Prince George Citizen October 31, 2019

October 31, 2019

Downtown business owner fed up after assault

out in the system - I dealt with all kinds of shit like these guys deal with - that was my life and that’s why my empathy was so high,” Roxburgh said.

When street people walk in the door now, Roxburgh said her heart starts to pound.

“What’s going to happen? Will I have something stolen?” she said. “Will I have to do a showdown? Will I have to tell them to leave? Will I get punched in the face?”

Last Tuesday afternoon, a woman came into the store.

“It breaks my heart to say it but I did stereotype her,” Roxburgh said. “So I watched

Drunks tie up resources, police say

Citizen staff

A 37-year-old man spent more than 100 days or nights in cells sobering up in one year, from Sept. 1, 2018 to Aug. 31, 2019, Prince George RCMP say. At times the man has been in cells for several days or night in a row and even twice in one day. He was the source of 151 separate files in that 12-month period and more than 1,100 files in less than 10 years. He has spent more than a year of that sobering up in jail.

A 59-year-old female has the second most contact with police with 112 files while a 33-year-old man has 91. The top 10 offenders were the source of 1,045 files.

Most recently on what some people call Welfare Wednesday, when monthly income assistance payments are issued from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. eight persons were placed in cells for being so drunk they are unable to care for themselves.

Kate Roxburgh got punched in the face trying to stop a woman from robbing her downtown store. The owner of Topaz Bead Gallery had tried to stop a woman who pocketed an item from leaving the store. Roxburgh said she’s just had enough.

“We’re either going to sell it, move it or close it,” Roxburgh said. Roxburgh, along with her partner Chris Gravenor, has had the store for 11 years and it’s always been located downtown with intent to add to the culture of the city streets. About eight years ago, Roxburgh, a retired social worker who worked with troubled youth

for 35 years, helped organize a program called the Community Warmth Tree where her store became the depot for knitters to bring their donations for the homeless. Roxburgh would facilitate that as a way to give back to the community most in need. Now things have changed. “My level of empathy and awareness of what it was like to be in that position has gone to that level to nothing - zero,” she said. “And I never in my life ever thought that I would be the person who would stereotype somebody walking into my store. I would call people out who used to do that. ‘How dare you make that statement about someone like that.’ But not now.”

And that makes her really sad.

“I was a kid in care - that was me - I aged

her because I have to watch people like that, so I watched her like a hawk and sure enough she picked something up and did the walk around, which is what they do and then they walk around a little more hoping you will ignore them and I saw her put the item in her pocket so I stood by the door and when she started to make her way out I told her I wanted what was in her pocket.” The woman immediately became defensive.

“She said how ‘dare you say I’m a thief’ and I just said it’s in your pocket just give it back and I will gladly move from the door and you can leave,” Roxburgh said. “As this is transpiring I have a customer who’s

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Frontline officers attend the call for the safety of those involved, which is not considered a criminal investigation, Cpl. Craig Douglass, media relations officer, wrote in a recent news release. Those people unable to take care of themselves are placed in police cells until sober.

“With the lack of resources available to help these addicted persons, the Prince George RCMP will continue to work with our community partners to develop a better option to help these persons deal with their intoxication and ultimately, their addictions,” Douglass said.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Citizen staff

Topaz Bead Gallery owner Kate Roxburgh has facial injuries she sustained during a robbery at her downtown store last week.

2. Cannabis License Application No. CN000007

Applicant:

Subject Property: 100 Tabor Blvd

The applicant has

Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The proposed Cannabis License Application applies to the property legally described as Lot A, District Lot 1427, Cariboo District, Plan 20420, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #1 below.

Notice of City Council’s decision will be forwarded to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for their

and final determination on this application.

3. Temporary Use Permit No. TU000053

Applicant: Earth to Sky Cannabis Company Ltd., for PRP Holdings Ltd., Inc.

security screening for a non-medical cannabis retail store.

The proposed hours of service are:

Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The proposed Cannabis License Application applies to the property legally described as Lot 9, Block 130, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #2 below. Notice of City Council’s decision will be forwarded to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for their review and final determination on this application.

Location Map #2 1533 3rd Avenue

5. “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9043, 2019”

Applicant: BC Liquor Distribution Branch for Spruceland Shopping Centre Inc., Inc. No. 360048

Subject Property: 737 Central Street

Bylaw No, 9043, 2019 proposes to rezone the subject property from C2: Regional Commercial to C2c: Regional Commercial, as shown on Appendix “A” to Bylaw No. 9043, 2019.

The purpose of the application for Bylaw No. 9043, 2019 is to facilitate the retail sale of cannabis on the subject property, or other uses, pursuant to the proposed C2c: Regional Commercial zoning designation(s).

The proposed bylaw applies to the property legally described as Parcel Z (93965M) District Lot 937, Cariboo District, Plan 752, Except Plans 15509, 18581 and 17732, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #3 below.

Location Map #3 737 Central Street

HOW CAN I PROVIDE COMMENT?

Residents are invited to provide comment in writing or in person. Written comments should be submitted to the Corporate Officer by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 29, 2019, to be included in Council’s Public Agenda package. Submissions received after this time will be provided to Council on the day of the Public Hearing for Council’s consideration. Submissions may be emailed to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca,

Continued from page 1

on the phone with the RCMP saying ‘theft in progress.’”

Roxburgh said she remained in front of the door with her arms crossed.

“The situation escalates and she pushed passed me and then pushed the door out,” Roxburgh said. “So I grabbed her lapel and I waited because the customer is still on the phone with the RCMP.”

Then they ended up outside.

“So she pivots and turns and punches me in the face,” Roxburgh said. “She hit the bridge of my glasses and I’ve got blood everywhere. My glasses are on the sidewalk and she runs.”

During the altercation, Roxburgh said she heard the customer repeating what she’s being told over the phone by the 911 operator: “tell her to let her go.”

“The RCMP then ask the woman on the phone to ask me ‘do you want us to come?’ and I said ‘don’t bother.’ What’s the point? It’s done. She’s gone. You could’ve been here for us - you didn’t come. Nothing will happen. Nothing will change. This is what we deal with every day. So really? Don’t bother.”

From the sidewalk in front of Topaz Bead Gallery, the police station is visible less than three blocks away.

“Three times over they could have been here,” Roxburgh said.

RCMP RESPONSE TO COMPLAINT

Citizen staff

Last week, a business owner from downtown Prince George went to social media to complain about the lack of response from the police following an incident involving a shoplifter in her retail store. This is the Prince George RCMP’s response.

Social media posts are rarely the full story and often contain opinions and emotions, and may lack facts. After reviewing audio recordings, time stamped documents and speaking with personnel, the Prince George RCMP would like to provide details of the situation.

At 2:50 PM on Tuesday October 22nd, 2019, the North District RCMP’s Operational Communications Centre received a call advising of a shoplifting incident that had just occurred. The caller identified herself as a customer of a retail business on 4th Avenue and stated that the owner of the business just ran out the door chasing after a shoplifter.

The police operator remained on line to try to gain more information about the location and what took place, so that police could be dispatched. While this was occur-

ring, the owner of the business returned and was advised by the customer that the police wanted to speak to her about the incident that had just occurred. The owner advised the customer that she did not want to speak to the police. With no cooperation from the victim, details of the event, description of the suspect or specific location, officers were not dispatched.

A short time later, the Operational Communications Centre received a second call about the incident. Another member of the public called to report that they had witnessed the incident. Their information and details about what they witnessed was obtained. The operator conducted an internet search to locate the address and phone number of the business. The operator called the business and spoke to the owner. She was very upset and once again advised that she did not want police to assist. The operator continued to speak to the victim and eventually convinced her to cooperate and speak with an officer. A police file was created at 3:04 PM, 14 minutes after the first call to police. The victim provided a description of the suspect which was sent to all police officers at that time. The suspect is described as:

• First Nations female

• Approximately 20 years old

• Long dark hair with blonde streaks

• 170 cm (5’7”)

• Slender build

• Wearing a grey knee length puffy jacket with a red purse

Another member of the public called to report that they had witnessed the incident.

Due to the delay, this incident was no longer in progress and other files were given priority. When workload allowed, an officer attended the business to obtain a statement from the owner at 6:18 PM.

From 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM that afternoon, Prince George RCMP received 13 calls for service including this incident. There were 34 calls between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

The Prince George RCMP want to warn the public about taking action when a crime occurs. Calling 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so and providing details of the incident including a suspect’s description, is the best course of action, the one most likely to result in an arrest, and is the safest.

The Prince George RCMP are responsible for policing hundreds of businesses and over 20,000 residences in the City of Prince George. The police need information from victims and witnesses in order to legally make an arrest of a suspect. We need the public’s cooperation and timely reporting to be most effective with the resources we have. Twenty-four hours a day our officers do their best to keep the people of this community, and surrounding communities safe. Those officers respond to an average of 117 calls for service per day.

If you have been injured because of negligence of another person, you may have a claim. See us for a No Charge initial interview.

CITY NEEDS TO ADDRESS

DOWNTOWN PROBLEMS, DBIA

PRESIDENT SAYS

The assault of a downtown business owner by a shoplifter last week is “absolutely disgraceful,” said the president of the Downtown Business Improvement Association.

“These issues of crime in the city need to be addressed more aggressively than it has been,” Eoin Foley said. “It’s extremely frustrating for the regular honest citizens of our community who are dealing with this on a day-to-day basis. I don’t want to let the city or RCMP off the hook but we also need to address this issue provincially because the judicial system is not working for the regular citizens.

“The crime that we’re dealing with on a day-to-day basis is a symptom of a much larger drug problem and it’s not being addressed. Locally we can fight it with police and a bit of outreach but obviously there’s no amount of policing that is going

to solve this problem.

“It’s tough in Prince George because we’re not just dealing with our own local citizens that are committing crimes largely because they’re on drugs. We’re dealing with a greater population from around the north. They’ve been flocking to Prince George, particularly in the last couple of years since we hosted a bunch of evacuees from the fires in 2016, 2017 and they realized life is easier on the streets of Prince George than it is in small communities around the north.

“This is an issue that Downtown Prince George always ends up talking about these days because it’s such an issue for all of our membership. We try to help our members promote their businesses, help make life easier for them and we’re constantly talking to the city and RCMP and Northern Health and other service agencies but it’s a battle where it’s hard to gain any ground on.”

Rascal Flatts perform on stage at CN Centre on Sunday night as part of their Summer Playlist Tour.

Citizen staff

Syrian refugees now Canadians

On a bitterly cold January night in 2016 the Tohme family were the first Syrians to arrive in Prince George.

Last Thursday, Nael and Rose Tohme became Canadian citizens at a local ceremony held at Southridge elementary school.Bob Zimmer, MP for Prince GeorgePeace River-Northern Rockies, sent out his

congratulations to the Nael and Rose.

“It has been a privilege to get to know the couple since their arrival in Prince George in 2016 as Syrian refugees sponsored by Westwood Mennonite Brethren Church,” Zimmer said. “Over the past three years they have fully embraced everything that our region has to offer and have become active in their church and community, as well as assisting other newcomers to Canada.”

REAPS gets innovator award

Tgeared for the construction and property industry that has presented a merit-based award to REAPS for being leading innovators of environmental action plans in the Recycling and Waste Management Awards category for 2019.

“We have over 33 school programs - so it could have been our school programs, it could have been the community outreach work that we do, and they also said they really liked our website and all the information that is provided there,” executive director Terri McClymont said. “They also checked out our Facebook page.”

Some of the school programs include Salmonids in the Classroom, the Streamto-Sea program, where students get specially-equipped aquariums and fertilized eggs from Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the fall and care for the fry until June when they are released into the Nechako River.

Dumpy, the Overfed Landfill, introduces recycling, waste reduction and environmental issues.

During Adopt A Worm, students get hands-on learning about composting with worms, learn the anatomy and care for a worm bin so students can recycle their lunch waste.

To get an award for innovation is really exciting, McClymont said.

“And it’s a surprise,” she added. “It’s always nice to be recognized for your efforts because you know you’re doing a good job, so feed back - whether it’s constructive or not - I always try to take from it and move forward and try to improve.”

Citizen staff

he Recycling and Environmental Action Plan Society (REAPS) has received a global award for its innovative ideas. BUILD Magazine is a digital publication

Barnabas, Nael, Rose and Sara Tohme settled in their home in Prince George in 2016, 10 months after leaving Syria.

Citizen staff

Pedestrian critically injured

An adult female pedestrian was stuck and critically injured while attempting to cross a downtwon street last Wednesday evening. The accident occurred at about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday on Patricia Boulevard, just east of Victoria Street when the woman tried to cross the road and was hit by a Honda Civic. She was taken to hospital for treatment of critical injuries, while the driver of the Honda

Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before trying to walk across a roadway.

remained at the scene. Police interviewed several witnesses and gathered evidence for several hours. The injured woman was wearing all black clothing and was trying to cross the road between intersections. It was dark and raining at the time she was hit. Excessive speed is not believed to be a factor.

Police are trying to make the public more aware of the dangers of crossing roadways for pedestrians and motorists. The risk of collisions increases at night where there’s reduced visibility and on poor road conditions where snow and ice can add to stopping distances.

Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before trying to walk across a roadway.

Money laundering inquiry seeks input

The B.C. Commission of Inquiry into money laundering is hosting public meetings throughout the province so people can share their perspectives and opinions about how money laundering has impacted their community. The Prince George meeting will be held Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, 444 George Street. According to a recent Angus Reid poll, 90 per cent of provincial residents believe money laundering to be a problem in B.C. The commission is seeking input about their work moving forward on the subject.Meetings will also be held in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna.

For those who wish to contribute but won’t be able to attend the meeting can email contact@cullencommission.ca

The commission is required to provide an interim report by Nov. 15, 2020 and a final report by May 2021. For more information www.cullencommission.ca.

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

Celebrating Birthdays

Today I selected two special birthdays to highlight from my list of those celebrating their birthdays this month. In August of 2015, I wrote about Lindy (Lyndon) and Roberta Barnes. Lindy was born in 1928, grew up in Trochu, Alta. and completed his welding training in Vancouver. It was during this time in Vancouver that he was introduced to Roberta Swan. The young couple married in 1952 – that was 68 years ago. After a 37-year career as a welder, mechanical technician and working in pipeline maintenance for major pipeline companies, Lindy retired in 1993. The young couple moved to Prince George in 1969 and have been here ever

since.

Lindy has an extensive woodworking hobby and specializes in building miniature barns, prairie grain elevators and miniature log houses, many of which also serve as indoor or out door decorations and as mailboxes.

He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for nearly 55 years and both Lindy and Roberta have been members of the Order of the Eastern Star since 1967.

Life is good, we are thankful for our family, our many friends and for each and every day

Lindy recently turned 91 and once again concludes his story with this explanation: “When I was born my dad specifically chose my name as Lyndon after Charles Lindberg. Lindberg was nicknamed Lucky Lindy and my dad hung that name on me. It is true, I was lucky because I married the sweetest, prettiest girl in the world. We have three children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Life is good, we are thankful for our family, our many friends and for each and every day.”

