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NH recruits to Health Centre By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

FITTING Job

Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

Work BC ran a “Find your fit” event at the Houston Secondary School last Tuesday. Local students toured through the gym, which was packed with displays and activities to help students understand the labour market and learn about the in-demand careers. The event was put on to promote trades and was open to the public after school hours. Above are Bailey and Marli checking out the station on electrical careers.

“

Northern Health continues recruitment for a Houston doctor with no success. Northern Health Service Administrator Cormac Hikisch says they are changing their recruitment approach to reflect the idea of a Primary Care Home for Houston, where doctors will work within the health centre with other professionals. “It’s a more attractive model for doctors,” he said. The Primary Care Home idea is a recommendation from the Houston Health Service Review that Northern Health completed early-February. Hikisch says they are also working to hire a Northwest recruiter to focus on getting doctors for communities in the northwest like Houston. Finally, they are looking at options for

“

The committee invites public input about health, safety, community services or education.

recruiting international doctors, who would be tested to ensure their skills are suitable to meet the standards of the B.C. medical system. More directly, Hikisch says Northern Health is meeting with Houston mayor and council on April 24 to discuss a partnership for recruitment. See DOC on Page 3

Regional District forecasts 22 percent budget increase By Flavio Nienow Black Press

Prepare your pockets. Taxation on region-wide services will increase by 15.5 per cent, and regional rural services will increase by 22.4 per cent. The board of directors of the

Regional District of B u l k l e y - N e c h a ko (RDBN) approved a draft of this year’s budget during a meeting on March 12, 2015. “Regional district budgets have not even been a whisper in my community, but it certainly is this year,” said Vanderhoof

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in 2015 for rural taxpayers; and from 0.8 in 2014 to 0.92 in 2015 for municipal taxpayers.

Hans Berndorff, F i n a n c i a l Administrator for the RDBN, explained that the reason tax rates have been kept relatively low over the past years is because the regional district has been relying on surpluses from previous years to lower taxation.

In 2014, the RDBN had a reduction of $452,000 in their surplus, and as a result, taxpayers are paying the price. Smithers mayor Taylor Bachrach said he struggles to accept that the RDBN relies on previous years’ surpluses to fund their current budgets.

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“It’s difficult to explain that to our constituents,” he said. Bachrach said that although the Town of Smithers has also used surpluses from previous years to lower taxation, the town does not depends on its surpluses. See TAXES on Page 2

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NEWS

Director says “we need to be more careful”

TAXES from Page 1 “The surpluses [in Smithers] usually go into a reserve, and it’s supposed to be used only for special projects,” he said. Bachrach asked the RDBN board of directors and staff if there was any way the RDBN could transition into linking its tax increases to changes in service levels, as oppose to relying on money from previous surpluses. B e r n d o r f f answered by saying that this transition could result in even more taxation.

“Once you’re in the mode of using prior years’ surpluses, like all regional districts do, it’s very difficult to transition out of that. It means you have to take more tax payers’ money over time to do that,” he said. Barach asked RDBN staff if it would be possible to go back to the drawing board and come up with different scenarios that would cost less to taxpayers. Bill Miller, Director for Electoral Area B, said asking staff to go back to the drawing board at that point was not realis-

“

tic. RDBN staff has been working on the budget for the last six

board of directors has been dealing with this budget since

think it’s reasonable to ask staff to change the budget now,” she

“It’s difficult to explain that to our constituents” - Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach

months, and the bylaw of the budget has to be done by March 18, 2015. “Then why are we having this conversation,” asked Bachrach. Eileen Benedict, Director of Electoral Area E, said the

September 2014, and that the board should take more responsibility for decisions they made throughout the year. “There are a number of decisions this board has made that influences the budget, so I don’t

said. “If we are going to make decisions around this table, it’s going to impact the budget, and we need to deal with it.” Vanderhoof mayor Gerry Thiessen said that sometimes the board of directors does not fully

comprehend the financial implications of the decisions they make. “What this [budget] has highlighted is a need to think about these financial implications,” he said. “We need to be more careful.” The 250-page budget of the regional district can sometimes be “extremely difficult” to break down so that the board of directors can visualize its details to make informed decisions, explained Berndorff. Jerry Petersen, Director of Electoral Area F, said that when

the board of directors had their first meetings about the budget, they could not see all the final numbers, and therefore take action. “This is the first time we [board of directors] are seeing this bottom line,” he said. “If we had known this before, we could have done something about it.” A motion was carried to accept the draft of the 2015 budget. Only two directors voted against it - Smithers mayor Taylor Bachrach and Councillor John Illes representing the Village of Burns Lake.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR B.C.? A SPECIAL SERIES ON LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS

LNG could provide thousands of jobs and billions in revenue for decades to come. Here’s what a mid-size LNG plant could mean to B.C.

The industry will contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes to help pay for health care, roads, education and social services.

G D P

400

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From construction workers and plant operators in the North to suppliers and support service providers in the Lower Mainland, the positive economic impact of a successful LNG industry will be felt across the province and Canada. LNG: There’s a lot in it for B.C. The BC LNG Alliance is the voice of British Columbia’s new LNG export industry. Our mission is to foster the growth of a safe, environmentally responsible and globally competitive LNG industry in British Columbia and Canada.

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Houston Today

NEWS

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

www.houston-today.com

Rural Advisory Board to influence policy By Alicia Bridges Black Press

Two former mayors representing northwest B.C. on the government’s new Rural Advisory Council say securing major resource projects will be a main focus for the council. Dave Pernarowski of Terrace and Bill Holmberg of Houston, both former mayors of their respective communities, were among 14 members on the new council announced last Wednesday. The Rural Advisory Council will be mandated with providing input to government policy decisions which support rural communities, while remaining within the government’s budget. It was created by the government as

News staff/Houston Today

Former Houston mayor Bill Holmberg was among the 14 selected to sit on the Rural Advisory Board. part of a report entitled Supporting Rural Development: Creating a Voice for Rural British Columbia. Meeting on a quarterly basis, its role is

to provide input on rural economic development and capacity building in rural communities. Dave Pernarowski served two terms as the City of Terrace

Vitality to help recruit doctors

mayor. A former employee of the Kitsault Energy proposed LNG project, he currently works at P.R. Associates in Terrace. He said the council would provide input to ensure the region was ready for major economic development. “There’s a lot of potential economic development that’s coming into this region so it’s important that we are able to provide good on-the-ground input to the government as far as what our communities will need to be ready, and to make sure that we’re successful and that we can bring these major projects in,” said Pernarowski. “That’s probably part of the mandate that we’ll be managing when we sit down at this table.”

Holmberg, who also served two terms as mayor, runs a heavy-duty equipment business in Houston. He said he thought the format would work as a tool for the regions to influence government policy. “I think everything is going to be on the table from LNG projects, the effects on communities, what (does) the government need to get ready so they’re going to be looking for input on all of those sorts of ideas,” he said. “It’s not just a bunch of political rhetoric, we’re hoping to get some stuff done.” The council will be chaired by parliamentary secretary Donna Barnett and a co-chair will be selected at the first meeting from March 26 to 27.

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Bulkley Valley CREDIT UNION

Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

Northern Health is planning to develop the Houston Health Centre into a Primary Care home to help recruit doctors to town. DOC from Page 1 The Houston Health Review says “Houston residents are the best ambassadors for their community.” This partnership aims to harness that idea and get a group of locals to tour interested physicians around town and show them all that Houston has to offer. Rob Newell, Director of Area G in the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, says the key is community vitality. “If we want to recruit physicians, we have to look at what we need to do to make

Houston more attractive,” Newell said. With adapted ideas from other studies done in Australia and the world, Newell presented 12 pillars of a vibrant community. Some of those pillars are health, communication, transportation, services, arts and culture, environment, and economic stability. Newell wants to develop a group of volunteers with expertise in each sector to plan how to develop and strengthen each area. The idea was discussed at the Health, Safety, Community

Services and Education Committee meeting last Friday. The committee is an amalgamation of the previous Health Committee and two pillar groups that met as part of the community transition after Houston Forest Products closed last year. The committee meets every other month on a Friday 9:30 to 11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend and can address the committee about issues around health, safety, community services or education. The next meeting is May 22.

