Northeast News - January 7th, 2010

Page 1

JANUARY 7, 2010 Vol.6 - No.49

All You Need To Read • www.northeastnews.ca • All You Need To Read • www.northeastnews.ca • All You Need To Read • www.northeastnews.ca • All You Need To Read

This Week Air Canada pinpoints region for price hikes PRICE in the COMPARISON NEWS! Traveling out of Fort St. John

• Flight via Air Canada from Fort St. John to Vancouver $957 • Flight via Air Canada from Fort St. John to Prince George – half the distance $1,335 • Flight via Central Mountain Air from Fort St. John to Prince George $447

First Baby of the Year in DC - See Photo on Page 4

Traveling out of Vancouver • To London $934 • To NYC $453 • To Toronto $434 • To Halifax $624 • To Paris $937 • To Rome $991 *Return flights Melanie Robinson photo

Artist of the Peace - Story on Page 12

Year in Reviews for 2009 - Throughout the Paper

We’re on FACEBOOK! Toll Free: 1.877.787.7030 Fort St. John: 250.787.7030 Fort Nelson: 1.877.787.7030 Dawson Creek: 250.782.7060

Mayor Bruce Lantz has written a letter to the president and CEO of Air Canada asking for an explanation on price hikes out of Fort St. John on the company’s flight passes. He also intends to take the message to Central Mountain Air and WestJet. By Melanie Robinson graphic zones in which to travel for a set price “The research that we’ve done so far shows FORT ST. JOHN – Residents in the North- depending on the number of flights purchased. that there’s virtually no benefit to the flight east part of the province could expect to pay While flights in the region have gone up, said passes except for last minute travel with the more to fly out of the region in 2010. Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick, the way they’re structured now,” he said. “They Air Canada has recently doubled the prices airline feels patrons are still getting a deal. cost, more or less, what a regular flight would out of Fort St. John for travelers using its flight “We still feel they’re really good value for cost and if we book a little bit early and take pass service – used locally by the City of Fort people traveling out of Fort St. John if they advantage of seat sales we could actually get the St. John and businesses to save money on travel travel frequently,” he said. “It’s not just about flights through a regular booking cheaper than expenses. cost, it’s also convenience. It gives you certainty we could get them through flight passes.” Mayor Bruce Lantz has written a letter to Air when you know what your next 10 flights are He also said, upon doing his own research, Canada about the changes and said they show going to cost because ticket prices do go up and that flights nationally and internationally are evidence of discrimination towards smaller down, it’s a very dynamic market. So this gives often cheaper than flying from Fort St. John to centres you certainty of what it’s going to cost you Vancouver. “This shift puts a burden on the city, puts a whether you have to book your flight the day Fitzpatrick said there’s a reason for those inburden on the tax payers of Fort St. John and before or a month before.” creased prices and they include the higher price every community in the Northeast, because we In fact, he added, the prices out of the region for the airline to fly into smaller communities, have to travel and so do business people who have only gone up about $100. including using a smaller aircraft. He said, in are up here,” he said. “Business owners who do That, however, is not the case according to addition to that, those smaller aircraft require frequent travel will find this a burden on them Lantz. two pilots and there’s not as many seats on the as well because if they were, and I know they He said the city used to purchase 100 flight planes to spread the cost over the number of do, using the flight passes then it’s going to passes for a total of $23,000 plus GST but with passengers onboard. have an impact on their budgets as well so it’s the changes to prices, that total is now $46,000 Fitzpatrick said the region is one of many not just the public sector, it’s the private sector before taxes. across the country facing similar hikes in pricas well.” This, he said, means the city is not getting the es for flight passes and wouldn’t say whether Flight passes through Canada allow both deal it was before and therefore the purpose of changes to the prices in the future would be businesses and individuals to choose geo- purchasing the passes in advance is defeated. made if the economy improves for the company.

Bridal Fair 2010

13th Annual Fort St John

Saturday January 9th

Fashion Show and Fair 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tickets $20

Available at: Unforgettable Memories, The Glass Slipper, Systems Tickets Charge By Phone 1-800-665-1544 Out of Town? Call the Pomeroy for a special room rate


Page 2

January 7, 2010

Northeast NEWS

$22,995

$33,995

$27,995

$15,995

$15,995

REDUcED!

REDUcED!

2005 JEEP TJ UNLMITED 4X4, A, T, C, CD, ONLY 6,000kM’S #G62401 RETAIL $23,995

2006 FORD F150 4X4, AIR, TILT, CRUISE, PS, PM, PL, LEATHER, CD, MOON ROOF #G30898 RETAIL $28,995

2007 FORD F-150 kING RANCH, 5.4L, V8, 139”, NAV SYSTEM, PWR SLIDING REAR WINDOW, AC, TOW PkG, ALLOYS, BOX LINER, LEATHER RETAIL $37,995 #G93854

2006 VW SEDAN, AIR, TILT, CRUISE, PW, PL, PS, PM, CD, STANDARD TRANSMISSION #G08755 RETAIL $16,995

2008 FORD FOCUS, SE, A/C, PW, AM/FM, CD, TILT, CRUISE, PL, WARRANTY #FR9231 WAS $17,995

$15,995

$24,995

$27,995

$29,995

$29,995

REDUcED! 2009 HONDA FIT DX, PW, PM, TILT, WARRANTY REMAINING #G02250 RETAIL $16,995

2005 FORD F350 XLT CREW CAB 4X4, A, T, C, PW, PS, PM, HS, TOW PkG #EB62182 RETAIL $23,995

2008 FORD EDGE SEL, AWD, AC, PW, PS, PM, HTD SEATS, TILT, CRUISE, SIRIUS, WARR. REMAINING #G30093 RETAIL $28,995

2006 FORD F-150 kING RANCH SUPER CREW , - 5�4l, V8, 139”, spray boxliner, pwl, pwr sliding rear window, htd seats, ac, cd, crUise, pw, ps, pm

#G56527

RETAIL $33,995

$20,995

$13,995

$32,995

$29,995

2007 FORD RANGER FX4 O/R 4X4, A, T, C, PW, PM, 2 TO CHOOSE FROM #G24115 RETAIL $21,995

1981 CHEV C70, 16’ STEEL GRAIN BOX AND HOIST, PROPANE #G33154 RETAIL $14,995

2008 TOYOTA TUNDRA SR5 4X4, A, PW, PM, CD, T, WARRANTY REMAINING #G14275 RETAIL $33,995

2007 FORD EXPEDITION, EDDIE BAUER 4X4,,A,T,C, PW,PS,PM,DVD,HS,LEATHER #G03688 RETAIL $30,995

$9,995

$29,995

$29,995

$26,995

2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4X4, A, T, C, PW, CD RETAIL $10,995 #G17387

2007 FORD FREESTYLE AWD, A, T, C, PW, PM, CD, DVD #G14222 RETAIL $30,995

2009 FORD E350 XLT, A, C, T, PW, PM, 12 PASSENGER #G27723 RETAIL $30,995

2006 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER, 4X4, A,T,C,PW,PS,PM,DVD,HS, LEATHER #G21394 RETAIL $27,995

$29,995

$24,995

$13,995

$22,495

2007 FORD EDGE SEL PLUS 4X4, A, T, C, PW, PW, PM, HS, DVD, CD #G45058 RETAIL $30,995

$10,995

2006 CHEV COBALT LT, A, T, C, PW, PM, CD, ONLY 7,000kM’S #G42655 RETAIL $11,995

$22,995

2007 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4, A, T, C, PW, PS, PM, HS, LEATHER #G67574 RETAIL $23,995

$13,995

REDUcED! 2007 FORD F150 LARIAT 4X4, A, C, T, PW, PS, PM, HS RETAIL $30,995 #G34131

2004 DODGE RAM 3500 LARAMIE 4X4 , A, C, T, PW, PS, PM, LEATHER #G11074 RETAIL $25,995

2006 FORD FOCUS Z5 SES, A, T, C, PW, HATCHBACk, WARRANTY REMAINING RETAIL $17,995 #FR6288

2007 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4X4, A, T, C, PW, PS, PM, HS #G63590 RETAIL $23,995

2005 PONTIAC MONTANA, A, T, C, PW, PS, PM #G10136

RETAIL $14,995

pRE-OwNED RVS iN STOck 2008 cherokee grey wolf 17’ #UV7815 - bUnks awning, stoVe microwaVe, shower, toilet, nice������������������������������������������������ was $15,995 Now $13,495

Used once- tradded in- needed bigger rV

2005 froNtier vaNguard 2305l 23’

#UV5401 -tandem axle, awning, microwaVe, slide, cable

hookUp, rUbber roof,tUb, shower, exterior shower ������������������������������������������� was $26,995 Now $25,495

1998 36’ triple empress motor home

#a3604fs - extra clean, one of a kind, slide, washer,

dryer, central Vac������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Now $99,995

1998 empress triple e #UV3296 - one of a kind motorhome, 2 tV's, free standing table and chairs,

QUick LUBE BAY NOw OpEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8 AM- 4PM NO AppOiNTMENT NEcESSARY

FORT MOTORS - YOUR RV DEALER OF THE NORTH

11104 Alaska Road, Fort St. John • Local or Long distance: 1-877-544-5104 • Check our website www.fortmotors.ca

DL#5247

solar panel, 50 amp serVice, alarm system, low kilometers����������������������������������������������������� Now $9,995


Northeast NEWS

January 7, 2010

YEAR IN REVIEW

Page 3

Diversity key for Tumbler Ridge Fort St. John looks at needs

By Matthew Bains TUMBLER RIDGE – A diverse set of opportunities and challenges await the District of Tumbler Ridge in the new year. The small town continues to be a hub of energy development, from coal mining to oil and gas to wind power and biomass. After a rough start to the year that saw curtailments and layoffs at the Wolverine and Brule Mines, the industry appears to have rebounded. Mayor Larry White said he has a meeting upcoming with a company interested in opening another mine and businesses that service the industry continue to buy property in town. The Thunder Mountain Wind Project, which will see 160 turbines producing 320 megawatts of electricity approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Tumbler Ridge, recently received an environmental assessment (EA) certificate. It is one of several wind projects proposed in the area of the town. “It could be a mini-boom to the town for the next couple of years,” said White about the potential for economic benefits from wind power, adding several local companies are well positioned to take advantage of those opportunities, and new businesses continue to move in. He said the district would like to see if wind power could be tied in as a back-up power source. He said they have experienced prolonged power outages over the year, and they continue to work with BC Hydro to minimize or eliminate that problem. White said biomass energy may be another burgeoning industry Tumbler Ridge could benefit from and he said the district is actively pursuing those opportunities. “There’s a lot of interest,” he said. “I’ve had, I think, three or four biomass companies at least give us a call and think about it, and we

BILL’S

have one that’s sort of farther along with us. I see that as a great potential.” White said Tumbler Ridge is well positioned to take advantage of the natural resources in the area, but not at the expense of the environment. The district boasts an extensive trail system, and natural attractions such as Kinuseo Falls, and White said many people in the town rely on the tourism dollars those attractions bring in. “I think that’s becoming more in the forefront now, is that sense of responsibility to the environment, more so now than in the past.” Tumbler Ridge is quickly becoming a hotbed of paleontological research and exploration and the discoveries made earlier this summer could draw international attention to the town, said White. He said those discoveries represent a period of time not studied anywhere else, with a possibility for new species of dinosaurs to be discovered. “That would really put us on the map, that would definitely get interest from around the world,” he said. White said the district does have some challenges in the new year, specifically a shortage of nurses and continuing to deliver the health care residents expect. He said there a couple of new seniors’ housing developments being built, and the district continues to work with its Seniors’ Needs Task Force to look for ways to improve services. The district has also been recognized for its work around accessibility for those residents with mobility issues. The mayor said he and council remain optimistic that the future holds great things for the community. “It seems like everywhere you turn there’s somebody asking questions about Tumbler Ridge and its potential,” he said.

BOOKS & BARGAINS

By Melanie Robinson FORT ST. JOHN – It’s been a busy year for the City of Fort St. John but one that’s left mayor and council confident moving into 2010. While the economy was a challenge for many communities, Mayor Bruce Lantz said the city did quite well withstanding the downturn and were prepared at the beginning of the year to do what they could to make that happen. “We maintained the zero per cent tax increase and we still managed to launch some significant projects along the way so I think all in all it’s been a pretty good year,” he said. “We knew that it was going to be tough, and we knew that we’d have to pay attention to every dollar that we spent or we’d find ourselves behind the eight-ball very quickly. Council and city staff worked very hard to manage the money that we had appropriately, and we did that.” That doesn’t mean there weren’t challenges, however. Lantz said work continues on the Enerplex facility as the city and contractors move it towards a completed project. Another challenge, he said, is separating the wants from the needs of the community and dealing appropriately with the wants that come forward. “Every community has groups and organizations and individuals in the community that want to have a lot of things,” he said.

“Sometimes we have to make tough choices and say no [but] it’s always nice when we’re able to say yes and that was very helpful to us [in 2009], keeping that in mind all the time.” Moving into 2010, Lantz said determining the wants and the needs is another step in preparing the city’s upcoming budget but he said council plans to continue to be vigilant in the New Year. The city hopes to also move forward with its sustainability initiatives and the leadership role Lantz said it has undertaken. Part of those initiatives is to infill within city limits – ensuring that growth is within the city and not sprawling to the outskirts. “Every time we move outward, it puts a demand on the infrastructure system, we have to provide new pipes for water and sewer and so on and that adds another cost to it,” he said. For now, Lantz said he’s happy with the shape the city is in moving into 2010. “Who know’s what 2010 will bring.”

Christmas Draw

Congratulations to Brody and Shelby Mac Lennan pictured with General Manager Edward Schmidt for winning the PSP Rock Band!

INDEPENDENT PLUMBING & HEATING

10020 93 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC • (250) 785-6679

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

12PM-7PM MON-SAT • SUNDAY 1PM-5PM

WE SELL NEW

BELTS, BODY JEWELLERY, NECKLACES, PATCHES, STICKERS, WALLETS, NOVELTY PIPES, KNIVES, TOQUES, ZIPPO LIGHTERS, BUCKLES, COSTUME JEWELLERY, CIGARETTE CASES, FLAGS, RINGS, ROCK & COMICAL T’SHIRTS AND GIFT SETS

250-785-2660

10611-101 AVE, FORT ST. JOHN

WE BUY

YOUR ANTIQUES,

COLLECTIBLES, COINS ADULT MAGAZINES AND BOOKS

In Peace River South, there are more than 42 classes that break the government’s own legislated limits. That means children in our community are not getting the support and oneon-one attention they deserve. And, in the latest provincial budget, the

government made significant cuts that will lead to even more overcrowded classes and less support for children with special needs. Parents and teachers need to work together to protect public education because our students deserve better.

