Tuesdays, 7 p.m., 425 Brunswick St. Information: 250-561-1685. Little Artists, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., South Fort George Family Resource Centre, 1200 La Salle. 250-614-0684. Old Time Fiddlers jam, Thursday, 7-10 p.m. Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 10th Ave. ECRA Forever Young Chorus meet Thursdays, 12:45 p.m., ECRA, 1692 10th Ave.

Support Groups Metis Elders Craft group, Thursday, 10 a.m.noon, Prince George Metis Elders Society office, 117 – 1600 Third Ave. (Prince George Native Friendship Centre). Wednesday evening Tops (take off pounds sensibly), Spruceland Baptist Church, 1901 Ogilvie St. Information: Leona 250-962-8802. P.G. COPD Support Group meets Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., AIMHI gymnasium, 950 Kerry St. Information: www.pgcopd-

supportgroup.ca. Prince George Stroke Survivors Group meets Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Elder Citizens Recreation Association, 1692 10th Ave. Information: Julia 250-563-3819, Roland 250562-1747. La Leche League breast feeding support group meets the second Thursday of every month 7 p.m., 176 Aitken Cres. Information: Tammy 250-612-0085. Al-Anon New Hope AFG meets Fridays, 1:152:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St. Information: 250-5613244. Al-Anon Hart Serenity AFG meets Mondays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Knox United Church, 1448 Fifth Ave. Information: 250561-3244. Al-Anon PG Beginners AFG meets Tuesdays, 7-7:45 p.m., Knox United Church, 1448 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-5613244. Al-Anon Hart Courage AFG meets Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Knox United Church, 1448 Fifth Ave. Information: 250-5613244. Al-Anon Mustard Seed AFG meets Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., St. Michael’s Anglican Church, 1505 Fifth Ave.

Information: 250-5613244. Prince George ATV Club meets third Tuesday of month, 7 p.m. Carmel Restaurant meeting room. Information: George 250964-7907. Royal Purple meets second and fourth Mondays, 7:30 p.m. Information: Dianne 250596-0125 or Jeanette 250563-9362. Prince George Quilters Guild meets fourth Tuesday of the month, Connaught Youth Centre, 1491 17th Ave. Registration 6:30 p.m., meeting 7 p.m. Information: Barb Friesen 250-564-6288 or e-mail iquiltbarb@gmail.com. Prince George Genealogical Society meets the third Tuesday of the month, St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 1500 Edmonton St. PGRH retirees breakfast, first Tuesday of the month, Prince George Golf and Curling Club. Information: 250-563-2885.

Best Auto Body Shop

“GIVE A LITTLE… GAIN A LOT!” Arthritis Society June 7 Seeking volunteers for our committee to organize our June 7, 2015, “Walk to Fight Arthritis” at Rainbow Park, 1-3pm in PG. Marvene: mlayte@telus.net Text or call: 250-612-2031 Crisis Centre NBC Volunteer training - March 7, 11, 14-16, 18. Visit www. northernbccrisissuicide.ca. Training fees - $40 (non-refundable) includes a Society Membership. Info: Sandra_pgcrisiscentre@telus.net 250-564-9312 Beaverly West Leisure Society Community Association needs volunteers for all school use programs: soccor, hockey, volleyball, gymnastics, craft & sewing classes for adults & kids. Monday - Kids ﬂoor hockey, Wed - Kids Volleyball. Email: cbaker@sd57.bc.ca Cathy: 250-964-1511

For information on volunteering with more than 100 non-proﬁt organizations in Prince George, contact Volunteer Prince George

250-564-0224 www.volunteerpg.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 13, 2015

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Offer(s) available on select new 2015 models through participating dealers to qualiďŹ ed retail customers who take delivery from February 3rd to March 2nd, 2015. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,665, AMVIC fee, tire tax of $22, $100 A/C charge (where applicable). Excludes taxes, licensing, registration, insurance, variable dealer administration fees (up to $699), fuel-ďŹ ll charges up to $100, and down payment (if applicable and unless otherwise speciďŹ ed). Other lease and ďŹ nancing options also available. Â§Up to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Half Price Paymentsâ&#x20AC;? for up to one year (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Offerâ&#x20AC;?) is only applicable on ďŹ nancing offers on 2015 Rio/Forte/Optima/Sorento/Rondo models. On approved credit, from a participating dealer in Canada between February 3rd and March 2nd, 2015. The Offer consists of a loan credit (up to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Half Price Payments Creditâ&#x20AC;?) that will range from $500 to $3,250 depending on model/trim. Customers can choose to take the full amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit as a one (1) time incentive that will be deducted from the negotiated price of the vehicle before taxes. Alternatively, customers can choose the up to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Half Price Paymentsâ&#x20AC;? option and have their ďŹ nancing payments reduced (before taxes) by 50% until such time as the entire amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit has been exhausted. This may take between 10 weeks and 69 weeks depending on model/trim and the amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit. After the entire amount of the applicable Half Price Payments Credit has been exhausted, the customer will be required to pay the full amount of all regularly scheduled ďŹ nance payments over the remaining term of the contract. Vehicle trade-in amounts and down payments are not calculated in the advertised up to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Half Price Paymentsâ&#x20AC;?. See dealer for complete details. 6Representative ďŹ nancing example: 0% ďŹ nancing offer for up to 84 months available to qualiďŹ ed retail customers on approved credit for the new 2015 Rio LX MT (RO541F)/2015 Forte LX MT (FO541F)/2015 Optima LX AT (OP742F)/2015 Sorento LX AT (SR75BF) with a purchase price of $15,602/$17,502/$26,402/$28,782 ďŹ nanced at 0% for 84-month period with $0 down payment equals 69/62/28/ 50 reduced weekly payments of $21/$24/$36/$39 followed by weekly payments of $43/$48/$73/$79. Includes $1,500/$1,500/$1,000/$2,000 up to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Half Price Paymentsâ&#x20AC;? credit. Cost of borrowing is $0 and total obligation is $14,102/$16,002/$25,365/$26,782. Up to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Half Price Paymentâ&#x20AC;? Incentive varies by model and trim level and may be taken as a lump sum or to reduce the ďŹ nanced amount. Offer ends March 2nd, 2015. â&#x20AC;Ą Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2015 Forte SX (FO748F)/2015 Rio4 SX with Navigation (RO749F)/2015 Sorento SX V6 AWD (SR75XF)/2015 Optima SX Turbo AT (OP748F) is $26,695/$22,395/$42,095/$34,895. Ă&#x2C6;Highway/city fuel consumption is based on the 2015 Rio LX+ ECO AT/2015 Forte 1.8L MPI 4-cyl MT/2015 Sorento LX 2.4L GDI 4-cyl AT/2015 Optima 2.4L GDI AT. These updated estimates are based on the Government of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approved criteria and testing methods. Refer to the EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption will vary based on driving habits and other factors. Í&#x17E;$1,000 Winter Edition Bonus amounts are offered on select 2015 Winter Edition models and are deducted from the negotiated purchase price before taxes. Available on ďŹ nancing offers only. Certain conditions apply. $1,000 Winter Edition Bonus amount available on the 2015 Rondo LX AT (5-seat) Winter SE (RN75SF), 2015 Rondo LX AT (7-seat) Winter SE (RN75TF) and 2015 Optima LX AT Winter SE (OP74SF). Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

www.pgfreepress.com

Friday, February 13, 2015

2015 February 16-20

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEEK PROCLAMATION

HEREAS a strong local business community is a key driver of our local economic prosperity, and WHEREAS a strong local

business community creates jobs and opportunities for residents of Prince George and supports community growth, and WHEREAS the Prince George Chamber of Com-

merce is a business organization dedicated to strengthening Prince George’s business community and helping our city to thrive, and WHEREAS every year, members of the Prince

George Chamber of Commerce dedicate countless volunteer hours in service to our local businesses and community; NOW, THEREFORE, I Lynn Hall, Mayor of Prince

George, do hereby proclaim that February 16 to 20, 2015, shall be known as “Chamber of Commerce Week” In Prince George.

The 2014 Business of the Year award at the BEA Gala was a tie: Copper Pig and Shiraz owners were presented with their trophies.

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www.pgfreepress.com - Prince George Free Press

Friday, February 13, 2015

“Chamber House” transforms for Games

tep into the Prince George Chamber of Commerce office on a typical day, and you will feel like you are entering a home. The building itself is in fact a heritage residence, with its gabled windows and porchlike entrance. Inside you will find friendly and welcoming staff, usually seated at their desks, but always ready to chat over a cup of coffee. During the 2015 Canada Winter Games, the Chamber office will be taking its cozy, home-like atmosphere to the next level. The office will transform into “Chamber House,” a place where Chamber members can warm up with a hot beverage, watch Games events, mingle and make business connections, or work remotely. A key feature of Chamber House is the Brick Lounge. Board room tables will be replaced by comfy, leather coaches and a big screen television. With so many exciting events happening in Prince George during the Games, there’s no reason why work and play can’t coexist. That’s where Chamber House comes in. Members can watch major Games events, courtesy of Shaw Cable, while they use the wifi to catch

up on emails or other work. “This is yet another fantastic benefit of Chamber membership,” says Chamber CEO Christie Ray, “The community has come together in so many ways for the 2015 Canada Winter Games to create a real atmosphere of togetherness. We are excited to be a part of that by offering Chamber House as a gathering place; a home away from home for members during the Games.” Another aspect of Chamber House is its ability to function as a meeting site for members looking for an alternative to their offices for hosting a client or guest from out of town. Members are welcome to meet and network in comforts of the living room-like common area, all while cheering the local speed skaters and biathletes to gold. This space is shared however, so guests might find themselves cheering alongside some new friends and potential business partners. Sporting events often have a remarkable way of bringing people together. Of course, watching athletes perform inspiring feats wouldn’t be complete without some form of refreshments. Chamber House

will provide free hot beverages and snacks daily. This is also an area where the Chamber wants to involve the community. “We are inviting local businesses to sponsor refreshments at Chamber House,” says Ray, “It’s a chance for businesses or organizations to get their name out during the 2015 Canada Winter Games. There is going to be a lot people coming through our doors, and a lot of visitors in the downtown in general. This a great opportunity for members to showcase their business or product.” Members can choose to sponsor drinks for a day. Local restaurants are also invited to provide their own refreshments. Sponsors will be recognized in all Chamber communication, including the website, newsletters, and social media. Business cards and signs can be displayed at Chamber House. “This is your Chamber, and we want you think of Chamber house as your House during the 2015 Canada Winter Games,” says Ray. Chamber House opens its doors February 14th, and will run from 9am to 9pm weekdays and 12pm to 9pm weekends.

Upcoming Events Chamber House Featuring “The Brick Lounge” Date: February 14-28, 2015 Time: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Weekends, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Weekdays Place: Chamber Boardroom – 890 Vancouver Street Fraud and Loss Prevention Starts with You! How best to protect your business, staff and customers. Date: March 12, 2015 Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM Place: Chamber Boardroom – 890 Vancouver Street Immigrant Talent Recruitment & Retention Workshop Date: March 17, 2015 Time: 7:30 – 11:00 AM Place: UNBC Bentley Centre Annual General Meeting Date: March 26, 2015 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Place: Coast Inn of the North CN Presents “Prince George Chamber Jeopardy Gala” Date: April 18, 2015 Time: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Place: UNBC Bentley Centre

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Prince George Free Press - www.pgfreepress.com

Businesses and students working together on footprints

ave money?! Reduce carbon footprints?! Go green?! The Prince George Chamber of Com-

OfÀce: #102 1023 Central Street West Prince George, BC V2M 3C9

OfÀce: 1350 5th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3L4

A Message From Your Local MLAs

P ark’s Spring

merce, partnered with UNBC’s carbon management class, is looking for ten to fifteen local businesses to measure their corporate

carbon footprint and investigate recommendations for carbon reductions and energy savings. (Carbon management is the process of accurately estimating and accounting for the carbon footprint of goods, services and technologies.) Local business participation will ensure that students 2014 Business Excellence Awards Night - Kirk have the opMcLean and MC Don Cherry portunity to solve reallife business problems. If you are a business www.fpsbc.com

WHERE WE SELL FUN!

interested in money saving opportunities, while supporting carbon reduction initiatives in our community and local students in their course of study, please contact Barbara Otter at the Prince George Chamber of Commerce 250562-2454 or barbara.otter@ pgchamber.bc.ca. Should you have any project specific questions, please contact Kyle Aben 250-960-6378 or kyle.aben@unbc.ca. To learn more about the project, please visit: http://www. pgchamber.bc.ca/ pages/PROJECTS2/

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Hair Force would like to welcome Jen to their crew!

- Well worth the Drive! -

Park Avenue Apparel Bon Voyage Plaza, Prince George. #126-4488 Hwy 16W (250) 964-8648

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Chamber of Commerce

www.pgfreepress.com - Prince George Free Press

100 YEAR Prince George Citizen, The

35 YEAR Scotiabank

20 YEAR ABC Communications Aberdeen Helicopters Ltd. Affinity Benefit Consultants AMEC Earth & Environmental Ltd. BCAA Commonwealth Financial Dick Byl Law Corp. EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. Investors Group Financial Services Inc. Joey’s Resturants McInnis Lighting NK Automotive Truck & Diesel Repair Ltd. PG Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Assoc. Polytech Manufacturing Inc. Powder King Mountain Resort Inc. Prince George Hospice Society S.P.C.A. North Cariboo District Branch School District # 57 Scouten & Associates Engineering Ltd. TNW Theatre North West Society Wendy L. Fellers, CGA, MBA Wendy’s Restaurant (F.F.F. Ltd.)