In the days to come, Bulkley Valley Credit Union will be once again celebrating spring and the successes of 2014! We would like to thank our members for their continued patronage and announce that we are sharing our profits by distributing over $598,439 to our members this year! • Houston • Burns Lake • Hazelton • Smithers •

Opinion

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In our opinion:

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Houston Today

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Come a long way, but long way to go

t’s safe to assume not a day goes by in this world when someone, something or some people are not being honoured somewhere in some manner with an official day of recognition. Some of these days will come and go without making a dent on our psyche, and some will bring with them a high amount of pageantry that resonates with our emotions. And some we take for granted, such as this Sunday, a day likely unrivaled in the sheer amount of people it honours— literally half the world’s population. March 8, of course, was International Women’s Day. Sometimes, a little too often, we’ll hear how this day is a relic of long-gone eras, even an exercise of zealous people who demand too much for too few reasons. But make no mistake, the reasons still make this day necessary. Consider the origins of International Women’s Day. It began as a labour strike a little more than 100 years ago in New York City, originating in socialist circles for which it’s often been unfairly criticized. It was about equal rights, suffrage and dignity. Within a few short years the movement spread among more than 1 million people in Western Europe who carried banners demanding a woman’s right to vote, to hold public office and to insist on an end to employment sex discrimination. In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating IWD, to which the General Assembly adopted a resolution two years later proclaiming a United Nations Day for Wormen’s Rights and International Peace. The point of this isn’t to say how far we’ve come in equality, but how much more there is to do. This day won’t change the world overnight. But inch by inch, with one added voice to a cause for justice, for equality, it’s how positive change is accomplished. That women don’t receive their birthrights is still evidenced around the globe. Far from the only example, but even today only a handful of countries recognize IWD as an official holiday, let alone issues of sexual discrimination of staggering proportions. In the past few years we’ve seen horrific examples around the world of how some misplaced sense of male superiority has lent to brutal acts of violence. At home we wage a daily war against domestic violence, pay inequality, missing and murdered women, and sadly, that is just only a few of the still-lingering examples of how far we must yet go. Yes, we’ve come a long way. For many of us, we still have a long way to go. - Black Press

Danger dog A new media star named Hulk has appeared on talk shows and is inspiring such headlines like ABC’s “175-Pound Pit Bull Shatters Misconceptions About the Breed.” This 18-month-old pup is beautiful, but his owners don’t deserve this free publicity for their questionable attack training and unethical breeding. As I watched them on The View reenact the viral video of Hulk howling alongside their adorable threeyear-old son playing the harmonica, I waited to hear the tough questions. But there were only two, and they weren’t tough. “You’re not afraid of letting your little boy play with this big ol’ dog?” Whoopi Goldberg asked. “I mean, this is his best buddy, right?” “Oh yeah, absolutely,” Marlon Grennan said. “They’re the best of friends you know. Just take a look at him. He’s mellow, he soaks up the crowd, he’s a great guy. With dogs it’s always about

proper ownership and leadership. Strong leadership.” This came from a man who runs a kennel with his wife where they breed and train huge American pit bull terriers to be ferocious security dogs as well as family-friendly pets. The website for Dark Dynasty K9s boasts mutant-sized dogs that can jump fences and snap a person’s arm like a toothpick. They also have pictures and videos of their child riding Hulk like he’s a horse to prove how safe they are. Talk show hosts and celebrities who are showcasing what some call the largest pit bull alive might not realize it, but they’re promoting a business that breeds oversized guard dogs capable of easily killing a grown man. I say easily because smaller pit bulls can kill a man as well. Do you remember Eddie Cahill, the healthy 40-yearold man who was mauled to death by his own beloved pit bull on Christmas Day? His death, and the

deaths and severe injuries of thousands of others, including children should not be forgotten. But watching The View, it felt like they were. After the boy and dog duet, the audience and nervous looking hosts laughed and cheered, and that was it. There was no warning that this type of dog isn’t the kind of dog most people are equipped to handle. And there was no discussion as to how Hulk could be a pure American pit bull terrier when they typically weigh 30 to 60 pounds. The message the audience was left with was that pit bulls, even ones as enormous as this “gentle giant,” are perfectly safe unless you don’t provide proper ownership and strong leadership. Whatever that means. My friends, who passionately defend the embattled breed, are not happy about this new ambassador. “This is not a pit bull,” one of them said. “This is a breed that has been mixed with a mastiff and it’s disgusting that any breeder should be allowed to do this. They

should be shut down.” Among many pit bull loving organizations it is believed these monster dogs have been bred with painful, unhealthy genetic defects and are being trained by people with no recognized credentials, affiliations or titles. They are sold online from $2500$25,000 and are a status symbols to many. The fame and fanfare surrounding Hulk will likely increase the interest in owning this type of dog exponentially. I can’t even imagine how much more that will jump once he and his owners are featured in their new reality show being promoted on their Facebook page. With a stamp of approval from The View, Good Morning America, Nightline, Inside Edition and more, Hulk and his owners from Dark Dynasty might look sweet and harmless to the general public. I doubt the families of people and pets who have been maimed or killed from canine assaults will be happy with the endorsement of a company producing enormous attack dogs which don’t re-

2009

quire its customers to have any expertise or experience to own. Despite high numbers of serious and fatal dog bites from pit bulls compared to other breeds, they do not all attack. In fact, the majority don’t. But they have the capability to kill, so they require a much greater level of diligence and accountability on the part of their owners to make sure they are trained and treated properly. Any responsible owner of a dangerous breed would agree, yet people continue to purchase dogs they can’t handle that later end up in shelters or get euthanized. What’s going on at Dark Dynasty should not be permitted and it certainly should not be celebrated and endorsed by mainstream media. Their unnecessary breed of intimidators is about to make an already bad situation worse. Perhaps if dog owners were prosecuted for the deeds of their pet as if they themselves were the culprit, fewer people would be buying animals they have no business owning. Lori Welbourne, On a brighter note

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Houston Today

Opinion

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

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

On the

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Street...

By Jackie Lieuwen

What are you doing for St. Patrick’s Day?

Evan grade 1

Max grade 2

Marcus grade 1

Matthew grade 3

Linden grade 4

Spencer grade 4

Charlotte grade 2

“If there’s a rainbow, I’m going to follow it!”

“I’m going to wear my green DC shirt.”

“I’m going to wear green. Last year was really funny because leprechauns turned my Mom’s pancakes green! She wasn’t wearing green so they turned her pancakes green!”

“St. Patrick’s Day is about a guy named Patrick and him and his Dad went to a rainbow, and picked up a golden coin from the grass. His Dad said if you stay on track and go to the end of the rainbow and stand under the yellow you’ll see leprechaun and he’ll give you a gold coin. That’s why it’s called St. Patrick’s Day.”

“I’m going to stay home with my family and light fireworks.”

“I’m going to set off fireworks with my family and wear green.”

“I’m going to wear green.”

B.C. minimum wage to be tied to inflation B.C.’s minimum wage is going up by 20 cents in September, and will see annual increases to match the B.C. consumer price index each September after that. It’s the first increase since 2012, when the current wage of $10.25 was set. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond said this year’s increase reflects what would have taken place if indexing to inflation had been in place at that time.

The lower minimum wage for restaurant and pub servers is being retained, going from $9 to $9.20 in September. The discount from the general minimum wage will remain at $1.25 per hour to account for tips earned by servers, Bond said. Piece rates for seasonal piece workers are to receive proportional increases, as are day rates paid to live-in

camp counsellors and residential caretakers at apartment buildings. B.C. is the last province in Canada to move to an automatic formula for setting the minimum wage. The annual increase will be announced each March based on the previous year’s consumer price index, and will take effect each September to give small businesses time to prepare. In the case of

“ “

negative inflation, which the province

debate on the wage rate, led by the B.C.

“B.C.’s minimum wage is going up by 20 cents in September.”

experienced briefly in recent years, the minimum wage would not be decreased. Bond said she expects continued

Federation of Labour, which is calling for an immediate increase to $15 an hour. Naomi Yamamoto, B.C.’s minister of state

for small business, said consultation with business was clear that employers want predictable increases, not large jumps. The September increase amounts to about two per cent, keeping B.C.’s minimum wage higher than Alberta and Saskatchewan’s $10.20 an hour. Using a similar formula, Ontario’s minimum wage rose to $11 an hour last year.

