Northeast News - April 29, 2010 by Northeast News

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April 29, 2010 - Vol.7 - No.15

Inside

We are the champions!

Earth Day Efforts - Page 3

The Fort St. John Flyers played a tough game against the Bentley Generals on April 24 in the final game of the Allan Cup tournament in Fort St. John. The Flyers were the only team to go undefeated in the tournament, beating the Generals 4 to 1. See more information on the Allan Cup on Pages 9 and 10.

Melanie Robinson photo

Site C not clean energy, says environmental group

Farmers Concerned About Site C - See Pages 11 and 12

Artist of the Peace - Story on Page 18

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

By Matthew Bains PEACE REGION – A local environmental group is challenging the provincial government’s claim that the Site C project will produce clean energy. According to BC Hydro, the project, the third dam on the Peace River, is expected to produce clean and renewable energy for more than 100 years. However, Sandra Hoffmann, co-ordinator for the Peace Valley Environment Association, said her organization is fighting the dam’s construction because of the potential impacts to the local ecosystem and to greenhouse gas emissions. Hoffmann said the project contradicts the government’s 2007 Energy Plan, which states that all new electricity generating facilities constructed in British Columbia will be required to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions. She said the association opposes the dam because: 1. The flooding caused by Site C would negate the carbon obsorbed by the forest in the area around the dam. 2. Rotting vegetation in the reservoir would emit methane gas, which she said is 21 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. “This would be the equivalent of 36,000 new cars on the road every year in Vancouver,” said Hoffmann. 3. Rotting vegetation will also release methyl mercury into the water. Hoffman said the rotting vegetation in the Williston reservoir released meth-

yl mercury into the water, resulting in a fishing advisory for many years following the construction of the WAC Bennett dam. 4. The Peace River Valley is a critical junction in the Yellowstone to Yukon wildlife migration corridor. 5. The Peace Valley is home to an abundant and diverse wildlife population, including protected species. BC Hydro has acknowledged that based on initial estimates, Site C would create between 743,000 and 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emission during construction, and 41,000 tonnes annually over the first 100 years of operation. However, although that sounds significant, BC Hydro contends that the emissions will be lower than that produced by fossil fuels or other natural alternatives such as wind, geothermal and solar. Their Stage Two Report also states preliminary studies show methyl mercury concentrations in fish in the Peace River have declined since 1989 and are below Health Canada advisory levels. The report states further studies will be conducted in Stage Three. Impacts to wildlife in the Peace River corridor and proposed mitigation efforts will be part of the environmental assessment process in Stage Three. Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom defended the Site C project. He said BC Hydro is a public entity and is required to be carbon-neutral in its operations. He added the landscape chosen as the site for the project already emits about 4,900 tonnes of

greenhouse gas, mostly through agriculture. Hoffman said her organization welcomes the idea of a federal environmental assessment because the consultation process so far has been “totally unsatisfactory” and “there’s been a very heavy proconstruction bias.” “The citizens of British Columbia deserve a full federal review panel,” she said. “We should have a voice; we deserve a voice.” Hoffmann said that process would ensure impartial experts would review the project and results of the public hearings so the opposing views are heard. She said the federal process must be independent from the provincial one. In response to charges from the Peace Valley Environment Association that the project is being created to provide power for export, Lekstrom said Site C electricity will not be for export. The minister said he would like to see a streamlined approach to the federal and provincial environmental assessment processes, but those processes would still be independent from government. He said while his government supports the dam, a decision on construction will not be made until those processes are complete. “When people speculate that this is a foregone conclusion, that the environmental assessment is just a farce, I couldn’t think of anything more disrespectful for the men and women that work at that and do a terrific job for us,” he said. The Northeast News will have a response from Treaty 8 in the next edition.

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

Page 3

Real estate, economy to benefit if Site C project goes ahead By Melanie Robinson FORT ST. JOHN – With the provincial government’s decision to move forward to Stage 3 of the proposed Site C project, now is the time to buy, says Trevor Bolin with ReMax Fort St. John. The project, which would be the third dam on the Peace River, has been in discussion for decades and, if built, would provide enough electricity to power approximately 410,000 homes a year. Stage 3, the regulatory review stage, will include an independent environmental assessment and consultation processes with the public, First Nations and stakeholders. Bolin said when there was a boom in the city just a few years ago, people from Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary scooped up housing in the area, with local residents stepping aside. This time, however, he said there is an opportunity to benefit from the number of workers since approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created over the span of the project. While housing prices aren’t expected to jump overnight, he said the city will soon feel the “ripple effect” from the province’s decision. “It’s going to have a huge benefit on our market. Is it going to be an overnight benefit? No. Is your house worth more today than it was yesterday? No. But what I think we have for the future is whether we have in town or out of town buyers,

somebody’s going to start taking advantage of the rental situations,” he said. He added the initial ripple will be felt with starter homes and rental properties and then move up to the higher-valued properties. Bolin said the prices for rentals are not expected to go up, but the number of properties for sale is expected to climb. Bolin said he’s advocating against employees being housed in camps but rather allowing them to choose where they want to live in the community and the region. He said with the number of jobs stemming from the project, and the potential seven years of construction, workers could bring their families to the area to live if they weren’t housed in camps, leading to sustainable growth in the city. “If we can keep the sustained growth here, get the families here, there’s benefits to the city – we get good positive growth, we get infrastructure changes, we get infrastructure growth,” he said. Add together the potential employees with Site C, those in the city for the new hospital’s construction until 2012, and what is slated to be a busy fall for oil and gas exploration, the current available housing will be eaten up quickly. He said a solution needs to

be found but there’s time for that to take place – especially since construction of the dam is not slated to begin for another two years. Bolin said that’s far enough in the future that the situation can be looked at in a different light – making it a benefit for the region now and in the future. He said the issue needs to be structured at a municipal and provincial level. “If we can do it properly we have those families that are here and they’ve got roots in the community. Fort St. John is the place to be. Whether it’s for play, for work, for family, for school – this is one of those things that helps commit to that.” He does remind residents, however, not to buy without consulting professionals who have seen the real estate market change over the years. “Be cautious, don’t do it because everybody else does it,” he said. “Don’t buy a house because you’re scared things are going to go up overnight. Use your head, do some homework and be a smart buyer.”

Melanie Robinson photo

During Earth Day on April 22, residents were asked to each do something small for the earth in their community. Members of the the Fort St. John Community Enrichment Centre did just that by collecting eight bags of garbage on the grounds of Northern Lights College. From left: (Back): Janice Fehr, Stacey Markham, Donna Head (Front): Leroy Hersch and Douglas Fisher

Course Offerings Spring/Summer 2010 Peace Liard Regional

Fort St. John

COMM 351: Management Information Systems • Video-conference from Prince George • Tuesdays & Thursdays • May 4 – June 15, 2010 • 6:00 – 9:00 pm

SOCW 439: Social Work/Law & the Justice System • Face to Face in Fort St. John only • 1 week intensive • June 21nd to 25th • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

COMM 350: Production & Operations Management • Video-conference from Prince George • Tuesdays & Thursdays • July 6 – August 17, 2010 • 6:00 – 9:00 pm

SOCW 443: Medical Social Work • Video-conference from Prince George • Fridays & Saturdays • May 28 – June 12, 2010 • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

ENGL 260: A Survey of Children’s Literature • Audio-conference • Tuesdays & Thursdays • May 4 – June 15, 2010 • 6:00 – 9:00 pm • ENGL 480/680: Science Fiction • Video-conference • Tuesdays & Thursdays • May 4 – June 15, 2010 • 10:00 am –12:00 pm

SOCW 454/698: Disability Issues • Video-conference from Quesnel • 1 week intensive • July 19 – 23, 2010 • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

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WMST 100: Introducation to Women’s Studies • Video-conference from Terrace • Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays • July 5 – 26, 2010 • 12:30 – 4:30 pm

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Please check our website at www.unbc.ca for a complete listing of courses available. 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

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

Environmental assessment proceeds for controversial landfill By Matthew Bains PEACE REGION – It appears a controversial industrial landfill will be moving forward through an environmental assessment process despite the objections of Bessborough residents and Peace River Regional District directors. Earlier this year, regional directors listened to members of the Bessborough Landowners’ Association, who were strongly opposed to the Sunrise Secure Landfill, proposed by Calgary-based CCS Corporation. In response, directors passed a motion to ask the Minister of Environment to put a halt to the environmental assessment process so those issues could be dealt with. However, Minister Barry Penner replied in a letter that he would be forwarding the concern on to the Environmental

