Vanderhoof Omineca Express, January 06, 2016

Happy 2016!

E xpress OMINECA

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Christmas Festival

An Inter-Church Christmas Festival held Saturday Dec. 19 in Riverside Park brought families out to see and hear the Christmas story. With live animals and people dressed in costume this was a lovely way to present the Christmas story and nativity.

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Stuart

Community Telephone Directory 2016 Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser, Cluculz Lake, Tachie and area ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN THE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY. There are several options: * Choose from a Line Listing, Bold Line Listing or Super Bold Line Listing in the white pages * choose from a Line Listing, Bold Line Listing or a Super Bold Line Listing in the back section of the directory listings * or choose a display advertisement in the directory. You can also combine two or a package of all three options.

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For more information call the Omineca Express: 250-567-9258

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

Salute to Minor Hockey in Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake VANDERHOOF INITIATION 1

VANDERHOOF INITIATION 2

Coaches- Scott Stevens, Jason Kadonaga, Bobby Bahr. (back row) Ryder Priore, Arley Funk, Maci Kadonaga, Dominick Martens, Peyton Hansen, Easton Giesbrecht, Cameron Johnson, Jayce Stephens, Max Funk, Kayne Sutherland. (front row) Emily Stevens, Kiah Thiessen-Clark, Cadence Khomstead, Kate Thiessen-Clark, Nixon Bahr, Roman Peters, Tristan Goodkey, Ben Barclay

From Bottom left to right Chyler Knackstedt, Chayde Jackson, Chloe Wild, Connor Schlamp Seth Gull. Top from left to right Coach Lance Lauze, Tristan Martens, McKenna Loewen, George Bruma, Katie Van Der Giessen, Hayden Koehmstedt, Nicholas Wall Coach Steve Little.

Photo by Wallace Studios

Photo by Wallace Studios

VANDERHOOF INITIATION 3

VANDERHOOF ATOMS

Goalie: Dexter Malo. Left to right front row: Dawson Knackstedt, Taylor Siemens, David Wiens, Jillian Boon, Lauren Baker, Taylor Danielsson, Tomas Boon. Back row left to right: Regan Schlamp, Nick Fergusseon, Eric Hartwig, Noah Gilbert, Aiden Simrose, Mikayla LePoidevin, Sarah Prestmo, Treyken Stephen, Owen Kadonaga. Coaches: Jason Kadonaga, Paul Hartwig, Shane Baker.

Grayson Turgeon, Wyatt Snow. Bottom left ot right: Garret Schlamp, Carson Baker, Lowell Stevens, Nik Kadonaga, Noah Gavrie, Rikko Block, Ethan Hoffman, Logan Hoogeveen, Lindsay Goncalves. Back left to right: Reiner Wild, Garett Wiebe, Korben MacLeod, Pacey Bremner, Cooper Ziler, Cole Malo, Zach Mason, Matthew Manky, Dominic LePoidevin, Evan Warkentin, Seth Habsburg, Damien Knackstedt. Coaches: Jason Kadonaga, Scott Stevens, James Snow.

Photo by Wallace Studios

Photo by Wallace Studios

The mission of the BC Hockey League is to...

Lead, Develop and Promote positive lifelong hockey experiences

Vanderhoof and Districts Co-op Association

Advanced Millwright Services

Good Luck to all teams PLAY SAFE AND FAIRLY! Box 1743, Vanderhoof, BC

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ARO AUTO/INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY We Salute All the Hard Work and Dedication!

“GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE TEAMS” Vanderhoof:

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1-877-567-4414 Good Luck and have a fun and safe hockey season to all the Minor Hockey Teams! facebook.com/vhfcoop @VanderhoofCoop www.vhfcoop.com

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Salute to Minor Hockey: Vanderhoof Vanderhoof PEEWEE

Coaches (L-R) Assistant Coach Jeff Boon. Head Coach Ryan Makow. Back row Players (L-R) Linden Makow, Reeve Thiessen, Triniti Martens, Brody Johnston, Lachlan Pedersen, Kayden Young, Noah Wiens, Ella Boon, Evan Eadie, Nick Friemar. Front Row (L-R) Connor Webster, Mathieu Holland, Bayley Cail, Tyson Wiebe. Goalies (L-R) Eddie Matte, Parker Loewen.

Vanderhoof PEEWEE GIRLS

Back row left to right are: Olivia Prestmo, Bayley Cail, Ella Boon, Alexa Philips, Mackenzie Faulconer, Madison Kelly and Zoe Stephen. Front Row left to right: Abby Koehmstedt, Kayla Koehmstedt, Paige Faulconer, Trinity Martens and Cala Jackson.

Coaches: Jeff Boon, Theresa Philips and Cecilia Gouliquer Photo by Wallace Studios

Photo by Wallace Studios

Vanderhoof MIDGETS

Back row: Trent Emel, Ewan Miles, Clint Sam, Graeme Thiessen, Connor Arnason, Eric Silver, Maxime Moritz, Nicholas Warkentin, Daulton Swanson, Casey Turgeon, Calvin Li. Front row: Dexter Swanson, Coach Andy Reimer, Mikael Bahr, David Martens, Dixon Loewen, Kyler Boucher, Dominic Webster, Assistant coach Piers Egen, Jaret van der Giessen. Missing from picture assistant coach Tom Silver.

Photo by Wallace Studios

District of Vanderhoof Wishing all the minor hockey players a safe season.

Good Luck and Have Fun! 250-567-4711

www.vanderhoof.ca

Vanderhoof MIDGET GIRLS

Top row left to right: David Boon (Head Coach), Mikhaila Moritz, Brooklynn Pearson, Riley Wiens, Kennedy Miles, Tawny Weinhardt, Chloe Perry, Taylor Philips, Gracie Coombs, Theresa Philips (Asst. Coach), Steve Little (Asst.

Coach). Bottom Row left to right: Alaina Sommerville, Cailen Saharchuck, Megan Boon, Rivey Faulconer, Gracie Wiebe, Taryn Stephen, (Goalie) Lynnaea Harasti.

Photo by Wallace Studios

Team Sports Encourage Winning Spirits!

Good Luck to all Teams!

Wishing you all a great Hockey Season full of goals, cheers and fun!

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

Salute to Minor Hockey: Vanderhoof & Fraser Lake VANDERHOOF BANTAMS

Back Row Left to Right: Dave Boon Asst Coach, LeMar Reed, Griffin Thiessen, Ethan Floris, Booker Daniel, Cohen Thiessen, Josh van der Giessen, Garrett Dick, Simon Nemethy, Slade Desharnais, Dylan Boon, Alex Bruma, Caleb Goncalves, Bill Lewis Asst Coach, Marty Floris Coach. Front Row Left to Right: Spencer Lewis, Kael Evans, Connar Hoffman, Kinnon Cameron, Jackson Hassman, Weston Warkentin, Cole Geernaert.

Photo by Wallace Studios

FRASER LAKE mites

Back row: Jonas Ray, Charlie Nelson, Connor Weber, Nolan Lafferty, Levi Cockerill, Dominic Reeves, Greyden Carter, Kian Shearer, Hunter Murray, Cameron Litke, Deegan Gatehouse. Front Row: Olivia Weber, Nathaniel Larson, Alexander Larson, Ryden Holland, Connor Murray, Dylan Slater, Hunter Storey and Rylan Storey Photo by AAA Photography

FRASER LAKE NOVICE

Coaches: Josh Weber, Craig Lepoidevin, Shane Hendriksen.

Kennedy Rothenbusch, Charlee Rothenbusch, Abby Magnus, Aaron Johnson, Nicholas Ossi, Logan Slatter, Braedon Williamson, Emma Williamson, Noah Ray, Bradley Morris, Caleb Ketlo, Brianna Ens, Anthony Ens, Laiken Hendriksen, Evan Kramback, Jade Lepoidevin, Donald Sutherland (not in photo).