B.C. Views Tom Fletcher

Tuition, daycare aim to end single parent welfare By Tom Fletcher Black Press

Single parents on social assistance will no longer lose their benefits when they go back to school, and will receive additional money for tuition, transportation and child care to complete their studies under a program announced Wednesday by the B.C. government. Starting in September, the full costs of child care will continue to be paid for a year after

the completion of skills training, and government-paid dental and other health benefits will also continue for a year to give people a chance to get back in the workforce. S o c i a l Development Minister Michelle Stilwell said the program will cover training programs up to a year in length, calling it “one of the most significant social program shifts this government has ever introduced.” Children and

Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux said her ministry will cover daycare for any of the 16,000 single parents on income or disability assistance who want to be trained to join the workforce. “We know that child care costs can be in excess of $1,200 [a month], depending where they are in the province,” Cadieux said. “Sometimes it’s less. We’re just going to make sure that they’re covered.” Surrey single

mother Emi Yumura described her struggle to get back to work after leaving

her two-year-old son. This kind of bridge support is what parents in her situation to get

Shirley Bond said her ministry has assembled a list of training programs

“Child care costs can be excess of $1,200 a month, depending where they are in the province... we’re just going to make sure they’re covered.”

a “dysfunctional” relationship and ending up in a transition house with

off welfare and get established in a job, Yumura said. Jobs Minister

that fit into the oneyear window and have good employment prospects.

Bond said the provincial program may be able to match up with the federal Canada Job Grant where participating employers pay for part of the training, to extend assistance beyond one year. “While certainly we’re looking at firstyear costs and then continuing some of that support, part of my job is to make sure that we have employers that are prepared to step up, to be engaged with these individuals as well,” Bond said.

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

NEWS

Dungate Community Forest Limited Partnership is holding the

Houston Today

TransCanada $250,000 grant for college

Annual Information Meeting at 7:00PM on

March 24th, 2014 at the District of Houston Council Chambers, 3367 12th Street, Houston, B.C. The agenda will include a review of harvesting to date, planned harvesting for the near future as well as ﬁnancial statements.

Everyone is welcome to attend

Accounting & Tax Services Ask us about new deductions and tax credits including: • Increased children’s fitness amount • Family tax cut OFFICE HOURS:

Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Northwest Community College got a $250,000 grant from TransCanada on March 10. Of the grant, $150,000 is to run driver training and $10,000 will go towards providing more student bursaries. By Alicia Bridges CPA, FCGA

Certified General Accountant Unit 7 - 2430 Butler Avenue, Houston (in the Nadina Community Futures building)

PHONE: 1-250-845-2895 Toll-Free: 1-888-847-1567 • email: colin@bruintjescga.ca WWW.COLINBRUINTJES.COM

Early Deadline Notice Due to the Easter Holiday the deadlines for the April 8th paper will be

Thursday, April 2nd at 10:00am

for all advertising & editorial submissions.

Our office will be closed on Good Friday, April 3rd

Happy Easter! Phone: 250-845-2890 • www.houston-today.com

Black Press

Moricetown will be the first community to access a new Northwest Community College program aimed at helping postsecondary students from remote communities get their driver’s licence. The NWCC last week announced it had used a oneoff donation from TransCanada to purchase a specialized Toyota Corolla to deliver driver training at northwest communities. The first cohort of students in Moricetown will also be funded by TransCanada, which donated a total $250,000 to the college. NWCC president Ken Burt said the program would give NWCC students in those communities more mobility and make them more employable. “It is a significant

“

hurdle for individuals trying to get education and there’s 34 communities around in this region and we

difficulty is in having [people] mobilized ... to get to training wherever it may be,” said

for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) project, one of two TransCanada LNG projects slated

Over the next few years thousands of jobs will open up in northern B.C. and many of them connected to LNG

only have campuses in nine of them,” said Burt. “If you are going to get from a community where you live to a community where there is a college campus you are going to need vehicles or transportation in some sense.” Moricetown Band economic officer Darlene Glaim spoke at last week’s announcement at the college’s Smithers campus. She said mobility was a major problem for her community, which is on Wet’suwet’en territory. “Some of our

“I think it’s really important that we support this type of thing to continue.” In some cases the driver training will be incorporated into other courses, such as the labourer program, as an up-skilling provision. Communities where the program is offered will be in locations where there is a campus in the area. It will not be offered in larger communities like Smithers and Terrace, where driver training is more readily available. John Dunn is the project vice-president

for the northwest region. He said employing local and First Nations workers would be a priority for the company if the projects were approved. “It’s absolutely critical for the PRGT project to develop a large pool of skilled labour, that is integral to the success of such a complex project,” he said. “That skilled pool of labour is going to be critical to the success of every large infrastructure project here in northern British Columbia. “Over the next few

years thousands and thousands of jobs will open up here in northern B.C. and many of them will be connected with the burgeoning LNG ... sector.” Speaking at last week’s announcement, Mayor Taylor Bachrach said access to a driver’s licence was one of the most common barriers to getting a job in this region. “It may be a small step but I think it’s probably a very important one and when we are looking at the amount of activity that’s currently being planned I think everyone in this room agrees that the real opportunity is to ensure that as many people as possible throughout our communities benefit from that,” he said. He said it was important local people could gain skills that would outlast shortlived construction tied to resource projects was important.

To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace.

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1.855.678.7833

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Houston Today

NEWS

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

www.houston-today.com

The Houston Retirement Housing Society is holding their

WOMEN’S Day

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday, March 23rd @ 7:00pm at the Houston Senior Centre -14th Street

A group in Houston organized an International Women’s Day luncheon on Sunday, March 8th.

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DON’T MISS OUR

Left, Carorll Airey, a retired school teacher, was recognized as the 2015 Inspirational Woman in Houston for her volunteer work in Nicaragua. Roses were presented to her by event committee member Marilyn Berglund. International Women’s Day is an annual event held every year on March 8. Bottom are guest speakers Sandi Lavallie, left, and Jean Marr, right.

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Police report By Jackie Lieuwen Houston Today

A vehicle going east on Highway 16 blew a red light and hit another vehicle at the Tweedie Avenue intersection at 7 p.m. March 9. RCMP Sergeant Stephen Rose says the driver was ticketed for failing to stop at a red light and no one was injured. *** Someone kicked and broke the glass in an apartment door on Hagman Crescent at 8:50 a.m. March 7. Sgt. Rose says there were two witnesses and police are seeking to arrest the suspect for mischief. Charges are expected. *** Police arrested a female for assaulting her partner at a home on Sullivan Way at 2:45 a.m. March 7. Sgt. Rose says she faces charges for assault. *** Police arrested a drunk female on

East Valley Road at 6 p.m. March 7. Sgt. Rose says she was held until sober and released with charges for being drunk in public. *** A vehicle rolled over on Mountainview Drive near Walker Road at 1 a.m. March 8. Sgt. Rose says the driver took the turn too fast and rolled onto the passenger side. No one was injured but the vehicle was significantly damaged. Police ticketed the driver for driving without consideration for the safety of others. *** Police arrested a female for assaulting her partner at a home on Hagman Crescent at 8:50 a.m. March 8. Sgt. Rose says the female faces charges for assault. *** Police got report of mischief to the washing machines at an apartment on Hagman Crescent at 3:30 p.m. March

8. Sgt. Rose says the damage was minor but anyone with information is asked to contact Houston RCMP at 250-845-2204 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. *** Police got report of a hit and run on Butler Avenue near the Pleasant Valley Plaza at 5 p.m. March 8. Sgt. Rose says the back door on the drivers side had minor damage and there was a transfer of white paint from the suspect vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Houston RCMP at 250845-2204 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477. *** A 68-year old male passed away at a home on Granisle at 8:20 a.m. March 6. RCMP Sgt. Rose says the death is believed to have natural causes and police turned the file over to B.C. Coroners Service. *** Police arrested a male accused of assaulting his

partner at a home on Sullivan Way at 12:40 a.m. March 10. Sgt. Rose says the male faces charges for assault and breach of undertaking. *** Police arrested a male for assaulting his partner at a home on Butler Avenue at 1:30 a.m. March 10. Sgt. Rose says the male faces charges for assault. *** A driver hit the ditch on the Highway 16 overpass west of Houston at 11 p.m. March 10. Sgt. Rose says the driver was taken to the Hospital for minor injuries and then turned over to police custody. Police took breath samples and found that the male was over double the legal limit. Sgt. Rose says the driver faces charges impaired driving and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level over 0.08. *** In seven days, police had 32 calls for service, including two traffic complaints, two false alarms and one bylaw complaint.

THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE DISTRICT OF HOUSTON

IS SEEKING COMMITTEE MEMBERS Committee members will represent a cross section of economic development groups, businesses and economic interests from the community. Membership on the committee should characterize a broad cross-section of economic interest in Houston; every attempt will be made to ensure representation is found to fill in the sectors below:

• Chamber representative (tourism) • 1 Person to represent from the Manufacturing/ Industrial sector • 1 Person to represent the Real Property sector • 1 Person to represent the Hospitality/Tourism sector • 1 Person to represent the Retail/Commercial sector • 1 Person to represent the Education sector (secondary or post-secondary) • 1 Person to represent the financial sector • 1 representative from Community Futures Development • 1 member at large (youth) • 1 member at large (senior) The Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month. The main duties and functions of Committee members are as follow: -

Advising during the development of the economic development strategies; Advising on the development of annual marketing action plans and budgets; Acting as ambassadors/champions for certain new initiatives; Being the “eyes and ears” of the Economic Development Officer within the municipality; Assisting and providing support to the economic development officer on projects, issues and other matters as they arise.

If you are interested in applying to the Economic Development Committee for a one year term, please download an application at www.houston.ca or pick up an application at the District of Houston town office. All applications must be received by April 3, 2015 at 3:00pm for consideration.

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Houston Today

Community Builder Featuring the stories and spirit of the local people

Coach Don Roy says key to wrestling is work ethic F

or 40-year coach Don Roy, wrestling is all about life lessons. Don and Coralee live in Houston, where he coaches a small group of wrestlers at Houston Secondary School. He also commutes to Smithers and coaches the 12-student club there. Don grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, and wrestled through high school and while studying forestry at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Don says his university coach Gord Garvey was really formative for him.

“

“you need to have the strength of a weight lifter, the flexibility of a Credit Union July 2007 supplied to Newspapers gymnast, and Houston’s Don Roy has coached wrestling for 40 years. Now retired, Roy continues coaching students in s: 287 Blue Houston and Smithers. thePantone mind of a Pantone 356 Green Don says the mentality of In 1980, he and Coralee pairing master for year, Pantone 139 Harvestgiving back to the sport stayed moved to Prince George where head chess master.” Don said. Wendy Siemens/submitted photo

- Don Roy

Coach Garvey required his wrestlers to help wrestling programs develop in surrounding areas, so Don got go file a lot of experience coaching, training wrestlers and running tournaments.

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with him. In Thunder Bay, Don also met and married his wife Coralee. After graduating from Lakehead, Don got a job in Regina, Saskatchewan, as a Provincial Wrestling Coach. But after three years there, Logoforestry File Don choseColour to pursue rather than end up in an athletic office.

he became a forestry supervisor. Since both had been involved in wrestling, Don and Coralee chose to stay involved in the sport. Don was coach for several local schools and in 1989 five of his students became provincial champions. Coralee coordinated tournaments and was Canada’s

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Besides high school tournaments, she coordinated Northern Games, BC Games, Wrestling Zones and she was instrumental in keeping wrestling in the Northern Winter Games. “She’s been a pairing master in everything except the Olympics,” he said. In 2004, Don and Coralee

moved to Houston, where he worked as Harvesting Supervisor at Canfor. With his friend Mike Richey running the wrestling program in Smithers, Don got involved there right away, and eventually took over as head coach when Richey retired. Now retired himself, Don also started coaching a small group of Houston wrestlers at HSS twice a week. He coached Houston’s 2014 Provincial Champion Leilah Wiebe and 2015 Champion Rebecca Ells. Don says that to be a worldclass wrestler “you need to have the strength of a weight lifter, the flexibility of a gymnast, and the mind of a chess master.” But to do well in wrestling at other levels, the real key is “work ethic and heart.” Don says it’s more about mental training and mastering strategies that work for you, than it is about athleticism and body type. It requires and develops good work ethic, and fighting individually makes wrestlers take full responsibility for wins and losses. It’s the life lessons that Don values most about wrestling. “Wrestling is not easy. It’s hard, you work hard and get banged around,” he said. “It is a great sport for kids because it teaches them how to fail, because they’re going to lose matches no matter how good they are. They learn that it’s okay to try their hardest and not be successful. It is not the end of the world… it’s going to be alright because they’re going to learn from it and get better. That’s a very valuable life lesson,” he said. Wrestling is “a great sport.”

Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons’ have grown to rely on. People-helping-people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.

Maintaining a healthy and strong financial institution is only one part of our mission. Our strong financial results have allowed us to build a very strong capital base. In addition to the patronage dollars ($598,439 in 2014) that we distribute in our communities, we also distributed over $220,000 in community support, economic development and marketing funds to community groups, individuals, and associations within our service areas. Bulkley Valley Credit Union’s Board of Directors has committed $100,000 over 5 years to the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre, for the Heart of the Hazeltons’ project. We continue to make improvements in our products and services. We value the relationships we have established with our members and will continue to build more innovative remote banking access to allow those who may move away or simply require access to all products and services anytime, anywhere. Come see us today to experience the Credit Union difference.

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Houston Today

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

www.houston-today.com

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www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

NEWS

Houston Today

SAR Support Local community groups are finalizing donations towards the Search and Rescue primary response vehicle which the group bought last December. Left is Monster Industries presenting a cheque to SAR and right is Finning staff presenting a cheque.

Photos submitted

Small claims, strata disputes to go to online tribunal By Tom Fletcher Black Press

Financial disputes involving less than $10,000 will soon be directed to an online “civil resolution tribunal,” in an effort by the B.C. government to keep them from clogging up the courts. The new tribunal will also provide a place to resolve strata disputes, which now have only the

costly B.C. Supreme Court option if strata councils can’t resolve them, Justice Minister Suzanne Anton said. Anton presented legislation Tuesday to create the new tribunal, which is to come into effect later this year. She said it will begin as a voluntary option, and later a deposit will be required for those who want to go directly to court instead. Anton said B.C. is

the first jurisdiction in the world to establish an online dispute resolution tribunal. The government estimates that 40,000 people a year will eventually use the tribunal. “The really big change for stratas is that there is now a place for minor strata issues to go to,” Anton said. “Everybody knows somebody who has been in a strata nightmare. Often it’s about something fair-

ly minor, like a tree or a parking spot. There hasn’t been a forum to have a resolution to those disputes.” The tribunal will operate in three stages. The first is an application submitted to a website describing the claim, with an opportunity for response from the other party. That service will be offered free, and includes information and self-help suggestions to settle

the dispute without further intervention. If that fails, the second stage would bring in a mediator to seek an agreed settlement of the dispute. The third stage would be sending the dispute

to a tribunal member for arbitration. Fees for the second two stages have not yet been established. Tony Gioventu, executive director of the non-profit Condominium Home

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Justice Minister Suzanne Anton

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Owners Association of B.C., welcomed the new approach. But he cautioned there will be a learning curve for strata councils. “Education will be essential and CHOA is committed to working with the strata community to ensure the creation of a system that provides good justice in a timely manner that works for all strata corporations,” Gioventu said. The B.C. government has used mediation before in an effort to relieve the load on provincial and B.C. Supreme Court. The Family Law Act of 2011 was designed to encourage out-ofcourt settlements of property and parental responsibility disputes when marriages and common-law relationships end.

