Prince George Citizen July 23, 2020 by Prince George Citizen

Dozer found safe after weeklong search

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Dozer the dachshund is back in the arms of his Quesnel owner, Mary Nichols, after being lost for eight days wandering the fields along Highway 16 east of Prince George.

This lost doggie tale began July 10, when Nichols and Dozer were involved in an accident a few kilometres out of the city where Foreman Road meets the highway while they were returning from a trip to Alberta. The rental car they were driving in was written off in the wreck and Nichols was taken to UHNBC with injuries that required a seven-day hospital stay, while a frightened Dozer bolted from the vehicle into the surrounding woods.

It was the second major accident involving Nichols and Dozer in less than a week. Just three days earlier, on July 7, in Red Deer, her truck was totaled in a collision.

The hunt for Dozer involved dozens of people who looked day and night for him. They used social media to report sightings of the dog and organize search parties.

Early on the morning of July 17, Michel Landry and another searcher, Heather Hislop, responded to a sighting. They spotted Dozer near a log house on private property on the other side of Highway 16 opposite the Silvertip Archers range and posted a photo of the dog to alert the other searchers. While Hislop remained close to the house in case the owners came out to explain why they were trespassing, Landry played a cat-and-mouse game with Dozer trying to coax him out from behind a barn. Eventually, the dog waded into the sewage lagoon and was swimming to try to get away. Landry walked to side of the pond Dozer was swimming to but before he could get to him he was back in the water, heading for a stand of bulrushes. He was struggling to get through them in the water when Landry decided to go in after him. He

DAVE MOTHUS PHOTO

Michel Landry holds Dozer, a nineyear-old dachshund, who became the focal point of a weeklong search east of the city after he escaped following a vehicle accident that hospitalized his owner.

waded through thick mud and water up to his chest and briefly lost sight of Dozer.

“I only went up to my chest but it was a lot deeper if I went further in and I was worried because I had to go a few more feet,” said the 39-year-old Landry. “I had my clothes and boots on and they were filled and I was getting nervous.”

Thinking the dog might have drowned, Hislop saw movement and the dog popped up about 20 feet away and stopped long enough for Landry to get to him. Using dog treats to entice him, he was able to calm him down with a few belly rubs.

“I was thinking I might have to tackle him but I think he just gave up,” said Landry.

“He showed me his belly and I gave him some treats and pulled him in and got my sweater around him and that was it.

“We spent a lot of time trying to find him

and I don’t think any of us in the group had actually seen him and to see him finally was a big surprise. You could just see the whole demeanour in his face change, he ate something out of my hand and snuggled in and melted. He was tired. He just knew that he didn’t have to watch his back and worry about somebody catching him or predators.”

Landry took the nine-year-old dog to his nearby home, where he and his wife Erin operate a kennel service called Hillbilly Hounds. Murdoch Veterinary Clinic gave him some special food for his empty stomach and Dozer was fed and given a bath and place to get some much-needed rest.

Dozer was caught right away after the Alberta accident. At the second accident scene, a man was able to grab him by his collar but the dog was scared and bit him on the hand before running away. He first ran into a field on Foreman Road but then was seen crossing the highway along Graves Road and was spotted chasing rabbits at a farm. Later in the week, he got as far east as Shelley Road, where someone tried unsuccessfully to catch him. He turned around and was seen walking west through more fields until he came to the property where he was finally caught.

Amy Spivey, Nichols’ niece in Quesnel, made three trips to Prince George to look for Dozer and went home empty-handed each time, but never lost faith.

“We all knew we would find Dozer, the people kept reassuring me that we would find him,” Spivey said. “It was amazing, people were going out at two in the morning to check the traps they set for him. Every two hours they would check the traps and wander around the area where the dog was last spotted. If he was spotted anywhere, people were awesome to report it and everybody would race to the site. “

Spivey posted notices of Dozer’s disappearance on the Prince George Lost and

Found Pet Network and on the Blackburn and Pineview community Facebook sites. Dozens of nearby residents joined in the search, which went on for seven mostly rainy days.

“That neighbourhood is full of the most amazing people,” said Spivey. “The community all worked together. We created a group in Messenger to correspond back and forth for days. So many people were incredible about helping to look for him. Hundreds of people pitched in. It was such an amazing experience to see that much love and support and teamwork and camaraderie, it was so cool.”

Hell Yeah P.G. moderator Dave Mothus offered a $100 reward for the return of Dozer and the reward fund grew to $400, but Landry refused to accept it. Mothus dropped some gift certificates off at a local pub and told the searchers dinner was on him for their efforts to locate Dozer.

Dozer’s weeklong ordeal wore the pads off his feet and he has some minor wounds on his body after doing so much running. On July 19, he was back at his home with Nichols in Quesnel, still showing signs of exhaustion. Like his owner, they are both hurting, but relieved to be united again.

“I’m surprised he made it,” said Landry. “There’s coyotes, there’s bears, but most of them aren’t starving so they weren’t on his radar. He seems like a pretty tough dog and smart. The owner said he likes to hunt mice, so he might have lived off that. But he had a lot of water.

“My wife and I have five of our own dogs and two wiener dogs and we felt sick to our stomach. He was just up the road and what’s a bit of time. The owner was in the hospital and for a lot of people in times like this they’re more than just a dog, they’re better than some friends of family members. She’s been through a lot and it would suck for her to get out of the hospital and not have her little sidekick with her.”

WHAT:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS

City Council consideration of applications regarding:

•Temporar yUse Permit Application No. TU000061

•Cannabis License Application No. CN000012

•Proposed “City of Prince George 3rd Avenue and London Street Road Closure Bylaw No. 9131, 2020”

•Proposed amendment to “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007”

Public Hearings regarding:

•“Authorization Issuance Land Use Contract No. LU 3-72, BylawNo. 2400, 1972, Discharge BylawNo. 9130, 2020”

•Proposed amendments to “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011” and “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007”

WHEN:

Monday, July 27, 2020

WHERE:

Council Chamber sofCity Hall, 2nd Floor,1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC

PROPOSALS:

1. Temporar yUse Permit No. TU000061

Applicant: 1199562 B.C. Ltd., for Colin &MatthewHoldings Ltd., Inc. No. BC0780710

Subject Proper ty: 7550 Har tHighway

Time: 6:00 p.m. for Council consideration

The pur pose of the proposed Temporar yUse Permit is to allow Retail, Cannabis use on the subject proper ty.The applicant has successfully completed the required financial integrity checks and security screenings for anon-medical cannabis retail store required by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch. In accordance with the Local Government Act,temporar yuse per mits can allow ause not per mitted by azoning bylaw. These per mits mayonly be issued for amaximum of three (3) year sand mayberenewedonce for an additional three (3) year s.

The proposed Temporar yUse Permit applies to the proper ty legally described as Lot A, District Lot 2433, Cariboo District, Plan 14477, Except Plan 29887, as shown in bold black on Location Map #1 below

1.1. Cannabis License Application No. CN000012

The applicant has applied to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for a Cannabis License for anon-medical retail cannabis store on the subject proper ty.The applicant has successfully completed the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch financial integrity check and security screening for anon-medical cannabis retail store.

The proposed hour sofoperation are: MondaytoSunday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The subject Cannabis License Application applies to the proper ty legally described as Lot A, District Lot 2433, Cariboo District, Plan 14477, Except Plan 29887, as shown in bold black on Location Map #1 below

Notice of City Council’sdecision will be forwarded to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for their reviewand final deter mination on this application.