5 YEAR A-1 Self Storage Albino Rhino Cleaning Company Aluma Systems Inc. Blake Productions Ltd. Chilako Meats Chris Purves Photography CIBC Wood Gundy - Michele Santos, First Vice President & Investment Advisor Design Logic Interiors Diversified Transportation Ltd. Edward Jones Investments - Dean W. Simpson Flagship Accounting & Mgt. Services Geotech Drilling Services Ltd. Global Securities Corp. Hometech Energy Solutions Inc. Homework Huber Farm Equipment International Crowd Management Inc. Japan Wasabi Sushi Wonton House KC Cleaning Service La Jeunesse Aesthetics Inc. McCall Environmental Micro West Design Ltd. Nahanni Construction Ltd. North Central Truck Parts Ltd. Northern Sport Centre Nustride Executive Coaching

65 YEAR Jim Pattison Broadcast Group

30 YEAR BC Northern Real Estate Board Northland Chrysler Jeep Dodge Prince George Activator Society Prince George Transit Ltd.

15 YEAR Action Motors (1999) Ltd. Allen’s Scrap & Salvage Ltd. Badger Contracting BC Assessment C.F.I. Steel Ltd. Cascades Recovery Inc. Crisis Prevention, Intervention & Information Centre DEFAU Network Systems Corp. Girard Insurance & Financial Service Inc. High Tech Professional Cleaning & Restoration Services Hope HR & Safety Consulting Ltd. Hubbell Designer Goldsmiths Jani King of Northern B.C. Jerr-Ron Holding Ltd. Keery Consulting Ltd. KMK Food Services Corporation dba Quizno’s Linda Manning, Notary Public Midway Purnel Sanitary Supply (PG) Ltd. Moore Appliance Ltd. Multicultural Heritage Society Nechako Bottle Depot Northern British Columbia Tourism Association Northern Scale (WSPG) Park Avenue Apparel PG Dental Ltd Prince George & Area Pet Memorial Park Prince George Community Foundation Rolling Mix Concrete (B.C.) Ltd. Surpassing Our Survival (SOS) Society Westcana Electric Inc. Wood Wheaton Honda

5 YEAR Polydactyl Associates Predator Paintball Prince George Funeral Service 2008 Ltd. Prince George Toyota Royal Rose Limousines Seth Tobin Jewellers Ltd. Settings Event Design Sherry Sethen Shhhh Gifts Inc. Superior Fencing Ltd. Tourism Prince George

milestones Friday, February 13, 2015

25 YEAR Arby’s Restaurant BK Two-Way Radio Ltd. Boehmer Insurance & Investment Group Inc. Brownridge & Company Insurance Services Inc. City of Prince George Dean Mason & Company Inc. Financial Planning Centre Inc. Le Cercle Des Canadiens Francais Littler Floors Ltd. PeroxyChem Canada St. John Ambulance Trim Line of Northern B.C. Inc. University of Northern British Columbia Van Houtte Coffee Services Inc. Western Financial Group Winton Homes Ltd.

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10 YEAR All Roads RV Ltd. AMCO Wholesale ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd. Bell Mobility Canadian Red Cross Society Carrier Heating & Plumbing Downtown Prince George Egg Plant Studio, The Everything Baby Store Garth Wright Law Corporation KJM Sales Ltd. Konica Minolta L. A. Promotions & Tents Laundry on the Run Northern BC Foodsafe Council Northern Development Initiative Trust Northland Hyundai People Dynamics Inc. (PDI) PG Scrapbook Zone PhotoFax Office Systems Prince George BC Schizophrenia Society Prince George Family Chiropractic Inc. Pro Central Automotive Sintich Park St. Patrick’s House Society T & S Tubing and Shafting Inc. Treasure Cove Hotel Twisted Cork, The Uniglobe Sunburst Travel & Cruises Wealth Stewart Planning & Management Corp. William Rogers-Canaccord Wealth Management

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Friday, February 13, 2015

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Prince George Free Press - www.pgfreepress.com

Connecting through social media

ne of the core objectives and benefits of the Chamber of Commerce is its ability to connect individuals, businesses and organizations with a world of 1593 - 3rd Ave., Prince George networking opportunities. This abil250-561-9192 Fax 250-561-9193 ity is magnified in the age of social info@msloreas.ca www.msloreas.ca media. “Social networking” is now an essential feature of what the Chamber does, and the potential is huge. Before Facebook and Twitter, members would primarily expand their connections through face-to-face encounters at workshops, luncheons, Serving You for Over 90 6 Years and networking events. 1386 Third Avenue, Prince George, B.C. While these traditional forms of Toll Free: (800) 661-3885 Tel: (250) 563-7161 networking remain very valuable Fax: (250) 563-1699 Website: www.thenorthern.ca and form significant part of Chamber activities, the Chamber is also using social media to expand its own network, and help members grow theirs. “Social media has enabled the Chamber to connect with other businesses and members of the community in a way that is very genuine and direct,” says Christie Ray, CEO of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, “It also enables us to project an im2218 Nicholson St. age that is warm, 250-562-2226 friendly, creative, www.adpowerequipment.com and even personal.

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BEA Gala - Norm Coyne Hell Yeah PG Ambassador Winner Facebook and Twitter allow us to show our personality in a way that is less “official” than some of our other modes of communication. This can be attractive to people in the community who may be less familiar with what the Chamber is all about. You get a glimpse of not just what, but who the Chamber is.” Through social media, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce has been able to transform its image, and in the process, gain exposure and support from new segments of the community. The image is of a Chamber that likes to have fun while doing business, and that wants to actively engage with the people it serves. Whether it’s through pictures of staff frequenting local businesses, through posts about members’ achievements, or through promoting events and programs, the message is clear: the Chamber is the hub for making business connections in Prince George, both in person and online. The Prince George Chamber has also been involved in a

movement that is underway online to build a sense of community pride in Prince George. Lead by the remarkable success of the “Hell Yeah Prince George” Facebook group, there has been a growing appetite to showcase and celebrate the successes and positives of Prince George. There are undeniable benefits for businesses when people feel a sense of pride and ownership for their city, and its local businesses. So, the Chamber is keen to see this phenomenon grow. Last fall, the Chamber partnered with the HYPG Facebook group to launch an innovative new award at the Chamber’s annual Business Excellence Awards. The “Hell Yeah Prince George Ambassador Award” was given to a community member who is committed to promoting the positive aspects of Prince George. The inaugural award went to Norm Coyne, who heads the Events Division at the Prince George Citizen. This award was truly unique in that voting took place entirely online, and the whole community was invited to select the winner. “The Ambassador Award allowed the 2014 Business Excellence Awards to feel very cutting-edge. The votes were coming in online right up until moments before the award was announced,” says Ray, “We received phenomenal community engagement through this award. Interest in our Facebook page exploded during the week leading up to the vote. Even more impressive was the positive and encouraging atmosphere that was fostered both online and in the community around the nominees.” The Chamber is looking forward to working with the HYPG Facebook group to further promote Prince George in the future in exciting and innovative ways. The opportunities presented by social media for the Chamber of Commerce, and businesses in general, are expanding and ever-changing. The Chamber strives to be at the forefront of this social and connected new world.

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TERESA MALLAM | 250.564.0005 | arts@pgfreepress.com | www.pgfreepress.com TWO RIVERS Two Rivers Gallery will be the site of two new art exhibitions from Feb. 12 to April 26. The Canfor South Gallery features North: An Exhibition for the 2015 Canada Winter Games with work in a range of media from across B.C. with focus on themes such as youth, sport, community and culture. Canfor North Gallery features Elapsed, which looks at the work of five artists: Adad Hannah, Phillipa Jones, Marianne Nicolson, Ann Smith and Jennifer Pighin. There will be a reception and after party to follow on Saturday, Feb. 14. For more information visit www.tworiversgallery.ca.

WONDERLAND Eighty thousand lights will be shining for the community from 4 to 8 p.m. during the Canada Winter Games celebration of Lights at the Railway and Forestry Museum. Lisa Smith has created a winter wonderland display in the gallery that showcases the sports competition held during the Games. There will also be entertainment on several days inside the gallery. Free admission (with a donation of non-perishable food item for the Prince George Salvation Army Food Bank) during the Canada Winter Games. For more information visit www. pgrfm.bc.ca.

WORKSHOPS As part of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Coldsnap Festival, the Prince George Winter Music Festival will host a Come in from the Cold workshop series. There will be a special presentation by the B.C. Arts Council focusing on arts and cultural needs in northern B.C. The workshop will be presented by Allison Bottomley of the B.C.A.C. and will be held at Artspace on Feb. 26 between noon and 2 p.m. Also in the series there will be a masterclass cellist tutorial with Morag Northey. Everyone is welcome to attend and bring questions.

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Prince George Heritage Commission members Betty-June Gair, left, chair Jeff Elder, Cheryl Livingston-Leman and Shirley Gratton admire some of the 3,000 placemats that will be used in local eateries to help celebrate B.C. Heritage Week (Feb. 16 to 22) and welcome visitors to the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

New mats the perfect place for information about Prince George points of interest Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com Visitors to the 2015 Canada Winter Games can dine in style and enjoy the local cuisine while also learning about their host city, Prince George. Cheryl Livingston-Leman joined other members of the Prince George Heritage Commission at White Goose Bistro on Tuesday to admire new placemats which are being distributed this week to 40 area restaurants. “There are 3,000 placemats with 20 different placemats featuring 20 points of interest in

Prince George. So if people are sitting at a table set for four to eight people and they are waiting for their meal, they can read and learn about local history on their own placement. “They can exchange their placemat with other people at the table to learn even more and, if they want to, they can take them home as a memento,” said Livingston-Leman. The placemats are a project for the group which celebrates B.C.’s Heritage Week Feb. 16 to 22 along with the rest of the province. And they will be a fun and informative way to introduce visitors to Prince George during the Winter Games.

“Forty local restaurants will use the placemats so we expect a lot of people will be seeing them. The placemats are given out at no charge to participating restaurants – a gift from the B.C. Heritage Commission. The images on them are actually replicas of signs found on the downtown Heritage Walking Tour.” For her part, Shirley Gratton said the timing is perfect to distribute the placemats. “This is a provincial-wide Heritage celebration but here in Prince George we have another reason to celebrate – the Canada Winter Games. Betty-June Gair came up with the idea and then we got the local restaurants on board.”

Catch Echoes of Prince George concert from Alban Artists The Alban Classical Artists Society presents Echoes of Prince George, sponsored by the City of Prince George and Cole’s Woodwinds. Featuring music composed by Simon Cole, the concert has a trio of northern themes about early homesteaders and is folk-like in its melodies. In a press release, the society

says the theme around Huble Homestead continues in the same style with photos of the old homestead. My City is a series of short pieces about different places in Prince George. PG Suite closes the concert, from the dark forest to the meeting of the rivers and the birth of a city. Performers are Don Bond on flute; Erica Skowron on oboe;

Simon Cole and Grace Waddell on clarinets; Lynn Giesbrecht on bassoon; Lazlo Klein on horn; Allison Bell on violin; Naomi Kavka on cello; Barb Parker on piano; Angela Alba on piano; Sam Nelles on trombone; Ariane Nelles directing members of the Borealis choir; and Susan Klein, conductor. Scores will be available to listen to and follow along with at simon-

colemusic.com. The Echoes of Prince George concert takes place Saturday, Feb. 15 at St. Andrew’s United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave. starting at 3 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and free for children accompanied by an adult. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 250563-4693 or visit the website at albanclassical.org.

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Patience, technology keys to living with bad eyesight Elaine Sokolowski has lived with limited vision all her life. As a premature baby born in 1951 – before the medical advancements of today – she may have been dealt a tough card to begin with. However the 63year-old Prince George woman has always made the best of her poor eyesight. Keeping up with technology is key, she says. “I was two months premature. I weighed two pounds eight ounces and I spent a long time in an incubator with oxygen pumped in so that my lungs could be further developed. “My retinas became damaged and I’ve had bad vision all my life.” Sokolowski was diagnosed with ROP, retinopathy of prematurity, an abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye that mostly occurs in premature babies. Both her home and school life were affected. “I couldn’t see to read and I was terrified of sports because I couldn’t see the ball coming. And I never liked the first day of school with a new teacher because it meant having to explain why I had to sit at the front of the class. I had to pull my desk to within two feet of the blackboard so I could read it. That made me different which meant being teased and being bullied.” Sokolowski said she learned over time to adapt to her vision limitations but felt hampered by an “over-protective mother” and by peers who enjoyed normal activities which required good eyesight. So it’s not surprising that when years later Sokolowski gave birth to premature twin girls who were put in an incubator, she worried about their eyes. “I’m the only one in my family with vision problems. I have three children, twin girls and a boy. When my daughters were born, I asked a lot of questions about their eyes and about how safe modern incubators were and one of the nurses reassured me: “‘That [in reference to Sokolowski’s experience] was a long time ago,’ she said. ‘Their vision will

be fine.’” And it was. Sixty years ago, though, her own eye condition was not well understood. “I had a younger brother and older brother and I wanted to ride a bike, like they did, but my mother was afraid that I’d hit something, fall off and hurt myself. Eventually my Dad said I could go bike riding but only in certain restricted areas, away from any danger. I learned to do new things on my own, through trial and error.” What has she missed out on? “I’d love to be able to drive a car but with my bad eyesight I’ve never been able to,” said Sokolowski. “My uncle used to let me drive on Teresa MALLAM/Free Press his farm – but I nearly Visually impaired since infancy, Elaine knocked down the farm Sokolowski, 63, uses a magnifying glass to fence one day. (She make out a photograph on her iPad. laughs at the memory). questions. “When you have a Education is key, she says. disability, it’s hard to make friends and “I took a teacher’s assistant course at I didn’t have many friends, so I turned CNC which CNIB (Canadian National to animals for company.” Institute for the Blind) helped me Walking her dog became one of her with and I did the course in two years, greatest pleasures, she said. instead of one, going at my own speed. Learning to adapt to her vision You have to learn to be patient because impairment, good lighting was always everything takes longer when you have important. vision problems.” “Flourescent lights are best for me. For a long time, says Sokolowski, it Now that I’m older I like using 100was hard to admit – even to herself – watt light bulbs but in our energy-savthat she had limitations caused by her ing world, it’s hard to find them,.” Sokolowski moved to Prince George lack of vision. “I never acknowledged that I needed in 1990. At age 40, in addition to help. I’ve just coped with being visually her previously diagnosed ROP, she impaired all my life. The CNIB builddeveloped a cataract in her left eye. ing was on the way when I walked the Her eyesight has worsened, unlike an kids to the library but I’d walk an extra episode in 1988 where after having block just to avoid it. Then one day I surgery on her legs, she developed a just walked in.” severe headache attributed to acute Sokolowski met and was inspired angle glaucoma. by Ron McIvor, who is legally blind. “I was given eye drops and it was McIvor is known for his cross-country gone, just like that.” skiing and participates in Ski for Light These days she finds her eyes tire easily and she can’t be on the computer although a broken ankle will prevent for long. Still she loves new technology him from skiing in the event in Norway in March. and is taking a course offered at the “I got interested in the work CNIB library to help people with computer

was doing and became a volunteer.” She’s learned to use an iPad when she’s on the go and laptop computer when she’s at home. “I recently learned how to get music on my IPad so that was fun,” she said. “CNIB has tech people who come to Prince George who can help out with problems and answer questions.” Sokolowski originally joined the local White Cane Club (Canadian Council of the Blind) for support and served as volunteer and then president. Last week (Feb. 1 to 7) was officially White Cane Week. The Prince George chapter of the White Cane Club meets on the fourth Monday of each month from September to May at St. Giles Presbyterian Church. Guest speakers are always welcome to talk on topics of interest to members.