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Assessment Office. The minister has the authority under legislation to halt any environmental assessment process, but he did not indicate he would be doing so in this case. Representatives from CCS were asked to make a presentation on the project with regional directors at their meeting on April 22. Todd Sauve, manager of development for CCS, said his company is confident they can address many of the residents’ concerns through that process. He added, in regards to concerns about the impact to property values, that his company may negotiate compensation with landowners outside of the environmental assessment process. “Let us work through the assessment process,” said Sauve. “We Matthew Bains photo know all the issues and there’s a Todd Sauve with CCS Corporation made a presentation to regional directors lot around landfills because people on April 22 regarding an industrial landfill proposed for the rural community don’t understand them.” of Bessborough. He said his company will address residents’ concerns through He said they’ve heard residents’ consultation and mitigation as part of the provincial environmental assessment concerns about the proposed loca- process. tion and in response they will subing agricultural land out of production. mit an alternate site – about three Sauve told directors that those sites were chosen primarily kilometres up Road 237 and east of the Hats and Chaps Gymbecause of their central location to wells being drilled in the khana Society – to the Environmental Assessment Office. However, the alternate location doesn’t sit well with resi- region, as well as the presence of a thick enough layer of clay dents adjacent to that site. Judy Madden wrote to directors necessary to contain industrial wastes safely. He said if either location is approved to be constructed, stating that while she is not in close proximity to the site, there are four residents within 1.2 kilometres. She said there the site will include high-density polyethylene liners on top is a creek system running through that area that residents de- of the layer of clay to prevent leachate from contaminating pend on for residential and/or livestock use and any contami- groundwater. He said any leachate from the ground or surnation, interruption or diversion of that water supply would face water runoff would be collected, stored and disposed of in accordance with provincial regulations. be unacceptable to them. He added waste arriving at the landfill would be screened Madden added she doesn’t believe any site between the 212 Road and the 214 Road west to the Mason/Semple Road before a Waste Approval Application is granted and random is a suitable location for an sampling would be conducted to ensure compliance. He said industrial landfill, because of no naturally-occurring radioactive materials would be acthe number of residents, their cepted at the site. More on this story in an upcoming edition of the Northeast dependency on surface water sources and the impact of tak- News.

FORT ST. JOHN Co-operative Association

Notice of 65th Annual General Meeting Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010 Time: Supper 5:45 pm, Meeting 7:00 pm Location: Pomeroy Hotel 11308 Alaska Rd (By Chances Casino)

• • • • •

To Consider Review 2009 financial statement. Directors recommendation of a patronage allocation of $ 2 million or 6% of 2009 purchases From Equity, cash back approximately $1.7 million to be paid to Co-op members $42,000 income tax and $360,000 general reserve Election of 2 Directors for 3 year term Guest Speaker FCL Director Co-op Gift Certificates and Door Prizes Valued at $500.00

Complimentary tickets for supper must be picked up prior to May 7 at the Co-op Cardlock Sorry no children please. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Interested in letting your name stand for the Board of Directors of Fort St. John Co-operative Association? Directors participate jointly with a total of 7 Directors in planning and controlling the affairs of the co-operative, guided by Association Bylaws and Policies, so that it effectively moves toward achieving the objectives of the Co-operative. Please pick up a nomination form at the Administration Office. The form should be dropped off at the office prior to May 7, 2010.

Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

Page 5

Western Coal to triple operations in the Peace over three years

consultation with the public and First Nations. The application will be submitted in June with public meetings in Chetwynd in June and July. All this means huge employment opportunities, said Bays. Western Coal estimates hiring about 500 more workers for its operations in the Northeast over the next three years, nearly doubling the existing 580 employees presently staffed. “We have in all our contract language requirements for our people we do business with to employ local people, including First Nations communities,” said Bays. He said currently about 72 per cent of the people employed at the mines live in the region, including 80 per cent of employees at the Matthew Bains photo Wolverine Mine who live in TumRobert Bays with Western Coal discusses his company’s expansion plans in the bler Ridge. region with regional directors on April 22. He added the company has held two local job fairs and a recruitBy Matthew Bains ment campaign and over 500 qualPEACE REGION – Western Coal has announced large ified applicants have responded. expansion plans for its mines in the BC Peace Region, When asked, Bays acknowledged coal is a significant which will bring 500 new jobs into the area. source of greenhouse gas emissions, and said the indusRobert Bays, vice president and general manager of try must look at reducing those emissions to adapt to operations in Northeast BC, told Peace River Regional emerging regulations. District directors on April 22 that his company will inHe said his company is working with the Mining Asvest more than $650 million over the next three fiscal sociation of BC and BC Hydro to conduct baseline studyears to triple production at Willow Creek and Brule, ies to establish what efficiencies can be gained and what and the Wolverine Mine near Tumbler Ridge, from two standards could be implemented in its operations. million to six million tonnes. “We feel it’s in our interest to be part of that process He said a rebound in the demand for coal, specifically rather than stand back and let someone do it for us,” he in the Asian markets, and a drop in unit costs to less than said. $100 a tonne from over $130 a tonne, will allow Western Chetwynd Mayor Evan Saugstad said the expansion Coal to better ride out the ups and downs of the market. plans are welcome news, especially if it means more sta“We have to get out of, from our historical relationship bility for employees living in the area. with the market, being a swing producer,” said Bays. “That is the biggest con“We’ll be able to sustain the operations and not have it cern. A small community, where we turn these things on and then turn them off.” to build itself up only to He said permits are in place for a new pit expansion at watch your major industry Brule. Construction of a road to link that mine to Wil- disappear, doesn’t serve low Creek is underway, as is construction of new on-site anybody well,” said the facilities and power lines. mayor, referring to the Willow Creek has been reopened and mining has re- struggles experienced since started under the old mining permit, but the company the global economic receswill seek a new permit to expand the mine. That process sion. will include environmental and engineering studies, and He said developers are

hesitant to build in Chetwynd, waiting to see if Western Coal can survive and thrive in the new market environment. He said if the company can demonstrate that, new workers are more likely to stay in the community. As for environmental concerns, Saugstad said the Willow Creek expansion will be subject to an environmental assessment process and council will be watching closely.

Page 6

April 29, 2010

Words of Opinion

The debate begins

Northeast NEWS

EDITORIAL

It’s been decades for Northeast residents waiting for the final decision on the Site C dam and, while the decision has only been to move to Stage 3 of consultations on the project, it seems a decision has made. This has left a mix of emotions, which truly are justified. On the one end, there are concerns. From an environmental perspective, there’s worries over the amount of prime agricultural lands that will be flooded if the dam were to go through. A justified concern when you think about food security issues and the desire for people to eat locally. Add on top of that the concern for emissions from the project, especially during construction, and why wouldn’t people worry? That’s just to name a few. That’s not to say, however, there are no benefits because it seems there will be. With upwards of 35,000 direct and indirect jobs stemming from the possible construction of the project, there are sure to be people – and families – coming to the community. This, in turn, provides economic benefits to the city and the region. Add on top of that the infrastructure development that would, hopefully, come together if the project were to move forward – businesses, housing and the like – and, again the region benefits. Hopefully all these things will be looked at before an official decision is made on the project. While many believe the choice to go to Stage 3 consultations is more or less a subtle way of saying it’s a go ahead for the project, officials indicate it is not. So, if that’s the case, those who believe either for or against the project need to advocate those beliefs before it’s too late.

MP Report

Bloc Quebecois and the NDP reject represenation by population

A debate took place in the House of Commons this week that was so rife with hypocrisy and so blatantly antidemocratic that I would normally view it as a waste of precious time in the chamber. However, in this case the debate served to reveal to Canadians a clear confirmation of the Bloc Quebecois’ motivation and an indisputable demonstration that the New Democratic Party’s very name is misleading. Let me explain. Opposition Supply Days permit opposition parties to choose the subject of debate in the House. If there is an issue they believe the Government has not sufficiently addressed on behalf of Canadians, they can table a motion and the matter is thoroughly debated and voted upon by all Members of Parliament. This week, the Bloc had their supply day. Their motion called for a guarantee that Quebec’s number of seats in the

The New Democratic Party proposed House of Commons would never fall below 25 per cent even though Quebec diminished representation for Canada’s does not hold 25 per cent of Canada’s other provinces with a guarantee that Quebec will always have population. 24.3 per cent of MPs Now, I know many of my (their current percentage) constituents are thinking in perpetuity no matter about the irony that came to what its population … my mind when I first heard how ‘democratic’ is that? about this scheme by the In complete contrast, Bloc. This is the same party our Conservative Governwhich was founded and opment has taken concrete erates entirely upon the ultilegislative action to enmate goal of Quebec having sure that, to the greatest zero seats in the House of By Jay Hill extent possible, each CaCommons! nadian’s vote should carry What was far more surprising and hypocritical in the midst of equal weight. As the population of the country this debate was that the NDP proposed an amendment to the Bloc’s motion. changes and evolves, the seat counts And the solution their party found fa- must be adapted. In the absence of legvourable and fair to Canadian voters? islation to make the necessary changes, Rather than the proposal by the Bloc the representation formula currently pefor Quebec’s seat count at 25 per cent... nalizes the provinces of British Colum24.3 per cent was the number proposed bia, Ontario and Alberta with underrepresentation in the House. by the NDP!