A message from the Peace River South Teachers’ Association


Page 4

January 7, 2010

Northeast NEWS

YEAR IN REVIEW

Chetwynd hopes economy will attract growth

By Matthew Bains CHETWYND – The District of Chetwynd was hit hard by the global economic recession, but the community continues to show its resilience. The forestry sector is a big part of the local economy, and as it has struggled, so too has Chetwynd. The year began with the news Tembec would be closing its pulp mill, which followed the closure of the Canfor sawmill in 2008. However, despite of the tough economic times, the district was able to move forward with a significant expansion of the Chetwynd Recreation Centre, and saw a new seniors’ assisted living complex built. “There’s two projects that happened in town that created a certain amount of employment and revenues during these tough times,” said Mayor Evan Saugstad. “We’ve also had the opportunity to get some federal dollars for employment through trail upgrades and community clean up in the area, which employed 24 people.” The town recently had some good news when Canfor and Tembec announced they would be restarting their respective mills in the New Year, albeit with a scaled back workforce. Also, Plutonic Power Corporation Inc. and GE Energy Financial Services have purchased the Dokie Wind Project, which had been on hold since late 2008, and construction on the first phase of the project is expected to start next spring. Spectra Energy completed the third phase of expansion connected to the Pine River Processing Plant in November, which Saugstad said meant 700 people were employed at the plant during peak pro-

duction, and he added mining companies are looking to reopen or expand the coal mines in the area. “Looking forward, Chetwynd has got reason to think 2010 will be an extremely good year,” said Saugstad. “We’re going to go from, say, a 40 per cent vacancy rate in our apartments to being full within a very short time, and we’re probably going to end up exactly where we ended up in 2008.” He said the district experienced an exodus of the workers in those resource industries in the last year, and they expect many of those people will return. However, he said the challenge for the district will be to attract those workers and their families to make Chetwynd their permanent home. “There hasn’t been a lot of homes built in Chetwynd over the last two years,” he said. “There’s a lot of empty spaces to fill up before we see any growth.” The mayor said investments made in the water and sewer systems, and facilities such as the rec centre and seniors’ complex, will lay the foundation for that kind of growth. He said remote, resourcebased communities in the North are always challenged with the ups and downs of the economy and with providing the services that attract people to those communities, but he said the district is well positioned to attract those new families. “We have relatively cheap housing, we have good paying jobs, young families can come to a place like Chetwynd and easily take home pay that will far outstrip what you can do in Vancouver, Okanagan or wherever, where you have high costs of living because of your housing, and low paying jobs because of the competition.”

Matthew Bains photo

Alisa Jones and Jason Tom are the proud parents of Maxan Cameron Tom, Dawson Creek’s “New Year’s baby,” born six pounds, ten ounces on Jan. 3 at 7:46 a.m. at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital. In Fort St. John, a baby boy named Andrew was born to Linda and Sheng Zhang at 7:55 a.m. at the Fort St. John Hospital on Jan. 1, weighing 7 pounds, six ounces. The Northeast News congratulates both sets of parents and the future parents of 2010.

Send us your letters to the editor! E-mail them to editor@northeastnews.ca.

Home Support Workers are in Critical Demand! Resident & Long Term Care Restorative Care Psychiatric Disorders Human Anatomy & Physiology Body Systems Dementia: A Caring Approach

Train with an Industry Professional! Call for Dawson Creek Info.!

Enroll NOW! Call Our Prince George Campus

(250)

Experience the INDOORS

(250)

310-4473 561-1555

Funding may be available Not all courses available at all campuses

The design of a QuickStructures® building is ideal for any application -

or visit us on-line at... www.sprottshaw.com

whether you need to protect your boat during the winter, need a place to work on your truck, or just need to store your hunting gear.

QuickStructures® buildings: • Are QUICK to install - Any QuickStructures® buildings can be assembled and installed in as little as 12 to 72 hours with standard tools. • Provide natural LIGHT - The DuraWeave® cover allows a tremendous amount of natural sunlight in - creating a great, bright working environment. • Can be RELOCATED - QuickStructures® buildings may be used for temporary or permanent use, thanks to their quick installation and do-it-yourself design. • Are built to LAST - QuickStructures® buildings come with a standard 3 year warranty, with a 15 year extended warranty available.

Cover-All North 888.868.2658 | www.quickstructures.com COVER-ALL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC. IS AN IS0 9001:2000 CERTIFIED MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Ped

als

ies

Acce

ssor

men t quip

ng E

ards

ordi

ybo

Rec

Pack

s

Kor g Ke

now

bal

Sale on

Amp

Ph: (250) 782-3677 • Fax: (250) 782-3604 1316 - Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek, BC

Christmas

Guit ars Dru ms Cym

Guitars “n” Stuff

5.04 x 6.74 Publication: Northeast News Artwork deadline: Oct 15 1945-09/bw/100/mc 1-877-999-7899

s

QUICKSTRUCTURES AND DURAWEAVE ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF COVER-ALL BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC.


Northeast NEWS

January 7, 2010

YEAR IN REVIEW

Page 5

Lekstrom admits challenges ahead, Hudson’s Hope thriving but remains optimistic about future By Matthew Bains DAWSON CREEK – Having served in elected office for over 15 years, Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom said 2009 was the hardest so far in his political career. “[2009] was probably the most difficult and challenging year, simply for the fact of the global economic downturn that occurred,” he said. “The best laid plans kind of went out the door, and not just in British Columbia, but around the world.” Professionally, it’s been a good year for Lekstrom, as he was re-elected to his third term as MLA in May, following his appointment as Minister of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources in January. However, he takes on those responsibilities in a year when his government is predicting a combined deficit of over $5.5 billion over the next three fiscal years. Revenues have dropped while costs of services such as health care and education continue to rise. Industries such as agriculture, and especially forestry, were struggling even before the economy fell. The provincial government reacted to the fiscal situation by making cuts to grants for social programs, and announcing the shift to a harmonized sales tax starting next year – decisions that were very unpopular with many British Columbians. Lekstrom admits there are significant challenges ahead, adding that the health of the forestry sector in the region and the province is a major concern. He said the decisions around funding cuts were difficult but necessary in order to manage the budget responsibly. He added the decisions his government made in previous years to pay down the provincial debt has allowed British Columbia to maintain its ‘AAA’ credit rating, which saved taxpayers tens of millions of dollars and has put the Province in a much better position in these tough economic times.

By Melanie Robinson HUDSON’S HOPE – The economy wasn’t the biggest issue for the District of Hudson’s Hope in 2009, but being short two significant staff members for a period of time certainly caused some difficulties. Mayor Karen Anderson said both the director of Public Works and the Chief Administrative Officer with the district left employment for a period of four to five months and, until those positions could be replaced, the workload fell back on others. “That was a huge issue for us to get over and then with the two key players not in position, everything kind of ran downhill,” said Anderson. “So that was the number one huge item in the community this year.” She went on to add the district hasn’t felt much impact from the economic downturn because Hudson’s Hope is a company town, but there is only one corporation in the town, BC Hydro, lightening the impact. “We weren’t effected that much,” she said. “We never noticed it locally, with any effect on housing or unemployment, we were quite fortunate to ride that out and we didn’t have a lot of repercussions in the community at all.” The district wants to ensure that trend continues if the Province moves forward with the Site C dam. While a decision hasn’t been made, Anderson said council does not want it to negatively impact the community and it would like to work to ensure Hudson’s Hope benefits and doesn’t lose out on the project. Moving into 2010, however, has Anderson and the rest of council enthusiastic about some of the projects planned. The district just completed a request for proposals for a heat recovery project at the arena that is expected to get underway in the New Year. The district is also working on a feasibility study of the water in the area, which has just been recently contracted out and will later move into the construction stage. Anderson said oil and gas is also expected to become busy in the district in the coming months. “We will be a busy little community this spring,” she said. “It means growth for our community and that’s what we want is growth in our community. We’re also doing a community visioning plan right now, which we started in the fall and we hope in January to have the report back to us from our consultant that was hired through Community Futures so that will show us the direction of what our residents and businesses in our community want us to go.” For now, Anderson said she looks forward to getting some of the capital projects underway that have been put aside until now. “I’m quite anxious to get them underway and see what 2010 brings for us,” she said.

Lekstrom said he remains optimistic about the future of British Columbia and how it is positioned to emerge out of the recession. He said the province still boasts an abundance of natural resources, including natural gas and forestry products, and also has the potential to become “a clean, green, energy powerhouse in North America.” He said the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver also has the potential to generate billions of dollars for the province. “Through these difficult times, it’s one of the things that’s maintained our economy,” said Lekstrom, adding the venues have been constructed on time and on budget for the first time in Olympic history. The MLA said there have been many local projects in the South Peace that have taken off in spite of the economy. He said some of the highlights for him have been the expansion of Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek and the commissioning of the Bear Mountain Wind project. He added he’s proud of the investments his government has made in rural roads in the region, and its contribution to Energy House, the new training centre for alternative energy technologies at the Northern Lights College campus in Dawson Creek. He added the college continues to be an important asset for the region in promoting opportunities in trades. Lekstrom said it’s important, even in the current economic situation, to consider the many positive things the province has going for it. “I think far too often as British Columbians – and I think I can fairly say that I’m guilty of this, and I don’t think there would be a British Columbian that isn’t – that we take what we have for granted in this province.,” he said. “That’s not to say we can’t improve on what we do, but I encourage everybody to take a step back sometimes and reflect on how lucky we really have it.”

Welcome Steve GeorGe!

The oldesT

. kid on The block

See uS for all your Service and acceSSory needS now handling a complete line of ford accessories including dix performance parts ready lift piaa lighting hid light conversions

Our new cuStOmer Service manager

Lowest

deaLer

door

Serving

rate in the

the

Peace

Since

Peace $108.00/hr

1936

250-782-5804

1125 102 AVE, DAWSON CREEK


Page 6

January 7, 2010

Words of Opinion

Bad business move

Northeast NEWS

EDITORIAL

Discrimination. We’ve all seen it, whether it be against us or others, individuals or groups, it seems it’s a common fact of life. In Canada, however, it’s not all too often that discrimination’s impact is felt by a large group of people -- it happens, yes, but not to the degree of occurance of other countries. When it was recently announced that Air Canada would be doubling the price of its flight passes out of the Northeast, yes, discrimination was felt. Those passes are not only used by local municipalities but also organizations big and small to cut down on costs, mind you it’s still expensive, of going anywhere outside of the region by air. It’s discrimination because the Northeast part of the province is the only region, so far, to be told that these changes will be taking place. And why? Because we pay more for everything else so in Air Canada’s opinion – why not? Some people in this region already feel that its residents are forgotten about in Victoria, even though the industries in which this region thrives allow the province to thrive. Has it now become that larger corporations have forgotten about us as well? In Air Canada’s case, they do not have the strong competition from other large airlines which gives them the advantage over us, the home team. But as an organization, the airline needs to take into consideration that not everyone has the top dollars that it is perceived we do in the north to as they say pay more for necessities. If they continue through with such a decision, it’s sure to not only impact the city, but the region’s residents as well, leading to us having to walk off the field and travel elsewhere and to other provinces to ensure everyone has an opportunity to play the game.

MP Report

2009 a year of wins for Prince George-Peace River areas When I started to look back on 2009 and what it meant for Prince GeorgePeace River, at the forefront of my mind were the challenges we’ve faced from the fallout of the global economic crisis, particularly by our forest workers and communities. Yet, as I reviewed the measures taken to counter these challenges I was surprised at just how many triumphs – big and small – we were able to celebrate in our region this year. January heralded a federal budget that included a new $1 billion Community Adjustment Fund to help our forest communities restructure and diversify their economies. That same Economic Action Plan also directly answered the call for assistance from mills right here in our constituency to extend the Employment Insurance Work Sharing program by 14 weeks, thereby avoiding more layoffs while the industry and economy recovers. Given their proven track record in driving economic activity, we celebrat-

ed locally as the Northern Development Wind Farm. The project was completed on budget and ahead-ofInitiative Trust was chosen schedule with help from a by the federal government $20.5 million federal into deliver $30 million of vestment over the next 10 the Community Adjustyears through the ecoEnment Fund to create jobs in ergy Renewable Power Northern BC. program. Canadians everywhere And the first 747 airwelcomed the arrival of craft touched down for Tax Freedom Day three refuelling at the Prince days earlier than last year George Airport. Prince and 19 days earlier than it By Jay Hill George now has Canada’s was under the previous Libthird longest commercial eral government. Then our Conservative Government, runway – a tech stop with no operationin close consultation with the Forest al restrictions and curfews, offering inProducts Association of Canada, cre- ternational carriers a 24/7, lower-cost, ated the new $1 billion Pulp and Paper non-congested alternative for refuelling Green Transformation Fund to help and crew changes. Over the past year, Prince Georgestruggling pulp and paper producers, who produced black liquor in 2009, Peace River had well over $300 million become more energy efficient. Our rid- in new federal investment to celebrate. ing’s share of this program was a whop- That’s much-needed funding for highways, bridges, sewers, water systems, ping $122.8 million! The Bear Mountain Wind Park, just recreational facilities, and job-creation outside of Dawson Creek, became Brit- and worker training. In terms of legislative change to ish Columbia’s first fully-operational

boost the prosperity and safety of Canadians, as I outlined earlier this month, 2009 has brought Canada one of its most successful Parliament’s ever! Our Conservative Government introduced a total of 70 bills and, even in this minority parliament, 34 of those bills, or half, received Royal Assent. Unfortunately, this success is being threatened by Liberal Senators who are overruling the will of the majority of elected Members of Parliament, including their own leader Michael Ignatieff and fellow Liberal MPs, by gutting important justice and consumer product legislation. These legislative reforms are essential to the safety and health of Canadians and must be passed. Therefore, this week Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the ‘prorogation’ of this session of Parliament. With a new session in the New Year, Senate Standing Committees can be reconstituted and we can continue to build upon the accomplishments of 2009. Next week I’ll look ahead to 2010!