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Reierson makes flames from snow for Canada Games Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com Crystal Reierson has found a unique way to greet athletes and visitors to the 2015 Canada Winter Games. She has built two snow sculptures at the entrance to the CN Centre – a campfire and a giant moccasin and, in the background, an igloo wall. A member of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Khastan drummers, Reierson knows the important role the arts will play in the celebration of this historic event. “It’s the first time a First Nation has been chosen to host the Games and so I wanted to do something to represent that.” This is also the first time Reierson has made a snow sculpture. “The only thing I’ve ever made with snow before was a snowman,” she said, laughing. It was hard work but worth it, she said. And, as always, Mother Nature

dictated when the work could be done. “I wanted a prominent location The CN Centre helped me with the moccasin sculpture by plowing and piling snow into the area for me to work with. The last two snowfalls were dry, so I couldn’t really build anything but I lucked out with the last one. It took me 12 hours and I went home soaking wet afterwards but it was worth it.” Reierson said people assume that she’s being paid for creating the snow sculptures but in fact it is a labour of love. “I just wanted this to be a welcome for the athletes who come here,” she said. Sponsors helped the project get underway. “Target donated the colours (orange and red for the flames, brown for the logs). Central Builders supplied the sand to keep it all environmentally friendly. I am hoping that behind the igloo wall I can write a welcome message to our Prince George visitors.”

Crystal Reierson applies red food colouring to her campfire snow sculpture which is near the entrance to CN Centre on Monday.

Teresa MALLAM/ Free Press

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Elliott brings Elvis tribute back to city Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com Steve Elliott has what he calls a “gift of song.” The Elvis tribute artist will bring that gift when he performs his Elvis Elite show Friday and Saturday (Feb. 13 and 14) at the Royal Canadian Legion. After 35 shows in Prince George in the past decade (Legion shows will be number 36 and 37), Elliott never tires of performing live. His colourful shows feature professional lighting and stage effects and a roaming mike for audience interaction. As it is Valentine’s Day weekend, Elliott says there will be a lot of red and white in his costumes and – naturally – a heavy emphasis on love songs. And with the Elvis Presley music repertoire, there is no shortage of love songs. “I never use a song list. I’m an entertainer and I’m there for the them – the fans – not for me. If they are up there dancing, then I’ll put up the tempo a little bit, I give them what they want. Because it’s Valentine’s Day, the show will have more love songs

– such as Love Me Tender, Loving You, Can’t Help Falling in Love and ballads. I have 450 Elvis songs in my head so there’s lots to choose from.” Elliott’s mother, a very talented seamstress, has, since the start of his tribute artist career, made his elaborately detailed costumes (including the heavily sequined ‘Elvis in Las Vegas’ look). Elliott looks the part. From his jet black hair, grin to growl mannerisms he’s honed over time, the early Elvis gyrating stage movements of the 50s and his “toned down” 60s and 70s, all help to create the image he’s going for. “I have a gift of song and I’m lucky to be able to do this [for a living]. My shows are all different, I like to mix it up a bit. I’m always adding to my wardrobe and trying to come up with new things to thrill the crowd.” Elliott is also a busy recording artist. “I just finished another CD so I’ll bring some of those along to Prince George. When you do songs over and over again, you have to keep it fresh and exciting for the audi-

Courtesy Steve Elliott Elvis tribute artist Steve Elliott plays Prince George Feb. 13 and 14.

ence,” he said. Elliott wants the show to be reminiscent and respectful of the king of rock n’ roll but he emphasizes that he’s not trying to ‘be’ him. “It’s hard to live up to an image people have. That’s why I prefer to call myself a tribute artist,” says Elliott, who also performs tributes to Roy Orbison and other

legendary artists. Then there’s his own sound and music. “I’m not a copy-cat. I’m an artist and the audience is my canvas. I have picked up certain phrases and things I use just as Elvis picked up things he later used. He learned a lot of what he did at church performing in the choir and

watching the black preachers – they did all the body gyrations and hip shaking. Gospel music was what he began with and the rest came later.” The Lower Mainlandbased artist has been on his Elvis tribute journey 12 years now and he’s been gathering a solid fan base everywhere he goes.

“Prince George is a great community and I always like playing there,” he said. While he’s in the city this weekend, Elliott says he plans on taking in some of the 2015 Canada Winter Games activities and arts attractions. “I plan on watching some events and seeing what’s going on in town.”

Friday, February 13, 2015

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Ralph Allan (PG Accessibility Committee), left, Sharon Doerksen, LSD owner, Lorraine Young (Handy Circle), Ross Pullan (CNC Carpentry), Ken Biron (Accessiblity Committee) and Jean Allan (Ralph’s wife) celebrate a milestone as a portable ramp to assist people with mobility issues is set outside a downtown business on Tuesday.

Ramping it up downtown visitors to the Canada Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com Winter Games but Prince George welcomes athletes and

some downtown businesses will also be putting out the “welcome mat” for people in wheelchairs, mothers with strollers or the visually impaired with canes. Handy Circle Resource Society, a local organization that provides help for people with disabilities and special needs, has been working on a ramp project since 2011. On Tuesday, the ramps were installed at two downtown locations: Alison’s Embroidery and Gifts, and LSD and C Consignment Boutique. Ken Biron, facilitator of the local project, said in a press release this week that three more businesses have been added to the list of those who want to provide easier access to their store fronts. “We partnered with the carpentry department at CNC and instructor Vincent Ross Pullan in 2012 to have them designed

and built. We have five now and more can be built. The ramps are donated to the businesses free of charge and we would accept donations if offered.” Biron said the three they can give out at present are not subject to the city’s requirement of insurance proof and license because the ramps will not encroach on civic sidewalks. Future ramps will be given out once it is established that recipient businesses are complying with the city’s requirements. “The City of Prince George requires that recipient businesses name the City on their liability insurance and requires basically the same license as retailers who place open sandwich boards and open air tables on the sidewalk.” However, the City is waiving the fee for that license for Stopgap recipients. “Prince George is the first city in the country to include consultation with our city to this

level,” said Biron. The ramps cannot be left out unattended and must be brought in between each use, they are put out so a person can enter, then brought in between uses. “We are also introducing visibility features to make them easier to be seen by passing pedestrians and low-vision people, using the ramp which our national coordinator, Luke Anderson, says will be included in the master design. They will be uniquely Prince George, hopefully in time for the Games.” Stores will display a sign to let people know a Stopgap Ramp is available. “We are thinking of supplying a wireless doorbell to let retailers know when someone needs the ramps. The store’s number as well as device size and weight limitations will also be included on the sign.” For more information, visit www. stopgap.ca.

Bonspiel takes to the TNW stage Lauded for his previous performances here, popular actor William Vickers is back in Prince George. This time the gifted actor portrays Wullie in Theatre North West’s newest offering, The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon, by W. O. Mitchell. Known as a very versatile actor who is compelling both in his comedic and dramatic roles, Vickers is with a number of top-notch cast mates made up of both local and out of town actors. Storyline: MacCrimmon is a small-town shoemaker, a steady Presbyterian and a curling fanatic who would give anything to skip a championship rink. That’s right: anything. So Wullie’s not surprised when a sinister stranger drops by his shop to offer a diabolical deal. Ultimately,

MacCrimmon must curl to save his soul, battling the Prince of Darkness and his accursed team in a Black Bonspiel. In this classic Canadian comedy, only one thing is certain: Wullie and his team are in for a hell of a match. Other actors in the play include Stefano Giulianetti as O. Clutie, Kirk Smith as Reverend Pringle, Zarrah Holvick as Marie Antoinette, Nigel McInnis as Judas Iscariat, and Paul Herbert as Macbeth. Director is Robin Nichol. The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon by W.O. Mitchell runs Feb. 12 to March 4 starting at 8 p.m. with matinees on Feb. 22 and March 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are at Books and Company, phone 250614-0039.

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease of a 2015 Chevrolet Trax LS Air & Auto and Equinox LS FWD. Freight ($1,650) and PDI included. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and applicable taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. *Offer valid to eligible retail lessees in Canada who have obtained credit approval by and entered into a lease agreement with GM Financial, and who accept delivery from February 3 through March 2, 2015 of any new or demonstrator 2015 model year Chevrolet (except 2015 MY Chevrolet Colorado 2SA). City Express excluded at outset of program; will be eligible once residuals become available. General Motors of Canada will pay the first two bi-weekly lease payments as defined on the lease agreement (inclusive of taxes). After the first two bi-weekly payments, lessee will be required to make all remaining scheduled payments over the remaining term of the lease agreement. PPSA/RDPRM is not due. Consumer may be required to pay dealer fees. Insurance, license, and applicable taxes not included. Additional conditions and limitations apply. GM reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without prior notice. See dealer for details. †† Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickup models delivered in Canada between February 3 and March 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $750 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicle (except Colorado 2SA, Corvette, Camaro Z28, Malibu LS, Silverado 1500 and HD). Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any Pontiac/Saturn/SAAB/Hummer/Oldsmobile model year 1999 or newer car or Chevrolet Cobalt or HHR that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between February 3 and March 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive): $1,500 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicles (except Colorado 2SA, Corvette, Camaro Z28, and Malibu LS). Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GMCL dealer for details. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. † Based on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. > Based on WardsAuto.com 2012 Upper Small segment, excluding Hybrid and Diesel powertrains. Standard 10 airbags, ABS, traction control and StabiliTrak. ~ Requires compatible mobile device, active OnStar service and data plan. Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity may vary by model and conditions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on certain vehicles and in select markets. Customers will be able to access this service only if they accept the OnStar User Terms and Privacy Statement (including software terms). ¥ Lease based on a purchase price of $22,685/$26,435 (including $0/$1,000 lease credit and a $750 Owner Cash) for a 2015 Trax LS Air & Auto (1SA) and Equinox LS FWD (1SA). Bi-weekly payment is $119/$139 for 48 months at 0.5%/0.9% APR and includes Freight and Air Tax, on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometers limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $1,675/$1,600 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $14,039/$16,123, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $8,960/$10,980. Price and total obligation excludes license, insurance, registration, taxes, dealer fees, optional equipment. Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with other offers. See your dealer for conditions and details. General Motors of Canada Limited reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. ¥¥ Comparison based on 2013 Polk segmentation: Compact SUV and latest competitive data available and based on the maximum legroom available. Excludes other GM brands. ^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. ^^Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

driveway By Ian Harwood

The 2014 Nissan NV200 cargo van is a work van but you would never know it to look at it. Looks The NV200 has a very modern and European look to it. The signature Nissan grill, swept back front windshield, large side mirrors, and front windows that drop down low enough to make it comfortable to rest your arm. There are dual side doors that open and close with minimum effort, www.pgfreepress.com

which is important when loading and unloading all day long. Large body panels in place of rear glass, which gives it an excellent location for signage. The rear features large 40/60 split rear doors and again these are easy to open and close. In The Cab Much attention was given to designing the cab for functionality and comfort. The driver’s seat is a six-way adjustable with manual lumbar and armrest with vinyl wear patches sewn in which is

LOADED

LEASE EVENT

ELIGIBLE OWNERS

RECEIVE UP TO

7.0

LEASE FROM †

L/100km hwy

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AIR CONDITIONING POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, MIRRORS REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

Airbags

Safety >

BLUETOOTH ONSTAR 4G LTE WIFI ~ 17” ALUMINUM WHEELS SIRIUS XM SATTELITE RADIO

ALL 2015’s COME WITH CHEVROLET COMPLETE CARE:

Friday, February 13, 2015

a nice touch. The centre console acts like a mobile office with laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/ pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cup holders. There is additional storage under the passenger seat in the form of a tray. In addition the passenger seat folds down to provide a worktop surface. AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers. There is an optional Nissan navigation system, Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, rear-view monitor, and telematics pre wiring so you can install GPS tracking to keep an eye on your fleet. There are 20 integrated cargo mounting points to attach

LTZ MODEL SHOWN

2015 EQUINOX LS FWD

BASED ON A LEASE PRICE OF $26,435¥ WITH $1,600 DOWN. INCLUDES $750 OWNER CASH, $1,000 LEASE CASH, FREIGHT & PDI.