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Houston Today

NEWS

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

www.houston-today.com

Natural Gas pipeline on the horizon Flavio Nienow Black Press

Spectra Energy is proposing a new natural gas system in B.C. called the Westcoast Connector. The proposed natural gas pipeline will extend from the Cypress area of Northeast B.C. (about 110 kms northwest of Fort St. John) to Prince Rupert, passing 330 kms north of Burns Lake through Cranberry Junction. Kim Haakstad, manager of technical workforce strategy for Spectra Energy, presented the proposed project to community members in Burns Lake on March 4, 2015, during the an-

nual general meeting of the Burns Lake and District Chamber of Commerce. Haakstad said that although Burns Lake is relatively far from the proposed pipeline route, there will still be many opportunities for local employment. "When we hire our major contractors, they need to be able to make a commitment to find sub-contractors and employees from local communities," she said. "Local people know how to do it." "Our team also takes every opportunity to participate in local career fairs and business expos all along our project

route," she added. At the peak of construction, 5800 people are expected to be working on the project. Employment opportunities will include entry level positions that do not require previous pipeline-related experience since on-the-job training will be provided through to a full range of skilled trade, technical and professional positions. Trades positions will require specific certifications or enrolment in an approved apprenticeship program, and technical and professional positions will require a cerSee GAS on Page 12

PUPPIES Skate

Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

Houston Figure Skating Club runs their annual spring Carnival this Friday 7 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. at the Claude Parish Memorial Arena. The Carnival theme this year is “Heroes and Villains.” Above, Coach Katie Ball stands with Cruella De Vil’s puppies at the Carnival dress rehearsal last Thursday.

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Invite the whole community to your next brownie meeting, hockey game or gala evening with a couple of clicks. Add your event today.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

NEWS

Houston Today

events there’s moreWonline »

www.houston-today.com www.vicnews.com

flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips. flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips. flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips. flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips.

Get ready for sunny weather with spring cleaning tips, Get ready for sunny weather with springand cleaning checklists, money-saving coupons more. tips, checklists, money-saving coupons and more. tips, Get ready for sunny weather with spring cleaning checklists, money-saving coupons more. tips, Get ready for sunny weather with springand cleaning checklists, money-saving coupons and more.

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SPEAK Off

Jackie Lieuwen/Houston Today

The Topley 4-H Club kids did their speeches before parents, peers and judges at the Houston Secondary School last Tuesday. Junior members gave a three-to-five minute speech, and seniors gave a five-to-seven minute speech and a one-to-two minute impromptu speech. The 37-member 4-H Club is hosting a District Communitications event, with speeches and demonstrations at at the Seniors Centre March 21.

Spectra Energy proposing the Westcoast Connector

ENTER CONTEST AT ENTER CONTEST AT www.save.ca/SpringCleaning

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No purchase necessary. Contest open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Five (5) prizes are available to be won, each consisting of a check for $100. Approximate value of each prize is $100 CDN. The selected entrant must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest opens Monday, March 16, 2015 at 6:01 AM ET and ends on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM ET. For instructions to enter and complete contest rules visit Save.ca/SpringCleaning. No purchase necessary. Contest open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Five (5) prizes are available to be won, each consisting of a check for $100. Approximate value of each prize is $100 CDN. The selected entrant must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest opens Monday, March 16, 2015 at 6:01 AM ET and ends on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM ET. For instructions to enter and complete contest rules visit Save.ca/SpringCleaning. No purchase necessary. Contest open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Five (5) prizes are available to be won, each consisting of a check for $100. Approximate value of each prize is $100 CDN. The selected entrant must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest opens Monday, March 16, 2015 at 6:01 AM ET and ends on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM ET. For instructions to enter and complete contest rules visit Save.ca/SpringCleaning.

HOPE forToday

Heaven - A Real Place

Some friends loaned us a copy of the movie called “Heaven is For Real” where Todd Burpo depicts his four year old son as having been in heaven. He supposedly saw his grandfather, his sister, angels and Jesus there. I was somewhat disappointed with the movie, so I read the book by the same name, which was more detailed and more correlated with the scriptures. How do we really know there is a heaven or even an afterlife for that matter? Do we need to have visions or dreams of heaven to be sure? Do we believe in heaven because we watched the movie or read the book “Heaven is for Real”? Or is it just a hit and miss proposal – we find out when we get there? Does everyone go to heaven? If everyone does go to heaven, what of Hitler, Stalin, Mao Tse Tung or Idi Amin, what would it be like living with them for all eternity? If not, who goes to heaven and how can we be sure we will get there? The reason we can be sure there is a heaven is because God told us in his word the Bible, that there is a real place called heaven. (Luke 15:7). Jesus, when he taught the disciples to pray said “Our Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:9 NLT. He spoke of going to prepare a place for all those who believed in him. (John 14:1-4) The Bible describes it as a place where there is no more sorrow, no more dying, no more pain. It is a holy, perfect and eternal place where those who trust in Jesus will spend eternity in the presence of God. (Revelation 21: 3,4). Heaven is mentioned very often in God’s word. Jesus made it very clear that there is only one way to get to heaven and that is through faith in Him. “Jesus told them, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 NLT “…there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10 NLT. Submitted by Ken Penner Sponsored by Riverside Gardens

GAS from Page 11 tificate or diploma from a technical institute or college. The Westcoast Connector is also expected to create demand for a range of goods and services – everything from heavy equipment and industrial parts to catering,

hotel rooms and office supplies. Those interested in being a supplier with the Westcoast Connector are encouraged to register their business at http://www.energyforbc.ca/vendor-registration/ The proposed

pipeline would be capable of transporting up to 4.2 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas, would be approximately 850 kilometres in length and up to 48 inches in diameter. This multi-billion dollar investment will serve BG Group’s

proposed Prince Rupert LNG facility on Ridley Island and is expected to help B.C. open doors to new global energy markets. The Westcoast Connector received its Environmental Assessment Certificate in November 2014

and is expected to being construction in 2017, with the natural gas line starting service by the end of the decade. For more information about the Westcoast Connector or how to access job opportunities, contact 1-855-757-4755.

Seniors’ advocate strikes a chord By Tom Fletcher Black Press

B.C.’s new seniors’ advocate has issued her second report, and the media mostly ignored it. When this new office was promised by a campaigning Premier Christy Clark two years ago, I suggested that B.C. already has 85 seniors’ advocates. They’re called MLAs, and inquiries go to their local offices. Much to the chagrin of the opposition, Seniors’ Advocate Isobel Mackenzie’s mandate is not to pursue individual cases, and so she won’t be serving up a fresh assortment of horror stories to embarrass the government. Instead, it is to look for “systemic challenges” and recommend ways to deal with them. The latest report is based on a survey of more than 500 seniors

from around the province, and the key finding was not what she expected. “We were surprised to learn of the lack of awareness among seniors, particularly low-income seniors, of government programs and the subsidies available to assist them,” Mackenzie said. The survey found that 60 per cent of seniors living on $30,000 or less annual income didn’t know they are eligible for discounts on Medical Services Plan premiums. For income less than $22,000, the entire $864 cost of individual MSP premiums is waived. Other frequently overlooked programs are a monthly rent subsidy called Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), grants for disability modifications called Home Adaptations for

Independence, drug cost assistance called Fair Pharmacare, property tax deferment and the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement program. Those older than 75 with income of less than $30,000 reported the lowest awareness of assistance designed specifically for them. But you don’t get these benefits unless you apply and show that your income qualifies. The survey also found that the biggest fear of low-income seniors is that they won’t be able to afford to stay in their homes. See home adaptation, property tax and rent subsidy programs above. Awareness and usage of the SAFER program was lowest in the north and highest in urban areas, perhaps not surprising since the B.C. government exists more in theory than in fact in

many remote places. So what should the government do about this? Well, it could advertise these programs. The government does lots of advertising, but not about old news like the SAFER program, which dates back to the 1970s. Clark’s government did a whack of advertising in the election year, 2013. Much of it was about the B.C. Jobs Plan, heavy on the hardhats and blueprint-style graphics and arc welding and stuff like that. Then last year the government’s big ad campaign was around the teachers’ strike, and the payments to parents to help with child care while teachers demanded twice as big a raise as all the other unions. Education Minister Peter Fassbender is still bragging about the response rate for $40-a-day parental

strike pay, which was snapped up by almost 100 per cent of eligible parents. This demonstrates that the government can indeed give away money with great efficiency, just by telling people how to get it. The NDP’s version of seniors’ advocacy is to find the most tragic problems from complaints coming into constituency offices, and use those to ambush the government. A popular choice is an elderly couple who have to be separated because their medical needs are too different to keep them in the same facility. TV news loves that one. People cry on camera and denounce politicians for being heartless, as if the health minister stayed up late plotting how to break their granny’s heart. Maybe this seniors’ advocate wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Houston Today Wednesday, March 18, 2015

www.houston-today.com 13

Your community. Your classiﬁeds.