9909-100 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y4 • Phone toll free 1-877-787-7030 • Phone: 250-787-7030 • Fax: 250-787-7090 Email: editor@northeastnews.ca • sales@northeastnews.ca 1220B 103 Avenue, Dawson Creek, V1G 2G9 • Phone: 250-782-7060 • Fax: 250-782-7066 salesdc@northeastnews.ca • news@northeastnews.ca

Ron Lovestone Publisher

Melanie Robinson Editor

Brenda Piper Sales Manager

Ann Mast Sales

Wayne Ezeard Sales

Shaun Whynacht Sales

Matt Bains Reporter

Melodie Lapina Production

Holly Legge Administration

The Northeast News retains complete and sole copyright of any content, including stories, photographs and advertisements published in the Northeast News. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission or consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.


Northeast NEWS

FEEDBACK

January 7, 2010

Page 7

Problems galore with Site C dam Following the US leader

This letter to Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Blair Lekstrom, was provided to the Northeast News for publication. As you may remember, my wife and I live at Bear Flat on the Peace River and have been involved in the fight against the proposed Site C dam. As a result of this, I have somewhat followed the direction your government is taking in regards to electricity generation and transmission, and find it overall to be disturbing. The following is various points of contention: - Building for export. Last fall, I attended many of the Site C Stage 2 consultation meetings. At every one of those meetings, the Hydro panel would get accused of overbuilding for export and their response was always that no, just for domestic use. Now, with the latest throne speech, Gordon Campbell has changed that. In principal, I am not opposed to exporting excess electricity. However it should never be done at an unacceptable environmental cost to us. Another problem is the huge loss in transmission. - BCUC. The government overruling the BCUC decision to keep Burrard operating doesn’t make sense. Burrard acts like a giant emergency generator in a high load area, and historically only runs when needed. However, your government has decided to shut it down for ‘environmental’ reasons due to its emissions. Meanwhile, Fort Nelson is upgrading a similar plant and may even build a second one. I also find it disturbing that the BCUC can be undermined so easily by the government. - I question the sense of building big transmission lines into sometimes short-term remote resource areas. The Horn River Basin is one example. Would it not be better to require industry to develop their own power locally? The electrifying of Highway 37 may be another example. It looks like that one really is for the expansion of this whole WREZ business and connecting Alaska to the big picture. Once again, at huge losses in transmission. - Electricity seems to be developing into the next oil. Two examples are: Blue fuel. An exciting new fuel that apparently requires a tremendous amount of electricity to produce.

PHEV. Plug in at home hybrid electric vehicles. BC is well positioned for such a transition. However, at the same time, the government is basically privatizing the generation of electricity. Rafe Mair has it right. BC residents are subsidizing the IPP projects. The big dividends that BC Hydro has returned to the province in the past will now go to corporations and their shareholders. Why do this? John Horgan says this is how your government is paying back its supporters. By the way, just heard recently that the Ashlu River project is coming on grid. They are producing about half of its potential because of low water levels. Really? I seem to remember Rafe predicting that. - BC Hydro is a great asset for all of BC. Granted, they do have problems. One is their name. How about BC Electricity! Another problem they have is the restrictions placed on them by your government. All they can build themselves is large hydro on either the Peace or Columbia. - We still have the chance to develop future electricity generation in the province for the benefit of all British Columbians. Let’s not screw this one up any more than we already have! - Finally, I cannot finish this without one brief comment on Site C. The reasons why it should never happen far outweigh any argument for it. Why not get used to that and stop wasting time and money on it? We are tired of living under the threat of losing our home. As I write this, it is 30 below with a bright blue sky. The hillsides all around our house are full of elk and deer on their winter range. Much the same as what Alexander McKenzie noted on his way through here in 1794. My Christmas wish is that your government decides not to proceed to Stage 3 on Site C and to remove the flood reserve level once and for all on the Peace River. Ken Boon Fort St. John

Editor: When George Bush was a climate change denier so was Stephen Harper. Faced with overwhelming evidence of climate change, George Bush was forced to change his views and accept the fact that global warming is caused by human activity. That was Harper’s cue to accept the reality of global warming also. President Obama was not going to attend the Copenhagen Conference so Harper was not going to attend either. Obama changed his mind, deciding to attend, so Harper attended also. Harper has never shown any leadership. He is nothing more than a pawn of the US Government, a puppet to be manipulated at the whim of the President. The resulting loss of Canadian sovereignty is destroying our nation. Lack of leadership and direction from Conservative Governments has allowed the tar sands to become a huge liability rather than the asset it could be. Ongoing tar sands expansion is totally unsustainable and in the long run it would be devastating for Alberta, Canada and our planet. The Conservative Party stands for nothing. It has no principles. It has become a dogs breakfast that bends whichever way the wind blows so it can hold on to power. At the next opportunity we desperately need to elect a government that will govern in the best interest of our country and our people. Canada’s Prime Minister should not be the US President’s lap dog. US greed and dishonesty caused the current global recession. We should not want closer ties with that nation. Canada should be a free, sovereign nation controlled by no other nation. There is no good reason for Canada to be in lock step with the US on climate change or any other issue. The performance of the Conservative Party and Stephen Harper’s leadership has been absolutely pathetic and should be extremely embarrassing to anyone that calls himself or herself a Canadian. HE Karselott, Dawson Creek

CALLISON ZEUNERT LAW CORPORATION BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

Garry Callison, Q.C. (ret) David M. Fowler Marti Katerberg

Robert K.O. Zeunert Sigrid A. Thompson Tracy J. Knight

We are pleased to announce the recent addition of MARTI KATERBERG to our law offices in Fort St. John. Having practiced Family and Civil Law since she was called to the Bar in February 2003, we welcome Marti to our litigation department.

“Providing Full Legal Services throughout the Peace”

(250) 785-8033 Toll Free: (877) 262-8033

9830-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 2T1

Carousel Design & Decor NEED BLINDS.. TRY THE “BLIND MAN” The Blindman SEZ” On Our 3 Brands of Good Custom Blinds(“Recession Prices”) High R Values with Tx Deductions Available Vertican 1” Aluminum, Venetians 60% OFF PSC Fabric Verticals 60% OFF Vertican- Roller Shades, Pleated Shades & Honeycomb Shades 50%OFF All Hunter Douglas Blinds Shades & Shutters are on sale! Plus any style of Fabric Window Treatment is available 40% OFF In Stock Fabrics Why not put our years of design experience to work for you “Free Consultations” Call Rose or Gary Today!

Carousel Design & Decor 250-785-5754


Page 8

January 7, 2010

Northeast NEWS

MORE FEEDBACK

Dawson Hills developers against Parkhill closure Editor: We were recently informed by Edda Berthold that the Parkhill School has been identified by the school board to be closed. Please find this letter of support to maintain the school in the Parkhill community. As the principal main owners of the proposed Dawson Hills development directly across from the school, this is very concerning. Our target market is middle income families and this does not bode well for the development. Certainly one of the appeals to our purchasing of this site was a mature family orientated community which has the school close by. Having the school closed, and now requiring children to be bused to school, will likely impact the appeal of the development. Obviously now a negative impact, since the convenience of a nearby school would no longer be a deciding factor in the purchasing of a home in our proposed development and in the community itself. Our proposed and approved development will bring up to 77 new families into the Parkhill community over the proposed three year estimated build out time frame. These families will contribute to the replenishing of the school population in the coming years. For consideration,

there are other developable lands in the immediate area which could also feed the school population in the future. We would encourage your reconsideration of the planned school closure. Not only in regards to the Dawson Hills development, but of the future of the region in general with the proposed multibillion dollar developments in the oil and gas industry and proposed Site C Hydro Dam. These industries draw working professionals into Dawson Creek and communities, all requiring housing and schools for their children. In our view, it makes no sense to close a functioning school in an established community with growth potential just too inevitably build a new school to meet the current and future needs in another location. As the owners of the Dawson Hills lands, we will agree to commit to rebuilding the Parkhill School’s playground on completion of our development, to help encourage your reconsideration of the Parkhill School closure. We believe the community is very committed and passionate and will participate with us in these efforts to maintain the school. Phil Salgado and Larry Breault Dawson Hills

PANORAMA RIDGE

Mi 28 Alaska Hwy

1166 sq ft 3 bedroom home, open country kitchen, sunken living room leading to foyer which boasts a coat closet and angled stairs. Daylight basement, paved drive. March move in date.

Edith Schmidt

$329,900

Room to roam on this 160 acre quarter section with power and telephone at road. Good all weather road to property. Turn at signs Mi 28 Alaska Hwy. Call Edith for details.

$139,900

MLS # Pending

Cell: 250-263-3030 Office: 250-785-5520 REMAX ACTION REALTY • 101-9711-100 AVENUE, FORT ST, JOHN

6 mth closed

1 year open

1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year closed closed closed closed

MLS #196179

www.edithschmidt.com

Lending Institutions Current Mortgage Rates 6 mth open

Send us your letters to the editor at editor@ northeastnews.ca

LAND FOR SALE!

Panorama Ridge

Institute

We appreciate your feedback!

5 year 7 year 10 year closed closed closed

TD Canada Trust

n/a 4.60 6.55

2.75 4.20 4.75 4.24

4.59

6.60 6.70

Invis

n/a 4.55 n/a 2.75 2.90 3.39 3.89

4.29

5.30 5.40

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce

2.25

4.65 2.25

3.60 3.75 3.38 4.32

4.42

5.32 5.45

Royal Bank

6.45

4.65 6.45

3.40 3.75 4.25 5.14

5.49

6.65 6.80

Centum

n/a n/a 6.55

2.35 2.95 3.50 3.99

3.74

5.25 5.35

Bank of Montreal

8.55

6.85 9.30

7.25 7.40 7.40 7.40

7.44

7.65 7.95

Scotiabank

6.50 4.65 6.55

2.35 3.95 4.50 5.19

4.29

6.60 n/a

Note: Rates are provided for information purposes. Rates should be verified by Financial Institutions.

Are You A Buyer? •

What can you afford? See a mortgage specialist, get prequalified • What type of property are you looking for? • Find a REALTOR® who is right for you. • Go house shopping • List & sell current home • Find a lawyer • Make an offer • Arrange a mortgage • Find a home inspector • Close the deal • Move in

What I can do for you: I can help you establish a list of features you would like in your new home. I can arrange for you to view all homes that meet your requirments. Remember, I can show you any listing on MLS even if it is listed by a different realtor or real estate company.

Residential & Commercial Mortgages Residential & Commercial Mortgages

Residential & Commercial Mortgages

*We do Pre-Approvals, all new Purchases and Refinances at low rates *We newavailable Purchases andmortgage Refinances at low rates *We do canPre-Approvals, offer the Lowestall rates & best for you *We work with many different lenders *We can offer the Lowest rates available & best mortgage for you *We do Pre-Approvals, new Purchases and Refinances at low rates *In most feesall are paid by the lender *We workcases withour many different lenders *We can the Lowest rates available & best mortgageorfor Phone usoffer at: 250-787-7870 or toll free: 1-877-711-7870 onyou line at *In most cases our fees are paid by the lender www.fortstjohnmortgages.com *We work with many different lenders

Phone us at: 250-787-7870 or toll free: 1-877-711-7870 or on line at *In cases our feeswhen are paid by the lender “Ask most about Airmiles rewards www.fortstjohnmortgages.com using Centum Mortgages Services” Phone us at:Pearson 250-787-7870 or toll free: 1-877-711-7870 or on line at www.fortstjohnmortgages.com “Ask about Airmiles rewards when using Centum Pearson Mortgages Services” “Ask about Airmiles rewards when using Centum Pearson Mortgages Services”

Terri Paulovich Sales Associate Remax Action Realty 250-785-5520 office 250-261-1644 direct


Northeast NEWS

YEAR IN REVIEW

January 7, 2010

Page 9

Oil and gas industry continues to create revenues, jobs, but quality of life issue still remains moving into 2010

By Matthew Bains NORTHEAST – As other industries in British Columbia have been pushed to the brink due to the global economic recession, the oil and gas sector continues to grow in the Northeast, bringing revenues and jobs to the province. The Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources is reporting that 2009 is the third best year on record for natural gas and oil rights sales at $893 million. That includes $370 million in October, the sixth largest sale on record and the largest in 2009. Sales for December generated $172.3 million. “It’s a very positive sign,” said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “The one thing that we established ourselves as in British Columbia is an area where industry had some certainty to invest their capital.” He said it’s important to note, however, that the government doesn’t realize those revenues in one year, but rather they are spread over eight years. Revenues looked much more uncertain in July, when Finance Minister Colin Hansen said the Province would see a $500,000 shortfall in natural gas revenues in this fiscal year. In August, the government announced an oil and gas stimulus package, with regulatory changes, incentives for building infrastructure and royalty rate reductions. Lekstrom’s ministry conducted a survey recently of producers on the impact of the stimulus package, which was independently verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The survey showed producers will increase their expected investment by $600 million, to a total of $2.1 billion in 2010, and their expected wells drilled by 105 in 2010. Lekstrom said the stimulus was not a direct capital injection so no government revenues were reallocated to the industry. “Much of the revenue that we see, we wouldn’t realize without the royalty incentives we put in place, the stimulus package, that’s what allowed us to be as competitive as we are,” he said.

He added while the revenues are important, the most significant benefit to the continued growth in the industry is the jobs it creates for the region. However, with the expansion of the industry comes the issues rural residents have with their quality of life being affected. The Oil and Gas Commission reports in its Field Inspection Annual Report that it received and responded to 190 complaints pertaining to 237 identified issues in the 2008/09 fiscal year, up from 117 complaints related to 147 different issues in 2006/07. Odour issues were the largest source of public complaints in this last fiscal year, but other complaints were related to the Agricultural Land Reserve and other land issues, spills and noise. Lekstrom said progress continues to be made on reducing flaring, and he is very close to making an announcement on the issue of setbacks. The minister announced a number of initiatives earlier this year including establishing stronger licensing requirements and a code of conduct for land agents, and good-neighbour practices for companies to follow. Also, the establishment of a Farmer’s Advocate Office in Dawson Creek continues to move forward. The regulatory and enforcement part of the Oil and Gas Activities Act that was passed in the Legislature in 2008 continues to be developed, and is expected to be in place by the end of April, 2010. It includes a public consultation regulation that would require companies to consult affected landowners before any permits can be obtained, and would halt any oil and gas activity if a landowner files an appeal of an OGC decision. Lekstrom said the legislation restores some of the balance to landowners. “For instance, when we’re looking at the Mediation and Arbitration [Board], under another change that we’re making, the landowner will actually be able to file for mediation versus just the company, something that’s been an imbalance for a long time,” he said. He added those changes are the result of collaboration

time is runnning out $12,836.00 Valid only until February 28, 2010

with groups like the Northeast Energy and Mines Advisory Committee, landowners and industry. Lekstrom said the industry has a long and bright future in the region, with potentially trillions of cubic feet of natural gas to be extracted from the Montney and Horn River Basins. He said he will continue to work towards striking the right balance between industry and the quality of life of residents, but added that quality of life cannot be maintained without the employment and revenues the industry provides.