FRASER LAKE ATOMS

Coaches: Devon Downey, Jonathon Shearer, Shawn Williams, Kyle Magnus Players back row: Adanaz Fulton, Chris Daly, Braedon Tom, Dakota Magnus, Tyler House, Katrina Ketlo, Logan Shearer, Mason Graham, Jonas Charlie, Ireland Webb, Ty Allen, Nate Williams, Emerson Louis, Cadence Albinet, Quin Nicol.

Photo by AAA Photography

Photo by AAA Photography

REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS

“Peter Ryks Property Services Ltd” 115-2375 Burrard, Tel: 567-9158

Wishing success and a fun season to all Minor Hockey Teams!

Email: pbryks@gmail.com Web: www.prps.ca

Hats oɈ to all Minor Hockey Coaches, Teams and Players!

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Salute to Minor Hockey: Fraser Lake FRASER LAKE MIDGET GIRLS

FRASER LAKE MIDGET

Coaches: Harry Koenig, Craig Lepoidevin, Alan Laffin.

Players: Top row, Jordan Kersey, Colton McMaster, Sam Ketlo, Gavin Janzen, Lucas Friesen, Christian Louis, Austyn Ketlo, Devon Downey, Tristian Williams, Nolan Nicol, Brailen Fitzgerald, Josh Laffin, Noah Nicol, Brett Fisher, Alex Koenig, Shawna Williams.

Photo by AAA Photography

Coaches: Fernando Ossi, Harry Koenig.

Players: back row, Jana Waldvogel, Ashia Ens, Shae Semmler, Kailee Duncan, Alyssa Ens, Caitlyn Heron, Stephanie McLean, Emily Rankin, Rebekah Mendoza. Front row: Taylor Ens, Lyric Fulton, Desiree Ens, Alysia Power, Alyssa Koenig, Katlyn Willier, Michelle Ossi.

Photo by AAA Photography

Speedway Tire and Mechanical Services Wishing you all a season filled with hat tricks, goals and cheering fans!

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

Express

OPINION

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

Olivia, Ethan are B.C.’s top baby names Olivia is the most popular name for baby girls born in B.C. for the third straight year.

The province issued its annual list of top baby names chosen in 2014.

Ethan was the top name for boys, edging out Liam, the previous year’s top choice.

It’s been a long run of popularity for Ethan, which has been number one or two every year since 2002.

Emma, Sophia, Emily and Chloe rounded out the top five names for girls in 2014, while the other top boys’ names were Liam, Lucas, Oliver and Mason.

“Not surprisingly Terry was not the most popular boys’ name in British Columbia in 2014,” said Health Minister Terry Lake said.

Final statistics for 2015’s names won’t be available until later in 2016, but so far Olivia appears to be extending her streak, while Oliver was edging ahead of Liam and Ethan for top choice on the boys’ side as of Dec. 1.

The Vital Statistics Agency reported 44,500 babies born in B.C. in 2014 – 22,957 boys and 21,543 girls.

B.C. makes quitting smoking easier The B.C. government’s quit-smoking assistance program is now available to people who drop by a pharmacy to qualify for free nicotine replacement products.

As of Jan. 1, 2016, participants no longer have to register by calling 8-1-1 to reach the HealthLinkBC medical advice service. The program has also expanded its offerings to include nicotine inhalers and lozenges as well as gum and patches.

Health Minister Terry Lake said the changes are to make it easier for smokers to quit, or to try again if they have relapsed after using the program before. It supplies 12 weeks’ worth of nicotine replacement products in each calendar year to B.C. residents.

To qualify, people must have active Medical Services Plan coverage and be a tobacco smoker or chewer.

The program began in 2011 and the province has spent $38 million on it so far. A survey of 3,000 users in 2015 found that about one in four reported quitting smoking for some period, with half of those making it a month or more smoke free. Three quarters of survey participants reported smoking less after using nicotine replacement.

The program also covers 12 weeks of prescription drugs Zyban or Champix, with cost depending on coverage under the Pharmacare program. Details are available at www.gov.bc.ca/bcsmokingcessation or from your doctor.

The Omineca Express is published every Wednesday in Vanderhoof by Black Press Ltd. Publisher: Pam Berger advertising@ominecaexpress.com

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Hydro, ICBC, MSP fees going up in 2016 Tom Fletcher Black Press Medical Services Plan premiums, electricity bills and vehicle insurance rates are up in 2016, reviving criticism of the B.C. government’s constant boast about keeping taxes low.

MSP premiums are up from $144 to $150 as of Jan. 1, for a family of three earning more than $30,000 a year. For a single person in the same income group, the rate goes from $72 to $75, with lower rates for lower incomes down to $22,000 a year, where premiums drop to zero.

B.C. is now the only province in Canada with a health care fee, and it has risen about 40 per cent since 2010.

Premier Christy Clark has defended the fee as a signal to citizens about the enormous cost of providing health care.

BC Hydro rates have been politically dictated since Clark and Energy Minister Bill Bennett intervened to cap rate increases in 2013. Hydro rates jumped nine per cent in 2014, followed by annual increases of six, four, 3.5 and three per cent in the 10-year rate plan. Starting with the proposed four per cent increase in 2016, the independent B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) is reviewing if rate increases can be lower than what is capped in the rate plan.

Insurance Corporation of B.C. basic vehicle insurance went up by 5.5 per cent on Nov. 1, an increase still subject to review by the BCUC. That

Black Press

ICBC rates are up 5.5 per cent, with the corporation citing increased injury claim costs as part of the reason. works out to an increase of $3.70 per month added for the average driver.

ICBC had proposed a 6.7 per cent increase to cover increasing costs of personal injury claims and fraud, but the province gave it permission for a one-time transfer of $450 million from its optional insurance business to subsidize the basic rate.

In a year-end interview, NDP leader John Horgan stopped short of promising to eliminate MSP premiums, but he called it a “regressive tax” that would be part of a broad review of B.C. taxation fairness if he wins the 2017 election.

The Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation says the people who benefit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promised middle-class tax cut will see most of those savings eaten up by provincial and municipal tax increases.

Trudeau vowed to reduce the federal income tax bracket between

$45,282 and $90,563 from 22 per cent to 20.5 per cent, and increase the rate for income over $200,000 from 29 to 33 per cent. The change would provide up to $2,000 in tax relief for middle-income earners, with dual-income households benefiting most, CTF federal director Aaron Wudrick says.

Municipal taxes are expected to increase across the province in 2016, with local councils preparing to set budgets for the new fiscal year that starts April 1. Port Alberni has proposed a seven per cent increase, and the CTF says it hasn’t found any B.C. municipalities yet that propose to freeze or lower property tax rates.

With the rapid rise in property prices continuing in parts of the Lower Mainland, the B.C. Assessment Authority sent out 37,000 letters in December, warning single-family homeowners to brace for a big jump in their assessed value.

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Year End Revue - July 2015 School District No. 91 announces school closures Schools in Fort St. James and Fort Fraser will close by end of June Flavio Nienow Lakes District News School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes) has reached a decision to close schools in Fort St. James and Fort Fraser.

Sowchea Elementary in Fort St. James and Fort Fraser Elementary will close as of June 30, 2015.

The board of education voted to close both schools after a 60-day consultation period. Two public meetings were held in both Fort Fraser and Fort St. James. Manu Madhok, Director of Instruction for School District No. 91, said community members offered possible alternate solutions to closing the schools.

“The Fort St. James community present-

ed the board with a very well done proposal around creating neighbourhood schools,” he said. “Although that proposal was insufficient to keep Sowchea Elementary open, the board is hopeful to keep working with that community on some of their key ideas and concepts for the existing two schools.”