250.845.2890 fax 250.845.7893 email advertising@houston-today.com Announcements The Houston Mall, Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0 Phone: (250) 845-2890 Fax: (250) 845-7893 email: advertising@houston-today.com Published Every Wednesday

REACH THE TO MARKET First advertise in the Houston Today! ALL WORD ADS go on the Internet for the whole world to see! www.bcclassified.com

REACHING US Call 250-845-2890 or come

by our office. Hours are 9:00 - 11:00 am & 1:00 - 3:00 pm Mon. & Wed. thru Fri. (closed Tuesdays). Fax in your ad to 250-845-7893 or email: advertising@houston-today.com

HOW TO PAY

Come to our office in the Houston Mall, or you may pay with Visa or Mastercard over the phone. All ads must be prepaid. No refunds.

AD CLASSIFIED RATES REGULAR WORD ADS

3 lines (one week) .............$9.95

LEGAL ADS $12.60 per col. inch HWY 16 REGIONAL ADS

3 lines - No changes - ad runs in: Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Houston, Smithers, Ft. St. James, Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Northern Connector (1 week) ............................... $78.88

BC BEST BUY ADS

25 words- No changes - ad runs one week, all papers covering: Lower Mainland .............$102.28 BC’s Interior ..................$124.95 Vancouver Island ...........$119.00 All of the Above .............$299.00 Extra charge for additional words

HAPPY ADS 2 col. x 2” or 1 col. x 4” To announce birthdays, weddings, births etc ............................ $20.00 Please call if you need more information on any of our classified packages.

ALL ABOVE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GST

DEADLINES Thursday: 5:00pm

OUR POLICY

Houston Today reserves the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any classified ad not meeting our standards. No refunds on Classifieds Ads. AGREEMENT - It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of the Houston Today (Black Press Group Limited) in the event of failure to publish an advertisement in or the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only one incorrect insertion or the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for such advertising. All claims of errors in advertising must be received by the publisher within 2 days after the first publication. All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher. The Houston Today reminds advertisers that under Provincial legislation, no person shall use or circulate any form of application for employment, publish or cause to be published an advertisement in connection with employment or prospective employment, or make any written or verbal inquiry of an applicant that (a) expresses, either directly or indirectly any limitation, specification or preference as to race, religion, colour, sex, martial status, age, ancestry, or place of origin or a person; or (b) requires an applicant to furnish any information concerning race, religion, colour, ancestry, place of origin or political belief. In order to be credited for any mistakes the Houston Today is responsible for, corrections must be made before the second insertion.

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

Place of Worship

HOUSTON & AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY Houston United Church 2106 Butler Ave

SERVICES: Sundays at 11a.m. (Kids Sunday School during the service) To contact the church or for pastoral care: Morgan Ryder (250-698-7612 -H) or 250-692-9576 -C) or Marianne Dekker 250-845-2282

Houston Fellowship Baptist Church 3790 C.R. Matthews Rd. Pastor: Larry Ballantyne

Sunday School: 9:45AM Church Service: 11:00AM Everyone Welcome! Phone: 250-845-7810

Houston Canadian Reformed Church SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM Pastor Carl VanDam s.carl. vandam@canrc.org Office Phone: 250-845-3441 ~ Everyone Welcome ~

3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston, BC

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

Pastor Martin Vellekoop ~ Everyone Welcome! ~

Services: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm HOUSTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 2024 Riverbank Drive, Box 597, Houston Phone: 250-845-2678 Pastor: Mike McIntyre Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 pm Sunday School: During the Service

Everyone Welcome

Anglican Church of St. Clement 2324 Butler Ave., Box 599, Houston, BC

Rev. Jacob Worley Phone: 250-845-4940

Services at: 2:00pm Sundays

Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Association Santokh Singh Manhas 250-845-2705

Houston, B.C. V0J lZ0

Announcements

Information

Cards of Thanks

Help Wanted

AL-ANON Are you affected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon meetings are Monday, 7pm at the Houston United Church. Contact number: (250) 8457774. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Meetings are at the Houston United Church, Monday and Thursday at 7:00pm. Contact number is:1-877-644-2266 APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certificate Program at Langara College in Vancouver. Application deadline April 30, 2015. Send applications to fbula@langara.bc.ca. More information online at: www.bccommunitynews.com /our-programs/scholarship. DO YOU have a Disability? Physical or mental. We can help you get up to $40,000 back from the Canadian Government. For details online: disabilitygroupcanada.com or call us today Toll-Free 1-888875-4787.

Employment

THANK YOU!!

Houston Flyers Bantam team would like to send out a HUGE thank-you to

Auto Mechanic Partner

HIP OR knee Replacement? Problems Walking or Getting Dressed? The Disability Tax Credit $1,500 Yearly Tax Credit. $15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg). For assistance Call: 1-844-453-5372.

Career Opportunities 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 1-855768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Help Wanted APARTMENT MANAGER needed for 27 unit in Burns Lake, BC. Must be live-in. Email resumes to: reimerrd@hotmail.com Trafﬁc Control Flaggers Gitxsan Safety Services is looking for qualified Traffic Control Flaggers in Kitimat, Terrace, Smithers, Hazelton, Houston, and Burns Lake. Those with a class 5 driver’s license as well as Level 1 First Aid certification are preferred. Please apply online asap: http://gitxsanbusiness. applyﬁrst.net/ Contact Laurie Paulin at 1-866-842-6780 Ext. 337 with any questions.

If you see a wildﬁre, report it to

1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.

Smithers, BC

VALVIEW CONTRACTING BABINE BARGE LTD CANFOR

Skeena Air Guides seeks experienced unÌain unÌin} }uide v r re Ìe yÞ in ca p° Seas na ] f£Çx³ÉdaÞ] }uidin}] packin}] mountain goat experience a must.

For sponsoring our Provincial team Jackets

Please apply to admin@collingwoodbros.com or fax 250.847.2909

Place a classiﬁed word ad and...

IT WILL GO ON LINE! Ofce Support

Ofce Support

JOB OPENINGS AVAILABLE Seasonal: April 1 - October 30, 2015

CASHIER/SALES ASSOCIATE

Business Opportunities

Ok Tire and Automotive, Terrace BC is seeking a licensed auto mechanic partner for an OK tire franchise. E-mail: momack@citywest.ca

HUNTING GUIDE/ PACKER

2 Positions - part time

Huckleberry Mines Ltd. is an 18,000 TPD open pit copper molybdenum mine located 120 km south of Houston in west central British Columbia. We are currently recruiting for the following position to join our mine site team:

IT ADMINISTRATOR

Reporting to senior management and working closely with the Accounting Superintendent, the successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation, maintenance and management of computer systems, hardware and software at the mine site. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced IT Administrator looking for a position with operational and technical challenges. Candidates should have a solid understanding of network infrastructure and operations and have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

Description: The qualified candidate will be responsible to process cash sales, assist customers with their projects, and be available to assist wherever needed. t Competitive wages t 24 hours per week t Training available Requirements: t Strong computer skills t Minimum one year experience with retail t Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment t Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion with confidential information t Strong customer service t Ability to work with flexible scheduling and on short notice

Responsibilities will include: Ř Troubleshoot hardware, software, networking and operating system issues Ř Maintain all onsite systems including network and server infrastructure, backup systems and external connectivity Ř Oversee updates and implementation of applications and systems Ř Provide real time response to system users, troubleshooting and repairing service outages Ř Maintain a hardware and software inventory Ř Mobile device troubleshooting Ř Coordinating with 9ancouver ofŵce IT administrator

YARD/WAREHOUSE WORKER

Candidate will have a college diploma or university degree in Information Technology or related discipline preferred. We are looking for an individual with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in system administration.