$139 @0.9%

YEARS/40,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY OIL CHANGES^

OFFERS END MARCH 2ND

YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ^^

shelving units so you don’t have to drill into the sheet metal. Floor mounted d-rings to help secure your load.

NV 200 Specifications Power There is a 2.0 litre, 16 valve DOHC 4 cylinder engine, 131 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque with an Xtronic CVT automatic transmission. Pump frequency 8.7/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway) Warranty support Basic coverage 3 years/ 60,000 km Powertrain 5 years/ 100,000 km Corrosion perforation 5 years/ unlimited km Sticker price: NV200 Compact cargo $22,748

4G LTE Wi-Fi ~

BI-WEEKLY FOR 48 MONTHS

YEARS/160,000 KM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ^^

Safety first Standard safety features include advanced airbag system, roof mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection, front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact air bags, vehicle dynamic control, and tire pressure monitoring system. Roadworthy I drove this vehicle downtown to pick up some parts and found it very easy to manouevre in busy traffic. The backup camera works very well

FULLY

WITH YOUR FIRST TWO BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS ON US*

$1,500 CASH IN OWNER

††

AIR & 2015 TRAX LS AUTO

LEASE FROM BI-WEEKLY FOR 48 MONTHS

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AIR CONDITIONING POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, MIRRORS

$119 @0.5%

BASED ON A LEASE PRICE OF $22,685¥ WITH $1,675 DOWN. INCLUDES $750 OWNER CASH, FREIGHT & PDI.

FULLY LOADED WITH THE FEATURES YOU WANT: ONSTAR 4G LTE WIFI ~ REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY 10 STANDARD AIR BAGS >

7.3

Chevrolet.ca

Call Wood Wheaton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac at 250-564-4466, or visit us at 2879 Hwy 16 West, Prince George. [License #9621] BLUETOOTH 1370L CARGO SPACE 1.4L TURBO ENGINE

†

L/100km hwy

Best-In-Class Rear Seat Leg Room¥ ¥ 4G LTE Wi-Fi ~

FULLY LOADED WITH THE FEATURES YOU WANT:

BEST-IN-CLASS REAR LEGROOM ¥ ¥ FUEL EFFICIENCY 7.3L/100KM HWY

LTZ AWD MODEL SHOWN

A work van with contemporary car looks and coupled with the side mirrors you can pretty much get into any tight area, with ease. Verdict Nissan has been involved in the work truck industry for a while now through products like the Titan and Frontier. With the addition of the NV, the NV200 and soon the NV200 electric vehicle, Nissan has become a force. Fleet managers and consumers all across the country are going to stand up and take notice. ian.harwood@drivewaybc.ca

Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Friday, February 13, 2015

www.pgfreepress.com

250.564.0005

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

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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

MAKE CA$H NOT TRASH Used Prince George .com BUY & SELL FREE!™

Announcements

Employment

In Memoriam Gifts

Information

Lost & Found

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

Lost -Short hair black female cat in the Heritage area. Missing since Jan30. Goes by Maggie. Call: 250 613-8321

Business Opportunities

Career Opportunities

THE DISABILITY Tax Credit. $1500 yearly tax credit. $15,000 lump sum refund (on avg). Covers: hip/knee replacements, back conditions and restrictions in walking and dressing. 1-844-453-5372.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

BC Cancer Foundation 1215 Lethbridge Street Prince George, BC V2N 7E9 Please include your name and mailing address for the tax receipt, the name of the person you’re remembering and the name and address of person to notify.

CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canada beneﬁt.ca/free-assessment

250.645.7300 ext. 687469

bccancerfoundation.com

www.pgfreepress.com

Employment Business Opportunities 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

Career Opportunities

Inside Sales Representative The Prince George Free Press is seeking a full time Inside Sales Representative to handle sales of Print and On-Line advertising and to manage an existing account list. This individual will work out of our Prince George office and will be responsible for building strong relationships with current clients, develop new business to increase revenue and perform to sales goals set by management. The position requires solid communication skills, creativity and attention to detail. Prior advertising knowledge and media experience are both a big plus, but not required. To qualify, you must be outgoing and driven to succeed. Other responsibilities include problem solving and the ability to multitask.

Career Opportunities

Educate Empower Employ

EXPANDING INTO PRINCE GEORGE!

Includes Training. Call Dave for Home Inspection Franchise Presentation. 1.855.301.2233 www.bc.abuyerschoice.com

Classiﬁeds Get Results!

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Career Opportunities

Courses In: • Tourism & Customer Care • Microsoft Ofﬁce Specialist • Light Warehouse Training • Sales & Service

If working in a positive, goal oriented team environment, with state of the art equipment appeals to you, submit your resume in conﬁdence to:

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE AVAILABLE

Ron Drillen, General Manager The Prince George Free Press 1773 South Lyon Street V2N 1T3 Fax: 250-562-0025 Email: publisher@pgfreepress.com AberdeenPublishing.com 778-754-5722

Outside Advertising Sales Representative Prince George Free Press

Description We are seeking a team player with a professional attitude to work and learn in a fast paced, business environment. Quali¿cations The ideal candidate must be motivated and take the initiative to sell multiple media products, including on-line advertising and special products, work with existing customers and develop new customers. Strong interpersonal skills and a strong knowledge of sales and marketing are required. Above average communication skills, valid driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle are necessary. If a rewarding challenge resonates with you, contact us today. Please submit your resume and cover letter to: Ron Drillen, General Manager Prince George Free Press 1773 South Lyon Street Prince George, B.C., V2N 1T3, Canada Tel: (250) 564-0005 Ext.115 Fax: (250) 562-0025 Email: publisher@pgfreepress.com AberdeenPublishing.com 778-754-5722

CALL TODAY 250.596.1575 Canadian Vocational Training Centre #201 - Victoria Street, Prince George

vocationaltrainingcentre.com

BAND MANAGER

Cooks Ferry Indian Band is seeking an energetic and self-motivated Band Manager who will take on a variety of challenges and opportunities and play an integral role in the continued strengthening of the vision for the Cooks Ferry community. Located in Spences Bridge, BC in the beautiful Nicola and Thompson River valleys, the Cooks Ferry Indian Band (CFIB) of the Nlaka’pamux Nation offers a wide range of recreational activities and outdoor adventures. With a proud history rich in culture and tradition, the community is building a promising future through cultural, social and economic development. Involved in the forest industry, mining, tourism and land management, CFIB is looking next to expand their economic development opportunities with capital projects that include housing construction and water system upgrades. Duties: Working closely with Chief and Council and staff, the successful candidate will: Ř 3rovide leadership over band programs and services including education, social services, health services, capital projects, housing, recreation, elders care, utilities, public works, and safety; Ř Bring ŵnancial expertise to the budgeting process and encourage sound policies and practices; Ř (stablish and maintain good relationships with other First Nations, governments, industry, and partners and develop service initiatives for Band members; Ř Foster the vision of the organi]ation, coach and mentor staff, and encourage employee training and development; and Ř Support Council goals and priorities. 4uDOiŵFDtiRQs: 3referred Tualiŵcations include the following: Ř <ou have a degree in commerce, economics, public administration or similar discipline, or eTuivalent education and experience; Ř $re an energetic person with demonstrated experience in strategic planning, inter-government relations, program management, project management, budgeting and human resource management; Ř +ave progressive leadership abilities and can work effectively in a team environment with Council, community members and staff; Ř +ave superior interpersonal skills; Ř +ave competent computer skills; Ř +ave strong knowledge of social and economic issues facing First Nations; Ř The ability to adapt to a rural, small community.

:e RIIeU DQ DttUDFtiYe sDODU\ DQG FRPPeQsuUDte ZitK e[SeUieQFe DQG TuDOiŵFDtiRQs 3UeIeUeQFe ZiOO Ee JiYeQ tR FDQGiGDtes ZitK DERUiJiQDO DQFestU\ ([SORUe tKis e[FitiQJ RSSRUtuQit\ E\ suEPittiQJ \RuU U«suP« tR: .DtUiQD (OOiRt )RuU &RUQeUs 0DQDJePeQt &RQsuOtiQJ katrina.elliot@4cmc.ca

www.pgfreepress.com

6838541

Well established business seeking highly motivated individual, who is passionate about design for our kitchen and bathroom design and sales department. The ideal Candidate would be creative, enthusiastic and have both, excellent problem solving and time management skills. Must have the ability to pay close attention to detail and build strong relationships with customers.

late ad

If you are dynamic with the willingness to learn, please bring your resume to: 2165 Ogilvie St. Prince George, B.C. Attention: Gordon Skye

PRINCE GEORGE NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE Our People make a difference in the community

Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Employment

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

HIGHWAY OWNER OPERATORS $3500 SIGNING BONUS Van Kam’s Group of Companies requires Highway linehaul Owner Operator 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.

Education/Trade Schools

SUTCO IS seeking U.S. qualiﬁed Class 1 Drivers, steady year round Super B Flat Deck work. We offer group health beneﬁts, matched contribution pension, e logs, and auto deposit pay. Apply on line at: sutco.ca/fax resume and abstract to (250)357-2009/call 1-888-357-2612 ext. 230

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 Filipino Cleaning Service is looking for commercial and residential cleaners. Must be hard working, honest and punctual to join our team email al.costelo@yahoo.com or call: 250 596-2433

Friday, February 13, 2015

Employment

Services

Medical/Dental

Financial Services

MEDICAL Transcriptionists are in huge demand! Train with the leading Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today 1-800-466-1535, www.canscribe.com or email: info@canscribe.com.

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

Services

Financial Services GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

PT MERCHANDISER wanted for retail visits. Hourly rate negotiable. Send resumes to: resumes@ devrew.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.

Education/Trade Schools

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. We are seeking candidates for the following position(s) within our organization: SMOKEHOUSE RESTAURANT & CATERING t )PTQJUBMJUZ $BUFSJOH -FBE Closing date: February 15th, 2015 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 postings, no telephone inquiries please. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Merchandise for Sale

TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Home Care MATURE lady available for housekeeping services, meal prep, shopping for seniors and bathing elderly ladies. (250) 961-0546 (Trina)

250-961-3612 or 250-964-4758 res

Our community newspaper located in the beautiful Thompson-Okanagan is seeking an editor. The successful applicant will work with the newsroom’s general assignment and sports reporters on story assignment and editing. The successful applicant will be responsible for producing six to eight stories per week, taking photographs to accompany those stories, writing columns and editorials, and editing the stories coming in from the reporter and columnists. The editor will also lay out the newspaper twice a week using Adobe InDesign and uploading the paper and photo galleries to the newspaper’s website and social media pages. The successful candidate will be community-oriented and have a serious interest in current events — locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and globally. This position is ideal for a candidate with at least two years of reporting experience wishing to gain editor experience in the ever-evolving world of journalism. Qualifications: The preferred candidate will be a self-starter with an accredited journalism degree who works efficiently on his or her own. The preferred candidate will also be highly organized and flexible in the hours she or he works in order to cover community events as they arise. The successful candidate will be committed to a high standard of writing and will be proficient in CP Style. Proficiency in InDesign and Photoshop are required, as are strong layout skills. Applicants must have their own transportation. Please send your resume to: Theresa Arnold - Publisher publisher @merrittherald.com Merritt Herald - 2090 Granite Ave. P.O. Box 9 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Tel: (250) 378 4241 Fax: (250) 378 6818

Zellstoff Celgar operates a World Class1,500 tonne/day modern bleach kraft pulp mill located in Southeastern BC. This market kraft operation is committed to being its customers preferred supplier of customized pulp while maintaining its responsible position within the community.

GRAIN SCREENING PELLETS

Call 250.567.8780

Rentals

Merchandise for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

Pets & Livestock

Feed & Hay

Houston

Winter Tires For Sale 195/70 R14 Hankook tires & rims. 5 Bolt for Ford Ranger. Driven less than 100 km. $375.00 2505643194

FIREWOOD Driest wood in town split & delivered.$200/cord (250)9642020.

Misc. for Sale For Sale -135 Gallon aquarium with stand $700.00 Call :250 563-5565

Presently we are seeking applicants for the position of Forestry Supervisor. You will play a key role in securing the required volume of chips and pulpwood to operate the Zellstoff Celgar pulp mill. You possess a vision that sees our sustainable public resource utilized to its maximum potential. In this regard, you will be given an opportunity to participate in the research and development of key innovations that contribute to Celgar’s long term fibre supply strategies.

DVD RENTAL business. Selling due to illness. Fully stocked $5500.00 OBO. www.tigressevideorentals.mydvdkiosks.net 250-5420743

STEEL FABRICATING SHOP FOR SALE Fully equipped steel fabricating shop. Price includes all machinery, equipment and inventory. For photos and equipment list visit www.nechakosteel.ca Retirement Sale $160,000 OBO 1994 S Quinn St, Prince George Call: 250 562-8851

$400 & Under

Working together to be the best for our communities, our environment…our future!

