Caledonia Courier, June 24, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

Inside

u Pipeline still a no P3 u Editorial P4

u New cleanup agency P5 u Aboriginal Day P7

Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759

PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com

WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015

NEWS BRIEFS

VOL. 38 NO. 12 $1.30 inc. GST

Sowchea Elementary may get stay of execution

Bill Phillipps

Town loses well-loved community member

The town of Fort St. James has lost a big part of the community this past week when Bill Phillipps, 67, died from complications with his heart, June 15. Phillipps, a retiree, volunteered his time with many community groups such as the Seniors Centre, Arts Council and was recently voted in as vice president for MoM festival board. Phillipps will be greatly missed in these communities, Lionel Conant, president of MoM, knew Phillipps for more than eight years and said he was always doing things out of the goodness of his heart. “If there wasn’t any money to be made off the event he’d just say ‘whatever’. He didn’t consider trade-offs for what he gave.” Doing sound was Phillipps’ hobby and he loved playing music with his partner Ingrid, Conant said. “There was nothing he loved more than playing guitar. He’d just get lost in it,” he said. Phillipps also volunteered at the Stuart Lake Seniors Recreation Centre cooking for the meal program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s. “He was one of the retired people that just never retired,” said Conant. A service will be held at 1 p.m., June 24 at the Seniors Recreation Centre. – Michele Taylor

Michele Taylor photo

Shauna Hesse, District of Fort St. James grant writer, left, and Leslie Lantz and Christie Hoy with the Sowchea Elementary School PAC, presented an alternative to closing the school to School District 91 board members on June 15.

Parent Advisory Committee presents alternative to closing school, Mayor asks for one-year delay on board decision Michele Taylor Caledonia Courier

The June 15 community consultation meeting took an interesting turn which may mean a year delay in the decision on the possible closure of Sowchea Elementary School. Christie Hoy and Leslie Lantz, presented an alternative program to the Nechako Lakes School District Board of Trustees. During question period after the presentation, Nadine Frenkel, Vanderhoof trustee, asked if the group intended to apply to the Vancouver Foundation – which

would provide a large portion of the funding for the program - by the July cut-off. Lantz said the intention is to use the proposal as a working copy and to apply to the foundation depending on the board’s final decision that comes down June 22. “The proposal as its written is our working copy to present to the Vancouver Foundation,” Lantz said. “That is our goal pending on the decision is to move forward as quickly as we can.” Charlene Seguin, SD 91 Superintendent, asked the group if it was its intention to ask the board for an extension

on the June 22 decision. “When you spoke to district staff earlier you have had some communication with the Vancouver Foundation and there’s a timeline,” Seguin said. “You’re hoping for a grant and the grant comes if you can match the funds and you’re going to need some time to match the funds.” “Yes, that would be a letter of intent that would go in by the end of July and then you would have a formal proposal,” said Shauna Hesse, District of Fort St. James grant writer. “At this point basically we need to know where we are at or how this is

going to move forward in order to tailor that to make this happen.” “So, in reality what you’re asking for is a delay in the decision from June 22?” said Seguin. “As I interpret what you’re saying is ‘we need a little time to raise money’, would I be correct to say that?” “We don’t know if delaying the decision is the best for everybody either,” said Lantz. ”We’re just being honest about that. We know we need more time, but we don’t know how much time.” Mayor Rob MacDougall was the final speaker during

the question period. MacDougall asked the board to consider a one year stay on the decision to close Sowchea Elementary School. “About 10:30 this morning I was sitting in Prince George … with about a hundred individuals including the Minister of Education. We talked about how we can maintain a level of excellence in our province and our communities,” he said. “To give our children the absolute best opportunity we can so they can succeed with education and in life.” Please see, Chance , page 2

A2 www.caledoniacourier.com

NEWS

Courier

Chance to succeed Continued from Front “I want to say thank you to the PAC, for the wonderful job you’ve done in less than two months to come up with a proposal like this,” MacDougall said. “That has a chance to succeed if we can get support from the board here.” “I think we need some time yes, board, I’m asking for you to delay your decision one year. Give us a chance to implement this proposal, give us a chance to go out and look for sponsorship,” he said. Hoy and Lantz said the Sowchea Elementary Parents Advisory Committee (PAC) believes there is potential to keep the school open by utilizing both Sow-

chea and David Hoy’s facilities as Neighbourhood Learning Centres. Hoy said the learning centres will provide spaces where children can learn through hands-on programming in arts and culture, sports skill-building and through preschools, daycare and after-school programming. She added the proposed project would see five classrooms in each school that would provide centres for this programming. “By using a proven sustainable infrastructure and by bringing the programs to the kids instead of the kids to the programs … we can be more efficient,” Hoy said. Hoy said there are a number of possible income sources outside of program

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Caledonia Courier

chele Taylor photo

School District 91 board members hold second meeting about the closure of Sowchea Elementary School. Tom Bulmer, left, Charlene Seguin, Steve Davis, Lynda Maertz, Adele Gooding and Lucille Duncan during question period June 15. fees such as provincial partnerships, sponsorship through businesses and community foundations such as YMCA and the United Way.

