COMMUNITY PROFILE: Jaspers to Canadian Forces
SPORTS: Ringette players going to Winter Games
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Water leak investigations By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today
SLEDTOWN Honours
Submitted photo
On Saturday, January 16, Houston gathered at Dungate Meadows to celebrate its Sledtown victory. At the celebration, a number of people were recognized for their dedication and hard work with the Houston Snowmobile Club: Melvin Haftner, Pete Bodnar, and Hank Buursema (one of the original founding members in 1971). The personal sacrifices these gentlemen and their families have made helped put the club in the position it enjoys today. A big thanks to all those involved with the Houston Snowmobile Club and those who voted in the Sledtown competition.
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Public works staff from the District of Houston are trying to find out the cause of a higher-than-normal demand for water. Starting last Wednesday, staff have been shutting off water supply to certain parts of town where they suspect there might be a water leak in the pipes. “We’re in the process of doing some searching through town to look for any additional water leaks that may be occurring which are causing this additional water production at our treatment plant.” A report from manager of engineering and operations Don Hounsell presented at council showed that last month, the town pumped 7.1 million litres of water, compared to 2.9 million litres in December 2014. Public works staff
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“Last month, the town pumped 7.1 million litres of water, compared to 2.9 million in Dec. 2014.”
repaired a leak in front of the medical centre two weeks ago, which Hounsell said has helped lower water output, but he said that there might be several other small leaks. Staff will go to different parts in town where they think there might be problems or where there have historically been problems. “We can’t really See LEAK on Page 2
Schools face declining enrolment and aging infrastructure By Chris Gareau Black Press
The Bulkley Valley School District 54 board decided to activate a 60-day consultation period on closing Lake Kathlyn Elementary School on the outskirts of Smithers at its meeting last Tuesday.
The decision came after continued low enrollment. A final decision on whether or not to close the school this June will be made at a special meeting at Lake Kathlyn school on Apr. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The number of students attending Lake Kathlyn has dropped 42 per cent since 1998,
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students from inside the catchment are being bussed out, howev-
er, with 87 kids bussed into Smithers due to parent preference for programs like French Immersion at Muheim Elementary. That means the school loses a net 58 students from parent preference. The current enrollment is at 81, 38 per cent of the 215-student capacity.
A facilities review report says closing the school would save the district a conservatively estimated $350,000 per year. The District recommended reviewing the use of Lake Kathlyn school at last April’s annual facilities review. The school was built in 1961 and had
a wing added to accommodate a thengrowing population in 1994. That review also highlighted major issues at Silverthorne Elementary School in Houston. It listed challenges there as building envelope issues, exterior upgrades, the See SCHOOL on Page 15
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Two bylaws that will rezone a lot at Pearson Road and Sullivan Way have passed second readings. If adopted, Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1074-2016 and Official Community Plan amendment Bylaw 1075-2016 will change 2080 Sullivan Way from a medium-density residential zone to a public and institutional zone, allowing CityWest to place a permanent structure there. Council needs to invite the public for comment before third readings can commence. They initially set the date for the Jan. 19 council meeting, but after a gaffe in advertising the date as Jan. 19, 2015, have reset the date for Feb. 2. According to the rezoning application, CityWest wants “to place a permanently mounted brown coloured modular communications equipment building housing a fibre
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cable distribution system.” “I also mentioned the building should be monotone in colour, so it doesn’t stick out,” explained District chief administrative officer Michael Glavin of his discussions with CityWest. The building, measuring 11.5 feet wide, 20 ft long and 10.3 ft high will sit in the compound, surrounded by a slatted three-metre high chain-link fence with barbed wire on top. “They want to put slats in the fence for privacy, they have no issues with that,” said Glavin. It will also house a backup generator that the application said will be “environmentally protected and acoustically quietened.” Further, Glavin revealed that CityWest have agreed to meet with the District’s development committee and “accept whatever design is expected of them.” In reply to Coun.
Jonathan Van Barneveld’s question on whether CityWest really needs to have that specific lot, Glavin revealed that the lot is in a telecommunications corridor. “It’s been selected because they are going to be leasing the conduit from Telus,” said Glavin. “So it is strategically necessary for them to use this lot.” Glavin also furthered that he does not like the idea of spot zoning, but defends this as a “low-key application” that Houston will benefit from. “You don’t want to put a pub in a residential area, for reasons of noise, traffic and so forth,” said Glavin. “I would have a problem if it was going to be some other kind of commercial business and such, but being that it’s a trunk line and [there is going to always be] one vehicle for the serviceman when he’s in town, and it’s going to be connections … for high-speed internet, that won’t give you a lot of traffic up there.” “It’s not going to
be a disruption to the community and it’s going to be an asset for the community by us having another service in town to give us fibre optics.” Council will also renew their janitorial contract to Mike’s Cleaning, a local company for $36,000 annually. They beat out another local company, D&P Janitorial, by $6,000, and a Burns Lake company by $9,500. “I’ve done my due diligence, I’ve went through references, I even did some check on the other jobs that individuals had that weren’t listed, and I’m comfortable that, based on my research, that — Mike’s Cleaning — I recommend they get the contract,” said chief administrative officer Michael Glavin. Compared to the previous contract, the District will save $12,000, according to Glavin. Noting the large disparity in costs between Mike’s Cleaning and the other quotes, Coun. Rick Lundrigan expressed caution, ask-
Houston Today
ing Glavin if Mike’s Cleaning knows that the Community Hall can result in a lot of unplanned work should there be a lot of rentals. Glavin said he believes “the contract’s very clear.” “We’ve provided them with the history for the last three or four years of the community hall,” replied Glavin. “I’m as comfortable as any other contract we’ve done, councillor.” Council will also apply for the Canada Summer Jobs grant. The grant will go towards half the cost of hiring full-time students, at minimum wage, for six to 16 weeks. “We applied for three students and we were awarded with one last year,” said Glavin. “We always budget for all three, and if we get the extra money, this offsets our costs.” Lundrigan asked Glavin if the District will continue to hire past summer employees who have proven themselves, to which Glavin confirmed they will get priority.
Other possible causes for water demand LEAK from Page 1 predict where we’re going to be working at any one time,” said Hounsell. He said residents who have lost water service will have it restored within two hours. Investigations will run between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only, and can last another two weeks unless they find a leak early. Hounsell also point-
ed to other causes for the above-normal demand for water. “We can’t confirm that there’s a leak,” said Hounsell. “It could be a series of things. Any system has a certain amount of loss to exfiltration through pipes, so it could be exfiltration through pipes, through exfiltration at valves.” “I can’t speculate what it is until we find what the issue is, and
that’s why we are in the process of doing a series of tests.” He asks for patience from all residents. “And if anyone in the District finds large amounts of water coming to the surface, please notify the District of Houston,” he added. “We did have one break earlier this winter over by the [Pearson Road] apartments which were reported by citizens.”
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Wednesday, January 27, 2016
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NWCC adult education programs sees lower attendance By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today
N o r t h w e s t Community College’s Houston campus has seen a reduction in students applying for its adult upgrading courses. This comes after last January’s decision by the provincial government to pull funding from colleges. In NWCC’s case, students looking to attend courses that go towards fulfilling high school graduation or GED requirements had to start paying out of pocket. “It’s affecting the adult basic education, what we call Career & College Prep,” said regional director Regina Saimoto. “In the past, Career & College Prep was exempt from tuition, and now we are charging for the courses.” Students now have
to pay according to their course-load. “Starting in September, the charge will be based on whether you attend in different categories,” she said. Students could attend school at oneeighth full-time all the way to full-time, and the fees goes up by hourly increments. In a press release, the provincial government justifies this change in subsidy as a means to ensure “adult students who have the means to do so are expected to contribute to the cost of the upgrading needed for further studies and entry into the workforce.” The change in funding model has forced the NWCC to start charging fees, according to Saimoto. “With a change in funding they gave post-secondary insti-
tution an option to charge tuition but in reality, for us to be able to recover the cost of providing upgrading, we have to charge now because we are not getting the same level of funding,” she said. The province is offering adult upgrading grants with an income ceiling that changes based on the number of family members. A single person qualifies if he or she earns $23,647 or less, while a family with seven or more has it capped at $62,581. “But for people that don’t qualify, we are doing fundraising activities,” said Saimoto. “Our second annual golf tournament on May 18 and those fundraising activities are utilized to help establish an endowment for bursaries and scholarships.” On the ground,
NWCC’s Houston spokesperson Mark West wants to dispel any notion that the Houston campus has become empty as a result. “We have some stuff going on,” he said. “In classrooms,
we have programs, then the program finishes then it appears like we’re empty until we wait for the next program,” said West. “I wouldn’t say it’s completely dead, but we do need to find more programming.”