Private Collector Looking to Buy Coin Collections, Silver, Antiques, Native Art, Estates + Chad: 778-281-0030 Local

Business for Sale

Firewood/Fuel Editor - Merritt Herald Merritt, BC

Misc. Wanted

WINTER MAINTANCE SNOW & GARBAGE REMOVAL Call Pal:

KWIKAUCTIONS.COM online-only weekly New/Used Restaurant & Commercial Food Equipment Auctions. Every auction ends Thursday night beginning @ 6pm (PST) View our website www.KwikAuctions.com for catalog & inventory pictures Preview our auction ﬂoor in person 9am- 4pm, Mon-Fri - 7305 Meadow Ave, Burnaby (604-299-2517)

Trades, Technical

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.

Real Estate

Auctions

Trades, Technical

Misc. for Sale SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - 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.

Landscaping

Delivery available to Williams Lake.

Trades, Technical

Midtowne

• 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

To Rent Call:

250-561-1447 1 bdrm. apt. $590. 2 bdrm. apt. $710. Includes heat & h/w 1601 Queensway St. 250-612-7199 HILLSBOROUGH Apts Newly updated, spacious 3 bdrm suite. Clean, quiet, secure entrance. Close to schools and College No Pets. Includes H/W Utilities extra. Available Immed.

Phone 250-596-4555

JUBILEE Apt’s

Fridge $100 Glider Chair $10 5 Drawer white wardrobe $50. Cedar chest $10 Bread machine $25 778-281-1010

1 bedroom Adult orientated, close to downtown & bus route. N/S, N/P. Parking.

Trades, Technical

Call: (250) 562-7172

Reporting to the Fibre Manager, your past experience demonstrates a commitment for yourself and those around you to work safely. You have a RPF/RFT designation or eligible to register with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. Your experience includes: • • • • • • •

Supervision of forestry operations A working knowledge of the SAFE companies program and provincial forestry safety Fibre procurement in the BC Interior A working knowledge of the BC Timber Sales program A working knowledge of the chain of custody and fibre certification programs A working knowledge of quality control monitoring systems for roundwood and chips Excellent communication skills and the ability to negotiate with suppliers, customers, contractors, and associated government agencies

Zellstoff Celgar is just minutes from Castlegar, BC in the West Kootenay region. To apply for this position, please Email your CV to: jo-anne.shea@celgar.com (Apologies in advance; only those considered for an interview will be contacted)

JOB OPPORTUNITY Maintenance Superintendent The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is seeking applications for Maintenance Superintendents at the Pinkut Creek Salmon Spawning Channel project and the Kitimat River Hatchery. Applications can be made online at www.psc-cfp.gc.ca or contact Markus Feldhoff, Watershed Enhancement Manager, Kitimat River Hatchery, Box 197, Kitimat, BC, V8C 2G7 ph: 250-639-9888 / fax: 250-639-9220. Closing date for applications is midnight, February 16, 2015. Applications by mail cannot be postmarked any later than February 16, 2015.

Prince George - CLASSIFIEDS - Free Press

Friday, February 13, 2015

Rentals

Transportation

Legal

Apt/Condo for Rent

Scrap Car Removal

Legal Notices

Pine Grove Apts

Phone 250-563-2221

FREE SCRAP CAR REMOVAL

SUMMIT APTS

P&R 250-963-3435

Clean 1 & 2 bdrm apts available

Student incentives No Pets

within 15 km

2666 Upland Street 1 & 2 bedroom apts. Rent includes: hydro, heat, hot water, appliances, drapes and parking. Quiet, no pets

Email: prﬂeet@telus.net MEMBER OF AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLER’S

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC.

250-564-3162

“DO’IN IT RIGHT”

Commercial/ Industrial

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

Be ﬁrst to add to the story or read what your neighbour thinks. Be a part of your community paper. Comment online.

In the Matter of Part 3.1 (Administrative Forfeiture) of the Civil Forfeiture Act [SBC 2005, C. 29] the CFA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: On January 23, 2015, at the 4200 block of Highway 16 West, Prince George, B.C., Peace Officer(s) of the Prince George RCMP seized, at the time indicated, the subject property, described as: a 2003 Honda Pilot, BCLP: AF079W, VIN: 2HKYF18503H005696, on or about 06:30 Hours. The subject property was seized because there was evidence that the subject property had been used in the commission of an offence (or offences) under section 5(2) (Possession for purpose of trafficking) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada; section 354(1) (Possession of property obtained by crime) of the Criminal Code of Canada. Notice is hereby given that the subject property, CFO file Number: 2015-2647, is subject to forfeiture under Part 3.1 of the CFA and will be forfeited to the Government for

disposal by the Director of Civil Forfeiture unless a notice of dispute is filed with the Director within the time period set out in this notice. A notice of dispute may be filed by a person who claims to have an interest in all or part of the subject property. The notice of dispute must be filed within 60 days of the date upon which this notice is first published. You may obtain the form of a notice of dispute, which must meet the requirements of Section 14.07 of the CFA, from the Director’s website, accessible online at www. pssg.gov.bc.ca/civilforfeiture. The notice must be in writing, signed in the presence of a lawyer or notary public, and mailed to the Civil Forfeiture Office, PO Box 9234 Station Provincial Government, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J1.

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UNBC in playoffs, but questions remain

Timberwolves could be hosting first round of playoffs in Kamloops Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com The UNBC Timberwolves men’s basketball team knows they’re in the Canada West playoffs. And that’s about all they know right now. “If we take care of business,” coach Todd Jordan says, “we can finish second.” Or they can finish third. And they could ‘host’ a playoff series in Kamloops, or be on the road to any one of about seven different schools. The T’wolves clinched a playoff spot in the Pioneer Division when they split with division leaders University of Fraser Valley on the weekend at the Northern Sport Centre. However, they won’t know if they will finish second or third in the division until after this weekend’s games. UNBC are in Kelowna to play UBC-Okanagan, while Thompson Rivers, tied with UNBC at 10-8, travels to play Fraser Valley. Jordan isn’t taking anything for granted this weekend in Kelowna. “They’re no slouch. We

can’t be looking past them.” The Timberwolves will need to better TRU’s results this weekend to finish ahead of them, since the Kamloops school holds the tiebreaker over UNBC. The Timberwolves might not even know their fate until the day after they finish the regular season. “We’re playing in Kelowna on Thursday and Friday, which is kind of different,” Jordan says. “My understanding is they are using their gym for volleyball on Saturday, so we can’t play them.” The Timberwolves may not be back in Prince George for a while, either. If they finish third in the division, they will host a play-in series Feb. 20 and 21 against a team from the Pioneer Division. “We won’t be able to play in our gym,” Jordan says, “because of the Canada Winter Games. So we’ll go back to Kamloops after the games in Kelowna, and possibly practice there all week, then play our playoff games there.” He admits he has no idea who the Timberwolves could end up playing in the

first round of the playoffs. “Between the chances of us finishing second or third and the tight standings in

the other division, I think we could end up playing almost any one of those teams.”

Going into the final weekend of the Canada West regular season, the Pioneer Division standings see Sas-

katchewan and Victoria at 13-5; Alberta, Calgray and UBC at 12-6; and Winnipeg at 11-7.

Courtesy UNBC Athletics Billy Cheng of the UNBC Timberwolves drives to the hoop against Fraser Valley on Saturday at the Northern Sport Centre. The Timberwolves split the weekend series against the division-leading Cascades, clinching a Canada West playoff spot.

Timberwolves women’s team looking to get split in final games of season Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com It was a tale of two games for the UNBC womens basketball team on the weekend. Hosting the Fraser Valley Cascades in their final home games of the season at the Northern Sport Centre, the Timberwolves put up a good fight in the first

game before falling 88-75, The second game, though, was all Cascades as the grabbed an early lead and coasted to an 85-51 win. “We couldn’t show our game in the second game,” UNBC coach Sergey Shchepotkin said. “Maybe the girls were so happy with their performance on Friday.” He was much happier with the team’s play on Friday, despite the loss. “We showed some of the stuff we’ve

been working on all year.” On Friday, Shcehpotkin saw a couple of good performances. “Our rookies played well. Hannah Pudlas had a very good game, and so did Sarah Buckingham “I didn’t see any really good games from anyone on Saturday.” The Timberwolves are wrapping up their season this weekend in Kelowna against UBC-Okanagan. Shchepotkin says

the two teams are fairly even. “We split with them up here. We’re pretty much at the same level. They’re a little older, but we’ve got a good chance to have a good weekend.” The teams played Thursday night, and wrap up the season tonight. After Saturday’s game, graduating players Kellieanne Fluit and Sarah Robin were recognized for their contributions to the team over the past seasons.

Trade is building stronger communities. As Canadian athletes unite to link experience to excellence, the Port of Prince Rupert is proud to be growing opportunities and prosperity by connecting the communities of northern BC. Watch and share our video tribute to the workers and families of BC’s gateway industry: youtube.com/rupertport.

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Warren HENDERSON/Black Press Prince George Cougars goalie Ty Edmunds makes a stop on Justin Kirkland of the Kelowna Rockets in Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game in Kelowna. The Rockets won the game 5-2.

Cougars stay on the road Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com

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Calgary. The Prince George Cougars goalie stopped 49 of the 52 shots he faced in regulation time and overtime, making sure the Cougars got out of town with a point after they lost in a shootout which went five rounds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edmonds was unbelievable the whole 60 minutes,â&#x20AC;? assistant coach Roman Vopat said on the post-game radio show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;he was the whole reason we got a point here.â&#x20AC;? That point gave the Cougars 46 on the season, with 55 games played. They are two points behind the Kamloops Blazers for fourth place in the B.C. Division and three behind

the Vancouver Giants. The top three teams in each division make the Western Conference, along with two wild-card teams. The Cougars are currently nine points behind the Tri-City Americans for the final wild-card spot. Vopat said the game Saturday showed the Cougars are learning how to play more disciplined hockey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hitmen like to throw the body around, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to get caught up in that style of game. But we played a disciplined game and stuck to the game plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole team played hard for 60 minutes.â&#x20AC;? Before the game, coach Mark Holick had

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trip in Medicine Hat tonight and Red Deer Friday before travelling to Edmonton to play the Oil Kings on Monday afternoon. It will be the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second straight Monday afternoon game, with ALberta marking Families Day this Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little different playing an afternoon game,â&#x20AC;? hHolick says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to change your preparations for the game, change the pre-game meal time, stuff like that.â&#x20AC;? After the Edmonton game, the Cougars are back at CN Centre for a game Feb. 21 against Moose Jaw.

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also stressed the importance of discipline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take penalties. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been saying that all year long. We did well against Kelowna to start with (a 5-2 loss Monday), but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give that good a team four more power-play chances.â&#x20AC;? He said he and the rest of the coaches couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pinpoint a reason for the excess penalties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes you end up on the wrong side of the guy and you feel you have to use the stick to make the play. Sometimes long shifts play into it. Your legs are tired and you cant keep up.â&#x20AC;? The Cougars continue their Alberta road

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1 659 Nicholson St 250-563-4828 Allan WISHART/Free Press Emily Holmes of the Duchess Park Condors brings the ball upcourt against the College Heights Cougars in the girls’ City League championship game Tuesday at Duchess Park. The Condors downed the Cougars 83-28 to take the title, while the boys’ game saw PGSS beat Duchess Park 94-84.

Kings take to road “Coquitlam is a highscoring team. They allanw@pgfreepress.com come down and they fire shots from everyFor the Prince where. We stopped George Spruce Kings, playing late Friday and the math is fairly they got two goals in simple. the last minute. “Were four points “We need to play the behind Langley (for full 60 minutes. If that second place),” coach game had been closer, Dave Dupas said before the outcome might Thursday’s game in have been different.” Langley, “and we play Saturday, the Kings them four of our last saw a 4-2 lead in the eight games. second period become “That’s where we find a 5-4 deficit before the out where frame was we end up.” finished. The “We Kings got into went into penalty Thursday’s trouble in game on a that game. high after We have to beating the stay out of Coquitlam the penalty Express box. twice at the “We COACH Coliseum can’t afDAVE DUPAS ford to be on the weekend. While the shorthanded with the scores of 6-4 (Friday) short bench we have and 7-5 (Saturday) right now.” might not look imThe Spruce Kings pressive, Dupas was gave up more shots generally happy with than they had been, the team. and Dupas said that has

Allan Wishart

to change, but accepts the fact that Coquitlam takes a lot of shots. That style, though, creates chances for the other team as well. “They play a loose defensive style. We could pick off passes or block shots and create our own chances, and we did.” Coquitlam had the top two scorers in the league coming into the weekend in Corey Mackin and Brett Supinski, and Dupas credits one line in particular with slowing them down. “We put Brogan O’Brien, Braiden Epp and Jarryd Leung out against them every chance we got, and I think that line only got one even-strength goal. Our line got some scoring too, so it worked out well.” Tonight the Kings are playing Cowichan Valley, then travel to Victoria for a game Saturday. “The Island trip is never easy for us,”

Dupas said. “Cowichan Valley has had a tough year, but they’re getting better, and we haven’t beat Victoria in their building for a couple of years.” The Kings are home for a few days early next week before heading back to the Lower Mainland for another three-game weekend. Their next home games are Feb. 27 and 28 against Langley, the last games of the regular season.

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Allan WISHART/Free Press Katie Young of the Female Midget A Cougars cuts between a pair of Terrace defenders in recent action at the CN Centre. The Cougars took two of the three games the teams played on the weekend.