Location Map #1

7550 Har tHighway

2. “City of Prince George 3rd Avenue and London Street Road Closure BylawNo. 9131, 2020”

Applicant: City of Prince George

Time: 6:00 p.m. for Council consideration

Pur suant to section 40 of the Community Charter,the City of Prince George intends to close an approximate 279.0 m² (square metre) por tion of lane as shown dedicated on Plan 1268, adjacent to proper ties legally described as Lots 1to5 inclusive, Lots 17 to 21 inclusive, all in Block 142, District Lot 343, Cariboo District Plan 1268, and remove the highway dedication, as shown in bold black on the Location Map #2below.Closing the road area and consolidating it with the adjacent lands will enable afuture sale to occur

Location Map #2 3rd Avenue and London Street Road Closure

3. “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9124, 2020”

Applicant: Kidd Real Estate Holdings Ltd., Inc. No. BC821509

Subject Proper ty: 7008 Taft Drive

Time: 6:00 p.m. for Council consideration

BylawNo. 9124, 2020 proposes to rezone the subject proper ty from RS1m: Suburban Residential to RS2: Single Residential. The pur pose of this application is to facilitate a subdivision creating two lots, each approximately 554 m² (square metre) in size on the subject proper ty,orother uses, pur suant to the proposed RS2: Single Residential zoning designation(s).

The proposed bylawapplies to the proper ty legally described as Lot 2, District Lot 4047, Cariboo District, Plan 18801, as shown in bold black on Location Map #3 below

Location Map #3

7008 Taft Drive

4. “City of Prince George Ofﬁcial Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9082, 2019” AND “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9083, 2019”

Applicant: M’akola Development Ser vices for Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, Inc. No. 19321

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS

Subject Proper ty: 1919 17th Avenue

Time: 7:00

p.m. for Public Hearing

The pur pose of these applications is to amend the Ofﬁcial Community Plan and Zoning Bylawtofacilitate the development of amixed-use housing development on the subject proper ty located at 1919 17th Avenue, that will suppor tmixed-income and accessible housing oppor tunities, and suppor tpublic transpor tation and walkable communities.

BylawNo. 9082, 2019 proposes to amend “City of Prince George Ofﬁcial Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011” as follows:

a. That “Schedule B-6: Future Land Use” be amended by re-designating the subject proper ty from Business District, Neighbourhood Centre, Residential, Neighbourhood, Cor ridor and Community Facility to Neighbourhood Centre, Cor ridor and Neighbourhood Centre, Residential, as shown on Appendix “A”toBylaw9082, 2019.

4.1. “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9083, 2019”

BylawNo. 9083, 2019 proposes to amend “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007” as follows:

a. That the subject proper ty be rezoned from RM5: Multiple Residential, RM3: Multiple Residential and P2: Minor Institutional to RM5: Multiple Residential and C3: Neighbourhood Commercial, as shown on Appendix “A”toBylawNo. 9083, 2019;

b. That Section 10.13.3 –RM5: Multiple Residential, be amended by adding “Retail, General” as aSecondar yUse per mitted only on the subject proper ty; and

c. That Section 11.3.2 –C3: Neighbourhood Commercial, be amended by adding “Exhibition &Convention Facility” as aPrincipal Use per mitted only on the subject proper ty

The subject bylaws apply to the proper ty legally described as Lot 6, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 18815, as shown in bold black on Location Map #4 below

Location Map #4 1919 17th Avenue

5. “Authorization Issuance Land Use Contract No. LU 3-72, BylawNo. 2400, 1972, Discharge BylawNo. 9130, 2020”

Applicant: 1065297 B.C. Ltd., for Nor thernBreeze Inn Ltd., Inc. No. BC1076790

Subject Proper ty: 160 Quebec Street

Time: 7:00 p.m. for Public Hearing

BylawNo. 9130, 2020 proposes to discharge the Land Use Contract registered on title of the subject proper ty under the Land Title and Sur veyAuthority registration number : G12975, as shown on Appendix “A”toBylawNo. 9130, 2020.

The Land Use Contract registered on the subject proper ty limits the Land Use to “Hotel” and “Steam Bath” only.The pur pose of this application is to discharge the Land Use Contract therebyallowing the subject proper ty to be regulated under the “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007”.

The proposed bylawapplies to the proper ty legally described as Lot 20, Block 21, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268 and Lot C(106366M), District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 12766.

Location Map #5 160 Quebec Street

HOWCAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?

Residents are invited to provide comments to Council by the methods noted below

As aresult of the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council at their meeting held on April 6, 2020 passed aresolution to discontinue infor mal hearings for bylaws and applications where such hearings are not legally required to be held. Residents wishing to provide comments to Council on the following bylaws or applications, may only do so, by submitting written cor respondence:

•Temporar yUse Permit Application No. TU000061;

•Cannabis Licensing Application No. CN000012;

•Proposed “City of Prince George 3rd Avenue and London Street Road Closure BylawNo. 9131, 2020”; and •Proposed Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9124, 2020 (Subject Proper ty: 7008 Taft Drive).

Submissions in writing

Written comments on all applications, should be forwarded to the Cor porate Ofﬁcer by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020, to be included in Council’sagenda package. Submissions received after this time will be provided to Council on the dayofthe Council meeting for their consideration during deliberations on the application or proposed bylaw. Submissions maybesent by email to citycler k@princegeorge.ca, faxed to (250) 561-0183, mailed or delivered to the address noted below

Please note that written submissions for all applications will for mpar tofthe Council agenda, become public record and are posted on the City’swebsite. By making a written submission you are consenting to the disclosure of anyper sonal infor mation that you provide.

Submissions by telephone

In an effor ttoprovide the public with options to speak to Council on aPublic Hearing application(s) and in accordance with Ministerial Order No. M192, the City now offer s par ticipation remotely via telephone during Public Hearings.

Telephone submissions mayonly be received during for mal public hearings. Residents are invited to par ticipate by telephone for the following applications:

•Official Community Plan Amendment BylawNo. 9082, 2019 and Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9083, 2019 (Subject Proper ty: 1919 17th Avenue); and •Authorization Issuance Land Use Contract No. LU 3-72, BylawNo. 2400, 1972, Discharge BylawNo. 9130, 2020 (Subject Proper ty: 160 Quebec Street).

Residents can pre-register to speak to the proposed bylaws noted above, live via telephone. Pre-registration will be open from 8:30 a.m., Thur sday, July 23, 2020 to Monday, July 27, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. To pre-register to speak to Council via phone, visit our website www.princegeorge.ca/publichearings to complete an online registration for morcall 311. If you miss pre-registering ,please watch the online live meeting broadcast as there will be an oppor tunity for you to call in for alimited period of time.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS

Submissions in per son

Pur suant to Section 464(1) of the Local Government Act, a Public Hearing is required for Bylaw No.’s 9082, 2019, 9083, 2019 and 9130, 2020 and member s of the public are invited to provide comments to Council in per son at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2020 in Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.

The City of Prince George follows the orders of the Provincial Health Ofﬁcer and guidelines regarding the size of gatherings and physical distancing Where Public Hearings are required to be held, measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of member s of the public attending the Public Hearings to provide comments.

City of Prince George open Council meetings are public and may be televised, streamed live by webcast, recorded and archived on the City’s website for viewing by the public. By attending an open Council meeting or making a submission at a public hearing you are consenting to the disclosure of any personal infor mation that you provide.

For more detailed infor mation on providing submissions to Council, please visit www.princegeorge.ca/publichearings.

Authority

Personal information is collected under the authority of section 26(g) and disclosed under the authority of section 33.1(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For infor mation or questions, contact the City’s FIPPA Coordinator at 250-561-7600 or 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, V2L 3V9.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

A copy of the proposed bylaws, applications and any related documents will be available for review by the public on the City’s website www.princegeorge.ca under ‘News and Notices’ beginning July 15, 2020. These documents may also be reviewed at Development Ser vices on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on July 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 27, 2020, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHO CAN I SPEAK TO?