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Opinion
www.houston-today.com
Published by Black Press Ltd. 3232 Hwy 16 W, Upstairs Houston Mall P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Houston Today
Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893 News: editor@houston-today.com or: newsroom@houston-today.com Advertising: advertising@houston-today.com
In our opinion:
Going well in B.C.
I
’m embracing the “sunny ways” of our new federal government and seeking optimism in these fragile times. For starters, we have a building boom going on in the southwest. Here in Victoria, cranes dot the skyline as new residential-commercial projects emerge from bedrock, and hardhats are mostly on construction workers, scratched and backwards, rather than shiny and forward on politicians. Shipyards are busy, with Royal Canadian Navy work and cruise ship refits to reduce their emissions, plus work on ferries, tugboats and barges. Most of the activity is private investment, much of it in a hot housing market. Surrey has just recorded its second-highest total for building permits in history, a value of $1.46 billion nearly matching the pre-recession peak of 2007. Thousands of provincial employees get a small raise in February, based on stronger than forecast economic growth in 2014. It works out to $300 a year for a medical technologist and $346 for a teacher. Health care costs are rising less dramatically. Health Minister Terry Lake announced last week that the province is increasing funding for a promising program in cancer research, using genetic analysis to improve targeting for drugs to treat the hundreds of different cancers diagnosed in B.C. patients each year. Outside the urban regions, where retail sales and real estate mainly drive the economy, sunny ways are harder to find. The mining and natural gas sectors are in the grip of a slump in commodity prices, with more temporary mine closures expected. The forest industry is being helped by the low Canadian dollar and a steady recovery in the U.S. economy, and tourism is expected to have another strong year as Americans take advantage of a discount on visits to B.C. Central 1 Credit Union broke down the regional employment numbers for B.C. in 2015, and found job growth in every region except the Cariboo. Province-wide employment grew 1.2 per cent last year, ahead of the national rate. That may not sound like much, but compared to Alberta’s oil-dependent economy, it’s pretty good. Construction of a new dam on the Peace River is expected to ramp up this year, bringing workers home from Alberta, and the federal government is planning to fast-track its promised infrastructure spending to create work across the country. Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett was in Toronto last week to ring the opening bell at the stock exchange with B.C. mining industry representatives. The Conference Board of Canada has forecast that B.C.’s economy will “lead the country by a wide margin over the near term,” with unemployment declining in 2016. We’re at the mercy of global forces, but things could be a whole lot worse. -Tom Fletcher, Black Press
Children and youth in hotels study By Jeff Nagel Black Press
A new report shows 117 children and youth in care in B.C. were placed in hotels in a recent 12-month period despite government claims the practice was rare and repeated orders that it happen only in extreme situations. The joint review of hotel placements by Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen TurpelLafond and the Ministry of Children and Family Development came in response to a high-profile death last September. Alex Gervais, an 18-year-old in care, fell or jumped to his death from the fourth floor of an Abbotsford Super 8 hotel, where he had been housed by the ministry after his group home was shut down due to poor conditions. At that time, Children and Family Minister Stephanie Cadieux sug-
gested just one or two youths were thought to be in hotel placements. Turpel-Lafond suspected the number was closer to 50 and said the count of 117 children from November 2014 to October 2014 – more than double her estimate – shows how pervasive the problem remains. Some of those children were placed in hotels multiple times during the year, as a total of 131 placements were recorded. Most hotel stays are short – just a day or two – and Cadieux said it’s usually because of the need to urgently relocate youth until a conventional placement can be found, often on evenings or weekends. But Gervais was an extreme case. He spent 49 consecutive days in the Abbotsford hotel prior to his Sept. 18 death, the most recent of multiple hotel stays. “The best guess we
have is that Mr. Gervais spent close to 100 days in hotels over the period of his time in care,” Turpel-Lafond said. A further review of his case is underway and the ministry is required to report by March 31 or consent to an investigation by Turpel-Lafond’s office. “His death is a tragedy,” Cadieux said. “It’s a young life lost well too soon.” The South Fraser and North Fraser regions of the Lower Mainland recorded the highest use of hotels – 32 and 27 placements respectively – followed by 14 in Vancouver/ Richmond and 12 by the Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society. The hotel placements make up two per cent of B.C. children in care, but that rose to six per cent in the North Fraser area. Turpel-Lafond characterized the recurring
use of hotels in those areas as “a stop-gap in lieu of having adequate placements.” But Cadieux said she believes better coordination of the placement options that exist could go far to reducing hotel use. Cadieux said hotel stays remain an option of last resort and while she doesn’t believe it’s good practice she would set no target date for ending it. Manitoba has banned all use of hotels but Cadieux said that comparison isn’t appropriate because that province was using them systemically. Turpel-Lafond said she would like to see a complete ban because of the harm hotel stays do but agreed it is not realistic. “The pressures on the staff are such that they are not able to find alternative placements to hotels at this time.” Ministry staff must
2009
now report to the representative’s office when any child is kept in a hotel longer than three days. Social workers must get approval for hotel placements, which has been granted in all recent requests. Reports on hotel placements are to be made public every six months. Cadieux said she also intends to bring a budget request to cabinet to provide more residential resources for emergency placements, particularly in the Fraser areas. She indicated she may also propose increased remuneration or incentives to recruit or retain foster families. “We want to eliminate hotel placements entirely,” Cadieux said. “But government can’t achieve that alone. We need more people to step up, get trained and work with us to provide kids in care with the stable homes that they need and that they deserve.”
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Houston Today
Opinion
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
HOUSTON TODAY “Member, B.C. Press Council” Published by Black Press Upstairs Houston Mall P.O. Box 899, Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z0
www.houston-today.com
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Phone: 250 845-2890 • Fax 250 845-7893 News: editor@houston-today.com or: newsroom@houston-today.com Advertising: advertising@houston-today.com
On the
Street... What is your ideal WinterFest activity?
Allisa Henderson
Julieana Maciel
“Playing outside and having fun; playing hockey and going sledding.”
“Sledding, skiing and hot chocolate.”
By Xuyun Zeng
Karlene GeorgeSampson “Mine is to build igloos and go skating… because I wanted to join hockey.”
Miah Gage “Skiing and snowboarding. It’s just fun.”
Meghan Williams
Lexi Larson
“Everybody doing outdoor activities like sledding and tobogganing and hot chocolate.”
“You could paint on the snow or ice, and you could make snowmen.”
B.C. aims to hire 1,600 more nurses The B.C. government is planning to catch up on its longstanding nursing shortage by hiring 1,643 full-time Registered Nurses by the end of March. Health Minister Terry Lake and B.C. Nurses’ Union president Gayle Duteil announced Tuesday they have reached a staff increase agreement that has been the main obstacle to signing a new contract. The previous deal expired nearly two years ago, and the dispute over staffing was headed for arbitration. Duteil said the last
BCNU contract in 2012 contained a commitment to fill these positions, but more than 1,600 have not been. “To the nurses working 16-hour shifts today, to the nurses working short in the emergency department and operating rooms across B.C., to community nurses with overwhelming caseloads, this agreement means relief is on the way,” Duteil said. Lake said the first priority is to offer full-time positions to some of the 7,000 casual nurses working
in B.C. Nurses from other provinces would be the next choice, and international recruiting would take place after that. “I think there will be a pool of nurses who may be moving back with their families to British Columbia, given the economic downturn in Alberta,” Lake said. By region, the plan targets recruiting of 400 nurses for Fraser Health, 300 for Interior Health, 290 for Island Health, 100 for Northern Health, 235 for Vancouver Coastal Health, 238 for
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the Provincial Health Authority and 80 for Providence Health Care, which runs St.