Midget female team doing well Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com It’s been a learning experience for one of the city’s newest hockey teams. The Female Midget A Cougars are in their first year, and manager Barry Rofles says it’s been a good year. “There were enough players registered this year to have a team, so we decided to go ahead. “We’re progressing. There are a lot of good players, but they haven’t played together at this level.” Getting games has proven to be a bit of a problem, with the only other team in the Cariboo Division being Williams Lake, so the Cougars have looked west. Their most recent games were two weekends ago, when they hosted Terrace for three games. “We played Terrace before at a tournament in Kelowna, and lost to them. This time, we won the first two

games and lost the third.” The Cougars have also played Williams Lake nine times so far this season, winning two and tying two. “At the beginning of the season,” Rofles says, “they dominated the games, but now we’re a lot closer.” Things are also looking good for the future for the Cougars, with just two players currently in their final year of eligibility, and about half the team being in their first year. The Cougars are back on the ice this weekend in Williams Lake for the divisional playoffs. They play tonight (Friday) and tomorrow, with a third game Sunday if necessary. After that, they head to Terrace for a pair of games next weekend, then are basically off until mid-March. “If we beat Williams Lake this weekend,” Rofles says, “we’ll be in the provincials in Penticton from March 16 to 20. If we don’t, we’re set to play in a tournament in Richmond that week.”

Gymnasts busy on two fronts Members of the Prince George Gymnastics Club had a busy weekend competing at a gymnastics meet in Quesnel and a trampoline competition in Burnaby. In Quesnel, at the Gold Pan Invitational, a number of local gymnasts pulled in good performances. The Level 1 and 2 gymnasts were competing in their first meet of the season, and did well. In Level 1 (9

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and under), Gyongyi Kiraly was third in the all around, Annikah Finlayson was fourth, Marsha Chunihina was fifth and Eliana Walker was sixth. In the Level 1 (10 and over), Aiden Guignard-Adanic was second, Madison Willier was third and Delaney Soares was fourth. In Level 2, Kaylie Owston was first and Tanna Savident was second. In Level 3 (11 and under), Katrina Chunihina was second, Mataya Auxi was third, Kaitlyn Muir was fourth and Sadie Bricker was fifth. In Level 3 (12 and over), Paige Bryant was first. In Level 4, Kaylee Oberg was first. For Level 6 (11 and under), Sydney Hamilton was first, Farrah Normand was seventh and Rachel Massey was eighth. Level 6 (12 and over) saw Dallyn Long placed fourth, Samantha

Thomas fifth, Hannah Gould sixth and Kayla Hanson seventh. Shannon Fairservice and Madeline Temoin both competed in the vault only. At Level 7, Jade Jacobs was third. There were also a number of participants in the Inter-Club recreational program. In Burnaby, Caleb Emon was seventh in double mini for 10 and under, Ally Steindl as ninth in double mini for Level 2 (13 and under). Caroline Kinnee was third in double mini and sixth in trampoline and Reagen Shaw-Bowers was seventh in double and ninth in trampoline for Level 2 (14 and over). In Level 3 (15 and over), Brook-Lynn Kinnee was first on double and fifth on trampoline, while Anna MacDonald was eighth on double and fourth on trampoline.

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Canada Winter Games are finally here And the winner is…. Prince welcome the nation. Prince George George. is a proud host which means get It seems like last month but it out the fine china from the dining was nearly 4 ½ years ago when room cabinet, the red carpet, and B.C. Premier Gordon a well-rounded menu Campbell announced with the understanding in downtown Vancouthis is a well-organized ver, at the site of the party larger than any 2010 Olympic torch, sport, individual or that the City of Prince business. George won the bid to Most local residents host the 2015 Canada will have a connecWinter Games. High tion to these Games fives were witnessed which helps bring the throughout the city community together. of P.G. from men, There are a handful HART BEAT women and children from Prince George HARTLEYMILLER who will compete (19), of all ages, all incomes and all ethnic backthere are the many who grounds. Yes, Prince George took will volunteer (in excess of 4,000), great delight to beat out Kamloops and there are thousands who will and Kelowna in the 15-month bid either attend the sports, and/or the process. many festivals and entertainment. Now, here we are on another If one is not among the above, memorable Friday, which happens surely they will know someone to be the lucky 13 of February, who is. 2015 and the Games are ready to Topics like the weather, gas begin with what certainly will be a prices, taxes, politics, the Vanspectacular Opening Ceremonies couver Canucks and P.G. Cougars tonight at CN Centre. have broad appeal, but the Games The Games will be the largest are a rallying point where youth, multi-sport and cultural event teens, adults and seniors band to ever be held in Prince George together each enjoying this unique and northern B.C. making this experience. truly a once in a lifetime experiThe key word is “fun”. There will ence. Over the next 2 ½ weeks be glitches, frustrations, emotions until March 1, P.G. will play host of highs and lows all of which to approximately 2,400 athletes, needs to be kept in context. If 1,000 coaches, team managers and the hosts are having an enjoyable officials, in addition to hundreds time, that surely will rub off on the of media and thousands of visitors. guests. To this end, Prince George Prince George has the opporturesidents are feeling a sense of nity to make that first impression pride, gratification and honor to on many first-time visitors to the

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city and it’s a virtual certainty the response will be positive. It’s Northern hospitality and when it comes to a helping hand, the vast majority of P.G. residents have always been top notch. The athletes (ranging in age from 12-35) are set, the facilities are ready and the sports are in place The competitiveness and pursuit of the podium is a focal point; however, the wide variety of non-sports entertainment each day will be an integral part that will make these Games historic, Allan WISHART/Free Press memorable and sucLead Rhonda Camozzi, second Jen Rusnell, third Kristen Fewster cessful. and skip Patti Knezevic prepare to drop the puck between Prince George will Edmonton Oil Kings captain Ashton Sautner, left, and Prince receive unprecedented George Cougars captain Sam Ruopp on Saturday at CN Centre. The Cougars also donated $2,000 to help with the rink’s expenstelevision exposure es as they open play at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on with part of this Saturday in Moose Jaw. recognition to focus on Patti Knezevic and begins Saturday in Moose every part of the country. her Prince George provincial Jaw. This weekend, one TSN Let the Games begin! championship women’s curling channel will put the spotlight Hartley Miller is the sports team including third Kristen on the Canada Winter Games director and morning news Fewster, second Jen Rusnell while another channel will fol- anchor for 94.3 the Goat. He and lead Rhonda Camozzi. For low the fortunes of Knezevic’s also writes for myprincegeorgethe first time in 21 years (Difoursome at the Scotties. now.com. Send along a quote, anne Dalio in 1994), P.G. will An old cliché is to “enjoy the note, or anecdote to hmiller@ have a rink that will represent moment.” The “Welcome” sign thegoatrocks.ca B.C. at the National Scotties is up for all out of town athFollow him on twitter: @ Tournament of Hearts which letes, visitors and guests from Hartley_Miller

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FEBRUARY 2015

GAMES:

Keeping a handle on 4,500 volunteers

GAMES TIME The 2015 Canada Winter Games kick off in Prince George Feb. 13 Photo courtesy of the 2015 Canada Winter Games

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Gearing up for the Games Getting 4,500 volunteers ready for 18 days of fun Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com It’s a daunting task. Keeping track of 4,500 volunteers, even in the volunteer capital that is Prince George, is a tough job. That’s the job Christine Nicholls has at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, along with handing registration and accreditation. And it’s a job she’s been doing, at other major events, for 18 years. Her official title here is manager, volunteer workforce, 2015 Canada Winter Games. Last week they were just shy of 4,500 volunteers, but Nicholls is confident they will have enough for the Games, which get underway two weeks from today. “What we’re going through right now is a scheduling process,” she said. “… We definitely have the people, it’s just getting Bill PHILLIPS/Free Press the shifts filled.” Christine Nicholls, who has the job of coordinating the 4,500 volunteers for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, shows off the organizaThe challenge is to match up tional chart for the Games. people with the times they are Nicholls said they are still job moves from finding and oravailable, the times they are R U N • S K I • S W I M • A P PA R E L looking for transportation drivganizing volunteers, to managing needed, and the skills they have. ers, so if you have a clean driver’s the volunteers and dealing with 5 And that changes from day-toabstract (not a lot of points and whatever issues may come up. day and person-to-person. That no impaired charges), they have Nicholls has been down this shuffling will keep Nicholls and work for you. road before, working at coordicrew of a couple of helpers busy Nicholls said while Prince nating volunteers for large events right up until the games get George is the volunteer capital such as the World Junior Hockey underway. of Canada, perhaps surprisingly, Championships, the World PoThere is also still time to get there are people from out-oflice and Fire Games, Grey Cups, involved and volunteer for the town who come here specifi cally and Molson Indy races. games. to volunteer. “The reason I keep doing “There’s something for evAnd, as one can imagine, keepvolunteer workforce is because erybody,” she said. “If you like ing track of all the volunteers is that’s where the magic happens,” working with people, there are not an easy task. she said. tons of jobs that will allow you “It’s crazy,” Nicholls said. “Un“As much as there’s crazy to interact with the public. If you less you’ve done it before, you things that happen in my job, I don’t like working with people, have no idea the mayhem we’re can easily say that I’m very forwe have tons of jobs where you in right now … We’re one big tunate because what I deal with don’t have to talk to a lot of peosnowball, and it’s coming quick. ” most is people’s goodwill. They’re ple at all. If you like you building While the community waits volunteering and they’re bringing things, working with your hands, for the Games to get underway, their goodwill to the table and we have tons of things that need for Nicholls the bulk of her work saying ‘I want to help. ’ There’s not to be built and installed. If IT is happens before the Games even a lots of jobs where the commodyour thing, we have a huge IT start. Once the Games start, her ity you’re working in is goodwill. ” network that needs to be built and supported. If you’re a photographer, we have roles for that. “There literally is Phone something for everyOrders Ms. Lorea’s offers both the full body. We just need to W elcome Esthetic and Nail Technology Children & Adult know who you are, diploma program. what you want to do Ski Packages and you’re availability.” * Certiﬁcates for speciﬁc modules Available! They had put a * Start anytime deadline of December * Fully accredited with PCTIA 31 for volunteering, but and BBB that was to enable time NOW OFFERING for the games to do a Microdermabrasion/ criminal record check cold laser treatments on volunteers. If you have had a criminal reN P cord check done within S C the last year, the Games 15 A will accept it. If you still X V S &G S 17 A V want to volunteer, but haven’t had a criminal record check done, they Tuppy Hoehn Shayne Hoehn Cory Watts can slot you into a volunteer position where a 1655A 15th Ave. Prince George (Across from Parkwood Mall) criminal record check is www.msloreas.ca 3 www.strideandglide.ca • 1-866-612-4754 • 250-612-4754 not required.

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“On some of the courses they’ll be running, more snow is better. We have worldclass course designers at all the venues, so we’re in a good position. “The recent weather and the forecast has taken the pressure off the contingency plans, for the most part.”

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event a few weeks ago, and the track held up. The capital work we invested in there paid off.” As for other outdoor venues, including Purden, Tabor and Otway, Beaulieu says none of them would mind a bit more snow, especially closer to Games time.

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that decision until Feb. 14 or 15, just before the event starts.” However, the weather would probably have to be quite bad (as far as the oval is concerned) for that decision to be made. “They had warm weather during the test

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Free Press file photo Joel Ewert of Prince George closes in on Erin Higgins of Richmond as she attempts to capture the flag in one of the training drills the Team BC wheelchair basketball team did during a camp at Duchess Park Secondary in October.

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It started in January 2013 at Tabor Mountain. It finished late last month at the College of New Caledonia. In between, every sport and every venue which will be part of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, starting in just over a week, was put through a test event. “In general,” says Phil Beaulieu, manager of sport and venues for the Games, “the test events did what they were designed to do. They trained minor officials, they provided more experience in some cases for major officials, they gave a chance to see the venues in competition mode. “The success gave the technical delegates for the different sports a good comfort level for the Games.” There were some concerns expressed about the Outdoor Ice Oval, the venue for the long-track speed skating, but Beaulieu says it’s one of their least challenging venues. “We have a lot of flexibility with the outdoor oval. As long as the temperatures are cold enough at night for them to do any maintenance, there shouldn’t be any problems. “We have bad-weather days built into the sating schedule if we need them, and the oval is lit, so we can skate later at night or earlier in the morning. If we have to, we can start races at 4 or 5 a.m.” He said the organizing committee is prepared if the weather does turn bad for the oval. “We can go to the indoor oval at Fort St. John if necessary, and we don’t have to make

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B.C. to restore BCUC authority Tom Fletcher Black Press The B.C. government has promised to restore the B.C. Utilities Commission’s independent role in setting electricity rates and add more full-time commissioners to help them do it. Energy Minister Bill Bennett released an independent review of the commission last week, and said the government intends to implement all 35 recommendations. Authority over setting BC Hydro rates for commercial and residential customers won’t be restored until 2017, after Bennett and Premier Christy Clark stepped in to cap rate increases in 2013. The review comes after the government exempted bigticket projects from BCUC review, including the Site C dam on the Peace River, the wireless electricity meter system and a new transmission line to northwest B.C. that ran $300 million over the original budget. Bennett announced the government directive on BC Hydro rates after the 2013 election, with a 10-year plan that increases rates 28 per cent over five years. He acknowledged at the time that rate increases were being kept low using a “rate smoothing” account that defers more than $1 billion of the utility’s debt. BC Hydro rates are to increase six per cent this year under the province’s directive, and then be capped at four per cent for the two years after that. “After the first five years of the 10-year plan they [BCUC] will be back in charge of setting rates,” Bennett said ThursBC Hydro day. Reconstruction of the Ruskin Dam in the Lower Mainland is one of the major capital projects that are pushNDP energy critic Adrian Dix said the B.C. Liberal ing up BC Hydro rates and debt. government has been overruling and sidelining the BCUC since 2003 when it directed BC Hydro to buy power from the independent review in November and held onto it until energy policy and direct the BCUC on specific isprivate producers. He said its political intervention on risafter the government had announced its decision to proceed sues. But the report adds that the government should ing BC Hydro rates is designed to continue holding down with construction of the Site C dam. define those policies well in advance and “then leave rate increases until after the 2017 election. The review panel and the regulated utilities agreed the commission to act independently within its manDix said it’s also no coincidence that Bennett received that the government has authority to set provincial date.”