The Vancouver Foundation is also a grant the group would look at obtaining for the program funding. “We feel (the project)

will protect this school district’s initial PAC capital investments in the schools, it adds diversity and choice for residents and helps attract

and maintain families into the district,” she said. “This works toward increasing the number of children in our schools.”

District of Fort St. James Calendar June, 2015

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

2015 Property Taxes

WEDNESDAY 9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

Municipal Website: www.fortstjames.ca

Volleyball

FARMERS’ MARKET 11:30am - 4:00pm at Spirit Square Park EVERY Friday thereafter!

GeoCash Event June 27th

Volleyball

July, 2015 Mystery in the Park

CANADA DAY Pancake Breakfast Parade Activities @ Park Ethnic Dinner Fireworks Volleyball

9:30-11am Pre School Gym @ Nak’azdli Volleyball Sport-acular Golf

GeoCash Event

Food Bank

11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt

9:30-11am Pre School Gym @ Nak’azdli

SATURDAY

Recreation Program Summer Kick Off 9am 3:30pm

9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea Food Bank Volleyball Bike the Town

FSJ Amazing Race

9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

17th Artful Antics

Food Bank Volleyball

Go Green Day 9- 3:00 11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt

11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt Mt. Pope Hike

Volleyball

17th FSJ Survivors

Please submit all events by Wednesday for the next Wednesday paper distribution. ofce@fortstjames.ca

FRIDAY

Have Been Mailed Out Taxes & HOG Due July 2/15 28

THURSDAY

11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN

2015 Recrea�on Brochures are now available @ District Oﬃce 477 Stuart Dr. W. Also Check The Kids Back Packs For Brochures Registra�on Night - Thurs June 18 6pm to 9pm - District Oﬃce Office: 477 Stuart Drive West

Telephone: 250-996-8233

Like us at Facebook: District of Fort St. James

Email: office@fortstjames.ca

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Courier

NEWS

www.caledoniacourier.com A3

Northern Gateway Pipeline still a resounding no Sustainability groups meet across province to educate and fundraise MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

June 17 was the first anniversary of the federal government’s approval of the Enbridge - Northern Gateway Pipelines Project. The Fort St. James Sustainability Group met at Cottonwood Park to talk to members of the community about where First Nations and support groups stand as Enbridge is set to file submissions on some of the 209 conditions applied by the National Energy Board. Enbridge is also working to progress through the five conditions set out by the government of British Columbia. Brenda Gouglas, Fort St. James Sustainability Group member, said one of those submissions should be filed today for the pipeline and marine environmental effect monitoring program. Monitoring for submissions “Right now I’m monitoring for the submissions that Enbridge is making to the National Energy Board (NEB). Along with approval there were 209 conditions that the NEB attached to that certificate of necessity. In the last year Enbridge has fulfilled none of those.” “They are two separate (programs), one for the marine and one for the pipeline portion and that should be filed today,” she said. “There’s another coming up July 1, that one is the report on how many shippers they have confirmed … this will be their third report and the first two (reports) they said they have no one for shippers.” Gouglas said the focus of the event at Cottonwood Park was also partly a fundraiser that

photo courtesy of Tony Gouglas

Sharon Buck, left, Marilyn Gammon, Brenda Gouglas, Barb Rooke, Gareth Gammon, Toni Friesen, Peter Rooke and Bryan Muloin take part in the Week to End Enbridge June 13-21. All around our province, people in almost 50 communities gathered in celebration, June 13. is ongoing province wide to raise the money required for legal fees for the 13 groups with court cases against Northern Gateway which include First Nations, conservation organizations and Unifor which are set to begin in October this year. “That’s our second fund-raiser, we also did one last year for Nak’azdli and Nadleh court cases,” she said. “There are a number of First Nations and environmental groups in the union that are taking the government to court over the decision on the Northern Gateway Project.” Fort St. James is directly along the pro-

posed pipeline route. Northern communities and First Nations have stood together to protect their lands, Gouglas said. She added, “The municipality held a community-wide survey in 2012 that also included the bands. (The survey) came out something like 87 per cent of the people that took part wanted mayor and council to take a stand in opposition to the pipeline.” “The municipality wrote a letter to the joint review panel of the National Energy Board to let them know they were in unanimous opposition to the project and that still stands today,” she said.