That’s why our Government introduced Bill C-12 which would update the formula to restore the principle of representation by population. We’ve taken a principled and democratic approach that strikes a balance between restoring fairer representation with an increase in seats for the faster growing provinces like BC, while protecting the existing seat counts of slower growth provinces. In the end, the NDP’s 24.3 per cent amendment was defeated, but NDP MPs refused to vote against the Bloc’s proposal for Quebec to have 25 per cent of seats in the House by abstaining from the vote. Fortunately, the Bloc’s motion was, in the end, defeated by those of us who believe in the principle of fair representation. While Canadians saw absolutely no benefit from the day’s debate, at least it was a confirmation of the Bloc’s selfinterest and voters across Canada are aware of the NDP’s rejection of representation by population.

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Northeast NEWS

FEEDBACK

April 29, 2010

Page 7

Respect is nil Site C another burden to Peace area residents Editor: On April 19, the “Campbell 5” aircraft entourage flew into the Hudson’s Hope airport in order to put the Liberal spin on the Site C project going forward. John Horgan stated it well when he pointed out in the Legislature later that same afternoon that Phase 3 could just as easily have been announced from Victoria. After all, this was not the “second coming of Christ.” Minister of Environment Barry Penner, meanwhile stayed behind in Victoria in order to field the questions that would surely follow. So, he was asked, “why did the Premier need to fly into this remove and secluded airport, in order to make the Stage 3 announcement when it could just as easily have been done in Victoria?” (not to mention the large black carbon footprint the Premier left behind in the Peace) Minister Penner stated that Campbell came to the Peace to show “respect” to the residents regarding the major issues that Phase 3 would present. This would all be fine and well if the citizens and residents were truly invited to the announcement. Instead, we saw rows of former (and exresident) Socreds and present day Cabinet members listening intently to the Premier’s speech. WAC Bennett’s grandson was one of the invited guests…and this was his first ever visit to the dam and his grandfather’s dam legacy. No, the real and affected residents in the Peace were “fenced out” by approximately 30 RCMP officers on duty apparently protecting the Premier and the entourage, keeping the peace. Meanwhile, Mr. Arthur Hadland, Area C Director, did not even receive an invitation by the Liberals for the Phase 3 announcement. Keep in mind that Site C will be located in Area C, no where near the WAC Bennett dam where the Premier’s presentation took place. Strange, that Minister Penner would suggest that Campbell came up here to show “respect” to the residents of the Peace. Gee…if this is Minister Penner’s example of “respect for the residents of the Peace”, I wonder what his contempt would look like? Rick Koechl, Area C Resident

Editor: We in the Peace so few, are providing so much and get so little in return and no recognition. We already have 15 turbines producing electricity – soon hundreds of windmills will be supplying BC. We also have huge quantities of natural gas, methane, oil, coal, sulphur and other minerals, timber, grain cattle, transportation etc. All this commodity brings considerable wealth to the companies exploiting them. The government, of course, has got a fair share of the revenues, the renting of the Queens land for the purpose of exploration, drilling or mining fill the coffer of the state, almost one billion a year. This permits the cushy salary and golden pension of our ‘little peoples’, slightly above what an average Canadian taxpayer will get, the building of sky trains, bridges, fancy expense buildings and most of all the extravagant quantity of millions shoveled with abandon to the profit of the Olympics. This has become

now something even the baron de Coubertin would not recognize. The entertainment of the elites by the elites, the glorification, like every sport in this day of the millionaire, pushing aside ordinary people who could not afford it. A short while ago private companies had an offer to build a small dam across rivers and creeks around “the best place on earth” who is apparently short of power. Immediately there was an uprising from the citizens, singing the chorus of ‘we want to keep our water free for the fish, future generations and our recreation.’ From that time we were doomed because all the eyes of the nation turned to the Peace. “Site C dam they yelled. There is that place nobody in the province knows about but they have a notion of an empty land inhabited by a few dangerous cowboys and Indians.” With Site C there will also be hundreds of windmills gracing every mountain top above 10 metres. In spite of their well known capacity, the politician cannot press on a button to order

more wind, and not having yet a direct line to the creator, sooner than later we will have coal burning systems and at the end, of course, nuclear power plants. As a friendly gesture of appreciation those courageous people being from “the best place on earth” have decided to add more weight to our overburdened shoulders – a carbon tax. With eight months of winter at minus 50 at a time and tens of thousand of kilometres a year on the speedometer, which means a lot of carbon taxes, it is equivalent to suggest as did a famous politician: “let the bastards freeze in the dark.” Our reward to be considered has a prolific cow milked dry to subsidize the rest of the land. That is not all my friends, we have another benefit, something nobody wants to talk about. There is more sickness in both side of the border – BC and Alberta. Pierre Bernard Chetwynd

Editor: zero-rated or exempt from the HST. My decision to support the implementation • Any goods or services that consumer does of HST is about what is best for Peace River not pay GST on today, they won’t pay HST on North and BC. There is so much misinforma- either. tion out there regarding the HST that I feel it’s • There will be point-of-sale rebates – similar necessary to state some facts. to PST exemptions for the provincial portion of Lower-income British Columbians unques- the HST – on gasoline or diesel fuel for motor tionably come out ahead with the HST and the vehicles, residential electricity and home heatassociated tax cuts and credits. ing fuels, books, children-sized clothing, chilSome facts to support this are: drens car seats and booster seats, diapers and • It will cost nothing more to fill your pre- feminine hygiene products. scriptions due to HST. • HST Tax credits will be paid quarterly with • It will cost nothing more to put gasoline in the GST credit, to more than 1.1 million British your vehicle due to HST. Columbians – one quarter of the population. • A provincially-administered point-of-sale • A $230 tax credit for each individual that rebate for residential energy will also ensure makes less than $20,000 per year. the HST will not increase consumers’ costs for • A $230 tax credit per family member for oil, electricity, natural gas or propane used to families with incomes up to $25,000. This heat or power homes. means $920 for a family of four. • It will cost nothing more to heat your • When combined with the recently introhomes due to HST. duced climate action credit, low-income Brit• Any item that presently has GST and PST ish Columbians will now be eligible for up to in the total cost will NOT change due to HST. $340 a year in provincial credits, in addition to • In addition, like the GST, the HST will not the existing GST credit. apply to basic groceries and residential rent, • Please keep in mind that for any person two items which account for a large proportion making less than $22,000 per year you have a of total expenditures by those with lower in- 100 per cent MSP subsidy, 80 per cent subsidy comes. Almost all other items that are currently for those from $22,001 to $24,000, 60 per cent zero-rated or exempt from the GST will also be subsidy for those from $24,001 to $26,000, 40 Children’s Consignment

per cent for those from $26,001 to $28,000 and 20 per cent for those from $28,001 to $30,000. • Since PharmaCare was introduced by this government low income families earning $14,000 or less per year, pay absolutely nothing for their prescription drugs. Any person born before 1939 earning less than $33,000 per year pays no deductable for PharmaCare. The deductible for a family with a net income of $30,000 was $1,000 prior to Fair PharmaCare. Today that deductible is $600. The maximum that same family would pay in one year prior to Fair PharmaCare was $2000. Today, that family only pays $900. For example, a single mother with one child earning $28,000 per year and $2,000 in annual drug costs pays 29 per cent less under the Fair PharmaCare plan than she did in 2001. • It is also very interesting to note that the income taxes paid by the average British Columbian were substantially higher in 2001 than they are today, even though everything else has gone up substantially. Every tax bracket was about 35 per cent higher than Alberta in 2001 and now we are the lowest in Canada in 2010 for any individual making $118,000 and less. To be continued in next week’s issue of the Northeast News. Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

Directors insist on improved communications in rural areas

Are you interested in learning more about Spectra Energy’s upcoming projects in the Northern Rockies? Spectra Energy is holding an Open House to provide information to local workers and contractors regarding its project activities in the area and the potential opportunities for involvement as a qualified and experienced contractor/worker related to our: • Fort Nelson Inlet Compression Project; • Fort Nelson North Processing Facility; and • South Maxhamish Loop Project* The Open House will provide an important opportunity for local workers and contractors to communicate their capabilities and offerings for these and future activities. Participants will receive information regarding potential opportunities associated with these projects as well as project pre-qualification requirements. Please join Spectra Energy and some of our prime contractors for this Open House on:

By Matthew Bains PEACE REGION – After nearly a year of waiting, the Peace River Regional District board of directors met with a representative from Telus on April 22 to discuss options to improve telecommunications in rural communities. Electoral Area E director Tim Caton had met with Telus representatives in March of last year to discuss the issue, but there was no follow-up since then. Davin Overland, service manager for the Northern Interior, apologized on behalf of his company for the delayed response to directors requests for a meeting to discuss the issue. Overland said the delay was caused by a change of management that resulted in the request for a meeting being lost in paperwork. Caton said he would like to see cellular service expanded to the East Pine, Groundbirch, Jackfish Lake and Moberly Lake areas. He said there are over 1,000 residents living in those areas who either don’t have any service at all or the service they do have is failing. Overland responded that while his

company is reviewing expanding coverage in those areas, it isn’t likely they could make a business case for building more cellular towers without partnerships with the communities or private companies. He said that could include partnering with oil and gas operators in the areas to attach to existing, privately-owned towers. He said any help to acquire land to build new towers would also be beneficial, because that would speed up the process. Caton also presented Overland with a petition signed by 121 residents of the Jackfish Lake community in regards to concerns about their existing telephone line. The petition stated the line was no longer adequate for their growing area. It said, for example, internet connections are so slow that children from that area are forced to stay after school at the Chetwynd Library and miss their bus home in order to complete their homework. Area C director Arthur Hadland said there are connection issues in rural areas of the North Peace as well. Overland agreed to meet with rural directors at their next meeting in May.