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Design flaw cause of breach A design flaw led to the catastrophic breach of a tailings pond at Mount Polley Mine last summer. That is the conclusion of an independent review panel tasked with investigating the cause of the August 4 failure, which resulted in the release of 17 million cubic metres of water and eight million cubic metres of tailings into Hazeltine Creek, Polley and Quesnel Lakes. The review panel said evidence indicates the breach was the result of a failure in the foundation of the embankment, a failure that occurred in a glaciolacustrine (GLU) layer of the embankment’s foundation. According to the panel’s report: “The panel concluded that the dominant contribution to the failure resides in the design. The design did not take into account the complexity of the sub-glacial and pre-glacial geological environment associated with the perimeter embankment foundation. As a result, foundation investigations and associated site characterization failed to identify a continuous GLU layer in the vicinity of the breach and to recognize that it was susceptible to undrained failure when subject to the stresses associated with the embankment.”

The report also indicated that the failure was triggered by construction of the downstream rockfill zone at a steep slope. The panel concluded that had the downstream slope been flattened failure would have been avoided. The slope was in the process of being flattened to meet its ultimate design criteria at the time of the accident. In its report, the panel also concludes that there was no evidence that the failure was due to human intervention or overtopping of the perimeter embankments and that piping and cracking, which is often the cause of the failure of earth dams, was not the cause of the breach. In regard to regulatory oversight, the panel found that inspections of the tailings storage facility would not have prevented failure. The panel made seven recommendations to improve practice and reduce the potential for future failures. Recognizing that the path to zero failures involves a combination of best available technology (BAT) and best applicable practices (BAP), the Panel recommends the following: 1) To implement best available technology using a phased ap-

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Courtesy Ministry of Environment The tailings dam at Mount Polley mine has been modified since the Aug. 4 breach to contain further flow of tailings into Quesnel Lake.

proach: a. For existing tailings impoundments. Rely on best practices for the remaining active life. b. For new tailings facilities. Best available technology should be actively encouraged for new tailings facilities at existing and proposed mines. c. For closure. Best available technology principles should be applied to closure of active impoundments so that they are progressively removed from the inventory by attrition. 2) To improve corporate governance: Corporations proposing to operate a tailings storage facility (TSF) should be required to be a member of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) or be obliged to commit to an equivalent program for tailings management, including the audit function. 3) To expand corporate design commitments: Future permit applications for a new TSF should be based on a bankable feasibility that would have considered all technical, environmental, social and economic aspects of the project in sufficient detail to support an investment decision, which might have an accuracy of +/- 10-15 per cent. More explicitly it should contain the following: a. A detailed evaluation of all potential failure modes and a management scheme for all residual risk b. Detailed cost/benefit analyses of best available technology tailings and closure options so that economic effects can be understood, recognizing that the results of the cost/benefit

analyses should not supersede BAT safety considerations 4) To enhance validation of safety and regulation of all phases of a TSF: Increase utilization of Independent Tailings Review Boards. 5) To strengthen current regulatory operations: a. Utilize the recent inspections of TSFs in the province to ascertain whether they may be at risk due to the following potential failure modes and take appropriate actions i. Undrained shear failure of silt and clay foundations ii. Water balance adequacy iii. Filter adequacy b. Utilize the concept of Quantitative Performance Objectives to improve regulator evaluation of ongoing facilities. 6) To improve professional practice: Encourage the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) to develop guidelines that would lead to improved site characterization for tailings dams with respect to the geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological and possibly seismotectonic characteristics. 7) To improve dam safety guidelines: Recognizing the limitations of the current Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines incorporated as a statutory requirement, develop improved guidelines that are tailored to the conditions encountered with TSFs in British Columbia and that emphasize protecting public safety.

Government responds to report Tom Fletcher Black Press The Mount Polley mine dam failed because of an overlooked glacial material layer in the foundation and a series of steep additions that eventually overcame it, an independent engineering review has concluded. “Basically the weight of the dam was too much for the weak materials in the foundation to bear,” said U.S. consulting engineer Steven Vick, one of three experts called in to examine the failure that caused the dam to breach and fail in August 2014. The report concludes that the concrete-like glacial till material in the base of the dam wasn’t understood in enough detail when the dam was designed and built in 1997. Later raising of the dam to hold more water and tailings weakened the base layer and led to the failure. Vick said the additions to the dam were built at

a steeper slope than the original dam, and plans to buttress the area were delayed until it was too late. Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett said the report shows there were no warning signs, and no surface inspections could have detected the problem that was overlooked in the design and original construction. Two more investigations of the mine failure are pending. Bennett said the Chief Inspector of Mines is likely to release his report by this summer, and the Conservation Officers’ Service will also report when its investigation is complete. Bennett said the government is willing to see the Mount Polley mine reopen, but the other investigations must be complete first. The parent company Imperial Metals has applied to use an existing pit to store tailings and resume operations without using the original tailings pond again. “This was a horrible accident,” Bennett said. “We now know how it happened.”

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Friday, February 6, 2015

Lighting up a world of darkness Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com Her smiling face lights up a room. But Shirley Dodd, 83, lives in a world of darkness. It has been that way for as long as she can remember. By the time she was 13 years old, Dodd’s vision was almost completely gone. Diagnosed with adolescent onset cataracts, she had her first eye operation done in Vancouver as a teenager. “I was getting by but my eyesight was diminishing. The day before I lost my sight in 1944 or 1945, I got 99 per cent on my tests at school. The next day I went to school, I was sitting at my desk and for the first time, I couldn’t see anything at all. The last of my vision was gone,” said Dodd. “I told the teacher I couldn’t read what was on the blackboard. I was in Grade 9 (at Prince George Junior Secondary School) and I still remember the teacher saying: ‘You can’t read what’s on the board – or you can’t see?’ When I said that I couldn’t see, I was sent home. And that was the end of my public education.” At that time, there was no medical plan, said Dodd, and people across the country were still struggling to make ends meet in a post-First World War economy. “My parents later found out I had Type 1 Diabetes, the kind you have to take insulin for, but not much was known about it – or about cataracts. I saw only thin slivers of black and white. It was like looking through a narrow slit.” She still remembers the intense pain of her first eye surgery. “I was not under anesthetic and they put a needle in my eye. I can still feel the pain. [Dodd winces at the memory.] They operated on the cataract three days later. I had to lie quietly in my hospital bed with my head held in place by ‘sand bags’ so I didn’t jar my eyes. And I was on fluids because I couldn’t move my head to eat.” Days later the bandages came off. “When they took off the bandages – I was so happy. I could see! In colour. The first thing I saw was my surgeon’s face staring down at me.” Her joy was short-lived. A few days later, Dodd’s newly regained eyesight was gone and, once more, she was plunged into her world of darkness. “The surgeon told me they didn’t know what went wrong. All along, they had been consulting back and forth with a cataract specialist in England. They tried all kinds of things after that. “This was January and I stayed in hospital until March when I came home to Prince George. They had pulled any teeth that were ‘rotten’ because they thought that might be causing my blindness. They gave me a mild malaria injection thinking that might help. But nothing worked.” Worried about her friends and catching up her school year, Dodd said she was anxious to get home. “Two good teachers taught me bookkeeping after school, so I would have a skill. I couldn’t see but I had a

good memory.” It is true, she said, that when a person’s vision is impaired, the other senses appear to become more keen. “Your hearing is better, particularly when you are young and you take things in stride better. I could get around Prince George because I had grown up here, I knew it like the back of my hand.” For the most part Dodd was spirited and independent, she said. She tried her best to fit in with her friends and their activities. “I went skating and skiing with my friends. The only time I was embarrassed was when I was walking with a group of my friends, we were going to the ball park on First Avenue and somehow I got ahead of them,” said Dodd. “I didn’t hear this young boy coming across the street because he had runners on and I bumped into him. I said I was sorry but a man who’d seen it happen said: Maybe if you took your dark glasses off you’d be able to see.” The incident hurt her pride and her feelings, she said, and the following summer it was decided to try eye surgery again. This time the operation, only on her left eye, was successful. “I was about 14 and a half. When the operation was over, I could see and the doctor gave me coke glasses which I’d never had before. At 17, I was able to work as a dispatch in a taxi stand and I made $75 a month – but we were still poor and I helped support the family.” She met her future husband, who’ had come to B.C. from Alberta and was working in Salmon Arm. He decided to stay on after a Christmas visit with relatives here. “I was now 18 and wanted to get married but my father said I had to get my right eye operated on before I could do that. So I got the other eye done and again, we went to Vancouver. My father took time off work and stayed with me but then I got pneumonia, so what was to have been 10 days to two weeks became a longer hospital stay again.” But now her eyesight was “levelled,” said Dodd, who married her beau and later gave birth to a daughter. She never “saw” it coming. “At age 36, I developed glaucoma and went blind again. I could see the odd shadow on the odd day but that was about it. So it was back once more to Vancouver to see a specialist who worked on my left eye first because it was always the worst. For a long time, I could see pretty good but then vision problems set in again.” Dodd smiles as she reaches the next part of her story. “At age 70, I had a ‘bonus.’ They decided to – and maybe it was just another experiment (she laughs) –– give me a cornea and lens transplant so that I could see again.” Two or three years ago, Dodd hit another low point when it was discovered she had macular degeneration. “All this time I had coped with my diabetes and now I had this. I hope to live long enough to try this

Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Shirley Dodd, 83, with her assortment of mobility canes “for all occasions” and gadget aids such as a “talking” alarm clock which make the senior’s darkness easier to navigate.

new thing, stem cell technology.” She is only half kidding. Dodd says she’s been a willing ‘guinea pig’ and hopes doctors were able to learn from her childhood condition and from the technology available at the time. “This is the only way we can learn,” she said, as she gets up from the sofa and taps her thin white cane on the hardwood floor as she moves to the kitchen to make the reporter a cup of coffee. “Do you take milk or sugar?” she asks. Then later, sipping on her coffee and nibbling on a sugar-free muffin and showing all her aid devices like a “talking” phone and wristwatch, she ponders how life 9

could be made easier for the sight impaired. “I don’t understand. If they can put a GPS in a car (to help navigate) why can’t they put one in a cane? They could make it smaller and put it near the handle which is too big and clumsy anyway.” Dodd has three types of canes, including her mobility cane that folds up and fit in her purse for when she attends

events and a sturdier cane for support. Still, she “sees” that people around her don’t pay attention to what and who is around them. “They say hello and walk away but they forget to say their name so I know who they are.” Then, as a woman known in her Red Hat Ladies, Ladybug group and her White Cane Club for her quick wit and dry sense of

humour, she adds: “People don’t keep their eyes open when they still have them.” For more information on the Canadian Council for the Blind, visit the national group’s website at www.ccbnational.net or drop by the Prince George chapter’s next meeting on Monday, Feb. 23. Phone Rose Dorish at 250-563-904 for details.

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Smythe plays with spaces Teresa Mallam arts@pgfreepress.com White cast paper wings suspended in circular but controlled flight, a magical backdrop of shadows on a screen, and behind it, parts of a tree with moss still clinging tentatively to its branches and ceramic birds frozen in fallen flight. Sunlight streams through the windows and bounces off stark white walls of Storefront Studio as guest artist Joanna Smythe explains how her creations came about. “When a Tree Falls is a projected light assemblage that uses three-

dimensional objects to create a twodimensional image intended to set up a playful dialogue between real and pictorial space.” She hopes to show another side of how we view and regard nature. The artist’s materials and found objects (tree limbs, ceramic angels) used in her mixed media art were found locally. Wherever possible she uses local materials and is particularly proud of high-grade pulp from a local mill used in making the main elements (wings) in the cast paper kinetic work she calls Winged in which white cast paper birds, suspended from the ceiling, fly in a “tethered

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Teresa MALLAM/Free Press Joanna Smythe with part of her When a Tree Falls exhibition which opened Feb. 12 at Storefront Studio.