“It is not up to Enbridge or the federal government to decide, it is up to the people who live here and they have unequivocally said ‘No’,” Gerald Amos, Chair of the Friends of Wild Salmon coalition, stated in a news release. “Coastal First Nations have a tanker ban through their waters and the Save the Fraser Declaration bans tar sands oil over land.” “The Skeena watershed has a history of defending our wild salmon. We stopped fish farms on the North Coast, coalbed methane drilling in the Sacred Headwaters, and we will stop Enbridge. From Haida Gwaii

Energy Connection Health & Fitness Ltd. connecƟng mind, body & soul Vera Poole - Owner/Operator

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The Boot Camp - $100. plus tax for the month of June. Morn Exercise - $80 for the month introductory price. Stretch and Tone Class $12.50 per class or $80 for the month

AUGUST TRAINING SCHEDULE TUES AUG 18

WED. AUG 19

THURS AUG 20

FRI. AUG 21

Morn. Exc. 8am Morn. Exc. 8am Morn. Exc. 8am Morn. Exc. 8am FSJ Family TKD Child Boot Cmp 9:30 MotherGooseCamp9:30 Child Boot Cmp 9:30 Mother Goose Camp 9:30 11am AllMembersTKD11am Yth. Boot Camp 11am All Members TKD 11am Yth. Boot Camp 11am Family TKD 5pm Boot Camp 6:30pm Family TKD 5pm Family TKD 5pm Stretch & Tone 6:30pm TKD Sparring 6:30pm TKD Sparring 6:30pm Stretch & Tone 8:00pm Stretch & Tone 6:30pm Boot Camp 6:30pm

AUG 24

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Morn Exc. 8am Morn. Exc. 8am Child Boot Cmp 9:30 Kidi Boot Camp 9:30 All Members TKD 11am Yth. Boot Camp 11am Family TKD 5pm Boot Camp 6:30pm Stretch & Tone 6:30pm Boot Camp 6:30pm

AUG 26 Morn. Exc. 8am Child Boot Cmp 9:30 All Members TKD 11am Family TKD 5pm

Thank You & Great Health to All

AUG 27

Please see, Across , page 5

5133 S 27 HWY Located on 10 very private acres and just minutes from town this well maintained mobile with large addition, covered entry, updated kitchen, pellet stove in the spacious living room, patio doors from the kitchen dining area to the deck overlooking the private yard, is looking for a new owner. The 20x40 shop is fully finished with concrete floor, truck door, wood stove and 1 piece bathroom. In the yard you will also find a greenhouse, gazebo, garden sheds and RV parking. $229,000

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You are invited to

Nak’azdli’s 29th Annual General Assembly June 29, 2015 8:00 am - 4:00 pm June 30, 2015 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Kwah Hall

All Taekwon Do pricing and scheduling stays the same as July for August but pricing is 1/2 price ● All aŌernoon scheduling stays the same as July for August STOP BY THE GYM TO REGISTER AND GET YOUR COMPLETE SCHEDULE ●

MON. AUG 17

to Terrace to Fort St. James, communities have said no and will continue to say no until

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Agenda Items include: ➨ Auditor Report ➨ Nak’azdli Whut’en Trust ➨ Land Code ➨ Business Charter ➨ Gas Pipeline Projects Enter your name for awesome door prizes! Pancake breakfast on 29th!

A4 www.caledoniacourier.com

AUDIT

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Editorial Page Published by Black Press Ltd at 150 West Columbia Street, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

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• Guest Editorial

Northern university celebrates 25 years Dr. Daniel Weeks is the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia. What were you doing on June 22, 1990? If you were an MLA, you were raising your hand in support of a motion to create a northern university. It was a simple act that came after an unprecedented social movement in Northern BC that changed the course of this region forever. UNBC is 25 years old and our first generation is loaded with stories that describe the successes of our students, faculty, and alumni. We have nearly 12,000 graduates and the majority of them are living and working in Northern BC, contributing their skills and creativity to make our communities better. In fact, we have more graduates working in health care than any other single sector. The story of UNBC is personified by the story of the Unger family of Burns Lake. In the late 1980s, Wendell Unger was work-

ing in construction and decided niversary is about more than the to join the campaign for a north- present and the past; it has to also ern university, paying $5 to join be about the future. the Interior University Society. Our 25 anniversary is serv16,000 other northerners did as ing as a platform to imagine the well, and today, all of Wendell’s future of UNBC, based around three children are benefitting integrated academic and budget from UNBC. The two oldest are plans that will be rooted in our recent graduates of the Northern mission and grounded by susMedical Program and the young- tainability. est just completed her first year The planning process will cerof studies. tainly involve our campus comUNBC has changed their fam- munity but it’s natural for UNBC ily, just as it has for countless to move beyond our campuses other families around Northern and involve the citizens and comBC. Samantha Unger participat- munities of Northern BC and beed in our 25th anniversary com- yond. munity celebration by unveiling Take the opportunity to be a display of all 16,000 names that involved in the future of UNBC, has been installed on campus. just as 16,000 northerners were Earlier this month we held actively involved in creating it in graduation ceremonies in five the first place. Northern BC communities and The next 25 years won’t be at each one, it was easy to see easy, with declining populations how the University has changed of young people and a chalthe fortunes of communities and lenging fiscal environment, but families; not just for the person UNBC is a tremendous resource who earned the degree. for the region and we’ll need photo courtesy of UNBC It is because of this that we your continued support and en- Dr. Daniel Weeks is the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University want to make sure that our 25 an- gagement to be even better. of Northern British Columbia.