$100,000 a year, and the new positions can be accommodated from existing budgets.
“The B.C. government is...hiring 1,643 full-time Registered Nurses by the end of March.”
Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Fraser Health CEO Michael Marchbank said each nursing position costs the health authority about
NDP health critic Judy Darcy questioned whether that many nurses can be hired in little more than two months, after the original 2012 promise to
hire more than 2,000 nurses has only resulted in about 500 up to now. “We know that the long waits for hip replacement, knee replacement, you name it, has been due to shortages, including nursing shortages,” Darcy said. “We’ve been paying incredible overtime. Huge burnout, high injury rates, wait lists, hallway medicine, all of those things are a consequence not having met this promise.” Duteil said 16-hour shifts have become “the new normal” for
B.C. Views Tom Fletcher many RNs, and the agreement is a relief. She urged casual nurses in B.C. to contact the union by email immediately at hireanurse@bcnu.org to express interest.
Smart meter system finishes under budget By Tom Fletcher Black Press
BC Hydro’s wireless grid system was officially complete at the end of 2015, with a total cost the Crown utility now projects to be $777 million. That’s $153 million below the original budget, said Greg Reimer, executive vice president, transmission, distribution and customer service for BC Hydro. It includes all the elements required by the B.C. government when it
ordered the installation of the smart meter system as part of its Clean Energy Act in 2010. Reimer said in an interview the system has also exceeded the $70 million in savings projected for the first three years of operation. “We’ve realized about $100 million in benefits during that time, particularly from operational savings,” Reimer said. “Customers are getting more accurate bills. We’ve reduced
our manual meter reading reads and our bill estimates. Meter reading and billing is automated through the system.” The smart grid had its severest test at the end of August 2015 when a windstorm brought down thousands of droughtweakened trees, leaving 700,000 customers on southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland without electricity. Power was restored to all areas in five days, which was
half the time it took to recover from the December 2006 windstorm that flattened trees in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, Reimer said. The 2006 storm blacked out only half the number of homes of the 2015 event. Reimer said the ability to test an entire power line after one break is repaired means the crew doesn’t have to drive the rest of the line, and can move to the next confirmed problem when repairing storm damage.
BC Hydro has defended its power theft savings after NDP energy critic Adrian Dix questioned them. In a recent letter to BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald, Dix said the company’s estimate of power theft by marijuana growers was “magically” inflated by then-energy minister Rich Coleman in 2006, then increased again in the utility’s 2011 business case for the wireless system. Reimer said the business case projected
a 75 per cent reduction in power theft, and the reduction for this fiscal year is projected at 80 per cent, as the smart grid detects actual power consumption and compares it to billed amounts. While it’s officially complete, the smart grid requires ongoing maintenance and annual testing of meters to meet federal accuracy regulations. BC Hydro also plans to install more than 4,000 meters that use commercial cellular phone networks to send in
readings. Those are for locations with concrete basement meter rooms that can’t reach the grid, or rural areas where it is too expensive to extend the BC Hydro wireless grid, Reimer said. There are still 13,320 BC Hydro customers who have refused to accept smart meters, opting to pay a monthly fee for manual meter reading of a mechanical meter or a wireless meter with the radio transmitter turned off.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2016
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“It is worth it... for serving the country” By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today
Jonathan Jaspers is leaving Houston for a long, long time. “I’m OK with it – it’s getting out there and exploring the rest of Canada and the world – because Houston’s pretty small,” he said. The army cadet decided last April that he wanted to become a combat engineer with the Canadian Forces and will leave Feb. 4 for a swearingin ceremony in Victoria before heading off to CFB Saint-Jean, near Montreal, for his basic military qualifications (BMQ) training two days later. Jaspers will stay there in camp for three months. His hair is going to go as part of his initiation and he will get shouted down by his drill sergeant. “[Cadet camp in] Vernon has kind of prepared me for it ..., but I have no idea, actually,” said Jaspers on preparing for the mental pressures. “We get to go out on weekends on the fourth week, but it all depends on how we do,” he said. BMQ will be a humbling experience for Jaspers. The Cadets master warrant officer will become a Canadian Forces private, with the
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Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) photo
Jonathan Jaspers took part in a four day kayak tour of the Southern Gulf Islands as one of many adventures in the 2015 Regional Cadet Expedition. eventual goal of working up the ranks as a noncommissioned member (NCM). “It would be interesting going from the top in Cadets to the bottom in the Forces,” he said. But what Jaspers is really looking forward to is his specialization. “In Cadets, we went to Edmonton to the First Combat Engineer Regiment, and we did a
“I’m OK with it – it’s getting out there and exploring the rest of Canada and the world – because Houston’s pretty small,” - Jonathan Jaspers
lot of stuff with them, and the stuff they do is really cool and I just wanted to do that too,” he said.
Jaspers explained that he will get to build bridges, handle explosives and operate heavy machinery. He especially enjoys the
part about “blowing stuff up.” “Mine disposal, mine placement, getting rid of airfields and roads, and
obstacles,” said Jaspers when asked where he would get to do that. Jaspers added that he signed up as an NCM because he prefers working on the front lines. “I want to be able to do things, be in the field, whereas officers hang back and not do as much.” Jaspers said his family feels “OK with it,” although he later revealed that different members have different feelings. “My mom’s been dealing with it. I’m her first kid to leave home so she’s a little bit anxious about it, but she’s OK with it,” he said. On the other hand, Jaspers’ sister Mackenzie can’t wait. “She’s OK with it, she’s happy that I’m leaving,” he chuckled. After passing BMQ, Jaspers will head out to Gagetown, N.B. for combat engineer training. Thereafter, he will live and work on a Forces base. Eventually, he will get deployed where the Forces need him, which could include tours in the Middle East. He sometimes worries about the risks involved in his line of work but has come to terms with it. “I think it’s worth it for serving the country,” he said.
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
Houston Today
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
www.houston-today.com
Houston ACT (Action Changes Things) Committee INVITES YOU TO... rd
Houston’s 3 Annual
WINTERFEST February 5th-8th, 2016
FRIDAY, February 5: 6 – 8 pm
Houston WinterFest 2016 Kick-Off Hill behind HSS Sledding party – free crazy carpets, hot dogs, hot chocolate and FUN!
MONDAY, February 8: 10 am – 4 pm
Family Ski Day! Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Trails **shuttle service provided! Warm chalet, hot chocolate and goodies, free trail use, rentals available, races, lessons and tons of fun!
11 am – 1 pm
9th Street Hockey Shinney Game 9th Street SafeGrad 2016 will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs! Sponsored by Finning
1 – 3 pm
Free Public Skating Sponsored by Canfor, Finning and Bulkley Valley Credit Union Claude Parish Memorial Arena
3:30 – 5:30 pm
Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game RCMP vs Fire Department Claude Parish Memorial Arena
Geocaching Poker Run will begin from here – ask us for details!
+ FIREWORKS!!!!
SATURDAY, February 6: 10 am – 1 pm
Houston Link to Learning Family Literacy Brunch Houston Community Hall Continue with Geocaching Poker Run all weekend!
12 – 3 pm
Free Bowling – Pleasant Valley Plaza
1 – 3 pm
Beginner Snowshoeing Workshop 4 Seasons Park - Free Rentals **shuttle service provided!
9 am – 11 pm
Adult Drop In Curling & Social - no minors Houston Curling Rink
SUNDAY, February 7: 10 am – 12 pm
Jam Pail Curling for Kids Houston Curling Rink Please bring clean shoes, helmets and gloves!
1 – 3 pm
Intermediate Snowshoeing Workshop Free snowshoe rentals! Morice River Trails **shuttle service provided!!
3 – 5 pm
Salmon in the Snow! Walking tour of Streamkeepers Salmon Project Houston Leisure Facility
3 – 5 pm
Free Public Swim - Houston Leisure Facility
NEW! E L ! SHUTT W E N SERVICEts that articipan ...for any p e!!! need a rid racy Brunch,
e like the Lit iing. For events Country Sk s s ro C d n a ing Snowshoe
NTS E V E W E N AR! THIS YE The weekend will be FILLED with fun activities... something for EVERYONE! For information on any WinterFest events, please contact Dawn Potvin at (250) 845-1291 or Sally Sullivan (250) 845-9321
7
8
www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Houston Today
District of Houston
Newsletter ~ January 27th, 2016 edition Snow & Ice Removal
Where the welcome is warm and the wilderness beckons! Upcoming Council Meetings: Tuesday, February 2 Tuesday, February 16 Finance Committee Meetings: Wednesday, February 17 Wednesday, March 2 & 16 The above meetings are held at 7:00pm in Council Chambers, 3367 – 12th Street. The Agendas can be viewed on the District’s website: www.houston.ca
Website: www.houston.ca Please visit the website for info on: • Council Meeting Agendas • Pool Schedule • Arena Schedule • Important Public Notices • Tenders & Job Opportunities • Lost Dogs
Municipal Office Hours The Municipal Office located at 3367 – 12th Street is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on statutory holidays) Email: doh@houston.ca Phone: 250-845-2238 Fax: 250-845-3429
For Public Works Emergencies (example: water main break) Call the Municipal Office @ 250-845-2238 for a recorded message with the contact number of the person on call.
Pool & Gym Phone: 250-845-7420 Email: bookings@houston.ca
Arena Phone: 250-845-7432
Burning Permits Required All open burning within the District of Houston requires a Burning Permit all year round. To obtain a permit contact the Fire Department at 250-845-2250
Please help the Public Works crews to keep the streets clear if snow. Snow removal operations start at 5:00 am, seven (7) days per week as required. As members of the community, you can help the crews by: • keeping parked vehicles off roadways and streets while crews are clearing snow in the area; • bringing in your garbage receptacle as soon as possible after pick-up. While snow clearing crews are careful, damage may occur to a toter cart. Please be aware that the District is not liable for any damage that may occur to a toter cart while snow clearing work is being done; and • A reminder that it is each resident’s responsibility to ensure that snow and ice are cleared from sidewalks adjacent to your property.
Non-Tendered Equipment & Contractor Registration
The District of Houston is inviting equipment owners to register their equipment which can be hired for casual work on an as needed basis. To register or for more information, please contact the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238 to obtain a registration form. The following is required prior to being added to the list of contractors/equipment: a) current District of Houston business licence; b) WorkSafe BC account in good standing unless exempt by WCB; and c) Liability insurance.
Business Licences Required
Pursuant to District of Houston “Business Licence Bylaw No. 776, 1998” an owner or operator of a business within the boundaries of the District of Houston must hold a valid annual business licence for carrying on business. Temporary displays of goods or products for the purpose of sale also require daily business licenses. Business licences must be renewed annually and are valid from January 1st to December 31st each year. Current licence holders have been sent and invoice for 2016. Should you have any changes to your business information or have any questions on how to obtain a business licence, please contact the Municipal Office at 250-845-2238.
House Numbers
Is your house number clearly posted on your home? In order to assist emergency response by fire, ambulance or police to locate your residence; it is very important that your house number be placed in an area that is visible from the street (day or night). For your safety, please take the time to ensure that your house number is clearly visible.
Notice to all Dog Owners Pursuant to the “Pound & Animal Regulation Bylaw” all dogs over the age of six (6) months must be licenced. 2016 licence tags are now available at the Municipal Office and must be attached to your dog effective January 1, 2016. Please note the following Early Bird Rates are offered prior to January 31st only.
Leisure Facility Programs
Extended NID Public Swimming Fri, Feb 5 - Open 6am-8pm Circuit Training Early Bird 6:00-6:45am Circuit Training 9:00-9:30am Tues/Thurs, Feb 23 to March 17 $51.50
Boot Camp Mon/Wed, Feb 22 to Mar 16 6:00 -6:45pm $64.00 Evening Power Fit Mon/Wed, Feb 29 to April 6 7:00 -7:45pm $52.50
Houston ACT (Action Changes Things) Committee INVITES YOU TO... rd
Houston’s 3 Annual
WINTERFEST February 5th-8th, 2016
New District of Houston Website
The District of Houston is looking forward to the launch of its new website this Spring @ www.houston.ca.
Additional Toter Carts
For those consumers with additional service requirements, the District of Houston offers a “Tag-aCart” service. “Tag-a-Cart” is a waste collection service permitting the service user to set out additional toter carts beyond the one-cart limit prescribed by the District provided that the service user attaches a tag for which a fee has been paid to the District for each additional toter cart used. The cost for this service is $2.50 per toter cart (plus applicable taxes).
Dungate Community Forest
Dungate Community Forest is accepting applications from non-profit groups and organizations. Applications can be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce, District of Houston Municipal Office and the Bulkley Valley Credit Union in Houston. For more information contact dungatecomfor@houston.ca
Houston Public Library Phone: 250-845-2256 email: hlibrary@telus.net Website: http://houston.bclibrary.ca
What’s Happening...
NID Lego Club – Fri, Feb. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. for kids ages 7 and up.
Game Night for Grownups! – Thurs, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation. Adults are welcome to drop in and play board games, cards games and RPGs. Junk food is included. Book Club – Thurs, Feb. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Lots of great free events for the whole family! • Sledding party • Geocaching Poker Run • Family Literacy Brunch • Bowling • Snowshoeing • Curling • Family Ski Day • Street Hockey • Public Skating • Salmon in the Snow • Public Swim • Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game + more! For info please contact Dawn Potvin at (250) 845-1291 or Sally Sullivan (250) 845-9321
Mark Zagwyn Photography – Fri, Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Mark will be on hand to take passport photos. Prints of his photography will also be on display.
ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease of a 2016 Cruze Limited LS (1SA) and to the purchase or finance of a 2015 Trax and 2015 Silverado 2500HD/3500HD WT 2WD with gas engines. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. * Offer valid to eligible retail lessees in Canada who have entered into a lease agreement with GM Financial and accept delivery between January, 5 and February 1, 2016 of a new or demonstrator 2016 model year Chevrolet model excluding Chevrolet Colorado 2SA. General Motors of Canada will pay one month’s lease payment or two biweekly lease payments as defined on the lease agreement (inclusive of taxes). After the first month, lessee will be required to make all remaining scheduled payments over the remaining term of the lease agreement. PPSA/ RDPRM is not due. Consumer may be required to pay Dealer Fees. Insurance, licence, and applicable taxes not included. Additional conditions and limitations apply. GM reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without prior notice. See dealer for details. ¥ Lease based on a purchase price of $13,564, including $446 Owner Cash (tax exclusive) and $3,500 lease cash for a new eligible 2016 Cruze Limited LS (1SA). Bi-weekly payment is $66 for 24 months at 0% APR, on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometre limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometre. $0 down payment and a $0 security deposit is required. Payment may vary depending on down payment or trade. Total obligation is $3,432, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $10,132. Price and total obligation exclude license, insurance, registration, taxes and optional equipment. Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited-time offer, which may not be combined with other offers. See your dealer for conditions and details. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. ^ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles delivered between January 5 and February 1, 2016. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on all new or demonstrator 2015 Sonic, Trax and Silverado 1500 Double Cab 2WD WT / Crew Cab 2WD WT and Silverado HD’s WT 2WD with gas engine. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $40,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $476.19 for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $40,000. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight and air tax ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ‡ $2,500 is a combined credit consisting of $500 Owner Cash (tax inclusive) and $2,000 manufacturer to dealer finance cash (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Trax which is available for finance offers only and cannot be combined with special lease rates and cash purchase. † $3,500/$12,000 is a combined credit consisting of $500/$1,000 Owner Cash (tax inclusive) and a $3,000/$11,000 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive) for a 2015 Trax/Silverado HD Double Cab with gas engine (except WT 2WD), which is available for cash purchases only and cannot be combined with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this $3,000/$11,000 credit which will result in higher effective interest rates. Discounts vary by model. †† Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2015 or 2016 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between January 5 and February 1, 2016. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $500 credit available on 2015 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax or 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, Cruze LTD, Malibu LTD, All-New Malibu (except L), All-New Volt, Camaro; $750 credit available on other 2016 Chevrolets (except Corvette, Colorado 2SA, Silverado Light Duty and Heavy Duty); $1,000 credit available on all 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado’s. Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GM Canada dealer for details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. ¥¥ Based on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. ~ Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity may vary by model and conditions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on select vehicle models and in select markets. Customers will be able to access OnStar services only if they accept the OnStar User Terms and Privacy Statement (including software terms). OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. After the trial period (if applicable), an active OnStar service plan is required. ‡‡ Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). ** The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2015 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 40,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ^^ Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.