My second selection, from a column in January of 2018, is Esther (Hamblin) Creuzot. Esther was born in Bottineau,

When we came to Prince George, we arrived with literally nothing.

North Dakota in 1921; she was four years old when her parents moved to Canada to homestead property in LeRoy, Sask. After high school, she started her nurse training at the Bottineau Hospital. Esther said, “I met Henry James Creuzot at a dance. He was my knight in shining armour and the love of my life.

“We moved to Prince George in 1951

with the intention of only staying here for two years. When we came to Prince George, we arrived with literally nothing. Henry went into the construction business and built houses and apartment buildings and then our family home where I still live today.”

There have now been three generations of the Creuzot family involved in the construction industry here in Prince George.

Esther and Henry were married for 70 years when sadly Henry passed away in 2014.

Esther recently turned 98 years old. I would like to wish both Esther and Lindy a very special happy birthday. For their complete stories just check out my books; People of Prince George – the Foundation of our Community volume I and volume II at Books and Company. All proceeds from the books go to the Prince George Community Foundation. Other October birthdays that I know about: Kelly Flath, Emma Mauro, Barbara Chartrand, Dave Mazurak, Helen Green, Alda Russman, May Hickson, Florent Foucher, Kathleen Haynes, Pam Boulding, Minnie Meier, Myrna Krekoski, Janice Taylor, John Broderick, Pietje Kragt, Joe Chartrand, Frank Sarrazin, Judy Shul, Bill Mintenko, Cameron Sutherland, Robbyn Unruh, Sally Rosevear, Yvonne Rowe, Don McLaughlin, Bobbi Pringle, Bertha Orydzuk, Otto Kedl, Pat Husberg, Shirley

Continued on page 7

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Lindy and Roberta Barnes in 2015.

Esther Creuzot at her home in 2017

Citizen staff

Continued from page 6

Smith, Ann Miller, Henry Engelsjord, Donna Roach, Larry Rowe, Ute Schuler, Margaret Smith, Don Wilson, Tony Carpino, Christa Hughes, Bill Jones, Hope Humm, Denice Gudlaugson, Irene Fortin, Mike Hein, Magdalene Pudlas, Barbara Phillips, Ann Fitzsimmons, Steve Marynovich, Ida Nikkel, Marie Prentice, Claudette Beauchamp, Ralph Fetterly, Irene Hnatyshen, Susan Lacasse, Gwen Pitts, Synove Dedreu, Gordon Sewell, Terri Phipps, Audrey Ebert, Margaret Schroeder, Shirley Drolet, Patricia Harbak, Jim Morgan, Heather Macintosh, Susan Wood-Levesque, Emily Norum, Gene Hamel and Gus Krauza is 90.

October Anniversaries that I know about: 66 years for John and Ethel Esler, 65 years for Allan and Gladys Thorp, 59 years for Hugo and Ursula Riske, 58 years for Dr. Phil and Jean Staniland, 57 years for Bob and Ruth Reid, 57 years for John and Judy Elmquist, 55 years for Roy and Sandra Goodkey and 50 years for Stan and Linda DeMerchant.

Home invader sentenced to nearly six years

Aman has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for carrying out a violent holiday-season home invasion in the VLA neighbourhood.

During an Oct. 16 hearing in provincial court, Ivan Christopher Skin was sentenced to five years nine months and 15 days and issued a 10-year firearms prohibition for break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence and robbery from the Dec. 28, 2017 incident.

In June, two co-accused - Vincent Williams and Theresa Marie Charlie - were acquitted of all charges while Skin was found guilty in a case that revolved around proving the identities of the perpetrators.

During a trial, victims said three people wearing masks burst into their 2100-block Redwood Street home, one carrying a bat and a can of mace and another carrying a gun and all yelling at the occupants to stay down and not look at the attackers.

The trio made off with a video game player, cash and cellphones after going through the home over the course of 15-20 minutes. At least two of the occupants were hit in the head and one was pistol whipped, creating a cut that required special stitching and left a scar, the court heard.

BYLAW NO. 9049, 2019 Subject Property – 2604, 2626 and 2658 Recplace Drive

The City of Prince George is proposing an amendment to Schedule B-6: Future Land Use of City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, to facilitate development of

also includes

rezoning

(Bylaw 9050, 2019). A Public Open House has been scheduled for this application on November 20, 2019 between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Van Bien Training Centre (Civic Address: 311 Wilson Crescent).

Please visit the City of Prince George website at www.princegeorge.ca/landuse for more detailed information.

The City requests written comment from any person, organization, or agencies that may be affected by this amendment. Please forward any written submissions by 9:00 am, November 22, 2019 to the Development Services Division at 1100 Patricia Boulevard, PG V2L 3V9, Fax: 561-7721, Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca

McDermick said the victim had been talking with him as recently as two to four weeks before the incident and noted a “squeaky man voice.”

One of the victims claimed he could recognize the voices of the three, but judge Peter McDermick found the evidence regarding two of them was not strong enough, noting in particular that the victim had not spoken with them in years and provided little more than vague and general descriptions. He also had difficulty recognizing Charlie from a photo book, the judge added.

However, in the case of Skin, McDermick said the victim had been talking with him as recently as two to four weeks before the incident and noted a “squeaky man voice.”

As well, a bag holding a hat later identified through DNA testing as Skin’s was found across the street shortly after RCMP were called to the scene.

Williams and Charlie were arrested shortly after the incident and had remained in custody ever since - a total of 531 days.

Skin, who was also sentenced to time served on eight other counts from the event, had been in custody for 407 days prior to sentencing.

Money laundering has been identied as a serious issue in B.C., and the Commission wants to hear from you.

The Commission is holding meetings throughout the province to learn more about how money laundering is affecting communities.

Community members are invited to share their views, opinions and feedback with the Commission team, led by Commissioner Austin Cullen.

Prince George Public Meeting

When: November 14, 2019

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Ramada Plaza

Cranbrook South Room 444 George Street, Prince George, B.C.

Additional

Public Meetings

Victoria: November 4, 2019

Richmond: November 7, 2019

Vancouver: Completed

To

How lithium shapes modern life

In the summer after graduating from university, I worked for a research company studying rechargeable lithium batteries.

Our approach involved using lithium metal as one of the electrodes. The batteries worked fine but could be only recharged a few times. As the metallic lithium electrode was rebuilt during the charging phase, the structural integrity was lost. After ten or so recharging cycles, the battery wouldn’t work anymore.

This was an early part in the process of developing the technology. It is what research is all about - finding a result and trying to improve upon it. So my summer was spent trying to find a better electrolyte, solvent, or counter electrode – anything which would increase the life cycles for the batteries. We were trying to make a better battery.

During that summer, the head of research handed me and my co-workers a paper by Akira Yoshino on the use of intercalated lithium ions to form a rechargeable battery. It caused some consternation in the laboratory but really didn’t affect what we were doing as we weren’t equipped to follow up this line of research.

Unfortunately.

I say “unfortunately” because this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Akira Yoshino, M. Stanley Whittingham,

and John B. Goodenough “for the development of lithium-ion batteries.” Their work in the 1970s and 80s facilitated the development of commercial lithium ion batteries in the early 1990s and eventually our modern connected world. Lithium ion batteries are found in smart phones, tablets, PCs, watches, and even in Dyson vacuum cleaners. They permeate our everyday lives.

Rechargeable batteries aren’t actually something new. The first rechargeable battery – the ubiquitous lead acid battery - was devised in the 1850s. They are still used for the starter motors in cars but they are very heavy and somewhat dangerous as the electrolyte is sulfuric acid.

In 1899, Waldemar Jungner described the first nickel-iron and nickel-cadmium batteries. These batteries were the precursor to the nickel-metal hydride batteries introduced in 1989 and used to power early cell phones.

However, lithium batteries offered two significant advantages over earlier rechargeable batteries. The first was weight. Lithium is the lightest metal we

know. It is the third element on the periodic table and atom for atom it is roughly 30 times lighter than lead. Lithium ion batteries offered significant advantages in making devices portable.

The second advantage arises from the underlying mechanism for their operation. By intercalating the lithium ions into the layers of a solid support structure, the rebuilding problem disappears. This resulted in many more cycles with no loss in structural integrity.

That is, imagine you have to arrange a thousand blocks into a wall blindfolded. No matter how well you think you are performing the task, you will invariably have deviations and discrepancies in the positions of the blocks and you are likely to miss one or two along the way.

Now do the same thing again but instead of freely forming the wall, you have one thousand boxes into which you are to place a block. While it might be tiring work, your chances of getting a block correctly in each box are pretty high. Indeed, it would be very unlikely you would make a mistake. The latter is essentially what intercalation provides.

Instead of forming a covalently or metallic bonded compound or sheet of metallic lithium, the lithium ions in the batteries fit into atomic sized boxes.

The original research showing lithium could be intercalated into metal chalcogenides – specifically titanium disulfide – was carried out by Walter Rudorff in 1965. This work inspired Whittingham to explore the electrochemical potential of the system and device a working rechargeable battery in 1976. It was cycled at a low charge/ discharge ratio for over 1,100 times without significant loss of reversibility but it did suffer from a flaw resulting from the growth of lithium whiskers.

A breakthrough in the technology came in 1980 as Goodenough and co-workers discovered cobalt oxide could be used instead of titanium disulfide increasing the potential from 2 to 4 volts. Further, they were able to switch from a lithium metal counter electrode to a lithium-vanadiumoxide electrode eliminating the generation of lithium whiskers.

Yoshino took the battery technology a step further by substituting heat-treated petroleum coke for the lithium-vanadiumoxide electrode reducing the weight and generating a longer lasting system. In effect, the lithium ion is simply transfer between the cobalt oxide and polymorphic graphite electrodes without disrupting the structure of either electrode. In theory, the batteries could be recycled indefinitely without breaking the electrodes down. Gone are the days when you had to run a rechargeable battery to zero before recharging.

The high voltage (up to 4.1 V) and energy density (up to 80 Wh/kg) mean lithium ion batteries are the ideal power source for driving our modern life and worthy of a Nobel Prize.

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Citizen staff

Intuitive eating is not

Given that we’re living in a dietfocused, weight-focused culture, where foods are assigned moral rankings and countless companies and individuals peddle nutrition misinformation in an

effort to make a quick buck, it’s refreshing to see the concept of Intuitive eating pushing through all that garbage and gaining traction as a non-diet approach. Although there seems to be more men-

“You don’t need to track what you eat

tion of Intuitive eating recently, the term was actually created in 1995 by two California-based dietitians, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. Tribole and Resch define intuitive eating as a “selfcare eating framework, which integrates instinct, emotion, and rational thought.”

Intuitive eating is a “weight-inclusive, evidence-based model with a validated assessment scale.”

In short, intuitive eating is not a diet, but a practice, which includes ten principles to help you listen to your internal body cues. Years of dieting and telling yourself what you can and cannot eat, overrides these cues. When eating intuitively, you don’t count calories or carbs, you don’t track what you eat and you definitely don’t have “cheat days.”

Intuitive eating is a practice that seems to be gaining in popularity as a pushback from diet culture and weight loss fads. Tribole and Resch describes the pursuit of weight loss as a “failed paradigm, which creates health problems including weight stigma, weight cycling, and eating disorders.” With a never-ending supply of fad diets and nutrition misinfor-

mation confusing the average consumer, leading to disorder eating behaviours, the rise of intuitive eating seems to be needed now, more than ever before. The 10 principles of intuitive eating are:

1. Reject the diet mentality - the first step towards intuitive eating is accepting that fad diets are not supporting your health. “Throw out the diet books” and reject the idea that “a new and better diet might be lurking around the corner” as Tribole and Resch put it.

2. Honour your hunger -eating intuitively is about rebuilding trust in your body’s cues. Feed your body when you feel hungry. Listening and responding to your hunger cues will allow you to be more in tune to those internal signals in the future.

3. Make peace with food - food is not the enemy. Give yourself permission to eat. Telling yourself that a food is “bad” creates intense feelings of deprivation that can become overpowering cravings, leading to an uncontrollable binge.

4. Challenge the food police - a person is not “good” for eating a minimal number of calories, or “bad” for eating a piece of birthday cake. Rejecting these thoughts is an important step to eating intuitively and listening to your body.

5. Respect your fullness - it’s just as important to identify feelings of fullness, or a lack of hunger, as it is to identify feelings of hunger. When eating a meal or snack, listen for your body’s signals telling you you’re no longer hungry.

6. Discover the satisfaction factorengage your senses while eating; slow down and appreciate the way the food looks, take in the smell, and eat in an environment that makes you feel comfortable, with people who are good com-

pany. Creating this experience allows you to eat what your body needs.

7. Honour your feelings without using food - “eating your feelings” ultimately leads to feeling worse when the discomfort created by overeating is added on top of the emotions that still need to be dealt with.

8. Respect your body - accepting your body is an important step in rejecting diet mentality, and feeling better about who you are. It’s just as unrealistic to have expectations about body weight as it is to have expectations about height or shoe size.

9. Exercise and feel the difference - when exercising, shift your focus from “calories burned” to how it feels to move your body. Does exercise give you energy? Improve your mood or confidence level? Does it make you feel strong?

10. Honour your health - make delicious food choices that support your health.

s Tribole and Resch put it “you will not suddenly get a nutrient deficiency or gain weight from one snack, one meal, or one day of eating. It’s what you eat consistently over time that matters; progress not perfection is what counts.”

- Kelsey Leckovic is a registered dietitian with Northern Health working in chronic disease management.

Dana Gronning, 9, puts the toppings on her pizza that she made at Studio 2880’s Art Monkeys ProD day camp in April. Children learned fundamental art skills with some local artisans and then baked some special treats with culinary artists.

Citizen staff

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OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Marching orders for local MPs

The Prince George area has given a resounding vote of approval for Todd Doherty and Bob Zimmer as the Members of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George and Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, respectively. Neither man is a rookie (as Doherty was in his last term) so it’s reasonable of their constituents to insist on more results, particularly under a Liberal minority government. Whatever their leader says (more on that in a minute), both MPs need to reach across the aisle and work with willing MPs in other parties. In the last term, Doherty forged those links while working on his private member’s bill on PTSD while Zimmer has done so while chairing the standing committee on access to information, privacy and ethics.

Except for Greater Vancouver, the Justin Trudeau Liberals didn’t win a single seat west of Winnipeg so they’re going to be looking for some accomplishments in this part of the world. Doherty and Zimmer need to put aside their party interests to give the federal Liberals those victories and even be willing to let the Liberals take full credit for them.

It shouldn’t be hard to put together a plan to help the struggling forest sector that stresses sustainability, the environment and First Nations partnerships. Tree planting? That’s part of Canada’s commitment to climate change, right?

Working with their Conservative col-

leagues in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Doherty and Zimmer should be able to whip up a package so the Liberals can show they care about farmers.

These same Conservatives need to talk about the oil and gas sector in general and pipelines in particular with their federal Liberal and NDP counterparts in the language of climate change, the environment, Indigenous rights and ethical oil.

The Trudeau government is invested in the Trans Mountain pipeline. As painful as that may be, Conservative MPs must work with the Trudeau government to get that project across the finish line.

To the west, Taylor Bachrach, the former mayor of Smithers, was elected as the NDP MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, succeeding Nathan Cullen. The two Prince George MPs are well-placed to offer some guidance to the younger rookie, while also cooperating on regional issues of mutual interest. That’s the task for the next four years and Zimmer and Doherty should be up for the job. The task for the next four weeks, however, is to hold their leader accountable and demand his resignation. Andrew Scheer failed to defeat a damaged leader mired in scandals and self-inflicted political wounds. Hey may be a nice fellow but his job was to lead Doherty, Zimmer and the rest of his party back into government. He failed to deliver and he needs to get out of the way for someone else who can.

While removing Scheer will give the Liberals short-term joy as Conservatives wrestle internally over the future of their party, a

new leader is a smart strategic move that will reinvigorate conservatives and offer something new for Canadians to consider the next time they head to the polls.

Just as the area MPs should hold their leader accountable, so should local residents expect more from their representatives in Ottawa. Under this minority government, it’s time for them to deliver.

— Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

It’s hard to be a western MP

Being re-elected as an MP must be very satisfying, but I wonder when the reality of twice weekly or bi-weekly crosscountry trips, the hours on an airplane, and in airports, sinks in?

It probably comes as a shock for newbies. It is a huge commitment and only the very eager apply. The problem of where you have that one pair of shoes - Prince George or Ottawa - is probably minor. Working long hours, away from home, and then flying so much for four years has got to be exhausting.

This brings me to a concern I heard expressed by a taxpayer during this past campaign, about travel expenses. I am also concerned about the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, so I have spent a bit of time thinking about it. What constitutes responsible practice for our area MPs when it comes to travel? Should seeing our area MP’s names appear at the top of the travel expense list cause us concern?

We need to make sure we think about all the reasons why it happens. I think we should be more concerned if we saw our MPs spend at the low end or near the middle of the list.

Consider that B.C. is the farthest from our national capital. Travelling to and from the capital is going to cost more than if you live in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec or the Maritimes. To keep our MPs in touch with our region, we want them to return to their ridings frequently, and that costs money.

Another thing to consider is, if we want our voice to be heard more effectively in Ottawa, our MPs need to work on committees. I would expect, like many other committees, that parliamentary committee meetings are frequently rescheduled at the last minute. Last minute changes to a ticket can cost a lot of money. Purchasing a more expensive ticket allows for rebooking at a cheaper overall cost than buying two cheap tickets.

What cost personally, simply because of the distance? Consider how many people you know that live in Prince George, yet most of their work happens ten or eleven hours away. As many logging families know, even having one parent work five or six hours away makes life difficult. So, unless we think public office should only be reserved for single, or older, folk, they have to be able to see their families. In fact, if they are the type who do not care about their families, we probably shouldn’t be electing them.

Someone mentioned the use of business class seats and shouldn’t an MP be travelling economy? In the last five years, I have travelled once or twice per year on the cheapest ticket I could get. Sitting in economy is no fun, but I am willing to do it because that’s what I can afford and I love travelling.

Now imagine flying to and from Ottawa each week or even every two weeks, sitting in the cheap seats. It is not too much to ask healthy family members who travel to see them to fly with cheap seats, but western MPs should be able to fly business class, every time.

Changes to the Parliamentary schedule and the use of technology may be an area to look at to reduce the expense and burden of travel. Moving our capital to Manitoba or Saskatchewan would mean a more even playing field for our Parliamentarians. Or perhaps have a moving Parliament to spread the travel burden? Winters in Vancouver, spring in the Maritimes, summer in the prairies and fall in Ottawa. However, until changes are made, we have to accept our MPs will be at the top of the travel expense list.

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

Time to take action is now

There has been a recent shift in the city and you can feel the tension on the streets and in the community. We are coming to terms with being a big hub city, a city with health authorities, social agencies, Indigenous agencies, police and city council who clearly have no plan or idea on how to mitigate the damage that a small group of residents are inflicting on our community’s morale, city workers, business owners, taxpayers, customers and visitors to the city. As a business owner, landlord and dweller in downtown, I get to experience the current state of affairs in a unique way. First is the constant defending of one’s choice to operate a business downtown to one’s customers. I personally love the community that is developing and the convenience of walking everywhere. Even parking is not so bad.

we have seen an increase in drug garbage, increased camping on private property, the report of the assault of our neighbor at Topaz Beads, two attempted break ins on vehicles, and of course the regular accosting received when protecting or cleaning up our properties.

I understand that we cannot arrest our way out of mental health and addiction issues

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Police deal with a group of homeless people on Third Avenue in September.

Second is to find ways to make our tenants feel safe and ensure that our investments are protected. This involves daily clean up of drug garbage and temporary shelters and the moving along of opportunistic people who are regularly roaming the alleys and often voice some entitlement about their rights to litter, damage, steal, ask for money and cause disturbances. Third is trying to attract new quality tenants for vacancies so that the significant investment we have made has enough income in the bank to pay the ever increasing property taxes. Consider this in the light of some business entities recently relocating or closing their doors to downtown while citing downtown issues as their primary motivators for drawing the line. Consider this prior to considering moving into one of the new suites downtown. With the recent conclusion of Talktober, where the city did most of the talking, it was incredibly frustrating to hear that with all the efforts the city is expending to manage the downtown, they still saw nothing wrong with the opening of POUNDS, a second harm reduction site that is now serving customers after hours which includes in a tent in the alley. What has the effect of this new downtown initiative been? I am sure the agency can provide a positive and unidimensional conclusion of its client care statistics and the pride the workers take in their calling. However, this month on our block alone,

who preys on these people by selling drugs or buying services has all they need in a two-to-three block radius. Within two to three blocks, people sleep unmolested on agency and business door steps, buy drugs, receive free needles and drug testing, receive breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then when money runs low, detox and thieve all in the same area.

As a business owner, I understand that we cannot arrest our way out of mental health and addiction issues and that the RCMP are not fully equipped to manage the problems nor are we poised to solve all the problems created by addiction and trauma, but it is time that the city take a stand and protect those that are in fact paying taxes and working every day to make downtown and Prince George a better place.

It is time for the mayor, city council and city staff to stand up, stop condoning and supporting agencies that are not pulling their weight in the improvement of downtown and rather reinforce the positive work that others are doing downtown.

John Kason

Prince George

Safe Storage

Not to forget the increased pest control problem created by all the discarded food that food security agencies provide, which in turn feeds whole communities of mice, pigeons and crows.

It is beyond disappointing that the city staff, councillors and mayor do not have what it takes to make difficult political decisions, that will benefit downtown and the community at large. What of course I am referring to is to demand that harm reduction sites re-evaluate how they provide services in order to meet their goals while committing to a mitigation strategy for social damages to those who share the downtown. The city should enforce or issue bylaw infractions, implement fines and closures of social agencies who cannot or refuse to manage their clientele, prevent their clients from squatting within a short radius of their agencies, clean up after their clients and reduce the constant drain on resources via service calls daily to these locations. This in no way suggests abandoning the marginalized populations served, but rather to provide a higher standard of service and to view service provision in a less myopic and community friendly manner. Why is this needed? Simple. These services have created a zone within the city that attracts and retains undesirable activities seven days a week. A person with addictions, without a home, or person

The article, “City staff deal with downtown cleanup.” contains a lament for the cavalier way that some of the homeless treat donated clothing, bedding and such. I suggest that one reason the homeless may abandon donated items is that they have no secure places to store their meagre belongings. We could provide lockers for daily storage their “treasures” as a first step toward improving their lot. Another step would be in having postal savings accounts as they have (or had) in Australia. With a safe place to hold their occasional incomes they would not have the choice of either blowing their money or risking robbery.

James Loughery

Prince George

Democracy alive and well

Iattended two of the all-candidates forums for the Prince George/Cariboo riding prior to the election, one at Trinity United Church and one at UNBC.

I was more than a little impressed with the quality of candidates that put their names forward in my riding. The five that attended showed a good grasp of the issues we face, knew their party platforms on those issues and presented those thoughts clearly. The lone independent running did not make an appearance at those two debates.

The issues are many, they are conflicting and the solutions vary greatly from one political philosophy to another. So many

Women, ethnic diversity and youth are not taking a back seat here.

of them were a country mile from each other in their view of the issues but each of the candidates explained clearly how their party would move us forward on the many and varied questions thrown at them. Each of them showed tremendous respect for the right of the candidate who had the floor to present their thoughts without

interference or negative reaction. What a breath of fresh air compared to the national debates that quickly deteriorated into name calling, shouting over each other and refusing to allow the other candidates to verbalize their policies.

I can only hope that with the minority government we now have that some of the listening abilities displayed in Prince George will be adopted by the party leaders. Our candidates answered all of the questions well without lowering themselves to putting down their opposition or jumping off topic into an area where they felt they might score some political points. Many times they were honest in saying they really didn’t know enough about the particular issue to make much of a comment. I found it refreshing and encouraging that of the five candidates who came out to those debates, four were women. One of those women candidates, Mackenzie Kerr, is a young university student and the PPC candidate is originally from China. Women, ethnic diversity and youth are not taking a back seat here.

My congratulations go out to Todd Doherty for his decisive win but my thanks, respect and appreciation also go out to the other candidates who fought the good fight. They all represented themselves, their political party and their political beliefs exceptionally well. Be proud of yourselves. John Warner

Prince George

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

uestion of the week Q

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION: “Are you happy with the outcome of the federal election?”

HOW YOU VOTED:

With 47 per cent and 423 votes most people agree they are happy with the local but not the federal outcome.

Next with 22 per cent and 198 votes came “federal but not local,” and close behind was “no, both local and fed-

In the midst of our latest political season, a far more important project was underway: the 40 Days for Life campaign. Best exemplified by the fervent people on 15th Avenue next to UHNBC with signs like “adoption a loving option,” this movement has the goal of ending abortion. Their chosen methods are providing resources to women facing unplanned pregnancies as well as combining political advocacy with a public witness.

Abortion is an issue I take seriously because of my own adoption. Despite the laws only having been struck down in 1988, the physician attending my 26-yearold native mother profiled her for a “procedure” that would have ended in my death. Thankfully, she made a choice both of us could live with by giving me up at birth. Her decision, let alone situation, was fraught with a host of difficulties, but I am a living testament to the fact that there are alternatives to termination.

Of course no column on so difficult a topic can avoid the moral questions involvedbut I am happy to offer pathways around the political quagmire if it keeps tiny humans alive. First, the adoption process should be streamlined, especially for aboriginal children, even if potential parents may be non-Indigenous; and, second, keeping one’s preborn child shouldn’t cause financial panic - this can be remedied by amending the child benefit program to include pregnant women.

There is no politically viable argument against either policy: everyone knows a couple desperately trying to adopt while facing a craven amount of red tape; and legislators voting against helping all the pregnant ladies with cash flow are going to find themselves unelected.

What do you think should be done to improve things downtown?”

HOW TO VOTE:

To answer go online to our website: www.pgcitizen.ca

The results will appear next week along with our new question.

Abortion from an adopted perspective

I’m certain that these changes could be fully funded, with a savings found, if all abortive procedures in Canada were defunded. That is hard to prove because of how well costs around the termination of human lives in the womb are hidden, an odd phenomenon: after all, if abortion is just another aspect of “healthcare,” then opening up the books for an audit should only take a simple request, like asking for

“I’ll happily deliver a busload of insercionalists to debate THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

the numbers on hip replacement surgeries or innoculations, right?

The obvious answer helps segue to a deeper issue, for if we truly lived in an enlightened age, then empirical data would dictate every policy, no matter how controversial. Any biologist can tell you that life begins at conception, and not when we exit what Laura Klassen aptly called “the magical birth canal.” However, due to human fickleness, political cowardice, and no small amount of profiteering, the legal status of abortion in Canada has been in a vacuum for 31 years. There is another irony here, in our age of political correctness and material reductionism, best exemplified by the proabortion agitators inconsistently gathered on the same road as our pro-life citizens: to the slogan, “don’t want an abortion?

Don’t get one,” I can only respond “then please feel free to stop funding them with

eral” with 21 per cent and 191 votes and finally “yes, both local and federal” with nine per cent and 81 votes. There was a total of 893 votes. Remember this is not a scientific poll.

Protesters gather along 15th Avenue in May 20112 to protest the anniversary of the legalization of abortion in Canada.

our taxes;” and to any variations on “I’m a woman, not a womb,” I’ll happily deliver a busload of intersectionalists to help debate all questions of gender. The short answer to any accusation of conflation over the words above is this isn’t some absurd dimension where logic doesn’t apply. Simply put, it cannot be the case that our biology is inconsequential, yet also somehow bequeaths one sex a veto on certain controversial topics. Indeed, considering how often mothers are pressured to terminate their children

by men who wish to avoid responsibility, or how certain cultures purposely abort females because males hold more value, it’s a wonder why anyone with XX chromosomes is defending abortion. Questions of internalized oppression, brought on by the Culture of Death we inhabit, will have to wait for another time. Until then, groups like 40 Days for Life will continue to pray and offer help to any who ask, heeding the Savior’s words: “whatever you do for the least of these...”

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Dracula: The BlooDy TruTh

Friday until Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., Theatre Northwest, #36 - 556 North Nechako Rd., presents Dracula: The Bloody Truth by John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete. This is a co-production with Western Canada Theatre. This funny and thrilling comedy is perfect for the season. The main character offers advice on the dangers of vampires and how to manage during a close encounter. Contact: 250-563-6969 or visit www.theatrenorthwest.com.

Fall classics

Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 444 George St., the Prince George Symphony Orchestra presents a slight twist on the Chamber Music and More series where musicians perform while the audience can select from a menu of appetizers and treats while listening to live music in a casual setting. For tickets visit www.pgso.com. Contact: 250-562-0800 gm@pgso.com.

Final sTop

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, 850 River Rd., wear costumes to visit the railway museum for a frightfully spooky yet family-friendly Halloween scare. Board the Cottonwood Ghost-Train, indulge in Bone-Dogs and Witches’ Brew, hang around for a spell and dare to enter the sleeper cars. Admission and broom parking is by donation of a non-perishable food item donated to St. Vincent de Paul’s food bank. Contact: 250-563-7351 nfieber@pgrfm.bc.ca

MeMories TriBuTe

Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m., at the Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave., the ECRA drama club will celebrate their many comedy skits and musical presentations. Tickets are $10 with proceeds going toward the operating costs of the centre. Tickets are at the centre.

Citizen staff

Latitude and longitude in giving

After living and working in Prince George for over twenty years, I can say with certainty that the people of Prince George care deeply about others and about their community. The evidence is in the friendliness one experiences in the day to day and in random acts of kindness. And we are a community that

celebrates too. Three inspiring individuals were honored as the 2019 Citizens of the Year at the Oct. 11 Prince George Community Foundation Gala at the Coast Inn of the North: Chuck Chin, former city councillor Albert Koehler and Noreen Rustad.