Look for us online at : caledoniacourier.com

E-mail us at : newsroom@caledoniacourier.com

NEWS New cleanup agency for spills on land Caledonia Courier Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Courier

PRO to backstop trucks, trains and pipelines Black Press

The province will require industry to pay for a new organization to quickly deploy trained and equipped responders to deal with a spill of oil or any other hazardous substance on land. New legislation will come next spring and the new Preparedness and Response Organization (PRO) is to be in place by 2017 to counter a variety of landbased spills, including train derailments, tanker truck crashes and pipeline failures that release petroleum or other chemicals. Environment Minister Mary Polak predicted it will significantly improve B.C.’s readiness to coordinate and, if necessary, lead the response to a spill on land without delays to determine who is responsible. Companies will have to join the new response organization if the risk they pose – based on the volume and toxicity of the cargo they ship – exceeds a certain risk threshold that is yet to be determined. The spiller will remain responsible for response and cleanup costs, but if its efforts are failing the province would be able to call the PRO in to take over. Polak likened the new agency’s role to that of the Western Canada Marine Response Corp., the non-profit industry-funded group that responds to marine spills. “That’s the kind of idea that we are looking at so you have one body that can be contacted, can be immediately put into place, taking action even before we’ve identified who’s responsible for a spill,” she said. Polak said the aim is to fill gaps in readiness, not to duplicate existing industry efforts. While the federal government has jurisdiction over problems along a pipeline rightof-way, Polak said a spill could cause environmental damage over

a wider area. “If one imagines the damage that a pipeline spill could potentially do, much of that would then be potentially our responsibility outside of that pipeline right of way.” First Nations and other local communities are expected to play significant roles in the new system. The B.C. SPCA is also involved in the planning work to ensure international best practices in caring for oiled animals, said chief scientific officer Dr. Sara Dubois. The federal government has jurisdiction over spills at sea. But the province says the new land-based spill response system will also be ready to pitch in on a marine spill by helping coordinate the response and quickly

Across the north and province Continued from page 3

City of Vancouver photo

An oiled duck is handled by responders following the spill of bunker fuel oil from a freighter off Vancouver in April. minimizing shoreline impacts, if necessary. Polak said a lack of good coordination between agencies was one of the problems that arose in the Marathassa fuel oil spill in English Bay in April, and reiterated the need for Ot-

tawa to bolster marine response preparedness. “What we have now is outdated,” she said. “The province is not prepared for a major spill.” Premier Christy Clark had previously said if Ottawa can’t do

better on marine response it should relinquish authority to B.C. World-leading spill response capabilities on land and at sea are among the province’s preconditions for agreeing to new heavy oil pipelines.

this project is dead for good”, stated Amos. Gouglas, said she has been involved since about 2008, when Enbridge first came to council to talk to the community about the project they would be filing in 2010. Across the north and throughout the province communities came together in a ‘Week to End Enbridge’ from June 13 - 21, organizing fundraisers to support First Nation legal fees. Environment Minister Mary Polak discussed plans June 15 to bring in a method for dealing with landbased oil spills and has committed to legislation which would

see the creation of an industry-funded department with the capability to handle spills on land. Meeting this condition would mean that four government set conditions remain. Those four conditions are; a world-leading marine response, fair share of revenue to B.C., for the risks assumed and most importantly a First Nations buy-in to the project. Gouglas said the past unanimous opposition to the project that still stands today means Fort St. James groups will likely continue to oppose the project.“There seems to be no appetite whatsoever to revisit (the project), because of the education that our community has seen.”

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Courier

NEWS

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Caledonia Courier

B.C. adding to aboriginal education BY TOM FLETCHER Black Press

When the city of Prince George was being established a century ago, the aboriginal people on the site of the present downtown area were relocated to a new reserve and their homes were burned. That’s a part of B.C. history that many people in Prince George and around

the province don’t know, and an example of why changes are coming to B.C. school curriculum, says Aboriginal Relations Minister John Rustad. More changes will be announced soon for postsecondary education, based on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The B.C. government is providing $4.3 million to establish

an emergency financial assistance for aboriginal students and $12 million for a scholarship program. “There have been attempts over the years to include more information around First Nations and our aboriginal history, but this is going quite a bit further and trying to tell a more complete history of us as Canadians, all Canadians,” Rustad said.