Break and enter on hospital site FORT ST. JOHN – On April 14, RCMP received a complaint reporting a break and enter and theft of several power tools from a seacan located on the new

Fort St. John Hospital construction site. If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to call the Fort St. John RCMP at (250) 787-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

Page 9

Allan Cup 2010 Flyers go undefeated in 102nd Allan Cup tournament

said Flyers captain David Alexander after the game. Flyers goalie, Clayton Pool, who stopped 24 shots against him during the game said the Flyers went into the tournament thinking they had a good shot at the championship – the way they played in the final proved that. “The first period was pretty solid, we were maybe a bit nervous and they had some chances, the second we played great, they only had six shots and we kind of held down the fort in the third, they got that one goal, but we kept at them and got the third one and then Melanie Robinson photo the fourth,” he said. “I In his first season with the Fort St. John Flyers, forward Chris Stevens scored six goals just tried to stay calm and during the Allan Cup tournament, including this one scored just 3 minutes into the sec- collected, didn’t want to ond period, bringing the score to 2 to 0 for the Flyers. The Flyers would end up winning get too nervous about the the Allan Cup championship by a score of 4 to 1 against the Bentley Generals. game or uptight, just stay relaxed and it worked out By Melanie Robinson pretty good.” FORT ST. JOHN – A thunderous noise engrossed the While Generals coach Brian Sutter admitted it was a North Peace Arena at the final buzzer of the Allan Cup disappointing loss for the team, he said the Flyers proved Championship – not only at the fact that a good game was themselves during the game and the tournament. played but that the local Fort St. John Flyers had won. The loss the Generals took in the first game against the The Allan Cup is the national senior men’s amateur Flyers however, was what made the rest of the week a championship and is something the Flyers have strived for challenge, he said. in the past but it was their rivals, and last year’s Allan Cup “What cost us was losing the first game because we had champions, the Bentley Generals who consistently beat to play four games in four nights,” he said. “We had to be them out before they had the chance to compete in the awfully strong-minded and we had to not make any mistournament. takes. Tonight, we didn’t make many but they scored on Fort St. John, however, got that opportunity when they hosted the championship from April 19 to 24. They also got the opportunity to face their rivals in the finals, which they went into as the only undefeated team in the tournament. That streak continued and the Flyers took the game with a 4 to 1 victory over the Generals with goals scored by Todd Alexander in the first period, Chris Stevens in the second and two scored in the third by Ryan Carter and Rod Stevens consecutively for the win. “To have them in the final was kind of what we were looking for. Anytime you want to win something, you want to beat the best team. Bentley’s been one of the better teams for the last three or four years so anytime you can beat a class organization like them is always a bonus,”

everyone that we did make.” Sutter said a number of the General’s players went into the game with injuries and, early in the second period, two of their defensemen – Darren Deschamps and Chad Beagle – left the game with further injuries. He said while the General’s didn’t walk away with the win, he was still impressed with the tournament overall. “The city did an incredible job,” he said. “I’m proud to be from Alberta but I could move up here, they’re my type of people. The town should be proud, the team should be proud, sponsors should be proud and the organization should be proud.” This year’s Allan Cup president, Paul Van Nostrand admitted those sentiments were certainly being felt by all. “It was like a script made in Hollywood having us playing Bentley in the final,” he said. “There’s such a history there for the last three or four years, they’re the defending champions so it couldn’t be better.” He said it took a couple years to build the club up to what it is today and he hopes the club will sustain it in order to compete in the future for the Allan Cup.

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

Melanie Robinson photo

The opening ceremonies of the 2010 Allan Cup meant a packed house at the North Peace Arena as residents and visitors alike got excited for a week of amazing hockey. In fact, throughout the week, whether the Fort St. John Flyers played or not, residents turned out to show their support for the tournament making a stop in the region.

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Olympic gold medalist in speed skating from Vancouver 2010, Denny Morrison and his brother Jay, also a speed skater, were welcomed by the Elks Speed Skating Club at the Enerplex on April 20, including 10 year-old member Eryn Stickel.

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Hockey fan or not, it’s exciting to get your picture with the Stanley Cup. Here, North Peace Care Centre resident Muriel Brown poses with employee Barb Durand and the cup. Other residents also got to enjoy the experience on site at the arena.

A number of Hometown Hero tributes were done throughout the week of hockey, including recognizing local swimmer Laura Jensen for her contributions to the sport.

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

AGRICULTURE

Page 11

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Lisa MacElheren photo

This grain elevator, located just outside of Dawson Creek on the highway to Fort St. John, was torn down on April 19 as a number of city residents looked on. No one could be reached for comment as to why the long-standing grain tower was torn down.

Peace Valley farmers worried about Site C impacts

By Matthew Bains PEACE REGION – As the Site C project moves ahead to Stage Three, farmers in the Peace River Valley are concerned their way of life will be irreversibly damaged if the dam is built. The proposed dam would be the third along the Peace River and would have the ability to power approximately 410,000

homes for 100 years with the electricity it produced. Ken and Arlene Boon have been farming in the Bear Flat area, along Highway 29 between Hudson’s Hope and Fort St. John, for nearly 12 years and his wife’s family had lived there since her grandfather bought the land in the 1940s. Story continued on Page 12

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April 29, 2010

Northeast NEWS

Peace Valley Farmers worried continued from page 11

Contributed photo

Ken Boon, a farmer in the Bear Flat area, said he doesn’t believe he will be able to continue farming there if the Site C dam is built.

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The approximately 526 hectare (1,300 acre) property, used mainly for hay development, but some grains, would be destroyed in some way or another by the dam’s construction, said Arlene, whether it be through the flooding from construction, the re-location of the highway or the potential transmission lines from the project. She said while hay may seem menial for those who do not understand agriculture, the fields in the Peace River Valley can be used for just about anything. “Today it’s hay but tomorrow it could be vegetable crops,” she said, adding it’s all a matter of looking after your soil to change the crops over. “It’s the quality of land that can be put into any other product when needed.” Ken said the flooding caused by the creation of another reservoir would likely wipe out their ability to farm. “We’ll lose most of our land here,” he said. “We would pretty much be done here for farming.” He said he doesn’t know exactly how much land will be affected because BC Hydro has yet to update the reservoir impact lines defined back in the 1980s. “We don’t know how much land we’re going to lose. We don’t know if our house will keep standing or not.” He said the area already has a history of landslides, and if a reservoir is created, he doesn’t think he could remain in his house even if it isn’t directly impacted by the flooding. “Would it even be safe for us to stay here? I doubt it,” he said. He added they’re also not sure how the realignment of the highway will affect them, because BC Hydro has indicated they are looking at two options. “None of them make any sense,” said Boon. “Just crossing Cache Creek here would be, in its own right, a megaproject. They have to cross about a quartermile of canyon and it’s going to be a fill with a culvert at the bottom. It’s like a dam.” His neighbour, Larry Peterson, made a presentation to the Peace River Regional District board of directors last year, warning of the impacts to agriculture posed by Site C. He said Bear Flat has some of the most productive agricultural land in the province because of its unique climate and Class 1 soils – the soil with the fewest limitations and most

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suitable for agricultural crops. “This land has the capability to produce enough food to feed the entire North for 100 years,” he told directors. Petersen said he is concerned not only about the flooding of farmland, but the rise in water levels and how that would affect the climate. “It would eliminate all the Class 1 climate capabilities of the entire Valley. The growing days would be less,” he said, referencing the drop in temperatures in the Valley and how the atmosphere would change. Siobhan Jackson, environmental/special issues manager for the Site C project with BC Hydro, said historical data indicates that 106 hectares (262 acres) of land with Class 1 soil, and 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres) of land with Class 1 to 3 soils would be affected by the project. Class two soils have some minor limitations but is suitable for a wide range of crops, while Class 3 soils have serious limitations to agricultural development. Jackson said that represents about four per cent and 18 per cent, respectively, of the total land with class 1 to 3 capabilities in the entire Peace River Valley. “The vast majority of the lands that people talk about with reference to Class 1 to 3 lands are downstream of the project or would be unaffected by the project,” said Jackson. She added it’s not clear how many hectares are currently being cultivated, but that will be determined in the future. However, she said more work will be undertaken in Stage Three to understand the impact to agriculture. “Across all of the areas, we’ll be identifying and evaluating potential mitigation strategies that would be available.” Those strategies, she added, have not been discussed at this time. Arlene said at this point, there have been no discussions around compensation for the land loss from the dam that she knows of among Peace Valley farmers. She said she would not be having those discussions until a decision is made on whether the project will be built. Jackson said a long-term climate monitoring program for the Peace River Valley is being developed, as well as weather and water temperature models to predict changes resulting from the project.