For more information, please contact Development Ser vices in per son, by telephone at (250)561-7611 or by email to devser v@princegeorge.ca.

For more information regarding the Road Closure Application, please contact Real Estate Ser vices in per son, by telephone at (250)561-7611 or by email to realestate@princegeorge.ca.

For questions related to public hearing par ticipation and procedures, please contact Legislative Ser vices Division by telephone (250)561-7793 or by email to citycler k@princegeorge.ca.

CLUBS LEFT IN LURCH BY ARENA CLOSURES

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

Prince George’s local minor hockey and figure skating organizations say they were sideswiped by the city’s announcement last week that city arenas would be closed indefinitely.

Prince George Minor Hockey Association president Glynis Vennberg and Northern B.C Centre for Skating past president Renee Hampole said the announcement came as a total surprise to their organizations.

“Today’s City of Prince George announcement to keep arenas closed indefinitely is devastating to the youth of Prince George and all surrounding northern communities. It is especially disappointing when northern B.C. has gone 36 consecutive days without a positive COVID 19 case,” Vennberg said in a statement issued last Tuesday.

“Having reached out to our points of contact within the City of Prince George consistently since March, the sudden news of indefinite rink closures without notice, consultation or communication is shocking.”

The Prince George Minor Hockey Association is one of the biggest arena user groups in the city, Vennberg said. In 2019-2020, the organization spent $585,000 on ice rental from the city.

On June 15, city council received a report saying safety plans for the arenas were under development and arenas would open in August for training camps.

Since June, volunteers and staff with the minor hockey association have logged hundreds of hours preparing for a safe minor hockey season – including submitting return-to-play plans to the city, she said.

“Prince George Minor Hockey registration numbers are on par with this time last year. These members have

registered with very little documentation, faithfully looking forward to a modified season of hockey,” Vennberg said. “The impacts of the arena closures on school programming, school registration, billet families, etc. will be significant. All hockey in northern B.C. will be driven out of the north.”

Families are already looking outside Prince George for alternative places for their children to play, so they don’t lose an entire season of development, Vennberg said.

“These are dollars that should be staying within our community to keep our economy going,” she said. “This travel increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the risk of bringing the virus back to our community.”

Hampole said the sudden move by the city could threaten the survival of groups like the Northern B.C. Centre for Skating.

“The announcement yesterday that the arenas will remain closed came as quite a shock,” Hampole said in a statement issued last Wednesday. “The city did not provide an opportunity for consultation with user groups prior to this announcement. This news is devastating for long standing non-profit youth based ice sport organizations that have been operating in our community for years – some of which will struggle to continue to provide programming or possibly not recover at all after a prolonged facility closure.”

The group has been providing basic skating and figure skating programs in Prince George for 43 years, she said.

“It is important to note that we are currently standing at 36 consecutive days without a positive COVID-19 case in the Northern Health Authority,” Hampole said.

“Communities with active cases in our province have re-opened their arenas successfully, some for up to four weeks now. Return to Play

Road work planned

Citizen staff

Travellers heading west on Highway 16 this summer can expect to hit con-

Guidelines are in place to provide a safe return to the ice. We submitted our plan to the city for our safe return to the ice weeks ago.”

The group has been providing online training for athletes, but the off-ice programs are no substitute for hitting the ice, she said.

“One area of major concern is losing our highly trained professional coaching team, because they will be forced to seek employment opportunities elsewhere. This team has taken years to come together and will be impossible to replace,” Hampole said.

“In addition, there are many local businesses that have been built to support ice sports in our community and the northern region. Will they be forced to shut down with the announcement of a prolonged closure?”

If minor sports organizations fail, families will leave or not chose to move to Prince George, because there aren’t the opportunities for their kids, she added.

“With this decision, our city council has failed the legacy of the Canada Winter Games and the youth in our community,” Hampole said.

“It’s a sad day for our community.”

A decision by the City of Prince George to close its arenas won’t have any immediate impact on the Prince George Cougars, a spokesperson for the WHL team said.

Fraser Rodgers, Cougars manager of broadcasting, marketing and public relations, said the team is still planning on starting training camps on Sept. 15. The Cougars are slated to begin their regular season on Oct. 2, unless they hear otherwise from the WHL.

“Really, at this time of year, it’s business as usual for us,” Rodgers said. “The team’s management are in close and regular communication with the staff at CN Centre and the city as they plan for the 2020-21 season, he said.

struction delays west of Vanderhoof.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has announced a 19-kilome-

tre section of the highway between Vanderhoof and Engen, a 17 km stretch will be seal coated.

The $1.2-million project is expected to start later this summer, the ministry statement said.

Drivers can expect delays and single-lane, alternating traffic over the course of the work, which is expected to take a week.

Seal coating involves applying new material over the existing pavement to extend the life of the road and improve driving conditions on the road surface.

The ministry is reminding drivers to obey construction-zone speed limits and directions from traffic control personnel at all times.

MOTEL PASSED INSPECTION TWO DAYS BEFORE FIRE

Citizen staff

The Econo Lodge motel cleared an inspection by Prince George Fire Rescue two days before last week’s fatal fire, according to documents obtained by Vista Radio.

After finding seven shortcomings in a February 21 inspection, PGFR found they were all addressed in a subsequent re-inspection held July 6 and no further violations or areas of concern were noted. Concerns raised in the Feb. 21 inspection included a need for the fire alarm system to be tested and tagged annually.

The documents were posted on the outlet’s website on Thursday. Complaints that the fire alarm failed to go off during the July 8 fire at the 910 Victoria St. were raised and prompted the RCMP to launch an investigation into whether criminal negligence was committed.

About two dozen people got out safely but the bodies of three people were found. Investigators have found the fire was deliberately set and a coinciding arson investigation is ongoing.

In an interview with the Citizen, PGFR deputy chief Paul Knudsgaard said building owners must bring in an accredited servicing technician on an annual basis to check fire safety systems.

The motel’s owner, T.J. Khatrao, told Vista that Allpoints Fire Inspection Ltd. serviced the safety equipment but declined to comment further. Allpoints did not return a request for comment.

Other problems found in the Feb. 21 inspection included a need to test and tag the portable extinguishers and emergency lighting, to be sure the basement emergency exit is clear at all times, to maintain a one-metre clearance around the electrical panels, to post the building address at the entrance and to draft a fire safety plan.

City council looking to slash more costs

Citizen staff

Later this month, city council will look at further measures to respond to the budget shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of those measures will include the city’s arenas remaining closed until further notice.

The city has been losing about $1 million per month since the beginning of the pandemic, and initial estimates predict a budget shortfall of $9 million in 2021, a statement issued by the city said. City council will decide what actions to take during the July 27 regular council meeting.

“During the meeting, council and staff will consider how best to overcome the city’s financial challenges and still provide as much service as possible to the community,” the statement said. “Council will be provided with year-end budget projections and options for balancing the budget. The meeting will also address the budget implications for 2021.”

Earlier this year, city council approved measures to reduce the financial impact of the pandemic on the city’s bottom line. The city has already laid off, temporarily laid off or terminated 130 seasonal, part-time and full-time staff. The city also deferred nearly $25 million in capital projects and reallocated funding to reduce its debt-servicing costs.

“At the council meeting on June 15, a report was presented that included a tentative August 4 reopening date for some arenas; unfortunately, this will now not occur,” the city statement said. “Arena revenues have been severely impacted by the pandemic. In addition, ongoing requirements related to physical distancing, increased cleaning and sanitization, and capping attendance at 50 would negatively affect arena usage and operations.”