National Aboriginal Day is Sunday, June 21. Rustad will be in Prince George at a ceremony to rename Fort George Park to recognize the original inhabitants, the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. A Lheidli T’enneh flag will be raised at city hall where it will be permanently flown. National Aboriginal Day events are planned around the province, including a

three-day cultural festival at the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria with dance, arts and crafts and traditional foods. The past year has been pivotal for aboriginal relations in B.C., with the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision recognizing aboriginal title to traditional territory of the Tsilhqot’in Nation near Williams Lake. The province is working on a protocol

to manage access by nonaboriginal people to the Nemiah Valley, where provincial jurisdiction no longer applies. While progress in treaty negotiations has been slow, the B.C. government continues to reach resource revenue sharing agreements with First Nations around the province, covering forestry, mining and oil and gas projects.

Canada Day 2014 in Fort St. James

Happy Birthday Canada!

e h c

8:00 am 11:00 am

12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm 5:30 pm 10:00 pm 11:00 pm

nts a n d Lo e v E f o c at du le COTTONWOOD PARK, FORT ST. JAMES WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST, 2015

Wednesday, July 1st, 2015

io n

Pancake Breakfast - Hosted by the Firehall Main Street PARADE - Awards will go to the best 1960’s or best 50th birthday float. This year the Canadian Flag is turning 50 years old. The official Canadian Flag was raised in 1965! Opening Ceremonies with Canada Day Cake! Comedian & Ventriloquist Val Hilliker NATIONAL HISTORIC Overwaitea Watermelon eating contest SITE ACTIVITIES Children’s Carnival Games FREE Admission Drumming and Singing Helicopter Drop FREE Horse Rides Diversity Dinner Volunteer FSJ Free if you bring your own plate or dish Dunk Tank Entertainment featuring Sam Holden 12:15 Flag Raising Pre-fireworks - Entertainment featuring 2pm Chicken Races Matthew Leon Fireworks

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Courier

NEWS

www.caledoniacourier.com A7

Aboriginal Day celebrations in the Fort HOLIDAY FEATURE Michele Taylor

Michele Taylor photos

The chickens take it easy before their big chicken race event.

Caledonia Courier

The weather didn’t disappoint for Aboriginal Day celebrations at Heritage Park June 21. Visitors enjoyed free hotdogs, hamburgers, popcorn, cotton candy and cake during the event, and had a chance to watch chicken races. Violet Prince was beading and mocassin making at the Men’s Cabin. If you stay long enough, Prince even shared stories that have been passed down generations. There was also bannock making at the Hide Tanning Shed and drumming throughout the day. Kids had face painting and a variety of bouncy houses to play in which were donated for the day by the Nak’azdli Health Centre.

Lynndale Alexader pitched the baseball right into the catcher’s mitt in the kids play area at the June 21 celebrations for Aboriginal Day.

Violet Prince, left, and Chief Fred Sam cut the cake at the Aboriginal Day celebrations at Heritage Park June 21.

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH (Across from the Petrocan Station)

SUNDAY LITURGY: Saturday 7:30 pm & Sunday 10:30 am DAILY MASS: Monday - Friday 9:00 am PASTORAL TEAM: FATHER FRANK SALMON 250-996-8343 SR. MAURINE BARZANTNI, SR.RENEE RICHIE, SR. DIVINA PEDRO 250-996-2275

THE CHURCHES OF FORT ST. JAMES Jakota Monk gets a bumblebee painted on his face by Marissa Boyde at the face-painting booth at the Heritage Park’s Aboriginal Day celebrations June 21.

Susan Salokannel spins cotton candy for young and old as part of the day’s free treats at Heritage Park for Aboriginal Day.

A8 www.caledoniacourier.com

Courier

NEWS

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Traveling solo: How to be adventurous MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Michele Taylor photo

I don’t always find my taxidermy in museums, sometimes it happens in the most random places like the mechanic’s shop in Dawson Creek, taxidermy is one of my favourite subjects to photograph.

Exploring is the greatest adventure I can imagine. Traveling to new places and seeing this great country of mine has been my dream since I struck out on my own at 17. I’ve travelled by bus, foot and by car across three provinces, one territory and eight U.S. States during my lifetime. I’ve been traveling solo for the past two years. I’ve logged more than 45,000 kilometres and I’ve done my fair share of stops in new cities or towns with either motel stays or stopping roadside and camping in my vehicle. I have a fair advantage nowadays by way of a vehicle to get me places, but I think about my personal safety all the time even though I’m in my metal box. The following is tip four of my top five tips while traveling alone: When the bug hits me and I have to get out and do some adventuring the first thing I look for before I head to my destination are guides and books that talk about the history of the places I’ll be visiting. I skip the internet for this part of my adventures. There’s something quite beautiful about flipping through a paperback on local histories. One