Page 10

January 7, 2010

Northeast NEWS

YEAR IN REVIEW

Superintendents in Northeast report on student achievement

By Matthew Bains NORTHEAST – The superintendents of each of the three school districts in the Northeast have released their reports on student achievement in the 2008/2009 school year. Schools used a number of assessment tools to measure student achievement, including the provincial Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) and BC Performance Standards, classroom-based assessments and individual student profiles. Data was grouped by the course and grade level, and attention was paid to the achievement levels and completion rates of Aboriginal students in all three school districts.

In the South Peace, superintendent Kathy Sawchuk said the results of three different assessments were compared and showed some patterns and correlations, which she said will allow the district to do more targeted interventions to assist individual students. “In the past, we haven’t been able to look at individual students’ scores, and so we had just been given either a whole school cohort result and a district cohort result,” said Sawchuk. “When you can drill down into the information and get to each individual students’ results, then we can actually look for some patterns and some themes.” The report shows the six-year completion rate in 2008/09 for all students was 71 per cent. The average English 10 exam mark was 63 per cent and the course mark was 71 per cent. The number of Grade 4 students meeting or exceeding the FSA threshold for reading was 66 per cent. Sawchuk said an extensive amount of work was done at the secondary school level in that year to track how many courses students completed and how to improve completion rates before those courses ended. She said those schools are also looking for ways to improve student achievement in English 10 by providing alternative courses to prepare students. The report also states that literacy levels are improving throughout the elementary grades, but numeracy continues to be an area of concern. Achievement of Aboriginal students continues to be a priority for the district, the report states. The six-year completion rate for those students was 55 per cent, the English 10 average exam and course mark were 59 and 66 per cent, respectively, and the number of Grade 4 students meeting or exceeding the FSA threshold for reading was 53 per cent. The report states that graduation rates are improving, and the district is currently involved in an Aboriginal Student Achievement Project. The North Peace is one of the few districts that is actually growing in size, with 70 new students enrolled in the 2009/10 school year, and the Ministry of Education projecting about 900 more students by 2017. The district will be reconfiguring its in-town schools from Grades 8 through 10 for junior high schools to Grades 7 to 9.

“There’s some challenges with that, it’s a lot of new stuff, a lot of learning, some rescheduling and there’s going to be some spaces issues at North Peace [Secondary School] that we need to be creative about,” said superintendent Larry Espe, “but we would like to think there are some opportunities to do some pretty exciting things on behalf of kids in terms of transitional programs and creating space at elementary schools that we haven’t had before.” He added the district is also preparing for the transition to full-day kindergarten, which could begin in the fall of next year. Espe’s report states that 144 students were registered in work experience programs in 2008/09, in an increase of 25 students from the previous school year, and he said they continue to work with Northern Lights College to look for more opportunities. He said the continued support of the Wireless Writing program is showing good results in FSA assessment on writing at the Grade 7 level at 78 per cent, 12 per cent above the provincial average, although numeracy results are 11 per cent below the provincial average. FSA results for Aboriginal students in reading, writing and numeracy at the Grade 4 and 7 levels were above the provincial average with the exception of Grade 7 numeracy, which was even with the average. Although the six-year completion rate for all students increased in the 2008/09 school year to 72 per cent from 64 per cent, and for Aboriginal students to 52 per cent from 42 per cent, those rates remain about 10 per cent below the provincial average. Grade-to-grade transition rates also remain below average. Espe said the district’s efforts to improve completion rates has been focused on identifying why individual students are not completing. He said there are a number of reasons, and the proximity to Alberta and the nature of a transient workforce are factors in why the rates are lower than elsewhere in the province, but he said the district has been successful in welcoming some students back to finish their courses and obtain their necessary credits, and they hope that will continue. Story continued on Page 13

Christmas Clearout sale From all of us to all of you, warm wishes for a truly memorable season

2009 chev aveo

Neale Skauge Sales Manager

Auto, Fog Lights, 4 Cyl, Very Economical, Chrome Accents Stk# 11132 payment of

$105.00*

2006 Chev HHR Stk. #X555A LoadKyle Beck

Sales Manager

ed, Leather, Sunroof, Auto, CD, Very Clean, ONLY 35597 KM ���������������������������������������� �������������� Reduced to Only $16,500

2002

Pontiac

Grand

Am

Stk. #10388A Upgraded rims & tires, 5-speed, A/C, CD, ABS, spoiler, ONLY 65,358 km ���������� ������������������Reduced to only $6,500

2007

Mark Hery Sales

Bill Hilderbrandt Sales

Dodge

1500

Stk # 10751A Upgraded rims & tires, Automatic, Chrome package, only 60,906 km ����������������� Reduced to only $26,900 2005 Chev Equinox stk# X599A a/c, cd, winter tires, fog lamps, power locks and windows, Only 87607 km ��������������������� ��������������� Reduced to only $14,900

MURRAY CHEV • PONITAC • BUICK • GMC

2007 Chev Malibu Stk# 10455A a/c, cd, auto, bucket seats, 4cyl, pwr locks and windows, Only 32,345 km��������������������� ��������������� Reduced to only $13,900 1999 Ford F150 XLT Stk #X564A 4X4, Tow pkg, CD, Only 109,066Km���� Reduced ����������������� Reduced to only $9,000 2006 GMC 2500 Stk# X623A Ext cab, 4x4, tow pkg, pin stripe kit, new tires, Only 75876 km Reduced to only $24,500 2007 GMC 2500 Stk#10983A Diesel, lift kit, upgraded tires, onstar, bucket seats, fog lights, Only 88371 km ��������������������������� ������������� Reduced to only $35,900 2007 GMC 1500 HD Stk X617A new tires,loaded,leather,sunroof,tow pkg, ONLY 46,918km ���������������������������������������� �������������� Reduced to only $29,900

Toll Free: 1.800.811.1555 250.785.8005

11204 Alaska Road, Fort St. John

*PAYMENTS CALCULATED ON 72 MONTH TERM, BI-WEEKLY, NOT INCLUDING TAXES

Dwayn Neitz Sales

2010 chev equInox OnStar, Auto, A/C,ABS, 4 CYL, 5YR 160,000 WARRANTY, TILT AND TELESCOPIC STEERING STK# 10996

Krysten Mackenzie Sales

payment of

$222.00*

BILL’s pIck of the week!

Clark Lang

General Manager

Dan Bueckert Sales

2009 GMc 2500

Loaded, Leather, Diesel, Running Boards, Remote Starter, Bluetooth, Stability Control, STK#10878 MSRP $66,335

Tony Almeida Finance Manager

saLe pRIce

$48,900

www.murraygmbc.com visit our website

DL#10839

Kelly Duchon

Finance Manager


Northeast NEWS

January 7, 2010

AGRICULTURE

Page 11

Recession adds uncertainty to future of local producers

By Matthew Bains NORTHEAST – The economic downturn has caused hardship across British Columbia, but for an agricultural industry already struggling with high input costs and low prices, it has been especially difficult. Before the impacts of the global economic recession were felt in the fall of 2008, oil prices had reached an all-time record in July, trading at $147.27 US per barrel, resulting in higher transportation and fertilizer costs and a Canadian dollar on par with the US dollar, making local exports more expensive. “Usually what happens, though, is the commodity prices, what we are getting for our product, and the input prices, usually they follow each other,” explained Irmi Critcher, president of the BC Grain Producers Association. “In the last year, basically it was out of whack …the commodity prices were already backing off again, but the input prices kept on rising.” She said compared to late 2007 and early 2008, prices in 2009 dropped by about 30 per cent for crops such as wheat, barley, oats and canola. She said at the same time, producers were buying high-priced fertilizer in 2008, meaning they had a lot riding on a successful harvest in 2009. However, soil moisture was low throughout the spring and early summer, and although heavy precipitation fell in late July and early August, it didn’t affect all areas in the Peace equally. Critcher said the North Peace generally did better than the South Peace in terms of crop yields. October saw an early snowfall, and she said that meant many farmers were unable to finish their harvests. She said according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, between 10 to 20 per cent of crops were left out in the fields. “Even 10 per cent of your crop, that’s where your profit could most likely still be out there,” said Critcher. “If you have a 2,000 acre farm and you’re leaving 200 to 400 acres out there, that’s potentially between $40,000 and

$80,000, even $100,000 for some farms, so that’s a huge cost that needs to be recuperated.” She added crop insurance wouldn’t cover that loss in most cases. Critcher said while fertilizer costs have dropped significantly, the high dollar and energy costs remain an issue, and a surplus in production is keeping prices low. She said the carbon tax, which continues to rise incrementally, is adding to those fuel costs. She said the Province is not moving fast enough to identify offsets for the industry, and added the potential for biofuels to mitigate some of the fuel costs and surplus product remains undeveloped. She said there are opportunities for Canadian producers to take advantage of emerging markets, but trade barriers for agricultural products remain a problem. Critcher added producers in the North Peace will benefit greatly from new market opportunities and lower shipping costs through the recent acquisition of a grain elevator in Fort St. John by a not-for-profit group of local farmers. She added the early snowfall in the fall may have been a mixed blessing, as soil moisture content should be better in the spring, although some farmers will have to remove the remainder of last year’s crop, so seeding may be delayed. High input costs, specifically the price of feed, low prices and dry conditions were issues for cattle ranchers in the region as well. The industry was still dealing with the fallout from an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) a few years ago when the recession hit last year. The struggles of the industry even prompted the government to appoint a Ranching Task Force in May to look at ways to strengthen it. The task force made a number of recommendations around ensuring access to water and grazing land, easing regulatory burdens on processing and waste disposal, and amending policies governing subdivisions on the Agricultural Land Reserve. Story continued on Page 13

The 4-H clubs of the South Peace District would like to give a big thank you to all our sponsors for the past year. Without your help we could not have accomplished all our goals.

The 4-H clubs of the South Thank you! Peace District would like to give Safeway a big thank you to allExtra our Foods Northland Machine Action Industrial First Aid sponsors for the past year. P.C. Motors Northern Metallic Without your help we could not Panago Pizza Aspol Motors ourPower Timberlinehave accomplished Peaceall Farm Reg Norman Trucking Software Emporium goals. Thank you!

R-Home Supply Dawson Co-op North Fork Limousine Safeway Extra Foods Northland Machine THANKYOU ! Action Industrial First Aid P.C. Motors CANADIAN W Northern Metallic LAKEVIEW C Panago Pizza SOUTH PEAC AspolSafety MotorsCamp Committee wishes to The Northern BC 4-H Daze ASSOCIATIO Timberline thank our sponsors of Safety Camp 2009. Without your generosity FARM CREDI Farm Power we would not be ablePeace to provide the opportunity for learning, Reg Norman Trucking The 4-H clubs of the South while having fun with friends oldEmporium and new, at 4-H Safety Camp.HSE INTEGR Software Peace District!!would like to give The Northern and first aid attendan THANKYOU R-Home Supply a big thank you to all our Camp Commit CANADIAN WHEATBOARD Dawson Co-op sponsors for the past year. sponsors of R Sa Peace River LAKEVIEW CREDIT UNION North Fork Limousine

leader and materials) Without your help we could not SOUTH PEACE OILMEN’S ASSOCIATION Without your g FARM CREDIT CANADA all our have accomplished not be able to HSE INTEGRATED LTD goals. (for ambulance and first aid attendant) opportunity fo Thank you! Peace River Regional District (for seminar leader and materials)fun with friend

Safeway Extra Foods Northland Machine Action Industrial First Aid P.C. Motors Northern Mon Mar 15-Mon Mar 22 ...... 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 22...... Tue Feb 99................................ ................................ 8:00 AM - 4:00Metallic PM 10............................ Wed Feb 10 ............................ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon Apr 19-Fri Apr 30............ 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Panago Pizza Tue Feb 16.............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM ■ Respirator Fit Test $25 17............................ 8:00 AM Motors Wed Feb 17 ............................ - 4:00 PM Sun Mar 8 ............ See Branch for Details Aspol Tue Feb 23.............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sun Mar 15 .......... See Branch for Details Timberline 24............................ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wed Feb 24 ............................ Sun Mar 22 .......... See Branch for Details Tue Mar 2 ............................... 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM ■ Spinal Immobilization Endorsement Peace Farm Power Wed Mar 3 ............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (BC-SPTE) $115 Tue Mar 99............................... ............................... 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Reg Norman Trucking TWed Feb 10 .......................... 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Wed Mar 10 ........................... 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thu Mar 11 ............................ 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Software 16............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00Emporium Tue Mar 16 ............................. PM Fri Mar 26 .............................. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Wed Mar 17 ........................... 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thu Apr 8 ............................... 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM R-Home Supply 23............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 Tue Mar 23 ............................. PM Fri Apr 30 ............................... 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Wed Mar 24 ........................... 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Dawson Co-op ■ Standard First Aid - CPR C with AED Tue Mar 30 ............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 30............................. (BC-SFC-AED) $195 Wed Mar 31 ........................... 8:00 AM Fork - 4:00 PM North Limousine Tue Feb 16-Wed Feb 17 .......... 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 17..........