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ACROSS 1. Physique, for short 4. Was aware of 8. Three-piece-suit part 12. Hubbub 13. Inventor Elias ____ 14. Tennis’s Nastase 15. “I’m ____ Rappaport” 16. Baseballer Tommie ____ 17. 1492 vessel 18. “The ____ Tycoon” 20. Peppy 22. Ignited 24. Excuse 28. “____ to the Future”

31. Sworn promise 34. Seine 35. Lennon’s wife 36. Certain antelope 37. To and ____ 38. Mask or lift 39. Author Thomas ____ 40. Sty dwellers 41. Narrow craft 43. Citrus drink 45. Mop, matey 48. Love, to Pierre 52. Mr. Baldwin 55. Plush 57. Fitness club 58. Prima donna

59. Carpet’s surface 60. “Salem’s ____” 61. Forest creature 62. Insult 63. Billfold item

DOWN 1. Big ____ theory 2. Bouquet 3. Love too much 4. Uniform color 5. Holiday drink 6. Female bleaters 7. Sob 8. Record material 9. Mr. Yale 10. Moral crime

11. Afternoon social 19. Broad-antlered beast 21. Stadium cheer 23. Roman garment 25. Data, briefly 26. Glacier piece, for short 27. Skater Midori et al. 28. Kind of pear 29. Singer Paul ____ 30. Laundromat necessity 32. Actress Sheridan 33. Canned fish 39. Kitten’s sound 40. Edge 42. Academy Award 44. Library stamp 46. Venomous snakes 47. Seethe 49. Scandinavian city 50. Aware of 51. Grade, as a movie 52. Tack on 53. Fib 54. Actress Arden 56. Winter illness

flight path.” “When I was invited to exhibit here in this beautiful space by Susan Barton Tait, who owns the gallery, she showed me how to make paper castings. So I included that new technique into my exhibit, I’m playing with the lyrics of If a Tree Falls by Bruce Cockburn. I want to convey the message that many people attach romance to transcendency. “We have machines that can fly but we cannot transcend ourselves, I want people to take a different view of nature and of our relationship with nature.” The twisted branches used in When a Tree Falls are from a fallen tree in her backyard, she said. The ceramic angels she found in a local thrift shop. Smythe’s new installation is on display at Storefront Studio from Feb. 12 to 28. A recent Emily Carr graduate, Smythe’s past works have included installation, sculpture and photography. In each she tries to examine our “constructed and romanticized relationship with nature.” “I worked for 17 years teaching art in the educational system before deciding to branch out on my own and pursue my own art full time. “Since then I’ve exhibited in Two Rivers Gal-

lery and in Vancouver. So it was exciting to be invited to do this site specific installation because it means taking on the challenge of working with space and light constrictions.” She’s pleased with the results and expects visitors will find their own meaning of her work. “I’ve done traditional drawing and painting and worked with new media and other installations. And I always seem to come back to wanting people to think about their experience with nature and what is authentic,” said Smythe. “We are just part of the whole ecosystem and we have to look after the environment – just as we have to look after ourselves and see nature in a different way.” The trees are not there just for our enjoyment, she says. Rather, they are there for our survival. “Many people in the North derive their income from our forests but it has to be managed properly – and I think it’s getting much better. That’s why I’m playing around with the lyrics: ‘If a tree falls in the forest will anybody hear it?’” When a Tree Falls at the Storefront Gallery, 1144 Fourth Avenue, opened Feb. 12 and will be on display until Feb. 28 during regular gallery hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Storefront Studio is an independent artist run gallery. For more information about the artist visit www. joannasmythe.com.

Two new exhibits open at Two Rivers Gallery Two Rivers Gallery has two exhibitions opening this week. Canfor South Gallery will house An Exhibition for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, a juried exhibition featuring the work of artists across the province including Annerose Georgeson, Azucena Rudland, Bill Horne, Mary Mottishaw, Perry Rath, Roderick Brown and Saul Miller. The exhibit will highlight youth, sport, community and culture, says curator/artistic director George Harris. “[Local artists] Crystalynn Tarr made pigments from soil and other elements she collected in Prince George for her paintings and Susan Barton-Tair made casts of firewood out of handmade paper from Canfor pulp mill,”

he said. In the Canfor North Gallery, Two Rivers Gallery is presenting a group exhibition, Elapsed, which explores the concept of time. The exhibition includes the work of Adad Hannah, Philippa Jones, Marianne Nicolson, Ann Smith and Jennifer Pighin, whose work seems to bridge the past with the future. The new exhibitions opened Feb. 12 with an opening reception and after party Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. featuring four short artists’ talks. Both An Exhibition for the 2015 Canada Winter Games and Elapsed will be on display at the gallery until April 26. For more information on gallery events, visit www. tworiversgallery.

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Clark appoints new minister Michelle Stilwell takes on social development role Tom Fletcher Black Press Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell was sworn in recently as B.C.’s minister for social development and social innovation. Comox Valley MLA Don McRae asked to be relieved of his cabinet role to deal with an illness in his family, and Premier Christy Clark appointed Stilwell to replace him. The ministry is in charge of social assistance, provincial disability assistance and Community Living B.C., the agency responsible for people with developmental disabilities. The cabinet change comes as the ministry Parksville-Qualicum reviews its long-standing July 2013. policy of deducting spousal child support payments from money paid to social assistance recipients. Stilwell will likely be a target of opposition critics on that and other poverty-related issues when the B.C. legislature reconvened Feb. 10. A multiple medal-winning Paralympic athlete in basketball and wheelchair racing, Stilwell was elected to the B.C. legislature in May 2013, and

Wikipedia Commons MLA Michelle Stilwell after winning the 100m gold medal at the Paralympic World Championships in Lyon, France,

has served as B.C. Liberal caucus chair. Clark named Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas to replace Stilwell as parliamentary secretary for seniors. Clark has said the B.C. Liberal government will table its third balanced budget on Feb. 17, after considering revenues and spending priorities such as an increase in social assistance rates.

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Knezevic ready for Hearts Allan Wishart allanw@pgfreepress.com Patti Knezevic knows how important the fifth player on a curling team can be. Last year, that was the Prince George skip’s position on the Kesa Van Osch rink representing B.C. at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Montreal. “I feel very fortunate to have attended the Scotties last year,” says Knezevic, who won this year’s B.C. title in late January in Maple Ridge. “I ended up playing six games, including a couple as skip and one at lead.” So while the hope is that the fifth player isn’t called into action, the skip needs to feel

X CROSSWORD Answers to puzzle 650

comfortable with that player if needed. Luckily, Knezevic had the perfect player in mind for Team B.C. at this year’s national championship in Moose Jaw, Sask. “We asked Nicole Backe, who curls out of Nanaimo, to be our fifth for the Scotties. She’s been with the team as an alternate player for a couple of years. She actually started the season last year with us while Jen (Rusnell) was having a baby. “We have great dynamics on and off the ice as a team, and Nicole fits right in with us.” Having experienced the Tournament of Hearts last year, Knezevic Photo submitted is hoping her team of The scoreboard tells the story, as the Patti Knezevic rink hold the trophy from the B.C. second Rusnell, third Kristen Fewster and lead Scotties after downing Sarah Wark in the final. The team of lead Rhonda Camozzi, left, Rhonda Camozzi will be second Jen Rusnell, third Kristen Fewster, skip Knezevic and coach jay Batch will represent B.C. at the Tournament of Hearts. somewhat prepared for playing at the national getting into. to make sure everything comes together level. “If all we had to do was curl for a on the home front. “They’re been asking questions about living, it would be great. But there’s a “Obviously the curling is important, what it’s like. It is a different experience, lot of stuff to take care of. I’ve got twins but family has to come first.” and I’m hoping I can fast-track them who will be on spring break that week, The first game for the Knezevic team for it this year.” I have two businesses I have to make in Moose Jaw will see them take on the With less than three weeks between arrangements for. host team skipped by Stefanie Lawton winning the provincial title and starting “I don’t script anything the easy way.” in the opening draw. the Tournament of Hearts, Knezevic However, Knezevic says the team “I’m happy to play Saskatchewan says there is a lot to be done in a short knew what the possibilities were at the first,” Knezevic said. “I think we got a time, but they knew what they were beginning of the season, and will work good draw for the week.”

COMING EVENTS CANADA WINTER GAMES

PG Spruce Kings vs. LANGLEY CHIEFS

FEBRUARY 13 TO MARCH 2, 2015!!

Friday, February 27 2015 7:00pm - 10:00pm The Prince George Spruce Kings face off at home against the Langley Chiefs Tickets available at the Spruce Kings Ofﬁce located PG Coliseum Prince George Coliseum 888 Dominion Street 250-564-1747 marketing@sprucekings.bc.ca

PRINCE GEORGE FARMERS’ MARKET Every Saturday, 8:30am - 2:00pm The Year-Round Prince George Farmers’ Market is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Prince George on 1074 6th Avenue, behind the Keg Restaurant.

vs. Moose Jaw Warriors Saturday, February 21 2015 7:00pm - 10:00pm The Prince George Cougars face off at home against the Moose Jaw Warriors. Tickets through Ticket Master or call (250) 564-5585. For group tickets phone the PG Cougars ofﬁce, (250) 561-0783. CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd 250-561-0783 Email: info@pgcougars.com

The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon Thursday, February 12 2015 Wednesday, March 4 2015 8:00pm - 10:30pm By W.O. Mitchell! Wullie MacCrimmon is a small-town shoemaker, a steady Presbyterian, and a curling fanatic who would give anything to skip a championship rink. That’s right: anything. So Wullie’s not surprised when a sinister stranger drops by his shop to offer a diabolical deal. Ultimately, Wullie must curl to save his soul, battling the Prince of Darkness and his accursed team in a Black Bonspiel. In this classic Canadian comedy, only one thing is certain: Wullie and his team are in for a ‘hell’ of a match! Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: Adult tickets $27.50 (plus GST)

Student-Senior tickets $25.50 (plus GST). Friday and Saturday: Adult tickets $29.50 (plus GST) Student-Senior tickets $27.50 (plus GST). Available at Books & Co. three weeks before each play opens! No plays on Mondays. Theatre North West #36-556 North Nechako Road (250)-614-0039 Email: info@tourismpg.com Theatrenorthwest.com

maladjusted. humanizing mental health. the system. the people. the play Monday, February 16 2015 7:30pm - 10:00pm maladjusted engages audiences with powerful images and authentic voices weaving together three very personal narratives: - A teenager struggling with sadness over her friend’s suicide is misdiagnosed by her doctor and put on prescription drugs; - a young homeless man who is legitimately taking prescription meds gets inadvertently thrown into dangerous circumstances by frustrated social workers, who from within a mechanizing system, are trying their best to help him; - and ﬁnally, there is all of us, unable to adjust to the needs of a maladjusted

IN PRINCE GEORGE mental health sector, who become potential agents for change. “maladjusted, is a thought-provoking, gut-wrenching, funny, sad and mind broadening journey inside the hierarchical and mechanical mental health system-a system that leaves little time or money to invest in the people it is trying to serve.” Patty Osborn, geist.com Westwood Church 2658 Ospika Road (1-250)-564-8644 ext. 201 maureendavis@cmhapg.ca

Carmina Burana Saturday, February 21 2015 7:30pm - 9:30pm Come and experience the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, directed by Kevin Zakresky! Choral blockbusters don’t come any bigger than Carmina Burana, Carl Orff’s captivating exploration of love — Medieval style. Orff’s big tunes and driving rhythms have made Carmina Burana one of classical music’s all-time hits: but you have to hear it live to really understand its compelling power and splendour. Adults: $31 Students: $15 Seniors: $27 Tickets can bought in person at the PGSO Ofﬁce, over the phone, or online at ticket master.ca! Vanier Hall (Prince George Senior Secondary School) 2901 Grifﬁths Ave. (250)-562-0800 http://www.pgso.com

Comedy Hypnotist Gavin Hooper Saturday, February 28 2015 8:00pm - 9:30pm L.A. Promotions presents Comedy Hypnotist Gavin Hooper! Tickets are only $20.00! It’s your Trance to be a Star! Roll-A-Dome 2588 Recreation Place (250)-564-1943 Email: lapromotions@netbistro.com

Stuart McLean and The Vinyl Cafe Sunday, March 8 2015 3:00pm - 5:30pm To celebrate the weekend Prince George turns 100 years old, Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Café are coming to the CN Centre for the ﬁrst time! From coast to coast to coast, Canadians are going to share in Prince George’s 100th Birthday Party! The Prince George show will be taped live, and will be heard on CBC Radio three times in the next two years – a birthday party that will reach 6 million people! CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd. 1-855-985-5000 Ticketmaster

Many more happenings in Prince George: tourismpg.com/events or cncentre.ca

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Roy Vickers and Timber Kings part of Northern BC Tourism display for Games Internationally acclaimed artist Roy Henry Vickers and Pioneer Log Homes, featured on television’s Timber Kings, will now be part of the Canada Winter Games through a unique program championed by Northern BC Tourism. “It has been our mandate to represent all of northern British Columbia – and even the Province – in our games activities,” said CEO Clint Fraser in a press release. “Bringing in some of B.C.’s high-profile artists and craftsmen will be an unforgettable way to give the visitors from rest of Canada a taste of our region.” In addition to those guests, the Northern BC Tourism and Tourism Prince George partnership will provide opportunity for 18 communities and two regional districts to be represented in the Northern BC Tourism Plaza – an installation which has been set up in the Four Seasons Leisure Pool parking area. “The Northern BC Tourism Plaza will showcase the region and give visitors the chance to experience some of what our area is known for – outdoor fun, exploration, arts and culture. Also, Tourism Prince George will be on site offering expert recommendations and information about Prince George,” said Blaine Estby, Program Coordinator for Northern BC Tourism. Partnerships include Tourism Prince George, Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association and supported by Destination Brit-

ish Columbia. The Tourism Plaza will be complete with cedar-facade portables, a log entranceway, custombuilt benches and fire pit area for storytelling and outdoor demonstrations. During the Games, chainsaw carvers from Chetwynd - home of Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championship – will make appearances, as well as performers from Barkerville and Wells. Indoors house Visitor Services, information on northern B.C. communities and activities, and the Great Northern BC Roadtrip photobooth sets featuring fishing, hiking, Kermode bear and trapper’s cabin. Visitors are encouraged to share their photos through a unique social media campaign, which allows them to enter to win daily prizes from the visiting communities. Visitors can also win one of seven grand prize trips throughout northern and central B.C. including: a week in Haida Gwaii; a VIA Rail round-trip from Prince George to Prince Rupert; and a week-long RV rental package in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

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Order of Canada recipient Roy Henry Vickers, who will appear February 21 and 22, is often associated with his main gallery location of Tofino, but the Kispiox Valley, near Hazelton, is where he makes his home. Vickers’ art will be featured on storyboard panels on the Tourism Plaza’s buildings, and he will be storytelling and appearing in Prince George during the games.

The Tourism Plaza will be open from noon to 9:30 p.m. daily during the 2015 Canada Winter Games, and everyone is welcome to visit the attraction. As multiple communities will be on site at different times throughout the Games, visitors are encouraged to check in often. A schedule of events can be found at www.facebook.com/ NorthernBC

Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon The

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Friday, February 13, 2015

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