of my favourites written specifically for British Columbia is, A Travellers Guide to Historic British Columbia, by Rosemary Neering. I also plan a stop to the local museum wherever I head to in my travels. Not only can a museum give you a great sense of the history behind the place you’re visiting, it can also point you to a variety of other interesting places to check out during your stay. As a photographer I also enjoy the challenge of shooting interesting phone photos of taxidermy animals while I’m checking out the displays. The most important part of adventuring is knowing what you love to do and then throwing in a couple of new things that you want to try. I try and pick at least one new thing, sometimes it’s checking out North America’s largest Army Surplus in Oregon or stopping to view the lava fields in Yellowstone National Park; it’s also a great way to meet people who are interested in the same things you are. Don’t be afraid to make a U-turn if you see something that sparks your interest. I always build in time to make a couple of stops when I’m traveling, just in case. Mix it up, have fun and try new things even if they seem a little scary at first.

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Caledonia Courier Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Courier

NEWS

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Wildfires by the numbers

Dirk Beyer - Wikimedia Commons photo

Human-caused wildfires account for almost half of the wildfires in B.C. each year. MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Recent warm weather has been welcomed by many, although there has been some precipitation, dry conditions and an increased risk of forest fires still prevail across the province. A recent forest fire near Little Bobtail Lake brings to the forefront fire safety during these dry months. That human started fire is currently under investigation by the RCMP and the Wildfire Management Branch. Human-caused wildfires account for almost half of the wildfires in B.C. each year. The potential charges and fines, should the RCMP find the person(s) responsible for starting the Little Bobtail fire, could be a substantial amount. According to the Wildfire Management Branch, 61 administrative law proceedings have been completed under the Wildfire Act against “persons” (a “person” could be an individual, a corporation or a company) for contraventions of the act occurring from 2006 to 2012. These proceedings do not include minor offences such as having a campfire during a fire ban which are often issued a ticket on-site. They are associated with an actual fire where there was a contravention or a fire response cost or damages to Crown timber or range resources. These proceedings could be

in the neighbourhood of several thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are currently 28 proceedings in various stages of completion, which could include finalizing the investigation, determining the penalty or responding to appeals. There have been approximately $143,000 in penalties and $4.3 million in damages/cost recoveries from the 61 contraventions. There were 14 files in the Prince George Fire Centre where a person was found to have contravened the Wildfire Act and/or the Wildfire Regulation. Provincially, there were 49 files where the person was found to have contravened the Wildfire Act and/or the Wildfire Regulation. There are 26 new files that are currently being processed. Additional files are being reviewed and more information is being gathered to determine if a contravention will be alleged in those instances. To avoid being charged, follow fire bans and proper protocols for ensuring your fire is extinguished before leaving your site. The B.C. government runs an extensive public information program to advise people about the hazards of human-caused fires. You can find more information on fire bans at http://bcwildfire. ca/hprscripts/wildfirenews/bans.asp.

photo courtesy of the Wildfire Management Branch

A firefigher builds a firebreak near the Cisco Road fire near Lytton Tuesday, June 16.

Hot start for forest fires in B.C. nay and Okanagan regions.

BY TOM FLETCHER Black Press

B.C. started the week with seven new wildfires on its map, for a total of 470 recorded so far in a hot start to the 2015 forest fire season. More than 60,000 hectares have burned so far, most of that from 150 fires in the Prince George fire centre region. Two new fires were reported on southeastern Vancouver Island and a third at Nimpkish Lake on northern Vancouver Island this week. By Wednesday there were 14 new and active fires in the Koote-

Record highs Environment Canada forecast a 60 per cent chance of rain by Friday in the Kamloops and Prince George areas, with continued dry weather expected through the weekend in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Chilliwack set new high temperature records at the beginning of this week, and drier than normal conditions have prevailed across much of the province. The Cisco Road fire south of Lytton in the Fraser Canyon grew to 1,370 hectares

and was only 20 per cent contained as of Wednesday. The Lytton First Nations issued an evacuation order and other areas of the Thompson Nicola Regional District were on evacuation alert, with sprinklers deployed to protect threatened buildings. The Little Bobtail Lake fire west of Prince George was contained at about 25,000 hectares with no loss of structures, but its intense burn weakened root systems of standing trees and people were still being warned to avoid the area. Another large fire burned 18,000 hectares near Fort Nelson before it was contained with the help of rainfall.