The city has informed arena user groups about the indefinite closure and will provide them with an update on the situation in August.

‘Tough decisions ahead,’ mayor says

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

With the City of Prince George losing roughly $1 million per month, city council will have to make some hard decisions about service levels when it meets on July 27, Mayor Lyn Hall said Friday.

City council and the city’s finance and audit committee have been receiving regular updates from city staff about the ongoing challenges facing the city, Hall said.

“We’re seeing a changing landscape daily. We had other information come to us around our financial position,” Hall said. “Our primary focus is around the financial good of the community. How do we manage the losses we’re seeing every month? In some cases, that means making some pretty tough decisions.”

Earlier this week, the city announced its arenas will be closed indefinitely, news that came as a surprise to several major

user groups like the Prince George Minor Hockey Association and the Northern B.C Centre for Skating. In June, the city announced plans to reopen its arenas, along with other municipal facilities like the Prince George Aquatics Centre and Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.

“I know there is a lot of people who want to get out on the ice,” Hall said. “(But) if we look at the limit of 50 people... then we have groups on the ice for maybe an hour to 90 minutes, and have to shut down for potentially 30 to 45 minutes to clean the facility properly. This is very staff-intensive.”

Under normal conditions, arena user groups don’t cover the full expense of operating the facilities, he said. Under the provincial public health restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, costs would rise while revenues would drop significantly.

City staff are working to calculate that cost more precisely and that information

Help us build connections within the community

will be made available when it’s ready, he said.

“In my conversations with a couple of the users, one part is to try and clarify what the need is,” Hall said. “If we open one or two rinks, what are the hours?”

The city is a very similar situation with CN Centre and Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, when it comes to the city’s WHL and BCHL teams, he said.

“If you look at the Cougars and Spruce Kings, cost recovery is minimal,” Hall said. “Over the weekend I hope to be in contact with the Cougars and Spruce Kings about when the WHL and BCHL plan to start their season.”

City council won’t just be looking at arenas to save costs, Hall said.

“When it comes to costs, the pools are going to cost as much or more (than arenas),” Hall said. “If we look at reopening the pools, it would be only one: the Aquatic Centre.”

City council is also expecting an update on the business case for reopening the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.

“I’ve got two or three pages of events that were supposed to be coming here, and there is red lines drawn through all of them,” Hall said.

The city has already laid off, temporarily laid off or terminated 130 seasonal, parttime and full-time staff.

“We have those layoffs that took place as part of the closures of those facilities,” Hall said. “But we’ll see how that rolls out over the next couple weeks.”

City council is also considering how the city can play a role in the city’s economic recovery, he said.

The city delayed approximately $25 million in capital projects, but $70-80 million of capital projects are still going ahead, Hall said, recreating economic activity in the city.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

A man sits on a lawn chair to watch the Econo Lodge fire.

District orders to clean up properties

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Citizen staff

A property owner in Bear Lake has been ordered to clean up abandoned vehicles and trash that has littered their property.

The two undeveloped lots located on Polar Street, near the intersection with Koala Place, became a dumping ground for abandoned cars, a damaged boat and other trash, according to a report presented to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board.

“We would also consider the vehicles to be a danger, if kids started to climb about,” Blaine Harasimiuk, district manager of building inspection and sustainability practices, told the board. “We’re asking for a deadline of Aug. 31 to clean it up.”

District bylaw enforcement officer

Michael Tillman said the district first received a complaint about the properties in October 2019.

“(At) that time, there were eight vehicles, most of which were damaged, and some miscellaneous litter,” Tillman wrote.

“A series of warning letters were issued.

There was no response to the first two but, after the third letter was issued by the regional district’s lawyer, the number of items on the lots were reduced so that there is currently one badly damaged vehicle, one damaged boat and some miscellaneous litter.”

On March 23, 2020, Tillman said a bylaw officer hand-delivered a letter to the landowner from the district’s lawyer, giving the landowner until May 30 to clean up the property.

“At that time, the landowner informed the bylaw enforcement officer he had also received the earlier two letters,” Tillman wrote. “The landowner also protested that the items had been dumped on his land without permission by someone, but the bylaw enforcement officer advised that he was still legally responsible for their removal regardless.”

Harasimiuk said the remaining car and boat were highly visible from the road and in very poor condition. Normally, the regional district allows property owners to store up to four unroadworthy vehicles on a property, but can make exceptions if the

conditions are especially unsightly.

The regional district board passed a motion giving the landowner until Aug. 31 to clean up the remaining mess or the district would enter the property and do the cleanup itself. The cost of the cleanup was estimated at $1,000 to $1,500 and would be billed to the landowner.

“I’m in favour of this,” director Kyle Sampson said. “I have little to no tolerance for those who keep their properties an unsightly mess.”

Director Pat Crook, who represents the electoral area including Bear Lake, said the Bear Lake Community Commission had also tried to get the property owner to clean up the site.

“It is a hazard for kids, because they are playing there and breaking things,” Crook said.

PROPERTY OWNER GIVEN EXTENSION FOR FIRE CLEAN UP

The owner of a home destroyed by fire on Buckhorn Lake Road was given another month to clean up the site on Thursday.

A fire destroyed the home at 5960 Buckhorn Lake Rd, just south of Prince George,

Research teams land grants for three projects

Citizen staff

Three research teams of which University of Northern British Columbia faculty are members have each secured $40,000 grants from the Interior University Research Coalition to pursue projects aimed at improving life in communities outside

B.C.’s major centres.

UNBC environmental engineering professor Jianbing Li is leading an effort to develop a household water-treatment system for remote and rural communities. He and his team aim to have a prototype that would remove common contaminants from rural water sources by the project’s end.

in October. Last month, the regional district board ordered the owner to clean up the site, including an open foundation and damaged outbuildings, by the end of this month.

There was a long history of complaints about unsightly conditions on the property prior to it burning down, including complaints in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015 and in July last year, only months before it burned down.

Earlier this month, the owner wrote to the board asking for an extension of the deadline because the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed efforts to complete the clean up. Harasimiuk said the owner had made efforts to clean up the site and make it more secure.

“I went and had a look out there. It seems the owner is making an effort to clean up and fill in the cavity in the ground,” director Bill Empey said.

“I’d like to see it done and completed, but I think we can be lenient because (they are) making an effort to clean it up.”

The board extended the deadline for the owner to clean the site up until Aug. 31.

UNBC geography professor Sarah De Leeuw, Thompson Rivers University social work professor Wendy Huklo and Kathy Rush, a professor in the UBCO’s nursing program are assessing the impact wellness centres in Kelowna and Kamloops have had on older adults.

Davina Banner, a professor in UNBC’s School of Nursing will collaborate in a project aimed at developing a greater understanding of the mental-health impacts of climate-change events.

MLA PART OF COMMITTEE TO MODERNIZE POLICE ACT

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris says he wants to find ways to take some of the workload off police as a member of a special all-party committee appointed this month to look at ways to modernize the Police Act.

He said it’s time to “separate the criminality part of policing from the social justice part,” Morris said.

“So addictions and mental illness and all these social issues that police spend 70 per cent of their time on, I think would be better suited with a different kind of response.

“Doing so, he said, will give police the time to concentrate on the “technically-correct criminal investigations, because they’re expensive and we want to make sure that we have charge approval in every case and that we have convictions in every case as well.”

He said police have become the “default” for help with people suffering from mental health trouble.

Morris noted that while he was the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General during the previous B.C. Liberal government the so-called Car 60 program in Prince George was approved.

It pairs a mental health worker with an RCMP officer to respond to calls of concern. Morris said there is a need to expand that program across the province but also for more integrated social services.