Fort St. James Mayor Rob MacDougall said he understands that the board of education was faced with a very difficult decision.

“I respect that decision; I know it was tough,” he said. “Having been involved in this decision-making process, I know it was not easy; they did it with heavy hearts.”

The approximately 125 students from Sowchea Elementary will be amalgamated into David Hoy Elementary, creating a combined school of just over 260 students. Da-

vid Hoy’s operational capacity is assessed by the Ministry of Education at 345 students.

The approximately 50 students from Fort Fraser Elementary will be amalgamated into Mouse Mountain Primary School and Fraser Lake Elementary Secondary School.

Madhok said a continuous decline in enrollments was the reason for the school closures.

In the Fort St. James area, the school district has seen a decline in enrollments from 900 students in 2000/01 (grades k–12) to 594 students in the 2014/15 school year.

In the Fort Fraser/Fraser Lake area, the school district has seen a decline in enrollments from 664 to 464 students over that same period.

“School closures are not a pleasant part

of running a school district,” said Madhok.

“However, the reality is that we have far fewer students in our communities; by closing these two schools we have increased utilization of our existing schools and have ensured that the board is being fiscally responsible in allocating the majority of their resources towards students rather than partially empty buildings.”

“We hope to see our community populations stabilize in the next few years so that we don’t have to continue dealing with declining enrollments,” he added.

Over the last five years, School District No. 91 has closed Topley Elementary School in Topley, Muriel Mould Primary School in Burns Lake, and Prairiedale Elementary School in Vanderhoof.

Amazing Days of Summer

Vanderhoof Children’s Theatre participants having fun on their trip to Disneyland hanging out with various characters from the park.

The Riverside Nature Park and Nature Trail are a great way to escape into the natural environment, see some wildlife, or to end your float down the Nechako River on a hot summer day.

Vanderhoof Businesses

Salute our Seniors!

Seniors Day 1st Wednesday of every month

Vanderhoof Co-op Association NEW SENIORS DAY DISCOUNTS at the Vanderhoof Co-op Gas Bar Seniors Day is the 1st Wednesday of each month. Listed below are the Seniors Day Discounts starting August 3rd.

10% Off - Food Store, Hardware and Lumber Departments

5% Off - Gas Bar/C-Store 250-567-4414

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Philip Baskin, fish culturist with Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre, left, gives a tour to Derek Vandenbrink, Angela Baggio from the Vancouver area were in Vanderhoof visiting friend Lennard Van Oord July 11.

in stock off only

135 East Stewart, Vanderhoof

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

Year End Revue - August 2015 Work those axes, rock’em bulls, Fall Fair’s in town!

This year’s exhibition had no shortage of new events along with tried and true classic shows, competitions, and music throughout the weekend Vivian Chui Omineca Express New action-filled events for all came to town as the annual Nechako Exhibition and Fall Fair turned almost half a century old this weekend.

Brand new to Vanderhoof are mechanical bulls, on which challengers tried to stay on as long as possible while on-lookers cheered them on.

“Not too many people can ride it over eight seconds!” Wruth said.

Another new addition to the fair lineup was the Traditional West Coast Lumberjack Show which

performed multiple times throughout the weekend, featuring four professional lumberjack athletes throwing axes and carving with chainsaws, among other logging feats.

“We’ve been talking about it and they are all over [the province], and we were able to get them here this year,” said Wruth.

The exhibition also played host to B.C.‘s largest beef show of the year, with 120 cattle in the lineup.

Other special events included heavy horse pulls, individually on Friday and in teams on the Sunday.

Search and Rescue a new home Babara Roden After being without a home for several years, the Nechako Valley Search and Rescue is hoping to move into their new headquarters, the former Air Cadet building on Burrard Street.

“We have our equipment and offices in three or four different places around town,” says NVSR President Chris Mushumanski, “and right now we’re based out of the fire hall. We’re excited about the opportunity to have a dedicated training facility, our mobile command base, equipment, and office in one location.

The building permit is in place, the contractor has been selected, and we hope to have it complete by this fall.” Seed money came from the Search and Rescue team, followed by $20,000 from the District of Vanderhoof, a grant from the Nechako-Kitimat Development Fund, and money from the Bulkley-Nechako Regional District gas tax fund.

“We’re grateful that we fit their parameters,” says Mushumanski. “It can be difficult for groups to meet the criteria, and they were very helpful in guiding us through the process.

“We’re also thankful for the recognition of what Search and Rescue does throughout the area. It’s helpful that we operate in all areas of the Regional District, which has a large footprint.” He acknowledges that the money from the four different sources—some $150,000— means that the volunteers on the NVSR don’t have to spend time

and energy fundraising. “Some teams have a dedicated fundraising section, which takes a lot of time and effort. The fundraising model for Search and Rescue teams needs to be overhauled, with all levels of government committed to equitable funding. There’s a certain amount of money needed for equipment, training, and expenses no matter how small a team is. We need to provide stable funding for all the teams in the province.”

Considering the amount of time and energy Search and Rescue volunteers devote to their training—let alone their calls—it’s not surprising that they don’t want to have to fundraise as well. The NVSR has three different training areas, all of which meet twice a month for sessions: regular ground search and rescue; water rescue; and rope rescue. While most of the members are in one team, four of the members are in all three.

The NVSR currently has 48 members, 21 of whom are full time active, with another 27 who can be used as extra manpower.

They’re not trained to the full breadth of the full time members, but can be used when more basic skills are needed, especially in a large operation. The team is always looking for more members, and anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to come to the training session on the first Thursday of each month.

“It’s a big time commitment,” notes Mushumanski. In 1991 there were 400 Search and Rescue callouts province-wide,

a figure which rose to 1,400 in 2014. The growth in that number shows that a lot of things are in play, says Mushumanski.

“The provincial population is up, plus we’re known throughout the world for being a super, natural outdoor experience. More people are confident in their abilities in the back country, and the RCMP, who are usually the first ones called when someone needs rescuing, are turning to us more and more as they realize we have the necessary skills to find people.”

He also points to an urban/ rural split, that’s not so much in evidence here but comes into play in a place like Vancouver.

“You have an urban population beside a true wilderness, where people don’t have the necessary skills but still go up the Grouse Grind and then find themselves in trouble. It’s great that we live in a province and community where there are groups of volunteers willing to provide help to others regardless of the reason why they got into trouble.”

It’s for this reason that Mushumanski disagrees with those who call for rescued people to be charged for Search and Rescue services. “We don’t always know the whole story. I like to use the analogy of a guard rail on a highway. It’s there to protect you no matter how you got into trouble, whether you were careless or whether it’s an emergency. Search and Rescue is the guard rail of the back country. It doesn’t matter why people need it; we’re there. Not charging for that is appropriate.”

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Cameron Burg test drove his new ride at the Fall Fair on Saturday.

Above: A young mechanical bull tamer rose up for the challenge.

Kitimat LNG Community Notice Please be advised of the following tentative schedule of activity in your region:

• Monitoring work to maintain ongoing environmental compliance For more information please email KitimatLNGfeedback@chevron.com chevron.ca/KitimatLNG

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Year End Revue - September 2015 Long time coming water use plan for reservoir Vanderhoof may avoid future flooding if the Nechako Reservoir gets a water use plan —just like other reservoirs in B.C., says the district council.

The District of Vanderhoof is currently approaching the provincial government and Rio Tinto Alcan, the reservoir’s operator, to establish a water use plan that would include input from the local community.

“Most, if not all, other reservoirs that are dammed up or created for the hydroelectricity, have a water use plan,” said Tom Clement, the District’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Right now the only thing that Alcan is asked to do is

protect the salmon and they have to create the power.”

Having a water use plan will include public safety as a consideration, Clement added.