Houston Today
COMMUNITY
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Police report
By Xuyun Zeng
Houston Today
From Jan. 14 to Jan. 20, police received 25 calls for service, of which five were traffic related, three were bylaw complaints and one was a false alarm. *** Police are seeking help on a case in Granisle. On Jan. 15 at
10:29 a.m., a break and enter occurred at the Granisle General Store located at 20 Hagan Street. It likely happened overnight. An employee came to the store in the morning and noticed a footprint on the door and the back window. Police attended, as did the forensic section, looking for fingerprints and forensic evidence. Anyone with information should contact police or Crimestoppers. *** Police responded to a domestic assault on Park Lane on Jan. 16 at
10 Airbags
OR
4G LTE Wi-Fi~
www.houston-today.com
1 a.m. Police attended but the male suspect had departed on foot. He was later arrested for assault. He has been charged with mischief and assault. He has been released on a promise to appear in court, subject to several conditions pending his court date. *** Just after 1 a.m. on Jan. 17, police received a call from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to assist them at a residence, where they went to a home full of children where the adults there
$
FIRST TWO BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS
$33 @ 0 %
WEEKLY
Safety
6.6
FINANCING FOR
LEASE
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FOR
ON OTHER MODELS
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were intoxicated. Police stood by and assisted the Ministry while they took the children to a safe place. *** Just after midnight on Jan. 18, police went to an apartment on Hagman Crescent, responding to a report of loud yelling and banging. Police found a man and woman. The woman was found to be breaching bail conditions and she was subsequently arrested and held in custody, appearing in court last Monday. ***
0 0 0 0 $
$
DOWN PAYMENT DUE AT DELIVERY
LEASE FROM $66 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:
MONTHS
24
BASED ON A LEASE PURCHASE PRICE OF $13,564 ¥ (INCLUDES $500 OWNER CASH †† + $3,500 LEASE CASH)
0% 84 $12,000
UP TO
2 WITH
YEARS/48,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY OIL CHANGES **
5
YEARS/160,000 KM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ^^
Police would like to warn the public about a phone scam. At 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, a man called police saying he had received a call from the Canada Revenue Agency which advised him that he owed $5,500, and was asked to send the cash via a MoneyGram. Police want to inform that this is a fraud that is going on right now, adding that CRA will never ask Canadians to send money that way. If anyone has questions, they can call police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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www.houston-today.com
HOPE forToday
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
COMMUNITY
Houston Today
WINTER Beauty
Discipline
Speaking to a semi-retired trucker one day about how we were raised as children. He shared with me how his parents kept him in line. As an example, he said when he was caught smoking in grade 2 he got the strap at school and after that his Dad gave him a spanking at home, it was painful. He got disciplined twice for one offence, yet he did not hold this against his Dad because he deserved it, he said. Though it was not pleasant at the time, he said he knew that his Dad gave him that spanking because he loved him. He said, now many years later, he is still thankful that he got disciplined because in the long term it made him a better person. All through the conversation he spoke very highly of his Dad and his Mom. This reminded me that the Bible tells us “For the LORD disciplines those he loves.” Hebrews 12:6 NLT God’s discipline may come in various forms. Sometimes it is when we suffer the consequences of our rebellion and sins, such as crashing a car when driving recklessly, or by facing a judge for having broken the law in some way or another. Other times God disciplines us not because of a particular sin but just to make us stronger people of God just like the army or police force who put their recruits through strict discipline to make them into better people, good soldiers and responsible police officers. In fact God tells us in the Bible that we are to “...endure hardship as discipline.” Hebrews 12:7 NIV So when something difficult or painful happens to us, we should realize God is in control and we can either allow this to make us bitter or better. Because God loves us, his discipline is always to make us better and more useful to him, if we will allow ourselves to be trained by it. “For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable when it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:10,11 NLT
This beautiful photo captured by a Houston resident shows the spectacular winter scenes to be seen in and around Houston. Pictured here are frostcovered trees with their reflection in Irrigation Lake. This kind of beauty makes the coldness of the season easier to bear.
Submitted by Ken Penner
Sponsored by
Riverside Gardens
3707 East Valley Road, Houston • 250 845-7707
Hired Equipment Registration Bulkley Stikine District
The Bulkley Stikine District of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is creating its list of registered Equipment for Hire for the 2016/2017 fiscal year, which begins April 1, 2016. All individuals or companies registered this past year through the District Office in Smithers will receive invitations to re‑register their equipment for the coming fiscal year by mail. Any individuals who were not registered in 2015, but wish to have their equipment listed, are hereby invited to contact the District Office to obtain the appropriate registration forms. Note that while you do not need to have Commercial (Comprehensive) General Liability Insurance or up‑to‑date WorkSafe BC coverage to register, you will have to meet these requirements prior to working on any ministry projects. Only owned or lease‑to‑own equipment is eligible for registration. Full details of equipment, including serial numbers and proof of ownership, are required for registration. Equipment may only be registered in one area in any given year. Seniority is not transferable from area to area.
Submitted photo
MoTI Ad 1135 Hired Equipment Bulkley Stikine Smithers Interior News January 27 and February 3 Houston Today January 27 and February 3 Burns Lake District News January 27 and February 3 Enter To Win a Waikiki Beach Getaway for Two* 5.8125” X 6.428” Roundtrip Airfare aboard Alaska Airlines, Five Nights at
Visit the NEW Hawaii.com the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and Dinner at Tiki’s Grill & Bar
(4 columns x 90 lines)
The deadline for new registrations is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016. Late registrations will be accepted, but will be put at the bottom of the open list. Note that there is no charge for registering new equipment or for changing or deleting equipment information already listed.
To have equipment registration forms mailed, faxed or e-mailed to you, please contact the local District Office in Smithers by mail at Bag 5000, 3726 Alfred Avenue, Smithers, British Columbia, V0J 2N0, by phone at 250 847-7403 or by fax at 250 847-7219. You can also register online at www.bcbid.ca
Experience Hawaii like you live here…on-line. Choose an Island that’s right for you, find the resort of your dreams then explore all the activities, shopping and dining that await you in paradise! And right now, you could win airfare from any Alaska Airlines gateway across North America, enjoy the fun Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and dine in true island-style at Tiki’s!
For more information and to register, visit hawaii.com *Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. No purchase necessary. Winner chosen by random draw. Odds determined by number of entries. Travel valid from any Alaska Airlines gateway in North America. Winner travel dates, times and package components subject to change & availability. Restrictions apply. Contest ends on January 31, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. HST. See website for complete details.
Your complete source for island travel.
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Houston Today
SPORTS
www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Ringette players going to B.C. Winter Games
Submitted photo
Marli Breuer, Dinah Qualizza (back) coach, Sophia Wright-Seymour, Riley Standbridge, Taylor Standbridge, Mackenzie Emberley, Maggie Kenzle, Courtney Farrell, Nolan Kaye, Ken Giesbrecht (back) coach, Bailey Spooner (front). Missing from photo: Madalyn Slaney, Grace Magnusson, Ty Giesbrecht, Lisa Nicholson.
“
just ready to play.” “I think around the Vernon area they’re really competitive,” she said.