Requirements: t Must enjoy manual labour and the outdoors t Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment t Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills t Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion with confidential information t Strong customer service t Ability to work with flexible scheduling and on short notice

Huckleberry Mines is located approximately two hours driving time from Houston, British Columbia. Employees live in a camp environment on their days of work, and the schedule for this position is 4 days on, 3 days off (Monday to Thursday). Transportation to and from the mine site is provided from Houston and while at the mine site all meals and accommodations are provided free of charge to employees. Houston and Smithers are located in the scenic Bulkley Valley on TransCanada Highway 16, an excellent area to raise a family and has exceptional outdoor recreational activities. More information on the area is available at www.smithers.ca, www.houston.ca and www.rdbn.bc.ca Huckleberry Mines Ltd. offers full relocation expenses, a competitive salary and a full range of beneŵts including medical, life, disability income and RRSP savings plan. We thank all applicants for their interest in Huckleberry Mines Ltd., but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada. Interested candidates can forward a completed resume to: Human Resources Department Huckleberry Mines Ltd. P.O. Box 3000 Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0 Fax: (604) 517-4701 Email: HR@Huckleberrymines.com

1 Position - full time

Description: The qualified candidate will be responsible to help unload freight, help customers with their orders, and assist other team members with their various responsibilities. t Competitive wages t 40 hours per week t Training available

Please drop off resume in person at: Starland Supply (2000) Ltd. 165 Francois Lake Drive, Burns Lake, BC

Selling your house? Advertise here! You get a 2 column x 2" display ad (includes photo) running 10 weeks for only

+ GST

Call 250-845-2890 Email: advertising@houston-today.com

14 www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Houston Today

Announcements

Services

Pets & Livestock

Merchandise for Sale

Cards of Thanks

Financial Services

Feed & Hay

Misc. for Sale

2014 LARGE round bales, $160/ton. 2013 small round bales, $100/ton. Halage bales, $40 each. (250)846-5728

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Spring sales with hot savings!” All steel building models and sizes are now on sale. Get your building deal while it’s hot. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars 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

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

THANK YOU!

The U14 Houston Ringette team would like to thank the following businesses and community members for their support in helping us travel to the Provincial Championships in Vernon, BC March 5-8, 2015. The girls all worked really hard, came together as a team and represented Houston well. Thank you for your support!

7-11 - Houston Aurora Truck Centre Bill Holmberg BV Credit Union – Houston DH Manufacturing Ltd. Emberson Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

Houston Secondary School Inland Kenworth John Himech Logging Ltd. Kal Tire Mike’s Audio Video Pacific Truck & Equipment Remax

Smithers Steelheads – Gord Felts Sullivan Motor Products Tom Neufeld Trucking Ltd. Vanderhoof & Districts Co-op Wilson Bros. Enterprises Ltd.

IN FIND IT THE CLASSIFIEDS

Career Opportunities

DISTRICT OF HOUSTON Manager of Engineering & Operations The District of Houston is seeking a dynamic individual with proven combined management and technical skills, energy and creativity for the senior management position as the Manager of Engineering & Operations. This position offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in a challenging and rewarding career in local government. Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Manager of Engineering & Operations is responsible for coordinating, managing and monitoring the field activities of the outside work crew by providing direct technical support. Working directly with Consulting Engineers, Agencies, Organizations and Staff, the successful candidate will provide related engineering services to ensure proper operation of the utility while striving to improve productivity and efficiency. The successful candidate will possess the necessary skill set to provide preliminary layout, survey and GIS services using the ArcMap; AutoCAD Civil 3D and survey data collection and processing. QUALIFICATIONS t $JWJM &OHJOFFSJOH 5FDIOPMPHJTU %JQMPNB NJOJNVN BDDFQUBCMF FEVDBUJPO RVBMJGJDBUJPO t .JOJNVN PG GJWF ZFBST FYQFSJFODF PS FRVJWBMFOU DPNCJOBUJPO PG FEVDBUJPO BOE FYQFSJFODF JO a local government environment. The District offers an excellent benefit package and competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, detailed resume and references by 4:00pm Friday March 20, 2015 to: Michael D. Glavin, Chief Administrative Officer District of Houston, PO Box 370, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 Email: cao@houston.ca | Website: www.houston.ca Acceptable driver’s abstract and criminal record search to be provided to the District. The District of Houston thanks all applicants; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Selling your home or business?

DID YOU KNOW... Get results in Houston Today!

FOR ONLY 72 per cent of local community newspaper readers read all or + GST E E $ Lin: P PLpaper. Reach99 most M of the your audience by advertising M LOOKING TO BUY A HOUSE WITH THE UP-GRADES DONE, READY TO MOVE IN WELL WE HAVE THE HOUSE FOR YOU...

HOUSE FOR SALE

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

2930 Nadina Way, Houston BC

SA www.houston-today.com Phone: 250 845-2890 Ph: 250-845-2890 www.houston-today.com

You get a 2 column x 2" display ad here (includes photo) & it

RUNS 10 WEEKS!!

• • • • •

1200 square feet 3 bedrooms upstairs 1 bedroom down Large rec room 1 ½ bathrooms

• All appliances updated • Paved driveway • New flooring & paint • Vinyl siding main floor & basement • & more • Chain link fence • Front & rear decks Selling price

Phone evenings

Email: advertising@houston-today.com

Medical/Dental

Southside Health & Wellness Centre seeks an RN or LPN for casual employment in community health. The Centre endeavors to increase wellness through a system of education, health promotion, disease prevention and treatment that empowers people to make healthy lifestyle choices. Salary commensurate with experience. Willing to train the right person. Email your cover letter & resume to aileen.serle@northernhealth.ca, or FAX to 250-694-3290, ATTN: Aileen Serle.

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

Classiﬁeds Get Results!

Eavestrough

us Alumi o u n i nt Gutters num o C 250-846-5509

Bulkley Valley Eavestroughing - Telkwa Serving the Bulkley Valley for over 17 years Willy Verhelst

HAPPY ADS...

Career Opportunities

Sullivan Motor Products is looking for a

FINANCE & INSURANCE MANAGER

If you are an experienced F&I Manager or have lending experience, and are looking for a new opportunity and want to work in an amazing workplace then this is the right job for you! t We’re looking for someone that has several years lending experience that is looking to further their career or an experienced F&I Manager. t Team player t Highly self-motivated t ADP or PBS experience an asset Sullivan Motor Products offers a competitive pay plan, exceptional benefits package, great working environment, exceptional management support, & a 5-day work week! If interested, please email your resume: jbrown@sullivangm.com All resumes will remain confidential. We thank all applicants who apply but only those selected will be contacted.

Trades, Technical

Misc. Wanted

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.

Eavestrough

Medical/Dental

CASUAL RN OR LPN

Career Opportunities

Merchandise for Sale

Trades, Technical

Do you have family or friends celebrating a birthday, engagement or anniversary? Or do you want to place a general thank you ad? Happy ads for all occasions!

2 col x 2” size: $20 (+GST) Other sizes available Call today for more info: 250-845-2890

Misc for Rent

GREAT MONTHLY RATES

Mountain View Motel SKI SPECIALS - $69.95/ night or $395.00/ week Monthly Bachelor and 1 Bedroom Suites Avail. Ref. Req./ Resp. People Includes - Cable - Internet - Phone Call Terry 1-778-210-1703 or 250-847-9009 or e-mail terrymadley112@outlook.com

Do you know your diabetes ABCs?

A MECHANIC B C (Service Truck Position, Burns Lake)

Want to work out of a good quality service truck, with some shop work? The successful candidate will be a leader in safety and efficiency and will be able work in difficult situations with an upbeat attitude. Year around work available in the Burns Lake Area!

Starting wage $38.00/hr. 50 hrs per week and possibly more. Benefits package available! Contact Stephan Posselt email: stephan@tahtsa.ca Phone: 778-669-1010

= AIC (measure of blood glucose levels over time) Recommended Target: 7.0% or below = Blood pressure Recommended Target: 130/80 mm Hg = Cholesterol Recommended Target: LDL: 2.0 mmol/L or lower. Total cholesterol to HDL ratio: below 4

If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, and other complications such as eye and kidney disease, nerve damage and foot problems. Keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range can reduce your risk of complications. For more information about staying healthy with diabetes, visit: www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/healthy.asp CANADIAN

ASSOCIATION

DIABETES

CANADIENNE

ASSOCIATION

DU DIABETE

To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace.