“We want them to take care of the river, take people into consideration when they’re doing the water flows,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Environment, B.C.‘s provincial government has been developing Water Use Plans for water control structures in the last decade to address a growing concern in fish resources and their relationship with flood protection and other water uses.

Twenty-three of B.C. Hydro’s facilities currently have implemented Water

Use Plans — with one in the works for the Cleveland and Seymour dams — in consultation with water licensees, government agencies, First Nations, and the general public to address interests at stake.

For Mayor Gerry Thiessen, the recent 40-day flooding in May is a concern to the community for the future.

“Right now the reservoir is 6.5 feet higher than it was a year ago, snow fall was average and we flooded for 40 days,” Thiessen said. “That’s why we are, as aggressively as possible, working with every level of government and Rio Tinto Alcan to find a solution here.”

He added, “For the last four to five years we have been asking for it.”

Wayne Salewski, chair of the

Nechako Environment and Watershed Stewardship Society, said the water use plan is 50 years overdue.

“I think the water use plan is something that wasn’t required in the ’40s and ’50s because it was not a thought or issue in those days in industry and economic wealth,” Salewski said.

“It’s important that the government recognizes that we live here, we help generate the wealth in this province,” he added. “It’s not just Vanderhoof, it’s everybody from Kenney Dam to Prince George, that pays the price for this.”

Kevin Dobbin, Rio Tinto Alcan’s manager of communities and media in B.C. operations, said that the company is hoping to have a meeting with the District of Vanderhoof as soon as

Re-use sheds closed until further notice Flavio Nienow Lakes District News The board of directors of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) has passed a motion to immediately close all re-use sheds until “a safe solution is found.”

Due to a number of troubling incidents directly affecting staff and public

A division of

health and safety, re-use sheds located at all regional district solid waste management facilities will be closed immediately.

The latest incidents at the re-use sheds that caused the greatest concern for the board of directors include: ● Over 100 used hypodermic needles were found in boxes mixed in with children’s toys;

● Live ammunition was found in a brown cassette tape brief case; ● Prescription drugs were left in a box; ● Reports have been made regarding members of the public urinating and defecating behind a re-use shed; ● A dirty diaper was found thrown in the corner of a re-use shed.

“Unfortunately, the manner in which the re-use sheds

are currently being operated is not working and is posing serious health and safety risks for RDBN staff,” says RDBN. According to the RDBN, investigations are being conducted regarding alternative re-use programs and economically viable solutions to address the health and safety concerns associated with operation of the re-use sheds.

Further, the board of directors has directed staff to develop bylaws that would ban salvaging activities at solid waste facilities. The RDBN says that although signage and barriers have been utilized to try to stop people from accessing the stacked wood and metal piles, some members of the public continue to place themselves and others at risk.

#UsedHelps

possible to develop process, get input, and ensure stakeholders get a chance to engage in the plan development.

“Rio Tinto has been working to develop a water management plan for a number of years and we have suggested that we work together with the District of Vanderhoof and all other stakeholders in developing that plan,” Dobbin said.

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

Year End Revue - October 2015 Arrests for Vanderhoof murders Over the Oct. 3 weekend, Vanderhoof’s RCMP charged Shaun Keith Goodwin, 21, of Vanderhoof and a 21-year-old male — who was 17 years old at the time of the offence and so his name cannot be released — with two counts of second degree murder in the deaths of 29-year-old Blaine Albert Barfoot and 40-yearold Tara Lee Ann Williams.

On January 13th 2013, the Vanderhoof RCMP responded to a complaint of two persons been found deceased in a residence. Due to the circum-

Flying discs for spinal cord research

stances surrounding these deaths, the North District Major Crime Unit (NDMCU) was called in to assist.

As a result of a very intense investigation, the NDMCU is announcing that arrests have been made in this double homicide.

Investigation continues and anyone with information that has not been reported is advised to contact the Vanderhoof RCMP at (250) 5672222 or if you would like to remain anonymous please call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

A Thanksgiving tale: want coin, lose turkey As the hotel owner confronted the suspect, the wallet owner had returned and after a heated struggle, had left the premises with the suspect’s bag.

Upon arrest by the RCMP, the suspect indicated that the wallet owner, whose identity could not be identified through the video, had taken his Thanksgiving Day turkey.

“It’s karma,” Sgt. Svend Nielsen said to the man who attempted to steal

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Students from grades four to six gathered at W.L.McLeod Elementary School on Oct.1 for the annual ultimate tournament to fundraise for ICORD, an interdisciplinary research centre on spinal cord injuries. a wallet but has lost his holiday bird.

- with files from Sgt. Svend Nielsen

RTA appeal declined by court, First Nation case continues Cameron Orr Northern Sentinel Press, Kitimat The Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations have been allowed to proceed with a lawsuit against Rio Tinto Alcan.

The Stellat’en First Nation released a media advisory last week saying the Supreme Court of Canada has denied the company’s leave to appeal relating to an earlier case from April.

RTA was appealing a decision by a lower court granted the First Nations ability to sue the company.

The issue relates to the flow of water in the Nechako River, which is affected by the company’s Kenney dam.

According to the Canadian Press, the nations say the dam breaches their rights to the waterway and are seeking damages

for property-rights violations.

The Stellat’en news release states that “the case now confirms that, in British Columbia, First Nations may sue an industry or private company for damaging lands or interfering with their use and occupancy of lands and rivers.”

Stellat’en Chief Archie Patrick is hailing the victory.

“Rio Tinto Alcan had claimed immunity authorizing them to willfully continue to damage our lands until we proved aboriginal title,” he said. “We’re pleased that the court recognized that such rights are under Canada’s constitution...and that we have rights to access the courts just as much as non-First Nation landowners.”

Former Saik’uz Chief, and a named plaintiff in the case, said the dam is one of the largest “environmentally damaging” proj-

ects in the province’s history.

“First Nations’ interests were never considered nor were we ever consulted,” he said. “We’re pleased to finally have a victory in front of the Canadian courts.”

In a statement, RTA said it acknowledges the Supreme Court’s decision.

“Rio Tinto strives to engage with aboriginal communities where it operates,” said Kevin Dobbin, a spokesperson from RTA. “These matters are still before the courts we will decline further comments at this time.”

The Nechako River’s high water levels earlier this year, as well as in 2007, had led to residential and public property damage in nearby communities, including Vanderhoof and the Cheslatta First Nation.

- with files from the Omineca Express

Council notes

Property tax penalty refund The district council will now ensure that property tax payments that were made through electronic fund transfers (EFT) before deadline, but the district has not received, will not be penalized.

A $28,757.47 of penalty, nowwaived, was charged to the Vanderhoof Co-Op when its EFT in July did not arrive on time.

Having started EFTs three years ago, the district council will be reviewing past transactions to check for others that were similarly affected.

Happy 90th birthday to Vadnerhoof Along with Councillors Steve Little and Ken Young, four other community groups will form the

Celebrate Vanderhoof - 90 Years Committee as the main organizing body for a year of celebration, starting with the district’s birthday on Jan. 22.

Potential groups include the Sturgeon Recovery Initiative, the YMCA, Vanderhoof Farmers’ Market, the Nechako Valley Historical Society, and Seniors Connected.

HOLISTIC ALTERNATIVE THERAPY BY MAGDALENA SAITO

A wallet thief-to-be has lost his turkey for the Thanksgiving weekend.

On Oct. 8 at 3:45 pm., an attempted wallet theft was reported in Glen’s Motor Hotel on Highway 16.

The suspect had knowingly placed his bag on the left - behind the wallet, and had proceeded to put the wallet into the bag after adjusting his belongings, according to a surveillance camera video.

Building our Community There is no greater good than can be done by buying what you can locally.

Imagine a city where all you need can be supplied locally or gotten at a lower cost. Working together as a town starts with working together as a neighbour, a neighbourhood and then a community. Building community futures by keeping us together.