Even without the allegations of systemic racism that prompted the current Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, to appoint the committee, Morris said it is time to give the delivery of policing in B.C. a look.

“Society has changed over the past number of decades, with the advent of social media and all the other tools that are available now,” Morris said.

The retired Mountie said he was in the early stages of just such an exercise when he was the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General during the previous B.C. Liberal government.

Asked if there is systemic racism in B.C.’s police departments, Morris said he has heard of the term only recently but added there were times when he dealt with acts of racism by members while in supervisory roles in the RCMP.

“It’s all the more reason to be popping the hood open on policing and service delivery because if the public has the perception that something is so, then you have to treat it as being a reality,” Morris said.

The nine-member committee has until May 14, 2021, to report to the legislature.

MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Service dog helps local family

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

The signs were subtle that their son Kyle had autism for Prince George parents Heather Marceniuk and Norm Garfield.

Diagnosed in May 2019, Kyle was struggling to identify emotions in social settings, which led to difficulties in his interactions with other people. Those crossed signals created anxiety and Kyle would react by bolting from the scene when he became overwhelmed and his sudden urge to run away put his own safety in danger. After two years of questioning Kyle’s peculiar character traits, Heather and Norm knew something wasn’t right with their oldest son and they sought help.

“We had no idea what we were facing and we had to do a lot of research on our own,” said Heather.

Rather than endure a two-year wait list to have him assessed locally, they went to a private clinic in Kelowna, which diagnosed his autism. Kyle’s ability to recognize emotions will likely never come naturally to him and his parents and behaviour specialists in therapy sessions have been training him how to pick up on social cues. The big breakthrough for nine-yearold Kyle came late last year when a service dog named Rufus came to the rescue.

An anonymous donor provided a donation to the BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, a not-for-profit group based in Delta, to pay for the training of a service dog for a kid with autism who lives in Prince George. That dog is Rufus, a three-year-old black Labrador retriever, and in November he became a life-changing addition to the family.

“They don’t normally provide dogs to higher-functioning people but Kyle was struggling with anxiety,” said Heather.

Rufus knows what signs to watch for and what to do if or when Kyle has another panic attack.

“These dogs are trained, not only for the anxiety portion and just a calming effect, but when Rufus is wearing his vest there’s a waist tether that Kyle can wear if we’re in a very busy situation or if he’s having a tough day and we’re not sure how things are going to go,” said Heather. “If Rufus feels Kyle trying to bolt,

Garfield with Rufus.

he’s trained to sit and anchor, so that gives me a chance to try and control the situation and keep him out of danger. It’s amazing. I have to say, since we’ve had Rufus we haven’t had one bolting situation. Kyle has come leaps and bounds since we received Rufus.

The relationship of him and Kyle has changed our lives immensely.”

Kyle possesses exceptional mental abilities and his proficiency with numbers goes beyond his years.

He’s an avid sports enthusiast who regularly blows his dad away with his knowledge of statistics. He loves watching hockey games on TV and checks Norm’s phone to find out how other teams in the league are doing and whether they’re creeping up in the standings on his favourite team, the Edmonton Oilers.

He has a close relationship with his seven-year-old brother Jakob, an anthem singer at Spruce Kings

games, and their constant companion Rufus has played a big role in helping teach Kyle how to modify his own behaviour.

“He makes me happy,” said Kyle.

The family is seeking permission from the school district to have Rufus in school with Kyle when he returns for Grade 5 classes in September at Heather Park Elementary.

“He gets Kyle, he’s also trained for deep-pressure therapy,” said Heather.

“So If Kyle is having a time where he’s not able to regulate himself, we’ve had to train Kyle to use Rufus and he’s trained to lay on top of his legs or snuggle with him in bed and you can physically see the anxiety lessen within a minute.

“(Kyle) is the kindest soul I know and wants happiness for everyone in his life, he just doesn’t understand what that looks like.

see Dog page A9

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

What: Public Hearing regarding Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, Amendment Bylaw No. 3181, 2020.

When and Where: 1:30 p.m., Monday,July 27, 2020

Regional District BoardRoom 155 George Street, Prince George, BC

The public hearing will be chaired by adelegate of the Regional District Board.

Owner: The owners areBarry and Tammy Thomas.

Proposal: Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, Amendment Bylaw No. 3181, 2020 proposes to rezone the subject parcel from Rural Residential 1(RR1) to Rural Residential 9(RR9) to allow for asecond Residential-Single Family dwelling and all other permitted uses pursuant to the RR9 zone. The subject parcel is legally described as Lot 98 District Lot 1563 Cariboo District Plan 916 and is located at 2865 Fraser Road.

How can Iparticipate and provide comment? Anyone who believes that their interest in land is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded areasonable opportunity to be heard at the public hearing or to present written comments prior to or at the public hearing regarding matters contained in the bylaws through the following ways:

Submit written comments: Written comments will be accepted by the Regional District in advance of the public hearing until 12:00 p.m. on Friday,July 24, 2020 by: Email: developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca

Hand/Mail: 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Fax: 250-562-8676

Written comments may also be submitted at the public hearing.

Attend through electronic methods: To participate in the public hearing through electronic methods (telephone or online) contact the Regional District ofﬁce at 250-960-4400 or developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca to receive instructions. Deadline to request electronic attendance instructions is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on July 24, 2020.

Attend in-person: Attend the public hearing in person at the speciﬁc date and time. Please note that the Regional District will be enforcing provincial orders and recommendations regarding gathering sizes and distancing.

Any material received beforeoratthe public hearing will become public information.

Need moreinfo? Acopy of the proposed Bylaw and any relevant background materials areavailable for review by the public on the Regional District’swebsite at http://www rdffg.bc.ca/services/development/land-use-planning/currentapplications/ or at the Regional District ofﬁce, by appointment only,Monday through Friday,8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., between June 30, 2020 and July 24, 2020. To make an appointment contact the Regional District at developmentservices@rdffg. bc.ca or at 250-960-4400.

Who can Ispeak to? Tyson Baker,Planner I, 250-960-4400

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO Kyle and Jakob

MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANTS STUCK IN EMPLOYMENT LIMBO

HINZMANN Citizen staff

Medical office assistants are the frontline workers who answer the calls that continuously come into the doctor’s office but that’s not all they do.

A medical office assistant is the listener, the rest-assurer, blood pressure taker, weight and height measurer, eye-examination conductor, procedural assistant, record keeper, office and medical supply orderer, lab requisition forwarder, specialist referral sender, appointment maker, billing clerk, examining room sterilizer, information relayer and yes, they are the person you hand your urine sample to once you’re done peeing in the bottle.

Yet medical office assistants are not considered part of the healthcare team, however, according to the list of medical healthcare professionals on the B.C. government website. The consequences of this became glaringly obvious during the outbreak of COVID-19 when the shortcomings of not being recognized as healthcare workers included not having priority to get personal protective equipment or access to the wage subsidy offered by the federal government for frontline workers.

Two medical office assistants in Prince George spoke to The Citizen on the condition of anonymity about their working conditions and the problems MOAs face on the job.

“The system has been in place for years and we’re not complaining about our employers, it’s just something that has been going on for 15, 20, maybe even 30 years,

and we want things just to slowly start to change,” Marilyn, (not her real first name), said. “We are expected to find our own replacements if we are sick or want to go on holidays, we are all individually employed by the physicians we work for. I have never heard of another job where you can’t take holidays or call in sick because there is no one to call.”

There is no union, no benefits and no call board to access to find a temporary replacement.

“So it’s not so much an issue with our employers, just as a whole we need better support from the government to give us things like better resources to support us,” Marilyn, who has worked as an MOA for five years, said.

Another local MOA, who has worked in the field for 10 years, gave an example.

“If any one of us MOAs was sick before COVID we would just go to work with a bad cold,” Jane, not her real first name, said. “With COVID-19 and the new rules and regulations - for everybody feeling sick - because no one knows if it’s bronchitis, pneumonia or COVID - they are saying for everybody 10 days minimum off unless you get a COVID test and it comes back negative, then when you start to feel better you can go back to work. But for us to be off 10 days, that leaves doctors without anybody to run their office.”

In that case, if the doctor has an individual practice, with only one assistant, the doctor has to run the office on their own and see patients or they would be forced to close the office because they can’t do

their job properly unless someone is at the front desk, Jane added.

“That puts a lot of pressure on us because at this point we have no choice but to call in sick and leave that doctor pretty much stranded,” Jane said.

“When it comes to the designation by the government, which became glaringly clear during the pandemic when the government offered wage top-ups for frontline workers, because family practitioners are paid in a fee-for-service format, we don’t qualify,” Marilyn said. “We’re not recognized by the government. To them we don’t exist.”

The MOAs said they’ve contacted all branches of the government and there has never been a response or the response was a form letter that offered no follow up or solution.

“When we first looked into the wage top-up we were told that we don’t qualify because doctors are paid in a fee-for-service format,” Marilyn said. “Well, name one part of the medical industry that isn’t paid in a fee-for-service format.”

It’s not the doctors’ fault they are paid fee-for-service, Jane added.

“And I am sure the doctors would support us but it’s going to take hundreds of thousands of people to take this on, not just two people,” Jane said. “Everybody is so afraid to come forward because they think that they might possibly lose their job and I’ve told them - you’re not going to lose your job - it has nothing to do with our employer. It has to do with the way things have been done for 20-some-odd years and the pandemic is forcing us to ask for these changes.”

The pandemic wage top-up was the catalyst that inspired the two MOAs to approach the Citizen.

“It was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Marilyn said.

It makes them feel like they’re not equal to others doing similar work in the medical field, Jane added.

“It’s just reinforced that we don’t matter,” Marilyn said.

There’s never been a guideline put in place for wages or an opportunity to get benefits.

“Or all those other things that having a union or some sort of back up might help with,” Jane said. “And again it’s nothing against the employer. It’s a system that’s been here for so long but just because it’s been here for 30 years doesn’t mean it should stay here.”

It seems the union umbrella could be the key.

“They tried to form a union a couple of years ago,” Jane said. “It fell through because they didn’t have the support. The employees are afraid that if they take a stand, the employer isn’t going to put up with it.”

The two MOAs hope getting their story out will spark a conversation that leads to change.

“It needs to happen,” Jane said. “This situation isn’t just in BC, it’s all over Canada. The MOA community in Canada as a whole has to start talking so we’re heard, we’re recognized.”

CHRISTINE

Medical office assistants have many duties that put them on the frontline of healthcare.

MOAs feeling left out of the healthcare system

One expert observer agrees that change is needed to better protect MOAs.

“In providing good quality primary care I would say MOAs are essential,” Andrew Longhurst, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives health policy researcher and research associate, said.

“They are critical to the success of primary care and I think it’s a very unfortunate blindspot. It’s a long standing issue in B.C. and I would say we have not done a very good job from a policy perspective of ensuring and supporting medical office assistants as part of the healthcare team.”

Longhurst also noted within the public healthcare system patients aim their frustration at an MOA.

“I think that’s often unfair because they are really critical and not necessarily supported in their roles in the way that they ought to be and that’s unfortunate,” Longhurst said.

Medical office assistants are not regulated under the Health Professions Act, he added.

offered to frontline workers that excluded medical office assistants The Citizen received this response:

“We know that not every program can cover everyone, and it’s encouraging that many private sectors employers are stepping up to provide pay increases for their frontline workers.

“With the temporary pandemic pay program, we are recognizing the frontline workers delivering care to those most vulnerable, where physical distancing is the most difficult. We understand this will mean not all employees who have been working during this time will be eligible, however, given the limited funding parameters of this cost-shared federal program, we did our best to maximize the benefit to the most employees possible. More than 250,000 workers are expected to be eligible for temporary pandemic pay.”

“But they certainly are a critical part of the team in terms of delivering care and being able to communicate patient needs to the regulated healthcare staff,” he said. After reaching out to the Ministry of Finance to inquire about the wage top up

After reaching out to the Ministry of Health for comment a representative directed The Citizen to the Ministry of Finance and then when The Citizen put in another request for comment about MOAs not being recognized as healthcare professionals, no other comment was offered.

The Medical Office Assistants Association of BC did not respond to requests for comment about this situation. from page A8

Dog teaching acceptance

from page A7

“Since having Rufus, he has been brave enough to start verbalizing his thoughts and feelings to us and others. He has taught us patience, strength and acceptance and he makes us want to be better people. In a nutshell, he’s a gift to our lives and we are so proud of him.”

Kyle wanted to do something to pay back the generosity of the donor who provided Rufus and began a fundraising project for BCAGD, selling fire-starter kits his grandmother taught him how to make. Consisting of a paper cupcake liner which holds dryer lint and dried pinecones covered in candle wax, the kit burns for 20 minutes and can be used to set ablaze even with the wettest wood, and they’ve been selling rapidly. His original goal of raising $500 by the end of summer was annihilated in one day when he collected $1,800. Now, with $2,082 in the kitty, Kyle‘s summer goal is to raise $3,000 by the end of Labour Day weekend and he continues to collect money through e-transfers to Garfield4@ outlook.com.

“It’s amazing how kind and generous people are, the people in our lives have seen the amazing difference since we received Rufus,” said Heather. It costs about $30,000 to produce a trained dog, including breeding costs and 16 weeks of training. That also covers the cost of a lifelong after-care program which involves annual public access test of the animals and their owners to recertify and ensure they are still able to be handled properly in public.

BC and Alberta Guide Dogs provides guide dogs for blind or visually-impaired

people and also trains service dogsusually Labrador retrievers or sometimes golden retrievers – for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD or an operational stress injury. Since 1996, the organization has been providing guide dogs certified from the BC justice Institute and in 2008 began connecting autistic children aged three to 10 with service dogs.

Rufus is the first autistic service dog the group has ever provided in northern B.C., but he certainly won’t be the last, according to the BCAGD CEO Bill Thornton.

“We received some funding from a member of your community who felt that in all things with service dogs and guide dogs that all parts of northern parts of B.C. are underserviced, which is a true statement, but not for lack of trying on our part,” said Thornton. “We approached (Northern Autism Awareness) and asked them to put out a message to say we had some funding and would like to support a family in P.G. We got some responses and this was first of that and there will be more to follow.”

The charitable group has had a difficult time maintaining its fundraising efforts during the pandemic and Thornton applauds Kyle’s efforts to give back for what he has received. Ideally, he said his organization is ultimately trying to provide free of charge 10 autistic service dogs, 10 guide dogs for the visually impaired and 20 PTSD service dogs annually and he said Kyle’s project will help make that happen.

“It’s a great family and what they’re doing for us is amazing,” said Thornton.

“When the families put back to support us like that it’s a wonderful thing.”

GETTY IMAGE

Local medical office assistants are asking to be recognized as healthcare workers.

City saw one overdose death in June

A single death related to overdoses from illicit drugs was recorded in Prince George in June, an update from the B.C. Coroners Service shows.

The count is in marked contrast both to the six reported for the city in May and to the trend seen across the rest of the

province, where another record for such fatalities in a month was set.

The Coroners Service said the 175 fatalities in June surpassed the previous high of 171 deaths in May.

There were 219 deaths in the first three months of 2016, when the emergency was declared.