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April 29, 2010

Page 13

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The Cat Rental Store® is an equal opportunity employer.

Subway is seeking full time personnel to join our dynamic team as a:

FOOD COUNTER ATTENDANT Responsibilities include: Food Preparation, Cash handling, Dishwashing Order taking, Filling and restocking products, Sandwich making, Customer service, Maintaining a clean work environment for customers and staff The successful candidate must have good communication skills and have good problem solving skills. No experience needed. Salary ranges between $10.00 - $13.00 per hour. Shifts vary mornings, evening and days. Please email resumes to shoath@northwestel.net Mail to: Subway South Box 1773 Fort Nelson BC V0C-1R0 Subway 4904 50th Ave N Fort Nelson BC Before April 30th 2010

Fort NelsoN

Now taking applications for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. Call our office for more information or one of our Professional Site managers! Alpine- Bruce 250-785-1882 Bona Vista - Natasha 250-787-1075 Sandalwood- Bob 250-262-2011 Hillcrest- Glen 250-261-4216 Driftwood- Bob 250-262-2011 Melsher- Office 250-785-2662 Maplewood- Bob 250-262-2011 Graham- Office 250-785-2662 Killarney- Bob 250-262-2011 Ambassador- Office 250-785-2662 Green Glen- Bob 250-262-2011 Phone - Office 250-785-2662 Email: reception@licar.ca

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Job #: BCP-ZAA-190E

April 29, 2010

Posted: Resize

CLASSIFIEDS

Size: 3 col (5.04)

Lines: 5 inches

Northeast NEWS

Publications: Northeast News Operator: CT/MW

Sign-off: Dawn/Angela

Proofread: Pam

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Ministry of Children and Family Development

Rewarding Social Service Opportunities Locations across B.C. Have a positive impact on the lives of children and families across B.C. We currently have opportunities in the following areas of expertise: l l l l

Child Protection Worker Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician Child and Youth Mental Health Team Leader Integrated Team Leader

Please visit our website for detailed role descriptions, a list of communities currently offering positions and to discover the benefits of working with us.

To learn more about these positions and the opportunities available with the BC Public Service, visit

employment.gov.bc.ca CAREER Training

UNBC MBA INforMAtIoN SeSSIoNS fort St JohN (Video Conference) APrIl 14 & 28 – Room 202 MAy 5 & 19 – Room 202 4:00 PM – UNBC Peace river-liard Campus, 9820-120th Avenue

Reserve Your Seat

Information session seating is limited. Please register at www.unbc.ca/mba or call 1-877-220-3622, to reserve your seat. We look forward to meeting you. www.unbc.ca/business

www.unbc.ca/mba

Business Opportunity

Investors wanted Overseas or Canada to purchase mill in Fort Nelson, BC and restructure for a flour mill production. Contact: John Stender 780.837.6337 or Glen Martin 780.788.9747

Investors wanted global or local to develop Sea water conversion using Geothermal energy to create massive fresh water for the future. Call: John Stender 780.837.6337 or Glen Martin 780.788.9747

Business Opportunity

Investors wanted Overseas or local North America to purchase OSB Plant in Fort Nelson, BC for major refrigeration storage facility. Contact: John Stender 780.837.6337 or Glen Martin 780.788.9747

Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 15

CAREER OPPORTUNITY Husky Transport is currently seeking

BED TRUCK OPERATOR for full-time employment. Please apply in person with resume and drivers abstract. Valid drivers license required. Phone 250-785-8335

At Encana, quality work and innovation are the norm thanks to our greatest resource – our people. As a pure-play unconventional natural gas producer, we unlock quantities of a clean, abundant fuel to power the 21st century. As an employer, we unlock the potential of our people to power a dynamic workplace of flexibility and innovation. Join our team and you’ll find a rewarding career in an exciting, fast-paced environment – one designed to enhance and celebrate your skills, enthusiasm and leadership.

Notice

We are currently looking for:

EH&S Coordinator Location: Dawson Creek Area Application Deadline: May 6, 2010

Visit www.encana.com for more information on this position and to apply online. We thank you for your interest, however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.encana.com

EXPERIENCED

Environmental Assessment of the Proposed CCS Sunrise Secure Landfill Project

Regional Field Sales Personnel Fort St. John & Surrounding Area

Open House and Invitation to Comment CCS Corporation (Proponent) is proposing to develop a new secure landfill located approximately 15 km west of Dawson Creek (proposed Project). At this stage in the environmental assessment process, two locations are being considered for the proposed Project. The proposed Project is a secure landfill for the storage, treatment or disposal of hazardous waste and is subject to review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act. The Proponent must obtain an environmental assessment certificate before any work can be undertaken on the proposed Project. However, prior to submission of an application (Application) for a certificate by the Proponent, the Environmental Assessment Office of British Columbia (EAO) must first approve the Information Requirements. The Information Requirements will specify the studies to be conducted and the detailed information to be provided by the Proponent in its Application. The EAO has now received the draft Information Requirements from the Proponent and invites comments on this draft. In order to provide information about the Information Requirements, and to receive comments from the public, the EAO invites the public to attend an Open House. There will be one Open House, to be held as follows: at: George Dawson Inn, Dawson Creek, BC on: May 6 from: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a presentation by the EAO on the process with an opportunity to ask questions about the process. A second presentation will also be given by the Proponent in relation to the proposed Project. If you are unable to attend the Open House, you may still wish to make a written submission. There are 30 days for the submission of comments by the public in relation to the draft Information Requirements. The comment period will begin on May 6, 2010 and end at midnight on June 7, 2010 All comments received during this comment period in relation to the Information Requirements will be considered. NOTE:

The intention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects – environmental, economic, social, heritage and health – that might result from the Project are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process. At this stage of the process, the primary intent is to receive feedback about the studies or information required for a comprehensive environmental assessment. After taking public comments into account, the EAO will finalize the Information Requirements and issue them to the Proponent. The EAO accepts public comments through the following ways: • By Online Form at http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca • By Mail: Gerry Hamblin Project Assessment Manager Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9V1 • By Fax: Fax: 250-356-6448

An electronic copy of the Information Requirements and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Copies of the Information Requirements are also available for viewing at these locations: •

Dawson Creek Municipal Library 1001 McKellar Ave, Dawson Creek BC V1G 4W7

•

Bessborough Hall 6888 - 243 Rd, Bessborough BC V1G 4E7

If you are unable to participate at this time, there will be an additional comment period during the Application review stage when you will also be able to provide comments to EAO on the proposed Project.

All submissions received by the EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed Project are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website. While EAO will withhold your name and location upon request, all comments will be posted. The EAO does not accept confidential submissions.

United Safety is the leading provider of specialized safety services to the energy resource industry. At United Safety we foster an environment of employee challenge, growth and advancement opportunities. An organization which prides itself in responsible care, reliability, quality and a passion to make a real difference. We are currently seeking an Experienced Regional Field Sales Representative for Fort St. John, BC & surrounding area. The person must be well-organized, career oriented and have 3 – 5 years oilfield sales experience. Individuals with a strong work ethic, professional attitude and genuine interest in a dynamic career are encouraged to apply.

WE OFFER: • • • • • •

A work schedule to balance work & personal life Extended health & benefit plan Retirement savings program Paid sick day & bereavement leave Paid recertification & specialized training Career advancement

The following safety certificates are required as a minimum: • Enform H2S Alive • Enform Petroleum Safety Training (PST) with Options 8, 9, 10, 11 and Safe-T Disc (CSTS) • Standard First Aid This position is safety sensitive & requires the following: • Physical Demands Test • Medical Test (eye, hearing, PFT) • Drug & Alcohol Test • Driving Test • Drivers’ Abstract (current within 10 days) If you are interested & possess the requirements, please forward your resume, certificates & current driver’s abstract in confidence to Recruitment & Training: 104 East Lake Road NE, Airdrie, AB T4A 2J8 Email: careers@unitedsafety.net Phone # (403) 945-5000

Fax # (403) 948-6768

Please reference the position when applying.

Read about us and to apply online: www.unitedsafety.net “Working safe is a condition of employment” United Safety is an equal opportunity employer and encourages a diverse workforce.