It is evident to many of us how the acquisition of many modern time savers and trinkets has actually taken time away from the things that really matter; spending time with family has become texting to keep in touch, printing and creating photo albums is replaced by sending digital photos which all too often can get lost forever with no hard copy, even board games have been replaced by computer games often played online with strangers, does anyone have sleepovers, playing make believe and pop corn anymore? (not just the kids.. when was the last time you let yourself make believe?) This year think about how you can get back in touch with your 3-D life and not your 3-D T.V. Buying and taking part in local activities does more than help our economy, but also the environment by reducing emissions, our carbon footprint and more. It also lets you get to know the people who make up your community, learn about the option out there for your children and yourself.

Building a healthy you is easier when there is a healthy community that can support you in your health goals.

Imagine a community where you have everything you need, and get to enjoy the things you want. A safe and amazing place to call home, to have a haven in your town.

Becoming active in your community is your best bet to make that community into something you want, and that works for you and your lifestyle!

Good luck to all!

Magdalena Saito Holistic Health Practitioner

250-524-0333 -- www.HalcyonHolistic.com Young Living Essential Oils Distributor & ReÁexologist

Omineca Express Wednesday, January 6, 2016

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Year End Revue - November 2015 New CNC campus in Vanderhoof now 4th Vivian Chui Omineca Express Previously a number-one priority for the College of New Caledonia, a new and expanded building for CNC’s Vanderhoof campus is now fourth place on its list due to missing learner demand, the president says.

In a community meeting attended by close to 50 Vanderhoof community members, CNC’s president Henry Reiser, along with five other senior executives, provided an update on the college’s restructuring process in the face of a $2.8 million budget shortfall at Nechako Valley Secondary’s Integris Community Theatre on Nov. 10 evening.

Reiser said the change in priorities was decided by CNC’s executives and board, and though the Vanderhoof project was number one for several years, the government had denied it.

“We, as an institution, do not have the funds,” he said. “Bottom line is that the government will not invest where the numbers do not warrant.”

Reiser added, “That message has been made clear by the minister and the premier.”

In place of a new complex, CNC is open to leasing currently available space in town for its programs, as suggested by Vanderhoof’s mayor, but the college cannot commit until approval by the government — a decision based on demand, Reiser said.

For several of the meeting’s attendees

however, including Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen and staff from CNC’s Vanderhoof campus, the measured learner demand is a chicken-and-egg concept — the existing supply of courses limited the number of students in Vanderhoof.

“We as a community are receiving much less course offerings than other communities around us, and we’re substantially larger than Mackenzie, Fort St. James, and Burns Lake,” Thiessen said.

“At some point, there has to be an offering of consistent education in our area.”

Vanderhoof’s high school students currently interested in trades would not look to CNC in Vanderhoof as a local college that could meet their needs, he added.

“It is extremely unfair to the residents of Vanderhoof and to the communities around us, First Nation and non-First Nation, who rely on the courses,” Thiessen said.

Prepared for CNC in 2012 and commissioned by the Nechako Valley PostSecondary Education Committee led by Thiessen, a report on Vanderhoof’s postsecondary needs had shown a need for larger post-secondary presence, as enrolment is expected to double these years with the growth of the mining sector, as well as the development of major transportation and energy projects in northern B.C. For its Blackwater Project located 110 km southwest of Vanderhoof, mining company New Gold recently announced an estimated construction start in early 2018, hiring 1,200 to 1,500 workers over

a two-and-a-half-year period and 500 during the mine’s operation.

Reiser said he will commit, as the president, to ensure the effectiveness of the college’s community engagement, as meeting attendees expressed doubt on CNC’s knowledge of Vanderhoof’s needs.

The president had announced the college’s local trade program focus for the next three years, contingent on approval from the Industry Training Authority to be on carpentry in 2016/17, millwright in 2017/18, and piping foundation in 2018/19.

Councillor Brian Frenkel referenced New Gold’s projection of future jobs at the Blackwater Project —truck driving is identified as the highest hiring need — while a local CNC staff questioned Vanderhoof’s representation at the senior level in the college.

Scott Zayac, regional principal of Lakes/Nechako, said the college is currently hiring a deputy regional principal and a campus supervisor to be stationed at Fort St. James and Vanderhoof.

The college’s Burns Lake, Fort St. James, and Vanderhoof campuses were amalgamated into the Lakes/Nechako region earlier this year.

“If [the community] is not feeling engaged in that process, we’ll need to readdress that process itself,” Reiser said.

“And I commit to that.”

As part of its restructuring process, CNC will have 30 site visits this winter to gather community input for the development of a five-year strategic plan, an edu-

Remembering a young man’s journey abroad Compiled by Vivian Chui Omineca Express Born in 1922 in Fraser Lake and died in 1945 in Emmerich, Germany, From a telephone conversation with Steve Kolida by Sid Sandback, nephew of Bruce Ray Steve first met Bruce while attending school in Fraser Lake when they were younger. After three or four months, Steve moved back to McBride, BC where he resides today.

The next time he ran into Bruce was about January or February of 1945, they were stationed in the same company. Steve remembers seeing Bruce and he recognized him right away even though Bruce was sporting a very large handlebar moustache.

Steve approached him but Bruce didn’t remember him at first until he told him his name.

Private Bruce Byron Ray ran into old schoolmate Steve Kolida when they became stationed in the same company. Kolida provided first-hand insight to Ray’s death.

Steve remembers in February they were holed up in the Reishwald Forest “dug in like gophers” waiting to cross the Rhine. The Germans were bombing every night. “Got the shit beat out of us.”

In March “After we crossed the Rhine, the Germans fought even harder.” Steve and Bruce were helping to clean the town of Emmerich.

“Germans on one side of the street and us on the other that’s how close they were.”

The Canadians were instrumental in ‘cleaning’ the towns of Europe.

They perfected the art of ‘mouse holes’ where they would set charges against a wall and blow a hole through the wall and then swarm inside. After ‘cleaning’ the house, they would set charges against the next wall and so on. The houses of Europe were built very close together and this allowed them to move from house to house without venturing onto the street.

Steve remembers Bruce was hit by shrapnel that took off a large part of his hip. When they were carrying him out on the stretcher, one of the stretcher bearers was hit and killed. Steve was also hit by a small piece of shrapnel in his head which was treated in hospital later.

After his release from hospital, Steve returned to his company which later moved into The Netherlands. Steve recalled their commanding officer was a Major Mitchell.

I would like to thank Steve for this brief interview and firsthand insight into Bruce’s death.

cation plan, as well as an aboriginal plan — with drafts of the strategic and education plans ready by next March, Reiser said.

To address the inconsistencies in delivery that he noticed in different campuses since the start of his presidency last year, Reiser said the college is looking to standardize programs and services for students and employees across the region — for example, the lack of a red-carpet and academic-gown convocation for students outside of Prince George.

As part of its action plan for 2015-16, the college is looking to expand its course offerings through the Digital Delivery Initiative, which would employ teleconference technology likened to the model that is used for medical consultations in rural communities, Reiser said.

For Mayor Thiessen, the college’s engagement with Vanderhoof has undergone a change in mindset since the CNC’s previous president John Bowman stepped down in 2013.

The former president had met with the Nechako Valley Post-Secondary Education Committee monthly to understand the needs of the community, Thiessen said.

“We don’t have an option,” he said. “If we’re going to stay viable as a community, we have to work very hard with the government to make sure that we have access to post-secondary education, especially in the area of trades.”

Village of Fraser Lake THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF FRASER LAKE SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS: The following is the schedule of Public MeeƟngs for the Council of the Village of Fraser Lake for 2016: January 13 and 27 July 13 and 27 February 10 and 24 August 10 and 24 March 9 and 23 September 14 and 28 April 13 and 27 October 12 and 26 May 11 and 25 November 9 and 23 June 8 and 22 December 14 and 28 Should you have quesƟons regarding this schedule, aƩendance to meeƟngs or presentaƟons to Council, please contact Rod Holland at the Village of Fraser Lake Village Oĸce phone: (250) 699-6257.

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Dorothy brings to Vanderhoof’s Riverside Park the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, and Dorothy from the Land of Oz on Halloween night.

FUR BABIES PET BOUTIQUE Jodi Carlton

2421 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof

250-567-4646

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A12 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

Year End Revue - December 2015 Court: District vs former staff Vivian Chui Omineca Express The District of Vanderhoof is in a dispute with Erin Siemens, the district’s former economic development coordinator, over the reason for her termination.

In her wrongful dismissal suit filed March 25 in the Supreme Court of B.C., and her complaint filed to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, Siemens argues that she was suddenly dismissed for her perceived political beliefs, rather than simply due to the closure of her department as she was told.

On Nov. 13, the tribunal denied the district’s application to dismiss the case, as the district had not submitted evidence that disproves the allegations, states the tribunal in its decision.

The onus is now on Siemens to prove her allegations to the Human Rights Tribunal.

“In my view, on the basis of all the materials filed, Ms. Siemens’ complaint rises well above speculation or conjecture,” states Bernd Walter, chair of the tribunal.

Walter adds that as an assessment of all the evidence submitted by both parties, the tribunal’s decision for the case to remain in court did not require factual findings.

The burden lay on the district to show that Siemens has no reasonable prospect of success in establishing her case of political discrimination.

According to the tribunal, the district argues a legitimate business or reorganization decision for Siemens’s dismissal, but the mayor and its councillors did not provide a document trail for the tribunal “to clearly conclude when the District’s restructuring strategy was planned

or implemented.”

The district also “did not file any evidence or affidavits from the District’s [former] CAO denying his conversations with Ms. Siemens,” the tribunal states in its decision.

According to Siemens’ file of civil claim, in her termination meeting, the district’s former chief administrative officer Evan Parliament allegedly alluded to her that she was fired due to her friendship and association with former mayoral candidate Jessi Wilson.

Siemens appeared at public events leading up to the 2014 civic election with Wilson, who ran unsuccessfully against incumbent mayor Gerry Thiessen.

Mayor Thiessen and six incumbent councillors were re-elected in November 2014.

In January 2015 Siemens was dismissed from her job.

Parliament allegedly added that he told Vanderhoof’s mayor and six councillors that Siemens’ appeared alliance with Wilson was not a problem, but “these seven men’s egos can’t accept what’s happened.”

In its response to the civil claim, the district denies that the reason for her termination was related to her perceived political views or alliances, and states that some of the alleged conversations did not occur or did not occur as and when indicated by Siemens.

The district further states that it quickly began strategic planning after the election in 2014 and decided to eliminate its economic development department, as the development of natural resources slowed down in the region.

As the civil case remains before court, Siemens is claiming general and puni-

tive damages for her alleged wrongful dismissal, interest, costs, and other relief as court deems just.

She said she has not only lost her salary and other employment benefits, but has also suffered from emotional damage with the dismissal, as she has been unable to find new work in Vanderhoof with her damaged reputation.

However, the district states that when Siemens’ contract was terminated in January, not only was reasonable notice given, but her salary, benefits, and pension contributions continued until the end of April. It further states that Siemens’ job search “ought not to be limited to within the boundaries of the District of Vanderhoof, as those seeking to work for local governments are often required to move around the Province to obtain work.”

Timeline of events: In July 2012, Siemens started her role as the District of Vanderhoof’s economic development officer, the contract of which included a sixmonth probation and a starting salary of $61,722.

In late fall 2012 and early 2013, the district underwent an organizational review, where Siemens’ skills were determined to be inconsistent with the duties of her original position, according to the district. Her position was changed to economic development coordinator and her salary was reduced to $52,000.

In January 2013, Siemens’ six-month probation period was extended to the end of April 2013.

In August 2013, the dis-

Vanderhoof Parade of Lights 2015

VIVIAN CHUI photo

Over 30 lighted festive floats provided by local businesses and service groups dazzled crowds as they proceeded down Stewart Street in Vanderhoof at the annual Parade of Lights on Dec. 5 evening. trict hired now former CAO Evan Parliament, whose skills included economic development, the district states.

During 2014, the development of natural resources — such as forestry, mining, liquid natural gas, and agriculture — were slowing in Vanderhoof and its surrounding area, leading to negative economic impacts on the community, its neighbours, and north central B.C., the district adds.

In November 2014 during Vanderhoof’s civic election, mayoral candidate Jessi Wilson ran unsuccessfully against current mayor Gerry Thiessen.

Following the election, the district states that its mayor and council quickly began strategic planning, and determined that it was in the district’s best interest to eliminate its economic development department and transfer its duties to the CAO and other staff.

New non-profit group to the feral cat rescue Vivian Chui Omineca Express Vanderhoof now has a society to not only promote pet welfare, but also to control the district’s feral cat population.

Officially established on Nov. 17, the Greater Nechako Animal Welfare Society (GNAWS) started their work in August this year, identifying feral cat population and reaching out the colony caretakers, said Kathleen Hebb, the society’s president.

19 kittens since then have been rescued so far, including socializing and providing them with veterinary care in preparation for adoption, she said.

As a new organization with limited volunteers and no funding, GNAWS is currently applying for a grant from the British

Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as matching funding from the District of Vanderhoof, to establish a trap-neuter-return program for abandoned, stray, and feral cats in town, Hebb added.

To control the population, part one is to identify and track the existing cats, and part two is to shrink down the population, she said.

The District of Vanderhoof currently offers cat license tags for free in 2016 — the first year of the initiative.

“The idea is to target certain areas and reduce the feral cat population,” she said. “There are currently three to four colonies in town, including a dumpster and under a house.”

Adult feral cats can only be neutered as they became too

wild, while kittens can still be socialized and be adopted by families, Hebb explained.

Vanderhoof’s feral cat problem stems from different angles, such as people’s perception of cats in general and as a rural community with barn cats, she added.

“A lot of these cats, I believe, have been abandoned, by the museum, end of a driveway, etcetera,” Hebb said. “People value dogs more than cats.”

She added, “People think we don’t have to take care of cats like dogs, as they can take care of themselves, but they are still a domesticated animal.”

Exposed to the elements, most feral cats may only live for two years, and their many babies also live very short, hard lives, she said.

On Jan. 13, 2015, the district terminated its contract with Siemens. Parliament, the district’s CAO at the time, met with Siemens for a termination meeting At the meeting, Siemens was informed that she was dismissed due to her department’s closure.

As the meeting continued, Parliament alluded that her termi-

nation was due to her friendship with mayoral candidate Wilson, Siemens states in her civil claim.

In mid-August 2015, Parliament left his position and Tom Clement, the economic development officer at the time, became the new CAO. December 2015: The district’s economic development department remains vacant.

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Omineca Express Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Local musician debuts full-length album

Five days before her 21st birthday, singer-songwriter Jerusha White from Fort St. James launched her first full-length album The Other Woman with a celebration at Nechako Valley Secondary’s Integris Community Theatre on Dec. 17.

VANDERHOOF’S FAITH Nechako Christian Fellowship WELCOMES YOU!

Church Directory For more information or to join Vanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory Call Pam at 250-567-9258

11:00 am Worship Service 767 Loop Road Email: NechCS@live.com Christ - Centered Bible - Based Missions - Minded Non-Denominational

“...holding forth the Word of life...” Phil 2:16

The Gospel Chapel 448 Connaught Street 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada) For more information call

567-3107

www.thegospelchapel.ca

1393 Highway 16 East 250-567-4960 Join us Sundays @ 9:30 am Everyone Welcome!

Our Mission Glorifying God by helping all people move closer to Jesus Christ one step at a time.