“It’s the experience, it’s fun...If we win, it’s an even bigger bonus.”
through all their games and sleep with them in the schools” she said. Her daughter Mackenzie, 13, feels “nervous, excited and
Sn
Ringette players from Houston and Terrace will head to the B.C. Winter Games to represent Zone 7 Feb. 25-28. To form a team, U12-14 players from Houston will join forces with Terrace. Houston will send Maggie Kenzle, Mackenzie Emberley, Maddie Slaney, Courtney Farrell, Taylor Standbridge, Riley Standbridge, Marli Breur, Bailey Spooner and team manager Christina Emberley to the Games in Penticton. Coaches Dinah Qualizza and Kenny Giesbrecht along with five other players from Terrace will also be part of the Zone 7 team. “We get together at league games, which we had one in Terrace in October and we had one in Prince George in November, and we usually have a practice in a scrimmage with Zone 8 (Prince George and Quesnel),” said Qualizza. “Some of our girls from Terrace and Houston have done very well in the past playing AA with Prince George and Quesnel. [They] have gone on to win championships and gone to nationals and stuff like that.” Team manager Emberley will accompany the players. “I just go so that there’s always somebody with the girls. I
travel with the girls. I think we fly out of Smithers and we will travel to Penticton, and I’ll just stay with them
Mackenzie has faced that team in provincials. Qualizza, on the other hand, feels that competitors from the Lower Mainland will pose the
ST OU ON
ow
m o b il e
biggest challenge. “They have way more people to pick from,” she said. “Mind you, Zone 8, one year, had won.” Qualizza admits that distance between
- Coach Dinah Qualizza
lu b
Houston Today
H
By Xuyun Zeng
Terrace and Houston presents a challenge for the team. “I think they’re actually all doing training on their own, because we live three hours apart, so it’s a little difficult to get any training done,” she said. “It takes a lot of traveling, a lot of commitment from the parents.” Forming a team in the North also presents a challenge. Qualizza emphasized that in the North, only Terrace, Houston, Prince George and Quesnel have teams. To form Zone 7’s team, everyone who showed up at the October tryouts in Terrace will go for the Games. “We just don’t have the numbers to pick from,” she said. “It’s the experience, it’s fun. You’re going to a different kind of a competition which a lot of these kids have not seen,” she said. “If we win, it’s an even bigger bonus.”
3744 1st Ave, Smithers 250-847-3943
DISTRICT OF HOUSTON www.houston.ca
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing affecting the District of Houston “Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013” and the “District of Houston Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1001, 2010” will be held on: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the District of Houston Council Chambers, 3367 – 12th Street, Houston, B.C. “Development Bylaw No. 1040, 2013” is proposed to be amended by Bylaw No. 1074, 2016 and “District of Houston Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1001, 2010” is proposed to be amended by Bylaw No. 1075, 2016 which would rezone the land describes as Lot D, District Lot 333, Range 5, Land District, Plan PRP43132 only, from R-4 (Multi-Family Residential) to P-1 (Public and Institutional). The applicant has applied to rezone this property to place a permanently mounted brown coloured modular communication building housing a fibre cable distribution system, to provide telecommunication and television signals throughout Houston. Civic Address: 2080 Sullivan Way
At a Public Hearing all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaws shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present a written submission respecting matters contained in the bylaws that are the subject of the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing on proposed Bylaw No. 1074, 2016 and Bylaw No. 1075, 2016 will be chaired by Mayor Shane Brienen. Full particulars may be reviewed by the public by requesting to inspect “Development Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 1074, 2016” and “Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1076, 2016 at the District of Houston Municipal Office during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (except on statutory holidays). For more information please contact: Michael D. Glavin, Chief Administrative Officer Phone: 250-845-2238
5th Annual Customer Appreciation Day
C
General
Meeting
Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
15% off
*
*no rain checks
7:00pm at the Idylwild Lounge Club memberships available at the meeting or at Northstar Performance. Optional snowmobile liability insurance available with club membership. For more info call Shea: 250-845-4195 or Tanya 250-845-2419 Many thanks to our sponsor Sullivan Motor Products
Everyone Welcome
11
Saturday, January 30th Drop by for Tea & Snacks Open 9am - 5:30pm
12
www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Houston Today
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When your car, truck or SUV is in need of service, trust the factory-trained technicians at Sullivan Motor Products. OPEN MON. TO SAT. 8AM - 5:30PM
Call SMP at 250-845-2244 Highway 16, Houston TF: 1-800-665-3151
Call 250-845-0707 Andy Horsfield
Ph 250-696-3211 • Cell: 250-692-9940 email: sales@pbagrimech.ca
SALES • PARTS • SERVICE • FINANCING
EAM MOP er FREE SHARs ofK50ST ov sq 0 uare feet and
Office: 250 847 1433 • Cell: 250 299 1835
Bill and Patsy Miller, Owners 29850 Hwy 16 West • PO Box 450 • Burns Lake
www.pbagrimech.ca
West Highway 16, Houston 250-845-2213 • www.finning.ca
✔ Dustless containment ✔ State of the art equipment system ✔ Refinishing & staining ✔ Over 7 years in the business
2870 - 5th St., Houston Industrial Park Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-6pm • Fri 8-5pm • Sat 9-3pm
• HAY FORKS • PALLET FORKS • SNOW BLADES • QUICK ATTACH UNITS • REPAIRS & EQUIPMENT
BURNS LAKE
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offering... • Permanent hair removal • Tattoo removal • Acne treatments
2815 - 5th Street, Houston Industrial Site, Houston
NOW PERFORMING
D &M
D5631
Sullivan Motors
@smphouston
www.sullivangm.com
...Northwest’s Largest Volume Dealer for a Reason!!
Advertise
y l n o r o f s s e n i s your bu
$
5
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! k e e w y r e v e s ld o h e Reach over 1100 hous eek call To be included next w 890 -2 5 4 -8 0 5 2 r o 6 2 5 -7 2 Laura at 250-69 ws.net or email: laura@ldne HOUSTON BARBERSHOP
Pleasant Valley Cleaners
Phyllis
So much more than your local commercial laundry service
FULL LINE OF WORK WEAR! Jeans • Jackets • Duck Coats & Overalls • Work Boots Shirts & Safety Clothing
250.845.2329
Open: Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: 10am - 4pm
Serving the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District
METAMORPH JEWELRY, GEMS
Full Coverall Servic e:
• Sales - New & Used • Rentals • Repairs • Cleaning • 3M Reflective Stripin g
Theresa
250.844.1118
available & installed
Janet
WALK-OFF MATS SERVICE • LAUNDRY FACILITIES • COMPLETE LINEN SERVICE SHOP SUPPLIES • DROP OFF LAUNDRY SERVICE • SEWING SERVICES - REPAIRS ETC.
CALDERWOOD REALTY
250.845.2329
*
I also offer Free Home Market Evaluations and information on the current real estate market.
Call Laura at 250-692-7526 or 250-845-2890 or email: laura@ldnews.net
Dan Hansma
dan.hansma@gmail.com
*Based on a 1-year commitment • GST not included
5/week
$
(with 1 year commitment) GST not included
Tire Shop hourS: Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm - Sat. 8am - noon Car WaSh hourS: Monday to Friday: 8am - 6pm - Sat. 8am - 4pm
2216 Nadina Ave. North, Houston
Open six days a week
Advertise your Business or Service here for $500/week
If you are buying or selling call me today: 250-845-8234
Include your business for only
& NAILS
ANGEL’S FLOWERS & GIFTS
3356 10th Street, Box 68, Houston • Phone: 250-845-7000
Come see us for all your tire needs!
Open six days a week
Phone: 250-845-2700
mitment *Based on a 1-year com GST not included
RED ROCKET SERVICES Septic Removal, Portable Toilet Rentals Expediting and Hotshots Now a dealer for BIO-CLEAN A septic enzyme and tank cleaner
Les Willson
250-845-3761
Cell: 250-845-8172 redrockt@telus.net The best
LIMITED
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Our lot is full of lightweight, affordable, quality-built travel trailers, fifth wheels and campers.
Site Prep Demolition Cleanup Landscaping Gravel Screened Top Soil White Landscape Rock
Phone: 250-845-2498
Highway 16, Houston D5631
1-888-408-2839
See our inventory at: www.smprv.ca
Call Laura at 250-692-7526 or 250-845-2890 or email: laura@ldnews.net
Houston Today Wednesday, January 27, 2016
www.houston-today.com 13
To advertise in print:
Browse more at:
Call: 250-845-2890 Email: advertising@houston-today.com Self-serve: blackpressused.ca Career ads: localworkbc.ca
A division of
INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements
Announcements
Employment
Employment
Employment
Employment
Place of Worship
Information
Business Opportunities
Education/Trade Schools
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
GET FREE High cash producing Vending machines. $1 vend = .70 profit. No competition - financing and locating services provided. Full details call now. 1-866-668-6629 Website: www.tcvend.com
HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day. www.canscribe.com. 1.800.466.1535. info@canscribe.com.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT LEGAL NOTICES
AGREEMENT
It is agreed by any display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. Used.ca cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. Used.ca reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the Used.ca Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.
DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION
Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of Used.ca. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.
ON THE WEB:
HOUSTON & AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY Houston United Church 2106 Butler Ave
SERVICES: Sundays at 11a.m. (Kids Sunday School during the service) To contact the church or for pastoral care: Morgan Ryder (250-698-7612 -H) or 250-692-9576 -C) or Marianne Dekker 250-845-2282
Houston Fellowship Baptist Church 3790 C.R. Matthews Rd. Pastor: Larry Ballantyne
Sunday School: 9:45am Church Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome! Phone: 250-845-7810
Houston Canadian Reformed Church SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM Pastor Carl VanDam s.carl.vandam@canrc.org Office Phone: 250-845-3441 ~ Everyone Welcome ~
AL-ANON Are you affected by someone’s drinking? Al-Anon meetings are Monday, 7pm at the Houston United Church. Contact number: (250) 8457774.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Meetings are at the Houston United Church, Monday and Thursday at 7:00pm. Contact number is:1-877-644-2266 CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canada benefit.ca/free-assessment HAVE YOU been denied Canada Pension Plan disability benefits? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help you appeal. Call 1-877-793-3222. www.dcac.ca info@dcac.ca
3797 Omineca Way, Box 36, Houston, BC
Travel
Houston Christian Reformed Church
Timeshare
1959 Goold St., Box 6, Houston 250-845-7578
~ Everyone Welcome! ~ Services: 10:00 am & 3:00 pm HOUSTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 2024 Riverbank Drive, Box 597, Houston Phone: 250-845-2678 Pastor: Mike McIntyre Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 pm Sunday School: During the Service
Everyone Welcome
Anglican Church of St. Clement 2324 Butler Ave., Box 599, Houston, BC
Rev. Jacob Worley Phone: 250-845-4940
Services at: 2:00pm Sundays
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 2001 Riverbank Drive Houston, B.C. V0J 1Z2 Phone: 250-845-2841
Sunday Service: 11:30 AM Parish Priest: Fr. Pier Pandolfo
Career Opportunities CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST II District of Kitimat
Full Time Permanent Wage $39.86 - $48.23 Over 2 Years Civil Technologist diploma required. Duties include surveying, design, contract preparation and inspection on principal projects. Must be proficient with electronic survey equipment, and AutoCad 3D. Please Apply By February 15, 2016 4:30 pm, by Fax: 250-632-4995, or email: dok@kitimat.ca Visit: www.kitimat.ca
Accounting/ Bookkeeping
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit today: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career! START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765.
CANCEL YOUR timeshare. No risk program. Stop mortgage and maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.
Travel
Accounting/ Bookkeeping
Plant Accountant
Pinnacle Pellet Inc. Houston BC POSITION TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY Please send your Resume to Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc. hr@pinnaclepellet. com. Only select candidates will be contacted for interviews. For more information on Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc. see our website www.pinnaclepellet.com
Obituaries
Obituaries
SEE POLAR Bears, Walrus and Whales on our Arctic Explorer Voyage next summer. Save 15% with our winter sale for a limited time. Call toll-free: 1-800-363-7566 or www.adventurecanada.com (TICO#04001400)
1.5 million Canadian families are in Shear Delight Sedaz Lingerie Kristine Goold / Cakes Larkspur of affordable byneed Kris Country Wide Sports Hair Trendz Blooming Your Candis housing. Stumpf – Arrangements Younique Hoskins Ford Cassidy contributions StumpfTea Gallery With A Twist Cassie Clips Heartstrings provides Habitat Christine SmithSpeedee Interior Reflexology Stationery with the Chia Tran – Mary Kay resources Reitsma’s Home Arends Specialty it needs Hardware to help Kompany Vybz Lee’s Garden Monster Industries families. 1st Choice Fashions D&M Industrial Traction Tire Nadina Truck Service Ltd Finning Dion & Paula Kettle Remax – Lia Long Lorna & Cassie Ofner – Scentsy Tyrelle Delvenne – Scentsy Mainerz Houston Wine N’ Lager Shop Dan’s Source for Sports Vanderhoof & District Co-Op (Houston Branch) Carters Jewelers City Furniture Pleasant Valley Restaurant Angels Flowers and Gifts Bare Necessities Spa Jean Goold Smithers Feed Store 3 Season Spruce Up Pleasant Valley Bobcat Napa Auto Parts Nordan Equipment
Donate Today!
Brewstirs Café Sullivan Motor Products Live the Moment Events Country Wide Printing & Stationery Houston Food Market North Star Performance Bulkley Valley Credit Union Interior Hobbies Prince George Kevin Himech / Marni Laroque Donna VanderwielPrince George All West Glass Bulkley Valley Financial Services Bulkley Valley Insurance Services John Himech Logging Katees Kitchen Dwayne Anderson HSS Safe Grad Matt Kaszas Shea Long Gerald Noth Vanderwiel Family
www.habitat.ca
Certified GM Journeyman Technician Fraser River GM offers a full benefit package including; • Medical • Dental • Life Insurance • RRSP Plans • Competitive Wage and Compensation Packages Please apply with resume to Shane Thon by email sthon@shaw.ca – please include references and a drivers abstract.
Help Wanted
GENERAL OFFICE ASSISTANT REQUIRED Some ordering and pricing of product. Must have some bookkeeping experience and good computer skills. Knowledge of recreational power equipment would be an asset. Hours negotiable. Pete Bodnar Contracting Ltd. North Star Performance 2815 - 5th Street • 250-845-2498
Apply in person, with resumé. PETE
Thank you More than
Houston Figure Skating Club would like to thank the following for supporting our annual Ladies Auction...
Fraser River Chevrolet, Quesnel BC is currently looking to fill the following full time position:
Help Wanted
HIP OR Knee replacement? Arthritic conditions or COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.
Thank you!
TRAVEL EMPLOYMENT
CONTRACTING LTD.
Walter Thomas Pearse, age 85, of Houston, BC, passed away peacefully in the BV District Hospital, on January 20th with family by his side. Walter and his twin sister Lillian were born Sept.7, 1930 in Tisdale, Sask. In 1931 the family moved to the homestead near Snowden, Sask. travelling on the ¿rst train from Sylvania. The train was dubbed ‘The Twin Special’ as two sets of twins were among the passengers on board. Walter grew up on the farm, enjoying the calf club where he won many awards. On Oct.30, 1958 he married Linda and they headed west to start their married life. He spent his working life in the lumber industry, signing on with Northwood in 1963. In 1975 Walter and Linda and their daughter Jeannene relocated to Houston where Walter built his career and focused on family. He enjoyed spending weekends teaching Jeannene to appreciate things like ¿shing, photography and hiking. He also enjoyed reading, especially history books, doing word search puzzles, woodworking, gardening, yardwork and spending time with family and friends. Walter retired in 1996. Walter is survived by his loving and devoted wife Linda, his daughter Jeannene (Brent) Bartolome; foster daughter Marni (Steve) Rutledge; brother Harold (Leona); sister Joyce and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Alf and Nora and his twin sister Lillian. A Memorial Service was held on January 23rd at 2pm at the Houston Community Hall. Condolences may be offered at www. raschraderfuneralhome.com.
R.A. SCHRADER FUNERAL SERVICES 250-847-2441
Sales
Sales
Fraser River Chevrolet is looking for an experienced, career minded
Automotive Sales Consultant to set and meet sales goals and to consistently deliver results in accordance with our high company standards. The Automotive Sales Consultant will sell our products and services through the achievement of opportunity-based sales quotas. This individual will also develop ongoing relationships with customers and continually maintain their respective client portfolios. Integrity, passion, and presentational skills are essential for this role. Fraser River Chevrolet Offers An Industry Leading Compensation Package, An Incredible Work Environment & Career Advancement Opportunities. Qualified applicants should email resume and cover letter with “Sales Consultant” in subject line to Shane Thon: sthon@shaw.ca
TRY A CLASSIFIED AD
14 www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Houston Today
COUNTRY PURE & SIMPLE! Hard to find acreage only minutes from town! 34.9 acre hobby farm with a 1998 1638 square foot 3 bedroom modular with extensive updates! 4 separate fenced areas, shelters, detached workshop/ storage, woodshed, greenhouse and other outbuildings. Hay field and spectacular views! Located approximately 15km down the Buck Flats Road. The country kitchen features ample cabinets and a bright dining area as well as an island. Cozy family room with a woodstove. Custom touches such as barn wood wall in the master as well as the en suite. Garden area and pond just outside your front door. Fridge, stove, dishwasher and window coverings included. Call Lia to view 250-845-1147.
$231,900
VERY ATTRACTIVE HOME & PRICE!
Bright, spacious custom built home located close to schools and no neighbours behind. Sunken living room with bay window. Dining with patio doors to deck, oak cabinets, skylight in bathroom. Full finished basement features huge rec room/ family room, den, 3rd bath, 4th bedroom. Double garage. Included: fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, built in vac and attachments.
$232,500
RE/MAX HOUSTON
Locally owned and operated
Call 250-845-7325 www.remaxhouston.ca Whether you are buying or selling, Lia offers prompt, friendly and professional service with over 20 years of real estate experience and a lifetime in the Houston area.
2436 Poulton Ave., Houston, BC • e-mail: remaxhou@telus.net • www.realtor.ca
Financial Services
Misc. for Sale
GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com
SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397. Make money & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD:
TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca
STEEL BUILDING Sale. “Really big sale: extra winter discount on now!!� 21x22 $5,190; 25x24 $5,988; 27x28 $7,498; 30x32 $8,646; 35x34 $11,844; 42x54 $16,386. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422, www.pioneersteel.ca
)HWFK D 'RJ )URP WKH 6KHOWHU
FOR RENT Starting At $800/Mo. Bachelor & 1 Bdrm Suites Full Kitchen Facilities Too! Wi-fi, Ph, Cable & Util. Incl. Ref. Req.,Terry 778-210-1703 terrymadley112@outlook.com
www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT
1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.
Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent
HOUSTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR The Houston Legion is holding an initiation evening for new officers and directors on Saturday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion. Further info contact Joanne at 250845-2999. (Regular Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month is Executive, 4th Monday is a General Meeting). Houston Public Library Events: Book Club - Thurs., Jan. 28, 7 to 9 p.m. This month we are discussing Unless by Carol Shields. Copies are available at the circulation desk at the library. • NID Lego Club - Fri, Feb. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. for kids ages 7 and up. • Game Night for Grownups! – Thurs, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation. Adults are welcome to drop in and play board games, cards games and RPGs. Junk food is included. For more info on above events please contact the library @250-845-2256. Houston Snowmobile Club Meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Idylwild.
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
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WWW SPCA BC CA
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.
Merchandise for Sale
Misc. for Sale REFORESTATION NURSERY Seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs, and berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce and Pine from $0.99/ tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-8733846 or www.treetime.ca
Fight Back. Volunteer your time, energy and skills today.
Lia Long 250-845-1147
International Women’s Dinner event is planned in Houston for Tuesday, March 8. More details to follow. Super Valu tapes may be donated to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary at drop off boxes at A&W; Shear Delight; Razor’s Edge and TerriLynn Hair Creations. The tapes are used Community Calendar proudly sponsored by
as a fund-raiser for the L.A. to the Houston Legion.
TOPLEY
Activities for Seniors in Houston at the Seniors Centre: New Horizons FREE swim for Seniors (60+) every Tuesday 9 AM to 10 AM until February 23. All Seniors invited. Reason: Expanding opportunities for Seniors to become active.
Topley Fire Protection Society meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm.
TOPS 1901 meets every Tues.: 8-9:30 a.m. at the Houston United Church. Come join other women who are Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Coffee Break - an Interactive Women’s Bible Study meet every Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:00 at the Houston Christian Reformed Church, 1959 Goold Road. Childcare is provided. For more info call Margaret: 845-2348, Darlene 845-7438, Evelyn 696-3229. Buck Flats Community Development Society, meets every 3rd Sat. evening at 6pm at Andy Pollack’s house (17642) on Buck Flats Rd. All Buck Flats residents are welcome to attend, we discuss issues concerning the Buck flats area. Please call Chris Newell at 250-845-3564 for more info. Houston’s “Love by the Bowl� Soup Kitchen serving healthy homemade soups in two different seatings, 11-12 and 12 -1 on Wednesdays.
Bulkley Valley CREDIT UNION Since May 1941, Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been building a solid financial institution that members from Burns Lake to the Hazeltons have grown to rely on. People helping people is how we began and we strive to remain people-oriented, both in our financial services and through direct involvement with our communities. We are dedicated to local decision-making and local control, key factors in providing the kinds of services that meet the financial needs of individuals and business members alike.
www.bvcu.com
Find a job you love.
Structural Firefighting/Hwy Rescue. Interested? Topley Volunteer Fire Dept. is accepting applications. No experience necessary please contact Byron - F/C 250696-3348 or come to a Fire Practice Thurs @ 19:00 hrs (7pm).
GRANISLE The Granisle and District Senior Citizens meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre. Granisle Volunteer Fire Department meetings & fire practices every Tues., 7:00pm at the Fire Hall. Granisle Church of the Way services are Sundays at 11:00am. Please keep your announcements as brief as possible. Deadline (faxed or mailed or delivered) is 4 p.m. Thursday. Items are printed or alternated as space permits. Items will be accepted via fax, email or dropped at the office. No phone calls please. More calendar items are listed online and can be submitted or viewed at www.houston-today.com
HOUSTON & DISTRICT BRANCH 2365 Copeland Ave. P.O. Box 1480, Houston Phone: 250-845-7117
Houston Today
NEWS
www.houston-today.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Public input is welcome in the discussion to close Lake Kathlyn school
SCHOOL from Page 1
boiler, field and paving. The school was built in 1954 and was last renovated in 1970. It and Twain Sullivan, built the same year, are the oldest schools in the valley. “We have not been asked to consider any schools in Houston or anywhere else in the District,” said District co-chair and Houston trustee Jennifer Williams. She said the vote to enact the public consultation was made after District administration brought forward the recommendation to initiate the closure process at last week’s meeting. Superintendent Chris van der Mark stressed while explaining why closing the school was being considered, the decision has yet to be made by school board trustees. Financial protection from the province for declining enrollment went up from $733,000 last year to $850,000 this year.
That money is taken away when enrollment turns around and starts going up. “It isn’t about the overall budget being up or down; it’s about that [financial protection] money coming away, and as you plan for your staffing and your budgeting, it’s about the ability to maintain all of your programs … for your students across the district,” said van der Mark. Williams said trustees would approach the public meetings and consultation process with open minds. “We’ve asked for options. Please give us ideas on how we can save money. We know they don’t want it closed. We don’t want to close it either,” said Williams. She added that the province has told school districts to find savings in administration, which means they are looking for savings everywhere. “Throughout the District, we’re looking
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at staffing, all facilities and where costs can be cut,” said Williams. Lake Kathlyn has been considered for the chopping block since the 2003/04 school year, when it had 124 students. Chandler
Park Middle School was shut down at the end of the school year in 2004 and sold in June 2014. The elementary school in Quick was closed in June 2008 and is still for sale. Public input is be-
ing accepted through meetings, the district website at sd54.bc.ca by email, or through written submission. A third meeting in Smithers will be added if the board believes there is a demand.
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Houston Today
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2016
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PR O D U C E
M E AT
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Mon. to Thurs. 8 am - 7 pm • Fri. 8 am - 8 pm • Sat. 8 am - 7 pm • Sun. 9 am - 6 pm 3302 Highway 16 Smithers, BC • (250) 847-3313 • 1 (800) 579-3313 • bulkleyvalleywholesale.com