Fort St. John New Year Campaign Calendar ■ Basic Security Training $375 75 Sun Apr 12-Thu Apr 16 ........... 8:000 AM - 4:00 PM ■ Bear Aware $75 Wed Mar 4 ............................. 8:000 AM - 12:00 PM Wed Mar 18 ........................... 8:000 AM - 12:00 PM Wed Mar 25 ........................... 8:000 AM - 12:00 PM ■ Confined Space Rescue (BC-CSR) $210 Fri Feb 12 ............................... 8:000 AM - 4:00 PM Thu Feb 25 ............................. 8:000 AM - 4:00 PM Fri Mar 19 .............................. 8:000 AM - 4:00 PM Thu Apr 15 ............................. 8:000 AM - 4:00 PM ■ CPR Level C with AED (BC-CPC-AED) $65 Tue Feb 16.............................. 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM ■ CPR Level C with AED (BC-CPC-AED) $65 Tue Feb 16.............................. 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM munity Care ■ Emergency First Aid - Community (BC-ECC) $115 Thu Mar 11 ............................ 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM Thu Apr 29 ............................ 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM ustry ■ Emergency First Aid - Industry (BC-ESO) $115 Wed Feb 3 .............................. 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM Thu Feb 4 ............................... 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM Fri Feb 5 ................................. 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM Mon Feb 8 .............................. 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM Tue Feb 9................................ 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM Fri Feb 12 ............................... 8:000 AM - 4:30 PM

15............................ Mon Feb 15 ............................ 8:00 AM Thu Feb 18 ............................. 8:00 AM Fri Feb 19 ............................... 8:00 AM 22............................ Mon Feb 22 ............................ 8:00 AM Tue Feb 23.............................. 8:00 AM 24............................ Wed Feb 24 ............................ 8:00 AM Fri Feb 26 ............................... 8:00 AM Mon Mar 11............................. ............................. 8:00 AM Tue Mar 22............................... ............................... 8:00 AM Wed Mar 3 ............................. 8:00 AM Thu Mar 4 .............................. 8:00 AM Mon Mar 88............................. ............................. 8:00 AM Tue Mar 99............................... ............................... 8:00 AM Wed Mar 10 ........................... 8:00 AM Mon Mar 15 ........................... 8:00 AM Wed Mar 17 ........................... 8:00 AM Mon Mar 22 ........................... 8:00 AM 23............................. Tue Mar 23 ............................. 8:00 AM Wed Mar 24 ........................... 8:00 AM 29........................... Mon Mar 29 ........................... 8:00 AM 30............................. Tue Mar 30 ............................. 8:00 AM Tue Apr 66................................ ................................ 8:00 AM Wed Apr 7 .............................. 8:00 AM Fri Apr 9 ................................. 8:00 AM 12............................ Mon Apr 12 ............................ 8:00 AM Wed Apr 14 ............................ 8:00 AM Fri Apr 16 ............................... 8:00 AM Mon Apr 19 ............................ 8:00 AM Wed Apr 21 ............................ 8:00 AM Fri Apr 23 ............................... 8:00 AM -

4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM 4:30 PM

The Northern Camp Commit sponsors of Sa Without your g not be able to opportunity fo fun with friend Safety Camp.

Mon Apr 26 ............................ 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 27.............................. Tue Apr 27 .............................. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Wed Apr 28 ............................ 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ■ Fall Protection $175 Sun Jan 18 ............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 20.............................. Tue Jan 20 .............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wed Feb 11 ............................ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thu Feb 26 ............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wed Mar 18 ........................... 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wed Mar 25 ........................... 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM ■ Fire Suppression $200 Tue Jan 27 .............................. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 24.............................. Tue Feb 24 .............................. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 24............................. Tue Mar 24 ............................. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wed Apr 15 ............................ 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ■ Gas Testing/Hole Watch $75 Wed Feb 4 .............................. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 11............................ Wed Feb 11 ............................ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Wed Feb 18 ............................ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 25............................ Wed Feb 25 ............................ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mon Mar 11............................. ............................. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mon Mar 88............................. ............................. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mon Mar 15 ........................... 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mon Mar 22 ........................... 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 29........................... Mon Mar 29 ........................... 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mon Apr 66.............................. .............................. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 20............................ Mon Apr 20 ............................ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ■ H2S Alive (BC-H2S) $160 Tue Feb 2................................ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wed Feb 3 .............................. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fort St. John Branch: 10066 1 0066 Tundra St., Fort St. John • (P) (250)785-7233 Mailing: RR1 Site 10, Comp 4, Fort St. John V1J 4M6 ftstjohn@bc.sja.ca

THANKYOU !

CANADIAN W LAKEVIEW C SOUTH PEAC ASSOCIATIO FARM CREDI

s b u l c H 4 e h T t c i r t s i D e c a e P y k n a h t a big t r o f s r o s spon u o y t u o With

Tue Apr 6 ................................ 8:00 AM Wed Apr 7 .............................. 8:00 AM Tue Apr 13 .............................. 8:00 AM 13.............................. Wed Apr 14 ............................ 8:00 AM Tue Apr 20 .............................. 8:00 AM 20.............................. Wed Apr 21 ............................ 8:00 AM Tue Apr 27 .............................. 8:00 AM 27.............................. Wed Apr 28 ............................ 8:00 AM Tue Jan 26 .............................. 8:00AM 26.............................. Wed Jan 27 ............................ 8:00AM ■ OFA Level 2 (BC-OF2) $625 Mon Feb 15 - Fri Feb 19 ......... 8:00AM ■ OFA Level 3 (BC-OF3) $820 Mon Feb 1-Fri Feb 12 ............. 8:00 AM -

Choosing St. John Ambulance for first aid training provides you with life-saving skills that make all of us safe. As a not-for-profit charity, y, proceeds from our training programs support services for seniors, youth, and our community. Charitable Registration #: 10802 2500 RR 0009

Safety Camp.

4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00PM 4:00PM 4:30PM

4:30 PM

Wed Mar 31-Thu Apr 1 ........... 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ■ Traffic Control $450 Mon Mar 30-Tue Mar 31 ........ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 31........ Wed Apr 22-Thu Apr 23 .......... 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 23.......... Wed Apr 29-Thu Apr 30 .......... 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM ■ What Every Babysitter Should Know (BC-HBS) $55 Mon Feb 1 .............................. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fri Mar 5 ................................ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ■ WHMIS $45 Mon Feb 11.............................. .............................. 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Mon Mar 11............................. ............................. 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Mon Apr 12 ............................ 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Register Now:

New classes are added all the time, visit us at www.sja.ca/bc and register online in real-time or contact us for more dates and classes.

WorkSafeBC’s first aid requirements are changing in the new year…

Contact any local SJA branch for details regarding these changes

HSE INTEGR

and first aid attendan

Peace River R

leader and materials)


Page 12

January 7, 2010

Upcoming Events Peace Arts Events January 7 to 22

Dawson Creek: January 12 Olympic Torch Exhibit opening at Dawson Creek Art Gallery, 7 p.m. January 22 Rosette Guitar Duo performance at KPAC, 7:30 p.m.

Northeast NEWS

of the Peace

Watercolour painter captures local beauty

By Angela Fehr

Janis Herbison had lived in Hudson’s Hope for only a year when she took her first watercolour painting workshop in 1978. One workshop was all it took, and HerFort St. John: bison, who had pursued art since childhood, fell in love January 14 to 17 High on Ice with the medium. Winter Festival Now, over 30 years later, the 58 year-old artist teaches her own watercolour workshops throughout the region, Interested in this and delights in seeing her students fall in love with wafeature artist? tercolour and go on to pursue painting on their own, the Janis Herbison’s web site is way she did. www.hummingbirdfineart.com. Herbison considers herself primarily a self-taught artShe can be contacted by ist. She has had opportunity to study briefly in workshops phone at (250) 783-5534 or under a number of well-known artists, but her techniques (250) 783-2711 or by email at have been honed and style developed from many hours dj@hudsonshope.com. of painting independently. She spends five days a week Her art can be seen and purin her studio, located in the Pearkes Centre in Hudson’s chased at Peace Gallery North Hope, and divides her time between teaching, painting, or at Whole Wheat & Honey and doing a little picture framing on the side. in Fort St. John; in Chetwynd Herbison is captivated by the beauty of nature, and her at Ken Crowle Gallery and in paintings at any time may be landscapes, still life florals, Hudson’s Hope at The Rim bird or wildlife paintings. Though early in her artistic caRestaurant, Marg’s Mini Mart, reer she avoided portrait paintings and still lifes, today she Contributed photos or the Pearkes Centre. finds them her favourite subjects to paint. Living on the Fall rut watercolour. edge of the Peace River, Herbison can draw on the beauty When teaching watercolour, Herbison likes to use a step-by-step approach to learnof her location for painting inspiration in all seasons of the Are you an artist? year. Her paintings combine realistic detail with watercolour ing techniques. Students are given a sketch to trace, and together work on completIf you are anyone you know in ing a painting following the steps that Herbison herself uses in creating her paintwash effects in a wonderful harmony that pleases the eye. the Peace Region would like to be Herbison is reluctant to toot her own horn and has hesitated ings. Herbison recently discovered silk featured on this page, please conto attempt marketing her work outside of the region. In recent painting which she finds very similar tact Melanie at the Northeast News, years, she has been more visible in the Peace Region through to watercolour, and she is planning on (250) 787-7030 or her workshops and exhibitions. Together with wildlife artist teaching a silk painting workshop early editor@northeastnews.ca. Wendy Moore, Herbison exhibited her paintings at the Daw- in 2010. When love of an artistic discipline son Creek Art Gallery about five years ago. She exhibits with the South Peace meets a passion for the natural world, Art Society in their bi-annual shows, the result can only be lovely. Janis Herand is a regular participant in the Peace bison’s paintings speak well of the beauLiard Art Council’s Regional Juried Ex- ty of our Peace country, no matter where hibition. In 2009, she received two hon- they find a home. ourable mentions in this event. Herbison’s paintings are also available for purchase at Peace Gallery North in Fort St. John. Currently Herbison has over one hundred paintings framed in her studio. “I should really have another exhibition,” she says with a chuckle. Teaching takes up part of Herbison’s studio time. She holds technique-based watercolour classes on Thursdays and sometimes Saturdays, and through the Pearkes Centre promotes “free painting” times on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free painting sessions are basically an open studio time where anyone is invited Herbison Alpine Daisy watercolour on A teaching example (above) and (left) to come in and paint in an encouraging atmosphere. canvas. sunny day.


Northeast NEWS

January 7, 2010

Superintendents continued

The school district has made social responsibility among students a priority, which has led to the creation of a Social Responsibility Committee and two ‘coaches’ who support school-based teams. The district reports seeing a continued drop in the number of student suspensions over the last four years. “Our district was one of the first to make social responsibility the first goal, and I guess, tongue-in-cheek, we just didn’t want to turn a generation of bullies who read very well,” said Espe. “It’s about being proactive and preventive as opposed to reactive and punitive.” Superintendent Diana Samchuck of the Fort Nelson School District couldn’t be reached for comment before press time, but a follow-up will be included in the next edition of the Northeast News.

RECESSION ADDS CONTINUED

The report also recommends the provincial government invest more in marketing local beef as demand in the Asian and European markets for beef is growing. “They’re predicting that there’s going to be a greater demand for beef in the future on the world market, so we’re sitting on a pretty good place for that in Canada,” said Bill Bentley, president of the BC South Peace River Stockmen’s Association, adding prices have gone up slightly in the last few weeks. However, he said with only five per cent of the total cattle in the country, very little slaughter capacity, and a dependence on feedlots in Alberta, the success of the industry will very much depend on the success in Alberta. “We can’t really lead in my estimation, we kind of have to follow,” he said. “We can take part, but I don’t see how we can be a leader because we just don’t have the numbers or the facilities to do it.” Bentley said the industry still struggles with restrictions on beef exports while cattle imports are less regulated, and he would like to see that imbalance dealt with. He said closing the border to all imports would be the ideal situation for local

ranchers, but added he doesn’t think that will happen and admitted he’s not sure what impact that would have on trade relationships with other countries. “Cattle can come in a lot easier than it can go out,” he said. “That hurts us” Nevertheless, he said the recent announcement of the Northeast Regional Auction Mart being rebuilt in Dawson Creek is good news for local producers. He said the new facility will be much more efficient than the current one. “It’ll be better for the buyers, it’ll be better for the truckers, and it’ll bring more cattle to Dawson Creek, I think,” he said. The Province has already taken some steps to assist the industry, namely through a new wildlife mitigation program. Bentley said that’s been an issue for local ranchers for decades now but they haven’t seen much action taken, and he isn’t seeing any now either. However, he did say the shift to the harmonized sales tax next year may help the bottom line of ranchers in the province at least a little bit. • Bentley said local ranchers should note that effective Jan. 1, radio-frequency identification buttons will be mandatory for cattle sold in Alberta, replacing dangle tags.

Page 13

Courses Available Winter 2010 Semester (January 4 to April 23) COURSE

INSTRUCTOR

DAY

TIME

FORMAT

Anthropology 407: Topics in BC Ethnography

S. Ronaasen Mike Cuthbertson

Mon.

2:00 – 5:00 pm (MST)

Audio-conference from Terrace

Wed.

1:00 – 4:00 pm (MST)

Video-conference from Prince George

Commerce 411: Advanced Management Accounting Commerce 414: Advanced Financial Accounting

Mike Cuthbertson

Tues.

6:00 – 9:00 pm (MST)

Video-conference from Prince George

English 300: Theory

Marian Scholtmeijer Marian Scholtmeijer Greg Lainsbury

Tues.

7:00 – 10:00 pm (MST)

Teleconference from Terrace

Thurs.

7:00 – 10:00 pm (MST)

Teleconference from Terrace

Thurs.

9:30 am – 12:30 pm (MST)

Video-conferenced from Fort St. John

Orland Wilkerson Orland Wilkerson

Tues. Thurs Wed. Thurs.

10:00 – 11:30 am (MST)

Face-to-face in Fort St. John Video-conference from Fort St. John

B. Guernsey Eva St. Jean S. Lautensach

Wed.

4:30 – 7:30 pm 7:30 – 10:30 pm (MST) 6:00 – 9:00 pm (MST)

Audio-conference from Terrace

Mon.

5:30 – 8:30 pm (MST)

Video-confernce From Fort St. John

Tues.

3:30 – 6:30 pm (MST)

Audio-conference from Terrace

English 383: Romantic Literature English 385: Modern & Contemporary Literature in the U.S. ENPL 104: Introduction to Planning ENPL 305: Environmental Impact Assessment Geography 301: Cultural Geography History 303: British Columbia History 456: Topics in Culture Encounters

Note: Course delivery is subject to change and sufficient enrollment. For further information contact: UNBC – Peace River Liard Regional Office Box 1000, 9820 120th Avenue

Fort St. John, BC V1J 6K1 Telephone: (250) 787-6220 Toll Free: 1-800-935-2270 Fax: (250) 785-9665 Email: prl-info@unbc.ca

Please check our website at www.unbc.ca for more information.

PErsonal FinancE and invEsting (PFin050) Free Tuition!

Employers: To protect your future labour supply. Hold on to your apprentices and take this opportunity to get them into technical training. apprentices: To invest in your future. Put down the tools and catch up on your technical training. You’ll be way ahead of the game when the economy turns around.

EsthEtics and nail carE tEchnology The Esthetics industry offers a wide range of career choices including, but definitely not limited to, spa therapy, nail technician, demonstrator, sales representative, salon proprietor, and makeup artist. Join us and prepare for an exciting and rewarding career. February intake Dawson Creek South Peace Campus This program is open to Dual Credit and Adult Learners. For more information please contact your school counsellor or a Recruiter at your local campus.

For more information

1-866-463-6652 nlc.bc.ca

trades and apprenticeship • Aircraft Maintenance Engineer • Automotive Service Technician • Carpentry • Commercial Transport Technician • Cook 1/Camp Cook • Electrician • Esthetics and Nail Care Technology • Hairstylist/Cosmetology • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician • Industrial Instrumentation Mechanic • Plumber • Welding For more information contact Pam Eales, Trades and Apprenticeship Coordinator, 250-784-7605 or peales@nlc.bc.ca

do you want to bE a tEachEr? Now accepting applications for the AHCOTE program September 2010 intake. Deadline is January 15, 2010. For information contact the AHCOTE office at the Dawson Creek or Fort St. John campuses.

chEtwynd Occupational First Aid Level III ..... Jan 11-15, 18-22 H2S Alive ................................................. Jan 13, 27 Occupational First Aid Level III Exams ..... Jan 23-24 Defensive Driving Theory ............................... Jan 28 Occupational First Aid Level 1 ...................... Jan 30 dawson crEEk Basic Welding ............................ Jan 23-24, Feb 6-7 Basic Security .................... Jan 30-Feb 3, Mar 6-10 General Self Defence ................. Feb 4-6, Mar 10-12 Upcoming Energy Courses: • Applied Renewable Energy Certificate • Geothermal Systems Installer • Photovoltaic Systems Installer • Solar Thermal Installer • Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician Fort nElson Introduction to Non-Profit Management ..................... Mondays Jan 11-Apr 26 Occupational First Aid Level 1 ..... Jan 13-14, 16-17 Occupational First Aid Transportation Endorsement ................... Jan 15, 18 H2S Alive .................................................. Jan 19-20 Air Brakes .......................................... Begins Jan 19 General Oilfield Driver Improvement ............. Jan 21 Fort st. John Basic Computer Training ....................... Start Jan 11 Oilfield Heavy Haulers ................................... Jan 11 Intermediate Word 2007 ........................ Start Jan 12 Express Microsoft Word Level 1 .................... Jan 16 Workplace Electrical Safety Arc Flash and Burn ................................... Jan 18-19 Management Skills for Supervisors ....... Start Jan 19 Canadian Firearms Safety ............................. Jan 23 Express Microsoft Excel Level 1 ................... Jan 30

This course, offered by the Career and College Preparation department, is designed to give you the knowledge to get more from your money. Topics include: budget preparation, mortgages, wills, and creating a personal investment portfolio. All ages welcome, and no previous financial knowledge required. starts Feb. 1, 2010 (10 weeks in length) Monday evenings, 7-9 pm Dawson Creek Campus No tuition, but student fees apply. To register or for information, contact Student Services or instructor Wayne Mould, at 250-782-5251.

host FamiliEs wantEd Host families are needed in Fort St. John for International students from several countries. Students require three meals per day and a private bedroom. Host families receive $600 per month for room and board. Contact: Tara Young International Education 250-785-6982 Ext: 2028 E-mail: tyoung@nlc.bc.ca

cliEnt days Esthetics and nail care technology Thursdays and Fridays cosmetology/hairstyling Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays dawson creek south Peace campus Please call and book your appointment 250-784-7614.

378/10.01.07-j NEN

Today’s economic challenges are temporary, future labour shortages are not. Now’s the time to skill up and invest in training.

ATLIN • CHETWYND • DAWSON CREEK • DEASE LAKE • FORT NELSON • FORT ST. JOHN • HUDSON’S HOPE • TUMBLER RIDGE


Page 14

Northeast NEWS

January 7, 2010

POLICE BRIEFS

Theft from vehicle FORT ST. JOHN – On Dec. 29, the Fort St. John RCMP received a report that during that evening, a fenced compound was entered on the 9300 block of 111 Street where a grey, 2007 Dodge pickup was vandalized. The driver side window was smashed in, and the front, passenger side fender was removed from the truck. At this time, police do not have suspects or witnesses but are continuing to investigate this matter and are requesting the public’s assistance. If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Fort St. John RCMP detachment at (250) 7878140 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). Sober drivers the rule for New Years Eve FORT ST. JOHN – Fort St. John RCMP Peace Region Traffic Services are pleased to report very few impaired drivers were apprehended and removed from the roadways during New Years Eve and early morning hours of Jan. 1. One male driver has been charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and three other drivers were issued 24-hour suspensions in spite of large scale enforcement in the area. Large numbers of motorists were checked by police in random check stops within the City of Fort St. John and in rural areas including Montney, Cecil Lake, Charlie Lake, Grandhaven and Taylor. Designated sober drivers were the rule and RCMP Traffic Services were very pleased with these results. RCMP wish to thank the public for their patience and support in this endeavour.

Big Bam readying to re-open its hill in ‘10

By Melanie Robinson FORT ST. JOHN – After many years, and much work, the Big Bam Ski Club is wrapping up its renovations and preparing to open as soon as next week – depending on weather conditions. Through the efforts of many individuals, said president of the executive, Greg Hammond, the hill has received approximately half a million dollars in donations this year, which has enabled them to move forward with opening the hill this year. “Through the extraordinarily generous contractors in this country that were involved and went down there and spent many, many days and hours of their own time, effort, money and everything to landscape that hill, we’re able to really realize the fact that we would be able to get up and going this year,” he said. The ski hill, located just outside of Taylor, has been inoperable since 1997 when it slid after approximately 25 years in operation. Hammond said when the executive received the insurance payment, it realized the money should go back to the community and the hill seemed like a good option. The facilities include 12 acres of ski and snowboard areas, a tow rope, which will be extended further up the hill next year, a chalet to get warm, ski and snowboard rentals, medic on site and concession opportunities. Hammond said the hill will also be offering night skiiing on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 7 to 10 p.m., with the occassional five o’clock opening for those with younger children but that will depend on the support from patrons if such a decision is School District No. 60 (Peace River North) made. He said having a hill Schedule of MeetingS - January - June, 2010 close by is advantageous for those interested because the whole family can get involved. “For people to be able to put their kids in a car and StaNDiNg BoaRD Committee meetiNgS: drive for 10 or 15 minutes • Are held the first monday of each month (Operations, Finance, Personnel, etc.) • Education Committee Meetings will be held separately; schedule of dates/ times to be determined.

RegulaR BoaRD meetiNgS: -

• Are held the second and fourth monday of each month Note: any meeting affected by a statuatory holiday is moved to the first tuesday of the month

PleaSe Note StaRt timeS of meetiNgS 2010 meetiNg loCatioN January 11th January 25th

February 1st February 8th February 22nd

March 1 March 8th st

StaRt time

In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting

Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room

6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Standing Board Comm. Mtgs. In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting

Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room

12:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Standing Board Comm. Mtgs. In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting

Board Room Board Room Board Room

12:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Spring Vacation march 22nd - april 5th, 2010 ; school reopens april 6th, 2010 April 12th

Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room

6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Standing Board Comm. Mtgs. In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting May 25th (Tues) In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting

Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room

12:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

June 7th June 14th

Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room Board Room

12:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

April 26th

In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting

May 3rd May 10th

June 28th

Standing Board Comm Mtgs. In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting In Camera Board Meeting Public Board Meeting

down a major highway and to be able to stay local and not spend hours and hours on highways in the middle of winter to be able to go skiing when we have this right here [is great],” he said. “It’s a great, great family hill, a good place to take your children and it’s obviously healthy for all of them, the more they get out there the better off they are. They’re down there, they’re learning how to ski, it’s a whole social aspect of it.” It’s not just kids, however, that are learning to take part in the sport. Hammond said he’s seen 40 and 50 year-olds in the past learn how to ski and snowboard on the hill and he hopes that tradition continues. “It’s just a good place to go,” he said. The hill is also offering patrons more than just an opportunity to ride. Through the help of young skiers and boarders of the area, the hill is also offering a one-of-a-kind terrain park for people to enjoy – made possible when local welders and hardware companies volunteered time and materials to make it possible. “It’s not just for snowboarders, obviously, it’s for skiers as well,” said Hammond. “We’re really looking forward to this, I understand from the young fellows that are involved that we’re building stuff that nobody else has and it should be an awesome terrain park for the snowboarders and the skiers.” The tentative opening date for the hill is Jan. 9, postponed from Jan. 2 due to cold weather, as the hill does not run in temperatures below minus 25. The hill is always looking for volunteers to help out on the hill whenever and wherever they can and Hammond said the executive has ensured it’s volunteer friendly. “We obviously want new people to come and be involved and yes, it’s work, but at the end of the day, it shouldn’t be a job,” he said, adding that even volunteering for an hour will really help out. For more information on volunteering or the opening date, go to the website, www.bigbam.ca.

2010 High On Ice Schedule of Events January 14 -17, 2010 Fort St. John, BC

January 14 - 17, 2010

Celebrate the best of winter Saturday, January 16 Over the Line Ball Tournament at the 2010 High On Ice - Surerus Ball Diamonds (8am-5pm) Festival in Fort St. John Professional Ice Carving Competition presented by the City of - Centennial Park (8am-10pm) Fort St. John & Fort St. John Amateur & Intermediate Ice Carving Community Arts Council. - Centennial Park (9am-4pm) For more details, check out Regional Mayor’s Ice Carving Challenge - Centennial Park (9am-4pm) www.fortstjohn.ca/hoi Friday, January 15

Ice Fishing Derby - Mile 91 Inga Lake (9am-Dusk)

Sunday, January 17

Professional Ice Carving Competition - Centennial Park (8am-2pm) Community & Family Snow Sculpting Competition - Centennial Park (9am-3pm) Media Snow Sculpting Competition - Centennial Park (9am-3pm) Concession – Warm Food & Drinks - Centennial Park (11am-5pm) Ice Fishing Derby - Mile 91 Inga Lake (9am-3pm)

Single Block Ice Carving Competition - Centennial Park (1pm-3pm)

Snowmobile Show ‘n’ Shine - Centennial Park (10am-5pm)

Professional Ice Carving Competition - Centennial Park (6pm-10pm)

FSJ Mukluk Independent Plumbing Mixed Bonspiel - Fort St. John Curling Club (10am-6pm)

FSJ Mukluk Independent Plumbing Mixed Bonspiel Begins - Fort St. John Curling Club (6pm)

Concession – Warm Food & Drinks - Centennial Park (11am-5pm)

* Sleigh Rides - Toboggan Hill, North Peace Secondary School (11am-3pm)

Children’s Activities In The Park - Centennial Park (11am-3pm)

Children’s Activities In The Park - Centennial Park (12pm-4pm)

*Toboggan Races - Toboggan Hill, North Peace Secondary School (11am-3pm)

Ice & Snow Awards Ceremony - Centennial Park (4pm)

Comedy Night - Lido Theatre (doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm) Snowmobile Club Fun Ride - Jackfish Parking Lot to Snowmobile Club Chalet (8pm-11pm)

*Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides - Toboggan Hill, North Peace Secondary School (11am-3pm) Fort St. John Curling Club Community Dinner & Dance - Fort St. John Curling Club (6pm) Comedy Night - Lido Theatre (doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm)

*Toboggan Race - Toboggan Hill, North Peace Secondary School (11am-3pm)

Fire & Ice Celebration - Centennial Park (5pm)

* WeATHeR PeRMITTINg


CLASSIFIEDS

Northeast NEWS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

IN MEMORIAM

January 7, 2010

Page 15

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Frances Wilson

Nov 11,1931 - Jan 3, 2009 If Roses Grow In Heaven

Mission...

If Roses grow in Heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Mother' arms and tell her they're from me.

Quality Employees serving

Quality Customers with

Quality Solutions.

Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her awhile

RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE: • Develop annual objectives.

Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there's an ache within my heart that will never go away.

• Ensure all safety polices and codes are followed.

• Ensures adequately trained staff is available at all times.

We love and miss you Mom, Grandma, Great Nana, Barbara, Debra, Kathy, Terri and Families

Branch Manager

Fort St. John, BC

CLASS 1 TANK TRUCK DRIVER

Ref : 411 Fx: 780.989.1304 Email: careers@catrents.ca

for fluid hauling, experience preferred. Must have all required safety tickets, competitive wage and benefits package. Full time permanent based in Hudson’s Hope. Please fax resume and abstract to

• Works with sales representatives in the field to develop maximum selling effort. • Works closely with other company managers and branches.

The Cat Rental Store® is an equal opportunity employer.

RENTALS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

requires

Driver Wanted

(250) 783-5501 or email: crey@durango.ca

Full time position in Dawson Creek available for mature, reliable individual. Requirements: • Valid Class 5 drivers license • Criminal record check • Physically fit (some heavy lifting involved) • Minimum age of 19

Here we grow again! The Northeast News is currently looking for full and part time

Graphic Designers

to join our expanding team.

$16/hr to start, with more for proven reliability Benefit package also included. Send resumes to dcdriverjob@gmail.com

Looking for Work

OBITUARY

In Loving Memory of Rene Johann Hauenstein Rene Johann Hauenstein was born in Zurich Switzerland on Sept 30, 1958. He passed away in Prince George on Dec 19, 2009 at 51 years of age after a massive heart attack. Rene leaves behind his spouse Ursula Hauenstein and two children Denise and Andreas, mother Louise Hauenstein of Prince George, father Robert Hauenstein of Fallander Switzerland brother Erich of Prince George, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many many friends. Rene was born in Zurich but grew up in Fallander where he graduated in 1973, after which he worked in his Dad's construction company. In 1987 he came to Canada where he and his brother had a farm at Clearwater. Rene mostly worked on the farm raising buffalo and wild boars. In 1992 he meet his wife Ursula. In 2003 Rene and his family moved to Cecil Lake where he worked for different outfits. The last year and a half he lived in Prince George A memorial service will be held in Cecil Lake Jan 15 with a tea to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He will be missed.