Visit our website: nechakocommunitychurch.com

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

The Church on the Corner “Giving you a Purpose to live for and People to live with” Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am Small Groups meeting together regularly: We have a place for you to belong!

For more information call

Burrard Street, Vanderhoof Sunday Worship & Sunday School 10:30 am Wednesday Morning Worship 7:30 am

St. Wilfred’s Anglican Church

567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive

Carrier Cresc., Fraser Lake

For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com

A house of prayer for all people

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Nechako Notes COMING EVENTS....

Will appear, as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for non-profit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ominecaexpress.com or by fax (567-2070). Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at 155 W. Columbia.

Decision of the publisher is final. *** FORT FRASER CEMETARY COMMISSION...Annual General Meeting January 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm, Fort Fraser Hall Kitchen. *** DIVORCECARE... Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone.

DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help.

You’ll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. You can get additional information from www.divorcecare.org.

DivorceCare Group - Thursdays at 7 pm, Feb-April. 780 Loop Road in Vanderhoof (White House across from Nechako Christian Fellowship). Open to anyone who is experiencing the pain of separation or divorce. You can join the group at any time.

For more information and to register, call or text Bob Clark 250.570.9203, June Clark 250.570.9338 or Dave Robinson 778.344.2292 *** THE VANDERHOOF CHESS CLUB...

Exercise your brain! All ages, from beginner to master, feel free to join the Vanderhoof Chess Club every Monday through the school year (except Statutory holidays) 6:30pm - 7:30pm at the NVSS library. It’s FREE. Play chess with friends and meet new people. Use our boards or bring your own. Our goals are to have fun playing chess and to host an Annual Vanderhoof Chess Tournament. For details please contact Jeff Obayashi at jobayashi@hotmail. com or Jeremy Hara at NVSS to sign up for the chess club and/or tournament. *** ADULT BADMINTON...Thursdays at 8:30 pm. Bring your own racket, and wear indoor runners. More info call 250-567-9908. *** MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE... advocating for better services in our communities, such as: housing, counseling, education and job opportunities. Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month via – video conferencing from the communities of; Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Granisle, Ft. St. James, Southside and Vanderhoof. 1:30 – 3:00. In Vanderhoof meetings are held in the boardroom at the hospital. Clients, family members and community partners are invited to attend. Your voice is IMPORTANT. For more info on the committee and it’s works contact: Heather @ 250-692-7500.

Or your Mental Health Service Provider *** The print syllabus for the NECHAKO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS is available for pickup at the Vanderhoof Library and Woody’s Bakery. You can also access the syllabus for all piano, speech arts and strings classes online at www.musicfestivalweb.com/nechako. The deadline for registration is Jan 11, 2016. Dates for the festival are Mar 7-20,2016. *** GIRL GUIDES...

Sparks meets 5-6pm Mondays @ United Church.

Brownies meets 6-7:30pmm Mondays @ United Church.

Girl Guides meets 6-7:30pm, Mondays at St. Josephs Gym. Pathfinders meets 6-7:30pm Mondays @ Lutheran Church.

For info on any of these please call Laura Freeman 250-567-6997. *** VA N D E R H O O F PA I N SELFMANAGEMENT GROUP... The People in Pain Network are hosting a monthly free pain self-management group meetings for people living with chronic pain and for those caring about a person living with pain. (The People in Pain Network a BC registered non-profit organization). Please visit our website at http://www.pipain.com/ vanderhoof.html Questions, please email us at Vanderhoof@pipain.com or call our toll-free number at 1-844-747-7246 *** VANDERHOOF AIR CADETS... Meetings - Tues 6:30-9:30 at the Gospel Chapel For more information call: 250-640-0218 or 250-570-7496 *** STUART NECHAKO MANOR...looking for volunteers. Help needed with outings, Serving meals, entertainment and visits for the residents. Please contact Marnie at 250 567 6290 for more information. *** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED....Would you like to become part of a team working together to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors? The Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to join their team. Vanderhoof Stroke

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PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’ fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even include school activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photo by e-mail (advertising@ominecaexpress.com) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo.

This week’s submission....

Senior members enjoying the festivities at the Friendship Centre with lunch, games, carols and Santa making an appearance.

Recovery’s goal is to encourage stroke survivors to improve their lives through education, exercise, work groups, crafts, outings, etc. No special skills required; training and orientation are provided.

Patience and caring understanding a necessity. Volunteers share responsibilities: assisting with activities, exercises, education, crafts, outings, fund raising.

Time commitment: 3 hour meeting each Monday morning (excluding stat holidays), from September through mid-June.

Please contact Penny (250) 567-3966 vanderhoofstrokerecovery@ gmail.com *** SENIORS CONNECTED... is looking for Seniors in need of Outreach & Transportation. We are also taking applications for Volunteers wanting to take part in the VSC Program. Vanderhoof Seniors Connected is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Seniors/Elders in our community through Companionship and Transportation Assistance. Phone 250-567-8587.

For more information contact email at vanderhoofseniors@hotmail.com *** CALLING ALL SENIORS... come and join us for carpet bowling, pool or snooker Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Friendship Centre. We also have cards or bingo on Wednesday evenings. Music nights are also popular and these are the last Friday night of the month. Come and have some fun! Everybody welcome young or golden agers. Call Erling Clemmensen for more info: 250-567-9927. *** AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The Al-Anon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318. *** THE NORTHSIDE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE...meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 5679705. *** V’HOOF HOSPICE SOCIETY... Do you have a few hours a month to give? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community, then we are looking for you. The V’hoof Hospice Society is a not-for profit charity looking for new volunteer members. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/weekends) or vanderhoofhospice@gmail.com *** THE FOOD BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifically the following is needed: “Chunky” soups and stews and canned milk. *** BADMINTON AT FLESS GYM... Every Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out and have some fun! *** ENDAKO HALL SOCIETY... meets every THIRD Wednesday of the month in the hall

at 7:30pm. *** THE YELLOWHEAD DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION...is an organization for those interested in light and heavy horse driving. Monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the month. For more info contact: Jon 250-567-8484. *** NECHAKO QUILTERS GUILD... meets the third Tuesday of the month 9:30 am (Sept. - May) at Nechako View Seniors Common Room. Fran Sheeley 567-5254. *** THE FRASER QUILTERS GUILD... meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Fort Fraser Community Hall.

Newcomers welcome. *** HOSPICE TREE OF LIFE... is to honour the living as well as to remember and honour those who have passed on. For more info call Valerie Pagdin at 250-567-6218 (weekdays), 250-567-3889 (evenings/ weekends) or vanderhoofhospice@gmail. com *** THE FRASER LAKE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP... meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12 noon in Autumn Services. For further information call Judy at 250-6997763. *** VANDERHOOF 899 AIR CADET SQUADRON...Cadets will meet every TUESDAY night – 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel.

Anyone age 12 to 18 interested in the Cadet Program is welcome to attend. Any adult interested in assisting in anyway, please contact the officers at the 480 Connaught St. at the Gospel Chapel Tuesday night. For more information call: Capt. John Callaghan - 250-640-0218, Yvonne Melo - 250-690-7496 Evenings. *** AA MEETING... Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.

United Church Hall. 567-8087 or 567-4588 *** FRASER LAKE AA MEETINGS... Tues & Thurs 8:00 p.m. at St. Wilfred’s Church just across from the Village Hall. *** ST. JOHN HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SOCIETY... meets second Tuesday of the month (with the exception of July & August) at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. For further info contact Edna 567-9759 - New members welcome. *** VANDERHOOF LIBRARY HOURS Tuesday 10:00am to 5:00pm Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm & 6:30pm to 8:30pm Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm Friday 10:00 am to 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm *** FRASER LAKE LIBRARY HOURS Sunday & Monday Closed Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday & Thursday 12pm - 8pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm *** NVSS BOTTLE DEPOT HOURS Open Mon, Tues, Friday 11am-5pm Saturday 10am-5 p.m.