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Courier

NEWS

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Caledonia Courier

B.C. farmland-to-forest project halted BY TOM FLETCHER Black Press

British-based manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser Inc. has suspended its tree-planting program on farmland in the B.C. Interior after continued opposition from local governments. Communities from the Peace, Prince George and Cariboo grew increasingly alarmed as the carbon offset program known as RB Trees for Change accumulated thousands of hectares of cleared farmland and planted seven million trees since it began in 2006. They objected to centrally located and productive farmland being lost, weakening local economies and encouraging new land clearing farther afield. “Our intent is to review all aspects of the program including land buying criteria,”

company spokesperson Lynn Kenney told Black Press Friday. “We will do so through discussions with stakeholders including provincial and local governments, community representatives, our suppliers and others with an interest in the program.” The B.C. government was informed of the decision June 4, and it was confirmed Friday by Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick. “I am especially pleased to hear that in conducting their review they will not make any new offers to purchase land, nor will they prepare existing lands, buy seed or plant new trees,” Letnick said. NDP agriculture critic Lana Popham said this company’s voluntary decision doesn’t prevent others from doing the same thing. Tree growing remains a permitted use un-

Submitted photo

Farmland at Reid Lake, northwest of Prince George, planted by RB Trees for Change as a carbon offset. Locals say the land was cleared by homesteaders with horses in the early 1900s. der Agricultural Land Commission rules, and RB chose not to apply for long-term covenants against tree cutting that

would qualify the project for tradable carbon offsets. Popham has called for legislative amend-

ments to make any carbon offset program on farmland subject to approval by the Agricultural Land Commis-

sion. RB initially said they were only replanting marginal and idle land, but local governments rejected that as-

sessment. Kenney said the company will continue to maintain the farmland it has planted.

Building successful business MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Michele Taylor photo

The District of Fort St. James will be surveying business owners and managers during its first Business Walk, July 6.

The District of Fort St. James will be surveying business owners and managers during its first Business Walk, July 6. Emily Columbo, District Economic Development Officer, said volunteer teams made up of business leaders, local and provincial government members and business support service providers will travel around and survey local businesses to find out areas where support may be needed. “Businesses that need assistance will receive follow up visits and will be provided one on one support,” she said. The Business Walk program involves a partner-

ship facilitated by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training (JTST), the District of Fort St. James, the Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce, and local service providers, said Columbo. She added the Business Walk program is recognized as an Economic Development Best Practice by the Provincial Government. “Gathering community and business information is a key ingredient to foster the area’s economic growth and expansion potential,” she said. “By taking the time to answer just a few questions, businesses will be providing valuable information that area support agencies can use to develop programs and services that will better support our small businesses.”

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LOGGING SUPERVISOR The KDL Group is a premier provider of complete resource services. We have operations in Fort St. James, Mackenzie, and Courtenay. Our team at our Fort St. James Division is currently seeking a highly motivated, professional who is interested in pursuing a full-time, long-term career in Logging Operations. You will join an exciting team at an exciting time in the Forest Industry. Successful Candidates will possess the following qualifications: t Experience in the logging/forestry business t Ability to lead and motivate a team t Ability to problem solve and manage projects t Must have good written and oral communications skills t Professional and accountable t General computer and hand-held technology skills with MS Office t Strong work ethic and leadership t Able and willing to work in a remote/camp environment t Current registration, or eligibility to register within two years, as an RPF is an asset Key Responsibilities: t Ensure customer requirements are met with regard to safety, quality control, environment t Ensure production targets are met t Ensure operations are conducted to KDL standards t Training, scheduling, motivating, and disciplining where required t Trouble shooting and problem solving t Meetings (Safety, crew, production, management) t Equipment and human resource allocation and dispatch We offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and an outstanding pension plan. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please send your resume to admin@kdlgroup.net. Resume deadline is July 15, 2015. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those short listed will be contacted. We only consider candidates approved to work in Canada.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad

Pioneers Courageous Battles

Athletes Achieving

Human Interest

Serving the community of Fort St. James

Featuring the spirit of the local people

Fire chief meets challenges head on Fire chief meets Michael Navratil aims to build community back into fire department challenges head on