/localwork-bc

1.855.678.7833

@localworkbc

Houston Today Wednesday, March 18, 2015

www.houston-today.com 15

NEW LIS TING!

HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR Community Market - Thursday, March 19 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the library. Local vendors will be on hand with a variety of goods. Vendors are asked to call the library to register - 250-845-2256. Space is limited. Tables are $10. Daffodils were be available at the Houston Mall Thurs: noon to 5 p.m. and Fri. starting 11 a.m. Sponsored by the local group for the Canadian Cancer Society. Price is $5 for a bunch of 10 flowers. Get your flowers while quantities last. Dinner and discussion on Euthanasia March 21, Basement of the Houston Reform Church in Houston. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm with presentation and discussion to follow. Guest Speaker Alex Schandenberg. Free will offering after presentation. For more information contact Michalle Brown, Jan Meints or Joan Delege. Houston Retirement Housing Annual General Meeting is Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Houston Seniors Centre. Everyone is welcome. BV Soccer Registration is now on-line @ www. bvsoccer.ca Very easy to register – deadline is Mar. 28th Volunteer cheques to Rod’s 1st Choice Fashions. Volunteers are still needed, pls contact Jacqueline Malkinson @ jacquelinemalkinson@ yahoo.com Upcoming Houston Cancer Fundraiser: Help is needed in all areas for a four hour Canadian Cancer Society “Dash for Cash for Cancer” event to be held

May 23, 2015. For more info contact Debi Smith at 845-7793 or at contact@debilynsmith.com. Houston Public Library Events: Story Time – Wed. mornings from 10-11 a.m. • Junior Literary Society – Thurs. afternoons from 2:30-4:30. For more info please contact the library @250-845-2256.

Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229.

Houston’s “Love by the Bowl” Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11:00 -12:00 and 12:00 -1:00 on Wed.

The Houston Legion Branch 249: Meeting: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is General Meeting.

TOPLEY

Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck flats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info.

Structural Firefighting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250-696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).

The Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre. Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & fire practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall. Granisle Church of the Way services are Sunday, 11:00am.

Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Wed. morning from 9:30-11:00 at the

69,900

FRAME THE VIEW! • Panoramic mountain and valley views from this well kept 4 bedroom home on just over 5 acres and minutes from town! • Floor to ceiling windows in the living/dining room. • Garden doors off the master to a sundeck with a hot tub. • Recent updates include new countertops in the kitchen and tile backsplash as well as in the bathrooms, laminate floors, exterior painted, deck re-done & water filtration system. Covered deck off the kitchen. • Craft/hobby room on the main with a sink and lots of cupboards and its own entrance. Family room and 2 bedrooms in the above ground basement, nice sized boot room. Covered basement entry and attached/ workshop/tool storage. Beautifully landscaped with fenced/raised garden beds.

www.bvcu.com

274,900

Selling your home or business? Houston Today offers a Real Estate Showcase section for local houses and businesses for sale.

Affordable 3 bedroom home on a huge lot in Topley. Many reno’s include vinyl siding, huge entrance, laminate floors. Bathroom updated. Full basement partially finished with a spacious family room, lots of shelving and a pellet stove. • Lots of parking. Low taxes!

Since May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.

GET THE MOST FOR YOUR MONEY! • • • •

HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave. P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117

CREDIT UNION

+ GST

249,900

GRANISLE

Community Calendar proudly sponsored by

y l n o for

• 3/4 bedroom home on a double lot in the popular Avalon Subdivision with an awesome 32x40 completely finished shop!! • Concrete floor, 2 doors, floor drain & gas heat. Lean-to on the side for RV storage as well as another big storage shed and carport off the house! • House features a huge rec-room with a fireplace in the basement, vinyl windows, updated furnace and hot water tank, new shingles recently, deck with aluminum railing and wired for a hot tub. • 3 bedrooms on the main, 1 potential in the basement. 2 bathrooms. • All appliances included, quick possession available. • Call Lia to view 250-845-1147.

Topley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.

Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: Carpet Bowling Tues. & Fri. 1:00 PM • Floor Curling Mon. 1:00 PM • Pool any afternoon to schedule call; Adrian-250-845-2338 • Breakfastsfirst Sat. of the month, community invited. • Soup and Sandwich luncheon- third Thurs. of the month. Community invited. At Pleasant Valley Village, 3603 11th St.: Senior Exercise, Mon. & Fri 10:00 AM • Cards Mon. & Thurs. 7:00 PM. At the Bowling Alley: Seniors bowling Wed. 1:30 PM. At the Houston Swimming Pool: Aquafit, Mon., Wed. & Fri. 9-10 AM. At the Legion: Seniors darts and light lunch Thursdays 11a.m. - 2 p.m.

Bulkley Valley

FELLAS...TAKE A LOOK!

LOOKING TO BUY A HOUSE WITH THE UP-GRADES DONE, READY TO MOVE IN WELL WE HAVE THE HOUSE FOR YOU...

M A

You get a 2 column x 2" display ad (includes photo)

S RUNS 10 WEEKS!! Get results - place your ad with us today! Four bedroom 2 bathroom house located close to elementary and high school. Numerous upgrades include kitchen, bathrooms, windows, and vinyl siding over two inches of blue Styrofoam insulation. Open floor plan and good room sizes, attached garage. Back yard has plenty of play room. Large outside shed to store your toys in. Must be viewed to be appreciated. For appointment to view 1- 250-845-2613

Phone: 250 845-2890

Upstairs Houston Mall • Email: advertising@houston-today.com

www.houston-today.com

GREAT FAMILY HOME IN A GREAT AREA! • Bright, spacious 4 bedroom home located near schools. • Updated vinyl siding, windows, furnace and shingles. • Large kitchen with patio doors to a covered deck. • 2 bathrooms-basement one has a huge soaker tub! • Workshop and storage in the basement as well as a cozy family room. • Huge yard, fenced with a kids play structure! All appliances included. • Call Lia to view 250-845-1147.

145,000

The Hometown Experts with a World of Experience®

Lia Long 250-845-1147

Re/Max Houston

2436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC e-mail: remaxhou@telus.net Locally owned and operated

Call 250-845-7325 www.realtor.ca

www.remaxhouston.ca

www.houston-today.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Houston Today

March 18-24, 2015

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Your Pantry Fill Specialists

PR O D U C E

Value Priced Medium Superpack Striploin Steak Roast Coffee

Ripe Avocados 2 for

Western Family Potato Chips

Assorted Varieties & Sizes

/lb 5 for

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Western Family Pancake Mix

or Syrup 750 ml / 905 g

2 for

598

Western Family Ketchup 2 Varieties, 750 ml or 1 litre

2 for

Western Family Mushrooms Stems and Pieces 12x284 ml

740 ml

Western Family Flour 10 kg

/lb

Grimm’s Smokies 3 Varieties, 450g

ea.

Western Family Whole Fryers Ready To Cook, 2 Varieties

.99

G R E AT BA R G A I N S Western Family Granola Western Family Yogurts Assorted Varieties, 650 g Bars Family Size, 510-630 g

ea.

Western Family Taco Shells

2 for

Western Family Cereal Family Packs

Western Family Hashbrowns

477

1 kg

188

1.81 kg

Western Family Mustard

Western Family Mayonnaise

Western Family Salad Dressings

399

Assorted Varieties, 950 ml

349

or Whole 12x796 ml

3 litre

907 g

400 ml

2 for

Western Family Niblet Corn or Assorted Varieties, 12x341 or 12x398 ml

Western Family Dog Food

Western Family Scoopable Litter

2199

999

2 Varieties, 16 kg

Value Priced Liquid Dish Soap

3’s

17.61/kg

920 g

Red Seedless Grapes

M E AT

F E ATU R E D

Unscented, 18 kg

2 Varieties, 890 ml

Western Family Diced Tomatoes

36 count

497

Western Family Soft Margarine

599 Western Family 100% Canola Oil

699

Western Family Liquid Hand Soap

Western Family Liquid Laundry Soap

399

1399

2 Varieties, Refills, 1 litre

2 Varieties, 4.43 litre

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