Experienced Regional Field Sales Personnel April 23, 2010

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April 29, 2010

career opportunity

rentals

T.R.A.D.E.S.

AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING

Trade Referral Assessment, Direct Employment Strategy

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY We are seeking a motivated, outgoing self starter and team player with at least one Trade Certification to work as a Trade Employment Counselor in our Fort St. John office. Requirements:  Ability to provide one-on-one interview or counseling and skill assessment.  Public speaking skills or facilitator experience including ability to prepare and present to groups using power point overheads.  Good people skills and ability to network with organizations, associations, agencies and employers.  Qualifications should include BCTQ and/or Inter-Provincial Trade Certification.  Excellent knowledge of the Trades and Apprenticeship process.  Knowledge of Apprenticeship/employer incentives and related government programs.  Proficient computer skills and ability to work with data base records.  Knowledge of and possible links with employers throughout North and South Peace BC and Liard areas; also knowledge of the trades, type of technologist, technicians and skilled trades they employ will be an asset.  Valid BC Drivers License and dependable transportation. (Travel is required) www.tradesbc.org Only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Forward Cover Letter and Resume by fax: 250-263-0048 or E-mail: tradesne@telus.net Closing date: 4:30 p.m., Monday, May 17, 2010. Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development fund

rentals

BC Native Housing Corporation Applicants are needed in the following areas:

For All your Residential, Commercial and Strata Management Services

Kelly Lake and Moberly Lake Families with low to moderate income preferred. To apply call the Prince George office

@ 250-562-9106

Ready For Spring Cleaning?

We clean Vinyl siding, Windows in/out and Eavesthroughs 15 Years Experience. Call Yves Bernier: 250-719-0744 or Cell: 250-719-8731

Psychic Sharon, Psychic from Vancouver will be in town May 11-17th. For appointment, please call: 250.827.3252

RENTALS

Northeast NEWS

SERVICES

Misc Wanted

Need cash? We buy silver and gold in any form. Broken or unwanted jewelry and coins. By appointment. ID required. Phone: 250.782.7609

SPACIOUS

Lost

14024

upcoming event

Himilayan / Persian cat – SMOOSH. Missing from 8828 107A Avenue. Coat shaved and shades of gray. Has blue eyes. Is very shy and likes to hide, may be hiding in your garage.$500.00 reward for his safe return. Please call Lindsay or Norm 250-787-9460 Northeast British Columbia

business& professional glass

Glass 2009 People’s Choice Award Winner

Directory refrigeration

◉ Windshields ◉ Custom Showers ◉ Flooring

◉ Windows and doors

*Free In Home Consultations

250-785-6409 9708-108 St Fort St John

locksmith

Locksmith Automotive Chipped Transponder Keys Available

CommerCial & residential refrigeration Heating & air Conditioning applianCe parts & drop – off applianCe repair

• MASTER KEY SYSTEMS • LOCKOUT BOARDS • PADLOCKS

250-785-6409 9708-108 St Fort St John

Jim King info@kingcool.ca

want to advertise in the business directory? call

ph: 250.787.1688 fax: 250.787.1682

10704-101 ave fort st. John, BC V1J 2B9

1.877.787.7030

Northeast NEWS Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

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May 21, 2009

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Community UPCOMING Calendar

May hanging baskets, flowers, photography several children’s ed when burglars broke into their emonies African home in 2008. Come April13 29to June 17 May 8 and grand march. We are in need of cut• Tuesdays: TR Seniorsand (55+) Drop-In – Floor •• Are living with chronic health condition? Univercategories. the flower show book incard several locations. andMother’s hear theDay testimony onwith how God’s love carried the Burgens Aprilyou storytimes forapre-schoolers ages one The • Come celebrate weekend volunteers and donations. Any one wantingLook to for curling, carpet bowling, & board games, sity of Victoria Northern to of-legend ONGOING through ordeal. ThisofCanadian couple from Vernon, BCcarldes@telus.net, have to two years-oldand from 10:15 toHealth 10:45Authority a.m. at theare pleased the country great the impressionist Patsy volunteer contact Carl: any coffee & cookies. Community Centre Room 5 Fort St. Johnfrom 1-4 pm. Small drop-in fee. fer HealthyLibrary. Life with Conditions’ in Fort St.Robbins, chosenJohnny forgiveness, returning to continue thecontact missionary Fort‘Living St. Johna Public ForChronic more informaCline, Marty Cash, and Juneare Cartdonations please Shelley: Cardex1@ • The Fort Women’s Resource Society is seeking motiJohn. Thisthefree six-session workwith theyspecial startedguest in Kenya. wells,and growing food, and contact tion, call library at (250)education 785-3731.program for persons er, host living Minnie Pearl CousinDrilling telus.net any prize donations Jenn:St. JohnTaylor volunteer team.and If helping sparks with chronic health 9900 100outhelping to support The event is at Quality Inn at vated people to join •their April 29 and 30 conditions will be available at #300, Clair. Come for a night of funsix at orphanages. Sudeten tjbell@telus.net. Civil Air Search Rescuepeople (CASARA) your interest dropmeetings by the office #201, 10142-100 Avenue. The workshop meets for six Wednesday fromopen7 at p.m. • The Fort St. John Alliance Church clothing evenings Hall. Doors 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 Fort Nelson everyat second Tuesday atAve. the (above Taylor Girl Guides ThriftFire Store) 6give-away p.m. to 8:30 Toplace register or for more information, Terry MayDoor 28 prizes. Admission willp.m. take with everyone wel- p.m.call with refreshments. • Alcoholics Anonymous - Monday 8 p.m. Halloratcall 7 250-787-1121. p.m. For information call Bob at Youth Relapse PreventionorGroup may be held weekly, in Cayer tollquestions free at 1-866-902-3767 or e-mail tcayer@For more • Abbeyfield Houses of Fort is holding their AGM at (closed• A come. -IfCordinator you have any about this event, by donation. information at (250) 782-St. John Catholic Church Basement meeting); 250-789-9152 250-787-5802. the Basement; afternoons at Mental Addiction #300 dccnet.com. Space is limitedChurch. so call today. 7 p.m. at Northern Lights College. Wednesday Everyone welcome. Direc- Church please contact the Alliance 3365. 8 p.m. Catholic • The Health Alaska and Highway RRAServices, (Recreation Air-9900 – 100 Ave.craft ForAssociation) more information call Chris Shaun at May tors and volunteers needed. Memberships will8bep.m. soldCatholic prior to Church April23 29 to May 1 May 8 Thursday Basement; meets every third or Thursday at 250-262-5269. •• First annualisPeace Palaeontology Symposium featurmeeting ($10). Please come outSaturday and support our home for Cafeteria; The King AliveRegion and Well and Appearing • The DawsontheCreek Horticultural Society 8 p.m. Hospital Sunday 8 the Taylor Fire Hall at 7:30 p.m. For information • The Citizenscall Patrol is seeking people whoorcan volunteer at ing the fourth annual Fossil Show,Mr. speakers, and senior’s Clara at in Fort St. John. The KingRoad himself, Elvis door willprizes be sponsoring a freeindependent Show and living! Grow For af- more p.m.information Friendship call Centre. Richard at 250-782-2421 Heath at (250) fiveCathhours a month. Perfect for those new to town, those conguided activities. Held the Tumbler 785-6450. Presley,children’s plays a key role in the finalatshow of the Ridge ternoonPublic from 1 to(250) 4 p.m. in the Farmers Market • Cocaine Anonymous - Tuesdayleast 8 p.m. 785-4758. cernedHospital about safety,Dawson who want to make the community a safer Library andStage Curling Rink. For more information (250) May 29lot. Ages five to 12 to olic Church Basement; Friday 8 p.m. season for North Theatre Society. In the contact tent on the Co-Op parking Creek play. Callfor coordinator Connieand 250-262242-3466. Access in Fort St. John. Stay tuned to the place to work, live •and production of Toronto, Mississippi by Joan Ma- be accompanied by•adults andAwareness ages 13 toDay 16 are Cafeteria. Craft group Mental Health Addic4530 orLights RCMP liaison Rick 250-787-8100. May the 23 King is portrayed by long-time Stage welcome. Plant aNortheast for more cLeod, sunflowerNews to show at theinformation. fall • Alanon - Tuesday 8 p.m. Northern tions Clients. Meets Thurs 1:30 -3:30 at 1017• Alcoholics Anonymous - If you think might have a prob• Country dance Farmington featuring 40! or plant May North member BlairatScott. The storyHall follows the Highway fair in August an 30 upside down tomato in College (back door). 103 Ave., Dawson Creek.you (250) 782-4410. lem with Call for timesAnonymous and places or- meets someone to talk to Dance fromand 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., minors. Tickets each, avail• The Fort Nelson Woman of Industry holding aCancer golf tournadynamics heartache of anosplit family with $15 a recycled pop bottle. • TheisCanadian Society Relay Fordrinking. Life • Alcoholics Mon., Tues., able Store.father For more information, Clarisse ment at the golf course. Lots of door prizes, putterwill to be KingatasFarmington the long absent returning home call May 8 in Fort Nelson bewon held and on June250-785-8866. 5th. To reg- Fri., & Sat., 8 p.m. at Peace River Health Unit. Fort Nelson Wed. 8 p.m. Hospital Education Room. All (250) extra prize if a member brings a ister friendgothat becomes a member. or call to his843-7954. daughter, Jhana, and her mother, Maddie. • The DawsonanCreek Kiwanis Community to www.cancer.ca/relay Carmella • Alcoholics Anonymous Monday 8 p.m. Catholic Church May 24by another long-time member, Terry Band and Majorettes Pleasepresent RSVP their to Karen Directed 14thProuse annualat kprouse@sd81.bc.ca at (250) 500-2499 meetings are-open. Basement (closed meeting); 8 p.m.7:30 Catholic Church • TheTickets Forgotten Houseat--the Grizzly mati- andMay 30 dinner at KPAC Boyle. available NorthValley PeacePlayers Cul- present spring aconcert Schnitzel Pouce Coupe • Mile 0Wednesday Al-Anon meets to 8:30 p.m. Basement; Thursday 8 p.m. Catholic Church Basement; Saturday nee 3 p.m.orinonline Room of the Community Centre1100 in Tumbler The Welcome events, the• Alcoholics Baby Shower and GrandturalatCentre at 5tickets.npcc.bc.ca/. 95 Avenue in•Dawson Creek. Wagon Doors open Anonymous - Friday 8 p.m. Old every Tuesday evening at Parkhill Community SundayStreet, 8 p.m.Dawson Friendship Centre Ridge. parentatShowcase willdinner be taking at the(closed). Stonebridge Hotel at 1 8 p.m. Hospital Cafeteria; May 1 at 5:30 p.m. Concert 6 p.m. and at 7place Library 250-786-0155. School 9700-5th Creek. • Cocaine Anonymous - Tuesday 8 p.m.Mental CatholicHealth Church BaseMay 29 toSpring 31 Tea at South Peace United p.m. Tickets arep.m. The Bridal Showcase will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Pouce Coupe Community • UCW available at Simple Pleasures • Youth Drop-In • Relapse Prevention. and Adment;Saturday Friday 8 p.m. Hospital Cafeteria. • Couple’s Retreat at The King’s May 30members. For more Church Annex (the old Pouce library). Church Upper“Love Hall, and 1300Romance” 104 Avenue in DawKPACValley and from all band dictions 1017-103rd Ave., Dawson Creek, (250) 8 p.m.Fridays Northernfrom Lights (back door). Christian For further informa-call Cheryl • Theat 34 annual Trutch Gymkhana being held at thep.m. Mile son CreekCamp. from Accommodation 1:30 p.m. to 3:30available. p.m. Enjoy information (250) 782-5323. nightsis7:30 p.m. to 9:30 All teens• Alanon ages 13-toTuesday 782-4410. 10 College to 11 a.m. Everyone Pouce Coupe welcome! Please call to confirm meeting. tion or registration call (250) 827-3549. 206 Trutch Rodeo Grounds, lots of17 camping space available and a sandwhiches and dainties. May 8 welcome. • Alcoholics Anonymous - FridayCancer 8 p.m.Society Old Library May be on Great family fun, all ages ride!! Please May17 1 to June 28 • Spring Tea concession and Quilt will Show at site. Parkland Chetwynd • The Canadian Relay(closed). For Life •• Triathlon Training clinics are coming to Fort John. Come call Beth 262-5712 Local author Sharlene Weingart will read her St.School in Farmington fromat1(250) to 4 p.m. Cost isfor $4 more •information. Alcoholics Anonymous meets250-786-0155 Tuesday and in Dawson Creek will be held on June 5th. To • Computer at thego Pouce Coupe Seniors Hallor every out learn about triathlon and Takes get prepared local upcomJune newand children’s book ‘Mommy Away’for at theper person at the door for4Strawberry Shortcake. Friday at 8 p.m. at the Public Library, 5012 46 Class register to www.cancer.ca/relay call MonMarie from784-1913. 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Low Iming triathlons.Creek HeldPublic on May 3, 4, and 6 areBook clinics on • Ladies ofattown dinner in conjunction with the Oil Men’s day and Wednesday the Dawson Library at 2 p.m. Forswimming more information phoneout Kim the FarmerStreet. 250-788-9658 at (250) pactatexercise from 10:30-11:30 a.m.Dawson Open stroke bikebring tuning andgrown-up equipment and Golf Tournament presented by OilWives FSJ. Cocktails signingimprovement, to follow. Kids your ettestriathlon. Club at (250) 843-7018. • NAClub meetsofWednesday at 8 p.m. the Air-class every • TheThursday Canadian Cancer Society, callthe Carol 250-786-5673 Come hearafternoon from local triathletes and ask questions events, at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. at port the Pomeroy Inns and Suites. to everyone! For more for a fun including a sing-along with about ONGOING waiting room. Creekinformation Unit, meets lastatMonday of every Chetwynd month, September to June, at 7 p.m. in their oftraining, preparation andfun, anything else you like. Sign Fort up atSt. theJohn Tickets are $50 and include: entertainment, dinner, dessert, wine, Barb Munro, playdough busy hands, WOW Tumbler Ridge • Alcoholics Mondayinand FridayCreek. New at 8 p.m. at North Peace Amazing Leisure Pool or and contact Becky or Anonymous jewellry draw, and door Tickets available at Flow-- meeting bus, Betty’s Faces more. This at is a(250)787-5780 • Alcoholics - Ifgames you think you prizes. • Alcoholics Anonymous Wed. 8 Anonymous fice at 1000meets 105 Avenue Dawson Friendship Centre. 250-788-9658 bkeim@fortstjohn.ca information. ers bywith Tamee, Frontier Jewellers. (250) 785-8737 or theChurch). free library fun event. for Callmore for more information might have a problem drinking, come to an Call p.m.Marlene 115 Commercial Park (Baptist volunteers always welcome. • NA meets Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Airport waiting room. Upcoming local Triathlons include: at (250) 787-5100 for more information. (250) 782-4661. AA meeting. CallDebbie for times and places • Tuesdays & Thursdays: Minor ball 5 pm-7 pm at Chetwynd Dawson June 6 785-8866. May 2 Creek May 24 or someone to talk to (250) Fort St.Him JohnisJune 7 on With the Song’ with • Rotary Sclerosis Manor Annual Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Ballpark & Rec. Centre Diamonds. • Unto ‘Going • Fort St. John Multiple Tumbler Ridge Fortartist Nelson June 28 at 7 p.m. at the North support group. If1121-90 Avenue.you Household items, tools, toys, furniture, coffee guest Judy Dueck you or anyone • Alcoholics Anonymous - meeting Wed. 8 p.m. 115 ComMayCultural 12 to July 28 Tickets are $15, available know has MS andand donuts and much more. Donations welcome after May 4 (no Peace Centre. have any questions Relapse Prevention Group - Tuesdays - 8:30 appliances please). at •the cultural centre or by calling (250)from 785-6:30or just p.m. needatto talk, please call SusieAll proceed to toward resident programs and mercial Park (Baptist Church). • Mondays: Bingo - 6 pm doors open, 7 pm games begin. ComMental Health & Addiction Services.last Contact Dennisatat(250) (250)262activities. Rain or shine, no early birds, there will be no sales be1992. This will be Brian Shrum’s concert 785-2381 or Sandi at (250) munity Centre Rms. 4&5. 5269. fore 9 a.m. with the group. Join them as they bid farewell to 787-2652. • Tuesdays: TR Seniors (55+) Drop-In – Floor curling, carpet 23 member of Unto Him. June 14 anMay original •May The2Derrick Dance Club of Fort St. John will be• hosting a • Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion walk, wheel, run and wheel- bowling, card & board games, coffee & cookies. Community The Canadian Cancer Socidance from p.m. to 1show a.m.and in the Citizens at 10908 at 12:30, event starts at 1 p.m. in Cen- Centre Room 5 from 1-4 pm. Small drop-in fee. • Grad fest9 fashion teaSenior fundraiser at Hall ety Fort St. Johnchair unit challenge. meets theRegistration first • Wednesdays: TR Seniors (55+) Drop-In – Cribbage, Whist & 100 Street. Night Sounds. Members $10, non membersof each tennial Park.SeptemFor information, contact event leader Lori Slater at 2 p.m. PriceMusic is $15by a person, $5 for children over Wednesday month, good company. Beginners welcome! 7 pm in the Library. Small $12. Everyone 19 and over is welcome. For information callJune, Lucyat noon (250)at787-1912 or slaterl@shaw.ca 5, five and under free. Come and support our ber to the Business drop-in fee. at (250)at785-2867 orfundraising Judy at (250) 787-0460. July 12 grads this annual event. Graduat- Resource Centre behind the museum. Taylor 23 modeling fashions from local busi- Volunteers always welcome. • North Peace Horticultural Society plans their annual Garden ingMay students • Civil Air Search and Rescue (CASARA) meetings every sec• TheDraws. Magic of Samand Pearce Show is scheduled Bring your family and tour a variety of Fort St. John garnesses. Cake refreshments. Enter- at •theAStoneYouth Tour. Relapse Prevention ond Tuesday at the Taylor Fire Hall at 7 p.m. For information call bridge Hotel the show to benefit Fort St.atJohnGroup Firefighters. dens. weekly, in the tainment. Forwith further information callthe Melanie may be held August Bob at 250-789-9152 or 250-787-5802. May759-4599. 25 to May 29 (250) afternoons at Mental Health1 and Ad• The- Marilyn • New Totem Archery is now at the Taylor Community Hall •May Do you govern5 think you’ve been treated unfairly by a B.C. diction Services, #300 9900 – Leffler 100 Memorial Ride and Show ‘n Shine in support of the Canadian ment ministry agency? The B.C.WorkOmbudsman • There willorbepublic a Compassion Fatigue Ave.may Forbe more information call ChrisCancer Society BC and Yukon Region. Regis- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. Contact newtotembegins July 1 for this all day event at Casey’s Pub in Fort St. archery.com. able help.10 The Ombudsman’s staffSouth will be in the following shoptofrom a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Peace or Shaun at (250)tration 262-5269. John.Cancer Show ‘n Shine awards for seven motorcycle categories and • The Alaska Highway RRA (Recreation Aircraft Association) communities on the dates below, are available United Church, 1300 104listed Avenue inand Dawson • by Theap-Canadian Society pointment discuss your problem or complaint. 1-800-567Creek withto presenter Donelda Laing. Cost is Call Relay For Life inlots FortofStdoor Johnprizes. will beEvent includes a ride to the viewpoint on the meets every third Thursday at the Taylor Fire Hall at 7:30 p.m. Hudson’s Hopego Road. 3247 book an appointment or see www.ombudsman.bc.ca for 29th. $100 to and includes lunch. In this workshop you held on May To register to Everyone welcome to this fundraising event For information call Richard at 250-782-2421 or Heath at 250to fight 785-4758. more info.an opportunity to understand the signs www.cancer.ca/relay will have or cancer. call Gwen at Dawson Creek Fort Nelson of compassion May 25 and dis- 1.800.811.5666. August 21 to 23 and symptoms fatigue • The North Peace Horticultural Society presents their 16th an• The Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce luncheons are Forthow St. John 26 self care cuss to practice healthy,May ongoing • “Butterfly Families – Families 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 continuingMay 27 for others. Supporting Families” while successfully to care is open to all tre. The 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 Register by April 26 by phoning the church at caregivers of children andevent youth with p.m.meet and the on Aug. Chetwynd May 29 (250) 782-2636 or online at spuc@neonet.bc.ca. Special Needs. 7We third23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Awards presenta- welcome. Contact: Lesley Pewarchuck 250-782 4868. tions will take atplace If your non-profit group has events or meeting you wish pubMay 27is needed to hold a spot. Payment Wednesday of every month the at 4 p.m. Refreshments will be available by both Saturday and Sunday while the show is open. lished, send them by fax to (250) 787-7090 or via email to: edi•May John6and Eloise Bergen, missionaries working with ‘Hope for donations Child Development Centreonfrom 7 the•Nations’ in Kenya wereInjury brutally attacked and severly The Northern Brain Associations’s p.m. towound8:30 p.m.,Categories 10408 105include Avenue.arrangements, art, houseplants, patio plants, tor@northeastnews.ca. AGM will be held at 5 p.m. in the common Does your child have learning, behavroom of the Prince George Brain Injured Group, ior or other complex special needs? 1247 4 Avenue, Prince George. All members or Would you like to connect with other those wishing to become members are invited to caregivers? Child minding available attend. For more information please contact Car- but please call ahead a few days bemen Jose at 1-866-979-4673 or carmen.jose@ fore the meeting. Call (250) 785-3200 Fort St. John “Focused on Family Eyecare” nbia.ca. for more information. 9808-101st Ave.and mortgages are subject to credit approval. * All loans May 8 • FSJ Gradfest 2010 meets the first Phone: 785-2020 Dr.atJ.7 Grant • Farmerettes Tea and Quilt Show at Parkland Monday of every month p.m. inTimmins Dawson Creek Dr. John E. Gentles School in Farmington from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy the North Peace Secondary School 900-102nd Ave. Suite 102 Todd Phone: 782-1121 strawberry shortcake. To reserve a sale table, cafeteria. This is a safe,Dr.fun filledJ. Lang contact Kim at (250) 843-7017. event for all Grads following the cerFort Nelson