cal so, we were in Madison Wisconsin and then we were in Tucson Arizona, then back Michael Navratil aims to build community in Thunder Bay,” he said. Like every boy, Mike Navraback into fire department “Then we were in Spruce til, FSJ Fire Department fire Grove which is just outside chief, said it was something of Edmonton. returned to Canada Navratil took a deputy Michele Taylor Spruce Grove fire chief contract in Whitecourt, Alta., and Caledonia Courierof being growing he dreamed is where graduated high then wentIto Abu Dhabi, UAE, as a fire trainup.Like It every wasn’t until a Christ- school.” boy, Mike Navratil, FSJ Fire ing officer, teaching 12-week courses. mas partyfireinchief, Williams Department said it wasLake something Navratil Tiring said of thehe schedule of being away for did on-call he dreamed of being growing up. beIt wasn’t months at a time, Navratil said he started back in 2002 while sitting firefighting in positions Williams Lake, Columbia until a Christmas party in Williams Lake looking for in British sideina 2002 firefighter thatbeside he actuback while sitting a firefightthat he could settle into. And that is how he Vernon and in Okanagan ally thinking seriously er thatstarted he actually started thinking seriously ended up in Fort St. James. Landing before becoming the about the department. “I was teaching the full NFPA 1000, fireaboutjoining joining the department. Protective Services “I was working for the province at the fighter 1 and firefighterCo-ordi2 program … it was “Iand was working for the prov- atnator Michele Taylor photo time was sitting beside a firefighter a a 12for week program (in Abu Dhabi),” he said. Okanagan Landing Christmas party in Williams He said, “Going over there three, four months at a Michael Navratil, FSJ Fire Department chief, has a vision for building a fire departince at the time and wasLake. sitting for four years. ment which will provide a more efficient and safe response to calls through fur‘Hey youashould go apply”, I did and two time was not really family oriented.” beside firefighter at asoChristLooking a tochange, he James fire ther recruitment and structured training for its members. months later I was in.” Navratilfor came the Fort St. mas partyborn in Williams Lake.called Navratil, in a small town time where saiddepartment he tookat afour toursthere inwere some Uherske Hradiste in the Republic, serious issues, the former fire chief was on and definitely take the energy of the new rience up to speed and close the gaps in their He said, ‘Hey youChzec should Khandahar, Afghanistan, do- assault. members and move forward with them.” led a well-traveled life with his parents and trial and later convicted of sexual experience. go apply”, so I did and two ing contract work a fire older brother. Navratil said thereaswere a lotinof unknown With his extensive background in train“One of the first courses I brought in with months laterfirst I was in.” The family moved to Canada spendchallenges thathe he returned had no ideato about when ing and as a certified instructor and evaluator an outside instructor was the Incident Safety spector. When ingNavratil, time in Toronto Bay, then he first arrived. for the Justice Institute there are a variety of Ops course. I had the former chief of KabornandinThunder a small Canada“There Navratil took a deputywhatsoever courses that Navratil can bring in and teach mloops come up, it was a large ticket item, while on a sabbatical the family spent some was no cohesiveness townin called Uherske Hradiste time Wisconsin and Arizona before comthe department,” “There’s a huge on his own. fire inchief contract heinsaid. Whitebut 14 of us took that course,” he said. “That in back the toCzech led seting Thunder Republic, Bay and eventually challenge pulling the team back together. “One of the first things I did was bring safety oriented course gives you whole lot of court, Alta., and then went tling in Spruce Grove,life Alta. with his Things were let go for quite a while. Previ- in the Ice Rescue Technician course with fire grab experience that might take you even a well-traveled to Abu Dhabi, UAE a set fireby the pre- the support of council. There were a lot of years to have concepts of. That safety aspect “My dad took a sabbatical so, we were ous requirements that as were parents and older brother. The in Madison Wisconsin and then we were training in vious chief, Jim Wasylenko, officer, teaching but 12 they were gaps in ice rescue training and by the end was huge for the department.” Tucson then backtoin Canada Thunder Bay,” never adhered to. There were a lot of ghost of January we had 12 ice rescue technicians. familyArizona, first moved As the chief, Navratil said he has a vision weekpeople courses. he said. “Then wein were in Spruce on my list, so that’s why the massive And we had new equipment, new ropes and for the community of Fort St. James to have spending time Toronto andGrove Tiring of the schedule of bewhich is just outside of Edmonton. Spruce recruitment.” everything we needed.” a fire department which will provide a more Thunder Bay, then while on ing away Grove is where I graduated high school.” He said his goal isattoa maintain Navratil said the biggest concern is the efficient and safe response to calls. for months time, recruitsaid the he did on-call spent firefighting ment in the department and added there will crew members’ safety and he said he brings a Navratil sabbatical family He said meeting that goal will happen Navratil saidrecruitment he started lookin Williams Lake, Vernon and in Okanagan be another drive in the fall. in cyclical training so the members are al- through further recruitment and structured some time in Wisconsin and ing for in British Landing before becoming the Protective “In positions my year-and-a-half here I’ve re- ways keeping refreshed on their training. training that will provide members with the ArizonaCo-ordinator before coming backLandServices for Okanagan cruited 24 members. It’s pretty amazing and “If we’re going to do it we have to do many skill-sets needed to do just that. Columbia that he could settle ing for four years. scary from an operational perspective it safely, not just for us, but the people we “Through being part of our dynamic to Thunder Bay and eventually into.pretty is how he ended Looking for a change, he said he took asAnd well,”that he said. might have to rescue.” team I also hope individuals will gain pride settling in Khandahar, Spruce Grove, Alta.doing FSJ the Firebiggest Department chief, for building they a firerecognize department which four tours in Afghanistan, “Probably the number one goalMichael is one Navratil, up in Fort St. James. He added challenge righthas nowa vision and fulfillment as themselves will provide a more efficient and safe response to calls through further recruitment and struc“My dad took a sabbaticontract work as a fire inspector. When he more recruitment drive and solidify the base is getting the new members with little expe- as valuable members of this community.” MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

tured training for its members.

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes

Box 421 183 First Street, Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 Email: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca