Cariboo Rocks The North, BCNE face cancellation
ceremonies to avoid large crowds.
Cariboo Rocks The North and the B.C. Northern Exhibition in Prince George may be cancelled after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the COVID-19 pandemic rules out big summertime events in B.C. where people crowd together.
Henry said it’s likely the Pacific national exhibition in Vancouver will likely be cancelled and people will have to scale back wedding plans, funerals and graduation
“realistically, we will not be having those big events where people gather together this summer, that is a much riskier prospect than ever before,” Henry said. “We do not have enough herd immunity or community immunity to protect everybody and allow that type of event to happen. So i think we’ll be seeing globally those types of events like large parades and large mass gatherings where we all come together, those will not be happening this summer.”
“All of us involved with cariboo rocks have been planning to move ahead as planned for the second weekend in August,” event organizer Kyle Sampson said. “We continue to monitor the situation and work with health officials and follow the orders. nothing’s ruled out but, of course, nothing’s a guarantee and we’re going to have to connect as a team and make some plans to see what our next steps are. it may well happen, we don’t have the answers yet. it’s definitely not cancelled yet.”
if it is not allowed in the summer months, Sampson said there is a pos-
sibility the concert could happen later in the year.
if the Bcne and cariboo rocks events are cancelled, they would join a lengthening list of events that won’t happen this year in the city, including the world women’s curling championship, Western canada ringette championships, canadian masters badminton championships, Jehovah Witnesses convention and Backcountry Horsemen of Bc trailriders jamboree.
The Bcne is a member of the B.c. Association of Agricultural Fairs and exhibitions, which has already announced the cloverdale rodeo and country Fair in May and Williams Lake Stampede in late-June won’t be happening this year.
“We can think about how we can celebrate important milestones, important things in our lives, that allows us to have a safe distance and we should start planning that now,” Henry said. “This is a challenging time around the world and it’s not going to be easy to get out of it, but those types of mass gatherings where we have lots of people together, this is not the time for that.”
Hundreds of nurses needed
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern Health is looking to fill more than 300 vacant nursing positions.
Last week, northern Health’s recruiting website had 235 positions listed for registered nurses (rns) and registered psychiatric nurses (rPns), 56 postings for licensed practical nurses (LPns) and 11 jobs open for nurse practitioners.
The job postings ranged from leadership positions such as two director of care positions based in Terrace and Smithers, to part-time and casual positions.
of the 302 total nursing positions northern Health is looking to fill, 66 were based in Prince George – 44 rns and rPns, 19 LPns and three nurse practitioner positions.
“Spring time is always the busy time of year for recruitment,” northern Health spokesperson Andrea Palmer said.
“We use the postings to attract new graduates.”
The number of postings isn’t unusual for this time of year, Palmer said, but northern Health is constantly looking to fill positions throughout the region.
“There are positions that are difficult to fill,” Palmer said. “often specialist nurses can be difficult to recruit.”
northern Health needs more than a dozen intensive care unit nurses, emergency room nurses, operating nurses and critical care nurses, along with other assorted specialists.
The vacant nursing positions puts immense pressure on the current nurses working across the region to provide adequate levels of service, the president of the B.c nurses Union said.
“We know that the auditor general has already identified the north as having significant staffing issues,” christine Sorensen said in an interview.
“That the north is already staffing about 25 per cent below what is needed. We also know that provincially we have the lowest rate per capita of nurses per patient population.”
citizen file Photo
Ted Clarke Citizen staff
arThur Williams and ChrisTine hinzmann Citizen staff
MoM ordered to return kids to P.G.
Mark NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A judge has dismissed a Lower Mainland woman’s claim that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it unsafe to return her two children from a previous marriage to her ex-husband in Prince George.
Provincial court judge Cassandra Malfair found steps can be taken to reduce the children’s risk of exposure to the virus during the drive to this city - from packing meals they can eat while on the trip to having them wear disposable gloves when touching handles, lids and paper rolls when in a public washroom.
“In short, with the smallest precautionary measures, I can see no reason why the children cannot use a washroom safety during the eight-to-nine-hour drive to Prince George,” Malfair said in a decision issued April 1.
The children reside primarily with their father in Prince George but had been living with their mother during spring break.
But at the end of her parenting time, she refused to return the children and contended they should stay with her until the pandemic abates.
The father subsequently applied to the court for their return.
It was the third time in the six years since they had separated that the mother had attempted to change parenting arrangements by refusing to return them rather than making a formal application to the court.
The mother raised no concern when they were originally driven down to her home on March 15, when the pandemic was starting to flare up, Malfair also said, noting there are a significantly higher number of reported cases in the Lower Mainland than in northern B.C.
She ordered that the woman transport the children to a halfway point and handed over to their father on April 2.
A fine against the woman for failing to return the children on time will be considered at a later date.
The B.C. Ministry of Attorney General has posted a page of frequently-asked questions on its website regarding parenting arrangements and child and spousal support during the pandemic.
In general, it says court-ordered agreements cannot be changed unilaterally.
However, if the situation is urgent - for instance a parent who has returned from travelling, but is not observing self-quarantine requirements - a parent may make an urgent application to the court.
Parents can agree to adapt arrangements to fit the circumstances, such as opting for parenting time via social media and schedule additional future in-person visits when physi-
cal distancing is not required.
If the parents are unable to agree, then they can seek mediation through a family justice centre, Justice Access Centre or a privately hired mediator or the assistance of the court.
In-person visits to family justice centres have been suspended but the centre in Prince George can be reached by calling 250565-4222 or 1-888-668-1602.
As for children in care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, visits with family members are being conducted through social media or telephone whenever possible.
“We recognize and support the importance of keeping children and youth in care connected to their family, community and culture. In these unprecedented times, we need to support those crucial connections in the safest way possible,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Recruiting, retaining nurses a struggle in region
from page 1
Last year there was $162 million of overtime paid, which worked out to about 2 million hours of nursing care, which equals about 1,200 full time workers.
By 2030, there will be more than 25,000 nurses needed above the 55,000 that are already in place in BC, Sorensen noted.
“Then add on to that the significant understaffing in the north,” she said. “The north has struggled with recruitment and more importantly with retention of new nurses.”
The additional pressure of working through the current COVID-19 pandemic is extra hard, both professionally and personally, for nurses.
“Right now nurses are dealing with the overall stress of the healthcare system and the burden that is starting to come with dealing with a population that is extremely anxious because of loss of work, fear of the unknown around this disease and how long we’ll be in these public health measures,” Sorensen explained. “The nurses themselves carry
these around with them because they too have spouses and family members who are facing unemployment, or facing illness and then they come to work.”
“And if people are seeing nurses crying, I’m not surprised,” she added. “This is a situation of high stress. Typically nurses will cry in the break room or in their cars or at home and yet they steel themselves to go back and do the job.”
It’s not just nurses working in emergency rooms and long-term care facilities feeling the strain. Nursing shortages are
also in other health care areas, from mental health to addiction treatment.
“I commend those nurses who continue to go and work there and some of those nurses may also work in other places, such as acute care or long-term care and they see the pressures in those places or are being asked to work more in those facilities, leaving the treatment centres short staffed and when you have a limited number of nursing resources a health authority will move them around to where it’s the priority,” Sorensen noted.
Council considering reducing tax hike
arthur williams Citizen Staff
City council will look at options to get the municipal property tax increase below two per cent or below one per cent, following a decision Monday by the city’s standing committee on finance and audit.
The committee met to consider recommendations brought forward by city staff to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to cost the city almost $912,500 per month, despite some operational savings. The proposed measures were expected to reduce the overall tax increase in 2020 from 3.44 per cent down to 2.22 per cent, but several city councillors said they wanted to see options to further reduce the budget.
“Although we’re going to hope for the best, we have to plan for the worst. I want to see as close to zero per cent as possible this year,” Coun. Kyle Sampson said. “When I looked at the budget in January, I was looking at it with a very different perspective than today.”
One of the recommendations put forward by staff was delaying several capital projects and using the $8.1 million Northern Capital Planning Grant to pay off over $7 million in short-term debt for the replacement of the Willow Cale Bridge and the repair of the massive Winnipeg Street sinkhole.
That recommendation was expected to save the city more than $1.3 million in debtservicing costs and reduce the overall tax increase in 2020 from 3.44 per cent down to 2.22 per cent – a savings of about $27 for an average Prince George homeowner. If the city reached a zero per cent increase this year, it would save a typical household
approximately another $50, city director of finance Kris Dalio said.
The city doesn’t have any other loans or debt it could pay off in the short-term without paying a penalty, Dalio added.
Sampson floated the idea of permanently closing the Four Seasons Leisure Pool to the members of the committee. Sampson doesn’t sit on the committee, but attended to take part in the discussion along with all the other members of city council.
“We know we need two pools in our community, but we could make due (in the short term),” Sampson said.
The committee members – Mayor Lyn Hall and councillors Garth Frizzell, Frank Everitt and Cori Ramsay – voted to have city staff consider closing the pool for the remainder of the year, on the recommendation of city manager Kathleen Soltis.
Frizzell proposed the committee call for city councillors to give up their 1.75 per cent cost of living increase effective on May 1. City council’s annual cost-of-living increases are based on the same percentage given to the city’s non-union managers, and city staff recommended cancelling the 1.75 per cent increase for staff.
“A request came from the city manager that she not get an increase, either,” Frizzell said.
The financial impact of cancelling the increase would only amount to roughly $10,000 per year, Dalio said.
Coun. Brian Skakun also suggested the idea of allocating some of city council’s travel and contingency budgets to other uses.
“Ten thousand dollars is a token amount,
but it sends the right message,” Coun. Brian Skakun said. “I want to know how we get to a zero per cent increase. We have people that are possibly going to lose their homes. To me it’s the message, ‘what are we doing to show we care?’ I think people are looking to us for leadership.”
Not all members of city council were convinced that cutting the budget was the right choice.
“I don’t see how we’re going to be ready for recovery if we’re at zero (per cent tax increase),” Coun. Murray Krause said. “I think by aiming at zero we’re playing politics instead of doing what is needed. I was on a council that approved a zero per cent increase because we thought it was the right thing to do. It took years to recover.”
The committee recommended deferring $24.8 million in capital projects from this year to next year.
“What I’m trying to find in all this is ‘what is the city’s role?’ What do we do to help those who have lost their jobs? Small businesses that have lose their revenue?” Mayor Lyn Hall said. “We’ll play an integral role in recovery. From recovery perspective, the capital projects is huge for us. The other piece of the recovery, a huge part of it, will come from the private sector.”
Coun. Cori Ramsay suggested adjusting the late payment penalty for property taxes. Property taxes are due this year on July 3, and the city is required to impose 10 per cent late penalties on those who don’t pay by the deadline.
However, the city has the discretion to decide when the 10 per cent total penalty should come into effect.
Normally the city charges a five per cent penalty immediately, followed by a second five per cent in September. Ramsay suggested the first five per cent penalty remain in place.
“That penalty is an incentive to pay,” Ramsay said. “(But) I’d like to see the second five per cent moved to Oct. 1.”
The provincial government has already mandated that late property tax payments for business properties be delayed until Oct. 1, she said, and in the interest of fairness, residential property owners should be allowed the same amount of time.
The committee also recommended the elimination of late penalties on the second utility bills of the year.
Dalio said 88 per cent of residents paid their first utility bill of the year on time, which is in line with previous years. If the number of residents not paying their utility bills or property taxes increases, the city could be faced with a cash flow problem.
The committee’s recommendations were expected to go before city council on April 27, to be finalized on May 11 before the May 15 provincially-legislated deadline. But the request for staff to prepare additional options was expected to necessitate a special meeting of council between April 27 and May 11 to allow city staff time to prepare the information.
“I think the ramifications of COVID(-19) are beyond June and July,” Coun. Terri McConnachie said. “If we find ourselves in a bit of pickle later, and have to take emergency measures, the public will be more supportive if we’ve shown we’ve done everything we can today.”
Parades band residents together
Christine hinZMAnn Citizen staff
Everybody loves a parade.
The COVID 19 PG Volunteer Car Parades initiative started about a month ago and sees local residents coming together to help the community celebrate special occasions in a safe, social-distancing way.
A core group of about six people gather every day, decorate their cars using whatever they’ve got, some dressing up as mascots and super heroes - there’s even a unicorn - and then driving by the home of the person who needs a little pick-me-up on their special day.
Melanie Hanson got the idea when her daughter, Kayla, was talking about not being able to celebrate her 19th birthday during the coronavirus pandemic the way she wanted to with her friends.
“We were watching the news and they showed a car parade they were doing in West Kelowna,” Hanson said. “So I thought
we could do something like that for her. I thought I could take this on. In the beginning I thought we could just do a few car parades here and there. I didn’t realize how overwhelmingly popular it was going to become.”
Hanson, who is a heart patient and is at greater risk during this time, wanted to show her appreciation for frontline workers, especially at the hospital and decided to coordinate a car parade to go to the hospital every night at 7 p.m.
“For me it’s just acknowledgment and appreciation,” Hanson said. “These people are risking everything, they’re not at home with their families and every night I’m so appreciative that I’m home with mine,” she said.
The parade routes have expanded in the last little while and now travel to other first responders like ambulance stations, fire halls and police detachments to show support to them as well, Hanson said.
People in the community have reached out to the project’s Facebook page to make
a request for a car parade for birthdays, anniversaries and other circumstances when people just need a little added joy and connection - from a distance.
The other day they were at a birthday parade in the neighbourhood and called ahead to River Bend Manor that houses seniors to see if they could pay a visit.
“It was so nice to wave to all the seniors who were smiling and waving,” Hanson said.
It’s made a huge impact on the volunteers to see the appreciation and sheer emotion the car parades inspire.
“It’s brought joy to kids as young as two and our oldest was turning 88 years old,” Hanson said.
“They got to see their family and friends in a safe way and there’s been a lot of tears from both our volunteers and our community. You can’t help but shed a tear or two when you see a mom crying or when a little girl is crying because she can’t believe all these people are there for her birthday. It’s very heart warming.”
The volunteers are all strangers, Hanson said.
“I’ve met some beautiful, wonderful people,” she added. “They’re the ones that really make this happen. Without them we couldn’t have car parades.”
Hanson wanted to make sure that everyone understands that safety is the highest priority and social distancing takes place during the time they decorate the cars and as well as during the parade.
“Each week the volunteers are getting more creative with their decorations,” Hanson said. “They go all out.”
Hanson finds the word is out in the community now and more and more people are showing up for parades.
“It’s amazing to see our community come together,” Hanson said. “You know we could be at home living in fear but instead we’re out bringing back a little bit of joy.”
For more information, especially those looking to volunteer, visit the COVID 19 PG Volunteer Car Parades Facebook page.
LocaL author featured in new chicken Soup book
There’s an old adage that says laughter is the best medicine and that could be considered the best way to combat the COVID-19 blues.
Marty Anderson’s story, My Wife Tried to Kill Me, is about dealing with planks, an exercise that offers core strength improvement.
The story has been published in the firstever humour-based book in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series called Laughter is the Best Medicine.
The book series has sold more than 500 million copies around the globe.
Anderson, who lives in the area and works at Vista Radio, has been writing for years, recounting his adventures of raising four daughters with his wife in his blog called theinvolvedhusband.com.
The recently-published fitness misadventure story talks about how his wife, Carla, went to an exercise boot camp and returned home wanting to share her new-found fitness knowledge.
“She came home telling me all these things
and I would roll my eyes,” Anderson said. “I honestly did not know what a plank was at the time.”
When Carla explained what it was, Anderson was convinced it was easy peasy.
“I was incredulous,” Anderson said. “You mean you get in a push-up position and then don’t do any push-ups? I could do that all day! As it turned out, of course, those planks are not that easy. It almost killed me!”
Anderson stumbled on the call for submissions to the humour-based Chicken Soup for the Soul book when it was posted on social
media last year.
Anderson said he’s really excited about contributing to the book.
He often writes for a snowmobiling magazine and published one himself for a short time years ago so he’s no stranger to the literary world.
“So I’ve got some publishing experience but obviously not as big a readership as a Chicken Soup series,” Anderson said.
There’s more writing in his future with two book ideas on the back burner and more blogging stories to be told.
Christine hinZMAnn Citizen staff
Warm weather brings out families
Ted Clarke Citizen staff
On a warm sunny Sunday afternoon, Amy and Clayton Wilkinson and their four kids went to the park for a longawaited picnic.
After being cooped up by winter weather for months, then confined for another month of COVID-19 self-imposed isolation, they sat together at a table enjoying their McDonald’s lunch watching signs of spring returning to Llheidli T’Enneh Memorial Park.
Grandmothers were out for a stroll with their daughters, kids shook off the rust in their legs as they rode their bikes along the river path and it almost seemed like life as we used to know it had returned to normal in Prince George.
But it’s too early for normal, not while the threat of the virus remains, and the Wilkinsons are not about to take any chances. They kept their distance, at least two metres apart from other human contact, a habit they’ve strictly maintained since March 12.
“The hardest part was the first couple weeks where you’re in isolation and all those close ties have been cut off,” said Clayton. “I think people have been taking it seriously, and you see that in the grocery stores with people (social distancing),” said Amy. “This is about as exotic as we’ve gotten, this is the first time eating out in month and we’ve made big deal of it, sitting at a table by ourselves not close to anyone else. We didn’t invite friends and we have stayed away from people.”
Three of the Wilkinson kids – 14-year-old Josiah; nine-year-old Levi and seven-year-old Luke – attend Westside Academy, while their 11-year-old sister Faith is home-schooled by her mom Amy.
The three boys are heading into their fourth week of online learning, ever since the schools were closed to students during the first week of spring break in March. Their dad Clayton is a Grade 3 teacher at Ron Brent Elementary School and both parents have a handle on teaching their kids what they’re supposed to be learning and keeping them on a schedule to learn their academic subjects.
“All of our kids have been home-schooled in the past,” said Clayton.
“When the schools shut down it was only the three boys at school and we just brought them home.”
Amy has been a home-school teacher for years and she’s been getting grilled by other parents in the neighbourhood asking for advice.
“We try to stick with some kind of routine,” she said.
“We do a morning meeting where we get on the same page and everybody has a planner and they write down what their tasks are and they all read to us out loud and tell us what they read about. Even though this is our normal, it’s also stressful and we try to keep it as basic and as pleasant as possible,” she added.
“I think right now don’t worry too much about the academics, just enjoy and do what’s peaceful for your family. Have fun,
read stories together, let them write a bit, play board games, go for walks together and just try and enjoy it. That extra burden of stress of school, really, in the long run, I don’t think anybody’s going to fall behind, it’s just trying to stay positive. We fail at that every day as parents because these highstress times make it harder.”
Classroom activities are important but the Wilkinsons also know the value of keeping their kids active.
Clayton is a former competitive triathlete who won the Prince George Triathlon not long after he moved to the city from Fort McMurray and Amy has also raced in triathlons and they passed their athleticism on to their kids.
Josiah is in his eighth year swimming with the Prince George Barracudas.
Normally, he practices 12 1/2 hours a week and was qualified for BC Summer Games in triathlon and swimming.
Both his brothers swim three hours a week for the ‘Cudas, but that’s all been put on hold. The pools are closed.
“It’s been kind of difficult, not being able to see my friends,” said Josiah. “But it’ll turn out fine.”
“It’s hard for the kids not being able to see their friends,” said Amy.
“Because if you say yes to one we have to say yes to all and all those different social interactions would add up.”
Dance was Faith’s favourite activity and that took up nine hours a week.
She does ballet, jazz, variety and hip-hop, but tap dancing is her favourite and she’s
disappointed all her competitions have been wiped out by the pandemic.
That doesn’t mean she’s sitting around the house glued to a screens, far from it.
The whole family takes part in workout videos, they go for walks, runs and bike rides, shoot hoops or play badminton or volleyball in the backyard, just like they’ve always done.
“There’s a lot of online resources that are aimed towards kids, music-oriented, there’s lots of options, especially now that it’s warmer,” said Amy.
COVID-19 has confined families to their own homes but it’s also brought out some good aspects and the Wilkinson kids are looking out for each other more, trying to get along.
“Kids in school go to their own age group but when your siblings are all you have for an extended period of time they’ve kind of regained the desire to play together,” said Amy.
“When you’re forced to be with someone all the time there’s definitely fireworks but there’s also that, ‘Hey, I remember you and I like you, let’s do something together.”
People are being a little kinder it seems, banding together to fight the virus, and Clayton hopes that congenial spirit of cooperation doesn’t disappear when the pandemic subsides.
“Don’t lose what we’ve gained in this time,” he said. “Families might be playing more board games now or spending more time together at the dinner table and we should keep that going.”
When government drops the ball
Public support and compliance is essential to a government being able to accomplish their goals.
But when the public trust is broken, what happens?
How is it rebuilt?
How do our current leaders respond?
Occasionally they take responsibility.
Sometimes they deflect by pointing out mistakes others make to hide their own mistakes.
Or they dig in and insist they are on the right path despite public outcry.
Do they take responsibility or do they lash out and blame the little guy?
A recent SD57 school board bombshell decision to “begin the process” to rename Kelly Road Secondary School is an example of a group of trusted elected officials making a big mistake.
Instead of responding to public outcry (some reactionary, but most reasonable and respectful) by repealing the motion at the April 7 meeting, they refused to read even a single letter that the public sent during the public input portion of the board meeting, even though there was time and many letters were sent.
How does that match the board’s stated guiding principles “to be transparent, open-minded, consultative, committed, respectful of diversity?”
You dropped the ball, trustees.
You need to do a lot better than this.
Faced with COVID-19, swimming pools were closed across the province, which was sensible.
THINKING ALOUD
TRUDY KLASSEN
However, what about the wisdom of closing all the parks and outdoor recreation to locals?
How about the local farmers markets?
There is an old saying that the cure may be worse than the disease and I think we need to begin thinking of smart ways to live in a pandemic situation.
Surely a creative way could be found to keep outdoor parks, recreation areas and the farmers markets open. (But, please don’t charge overtime to think about this, City of PG senior admin.)
In both the case of pandemic preparedness and wildfires, our governments have spent money to get advice on preparing for them.
However, very little prevention work has happened since the Kelowna fires destroyed over 200 buildings in 2003.
Preparing for a pandemic that would come at some point was strongly advised but here we are, in 2020, Canada, a developed country, without sufficient PPE, medical equipment, or supplies to respond properly.
The Globe and Mail (April 9) reports that in a 2006 document there were credible warnings.
— See WHY SHOULD on page 9
Why should citizens be respectful when politicians are not?
— from page 8
Then “A 2010 federal audit flagged problems with the management of Canada’s emergency stockpile of medical equipment; a 2018 assessment of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak a decade earlier raised concerns about ventilator shortages; and a 2019 study led by a team of global scientists questioned the ability of many countries, including Canada to prevent, detect, and respond to a major outbreak.”
So the ordinary person told to pay their taxes is supposed to obey, not complain, not read opposing viewpoints (according to the Trudeau government’s most recent effort at establishing a Ministry of Truth) and report on their neighbour?
The only tool we seem to have had is the blunt one of shutting down nearly the entire economy. Seriously?
In the case of the SD57 trustees motion, the public was lectured to be respectful, when the trustees themselves were not. In the case of COVID-19, it is hard to respect a government that tells everyone to stay at home, yet so many things that only a government can do were not done.
That is dropping the ball.
As we continue to isolate and wash our hands, let’s begin to think long term. Seeing as we enjoy spending the money of future taxpayers, we should plan to prepare for future catastrophes.
The least we could do is build fireguards around cities, ensure our pandemic warehouses are properly equipped and develop pandemic best practices.
The school board? They need to demonstrate that they can think creatively and respectfully. Here’s to hoping.
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LETTERS to the editor
help our doctors
Doctors in Prince George have made changes to the way we see our patients, to help you stay safe from COVID-19, and to ensure that we and our office staff stay safe as well.
We know that a lot of people are concerned about going to their physician’s office or going to the emergency room during this difficult time, but we want to emphasize how important it is for people to make sure they are receiving ongoing care from their family doctor.
We can provide virtual care - over the phone or by video call - for most conditions,and prescribe medications this way as well. If an in-person visit is needed, our offices will arrange that too, in a way that will be safe.
If you have a health issue of any kind, please phone your family doctor’s office as you would normally do. Please DO NOT go to the office for a drop-in appointment or to book an appointment. The office staff will work with you to determine whether the doctor can provide you with a virtual care visit or, if necessary, book a time when you can safely see the doctor in person.
If you do not have a family doctor (or your doctor is not available) please contact the Urgent Primary Care Centre (former Nechako Medical Clinic) at 250645-6912, or Salveo Clinic at 250-614-0005, whichever your preference would normally be. These clinics are also offering virtual appointments or can see you in person if that is necessary. Doctors and staff at these clinics will be in communication with your family doctor’s office. If you are mildly or moderately symptomatic with a cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea:
Do not enter a health care facility. Call your doctor’s office first as instructed above. Self-isolate immediately (refer to www.bccdc.ca website for instructions on how to do this).
A useful self-assessment tool to help you decide if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19 can be found at https://bc.thrive.health/
If you have questions related to COVID19 other resources include:
Call the Northern Health virtual COVID19 clinic and information line at 1-844-6457811.
Check for current information on COVID-19 at www.northernhealth.ca
Thank you for doing your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including practicing strict social distancing if you are well and strict self-isolation if you are unwell—this will help keep us all safe. It is important during this challenging time that you continue to address your medical issues with your family doctor, especially if you have a chronic condition. Receiving care from the doctor who knows you best, and who is familiar with your medical history ensures this information is taken into account.
As always, if you have shortness of breath, cannot speak in full sentences, chest pain or pressure, drowsiness or confusion or any other urgent medical problem, please proceed directly to UHNBC Emergency or call 911.
Dr. Catherine Textor, Prince George
thanks, nurses
I want to give a big thanks to the nurses and team at the detox centre in P.G. Not only are these nurses on the front line of the pandemic, but also the front lines of the opioid crisis. These nurses work tirelessly and still have smiles on their faces despite horrible working conditions. These nurses are stretched to their limits with ridiculous patient amounts to one nurse and still provide tremendous care.
I asked one nurse why each nurse has so many patients, they held back tears and said “I don’t know.”
Unfortunately, I have been to the detox centre a couple of times for alcohol addiction and have noticed a drastic decrease in the staff morale from last fall to this last time I was there. They never let it show towards their patients though.
Off the cuff, one nurse mentioned changes in leadership at detox and the other mentioned “they just don’t listen to anything.”
Why do these “leaders” not listen to the experts working with the patients!? These nurses and counsellors work 24/7 with folks with varied addictions and know what they’re talking about.
Shame on Northern Health for having an unsafe patient number to one nurse at detox and shame on Northern Health and the “leaders” at detox for destroying the morale of these fantastic people.
Listen to your staff, because each one of them are angels in disguise.
Steve Whyte, Prince George
student pressure
I am a first-year nursing student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program currently enrolled at CNC in Prince George. I am contacting you about the lack of response on the part of the CNC administrators to the pandemic. They have not been very forthcoming with their students.
The change to online format has been tough for many of the students and teachers alike. However, the CNC administration has not been very responsive to the subject of grades or withdrawing from classes without academic penalty. Several weeks ago, institutions like UVIC, UBC, UBCO, and even UNBC had allowed their students to either keep their grades or have a pass or fail reported on their transcript with no effect on the overall GPA.
I initially emailed CNC admin and only got two responses and several times prior updating them that more prestigious institutions are making changes. However, I received no response.
Many students have suffered from the change to online courses due to COVID-19
and I don’t know who else to turn to. CNC has shown that they are too busy for their students, so I reckon with pressure, they might make the same decision regarding transcripts as the rest of the province. Quin Reimer, Prince George
shame on hoarders
I don’t like hoarders and I don’t like that many of these hoarders do so either to try to make a profit by reselling at extremely inflated prices or making excuses to justify their means of hoarding. In either case, it’s deplorable and these hoarders should be publicly shamed for their digressions but we all know that won’t happen.
So for those that have hoarded toilet paper, paper towel, hand sanitizers and wipes, hundreds of pounds of hamburger, peanut butter and cooking oils, medical PPE and many other things, what are your plans after the crisis is over for these items, many of which will have a shelf life? I hope you are pleased with yourselves and are proud of the fact you have taken from needy people and a special mention goes to the hoarders who are hoarding medical PPE. I hope you are especially proud of yourselves by denying frontline medical personnel, first responders and even people deemed essential the tools needed to keep themselves safe and helping those around them. You should be especially proud of yourselves over that one, hoarders.
Most of you hoarders will find a way to justify what you have done but it really comes down to greed and me-first attitudes and it makes you feel better. But the next time you’re sick or you want food, think of the person that is helping you but I doubt most of you will because you want to justify your actions. Sadly, it won’t fly with me and, given a chance, I would publicly shame you.
Dean Soiland, Prince George
come together
COVID-19 has become a household phrase, one that children and elderly should not know of, nor should they have to fear, yet here it is and changing from day to day.
During these uncertain times, people are met with challenges like “will I have a job tomorrow?,” “will the stress get so bad that I have health problems that are not related?” and “how will I feed my family?”
The list goes on and on. I had been observing people before self-isolating and what I saw was concerning. Medical professionals not adhering to regulations, essential service front line workers not having adequate protection while performing their duties and so on. And still these workers smile trying to do their best to put their patients at ease. Others in the community being nonchalant and careless by not self-isolating after travel or not washing hands regularly.
There are stories of doom and gloom
and stories of how their work environments have become horrible and stressful, with blame being placed due to things beyond their control.
My goodness, what do people expect? We are in a serious crisis.
Unfortunately some of those who are on the front lines are feeling the heat from people in command not knowing how to handle this unchartered ground. But anger and blame isn’t how to get through the crisis.
If an employee says the workers need something for their protection, do your best to get it for them, rather than make them feel unheard and unappreciated. Of course sales will be down if companies who produce the goods are closing. Common sense.
Cool off before you write that scathing email or say something hurtful and inappropriate. Everyone is under stress. The weight of the world is on everyone’s shoulders. Take a walk outside or call a friend and try to have laugh. We only have control of our actions, so if everyone tries to be responsible and sensible, things won’t be perfect but they may be easier. Smile at people from a distance - it may be just what you both need.
A friend’s niece said they were putting hearts on their windows as a sign of unity and suggested I do the same , so I did. And you know what? I felt better.
I opened the blinds and let the hearts glow in the sunshine. When I see them it makes me feel that everything will be OK. Our kids and grandkids are watching and learning how we respond to this crisis. Do you want the message to be anger and resentment or do you want it to be unity and caring for each other?
It is a horrible and scary time. No one is denying that but how we respond as a society can frame some of the outcome. I read an interesting point and one that could be applied here. King Henry VIII stayed in his room and allowed no one near him until the plaque passed - the only tool he had was social isolation. Stay home and pass it on to those who do not seem to get it.
We can hope we will get through this if we are smart and use common sense. Do as you are advised. Wash your hands and use social distancing. Smile at your neighbors. They feel like their lives are in hell, too. You are not alone, so do not ever forget that. Unite as a country, standing strong and free.
Wendy Taylor, Prince George
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PRINCE GEORGE
Take control of what’s happening
The COVID-19 crisis has been a challenge for many of us. We are used to interacting freely and going where we want to go. Now many of us are forced to work from home and others are not able to work at all. Our movement is limited, we have to practice social distancing and we are constantly washing our hands. Many find these circumstances overwhelming and stressful.
One of the most powerful lessons on dealing with challenges is written in my favourite book, Man’s Search For Meaning. The author, Jewish psychologist Viktor Frankl, fighting to stay alive in a Nazi concentration camp, concluded that “suffering ceases to be suffering when we give meaning to it.” In other words, if we can find meaning in what we are going through, it suddenly becomes much more bearable. What then is the meaning of staying home and dealing with the inconveniences of the quarantine?
The most obvious answer is that we are
LESSONS IN LEARNING
GERRY CHIDIAC
saving lives. If the virus can be contained, the number of lives that will be saved is virtually incalculable. There is a great deal we still do not know about COVID-19, but by following the guidelines of medical professionals we are showing that their recommendations work, and we are providing valuable data for dealing with future pandemics.
For our own mental well-being, health professionals are reminding us to let go of things we cannot control and focus on the things we can. We can’t do anything about the fact that COVID 19 exists. We cannot control the economy, nor can we control the decisions of world leaders. Ultimately, we can control little more than our own attitudes and actions, but therein lies our
power. We get to choose how we respond to the situation.
If we can find ways to be grateful and support the efforts of those who are trying to make the situation better, we have contributed greatly to our own happiness. We can all cheer our healthcare workers or help our neighbours in need. As a teacher, I know how significant my work is as I support my students in navigating these difficult waters.
It is also very important to stay active. I’m reminded of my time living in an African country on the verge of civil war in the days before we had internet access. When I could not leave the house, a series of exercise videos entitled Bodies in Motion with Gilad Janklowicz were my salvation. Now, I am so grateful to be able to walk outside every day, and it is good to see so many others taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Throngs of people are also taking advantage of the time they are given to be creative. Whether it be cooking, writing and
performing music, making TikTok videos, photography, painting or anything else the human mind can create, we are doing wonderful things. We are living proof that people are naturally active and creative.
In addition, we have found new ways to connect with one another. Thank goodness for technology and the intelligence to be able to learn how to use it. We are so much less isolated than we would have to have been even 20 years ago.
Maybe it has been good for us to stop and contemplate our lives and the world we live in. We have been forced to grapple with a disease that can be life-threatening. The truth is, however, that life and death decisions surround us all the time, we’re just not always mindful of them. Every day, we make choices which impact our own health, the well-being of our neighbour and the health of our planet.
We will get through this challenging time. Hopefully it will have been a meaningful time in which we’ve created a kinder, healthier and more compassionate world.
Deep, quick change well within reach
The perennial temptation of every columnist is to articulate a manifesto. For years, I have resisted this inexorable draw, as it often leads to crankism and generally being written off by the rest of the reading public. But then COVID-19 proved in reality, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what had been dismissed out of hand in theory by every “serious” person or camp: the complete, rapid, non-violent transformation of our sanctimonious, banal country is still possible. Before proceeding, some points. First, a thesis and process will be offered here, but how we got here, what the virus has revealed, and detailed prescriptions requires multiple entries - I ask for patience. Second, none of this is to be interpreted as advocating violent regime change. Lastly, I am unilingual in speech as well as ideology: look up Stuart Parker and Paul Strickland for reliable, alternative viewpoints as well as comments on my themes, such as “technocracy.”
My thesis is that thanks to Canada’s heritage, until 1967, our country was once
Every community must be sustainable, otherwise it will not survive. A key requirement for the establishment and continuing survival of a community is a secure reliance on a food supply.
Over the last several hundred years, the Prince George region has transitioned from a community of Indigenous peoples who survived by locally hunting, fishing and gathering, to a community which relies predominately on food imported from and processed in other parts of the province, country and world.
Fifty years ago, British Columbia produced over 80 per cent of the fruits and vegetables consumed in the province. Today, that has dropped to 50 per cent.
In the middle ages, over three quarters of the workforce in Central Europe were agricultural workers. Today, that is in the range of one to three per cent. In B.C., 2.4 per cent of the workforce is employed by
RIGHT OF CENTRE
NATHAN GIEDE
ruled by French Catholic subsidiarity, English Common Law, and fiscal Scotish pragmatism. Then, due to the Quiet Revolution, a technocratic class began to develop, eventually imposing itself upon all of Canada via the Pearson-Trudeau consensus. This class and its methods are antithetical to meaningful local government, any innovation in policy, and the traditional civil liberties of citizens. Our process is simple: the administrative, managerial, regulatory, and therapeutic state as well as its operating class is the foe that must be permanently defeated without resorting to violence of any kind. Until the ‘Rona, this was an unsolvable riddle - how does one achieve a bloodless revolution? Turns out our oligarchs’ are such cowards, they’ll foolishly sacrifice their omnipotence to save their own skin.
ECO JO GRABER
the agriculture, fishing and forestry sector. By contrast, the largest sector, at 24.8 per cent, works in knowledge-based industries. We are not unique in being part of the agricultural revolution of the 20th century. In 1900, about 38 per cent of the U.S. workforce worked on farms. By 2000, that dropped to less than three per cent. Without the ability to increase our food supply, we would not have been able to increase our population from about 500 million during the Middle Ages to 7.8 billion and counting. In addition, 56 per cent of the world’s population live in an urban environment today, almost doubling the number since 1950.
All we simple plebs must do is lean into this gap posthaste.
The open highway has not resulted in Road Warrior, proving the MVA as enforced by the Queen’s Cowboys is 98 per cent harassment. CERB though a pathetic pittance must be preserved, its successor a single means tested UBI that combines all other entitlements. Digital classrooms are good news for families, as it ensures the option to turn off indoctrination. Non-clinical senior staff fled our hospitals during the pandemic - may their salaries go to the frontline as a reward.
Indeed the proletariat ought to be praised eternally - without them, everyone would have starved. Our Dear Leader in Ottawa has given us a perfect counter-example that encapsulates how the technocratic class always acts: after telling everyone to stay home for Easter, he got in a car to visit the wife and kids in Quebec. What is to be inferred other than they don’t care about us and they honestly believe that the rules don’t apply to them?
Some talk of returning to normal - I cannot think of a more hellish fate. Our own
CRA confessed its system was too complicated to expect people to file on time. Apparently, ICBC was always able to free us from onerous protocols - I’m looking forward to it closing forever once we start live streaming driving tests. Ditto for BC Assessment, which once tried to tax my family farm’s empty pasture one mile from the nearest road or utility as “lakeside residential.”
This is more than a litany of grievances - it’s just a drop in the ocean of pain everyone pays taxes to endure. There is now undeniable proof that our leaders right and left were lying when they declared these problems inalterable; it took about fifteen minutes to change policies and a month to get them working. Again I say, lean in, as the technocratic class has preached to us for decades - they deserve a taste of their own medicine. That response is only right and just. But aren’t these our brothers and sisters too?
Certainly, and there is a place for them in confederation, at a modern DeHavilland or BC Rail. Just not on our lawns or on our tax dollars.
How long can this rate of growth go on?
Are we heading to self-destruction driven by our resourcefulness? Some of us think that we are living sustainably. But are we really? Do we need to rethink the whole notion of sustainability? After all, the methods of sustaining ourselves in the past have changed exponentially, so much so that a significant part of the population cannot keep up with the changes and long for “the good old days.”
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, one which many wiser people had warned us to be prepared for, has certainly played a role in some of us starting to re-think our lifestyles.
A large part of that is directed to security of the local community we live in – our shelter, our income, our lifestyle, our environment, our government and our food source. It may be a rude awakening, a sign, a warning. Are we able to sustain what we have accomplished, especially the global
network of supplying our accustomed wants and especially our actual needs to survive?
When I sat down to write this column, I had intended to write about the Local Food PG Society, a familiar group of individuals who are dedicated to increasing and improving access to nutritious, locally grown and processed food for Prince George.
During the process of doing some additional research, I felt that the topic is far too important and vast for just one column. Thus, in the next column, I will be writing about our local food supply network, technological changes, such as controlled environment agriculture, vertical farming, and specialized North American, small urban communities with a population in the 20,000 range that have a 30 per cent agricultural workforce sustaining horticulture grown primarily “under glass.”
Anatomy of a virus
Viruses carry different kinds of genetic material - DNA or its cousin RNA (ribonucleic acid).
So how a virus work: what does it eat, what does it excrete and is it alive?
If you are in a hurry, the answers are nothing, nothing, and no.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID19, is made of the bare minimum of parts to make more of itself, and essentially nothing else.
That’s all it is and all it does.
What’s the point?
There is no point. Any complex system that allows things to reproduce is susceptible to parasitism, whether it is a computer copying software or a human making more cells.
So what does a virus need in order to make more of itself?
Its genetic instructions, the blueprints that tell its viral offspring how to make more of themselves, have to be copied. That is accomplished by the proteins of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that I previously mentioned is an important target of anti-viral drugs.
So SARS-CoV-2 needs a few proteins to copy its RNA genome into more RNA genomes that it can stuff into new viruses.
The other thing it needs are the proteins for its shell or capsid.
Some of these form a spike that sticks out and hooks onto human cells. Part of the spike appears to be new, in that it is not seen in coronaviruses that infect other animals.
The new part may be what allowed SARSCoV-2 to jump from its natural host (maybe
GUEST COLUMN
Stephen rader
bats) to humans.
This is part of what makes viruses so successful and so dangerous to us: they copy themselves poorly, which means they are constantly changing and thereby finding new organisms to infect.
So the viral RNA has the instructions to make RNA-copying proteins and shell proteins.
And that’s about it.
Instructions for about 30 proteins.
When you consider that the next-simplest organisms, bacteria, have hundreds or thousands of genes you can appreciate that viruses are pretty stripped down.
If cells were automobiles, viruses would be skateboards.
And that is because they don’t have to eat.
Any other organism has to take nutrients from its environment. In other words, it has to eat.
For a yeast that may mean slurping up sugar (that’s how yeast turn barley malt into beer).
For a bacterium that may mean sucking up bits of protein that float around it. In either case, the cells use those nutrients in part to make energy that drives everything else they do.
Amazingly, many organisms get the energy out exactly the way a car does with gasoline: they burn it.
Of course, they don’t have actual flames inside their cells, but they have proteins that allow oxygen to react with fuel in reactions that are identical to combustion in cars.
So why don’t viruses need energy?
Because they are hijacking the molecules and energy of the host cells they infect!
When a coronavirus enters a cell lining your lungs, that cell is already burning fuel to make its own proteins, RNA, DNA, and so on.
All the energy the virus needs is already there. Therefore, since it doesn’t need to eat, it also doesn’t need to excrete anything.
Its host cell has to get rid of waste products, of course, just as your car vents exhaust.
But your skateboard doesn’t have to, because you are the motor for your skateboard.
That brings us to the question of whether viruses are alive.
Scientists don’t always agree on what we mean by alive, but viruses do a lot of things we associate with life, like making copies of themselves.
But because they don’t eat and don’t excrete and are therefore using their host’s energy, most virologists are comfortable saying they are not actually alive.
In fact - and this is really crazy - once a virus is copying itself in your cells, it looks exactly like the rest of the stuff in your cells.
It becomes you.
There is no boundary between you and the virus.
Some viruses, like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, literally insert their DNA into the host genome. That is why it is so hard to cure AIDS: the HIV genome is lurking in the patients’ DNA, waiting to be reactivated to make more viruses.
Viruses are just simple robots that take advantage of all the specialized molecules that are already present in the cells they invade, and they use those molecules to make more viruses.
- Stephen Rader is a professor of biochemistry at the University of Northern British Columbia. His laboratory studies how RNA is processed by our cells. He is the founder of the Western Canada RNA Conference.
UNBC biochemistry professor Stephen Rader, right, works with graduate student Corbin Blank in 2016.
CL ASSIF IEDS
Mark Joseph Leonard “Leno” Ouellette
November 9, 1943April 9, 2020
Mark Joseph Leonard Ouellette, 76 years old, passed away unexpectedly at the Prince George Regional Hospital the morning of April 9, 2020. Mark, who is known only as ‘Leno’, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 9, 1943 to Irene Morisseau and Maurice Ouellette. Leno is survived by his 4 children, Kerri-Lyn, Guy, Michelle and Dean along with his 3 sisters Lorene, Irene and Vivian, his sister in law Gloria and brother in laws, Ron, Vernon and Vern, nieces, nephews and many close friends. He is predeceased by his mother, father, his brother Roger and sister Jeanie.
The Ouellette family moved from Winnipeg, MB to Reserve, SK, in 1945. In 1956 they rerouted to Tisdale, SK where he was raised into a young adult. In 1968 Leno left Tisdale with his first wife in search of employment opportunities, he ventured west and found himself in Haney, BC. Shortly afterwards, they made their way north to Prince George, BC where he spent the remainder of his adulthood. Leno worked as a gas jockey, mechanics helper and parts man before registering as a welding apprentice in 1972. Four years later, Len received his red seal welding ticket and eventually, proudly became a registered ‘A’ ticket welder. Some would say he was the best welder of his time. After 40 years of service, he retired from Northwood Pulp and Paper Mill.
If you didn’t know Leno from the mill you knew him from the sports community, he was a talented athlete. As a child and teen he played hockey, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse and billiards. When Leno arrived in PG, he went on to play competitive hockey with the Vanderhoof Bears. As an adult, Leno found love for the game of golf and would spend the majority of his free time on the links. If he wasn’t at the golf course you could find him at the local pub drinking beer, playing pool and darts. In Lenos later years, he spent more time watching sports than playing sports but continued to hustle the pool table at the Hart Pioneer Center. Word on the street is; he let his buddies win to keep the peace and lure them into playing another game. Leno was well liked by those around him, with many friends near and far. He will always be remembered by his quick wit and kind heart, he liked to tease and joke around, always in good fun. He was an interesting man, an observer; he kept to himself and not a man of many words, but would speak up if he was in the mood for a good conversation. He was a stubborn man who strived for achievement in all he did; he was passionate, hardworking and honest with a strong sense of integrity and a will to succeed.
Our family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the folks who watched over him with arms wide open, you truly made the difference in his life! It didn’t go unnoticed and is very much appreciated. As most would say, ‘he’s probably somewhere on a golf course ha-ha’. Rest in peace, dear sweet Leno, you will be missed by all and never forgotten mister!
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a service will not be held at this time, but a celebration of life will be announced at later date and will be held in Prince George, BC.
REMEMBRANCES
Heidi Readman
July 21, 1947April 11, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Heidi Gertrude Readman (nee Neukomm) announce her passing on April 11, 2020 at the age of 72. Heidi was born on July 21, 1947 in Prince George BC where she lived and raised her family. She is survived by her loving husband Hugh Readman, as well as her daughters Candice (Roland) Forgues and Trudy (Troy) Michaloski. stepdaughters Shelly Readman and Natasha (Marc) Girard. Beloved grandchildren Breanna and Landon Michaloski and Halle, Airah and Clayton Forgues. Brothers; Ronald (Dee) Neukomm, Peter (Marg) Neukomm, Richard (Jan) Neukomm and sister Betsy Lerum. Heidi was predeceased by her parents Herman & Gertrude Neukomm, brother Herman Neukomm, sister Susie Cummins and stepdaughter Debbie Readman.
Heidi spent her life in Prince George. She was an amazing mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She spent her working years as an accountant and in her spare time she enjoyed family, friends and spending time in the garden. Her grandchildren had a special place in her heart and one of her fondest memories was taking all her grandbabies to Disneyland where we all floated through “It’s a Small World” while happily singing.
Heidi touched many people throughout her lifetime. Always smiling. Always positive. Always Caring. Always loving. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or Prince George Hospice, she was a strong supporter of both organizations.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date
It is with great
Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Gwen, his brothers John (Myrtle) and Bill (Betty), his sisters Olga, Ann (Floyd), Helen(Marvin), Dorothy and Laura (Don) and Gwen’s brothers and sisters, their children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his father Fred, his mother Mary, brother Peter, brothers-in-laws Howard, Edward and Harold, sister-in-law Sheila and nephews Bradley, Glen and Todd.
Steve was born on the family farm near Halbrite, Saskatchewan, married and made his home in Prince George, B.C., where he worked as an electrician and logging contractor.
Steve was an avid athlete, he loved baseball, snowmobiling and definitely golf. He had an infectious smile for everyone and made friends everywhere. He will be sadly missed by all, especially his golf and travelling partner, Gwen.
Obituaries
Obituaries
Obituaries
Kwochka, Stephen J. “Steve”
sadness that the family of Steve Kwochka announces his sudden passing on Friday, April 3, 2020 at the age of 77.
SYLVIA LUKEY
March 1, 1933April 16, 2020
On April 16, 2020 at the age of 87 Sylvia passed away peacefully from the arms of her loving family, into thehandsoftheLordtobewithherhusband Edward, son Gene, son in law Donald grandson Mark, her parents and siblings. Sylvia is survived by her daughter; Gloria, daughter in law Sharon and grandchildren; Nicole (Chris), Tasha (Gino), and Brandon (Holly), great grandchildren; Emma, Ryan, Evan, Saige and Hazel. She will be remembered by her sister Marie Cook in Ontario as well as many nieces, nephews and many good friends. A private family service for Sylvia was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Assman’s Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.The family would like to thank the staff at Jubilee Lodge for the loving care they gave Sylvia.
John Bennet
July 16, 1924April 11, 2020
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John Bennet on April 11/20. John has been reunited with Joan (2009), his wife and sole mate of 55 years. Born in Vancouver July 16, 1924, he joined the Merchant Marines prior to WWII and remained until the war was over. John moved to Prince Rupert and then Whitehorse. In 1954 he married Joan in Vancouver and they lived in Whitehorse until 1959 when they moved to Prince George. John operated Bennet Motors, worked for Bruce Strachen, BDC and FBDB. He was a member of the PG Rotary Club and until the end of December was an active participant of the Seniors Keep Fit at the PG YMCA. Predeceased by his wife Joan, sister Bea (Brian) Creer, brother Roy (Marg) both of Vancouver. Survived by son John (Brenda) of Vernon, daughter Tracie (Jim) Hutchison of Prince George, grandchildren Brad, Chris, Mitch (Taylor), Taralynn, Justin and great granddaughter Ella. No service by request. In lieu of flowers donations to the YMCA would be appreciated.
Donna Marie Bosnich
April 6, 1942April 9, 2020
After many years of struggling with health issues, Donna passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.
Not only was Donna a fabulous cook, she was always thinking of family and friends, who were made welcome any time they visited. Always generous, Donna shared with everyone she could, whenever possible.
Though Donna required substantial medical attention over the last 2 years, she was incredibly blessed to be cared for by nurses that were so amazing they became like family. You will always be in our hearts Janice, Kathleen, Kat and Erika. Many thanks as well to the beautiful home care staff that treated Donna so gently at every visit.
Donna was predeceased by her parents and sister Colleen, and will be mourned by her remaining siblings Jean, Diane, and Clifford, her husband Bill of 55 years, her children Kathleen and Guy, her numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.
She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her.
Rest in peace, my Love. -Bill
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please love and support every nurse and home care worker you meet.
MARY HUSBAND
2x50.0
R0021693474 It’s been 4 years, still no words can describe how much we miss you.
...your smile, your voice, your sense of humour, your endless love, your way of making everything better... mostly just missing all of you; a wonderful Husband and devoted Dad.
In Loving Memory of Neil Husband
June 25, 1963 - April 26, 2016
We love you, your wife Mary, your children, Andrew, Victoria & Nicholas xoxo
r0021693474
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
Carolyn Francis Kendall
Nov 21, 1941Apr 28, 2016
August 2, 1993April 25, 2013
touched with your graceful, unselfish, thoughtful and caring nature. We all loved you dearly in our own special way. Thank you for the precious time we shared together and the endless memories to cherish.
Always in our hearts and thoughts, Roger, Sons, Grandsons, Granddaughter Family and Friends.
Not a day goes by that you aren’t in our thoughts. Miss you more than words can say. Forever in our hearts.
Love your girls Theresa & Lisa.
Moon River
SERUP,SVENDA. DECEMBER15,1924 -APRIL22,2018 Inlovingmemoryofour belovedfatherand grandfather,Svend.Ithas beentwoyearssinceGod calledyoutoHisabode,but yourcontinuedpresencein ourheartsmotivatesusto liveaccordingtoyourfaith, values,andzestforlife. Rememberedbydaughter, Sheila;son-in-law,Jeff;and grandchildren,Christianand Fiona.
In Loving Memory of Marie “Annette” Krushell
October 16, 1950April 26, 2011
Nine years have passed since heaven called on you and your guardian angels took you from us. You have been missed so much by all whom you
LOGAN WHITMER
Hay/Bales For Sale
5X5
gritybuilt.com 1-250-351-5374 www.integritybuilt.com
QUANSIT Future building, 35’X50’, 18’ high. $20,000 obo. 250-962-8302
Heavy Equipment
Art & Collectibles
Jewellery
Lots & Acreages for Sale
1.148 AC. LOTS 35 & 36, Birchill Cres. 16 W., city limits. No GST. (250)563-7414
12 ACRES of commercial zoned land, 1400 ft of Hart Hwy frontage $150,000 per acre. 563-6985 or 981-1950. Will consider partial trades.
2.186 ACRE, 9341 Birchill Cres, close Hwy access, no gst. (250)563-7414
CHEAPRURALLANDFOR SALE!
$100,000-$800,000CAD 40-160acres
PrinceGeorge,Kamloops andKootenays. ClosetoTown,easyto developandinstallservices. Landwithtimbervalue, buildablesitesforasingle familyhouse. +15879664172 contact@professionals land.com www.professionalsland.com
BUILDING Lot 8091 Flamingo Rd. 80’X135’ with city sewer & water. Allows mobiles as well. $85,000. 563-6985, 981-1950
HART Area, 400’ frontage X 100’ deep, serviced $300,000. 250565-4888
LARGE Res. lot, serviced, green belt on back, Oak Ridge Cres, Hart hwy. $89,900 obo 250-5623886
LOT for Duplex, 4-plex or apartment/condo. Fully zoned. Ready for permit. Near Multiplex & Walmart. 250-961-6786
Recreational Property
1000sq m building lot, #L72NCorintoPearleco-development Honduras. Contact Recap Investments, Toronto 1-888-212-8584 for more info and owner 250-5634999 $35,000 Canadian Cluculz; Meier Rd, 11.26 acres sub-lakeshore with lake access, and top location $299,000. 604908-0313
Keys to nautical home design
Both classic and contemporary, the nautical look is never dated. Here are a few keys to perfecting this style.
• Nods to the sea and sailing. Lanterns, model ships, anchors, nautical maps and prints of sea creatures are among the many decorative elements that are well suited to nautically themed rooms.
• Wood elements. Decorate with weathered wood that recalls the docks and buildings of coastal areas. Alternatively, choose furniture made of shiny teak that’s reminiscent of a well-maintained captain’s cabin.
• Knots and ropes. Ropes are omnipresent on most ships and are considered a must-have item in nautically themed
rooms. To incorporate them, use interesting wall hangings or other decorations made with natural fibres like hemp or sisal to show off your nautical style.
• Blue and white stripes. Blue and white stripes have long represented the sea and sky, making the combination a key part of any nautically themed room.
While the nautical theme can work almost anywhere in your house, it really shines in bathrooms and kitchens.
3 springtime home improvement projects
Are you thinking about updating your home this spring? If so, these three projects are perfectly suited to the season.
1. Upgrade the landscaping. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade flower beds and walkways or even install a pool or hot tub. Your garden will have time to grow in and you’ll be able to enjoy your new outdoor space all summer long.
2. Rebuild or refinish the deck. If your deck has seen better days, this is the ideal time to repair or rebuild it.
Consider expanding it to create zones for eating, cooking and relaxing.
3. Replace the siding. If your siding took a beating over the winter, now’s the right time to replace it. Choose a quality product and consider using a more modern colour. Cool tones like grey, blue and green have been popular in recent years.
Spring is the best time of year to tackle most outdoor projects. Just be sure to get to them before the hotter weather arrives.
This season’s hottest interior design trends
Are you thinking about redecorating? Then take inspiration from this season’s hottest design trends. Here’s what to look out for this spring.
Cool Colours
Coastal hues will rule this season. Breezy blues, muted greens and pale pinks go perfectly with bold saffron accents. If you prefer neutral hues, opt for cool-toned greys over the warmer beige or greige tones that have been popular in recent years.
Wood aCC ents
Natural wood is everywhere, from furniture to accessories. This season, the look is natural, not painted. Structural elements like exposed beams are also big. Opt for darker woods like walnut or teak over pale pine or maple.
Botani C al prints
While florals are ubiquitous most spring seasons, this year, leafy, tropical prints dominate. Wallpapered accent walls look fresh with a cheery palm motif and tradi-
tional sofa shapes are given a modern update with feathery fern upholstery. If you’re not ready for new furniture or wallpaper, consider framing some vintage botanical prints.
This season’s most popular colours and patterns may be trendy but they’re also timeless. When you incorporate them into your home decor, you can be sure they’ll look great for years to come.
Spring cleaning: are you forgetting to tidy these parts of your home?
To guarantee that this year’s spring cleaning is a success, target these oftenneglected areas of your home.
• Refrigerator. Remove everything from the fridge and throw out anything that’s past its expiration date. Take out shelves and drawers, scrub them using warm, soapy water and then replace them. Don’t use bleach or other strong cleaning products that shouldn’t come into contact with food.
• Bedding. Wash your duvets, comforters and pillows in the washing machine using the gentle cycle. Run the rinse cycle twice to be sure all the soap is removed. If your machine isn’t big enough to fit a comforter or duvet, or you want to do it all at once, head to a local laundromat.
• Blinds. Dust vinyl, aluminum or wood blinds with a vacuum or a microfibre duster on both sides. If there’s a buildup of dirt, wash with a sponge and a solution of water and vinegar. Fabric shades can be vacuumed or brought to the dry cleaner.
• Walls and ceilings. Remove cobwebs caught in the corners using a vacuum and wash the ceiling with an extendable sponge mop and slightly soapy water. Continue by cleaning the walls in the same way and giving the baseboards a good scrub.
Once you’re done, make it a point to reclean these areas every few months. This will ensure your home is tidier throughout the year and minimize the amount of work to be done next spring.
4 easy ways to revitalize your home for spring
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home. Here are some easy ways to perk up any room in your house.
1. Add a bright rug. A cheerful print will infuse new life into the surrounding space. Just be sure that it’s large enough for all the furniture in the area to rest on it.
2. Change your linens. Curtains, bedding and towels can make a big difference in the look of a room. Swap out what you have now for bright prints and cheery colours.
3. Get some greenery. Plants are the perfect design accent. If you don’t have a green thumb, mimic the look with artificial flowers or plants.
4. Refresh your walls. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Whether you choose a fun new colour or stick to neutrals, your home will feel brand new.
Updating your home doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. If you’re on a budget, try simply rearranging your furniture or moving some of your decor around. The space will feel new and it won’t cost you a thing.
Innovative ways to use a daybed
Both a couch and a bed, a daybed is an incredibly versatile piece of furniture that can be used in almost any room. Wondering where to put yours? Here are some ideas to consider.
• Home office. Placing a daybed in your home office enables you to make this room do double-duty as a guest room. When you don’t have visitors, use your daybed to read a book or take a mid-afternoon power nap.
• Under a window. If you don’t already have a window seat in your home, a daybed placed under a window makes a wonderful substitute without requiring any heavy-duty renovations.
• Teenager’s room. A daybed in your teen’s room allows him or her to have a private lounge area without sacrificing floor space. A trundle bed stored underneath will provide extra room for friends to get some shut-eye during sleepovers. • Balcony or deck. Daybeds aren’t reserved for indoor use only. Choose one made of weather-resistant material and place it on your patio or in your garden.
Daybeds come in many different styles, so you’re almost certain to find one that works well in your home, regardless of where you put it.
Five tips for choosing a contractor for your next home renovation
Home renovation on the horizon? Here are five tips for choosing a qualified contractor.
1. Get recommendations. Ask friends and family members who they’d recommend for the job — word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good contractor. Checking online reviews is another method to search for possible contenders.
2. Ask for credentials. Hire a contractor who holds the necessary licences and permits to work in your area.
3. Interview several candidates. Ask each contractor about their qualifications, their experience, how their company works and if they have any suggestions for your project. Don’t forget to get referrals.
4. Check references. Call previous clients to ask if they were satisfied with the contractor’s work, if it was completed on time and whether or not there were any problems or issues during the renovation.
5. Get it in writing. Before the contractor starts, make sure he or she provides a detailed contract that includes the work to be done, the start date, the projected end date, the payment schedule, the materials and products that’ll be used and any subcontractors that need to be hired.
By following these steps, you’re sure to find a trustworthy and hardworking contractor to make your dream renovation a reality.
Making the most of your small entryway
If you have a small entranceway, you probably struggle to keep it organized without making it feel cluttered. Here are some tips to maximize the space.
• Wall hooks. Hang your coats, bags and hats in style with an assortment of hooks along the wall. Go for a retro feel with big dots arranged at different heights, or opt for a more traditional style with a neat line of hooks or pegs.
• Bookshelves. Shelving units can do more than just hold books. Put one in your entryway to store shoes, bags and anything else you want.
• Storage bench. This piece does double duty: it gives you a place to stash your outdoor gear and somewhere to sit while you put on your shoes.
• Console table. If you need a place to toss your keys and mail when you come in, a high but slim console table is a great choice. Place decorative boxes underneath to hide things you want to keep handy.
• Floating shelves. A shelf placed high above your hooks, storage bench or console is a great place to put baskets or boxes to hold things you don’t regularly use.
By being smart about how you design your space, you’ll make your entryway functional, organized and stylish.
Electrical safety in your home following a flood
If your home is flooded, you must take care not to get electrocuted. Water could cause major damage to your electrical system and make your home a danger zone. Follow these tips to stay safe after a flood.
• Don’t enter areas of your home where you suspect water rose higher than the electrical plugs. Wait until a licensed electrician or the electrical company has cut off your power.
• Assume that any electrical appliances or electronics that were underwater are now ruined. This also applies to plugs, wiring and circuit breakers.
• Have an electrician do a thorough inspection of your electrical system before turning it back on.
If you come into contact with floodwaters, you may be electrocuted. Never enter a flooded home alone and stay away from areas of your home that are underwater until a licensed electrician has inspected them.
3 reasons to wallpaper your home
Once considered outdated, wallpaper has made a comeback in recent years. Here are three reasons to choose wallpaper instead of paint for your home.
1. It makes an impact. With a wide range of colours, patterns and textures to choose from, wallpaper makes it easy to make a statement. And there’s an option to suit every style, from bold, geometric patterns to pastel floral prints and more.
2. It’s long-lasting. Wallpaper that’s been properly hung can last 15 years or more. In addition, it holds up better in hightraffic areas of your home than paint, which should be reapplied at least every five years.
3. It’s easy to remove. Modern, non-woven wallpapers are designed to easily peel away from the wall in one big sheet. Unlike older types, there’s little risk of damaging the wall underneath.
If you love the look but aren’t ready to commit, many companies make temporary wallpaper that’s easy to put up and take down.
The best storage solutions for every room in your home
Did you finish your spring cleaning only to realize you need more storage space? Here’s a room by room look at some of the best solutions available.
KitC hen
Install hidden trays under your cabinets to hide chargers, coffee pods and other essentials. In addition, placing pull-out shelves in cupboards will make it easier to organize your items.
Bathroom
Store your cleaning supplies on a Lazy Susan to make them easy to find when you need them. Use baskets to hold things like bath towels or toilet paper.
l iving room
Put a bowl on the coffee table to stylishly corral remote controls, magazines and other items. A storage ottoman is perfect for holding throws and pillows.
Bedrooms
Take advantage of the space under your bed by adding drawers or using under-the-bed storage boxes.
g arage
Install overhead racks near the ceiling. This allows you
to incorporate sto rage in the garage without sacrificing parking space. Use this area to hold stuff you don’t need to access often, like seasonal decorations and sporting gear.
Wor K shop, offi C e or C raft room
Mount a pegboard above your work area and use it to organize your tools or supplies. By hanging things on the wall, they’ll be easier to find and you’ll free up some room.
In addition, be sure to use the vertical space in your home. Install shelves above doors, get extra tall bookcases and put hooks on the back of closet doors.