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

of the Peace

Upcoming Events Arts Events April 30 to May 14

Dawson Creek: April 30 Dance! Year-end recital at Unchagah Hall, 6:30 p.m. May 7 “Hang ‘Em High” Art Auction, Kiwanis Arts Centre, 7 p.m. Fort St. John: April 30 Stage North presents “Toronto, Mississippi,” North Peace Cultural Centre, 7 p.m. May 4 to 8 Peace River North Theatre Festival, contact North Peace Cultural Centre for schedule of show times.

Beauty and the Beast.

Dawson Creek painter finds inspiration in our valleys

A masterfully painted Peace Region scene took top honours at the Peace Liard Regional Juried Art Exhibition this April. Artist Peter Shaw received the Distinguished Award for the oil painting he titled “Kiskatinaw Afternoon.” The painting is dominated by the land mass of the river hill, grass bleached to mid-tones by the afternoon sun, the eye following the eroded landscape downward to the river far below, a serpentine curve of water and rocky beach. While the specific stretch of river in the painting may not be recognized by all, the scene is typical of local topography and is strikingly familiar to most Peace Region residents. Shaw is a long time Dawson Creek resident and a selftaught oil painter who is self-deprecating about his artist status. Though he has been painting for 30 years, Shaw is quick to explain that it’s been very part-time, and not all the time. First motivated to try painting after glimpsing a print by Rembrandt in a bookstore, Shaw did not give up when his first attempt turned out nothing like the masterpiece that had inspired him. Knowing little or nothing about painting, Shaw says it took “many expletives and burning [of ruined paintings]” before he was able to create paintings he was satisfied with. Believing that experience is the best teacher, Shaw persevered and his current paintings indicate a mature and confident master of the brush. According to Shaw, the Peace Region landscape doesn’t have much to distinguish it from other prairie/farmland areas and it is certainly true that the Peace Region doesn’t attract artists the way certain countries or regions do. Shaw himself isn’t what you would call a typical artist. His background reads like a blue-collar career listing – jobs in industries including construction, logging, railroad – and yet Shaw has been persistent and patient, teaching himself to paint in his spare time, quietly developing his skills as an artist. In describing our area as “typical”, Shaw explains that rather than embroidering our landscape into something it is not, he focuses on what is unique to our area and he sees that in our river

valleys. He’s spent many hours hiking through difficult underbrush, keeping a wary eye for bears, taking reference photos for his next painting. The watershed has become important to Shaw and with plans for a Site C dam on the Peace River in increasingly further stages of development, Shaw is passionate about his opposition to the project, which would forever alter a historical stretch of the Peace River. Considering that a sizable chunk of our area will be dammed and covered by water, Shaw feels a sense of urgency and responsibility in capturing the valley with his brush and paints. Though Shaw exhibits proficiency and fluency in painting our region, his paintContributed photos ings may be hard to find for the art collector. Currently Shaw exhibits only twice a Artist Peter Shaw. year with the South Peace Art Society’s member exhibitions at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery. The Gallery’s next member show, “In the Summertime” opens June 7, 2010. Shaw is recently semi-retired and here’s hoping that his more relaxed schedule will allow this artist to become a bit more of a household name in the Peace Region!

Kiskatinaw Afternoon (Above), Wood Frog (Below).

Carousel Design & Decor 2010 PJ Campaign

It has come to our attention that there are some members of our community that need our help.

We are making

CHILDREN IN CRISIS our priority On behalf of the Women’s Resource Centre, Women’s/ Children’s Emergency Shelter and Foster Parents of Fort St. John, we are raising money to supply 1,000 “Sweet Dreams Initiative” kits for local children in crisis. Each kit will include: 1 pair of pyjamas, 1 reading/picture book, 1 stuffed teddy bear, 1 toothbrush, toothpaste, 1 night light and an addressed stamped postcard for the child to send a thank you to the supplier.

We would like to thank you for helping us meet this goal and most of all, thank you for helping these children in need. To make a donation or receive more information please contact your local Western Financial Group Office:

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Northeast NEWS

April 29, 2010

Page 19

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April 29, 2010

Northeast NEWS