The 2019 Citizens of the Year are all pioneers who blazed trails and will leave legacies that will live on to benefit future

generations. Both Chin and Koehler are first-generation Canadians. How inspiring it is that our country and city is a platform where people can come from all over the world and make significant contributions.

Noreen Rustad is one of the founders of the Prince George Community Foundation, a volunteer driven charitable organization that brings together donors to pool and build permanent endowment funds that support a wide range of community projects that support the arts, culture, health, recreation and sports. I have seen firsthand how these funds have had a positive impact at Studio 2880. Prince George is a generous town.

Chin devoted his talent as a photographer to share the very essence of the rugged and stunning landscape of our home and shared it so generously on the social media site, Hell Yeah Prince George. In a short time, he lifted the spirits of thousands with his incredible eye for beauty, tireless devotion to shooting sports events and capturing thousands of images that tell stories of life in Prince George.

Koehler, to put it simply, got involved. The list is long: Rotary, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Barkerville Heritage Trust, Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, The Prince

George Chamber of Commerce and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra. I heard him say that he was simply doing what he loved to do to affect positive change. One of those positive changes was a significant role in establishing an engineering program at the University of Northern British Columbia, opening the door for new talent and ideas to come in and join our community.

Rustad epitomizes what it is to start a grass roots movement to get something done. Her leadership and commitment to volunteerism and supporting many organizations in Prince George will have a lasting impact. For over fifty decades, she has served on many boards including Brownies, Girl Guides, Meals on Wheels, Festival of the Arts, UNBC Board of Governors, and the Prince George Community Foundation - that in turn benefits many other organizations and individuals in our community.

Chin, Koehler and Rustad all made the decision in their residency here in Prince George to focus outward, away from self, and to give tirelessly for the betterment of us all. They’ve proven it; latitude is found not in the receiving, but in the giving.

The 2019 Citizens of the Year inductees were Chuck Chin, Noreen Rustad and Albert Koehler.

Citizen staff

SPORTS

P.G. Bowl final goes Friday

If you don’t count the preseason, this has been a perfect high school football season for the Nechako Valley Vikings.

Three straight wins in the regular season and a convincing 46-8 triumph over the Prince George Polars in a semifinal playoff last Friday have the Vikings of Vanderhoof closing in on their first P.G. Bowl Northern Conference championship since 2011.

Nechako Valley will take on the College Heights Cougars Friday night ( 7 p.m.) at Masich Place Stadium for the Matt Pearce Memorial Trophy.

“This is the senior varsity team’s first time back in the P.G Bowl since 2016, we’ve been held out for three years now so we’re happy to be back and looking forward to winning it,” said Vikings head coach Sheldon Brown.

“Essentially, they’re just playing fundamental football, they’re all doing their jobs and they all trust each other.”

The only blemishes on the Vikings’ record this year came in the preseason, when they lost to College Heights and the South Kamloops Titans.

The Cougars are well aware of the gamebreaking abilities of the Vikings running backs, Garrett Dyck and Bridger Jensen, and they know quarterback Kayden Young has a powerful and accurate throwing arm. The Vikings also have a size advantage on the lines with seven linemen tipping the scales at 200 pounds or more. That beefy bunch includes Grade 11 lineman Teancum Arnold, who has established a reputation with his crushing hits.

“He’s an animal,” said Brown. “He’s a big strong, fast determined kid and I am so happy that he’s on my team and that I get to coach a football-minded kid who just wants what’s best for the team. You definitely don’t want to meet him one-onone in the holes.”

The Vikings last won the P.G. Bowl in 2011, when they beat Duchess Park 13-6 for the title. Brown says his team will be paying close attention to Austin Adams, one of Cougar quarterback Jerome Erickson’s favourite targets in the air and on the run. “He’s really fast and definitely a threat,” said Brown. “He’s kind of a reminder of what (Duchess Park Condors running back) Colburn Pearce used to

Nechako Valley Vikings player Bridger Jensen runs the ball against PGSS Polars defenders Finley Peacock, left, and Alexander MacPheat on Friday afternoon in the one of the B.C. Secondary Schools Northern AA Conference semi-final matchups.

do to us and we’ll try to contain him as much as possible.” College Heights beat the Kelly Road Roadrunners 36-6 in the other semifinal on Friday. In the 16 years since the P.G. Bowl was first contested, the Cougars have qualified nine times for the championship game. They last won it in 2012, beating the Vikings 8-0 in Vanderhoof, the only time the P.G. Bowl has been played outside of the city. “It feels amazing to be going to the PG Bowl, Vanderhoof has no idea what’s coming,” said Cougars quarterback Erickson. “They got us last time (a 34-20 loss to the Vikings Oct. 20 at Masich), but any team can beat anybody. We need to pass the ball, and last time we couldn’t, but I know exactly where the gaps are going to be and watch me exploit them.” Coach Grant Erickson had an intense week of practice lined up for his team. The Cougars are a young senior team, with just five Grade 12s on their 23-player roster and they advanced to the final without their top running back/ linebacker, Alex Thanos. who suffered a torn ACL in the preseason against Salmon Arm. “Our line has a big challenge ahead of them but I know one thing about our guys is they will come to play and compete, they will give it everything they’ve got,” said coach Erickson. “They love each other like a band of brothers. We’ve got a lot of Grade 11s and for us to make it this year, we’re just really proud of our guys.” The Northern Conference champion will play the Western Conference fourth-place finisher, while the P.G. Bowl runner-up will face the third-seeded team from the West. Both of those games will be played on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Masich. The Polars and Roadrun-

ners will play for third place at Masich this Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Cougars backup plays Giants killer

Tyler Brennan is playing way beyond his years and the Vancouver Giants would be the first to vouch for that.

The 16-year-old Prince George Cougars rookie goalie, in only his second WHL start, stunned the Giants with a 37-save performance that backed the Cats to a 3-2 overtime win Sunday afternoon in Langley.

Ryan Schoettler cashed in a 3-on-1 chance 4:29 into OT to seal the victory, which ended a four-game losing streak.

Goals by Reid Perepeluk and Ilijah Colina staked the Cougars to a 2-0 lead after one period. The Giants answered with consecutive goals to tie it in the second period. Tristen Nielsen connected on a Vancouver power play, followed at even-strength by Jackson Shepard.

Brennan was at his best in the third period, when the Cougars were outshot

11-7. The Winnipeg native, chosen by the Cats 22st overall in the 2018 WHL bantam draft, came up with one of the saves of the week in the WHL when he dove at the goal line and got his glove in the way of a Milos Roman shot late in regulation time while the Giants were on one of their eight power plays.

Brennan was called into service as a replacement for Taylor Gauthier, who suffered a leg injury in a collision with a Tri-City American player during the second period of Saturday’s 5-2 Cougar loss in Kennewick, Wash.

Gauthier did not dress for Sunday’s game and the Cougars had an emergency backup netminder on the bench.

In five games of WHL action, Brennan has a perfect 2-0-0 record and has allowed just eight goals for a 2.08 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. It was Brennan’s last game for the Cougars before he left to play for Team Canada White at the World Under-17-hockey Challenge in Medicine Hat, Alta., and Swift Current, Sask. Canada White will face Russia in a pre-tournament game Thursday in Swift Current and will open against Canada Blacks on Saturday in Medicine Hat.

The Cougars (4-9-0-1, fifth in B.C. Division) will be back on the road for games Friday in Kelowna and Saturday in Spokane. They host the Medicine Hat Tigers at CN Centre on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Sunday’s win left the Cats just two points behind the fourth-place Victoria Royals (5-5-1-1-0) and six points back of the third-place Giants (7-8-1-0).

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Ted Clarke Citizen staff

Citizen staff

WEEKEND WINNERS

Above: Cariboo Minor Midget Cougars player Decker Mujcin tries to tuck the puck under sliding Greater Vancouver Minor Midget Canadians goaltender Dyaln Lowe while being checked by Canadians defender Timothy Kim on Sunday morning at Kin 2. The Cougars defeated the Canadians 6-3 on Saturday and 7-3 in Sunday’s game.

Great Canadian HoCkey tour

Week 2 Winner

VOLLEYBALL POLARS FREEZE OUT CONDORS

The Prince George Polars overcame an opening-set 25-23 loss to the Condors and won the next two 26-24, 15-13 to claim gold in the Duchess Park senior girls volleyball tournament Saturday at Duchess Park.

Sydnee Witso of the Polars was on her game from the start, but she downright deadly in the late stages of the second and third sets. In the deciding set the Condors had crept back from a 13-9 deficit behind the serving of Macyn Unger, a provincial under-16 team member, and the game was tied 13-13 when Witso spiked the ball down and the match ended on the following point with a Condor net touch.

“Our whole team just really wanted to win and we were all working together just doing what we love,” said Witso, the tournament MVP. “When we’re playing really well it’s when we’re cheering and smiling and having fun. Our passing worked really well and that allowed us to execute and win the points.

“I really wanted to win and the fire inside of me was, ‘you just have to hit this ball down and win the point for your team.’ It

was a super-tight game and it feels good ending it off with a win.”

Great defence all weekend delivered the Polars to the title match and they were digging it again in the final, keeping balls alive that looked like sure-points for Duchess Park.

“The one thing I really noticed was the defensive side of the game, balls were being dug up and then we did something to earn the side-out a number of times after that and that really picked up our energy level,” said Polars head coach Allan Tong.

“All three sets went down to the wire, you can’t ask for a more competitive game.”

Witso, tournament all-star Haley Johnson, Nina Gajic, Sophie O’Rourke and Caley Leslie gave PGSS setter Emily Pinko plenty of options directing the ball at the net which kept the Condor defenders guessing.

Duchess Park was without six-foot-three middle blocker/offside hitter Jasmine Schlick, who rolled her ankle the previous weekend in Kelowna. Haley Johnson and Karynn Hampe, who also played for the provincial U-16 team, took it upon themselves to make up for the loss of Schlick and their aggressive play at net earned them tournament all-star honours.

“They had some really nice hits that we just couldn’t get to and they just played really well,” said Hampe. “We’ve only played them once before and I just think as we play them more we’ll get used to the other players.”

The teams had met just once before, in the season-opening Kodiak Classic, a match won by the Condors in two sets. Heading into the weekend the Condors were ranked fifth in the province while the Polars were No. 8 in the rankings, led by top-ranked Little Flower Academy of Vancouver and the second-ranked Dawson Creek Penguins.

“We hadn’t seen (the Polars) in six weeks and it’s good to play them again because they’ll be zone rivals for sure,” said Condors head coach J.P. Martin. “We still played real well without Jasmine and had every chance to win that in the second set. Defensively, they were fantastic, we just kept pounding away and they kept playing great defence. We just made a few more errors at the wrong time than they did.”

The D.P. Todd Trojans beat the College Heights Cougars for bronze, winning 22-25, 25-17, 18-16.

Other all-star award winners at Duchess Park were: Pinko, PGSS; Unger, Duchess Park; Morgan Johnson, College Heights; and Dailyn Long, D.P. Todd.

The Polars will host the North Central zone triple-A girls championship, Nov. 7-9 at PGSS gym. Just one provincial berth is up for grabs at that tournament. But with three North Central teams ranked in the top-10 in B.C. there will likely be a wildcard berth available for a second team to punch its ticket to the triple-A provincials, Nov. 28-30 in Langley.

Citizen staff

Hospice home winner had helping hand

Jim Kole went hunting on Friday and he wasn’t looking for a house.

He was after a moose to fill his freezer and while he came back empty-handed, the biggest trophy he’s every nailed was waiting for him two hours later when his phone rang and he found out he’s just won the Prince George Hospice Dream Home Lottery.

Hitting the jackpot Friday came as a bittersweet moment for Jim and his wife Leslie because when he returned from his hunt Leslie informed him her brother, Robert Goltz, had died that day of a massive heart attack in the Okanagan.

“I was really close to him, we had really good relationship,” said Jim Kole.

“I was just totally down and then, boom, I hit the ceiling, and then I thought about my brother-in-law again, so I went down, it was one of those up-and-down rollercoaster days.”

Jim is convinced his brother-in-law had a spiritual hand in his ticket being picked out of the huge drum of 10,999 tickets in the sold-out lottery.

“They said I was one of the first people to go in there and buy a ticket,”

“A lot of people I’ve talked to have said, ‘You know what, he was part of it,’” he said.

“The lady I met at the home itself from the Prince George Hospice House Society (executive director Donna Flood) said she’s seen a lot of stuff happen in her time there

and this is one of them.”

The Koles haven’t decided whether they will move into the $640,000 six-bedroom,, four-bathroom home in the Nechako View subdivision at 4034 Brink Dr. They’ve lived

in their house on Hemlock Street for 28 years, where they raised two daughters. He’s a self-employed contractor who specializes in renovations and the 55-year-old says there’s not much left for him to fix in their current home.

“We were thinking earlier about selling and moving to a different house in town here and this just changes everything, there’s a lot of decisions to make if you want to keep it or sell it or rent it,” Jim said. “My kids grew up in this house and time will tell. I’m not rushing into anything until I get some advice.”

Jim and his wife Leslie buy home lottery tickets every year to support the Hospice House palliative care programs and Spruce Kings hockey team. He was working at Summit Lake on a renovation project in August when he heard about the hospice home lottery.

“They said I was one of the first people to go in there and buy a ticket,” Jim said. “I was out there by myself and I thought to myself, ‘that’s my Number 1 priority to do when I get home, so Saturday morning I got up and said to my wife, ‘let’s go look at the house,’ and I bought the ticket.”

A late surge of support last week resulted in the last 2,000 tickets being purchased a day before the draw, ensuring the society’s biggest annual fundraiser was a complete sellout and that will cover a good chunk of the society’s operating costs. The 10,000 square-foot Rotary Hospice House at 3089 Clapperton St., offers 10 private guest rooms which allow families to remain with their loved ones at all hours during the final days of their lives.

Jim Kole and his wife Leslie, joined by their two daughters and their families. receive the grand tour Saturday after Kole won the Prince George Hospice House Dream Home Lottery.

Citizen staff

Idon’t know about you, but I didn’t get out on my bike as much as I wanted to this summer! I’m chalking it up to rainy weather, dog-mom responsibilities, and general summer season busyness. I’m thankful for Bike to Work & School (www.biketowork.ca/)week – it helped me get a few more rides in at the beginning of the season!

Now that fall is here, I find myself itching to pull my bike out again. The crisp, cool air mixed with the blue skies, sunshine, and gorgeous colours of fall make being on two wheels an absolute joy. In fact, when I put it that way, fall might actually be my favourite cycling season!

Lucky for us, the GoByBike BC Society is giving us yet another reason to continue riding. Fall GoByBike weeks, the new sister event to Bike to Work & School Week that takes place in the spring, run province-wide from October 21 to November 3.

Using your bike instead of your vehicle to get around is an excellent way to:

• Fit some physical activity into your day, check out the 24 hour movement guide here for more details (csepguidelines.ca)

• Clear your head

Healthy Living

Learning to care for an aging population with dementia

By Tamara Reichert, Communications Advisor, Innovation and Development Commons, Northern Health

• Arrive at your destination more energized and focused

•Do your part for the environment

Full disclosure: I’m well aware that for many of us in the North, it could be full-on winter during part of the Fall GoByBike weeks. Also full disclosure: I personally do not consider myself a winter rider, so I’m crossing my fingers that the “white stuff” holds off! That being said, winter riding (with either studded or fat tires) is becoming an increasingly popular activity, so why not register and log a few rides?

Once again, registered participants who log at least one ride will be eligible to enter to win the grand prize of a trip for two to cycle the Baltics (not in winter conditions!). That’s pretty motivating, isn’t it?!? Check out the details here: (www.exodustravels.com/ ca/estonia-holidays/cycling/cycle-baltics/ mvb?flights=excluded)

Are you or have your ever been a winter rider? If so, what are some of the “must haves” to make your ride safe and enjoyable?

AtNorthern Health, staff are learning more about caring for those with moderate to severe cognitive impairments like dementia.

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) teaches care teams how to use a person-centred, respectful, compassionate, and gentle persuasive approach to respond to the behaviours associated with dementia. GPA equips staff with reallife strategies, helping them remain safe and confident in how they respond to different situations.

Trainers across the region have noticed an overwhelmingly positive reaction from staff.

“The initial reaction from staff is that they love it,” says Erin Murdoch, Clinical Nurse Educator for Peace Villa in Fort St John. “It’s opened their eyes to recognize how important person-centered dementia care is, and to recognize why behaviors associated with dementia happen. The training has made staff more compassionate towards the residents and their families.”

“The biggest change we’ve noticed as a result of GPA is staff attitude,” says Jennifer Miller, RAI Clinical Lead and a GPA trainer based in Burns Lake. “They’re more understanding and have empathy for people with dementia. Staff think about why the challenging behaviour is happening and come up with innovative solutions to manage the behaviour. The solutions are more dignified and respectful. Before, if someone had a challenging behaviour problem, sedation or restraints would be used to manage

Eats, meets, and greets at Prince George physician social

Karaoke, free childcare, kids activities, and a BBQ set the stage for new Prince George physicians to have a fun and casual afternoon at the park among friends and colleagues.

On August 10, 2019, the Prince George Division of Family Practice and Northern Health partnered to host another successful physician social at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park in Prince George, B.C. This event welcomed new physicians to Prince George, and brought them together with existing physicians, residents, students, their families, and Northern

Health staff.

the behaviour. Now, staff are coming up with person-centred solutions to manage behaviour. It’s all about us modifying our approach. Every class I’ve taught has commented that the training is very helpful, it helps them understand dementia better, and that they didn’t know there were so many types of dementia. Overall it has brought a new awareness.”

GPA is only part of Northern Health’s strategy for caring for older adults.

“Our long term care homes are actively participating in DementiAbility Methods across the entire region,” says Brenda. “DementiAbility Methods is a practical, evidence-based dementia care program. The program teaches care staff how to support the changing memory and thinking skills a person with dementia presents. It also teaches how to create homelike environments that best engage residents in a variety of ways to participate in activities and responsibilities that match their different needs, interests, strengths, and abilities. DementiAblitiy Methods provides assessment and care planning tools for nursing staff when problem solving difficult situations often associated with dementia care.”

Both GPA and DementiAblity Methods work together like hand in glove to improve the environment, culture and, care approaches of staff so that a resident’s day is the best it can be.

By Karoline Doyle, Northern

Health

These socials are great opportunities to socialize with colleagues and their families outside of the workplace, and for physicians to gain a better understanding of the work that other physicians in the community are doing. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere creates an ideal space for physicians to break down barriers and strengthen relationships between students, residents, physicians, and Northern Health.

This is the third physician social event since they

started in 2018. The first was a family-friendly event hosted at the Exploration Place, and the second was an evening out at CrossRoads Brewery, complete with free childcare, fantastic food, and great company.

Northern Health looks forward to continuing to work together with the Prince George Division of Family Practice to integrate new physicians into the fold of their community and fostering a deeper sense of togetherness in Prince George for every physician and their families.

By Gloria Fox, Regional Physical Activity Lead, Population Health, Northern Health

Interior Medical Staff Recruiter, Northern

Physicians and their families at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

Left to right: Brenda Miller, Clinical Nurse Educator, Myrtle, Gateway Resident, Keya Russell, Social Worker, and Elizabeth Johnson, Activity Worker enjoying a game of cards.

263 BRUNSWICK ST

here are as many tattoo styles and reasons to get a tattoo as there are people who want to decorate their bodies in permanent ink. Whether it’s something fun and celebratory or deeply personal and private, a tattoo is a marker for the person who will wear that design for the rest of their lives.

Chris Norlander understands that as the owner/artist of The Norseman Tattoo Emporium at 263 Brunswick St. It’s not about him, it’s about the person in his chair, whether they are getting their first tattoo or their fourteenth.

“I just like it when people are happy with what I do,” he said.

He started tattooing 11 years ago, picked up an apprenticeship (in 2014) and then went out on his own in 2018.

“I always wanted to be a

tattoo artist, ever since I was a teenager,” he recalled.

His experience has taught him to not be happy until his client is happy and that he has to be a jack of all trades when he sits down to get to work with needle and ink.

“In a small town, you have to be versatile and everyone’s different,” he explained. “I can do many different styles and do them well. I can work with the client and go in whatever direction ”

The Norsemen explorers of legend and history also went in purposeful directions, using their hard-earned skills to bring happiness and prosperity to their people. Chris Norlander brings that same work ethic at The Norseman Tattoo Emporium.

1251 4th Avenue

o much business comes down to trust and the tattoo industry is particularly sensitive about the level of trust between the client and the artist.

At Exile Tattoo, located at 1251 4th Avenue, trust is at the core of what they do.

“The industry has come a long way from people coming in and choosing a pattern on the wall,” explained Amber-Dawn MacDonald, one of the Exile Tattoo artists. “We’re putting art pieces on people. It’s living art.”

MacDonald, along with artist Matt Houghton and apprentice Cam Debore, offers a full array

of tattoo services to their clients. Exile just recently added piercer Simon Reed to meet the growing demand of clients.

“The industry is just constantly changing,” MacDonald stressed.

Along with fresh, original pieces on unmarked skin, Exile is particularly proud of the cover up work they do.

“The Tasmanian Devil just isn’t that popular anymore,” MacDonald laughed. Yet cover ups aren’t just for people wanting to update work that was done years ago that no longer accurately reflects who they are.

“Sometimes tattoos are used to cover up

scars,” she said. “It can be quite therapeutic.” While Houghton often specializes in black and grey realism and more traditional tattoo styles, MacDonald, a familiar face at Northern FanCon, is particularly interested in working on what she calls more “nerd” art and stylized pieces.

“It’s super awesome but a bit stressful when someone places that trust in you to be creative and challenge yourself,” she said. “Whatever the piece, someone is placing that trust in you.”

right photo- Jakob Cornell, tattood by Matt Houghton

below photo- tattood by Amber Dawn MacDonald

here are many reasons to get a tattoo and whether it’s for fun or something more serious, if you wander into The Wandering Panda, you’re going to leave satisfied.

“We’ve got somebody here in the shop who can do anything someone brings in,” explained owner/artist Dusty Martin.

“Some people want the art, some want the experience and something fun.”

Both Martin and fellow owner/ artist Jeremy Yon know from their combined 17 years of experience that humour isn’t always the way to engage with their clients.

“Someone who comes in mourning a loved one wants something to remember them,” Martin said. “This is a place where people can come talk about their problems and what we do for them is part of their healing and something beautiful to cherish.”

“It can change their confidence and change their life,” Yon added.

Whatever brings their clients into The Wandering Panda’s spacious location at 1043 Fifth Avenue, Yon and Martin are ready to get the job done.

“We can work with anyone on their ideas,” Martin said. “First timers often don’t have a strong idea of what we can do so we can guide them and make it into a real piece of art.”

Their passion for their work runs more than skin deep.

“If I won the lottery, I’d do this for free and wouldn’t charge anyone,” Martin proclaimed while Yon nodded in agreement.

“We all have our inner nerds so we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

Citizen Staff – right Derek Springall –done by Jeremy Yon

Left Shawn Cornell  done by Dusty Martin

Sponsors, speakers, attendees and prize winners who attended the 13th Annual Healthier You Expo!

Bike and helmet (courtesy of grand prize sponsor Canadian Tire) winner Brighton Hobbins is all smiles with Shirley Bond MLA Prince George Valemount.

Ways to reduce passive income

WCancerGuard

Receive up to $150,000 in the event of a cancer diagnosis

Cancer insurance from iA Excellence can help you meet your financial obligations, thus allowing you to focus on your recovery without having to worry about the financial consequences of your illness.

Facts*

• 1 out of every Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime.

• On average, 24 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every hour.

• 60% of people are now expected to survive 5 years after their diagnosis.

*Canadian Cancer Society ~ Canadian Cancer Statistics 2017

without losing the insurance benefit. Meanwhile, the funds invested in the policy reduce the corporation’s (taxable) passive income, and ultimately create a gorgeous (tax-free) capital dividend in your family’s corporation.

Here’s how it works.

hen the NDP was first elected to power in B.C. in 1972, I was just 10 years old but old enough to recognize that something significant was afoot. Longtime BC premier W.A.C. Bennett, a crusty old capitalist, had done a great deal for Prince George and the province in general, but even his famous warning that “the socialist hordes are at the gates,” couldn’t turn the tide back in his favour. Time will tell what sort of influence the federal NDP will have on the new Liberal minority government recently elected nationally.

Not long into Justin Trudeau’s first mandate, the federal Liberal budget had already caused considerable consternation. It included taxation rules directly impacting family business owners having Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPC). The formerly-attractive small business deduction limit was reduced by $5 for every $1 of passive income above $50,000. As a result of this and other changes, the family who many years ago had made a choice to ditch that safe job (with a pension) and instead grow their own idea, hiring others along the way, had some of their long-term dream bubble burst. Now what?

Business owners can reduce their passive income in a few ways, such as:

- Invest to earn tax-advantaged capital gains;

- Establish an individual pension plan (IPP) (effective, but only in very specific cases);

- Through corporately-owned life insurance with a tax-exempt (within limits) investment component.

Each strategy has merits but the right sort of corporate-owned insurance may have a greater impact and the most flexibility of these tax-reducing ideas. After a sufficient period of premium build-up, you can access something equivalent to the funds you tucked away in to the policy

First of all, you have to be healthy enough for an insurance company to take a bet on you. Then you run the numbers on the policy idea, often involving your accountant (if he or she is familiar with the concept). Then, if the numbers check out, after premium build-up period, you can access the funds within the policy before or during retirement in three alternative ways:

1) Take a full or partial withdrawal of the cash surrender value;

2) Obtain a policy loan, or;

3) Assign the policy as collateral to secure a bank loan. Some banks (mine included) will lend up to 100 per cent of the cash value of the policy.

The first two methods could result in a (taxable) deemed dispositions, so be careful.

Utilizing the cash surrender value as collateral for a bank loan is, frankly, often a very intriguing concept. It is commonly referred to as an insured retirement plan (IRP). The IRP shelters capital growth on a tax-deferred basis, provides tax-free supplemental retirement income utilizing policy values to obtain a loan and provides a tax-free death benefit net of any outstanding collateral loans.

Corporately owned, tax-exempt life insurance may help a business owner reduce passive income without sacrificing the traditional benefits of the insurance. It’s a win-win. The government gets its money and so do you.

– Mark Ryan is an insurance representative with RBC Wealth Management Financial Services Inc. and these are Mark’s views, and not those of RBC Dominion Securities. This article is for information purposes only. Please consult with a professional advisor before taking any action based on information in this article. See Mark’s website at: http://dir.rbcinvestments.com/mark.ryan.

Learn from Las Vegas

Perhaps you are one of the 40 million people who visited Las Vegas last year, or one of the hundreds of millions that has been there in the past decade. If you are at all entrepreneurial, you were probably captivated by the incredible transfer of money that happens each and every day on the strip and throughout the city. From humble farming beginnings in the middle of the desert to its present day oasis, Las Vegas captures the imagination and money of people from all over the world who are hoping for a life of fame or fortune.

Most of us will never have a business based on gambling or prostitution so what could we learn from a city who has a history that lives up to its name of Sin City? The fact is that most business owners could learn a thing or two from the city of Las Vegas.

Build on your strengths: In the 1920s and 30s, gambling was starting to draw people to the Nevada desert and the little town of Las Vegas. With the commencement of the building of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, the government saw that workers were spending their earnings in Las Vegas and seized the opportunity to draw revenues from the growing gambling business. The government legalized gambling and licenced prostitution in the state in order to tax the proceeds. As its fame grew and tourist flocked to the desert city, accommodation expanded to meet the needs. It’s rare now that a hotel, or for that matter a gas station in Las Vegas or its surrounding community, doesn’t have an attached casino or at least a few slot machines.

Diversify in order to expand: Not everybody gambles, but Las Vegas has become addicted to tourism and has expanded to meet the needs of the tourists. Entrepreneurs recognized that its place in history didn’t need to be limited by the constraints of its seedy reputation and developed a cultural aspect that has stood the test of time. Made famous by the likes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra in the 1950s, Vegas has drawn huge crowds with a slew of shows and concerts. Not one to miss out on the chance to attract even more tourists, despite the risk of radiation poisoning while the government tested nuclear bombs in the Nevada desert, the community invited travellers to stay and watch the tests and lived up to its nickname of Atomic City. In more recent years, Las Vegas has captured the attention of wedding planners, conventions and sports tournament organizers to facilitate the introduction of even more reasons to visit Vegas. Hotels are designed with fantastic budgets and imagination of themes to capture your attention and draw you back year after year.

Increase your margins: For many years Vegas was known for its free drinks and cheap buffets in order to attract gamblers to eat drink and open their wallets. Those days are long gone. Realizing that there was money to be made in food and drink, the cost of a decent meal has skyrocketed. Whether you are on the casino floor or just cruising down the strip, drinks are no longer cheap, marijuana is everywhere, and the invitation to party at an expensive club or take in a show for several hundred dollars a seat is made to grow to the size of your credit card debt. Unless you are in Las Vegas on a weekday, most hotel rooms will cost you hundreds of dollars on The Strip. This has changed from years ago when travel packages including a flight across the country was considered cheap. Realizing that they were leaving money on the table, the business community has taken steps over the past 25 years to increase margins and profit more from their tourism jackpot. Hotel costs are no longer limited to your room charge and the $10 bottles of water. At almost every hotel there is a “resort fee.” Upon checking out, I encountered a fee of $40 per day. When I asked what it was for, I was told it helped pay for the management of the hotel. I estimated that the hotel I stayed at generated tens of thousands of dollars each and every day simply by adding the “resort fee”! Imagine if retailers could add a “location fee” to the final bill after customers bought a few items. Margins would increase but probably drive more consumers to the internet.

Las Vegas has found ways to monetize almost every minute of your visit and extract money you haven’t even made from your wallet. They have sold a population of travelers on the idea that theirs is “THE” destination and captured the imagination of entrepreneurs who have been willing to assist the municipality in continuing its growth into the desert.

As business owners we can’t gamble on our future. We can learn to think differently, however, and create an experience that draws our customers back, year after year, month after month and day after day.

— Dave Fuller, MBA, is an award-winning business coach and the author of the book Profit Yourself Healthy. Download your winning copy of the book at www.profityourselfhealthy/free or email dave@profityourselfhealthy.com.

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

In Memoriam

In Memory of Travis Haiste

10-30-82 to 6-7-16

Trav, the pain will never go away

My heart aches with sadness

And secret tears still flow

What it meant to lose you Son

No one will ever know

Love, Dad, daughters

Eden & Emily, Haiste family

In Loving Memory Of VERA CUNNINGHAM

February 3, 1926

November 2, 2015

It’s been 4 long years, I see you at night, you’re the star in the sky, that shines so bright.

The night when you left me, you didn’t go alone, part of my heart went also when God called you home.

Give Dad, & Phil a hug for me.

Love Donna

Oct 2, 1968 - Oct 19, 2019

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Darren Yaskow on October 19th, 2019. Darren fought with all his strength to stay with his family.

Darren will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jackie and his children Megan and Parker. His parents, Lewis and Lynn Yaskow, sister Lana Elrick and her children Lucas and Dayton. Brother in law and Sister in law Greg and Kelly Jago and their children Karling and Olivia and families. Best friend, Don Pickering.

Darren grew up in Prince George. He was an avid fan of all motorsports and spent much of his life snowmobiling, quadding, boating and waterskiing. He was so happy to share his love of these sports with his children.

Darren was a well-respected businessman in the Prince George gravel industry. At a young age, he took over the family-run Superior Crushing Ltd and through hard work and skill took the business to the next level. He was a one-of-a-kind equipment operator and could run a loader as an extension of his own body.

He will be forever remembered for his easy-going nature and his big smile that brought a sparkle to his eyes.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, October 27th, 2019 at 1:00pm at the Prince George Civic Centre, on 808 Canada Games Way. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation to further research for a cure for Glioblastoma or to Prince George Hospice House.

REMEMBRANCES

Susan Schaefer, daughter of Alec George and Martha Camille, was born on June 6, 1947 in Nadleh Whut’en First Nation. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Norman George. She is survived by her husband, Fred Schaefer, sons Paul and Norm Schaefer, daughter Cheryl Bear, grandchildren Paul, Randall and Justice Barnetson (Vancouver), Myah and Noah Schaefer (Surrey), Cheyenne Schaefer (Prince George), great grandchild Legend Leech (Lillooet). Susan is also survived by her sisters Agnes Sutherland, Irene George and John George (Nadleh). Susan will be remembered for her powerful testimony about Jesus and for being a prayer warrior. She volunteered at the Christian Life Centre for 17 years as a director and led prayer meetings in Nadleh for many years. Susan passed away peacefully on October 23, 2019 in Prince George BC, and her funeral was held in Nadleh on October 26, 2019. Susan will be dearly missed. The legacy she leaves is loving Jesus and her family while living a life of great faith and prayer.

To place a Remembrance call: 250-562-6666

Carly Janine Honeyman

October 4, 1988October 15, 2019

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Carly Janine Honeyman. Carly was a loving mother who, above all, loved her daughter Frankie. She was industrious and carried a quick witted personality that brought new perspectives, joy and laughter. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Frankie; parents, Laura and Collin; sister, Rachelle (Chris); Nana, Kathy (Peter) along with many extended family members. Please join us in the sharing of memories and honoring her life, November 3rd at the Bon Voyage, Prince George, BC, 2:00pm.

Donald Robert Wilson April 6, 1960October 10, 2019

Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Predeceased by mom, Maryann, and sister, Sherry Jordan.

Don passed away on October 10, 2019 after a short battle with his illness. He is survived by his father Donald Wilson Sr., brother-in-law George Jordan. nephew Rob (Teresa), Braydon and Daven. Nephew James (Tara), Jackson, Julia and Jenna. Don holds a special place in his cousin Cindy’s heart. Her husband Kelvin Tucker, their children, Riley, Jes and Gen and their children will miss him dearly at every family function. Don will also be sadly missed by his Aimhi staff, managers and many many other family members and friends. Celebration of life will be held at Aimhi, 950 Kerry St on November 2 from 1:00 - 3:00pm.

KUTASH, Michael

On October 15, 2019 Michael Kutash of Prince George, BC, formerly of Bellis, AB, passed away at the age of 83 years. He is survived by two brothers, Steve (Kay) and George (Lillian) and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 2, at 10:30 a.m. at the All Saints Orthodox Church of Bellis. Interment in Church Cemetery. If you desire to remember Mike with a charitable donation, please make it to the All Saints Orthodox Church of Bellis, PO Box 125, Bellis, AB T0A 0J0.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.

Park Memorial Edmonton 780-426-0050

Family Owned Funeral Home, Crematorium, Reception Centre

Susan Schaefer

DARREN YASKOW

John Robert Sigurdson May 4, 1938 to Oct 26, 2019

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Bob leaves behind his wife Alice, his children Brian (Cindy), Kim (Quinn), Todd (Diane), grandchildren Ryan (Tawnie), Norman & Isabella, great grandchildren Brendon, Kaleb & Owen. Bob will be laid to rest at the Prince George Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held in late Spring and will be announced at a later date.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Photography Business

Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years

Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work

Lots of opportunity to expand the business. Transition support available to the right buyer

Serious Enquiries Only

Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doreen St. Germain. She was born in Glasyn, Saskatchewan on August 19, 1950 and passed away October 12, 2019 in Prince George, BC. She is survived by husband, Garry; brother, Don (Helga); nieces; nephews and many friends. Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Emma Dyck and brother, Wayne. Until we meet again. No service by request.

“For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen”

Shirley Adene Clay

October 10, 1933October 18, 2019

Adene Clay beloved wife, mom, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on October 18, 2019 peacefully at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 63 years Lloyd Clay, children Shirley (Laurie) Venance, Debora Orcutt, Gordon Clay, predeceased son Brian Clay, grandchildren Sarah (Chad), Brodie (Anna), Leanna (Brett), Brandon, Donald, Rowland (Afi), Lisanne, Mariel, greatgrandchildren, Grace, Joe, Cole, Sam, Trae, Casey, Ryder, Hailey, Elijah, Ayden, niece Lindsay (Dean), nephew Bruce (Ingrid).

Adene was born in Boissevain, MB to Howard and Leona McGill. She spent her childhood years growing up in Waskada, MB. She excelled as a student and played in the Waskada band. She attended nurses training at Misericordia General Hospital in Winnipeg, MB and graduated in 1954 as an RN. She was the president of the Manitoba Student Nurse’s Association.

A remarkable, exceptional woman, Adene was such a source of unconditional love, strength, kindness, intelligence, and wisdom. She showered her family and friends with love, always.

Adene was very community minded. She served on the Prince George, BC and Kamloops, BC hospital auxiliary and was a member of the board of director’s for both hospitals. She spent many hours volunteering through the association of her husband’s involvement in Rotary. She is a Paul Harris Fellow. Adene also spent many hours volunteering for numerous groups and associations through the raising of her children.

One of her pastimes was knitting, crocheting, and oil painting. She was the chairperson for the craft group of the Prince George Seniors Centre where she spent many hours teaching and assisting members to learn knitting and crocheting. She was a big fan of the Prince George Cougar’s and Kamloops Blazer’s for many years.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, Dr. Malan, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Rollheiser, and the staff at the RIH. Many thanks to the personnel at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice for their excellent care and support.

At Adene’s request there will be no Memorial Service or Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers Adene would appreciate a donation to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice in her name. Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com

1-250-377-8225

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business Mackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years.

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.

Transition support available for the right buyer.

Serious Inquires Only

Office (250)997-9003

Home (250)997-5538

Cell (250)990-0152

NOTICE OF RATE INCREASE

ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

Effective January 1, 2020

Tuesday May 5, 2015 4:00pm to 6:00 pm

Long term parking rates at the Prince George Airport will be increasing:

$14/day from $13/day

$70/week from $65/week

$175/month from $165/month

General Public and all interested parties are invited to attend the presentation of the Prince George Airport Authority’s Annual Report and 2014 Operational Overview

Full rates and charges can be found on our website: www.pgairport.ca R0011754818

Business Opportunities

BUSINESS for sale, Sewing Shop, next to Nelly’s Pub, all merchandise for sale, serious enquiries only. 250-564-2262 between 10am-3pm, 250-640-7326

Notices / Nominations

Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Village of McBride seeks Chief Financial Officer

Village of McBride seeks Chief Financial Officer

The Village of McBride is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our team.

The Village of McBride is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join our team.

Our CFO will bring several years of experience in local government or the public sector to our team. This is a statutory officer position, reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Our CFO will bring several years of experience in local government or the public sector to our team. This is a statutory officer position, reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer.

We need a highly motivated team player who is a strategic thinker, has demonstrated strong work ethic and professionalism and joins us in being customer service focused.

We need a highly motivated team player who is a strategic thinker, has demonstrated strong work ethic and professionalism and joins us in being customer service focused.

Our CFO is a member of the Village’s senior management team and provides leadership in the development of budgeting, financial planning and reporting as well as necessary policies, bylaws, collections, and asset management. The CFO attends council meetings as required to provide information and financial advice to our elected officials.

Our CFO is a member of the Village’s senior management team and provides leadership in the development of budgeting, financial planning and reporting as well as necessary policies, bylaws, collections, and asset management. The CFO attends council meetings as required to provide information and financial advice to our elected officials.

The CFO is accountable to the statutory duties of the financial officer under the Community Charter. The right candidate will have a professional accounting designation (CPA) or equivalent combination of education and experience enhanced by five years experience working in progressively responsible financial leadership roles preferably in local government. In addition, this individual will have a proven financial management track record and excellent communication skills. The candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of the Community Charter, Local Government Act and municipal accounting principles as they apply to this position. Prior experience with MuniWare Municipal Information System software is an asset.

The CFO is accountable to the statutory duties of the financial officer under the Community Charter. The right candidate will have a professional accounting designation (CPA) or equivalent combination of education and experience enhanced by five years experience working in progressively responsible financial leadership roles preferably in local government. In addition, this individual will have a proven financial management track record and excellent communication skills. The candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of the Community Charter, Local Government Act and municipal accounting principles as they apply to this position. Prior experience with MuniWare Municipal Information System software is an asset.

The Village of McBride offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. If you are interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience, in confidence, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 to:

The Village of McBride offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. If you are interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience, in confidence, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 to:

Chief Administrative Officer

Chief Administrative Officer

Village of McBride

PO Box 519, 100 Robson Centre

Village of McBride PO Box 519, 100 Robson Centre

McBride, BC V0J 2E0

McBride, BC V0J 2E0

Email: cao@mcbride.ca

Email: cao@mcbride.ca

Prince George Open House & Job Fair.

Prince George Open House & Job

Date: Tuesday, November 12

Time: 4 – 8 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, November 12

Fair.

Location: Ramada Plaza 444, George St., Prince George, B.C.

Time: 4 – 8 p.m.

Location: Ramada Plaza 444, George St., Prince George, B.C.

MAYFAIRGASANDPLUMBINGINC

Wearelookingfortwoexperiencedjourneyman plumberstojoinourserviceteam;weofferacompetitive benefitspackage.Ifthisopportunityissomethingyou wouldbeinterestedin,pleaseemailyourresumetoBrett atoffice@mayfairinc.comoraccounts@mayfairinc.com.

BLACK PRESS - CLASSIFIEDS

2x28.0 R0011750192

RN’s and LPN’s

Casual Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses needed for in home 1:1 pediatric respite care for medically fragile children in your area. Offering union wages, paid training and full support. For full details and to apply visit www.resourceability.ca R0011750192

Place your ads online anytime! princegeorgecitizen.adperfect.com To place an

BARKERVILLE HERITAGE TRUS

R0011755379

4.00x145.0-4C

PG23 / 705108

Governed by: Barkerville Heritage Trust, 14301 Highway 26 East, Box 19, Barkerville, BC VOK 1BO (www.barkerville.ca)

BARKERVILLE HERITAGE TRUST PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Barkerville Historic Town and Park is a world-renowned historic site located on 457 hectares of land in the Cariboo Region of Central British Columbia. The town site has 107 heritage buildings and 62 Heritage Replication buildings. The park has 161 campsites in three locations, offers onsite B & B accommodation and cottage accommodation. It is located 8 km east of the District of Wells and about a one-hour drive from the City of Quesnel.

Our strategic plan is developed around four pillars of Protection and Infrastructure; Preservation; Presentation and Commerce; and Partnerships and Giving.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This unique and challenging opportunity will appeal to someone who can put their extensive leadership skills, their passion and commitment to work in managing and enhancing one of British Columbia’s prime heritage sites.

Reporting to the Chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust Board of Directors, you will utilize a wide range of demonstrated skills in providing leadership to a diverse Not-for-Profit corporation in a stimulating and rewarding environment. You will be responsible for providing leadership across all aspects of the organization through facilitating the achievement of the Board’s overall strategy, goals and objectives. You will be accountable for effective budget and fiscal management of the organization’s resources including substantial annual operating and capital project budgets. You will develop and recommend strategic direction to the Board that supports current and future development of the organization consistent with the vision and mission.

You will have the choice of residing in the community of Wells or the City of Quesnel.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for someone who will put sincere passion and commitment into the success of our organization, our employees and stakeholders.

Your degree in business, heritage/cultural resource management and/or tourism will be supplemented by demonstrated management and supervisory experience preferably within a unionized environment. Your experience in developing marketing proposals, negotiations with government bodies and superior communications skills are key elements that you bring to this position. Experience working within the Not-for-Profit sector is essential. Familiarity with the heritage business is a definite asset.

The ability to develop and maintain positive, ongoing relationships with the Heritage Branch of the Ministry of Forests Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development of the Province of BC; and maintain a positive work culture with staff, merchants and contractors that fosters teamwork, collaboration and open communications are key attributes to your success in this position.

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

We offer a competitive compensation and incentive package consistent with the Not-forProfit sector.

For more information on Barkerville and this exciting opportunity go to: www.barkerville.ca/newceo

You may forward your application in full confidence via E-mail to: newceo@barkerville.ca.

This competition will remain open until filled. It is anticipated that interviews will occur early 2020.

Career Opportunities

WEYERHAEUSER MAINTENANCE RELIABILITYLEADER

Weyerhaeuserin Princeton,BC,isseeking toaddaMaintenance Supervisor/Reliability Leadertoitslumber manufacturingteam.

Thesuccessfulcandidate willhaveprovenabilities orexceptionalaptitudein safetyleadership, reliability/maintenance practices,team development,and technicalcapabilitieswith experienceworkinginan industrialsetting.

Wearelookingfor someonewhocanleadour maintenanceteamto world-classexecutionof standardmanufacturing andmaintenancepractices toimproveourprocesses andincreasereliability.

Competentinallareasof maintainingstrong workingrelationships, maintenanceprocesses, andadministration,the successfulcandidatewill havetheabilitytogrow anddevelopasaleader withinthecompany.

APPLYONLINE: weyer.jobs/14152

Help

practice. North Okanagan. 250-838-6406 or email enderbydentalcentre@gmail.com

Trucking & Transport

YRB-WINTEROPERATOR/ LABOURER

YRBisseekingwinter operators/labourersforthe PGarea.

Minimumrequirements includeavalidclass1or3 driver’slicensewithair,a cleandrivingrecord,and driver’sabstract. YRBisalsolookingfor candidatesavailableonan asandwhenneededbasis. Ifyouaresemi-retired, andlookingforoccasional winterwork,thismaybe theperfectopportunity. Pleasedropoffaresume at2424HartHwyoremail tobens@yrb.ca. bens@yrb.ca www.yrb.ca

RELIABLE, Mature Snow Shoveler with very strong work ethic required for work on the Hart. Required when snow starts. Bi-Weekly pay - not cash. Must have own transportation Call Theresa at 778-890-1208

Motorcycles

Motorcycles

CITIZEN PROMO R0011752734

4.00x93.0-4C PG11

Contest prize inCludes:

Round trip airfare from Prince George including connection and airfare to each destination city 10 Nights accommodations 2 Tickets to each game prize Value: $10,000. Includes all taxes and fees.

All weekly winners will be eligible for the Grand Prize draw Thursday, February 13, 2020.

No cash alternative, judges decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. Prize must be accepted as awarded.

All entries must be received by 5pm February 5, 2020.

General rules:

No purchase necessary. Maximum one original newspaper entry per participating advertiser location will be accepted. Contestants must reside in BC and must be 19 years of age.

Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Prince George Citizen reserves the right to restrict the local winners to only persons whose primary residence is within a 100 mile radius of the affiliate’s’ office.

Employees of Prince George Citizen, its respective parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising sponsors and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of each are not eligible.

Contest entrants agree to abide by the terms of these Official Rules and by the decisions of the contest commissioners, which are final on all matters pertaining to the contest.

Winner must provide name/names of those able to leave on the trip the night of the draw, Thursday, February 13, 2020.

Must be in attendance to win.

Entrants further grant the Prince George Citizen the right to use and publish their proper name online and in print, or any other media, in connection with the Contest.

Prince George Citizen reserves the right to use any and all information related to the Contest, including information on contestants obtained through the contest, for marketing purposes or any other purpose, unless prohibited by law.

The Contest and all of the related pages, contents and code are copyright of the Prince George Citizen - Glacier Ventures and/or participating advertisers. Copying or unauthorized use of any copyrighted materials, trademarks or any other intellectual property without the express written consent of its owner is strictly prohibited.

Each winner, by acceptance of the prize, agrees to release all Sponsors, and their parent and subsidiary companies, their officers, directors, employees, agents, shareholders, affiliates, suppliers, distributors, and advertising agencies from all liability, claims, or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages, or losses to persons and property which may be sustained in connection with the receipt, ownership, or use of the prize.

This contest is not intended for gambling. If it is determined that a contestant is using the contest for gambling purposes they will be disqualified and reported to authorities.

Prince George Citizen reserves the right to change the rules at any time.

This contest is officially sponsored by Prince George Citizen and the 20 participating advertisers.

4.0

Apartments/Condos for Rent

2 BDRM near Parkwood & Hospital. HW flrs, balcony, heat & hotwater incl. n/p, $850. 250- 5612293, or 250-612-7528, HARDWOOD MANOR 1575 Queensway. 1 bdrm apts, incls heat, hotwater, hw flrs, secure access, n/p. Resident Manager. 250-561-1446

VENICE Place apts. Bach & 1 bdrm, balcony, elevator, underground parking. Heat/hot water incl. 250-561-1446

Commercial

2649 & 2669 Queensway, 3 Hoists, compressor, over 5000 sqft, 14’ bay doors, lots of bays, C5 zone, showroom, parts department. Reduced $1,700,000. 250-981-3583 CORNER of Queensway & Quadrant, C6 commercial lot, 50X111, all services in, $120,000. 250-981-3583

Furnished Apartments

Houses For Rent

2 bdrm house in Giscome, full bsmt, f/p, f/s. $1200/mth plus util. Optional 10 acres fenced. $1450/mth

GIVENOTICETOPREST, MICHAELALBERTTHAT YOUR2015RAM1500 SPORT, 1C6RR7MT9FS774794, WILLBESOLDFORNONPAYMENTIFWEDONOT RECEIVE$1732.50PLUS FEES,STORAGEAND COSTSACCRUING. SALEWILLTAKEPLACE NOVEMBER11,2019,OR THEREAFTER. PLEASECALLIRSCAT 604-595-7376FOR INFORMATION.

Personal Messages

Dracula bites into TNW stage

You’re going to get edumacated at Theatre NorthWest as Professor Van Helsing insists on telling his farcical version of Count Dracula’s tale in Dracula: The Bloody Truth that’s presented at the theatre until Nov. 10.

During the fast-moving, laugh-out-loud comedy, Christy Bruce takes on 11 characters and 20 costume changes.

“I love all the characters I play each in their different ways but there is one character who’s Scottish and I very much enjoy the Scottish accent,” Bruce said. “And she has the most ridiculous costume so that one is pretty fun.”

Bruce is an improv theatre artist and instructor so she brings something a little different to the already off-beat show.

“It’s really great,” she added. “As it

it’s like a real machine that’s working well so up front it goes smoothly.

seamlessly falls apart on stage there are these classic noises off stage where you’re wondering what is exactly going on back

there? Gosh, it’s just there’s costumes getting thrown and we each have three people helping us with costume changes and props and set pieces - it’s like a real machine that’s working well so up front it goes smoothly.”

Along with her theatre experience Bruce has also been seen on plenty of screens, big and small. Her credits include Orphan Black, Strange But True, The Handmaid’s Tale, Suits, Little Mosque on the Prairie, Schitt’s Creek and Designated Survivor.

“A lot of my career has been based in improv so the fact that I have written words and I know exactly what’s going to happen, where to be and where everyone else is going to be - it’s a real comfortable safety net and so sometimes with my improv brain after week two or three it’s like when is something going to go wrong? But with this play when it all goes right that’s great because you’re always sort of running beside the cart, if that makes sense.” And it will make sense once you see this play.

Memories tribute this weekend

The Elder Citizens Recreational Association (ECRA) drama club is presenting a Memories Tribute Friday and Sunday to share a laugh and honour those who were a big part of the club from 2005 to 2010. The show will be about two hours long and feature a collection of skits on video. There will also be live stage performances.

“I picked skits that pay tribute to a lot of them that are not with us any more,” Odelia Kranz, drama club organizer. “Some of us are still here and some, of course, have gone.

I think it’s time we did this before we all get too old.”

Forever Young Chorus and the Gospel Singers will perform some songs during the evening.

The grand finale will see the Country Cuzzins take to the stage as they have always ended the drama club shows.

The drama club is always looking for more members who are interested in doing short comedy sketches and other theatrical activities.

Memories Tribute goes Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave. Tickets are $10 with proceeds going toward the operating costs of the centre. Tickets are at the centre in advance and at the door. For more information call 250-561-9381.

Christy Bruce, and Natascha Girgis perform in a scene from Dracula: The

THEATRE NORTHWEST - CONTR R0011743187

4.00X28.0-4C

PG16 / 019463

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Kirk Smith, left,

Bloody Truth at Theatre Northwest.

CHRISTINE HINZMANN CITIZEN STAFF CHINZMANN@PGCITIZEN.CA

Great Canadian HoCkey tour

AROUND TOWN COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ROTTEN PUMPKIN FUNDRAISER

Friday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place, grab a hot dog and send the Halloween pumpkins to the compost grave in style as they are flung through the air using a catapult during the annual fundraiser. Before bringing pumpkins remove any glass, toothpicks or any other sharp objects for safe flinging. Cost is $3 per pumpkin. Hot dogs and drinks are available for purchase. Proceeds go to museum programs. Contact: 250-562-1612 | info@ theexplorationplace.com

STUDIO FAIR 2019

Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre, 808

Civic Plaza, Studio Fair is Northern B.C.’s finest professional artisan fair showcasing more than 200 vendors from across Canada. Studio Fair is the major fundraiser for the Prince George & District Community Arts Council. Adults, seniors, students are $5, children under 12 are free.

DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH

Until Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., Theatre Northwest, #36 - 556 North Nechako Rd., presents Dracula: The Bloody Truth by John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete. This is a co-production with Western Canada Theatre. This funny and thrilling comedy is perfect for the season. The main character offers advice on the dangers of vampires and how to manage during a close encounter. Contact: 250-563-6969 or visit www.theatrenorthwest.com.

MEMORIES TRIBUTE

Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m., at the Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave., the ECRA drama club will celebrate their

many comedy skits and musical presentations. Tickets are $10 with proceeds going toward the operating costs of the centre. Tickets are at the centre in advance or at the door.

WE REMEMBER

Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra presents Canadian composer Glen Buhr’s 1989 composition Akasha (Sky), followed by Jean Sebelius’ Pelleas and Melisande. After intermission the beautiful sound of John Rutter’s Requiem will pay tribute to those who have lost their lives fighting for our country. Performing with the symphony will be a select mixed choir prepared by Lyn Vernon and soprano soloist Veera Khare-Asher. Tickets are at the PGSO office, 2880 15th Ave. or online at www.pgso.com. Contact: 250-562-0800 | gm@pgso.com

DEATH AND GLORY

Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Trinity United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave., the faculty of the Prince George Conservatory of Music and musical guests present an afternoon concert featuring voice, harp, piano, violin and flute. Join us for refreshments following the concert.

Admission is by donation. Contact: 250-5647467 | pgconservatory@gmail.com

EMERGING ADULT SOCIAL

Monday and Dec. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch, Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, this emerging adult social is geared for those 19 to 30 years old to kick back, eat snacks and try different activities with other emerging adults. Contact: 2505639251 | adhanjal@pgpl.ca

STUFFY SLEEPOVER

Monday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch, Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, children five years old and younger are invited to bring a favourite stuffy to storytime and afterwards, leave the stuffed friend at the library for a sleepover. Our secret photographers will catch the stuffy friends in action after the librarians go home. Call to register: 250-563-9251 ext. 108. Contact: 2505639251 | adhanjal@pgpl. ca

Continued on page 37

Can you find the two identical Ghost House portraits in under one minute? Have a friend try. Did they beat your time?

The noun community means the people living in the same place, such as a village or city

Try to use the word community in a sentence today when talking with friends and family. Hundreds of people in our community watch the annual Halloween parade.

Studio Fair 2019

Northern BC’s Finest Professional Artisan Fair

November 1 - 3, 2019

Friday - 10 am - 8 pm

Under 12: Free Prince George Civic Centre 43rd Anniversary

Saturday - 10 am - 6 pm

Sunday - 10 am - 4 pm

Adult/Senior/Student: $5

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: AQUARIUS, PISCES AND ARIES

ARIES

Emotions will run high this week, lending you a burst of creative inspiration. You’ll develop a closer bond with someone after taking care of them. They’ll be happy to do the same for you eventually.

TAURUS

It’s easier to get along with people you’re not emotionally attached to. One of your children knows just how to play with your emotions to get what they want.

GEMINI

A slight ailment will get a bit worse this week. Luckily, this leads you to consult a specialist who will help you find the right treatment.

CANCER

You’ll accomplish something you’ll be especially proud of. This will boost your self­esteem. You may be able to save someone from an unfortunate situation.

LEO

You’ll reach your health goals more quickly by simply changing the way you eat. Also, you’ll be inspired to start a small business from your home that could turn into something big.

VIRGO

You won’t mince your words this week. Your phone will be ringing off the hook with invitations from your friends to join them for all sorts of fun.

LIBRA

Don’t be surprised if you get a promotion that comes with a generous salary increase. Discretion is necessary because there are jealous people around.

SCORPIO

There will be tons going on this week, and you’ll spend quality time with the people you love. With a little organization, certain obligations will be lots of fun, even if they’re work­related.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll find it necessary to take more care and consideration than usual this week. Also, you’ll gain insight from a flash of creativity and immediately start working on a masterpiece. Get out of the house for a bit, you could use some fresh air.

CAPRICORN

If you’re single, you’ll receive several invitations this week. Make your social life a priority and people will want to spend time with you. Your clientele will also grow.

AQUARIUS

There are a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders right now. Luckily, you’re incredibly organized. There won’t seem to be enough time to get everything done but tight scheduling will make it possible.

PISCES

A vacation may be on the horizon. To make it happen, all you need to do is dream about it or apply the law of attraction. Professionally, opportunities for extra training should be undertaken as they’ll prove profitable.

1. Find a sum

Basis

Husband’s spouse

Scheduled to arrive

Jealousy

Constant

Slippery fish

Pile

Stared at

Security device

Mischievous child 24. Consuming 28. Door fastener 31. Found’s companion

34. ____ good to be true

35. Yield to commands 36. Kind of grain 37. Skin condition 38. Long scarf 39. Old stringed instrument 40. “____ So Cold” 41. Wait on 43. Filled dessert 45. Slick

48. Unpleasant 52. Unruly kid 55. Diamond calls 57. Distinctive

Price

Chimney duct

Walking on

Highly impressed

Printed words

Like a ____ of bricks

Fencing event

Snack store

Tailor again

Wallet stuffer

PUZZLE NO. 738

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

Climbing plant

Lawyer’s payment

Discontinue

Detroit, e.g.

Used scissors on

Scheme

Urge

“____ but the Brave”

“Life ____

Certain haircuts

Clarinet’s cousin

Shaped like an egg 7. Printed mistake 8. Calendar divisions

Stair

Cruising

Floral wreath

Cast a ballot

Map graphic

Place for hay

Sofa

“King ____” 32. Rowing device

Santa’s time

Set of three

Knitter’s material

Bathing-suit part

Uncooked

Had food

Semiformal

PUZZLE NO. 2

PUZZLE NO. 4

PJ STORYTIME

Every Monday until Dec. 9 from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch, Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, bring the little ones dressed in their PJs for stories, rhymes, and songs before bedtime. Suitable for children up to five years old. Contact: 2505639251 | adhanjal@pgpl.ca

HEARTBEAT MEETINGS

On the third Monday of the month at the Foundry, 1148 Seventh Ave., at 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. for youth between 12 and 24 and for adults at 6:45 to 8 p.m., there is a peer support group meeting offering empathy, encouragement and direction for those who have lost a loved one by suicide. If the door is

Florida native group opens Guitar Hotel

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Guitar

held

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - It looks like a rock ‘n’ roll guitar that Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page would have played. But this one is 450 feet (137 metres) tall and is a light-beam hotel that the Seminole Tribe

locked, please knock. For more information contact Sandra Galletti at galletti@telus.net or call 250-961-9330.

ACAPELLA CHORUS

Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Studio 2880-15th Ave, back entrance, the White Spruce City Acapella Chorus is looking for women of all ages to tuneup and re-energize their passion for singing. Everyone is welcome for fun, laughter and friendship. For more information call Pam 250-562-9855.

YOUTH NEEDLECRAFT

Every Tuesday until Dec. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch, Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, there is Tens to Teens Needlecraft. Those 10 to 18 years old can join Alise to learn the basics of knitting

wants to become South Florida’s latest tourist destination. The Guitar Hotel had its grand opening Thursday on the tribe’s land in Hollywood, once only a trailer park and some smoke shops. It’s the latest step in the Seminole Hard Rock empire, which includes naming rights on the Miami-area stadium where the 2020 Super Bowl will be played. “It really is special,” said Mitchell Cypress, vice chairman of the Seminole tribal council.

“The Seminoles now are known throughout the world.”

It’s a unique addition to South Florida’s tourist landscape and no hotel is like it in the world. It has more than 600 rooms and at night, beams of light will mimic the strings of the guitar.

Locally, people stop along the roadsides to take photos. It’s visible to travellers on airliners headed into Fort Lauderdale.

The $1.5 billion project also has a refurbished venue for concerts and other events, starting with Maroon 5 on Friday and continuing with artists such as Sting and Billy Joel. It has a giant pool and lagoon, retail shops, restaurants, and of course gambling.

Jim Allen, CEO of Hard Rock International, said the brand already is filled with guitars, so why not a hotel?

“Wouldn’t it be really cool if we could design a hotel shaped like a guitar?”

Allen remembers saying. “Before, we were more of a locals facility. Now, we have the ability to market this internationally.”

As for the guitar shape, Allen said it’s meant to be generic and not necessarily the Gibson Les Paul made famous by Page and others. But he added that Hard Rock has relationships with both Gibson and Page, and the hotel and casino features many Led Zeppelin artifacts.

“When we present the Hard Rock brand on a global basis, it literally starts with Jimmy Page saying ‘It was a cool idea then and it’s a cool idea now,”’ Allen said.

and crochet. Yarn, needles, and hooks will be provided. Call 250-563-9251 ext. 108 to register.

MENTAL HEALTH MEETINGS

The first and third Wednesday of every month at 11:15 a.m. at 1139 Sixth Ave., the Prince George Mental Health Consumer Council welcomes the public to regular meetings. For more information call Sherry at 250-562-1839.

CANTATA SINGERS

Every Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at , St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, 1505 Fifth Ave., the Prince George Cantata Singers, a group of about 60 voices (ranging in age from 17 on up), come together each week to sing in harmony for musical performance. The choir performs about two to four major concerts per year, divided into two sessions from Sept. to Dec. and Jan. to June. Event fee is $90 per session.

MODERN SEXUALITY BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Nov. 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Trench Brewing, 399 Second Ave., the frustrating silent stigma is starting to fade, but now we’re left with an information gap. What does sexuality look like in 2019? Join Darcie and Kayli for this meetup. Borrow titles from the library or purchase from Books & Co. with a discount. To register and for titles call Prince George Public Library at 250-563-9251 ext. 141 or Books & Company at 250-5636637. Contact: 250-563-9251 | adhanjal@ pgpl.ca

DJ DANCE NIGHTS

Thursdays until Dec. 26 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St., Thursday DJ Dance Nights are presented to get a body grooving and keep spirits and energies high. There are licenced and dry DJ nights each month featuring local, regional and touring

Mitchell Cypress, vice chairman of the Seminole tribal council, stands in front of a guitar display at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino last week.

DJs. Entry is by suggested donation of between $5 and $20, but no one is turned away due to lack of funds. For details visit www.ominecaartscentre.com. Contact: 250552-0826 | info@ominecaartscentre.com

FRIDAY NIGHT MICS

Every Friday at 7 p.m. Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave., in Cafe Voltaire, hosts an open mic night for all musicians local or just passing through. The weekly event features great music, audience engagement, tasty beverages and treats while intermission finds people browsing through book shelves filled with contributions from local authors as well as best sellers. For more information visit www. booksandcompany.ca.

FAMILY GAMING

Every Saturday until Dec. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Nechako Branch, Prince George Public Library, 6547 Hart Highway, bring the family to monthly gaming afternoons at Nechako Branch and play a variety of tabletop board games and video games. Contact: 250-563-9251 | ask@ pgpl.ca.

SCRABBLE SUNDAYS

Every Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave., in Cafe Voltaire there is Scrabble Sunday every weekend. Bring friends, family or yourself and your scrabble board. Contact: 250-563-6637 | orderbooks@shaw. ca

WORDPLAY OPEN STAGE

Third Thursday of every month Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave., hosts Wordplay Open Stage Night in Cafe Voltaire from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is geared for poets and storytellers, aspiring, published or professional. Bring original work, take the stage and share with a creative reading.

People walk through a retail area at the

Rock Hotel and Casino last week.

The

Hotel

its grand opening last week at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on the tribe’s land in Hollywood, Florida.

Seminole Hard

Citizen Staff

Kitchen tables making a comeback

GMichelle Brruneerr

The Washington Post

rowing up, there was one place to be after every holiday meal: my grandma’s kitchen table. It was a hub of activity and chatter that went far beyond divvying up leftovers and discussing who should get the last slice of pie. Stories were swapped, highballs were drunk, and cards were played. If a piece of furniture could evoke a sense of family and community, the table was it.

Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL kitchens, has similar warm memories of this once-essential piece of furniture: “My dad would sit at the kitchen table and get out books, or look at stamps and use it as a place to continue hanging out; it was so much more than just a place to eat,” she says.

Lately, a handful of designers and tastemakers are embracing the old-fashioned table as a homier alternative to the ubiquitous island. Cabinetry companies such as deVOL and Plain English have launched U.S. showrooms to an overwhelmingly positive response in the past year, and their advertising often features images of kitchens with tables front and center. The spaces present a cozy and inviting antidote to overly sleek kitchens with tricked-out islands. There’s a reason that “gathered around the island” doesn’t have the same nostalgic ring as “gathered around the table.”

“A table has a domestic warmth to it that an island doesn’t,” says New York interior designer Steven Gambrel. “The way a casual outfit encourages a laid-back vibe and black-tie dress creates a formal tone, the same is true of an island,” he says. “When an island is built-in and matches the cabinets, it has a stiff, immobile presence. It doesn’t have the same sense of ease

as a wooden table that’s got some age.”

For Parker, adding a vintage table is a way to create a more authentic, eclectic vibe. “All of those matching parts don’t feel as soulful as when you have great big table with a bunch of flowers where the kids can do their homework,” she says. Gambrel also cites lightness as a part of a table’s appeal. “Your eye sees under a table because the legs raise it off the ground; it feels more airy and less contrived than an island, which can feel bulky and dated,” he says. Part of the problem in Parker’s opinion is the temptation for homeowners to fit everything and the kitchen sink into the island. “It’s become a big box with too many appliances, stools, and a garbage bin; it ends up not being an aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture,” she says. But the fully loaded island has a tight grip on America’s imagination. When people talk about the heart of the kitchen today, they’re often referring to this multifunctional monolith. A recent Houzz survey estimated that 38 percent of kitchen remodels involved adding an island (that doesn’t include all of the homes that already have one). Some trend forecasters even predict that we’ll see a rise in the popularity of double islands in future years.

According to Home Advisor, the average cost of a kitchen island is $3,000 to $5,000, though custom-built options can be $10,000 or more. Of course, not every kitchen can accommodate a built-in island. For older houses with small or galley-style cookspaces, planning for an island involves opening up a wall or bumping out the back, which can increase renovation costs dramatically. In these situations, a smallto medium-size table can be a practical and affordable solution, offering comparable prep space. A solid pine table from

Ikea will set you back just $99, while an antiqued elm one with a distressed metal base from Restoration Hardware starts at $1,095. If you’re in the market for a truly unique vintage piece, 1st dibs has an Italian oak farm table with geometric inlay for $4,000.

The earliest islands were humble work tables placed in the center of the kitchen. If you were wealthy, it was where servants orchestrated dinner - think of the downstairs buzz of “Downton Abbey.” If you weren’t, it was where you sat to peel potatoes or roll out pie crust, often in solitude, because the kitchen was probably cut off from the rest of the house. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the open kitchen and built-in island arrived, promising to make women’s lives easier.

“The iconic suburban image of the command-post kitchen where the woman of the house could do her work and observe the kids really resonated in 1950s America,” says Sarah Leavitt, curator at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. “The idea was to build this concept of family and togetherness right into the actual architecture and design of the house.”

While the island was an aspirational symbol of modern housekeeping, it was mostly a product of postwar new construction for suburban single-family homes. It gained momentum through the 1960s and ‘70s but didn’t become a mainstream design element until the 1980s and ‘90s, when open-plan kitchens became the rage, buoyed by the popularity of the Food Network and HGTV.

Suddenly, the island wasn’t just a prep space, but also a stage to perform for your guests, though visibility has its drawbacks.

Vintage china serving pieces can be used as containers for plants such as orchids and herbs.

“If you have a big island that’s open to the rest of the house and you’re trying to sit in the living room, you’re likely staring at dirty dishes,” Leavitt says. “It looks nice when it’s clean, but given the potential for mess, it’s surprising that it continues to have widespread appeal.”

One irony of the island is that it’s come to epitomize casual living, yet bellying up to one isn’t always easy or comfortable. A counter-height stool often lacks adequate support for longer stretches of sitting. “There’s just something nicer about relaxing into a proper chair and being able to spread out at a table,” Parker says.

Another downside: Breakfast bar-style seating often forces everyone to eat facing the same direction - fine for a quick bite onthe-go, but not exactly great for connecting with one another. “If you have a big island, as soon as the meal is over, everyone disperses; you don’t quite congregate in the same way,” she says.

Islands also tend to put guests on one side, leaving the person doing the work standing alone on the other, which can sometimes feel like an imbalance of power. At a communal table, everyone can pull up a chair and occupy equal space.

“It’s a question of, ‘Why does one thing feel good and not the other?’ And it comes down to being honest about the way we actually live vs. the way we think we should live,” Gambrel says. “When you experience an easy house where someone likes to cook and entertain, and they serve you coffee at the table and there’s music playing, it resonates with you; naturally, you’d want to emulate that.”

A Brooklyn Teacup tiered serving dish made of upcycled china is filled with desserts at a garden-inspired brunch.

A tureen filled with flowers and sitting on its matching platter makes a nice centrepiece.

RAV4 in a class of its own

Toyota must have read a quote from the late Dr. Wayne Dyer when it was developing the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid.

“My goal is not to be better than anyone else,” said the well-known motivational speaker. “But to be better than I used to be.”

The company took that quote to heart developing the gasoline-electric hybrid, which literally has no direct competitors.

Sure, the conventional gasoline-powered models take on a full slate of competitors in the hot compact SUV/crossover segment of the market, such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and others.

There are, however, a small but growing number of plug-in hybrids, such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Kia Niro PHEV.

So you could say that Toyota reasoned that the one to really beat this new vehicle was last year’s RAV4 Hybrid.

Toyota offers the RAV4 Hybrid in three trims, starting at $32,350 for the base model. My tester was the top-of-the-line Limited, with a list price of $42,790.

The RAV4 has just undergone a major revamp, with a more aggressive-looking body on a new platform and an upgraded interior.

But the biggest change took place under the hood. There is still a gas-powered 2.5litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder doing yeoman’s work. It is augmented by two electric motors, one in the front and one in the back.

To give a more engaging drive, Toyota has chosen to have more torque — up to 30 per cent more — flow to the rear wheels. This is a strategy more commonly associated with high-end European sports sedans, not run-of-the-mill SUVs.

This is possible because all RAV4 Hybrids automatically come with AWD.

The gasoline engine produces 176

horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque.

One electric motor produces 118 hp and 149 lb.-ft. of torque while the second adds another 54 hp.

Combined, Toyota claims the Hybrid has 219 hp.

That’s not only more powerful than last year’s powerplant (194 hp combined) but much more powerful than the Outlander PHEV or the Niro.

The extra power is felt on the road, with zippy pickup (just based on seat-of-thepants estimation).

Despite being quicker, it is also more frugal than last year, with consumption figures of 5.7 litres per 100 km in the city and 6.3 on the highway.

At low speeds and with a charged battery pack, you can creep along just on electric power.

But the battery pack, a nickel-metalhydride pack with a mere 1.6-kWh capacity, is meager in comparison with the newer entrants.

The Outlander uses a newer lithium-ion battery with a 12.0-kWh capacity. Even the smaller Niro has a 8.9-kWh pack.

The latter two can offer gas-free driving for a limited range. If your commute falls within those limits, you could conceivably drive without filling up for an extended period of time.

The RAV4’s hybrid system is shared with the company’s other well-known hybrid, the Prius. That model now has a plug-in hybrid model — the Prius Prime.

My money is on the RAV4 eventually being equipped with the same system.

For now, the smaller battery is a positive, as it is able to fit under the second-row seats, resulting in no loss of passenger or cargo capacity (compared with the gasoline-powered models).

The interior of the Limited is as nearluxury as you can get in a Toyota. (You can, of course, trade up to a Lexus if you demand more).

The cabin is spacious, logically arranged

and functional. Winter-driving Canadians will appreciate such details such as a heated steering wheel and knobs large enough to be operated with a gloved hand. Even the eight-inch infotainment system has two knobs, despite the fact that most people will likely use the steering-wheelmounted controls.

This year’s RAV4 has a tray (handy for pens and other small items) horizontally just under the dash directly in front of the passenger and to the left of the steering wheel.

The leather front seats feature heat and ventilation, with two memories for the driver’s.

Apart from a back-up camera, the Limited has rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. You also get a bird’s-eye view of the ground around your vehicle as an aid to avoid obstacles during parking.

Saving money on fuel is on everybody’s mind, and electric vehicles are a hot topic. Toyota has offered a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle for more than 22 years now. Not only is it proven, it is still less expensive and more enjoyable to drive.

The RAV4 in conventional gasoline form is one of the top-selling vehicles in Canada. The RAV4 Hybrid, in a class of its own, continues to show the road forward in a changing automobile landscape.

SPEC SHEET

Type: Hybrid compact SUV/crossover, front-engine, all-wheel drive

Engine (gasoline): 2.5-litre four cylinder, 176 hp at 5,700 r.p.m., 163 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 to 5,200 r.p.m.

Engine (electric) 118 hp, 149 lb.-ft. of torque and 54 hp

Combined power: 219

Battery: 1.6 kWh nickel-metal hydride

Transmission: Continuously variable

Dimensions (mm): Length, 4,596; width, 1,854; height, 1,702; wheelbase, 2,690 Curb weight (kg): 1,724

Price (base/as tested): $42,090/ $44,005 (includes $1,815 freight and PDI and $100 AC tax)

Options: Nil

Tires: 235/55 R18 on alloy wheels

Fuel type: Regular

Fuel economy (L/100km): 5.7 city/ 6.3 highway

Warranty: Three years/60,000 km new car, five years/100,000 km powertrain, eight years/160,000 hybrid component and three years/ unlimited km roadside assistance.

DARREN STONE PHOTO

Toyota offers the RAV4 Hybrid in three trims, starting at $32,350 for the base model.

DARREN STONE PHOTO

The interior of the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid.

Pedro Arrais Glacier Media