Stay at home Mom willing to babysit Mon-Fri F/T,meals and snacks included 250782-3126 Dawson Creek

ROOM For Rent 2 rooms for rent in large quiet house for $350/month. Rent includes utilities and use of kitchen 250-7893551

Help Wanted Small construction company requires secretary/bookkeeper must have experience with Simply Accounting, Excel and all aspects of Microsoft Office. Duties include A/P, A/R, Payroll, Account Reconciliations ,Administrative duties. must be able to work with or without supervision. Mon-Wed 8 am - 4 pm. Excellent incentives and benefits package. please fax resume with wage expectation to 250-781-3673 Only those accepted for an interview will be contacted. Sandwich Artist Wantedable to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays. Take orders, making sandwiches, receive shipments, stock up, general cleaning, also job related paperwork with computers. Full time $11.72 Fax to 1-250-7190033.

• Candidates should have knowledge of Adobe Indesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. • Understanding of web design programs is an asset. • Imperative to be well organised and to be able to work to tight deadlines. Essential for your success as a Graphic Designer will be your skills in thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts for our clients. You will also be keen to learn, have strong written, communication and time management skills. If you’re interested in working with us please give us a call Ron Lovestone, Publisher 9909-100 Ave., Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y4 Phone:250-787-7030 Fax: 250-787-7090 email: publisher@northeastnews.ca

RENTALS


Page 16

January 7, 2010

Northeast NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

RENTALS

EmploymEnt opportunity for full and part timE advErtising salEs The Northeast NEWS is a regional publication distributed FREE every Thursday to every home and business in northeastern BC, from Tumbler Ridge to the Yukon border and Chetwynd to the Alberta border. This position reports to the sales manager and requires a highly motivated, energetic individual that can work within a deadlineoriented environment. Duties will include: • Promoting the Northeast NEWS from a marketing and sales perspective with an assigned client list/territory • Helping to build the client base with ideas for securing new clients

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is a must! Previous sales experience an asset but not a prerequisite. Forward you resume to:salesmanager@northeastnews.ca Mail to: Brenda Piper Sales Manager Northeast NEWS, 9909-100 Ave, Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y4 Fax to: 250-787-7090 For more information call: 250-787-7030

SPACIOUS

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Cal Gas now hiring B Ticket Gas Fitter. Propane experience & Class 3 w/ air required. Please provide drivers abstract & resume. Call Steven Stanway 250261-0914 or email estanway@calgasinc.com

Mastaro Sushi Restaurant Cuisine & Sushi. Over 3 years experience- possible to cook most Japanese Cuisine & Sushi-managing kitchen& staff- Create New Menu & Training- Speak Korean & Japanese an asset. Start $3000/monthprovide housing-40hrs week/full time, 2 weeks paid vacation. email resume to mastarojohn@gmail.com

classifieds work!

FOR SALE Steel Bldgs w/ Excessive Quality 09 Recession Inventory Blowout Up to 50% off; Partially Manufactured! Can Construct CAN/CSA A660-04 Mfg Cert www.scg-grp.com Source#1D7 800-964-8335

14024

Li-Car

Management Group Now taking applications for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. Call our office for more information or one of our Professional Site managers! Alpine- Dave 250-793-8350 Bona Vista - Maria 250-785-9825 Sandalwood- Bob 250-262-2011 Hillcrest- Glen 250-261-4216 Driftwood- Bob 250-262-2011 Melsher- Dave 250-793-8350 Maplewood- Bob 250-262-2011 Graham- Dave 250-793-8350 Killarney- Bob 250-262-2011 AmbassadorErin 250-787-8897 Green GlenBob 250-262-2011 Phone 250-785-2662 Email: reception@licar.ca

Century Villa Townhouse Dawson Creek Newly Renovated 2 & 3 Bedroom Units Available Caretaker Contact Number 250-784-0065


Northeast NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS IT’S A GIRL ANASTIA WINNONA Born: Dec. 26 Parents: Nikolaus

Shelagh Bilodeau of FSJ

& Manuela Walter of Wonowon

Stats: 7 lbs. 7 oz

Stats: 50.5 cm 3310 g.

IT’S A Boy MIkE Born: Dec. 15 Parents: Mikhail &

IT’S A GIRL kAYDENCE IRENE Born: Dec. 11 Parents: Blaine &

Helena Morozov of FSJ

Brianna Bell of Cecil Lake

Stats: 53 cm 3.84 kg

Stats: 505 mm 7 lbs. 14 oz

BABIES OF THE NORTH

IT’S A GIRL kANE ALEXANDER BILODEAU Born: Dec. 30 Parents: J.P. &

IT’S A Boy IT’S A Boy TAYLON MATTHEW RILEY JOHN HARTLAND THOMPSON Born: Dec. 27 Born: Dec. 18 Parents: Parents: Amber Bean Magon & Justin & Jeremy Thompson Moyer of FSJ of FSJ Stats: 28” Stats: 21” 6 lbs. 12 oz 7 lbs. 8 oz

IT’S A GIRL LEIGHTON CHIPESIA Born: Dec. 26 Parents: Joanna & Corey Chipesia of

January 7, 2010

Page 17

IT’S A Boy VAHLEN ROBERT HENRY Born: Dec. 30 Parents: Dan &

IT’S A Boy GAVIN DURWARD Born: Dec. 11 Parents: Justin &

IT’S A Boy COOPER VICTOR HANSON Born: Dec. 10 Parents: Trevor

IT’S A GIRL CHEYENNE LILY Born: Dec. 13 Parents: Randy &

FSJ

Alana Hiebert of FSJ

Sara Sundholm of FSJ

Hanson & Kelli Strynadka of FSJ

Ashley Ward of FSJ

Stats: 8 lbs. 10 oz.

Stats: 21.25” 8 lbs. 3 oz

Stats: 49 cm 5 lbs. 4 oz

Stats: 19” 6 lbs. 15 oz

Stats: 19.25” 6 lbs. 9 oz

IT’S A Boy PARkER AIDEN Born: Dec. 16 Parents: Josh &

IT’S A Boy LUCAS WILLIAM LEA Born: Dec 17 Parents: Issac &

IT’S A Boy OLIVER BENOIT JOSEPH Born: Dec 18 Parents: Rene & Erik

IT’S A Boy RIDGE BORDEN WOODS Born: Dec. 19 Parents: Alicia &

Leanne Stregger of FSJ

Tannis Wellard of FSJ

Coatda of FSJ

Cody Goddard of FSJ

Stats: 21.5” 7 lbs. 15 oz

Stats: 49 cm 5 lbs. 12 oz

Stats: 21” 8 lbs. 2 oz

Stats: 20 1/2” 8 lbs. 6 oz

IT’S A Boy AYDEN MICHAEL MARTIN Born: Dec. 12 Parents: Mike Martin & Katherine Roberts of FSJ Stats: 20” 6 lbs. 4 oz

IT’S A Boy EVAN PETER Born: Dec. 20 Parents: Peter &

IT’S A GIRL ALEXA AVERY Born: Dec. 4 Parents: Tyler &

IT’S A GIRL SARA ANNE JOHNSON Born: Dec. 29 Parents: Bruce

Joanne Fehr of Prespatou

Jamie Giesbrecht of FSJ

Johnson & Jennifer Culleton/ Cooley of FSJ

Stats: 19.5” 7 lbs.