A14 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

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To advertise in print: Call: 250-567-9258 Email: office@ominecaexpress.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca

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Services

Timeshare

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CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

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START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

Classifieds Get Results!

Cards of Thanks

Cards of Thanks

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

We would like to take this time to thank everyone for your thoughts at this difficult time.

A heartfelt “THANK YOU” from Denise, Dale, Clayton, Chelsey, Owen, Even, Jake & Tara Smith

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE 30 December 2015 Reservoir Elevation: 852.25 m (2796.1 ft.)

SLS Discharge: 30.2 m3/s Visit website www.wateroffice.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time flow information for the Nechako River.

Visit website http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/data/asp/realtime/basin_upperfraser.htm for up to date snow pack information.

Services

Plumbing FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928

We’re at the heart of things™

Misc Services Advertise your goods and services in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of potential buyers daily.

Call today to place your ad and make a sale quickly.

MAKE YOUR POINTOF-SALE

Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-5675105 for more information. A recording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250567-5812

Community Newspapers

250-567-9258

VANDERHOOF AND AREA BUSINESS DIRECTORY

EXCAVATING PRAIRIEDALE EXCAVATING Tandem dump truck, 4x4 Backhoe, gravel sales, general hauling, foundations, water & sewer lines and snow removal.

PLUMBING

FRANK TEICHROEB 3393 Sinkutview Rd, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2 567-2029

ADVERTISING

CIE 0697864 BC Ltd.

Commercial and Industrial Plumbing and HVAC Heavy Water and Civil Construction Water Treatment and Filtration Systems

All jobs BIG or small, give us a call!

EXCAVATING

Central Interior Excavating

For All of Your Excavating Needs Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Lot clearing, waterlines, foundations, driveway construction, planning and installation of Septic Systems

INSTALLATION & REPAIRS

250-567-5888

Telephone: 250-567-3855 Fax: 250-567-9695 Email: info@centralinteriorex.com Excavators, Backhoes, Crawler Tractors, End Dump

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING

ADvertiser STUART NECHAKO

Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972

Reaching Every Door

Pam Berger Publisher

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam Berger Publisher

Pam Berger Publisher

250-996-8482 Advertising: advertising@ominecaexpress.com News: newsroom@caledoniacourier.com Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070

ADVERTISING

Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE HERE GIVE US A CALL: 250-567-9258

Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

Omineca Express Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Real Estate

Rentals

Apt/Condos for Sale

Apt/Condo for Rent

For Rent: Apartments 1 bedrm furnished, 1 person $850.month 2 people $950. month. Cable, heat, etc. no internet 10% rent reduction age 65 or over $15. month extra for plug in. Security deposit $425. must have 1st month rent and d/d, or don’t apply.

No pets. 292 Loop Rd. Vanderhoof.

No Parties, loud noise or drugs this is grounds for Immediate eviction. Phone 250-570-2561.

Victoria Manor

Houses For Sale House for sale $289,000. located at 344 Seyfort Drive.

Fully ďŹ nished 4 bedroom, 1130sq.ft. per oor with ďŹ nished basement. Full bath up and down. Gas heat, hot water and shingles upgraded in last 5 years. Home is located on a large town lot and comes with an adjacent deed lot for yard and investment. Phone 250-567-8004.

Large 2 Bdrm from

$742 - $772

www.ominecaexpress.com A15

Tenders

Tenders

HOUSE FOR SALE: House located behind the Vanderhoof Co-op Bulk Plant for sale. Must be removed by May 1, 2016. To view the house call Glenn at (250) 567-4414.

Successful bidder must include 10% deposit.

Deposit will be forfeited if the house is not removed

by May 1, 2016.

Bids close at 4:00PM on January 18, 2016.

The accepted bid may not necessarily be the highest bid or any bid.

Large 1 Bdrm from

$712 - $742

NO SMOKING - NO PETS

* Balconies * Landscaped View * Cablevision Available

250-567-4048 or 250-567-9080

Homes for Rent For Rent: 3 bedroom house.

Telegraph Rd, Fort Fraser wood heat, $700/mth Call Don 250-570-1256

Townhouses 3/bdrm townhouses: familyfriendly complex, near schools & park. No smoking, no pets. $760/mth. 250-567-4430

)HWFK D 'RJ )URP WKH 6KHOWHU

4HE "#30#! CARES FOR THOUSANDS OF ORPHANED ABAN DONED AND ABUSED DOGS EACH YEAR )F YOU CAN GIVE A HOMELESS DOG A SECOND CHANCE AT HAPPINESS PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER TODAY

"#30#!

WWW SPCA BC CA

Legal Notices

Submit bids to: Glenn Currie, Controller Vanderhoof and Districts Co-op PO Box 560 188 East Stewart Street Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A DISPOSITION OF CROWN LAND Take notice that David and Patricia Griffith from Vanderhoof, BC has applied to the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR), Omineca Region, for a Crown grant for Agricultural-Extensive purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located at Neuco Creek and described as, Section 31, Township 1, Range 4 Coast District, except Block A and Block B, together with Part of Fractional South 1/2, Section 6, Township 10, Range 5 Coast District.

The Lands File for this application is 7409547. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Ryan Hall, Senior Land Officer, Omineca Region, FLNR, at 5th Floor - 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1R5, or Ryan.Hall@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be received

by FLNR up to February 6, 2016. FLNR may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Please visit the following website for more information: http://www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/viewpost. jsp?postID=48671.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

A hard copy MAP showing the location and extent of the application area may be acquired by calling the land officer named above at 250 561-3446.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE

4 OUT OF 5 PEOPLE WITH DIABETES DIE OF HEART DISEASE.

Application for a Permit amendment under the Provisions of the Environmental Management Act I, Greg Pearson, Conifex Inc.., PO Box 254, 300 Takla Road, Fort St. James, BC, V0J 1P0, intend to submit this amendment application to the Director to amend, Permit 17995, issued July 18, 2007 and last amended November 13, 2013 which authorizes the discharge of refuse, from a sawmill and planer mill complex.

The land upon which the facility is situated and the discharge occurs is Northeast Âź of District Lot 4750, Range 5, Coast District, British Columbia located at 300 Takla Road, Fort St. James, BC, V0J 1P0.

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent ABOVE THE REST!

Silvermill Apartments Secure quiet apartments VACANCY 250-567-4208

The amendment requests that the following conditions be changed as outlined below: 1.

Authorize the deposit of wood ash from a biomass fired electrical power generation facility owned by Fort St. James Green Energy General Partner Ltd. 2. Raise the limit on deposits to the landfill from 6,720 tonnes per year to 12,720 tonnes per year.

3. Conifex wishes to update the Landfill Operations Plan to reflect changes in operations.

Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed amendment and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to the Director, Environmental Protection at 325-1011 Fourth Avenue, Prince George, BC, V2L 3H9 or via email to the Director, Environmental Protection authorizations.north@gov.bc.ca  and referencing the authorization number 17995 in the subject line. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.

Dated this 23rd day of December, 2015.

Contact person Glenda Waddell Email waddellenvironmental@gmail.com Phone: 1-250-640-8088

Better your odds.

Visit getserious.ca

A16 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Omineca Express

Express

COMMUNITY Seniors Connected Christmas Party

A Seniors Connected Christmas party was enjoyed by over 65 seniors from Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake on Saturday Dec. 19 at the Seniors Friendship Centre. Over $4,000 worth of donations were contributed by local businesses to host the dinner and present gifts to all seniors.