Stats: 16 1/2” 3 lbs. 10 oz

Stats:” 9 lbs. 2.5 oz


Page 18

January 7, 2010

Northeast NEWS

Northeast NEWS

Community UPCOMING Calendar May 21, 2009

Page 25

May 13 to9June 17 cut flowers, photography several children’s ed when burglars broke into their African home in 2008. Come hanging baskets, days January in Dawson Creek. Chetwynd and Thursdays at and 7 p.m. in studio 10 • Are living with Fire a chronic condition? The Univercategories. Look for the flower show book in love carriedAnonymous the Burgens meets Theyou Pouce Coupe Hall health will celJune 19 and and 20 hear the testimony on how God’s • Alcoholics Tuesday at KPAC. Call Brenda forseveral morelocations. information sity of Victoria Northern Health to ofONGOING the ordeal. ThisopporCanadian and couple from Vernon, BCathave ebrate its grandand opening from 2 to Authority 5 p.m. are pleased • Think of it through as a history-making Friday at 8 p.m. the Public Library, (250) 759-4782/ Fort St. John • The Dawson Creek Chamber of Comfer ‘Living a Healthy with Chronic in Fort and are returning to 46 continue missionary at the Fire Hall on 49Life in Pouce Coupe. Conditions’ The tunity forSt. you chosen to do forgiveness, something big about 5012 Street.the 250-788-9658 • Theat Fort Women’s Resource Society seeking motiJohn. Thisand freededications six-session education program workepic. theyRiding started through in Kenya. wells,meets growing food, andat 8 p.m. speeches are scheduled for for persons cancer,living something theDrilling• NA Wednesday theSt. John merce luncheons are held theisfirst Thursday helping people sparks with 9900 100 Northwest helping to support six orphanages. The event is at Quality 2:30chronic p.m. health conditions will be available at #300, scenic Pacific in two days. Sure, Airport waiting room. Inn at vated people to join of their eachvolunteer month atteam. noonIf at the Best Western. your interest dropDifferent by the office at #201, 10142-100 Ave. (above Avenue. The7workshop p.m. January to 10 meets for six Wednesday evenings it soundsfrom like a 7lot, and it’s meant to be. The Tumbler Ridge guest speaker each month. MemThriftbers Store) or Non-members call 250-787-1121. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Toinstructor register or for information, call Terry May • Become a ski bymore attending conquest of cancer is 28 a monumental task • Alcoholics Anonymous Girl - Guides meeting and welcome. Contact: • A(Baptist Youth Relapse Prevention Group250-782 may be4868. held weekly, in Cayer - Cordinator toll free at 1-866-902-3767 • Abbeyfield of Fort St. John theirCommercial AGM at a Level 1 Ski Instructor’s course at Bearor e-mail and tcayer@ won’t be easy. But makeHouses no mistake, Wed.is8holding p.m. 115 Park Lesley Pewarchuck the afternoons at Mental Health Addiction Services, dccnet.com. Space is limited so callistoday. p.m.for at Northern College. Church). Everyone welcome. DirecMountain Ski Hill. The cost $260 and this event isn’t7just athletes Lights or cycling • If you writeand songs (or would like to#300 write9900 open, – 100 7Ave.songs) For more call Chris or Shaunand at Mayare 23 limited. Register online at snow- enthusiasts. Thetors andtovolunteers will be sold prior-to6 pm doors seats Ride Conquerneeded. CancerMemberships is • Mondays: Bingo you information can meet other songwriters 250-262-5269. • First annual Region Symposium featur-whothewants meeting Pleasethemcome outpm andgames supportbegin. our home for probc.com or Peace contact TracyPalaeontology at (250) 782for anyone to ($10). challenge Community Centre Rms. enjoy the craft of songwriting in a fun, re• The Citizensspectful, Patrol is seeking people who can volunteer at ing thefor fourth annual Fossil Road Show, speakers, door prizes senior’s living!who For more information call Clara at 2856 more information. selves forand a great causeindependent – even people 4&5. and nurturing environment at the least five hours Perfect for those new to town,Performing those conguided children’s Ridge Public January 11 activities. Held at the Tumbler haven’t ridden (250) since 785-6450. they were 12. All you • Tuesdays: TR Seniors (55+) Drop-In – a month. Songwriters’ Circle! Kiwanis cerned want1100 to make community a safer Library and Curling Rink. For more information 29 and a helmet. The Floor curling, carpet bowling, card • Experience theatre without having to au- contact need is (250) motivation,May a bike, & about boardsafety, Artswho Centre, - 95the Ave, Dawson Creek, place to Cenwork, live andinplay. Call 7, coordinator Connieand 250-262242-3466. Access Day in Fort St. John. Stay to the dition or rehearse! Looking for a fun activ- rest is history. Be •part of it.Awareness Call 1-888-771games, coffee & tuned cookies. Community 7pm Studio every second fourth or RCMP Rickof250-787-8100. News for more information. ityMay for 23 the New Year? Want to ‘dip a toe’ BIKE(2453) orNortheast e-mail bcguides@conquertre Room 5 from 1-4 pm. Small4530 drop-in fee. liaison Tuesday the month. For more information • Alcoholics - If you think you might have a probCountry dance at Farmington Hall featuring May 30 in•the theatre world without committing to Highway cancer.ca.40! • Wednesdays: TR Seniors (55+) Drop-In Anonymous www.prsaonline.com e-mail: info@prsalem with drinking.online.com Call for times someone to to Dance fromDionysus 9 p.m. to 1Theatre a.m., noCompany minors. Tickets avail• The Fort Nelson Woman of Industry is holding a golf tourna-company. a show? will $15 each, ONGOING – Cribbage, Whist & good Beginorand callplaces (250)or843-2345 or talk (250) 250-785-8866. able Farmington Store. inFor more and information, Clarisse ment at the golf course. Lots of door prizes, putter to7be won warmatup Monday nights January Feb- callFort St. John ners welcome! pm in and the Library. Small 786-5472. A program of the Peace Region Fort Nelson Songwriters Association. (250) an extra prizeSociety if a member friend that becomes a member. ruary843-7954. with a Script Reading Series. Drop by! • The Canadian Cancer Fortbrings St. a drop-in fee. • Alcoholics Anonymous MondaySaturday 8 p.m. Catholic Maya24 RSVP to Karen Prouse Bring friend! Come to one, two or all of the John unit meetsPlease the first Wednesday of eachat kprouse@sd81.bc.ca Taylor • On the- fourth of the Church month, (closedSeptember meeting); Wednesday 8 p.m. Peace CatholicCountry Church • The Forgotten House Grizzly Valley Players sessions, whatever fits--your schedule. The present month,a matiSeptemberMay to 30 June, at noon at the • Civil Air Search and RescueBasement (CASARA) through June, Thursday 8 p.m. Catholic Church Basement; Saturday nee at 3Reading p.m. in Room the Community Centre in Tumbler • The Welcome Wagon events,meetings the Baby Shower and GrandScript Series5 isof complimentary to Business Resource Centre behind the muevery second TuesdayBasement; at the TayRoots Group meets at 1:30 p.m. in the small 8 p.m. Hospital Sundayin8 p.m. Centre Ridge. parent Showcase will be taking place the Stonebridge HotelFor at 1information all participants with the purchase of a $5 Di- seum. Volunteers always welcome. loratFire Hall at 7 p.m. call Cafeteria; Roots building NARFriendship park. Getting started • Cocaine Anonymous - Tuesday 8 p.m. Catholic BaseMay 29 to 31 p.m. The Bridal Showcase will takeBob place 6:30 p.m. onysus membership. Series will take place in • A Youth Relapse Prevention Group may at at 250-789-9152 or 250-787-5802. on family tree research, need Church help? Come Friday 8 p.m. Hospital Cafeteria. “Love and Romance” Retreat at The King’s the• Couple’s Dining Room, Northern Lights College, be heldValley weekly, inMay the 30 afternoons at Mental • The Alaska Highway RRAment; (Recreation learn and share experiences with other ama• Alanon - Tuesday p.m. Northern Lights College (back door). Christian Accommodation available. For further informa• TheServices, 34 annual#300 Trutch Gymkhana is being held at the Mile Dawson Camp. Creek from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For Health and Addiction - 9900 Aircraft Association) meets every third teur 8genealogists. Everyone welcome. For Coupe more information call Marge (250) 782tion or registration callCynthia (250) 827-3549. Trutch Rodeo Grounds, lots ofThursday camping space and aHall atPouce information contact Livingstone at – 100 Ave. For206 more information call Chris at theavailable Taylor Fire 7:30 p.m. - Friday p.m. Old Library (closed). May 17 to June 28 concession will be on site. Great family fun, all ages ride!! cliving@xplornet.com or call 786-6837. or Shaun at 250-262-5269. For information call Please Richard at• Alcoholics 250-782- Anonymous 8424 or Lyle (250)8782-2804. •January Triathlon14 Training Come call Beth at (250) 262-5712 for more information. and 15clinics are coming to Fort St. John. • Alcoholics Anonymous - If you think 2421 or Heath at 250-785-4758.250-786-0155 • Peace Region Songwriters’ Association Computer at the Pouce Coupe Seniors HallSaturday every Monout•and learn about get prepared for theyou localmight upcom-have June 4 “Robin Hoodtriathlon – Theand Somewhat True a problem with drinking, • New Totem Archery is now at•the Taylor Class Monthly Coffee House - Last of dayThursdays and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. toJuly, 12:00Aug., p.m. and Lowfrom Iming triathlons. Held onnights May 3, and 6 are clinics on swimming • Ladies Call out offor town dinner with the Tuesdays Oil Men’s and Tale” at 7 p.m. both in4, Tumbler Ridge come to an AA meeting. times andin conjunction Community Hall the from month (except Dec.), pact exercise class6 every from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Open stroke tuning and equipment triathlon. GolftoTournament by OilWives Clubp.m. of FSJ. Cocktails by the improvement, TRSS Drama bike Group - musical theatre. and places or someone talk to (250)presented 785-8866. from 6-9 Contact newtotemarchery. to 10Thursday p.m. at Under the Willow Cultural Carol atperformer 250-786-5673 Come hear from triathletes askseniors questions about events, atwanted 6 p.m. at andthe dinner at 7Peace p.m. at com. the Pomeroy Inns and Suites. to everyone! For more Admission is $5local for adults and and $3 for • Volunteers North Cafe.information Different call featured every Chetwynd month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., open mic training, preparation and anything else you like. Sign up atCentre. the Tickets and include: entertainment, dinner, dessert, wine, and students. Cultural Learn are new$50 skills, meet new Dawson Creek • Alcoholics meetsp.m., Monday p.m. at North Peace 16 Leisure Pool or contact Becky at (250)787-5780 jewellry draw, games and door prizes. Ticketsgroup available Flow-Health January people, getorinvolved. Ushers and volunteers • Craft for at Mental and Ad- Anonymous from 6 to 7:30 and and fromFriday 8:30 at to810 p.m. the Friendship 250-788-9658 bkeim@fortstjohn.ca forSilent more information. ers byevents. Tamee,Call Frontier Jewellers. Marlene (250) 785-8737 or 1:30 • Benefit dance and and Live Auc- required for theatre (250) 785- Call dictions Clients. Meets Thurs -3:30 at Centre. Musicians, poets, singers, and performers of meets Wednesday at 8 p.m. at(just the Airport waiting room. Upcoming local Triathlons Debbie at (250) 787-5100 for more1017-103 information. tion for Trenton Goodbuninclude: at the Taylor 1992. Ave., Dawson Creek.• NA 250-782all sorts welcomed show up and sign up • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5 pm-7 pmSongwriters’ at Chetwynd Dawson Creek May 24 June 6 Come join us from 4410. Community Hall. Cocktails and silent auc• Calling all Seniors: to play). $5Minor coverball charge to the & Rec. Centre Diamonds. Fortstarting St. JohnatJune 7 p.m. and live auction 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on• Rotary Manor Garage Sale from 9 a.m.Anonymous to 12 noon. - Ballpark tion 7:30 Mondays andAnnual Thursdays • Alcoholics meets Mon., Association. www.prsaonline.com or info@ Tumbler Fort Nelson June p.m. 28 Entry by donation. at the Seniors’ Hall 1121-90 Avenue. Household tools,Fri., toys,&furniture, starting at 8:30 in Fort St. John, 10908items, Tues., Sat., 8 coffee p.m. at Peace RiverRidge prsaonline.com. • Alcoholics - meeting Wed. are 8 p.m. 115on ComMay 12 helping to July 28friends, friends helping 100 Street. Come andand donuts andfun much more. Donations welcome after May 4 (noHospital Friends have socializing Health Unit. Wed. 8 p.m. Educa- Anonymous • Songwriter’s Circles held the mercial Park (Baptist Church). • Relapse Prevention - Tuesdays from 6:30among - 8:30 p.m. at while appliances please). Allnew proceed toward resident friends, please join us.Group For more information friends taking part in ac- to tion Room. All programs meetingsand are open. second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. and • Mondays: 6 pm doors open, 7of pmthe games begin.atComMental Healthauction & Addiction Services. Contact Dennistivities at (250)262Rainincludes or shine, lunch. no early birds, there0will be no sales on donating material contact: Sheryl for a costactivities. of $2, which • Mile Al-Anon meetsbe7:30-8:30 pm ev- Bingo on -the last Saturday month 4:30 Centre Rms. 4&5. 5269. Wilmot at (250) 827-6942 or Lesley Pizzey Fort Nelson fore 9 a.m. ery Tuesday evening at Parkhillmunity Community p.m. (before the monthly Coffee House) at • Tuesdays: TRUnder Seniors Drop-In – Floor curling, carpet June 14 at May (250)23787-7464. • Alcoholics Anonymous - Monday 8 School 9700-5th Street, Dawson Creek. the(55+) Willow Cultural Cafe (corner of bowling, card & 103 board games, & cookies. Community •January The Derrick be hosting a Church • Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion walk, wheel, run and wheel- Mental 30 Dance Club of Fort St. John willp.m. Catholic Basement (closed • Relapse Prevention. Health Ave and 9coffee Street). Songwriters’ Circles Centre Room 5 from pm. Smallgathering drop-in fee. dance fromPeace 9 p.m.Region to 1 a.m. in the SeniorAssoCitizens Hall at 10908Wednesday chair challenge. Registration at 12:30, starts at 1 1017-103rd p.m. in Cen- Ave., • First Songwriters’ meeting); 8 p.m. Catholic andevent Addictions Dawson are 1-4 an informal in a safe, respect• Wednesdays: TRenvironment Seniors (55+) where Drop-Insongwriters – Cribbage, Whist & 100 Street. MusicHouse by Night $10, non members tennial Park. For information, event leader Lori Slater10 at –11 am. ciation Coffee of Sounds. the yearMembers at Under Church Basement; Thursday 8 p.m. Catholiccontact Creek, 782-4410. Fridays Every- ful can find good company. welcome! 7 pm in the Library. Small $12. Everyone 19 and Cafe. over isPerformers, welcome. For information call Lucy (250) 787-1912 or slaterl@shaw.ca the Willow Cultural Poets, Church Basement; Saturday 8 p.m. Hospital one welcome! Please call to confirm meet- Beginners support and encouragement from their peers. drop-in fee. at (250) 785-2867 or Judy at (250) 787-0460. 12 Friendship Centre ing. welcome. Feature performers for January Cafeteria; SundayJuly 8 p.m. Opportunities to attend workshops, perform, May 23“Nightcap” (Ian Smith and Linda • North Peace Horticultural plans their annual Garden include • Cocaine Anonymous - Tuesday 8 p.m.Society • Cocaine Anonymous meets 7 Taylor p.m. Mon. and collaborate. All songwriters and anyone •Centre. Civil Air Search and Rescue (CASARA) meetings every sec• The Magic of Sam Show scheduled at the StoneTour. Bring your family8 and a variety St. JohnFriendship garConnell Studley) fromPearce 7:30 to 8:30isp.m. $5 Catholic Church Basement; Friday p.m.tour to Fri. AtoftheFort Nawican interested in becoming a songwriter are welondCanadian Tuesday at the Taylorpoets Fire Hall 7 p.m. Fortoo! information call bridge theSongwriters show to benefit the Fort St. JohnHospital Firefighters. dens. cover Hotel goes with to the Association. Cafeteria. • The Dawson Creek Unit of the come; and at musicians www.prsaAugust 1 Northern Lights Cancer Society meets the lastBob at 250-789-9152 or 250-787-5802. May 25 to May 29 or info@prsaonline. www.prsaonline.com • Alanon - Tuesday 8 p.m. Monday of online.com or info@prsaonline.com • The Marilyn Leffler Memorial Ride Showfrom ‘n Shine in sup• New Totem Archery is now at the Taylor • Do you think you’ve been treated unfairly by a B.C. governcom College (back door). eachand month 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1000 If your non-profit groupCommunity has eventsHall or BC and YukonDawson Region. Regisand Thursdays fromwish 6-9 published, p.m. Contact newtotemment ministry31or public agency? The B.C. Ombudsman may be January Pouce Coupeport of the Canadian Cancer Society105 Avenue, Creek. Tuesdays New volunmeetings you send them by tration begins July 1 for this all day teers event welcomed. at Casey’s Pub in Fort St. archery.com. fax to (250) 787-7090 or email to: editor@ able help. The Ombudsman’s staffCelebration will be in the following • to The Olympic Torch Relay • Alcoholics Anonymous - Friday 8 p.m. John. Show ‘n Shine awards for seven and meets • TheTuesAlaska Highway RRA (Recreation Aircraft Association) communities on the dates listed below, are available by ap- (closed). will take place at the EnCana Eventsand Centre Old Library 250-786-0155 • motorcycle The Mile categories 0 Quilt Guild northeastnews.ca. pointment to discuss your problem or complaint. Call 1-800-567- lots of door prizes. Event includes a ride to the viewpoint on the meets every third Thursday at the Taylor Fire Hall at 7:30 p.m. 3247 to book an appointment or see www.ombudsman.bc.ca for Hudson’s Hope Road. Everyone welcome to this fundraising event For information call Richard at 250-782-2421 or Heath at 250to fight cancer. 785-4758. more info. August 21 to 23 Dawson Creek Fort Nelson May 25 • The North Peace Horticultural Society presents their 16th an• The Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce luncheons are Fort St. John May 26 nual Flower Show and Exhibition at the North Peace Cultural Cen- held the first Thursday of each month at noon at the Best Western. Dawson Creek May 27 tre. The event will be open to the public on Aug. 22 from 3 p.m. to Different guest speaker each month. Members and Non-members Mackenzie May 28 7 p.m. and on Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Awards presenta- welcome. Contact: Lesley Pewarchuck 250-782 4868. Chetwynd May 29 tions will take place at 4 p.m. Refreshments will be available by If your non-profit group has events or meeting you wish pubMay 27 • John and Eloise Bergen, missionaries working with ‘Hope for donations on both Saturday and Sunday while the show is open. lished, send them by fax to (250) 787-7090 or via email to: edithe Nations’ in Kenya were brutally attacked and severly wound- Categories include arrangements, art, houseplants, patio plants, tor@northeastnews.ca.

Why settle for being “nobody in particular” at the big banks when you can be “our special somebody”? There’s no better time to entrust your future to us. Come on in and talk.

“Focused on Family Eyecare”

Amazingly enough, there are still a Dr. J. Grant Timmins few people who haven’t discovered Dr. John E. Gentles how great it is to deal with us. Dr. Todd J. Lang

Eye Examinations, Optical Dispensing, Contact Lenses, Low Vision Care, Ocular & Refractive Surgery Co-management, CSA Safety Eyewear

Fort St. John 9808-101st Ave. Phone: 785-2020

Dawson Creek 900-102nd Ave. Suite 102 Phone: 782-1121

Fort Nelson #19 Landmark Plaza Phone: 774-2020

“Enriching your Life”

www.lvcu.ca


Northeast NEWS

January 7, 2010

Page 19


Page 20

Northeast NEWS

January 7, 2010

DEEPSLEEP

OMER D CUST

Collection

CARD

ERRE

PREF

R TOME

D CUS

ERRE

PREF

Budget Terms Available See Store for Details

CRANSTON

ETERNITY

Tight-Top $

Hi-Loft $

GLENBROOK

Hi-Loft $ Queen Set

Queen Set

599

*720 Continuous Coil *Edgeguards *10 Year Non-Prorated Warranty

Queen Set

649

*720 Continuous Coil *Edgeguards *10 Year Non-Prorated Warranty

699

*720 Continuous Coil *Edgeguards *10 Year Non-Prorated Warranty *With Wool and Visco

Think Durable... Think Affordable... Think Comfortable...

10205-13 Street, Dawson Creek, BC (250) 782-8988

10052-100 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC (250) 785-7868

10515-117 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB (780) 539-3313

5003-50 Avenue, Fort Nelson, BC (250) 774-2455

280-270 Baseline Rd. Sherwood Park, AB (780) 467-7201

We don’t sell... We help you buy! Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9-6 • Friday: 9-6 • Saturday: 9-6

9701-74 Street, Peace River, AB (780) 624-2521

13461-St. Albert Trail, Edmonton, AB (780) 413-7260


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.