For Prince George, the year-to-date total now stands at 16, 10 of them from opioids

Sampson hopeful for Car 60 review

City council will debate Coun. Kyle Sampson’s motion calling for a review and possible expansion of the Prince George RCMP Car 60 program at its July 27 regular meeting.

Formally known as the Urgent Community Response Team, the Car 60 program pairs plain-clothes RCMP officers in an unmarked police car with nurses trained in mental health and addictions.

“This has been something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Sampson said. “To me it’s about how are we able to service the community.”

The Car 60 program was launched in Prince George in April 2015 and was based on a similar initiative in Surrey. The team

responds to calls involving mental health and substance abuse, and access the person to see if they can be be referred to local community resources.

Sampson said he’s heard from both RCMP officers and medical professionals who’ve praised the program as an alternative to traditional policing. The next step is to listen to those professionals and found out what additional resources are needed, he said.

Sampson said he’s fairly confident city council will support looking at what expanding the program would look like, and what costs would be involved.

“It’s proved itself for the last five years, let’s look at ramping it up,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the information.”

IS THE BOX EMPTY?

in which fentanyl was detected, unchanged from May. In all, there were 25 such deaths in the city last year, 17 of them fentanyl related, down from a peak of 49 in 2018, 46 of those involving fentanyl.

The numbers as of the end of June were issued the same week that Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy said $4.27 million will be provided to health authorities across B.C. to either establish

new “substance use teams” or to expand ones already in place.

Northern Health spokeswoman Eryn Collins said the authority’s share will be used to expand the existing teams and fill temporary gaps in services and to find housing and support for addicts who have come down with the novel coronavirus and need to self isolate.

Local businessman stays in the spirit of giving

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Christmas is coming six months early to handful of charitable groups in the city and Cameron Thun is playing the role as Santa Claus.

At least twice a year, Thun makes his rounds handing out gifts of money to show his support for the good work those organizations do.

On Sunday, Thun dropped by the Child Development Centre to hand out a fistful of dollars, having already dropped off a $1,000 cheque to the Prince George branch of the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Earlier last week, he gave the Prince George Hospice Society a $1,000 boost when he bought nine tickets on the Hospice Dream Home Lottery, distributed to nine lucky winners in a random draw on the Hell Yeah Prince George Facebook site.

“It’s been wonderful having Cam so supportive,” said Darrell Roze, executive director of the Child Development Centre.

“We were just looking at how much equipment that we’ve purchased over the last few years. We insured our loan equipment for $50,000 several years ago and it’s gone up to $250,000 now.

“It’s donations like Cam’s that allowed us to dramatically improve the quality of the equipment we’re able to loan to families.

“Training wheelchairs for small children cost about $11,000.

“Everything for special-needs children is really expensive and we rely on community support for those types of things. Cam is a tremendous supporter.”

Also on Thun’s list of chimneys to slide down bearing gifts from his wallet were the Connaught Youth Centre, Prince George Animal Rescue Society, which each received $1,000 donations, and the Salvation Army, which got $1,500.

The money comes out of the profits Thun has earned as owner of several Prince George liquor establishments. A & P Thun Thunderstruck Holdings, named after his parents Al and Pauline, operates the First Litre Pub, Westwood Pub, Bon Voyage Liquor Store, Liquor On Fifth and until recently, Liquor on the Hart.

Since 1972, when his parents began operating the National Hotel on First Avenue, Thun figures he and his family have given out more than $1 million to non-profit organizations in the city.

“I’m so proud to be from Prince George,” said Thun.

“I frickin’ love the people here and our family has done very well off the city and we just believe in giving back.

“It makes you feel good. I teach my children to do it. It’s just making the community a better place, and if everybody was to do that there would be a lot less pain in the world.”

For several years, the Thun family sponsored the Canada Day fireworks at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, and each year that was a $10,000 bill.

That’s a lot of money up in smoke but it put smiles on many faces and was much-anticipated event.

“We’d always go to the park to watch the fireworks and as they were popping off my mother would go, ‘$175, $210, $500,’ - she was rhyming off the price of all the explosions, which I thought was pretty funny.”

Pickup plunges into Fraser River

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

A 23-year-old man escaped injury Sunday afternoon after his pickup went off the road and plunged down a steep embankment into the Fraser River.

Police, fire and ambulance were called to the scene at about 2:50 p.m. on Queensway just east of the Simon Fraser Bridge at Highway 97.

The man, the lone occupant of the

Ford F-150, managed to escape from the vehicle before it was swept away by the raging river.

“The vehicle went off the bank and the driver was able to get out on his own with no major injuries,” Mike Flewelling, Prince George RCMP acting Cpl, said.

“We weren’t able to recover the vehicle.”

Police would not reveal what caused the truck to leave the road and are continuing their investigation.

Citizen staff

SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE EASIEST WORD

Sorry seems to the hardest word, Elton John sung in one of his many classic songs from the 1970s.

That might have been the case for Pierre Trudeau and spot on for U.S. President Donald Trump but it’s completely wrong when it comes to Justin Trudeau.

Not only does he apologize all the time for everything, he seems to relish staring into the camera, lowering his voice and purring a heartfelt sorry.

On one hand, it’s refreshing to hear politicians admit they made a mistake and take responsibility for their words and their actions.

Most politicians avoid apologies out of fear of being seen as weak, even though countless studies show that leaders – in politics, in business or in the household – are revered when they hold themselves accountable, when they are harder on

themselves than they are on their subordinates when errors and omissions are made.

Yet there are missing ingredients to the now numerous Trudeau apologies that call into question their sincerity.

For starters, he always says sorry late and under duress. Unless the public outcry reaches a certain volume, Trudeau does not fess up.

His first instinct, as shown time and again from blackface and the Aga Khan to SNC-Lavalin and now the WE charity, is to deny, deflect and/or ignore.

Before the apology comes a litany of excuses about good intentions and momentary lapses of judgment. Only after those avenues are fully exhausted does the apology come.

Taken on their own, each sorry seems authentic.

Taken with the earlier efforts to explain everything away, each sorry seems disingenuous.

Taken with all of the previous apologies and all of the previous efforts to explain it all away, Trudeau sounds increasingly

fake and manipulative. Each new apology appears to be that he’s sorry he got caught and his true regret is having to apologize.

So which is worse - blaming others, refusing responsibility and maintaining the same behaviour, like Trump, or saying sorry, taking responsibility but maintaining the same behaviour, like Trudeau?

American voters will get to show on the first Tuesday of November what they think of Trump’s leadership style.

Here in Canada, however, voters appear to be accepting Trudeau at his word, at least for now.

That’s likely because Trudeau is in the same place Stephen Harper created for himself a decade ago. Canadians never saw Stephane Dion or Michael Ignatieff as prime ministers in waiting. Jack Layton looked promising but then he died. Harper’s hold on power only evaporated when both Trudeau and Tom Mulcair offered a legitimate alternative (and voters clearly indicated in 2015 which of those two men they liked better).

In last year’s election, Trudeau held on to power (it would have been another ma-

jority if the Bloc hadn’t resurrected itself in Quebec) because voters weren’t ready to roll the dice on either Andrew Scheer or Jagmeet Singh.

In other words, federal voters have shown a willingness to stick with the least worst option until something better comes along.

Down south, Joe Biden appears poised to become the next American president not because he’s universally loved and adored but because Americans seem to increasingly see him as a safer choice than the current Oval Office occupant.

Here in Canada, if neither Singh and the next Conservative leader are able to offer a legitimate alternative to Trudeau whenever the next election rolls around, expect more earnest apologies for years to come.

“I’m sorry and I take full responsibility,” he will purr each time.

The household cat never changes its stripes and is only nice enough often enough to its owners in order to keep being fed and watered regularly.

This prime minister is one cool cat. — Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

Lewis worth a look to lead Conservatives

Canadian Conservative Party members are marking their mail-in ballots to choose their candidate for the role of Prime Minister of Canada. More than 269,000 members, the highest number ever, will be deciding between four candidates. The fact that the membership has increased, even during COVID-19, means something is up. That something is candidate Leslyn Lewis. She brings a new immigrant’s passion, innovation, and work ethic to the Conservative leadership race. Her modern take on conservative values is obvious in every answer she gives. Whether the question is about racism, the economy, government debt, international relations, crime, or First Nations issues, her answers are not picked-out-of-a-box of stuffy. It is obvious that between growing up as one of five children in an immigrant family, being a young single mom, and earning several degrees

THINKING ALOUD

TRUDY KLASSEN

and a doctorate, she has thought long and hard about better solutions than what the Liberals, Greens, or NDP are offering.

Lewis has the values required to renew the Conservative vision for Canada that I have written about previously. To appeal to modern voters, a Conservative candidate must be able to respond to modern concerns with a Conservative solution and believe that Conservatives have better solutions. She has this refreshing ability in spades and has upped the campaign dialogue substantially. Unafraid to speak to any topic, she gives clear, nuanced, smart, conservative answers; answers which seem to come from her heart, her experience as an immigrant, and her years of

experience practicing law.

A visible minority woman, she has insight into the current racial tensions that the other candidates can only learn about. Her statements about this have been, roughly paraphrased: “It is a conservative value to ensure that every Canadian gets equal treatment. Wherever systemic racism is found, we must remove it, so that everyone has an equal playing field.”

Lewis highlights the belief in the socially conservative values of freedom of choice and freedom of conscience, allowing those principles to override her personal socially conservative beliefs. She speaks strongly about the right for families to raise their children without government interference and personal choice for issues like samesex marriage and abortion.

Asked what is the most pressing issue for Canada, more experienced politicians would not have said national unity. But she did because she seems willing to tackle the hard but urgent issues. This has helped

to drive the campaign in the direction of finding what unifies us rather than what divides us. There is much work to be done there, and Lewis may be the one to unite our country that has been fractured by campaigns that pit us against each other.

Asked about the UN, her answers are nuanced by her own experience as an international trade and environment lawyer. She knows there are parts of the UN that mesh perfectly with a conservative, protrade, pro-friendly relations agenda, but she also knows that a Prime Minister must protect Canada’s sovereignty as the first responsibility; she sees the UN as there to serve countries, and not govern them, so she has no reluctance to state that she would pick and choose carefully only those UN agreements and initiatives which benefit Canada.

It is no wonder that during the first English debate, the most used phrase from the other candidates was “as Dr. Lewis said…”

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PRINCE GEORGE

Member of the National Newsmedia Council. A division of Glacier Media.

The true meaning of forgiveness

During the 2015 trial of former SS guard Oskar Groening, the “Accountant of Auschwitz,” Holocaust survivor Eva Kor forgave the man she was testifying against.

The response to Kor’s statement was extremely varied. Some praised her, others were shocked and some even reacted with scorn.

Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood and controversial words in the English language.

Forgiveness does not mean that what the other person did to us is right or in any way admissible. It does not mean we will trust the person or even want to be close to them.

It is interesting to note, for example, that Eva Kor’s forgiveness had nothing to do with the culpability of the accused. Groening was still guilty, and that was indeed the verdict of the court.

Forgiveness is simply one way a person can choose to respond when wrong is done to them. It is certainly easier to do

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

when the one who harmed us is remorseful and willing to accept just reparations. In this case, Groening admitted what he had done, he realized the importance of speaking the truth, especially in a world where people still deny the Holocaust, but he did not say he was sorry.

We also should never be coerced into forgiving. It is simply wrong to expect a person to forgive, especially when they have experienced trauma. We each deal with suffering in our own way.

The other survivors who testified in the Groening case simply wanted the truth to be known. Regardless of how a survivor processes their trauma, simply speaking the truth is what is most important.

Eva Kor’s decision to forgive was hers alone. She was only ten years old when she

and her twin sister Miriam were brought to Auschwitz in 1944. Josef Mengele, better known as the Angel of Death, demonstrated what medical research looks like when it is completely devoid of ethics. He regularly used twins as human guinea pigs. Eva and Miriam both miraculously survived Mengele’s experiments and then survived the remainder of their internment before they were freed in 1945.

The Groening case was not only controversial because of Eva Kor’s testimonial, but also because of the advanced age of the accused. His crimes at Auschwitz came to the attention of the courts because he openly shared in the media what it was like to be an SS officer processing people as they arrived at a death camp. He wanted the truth to be known. There were countless other Nazi collaborators who had committed similar crimes, but they kept them secret and simply died of old age.

Unfortunately, there have been many genocides and crimes against humanity, both before and after the Holocaust. After the Second World War, we proclaimed

DNA helps map human history

Last week, we were talking about DNA analysis and barcoding. It has certainly moved the science of taxonomy forward by leaps and bounds. We now identify species on a molecular basis. But that is not all DNA analysis can do.

It can also tell us who our ancestors were and where we come from. Or, at least, it can to a certain extent. After all, we are all African at some distant point in our family tree as we are all related.

The latter is easy to show as each generation going backwards doubles the number of our direct ancestors. That is, you have two parents and they had two parents giving you four grandparents, and they had two parents giving you eight great-grandparents, and sixteen great-great-grandparents, and so on. In just 35 generations or about 700 years, your direct ancestors total 34.4 billion people, which is more than the total number of humans who have ever been alive.

DNA analysis has been used to map out lineages. There are commercial enterprises to determine your ancestry. They do this using portions of the genetic code with mutations specific to certain sub-groups. Mutations happen all the time when populations are separated. Some are subtle. Some are not. But for the most part, a population of individuals do develop some unique and identifiable aspects to

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Jobs for kids

Earlier this year, Gerry Chidiac stated his reasons for being in support of the hereditary chiefs blockading Coast GasLink from constructing a pipeline across their traditional territory. A couple of weeks before his article came out, the Interna-

RELATIVITY

TODD WHITCOMBE

their DNA. It goes well beyond the simple phenotypical traits such as hair colour or facial features but it is important to remember we are all humans with just slight genetic variations.

The rate at which base pairs change in DNA is reasonably constant and predictable. This allows molecular geneticists to not only tell if two populations are related but how long ago they split from one another.

For example, archaeologists and anthropologists have long debated the population of the Pacific Ocean by seafaring Polynesians. We know that about 3000 years ago, people on the eastern edge of Asia began sailing east and discovering some of the island groups. About 1,000 years ago, their descendants invented the double-hulled canoe which allow them to travel even further, crossing thousands of miles of ocean. They settled in places like Hawaii, Rapa Nui, and New Zealand.

The Polynesians were superb navigators. They developed an understanding of waves, wind, and weather that allowed these daunting voyages to occur with

tional Union of Operating Engineers had a job fair in Burns Lake. This job fair’s main focus was for the recruitment of young people that will help construct this and future pipelines. The union’s objective was well-received with predominantly young Wet’suwet’en First Nation male and female kids applying to work on this project. These young equipment operator apprentices will become proficient on bull-

“never again.” Yet we not only continued to commit these crimes, we continue to cover them up. The danger in doing so is that we have created a culture of impunity among those who are responsible for unthinkable transgressions.

The Groening case demonstrates that there is no statute of limitations for murder and genocide. Regardless of how survivors choose to process their trauma, what is important is that truth be spoken and justice delivered.

The world has entered an unprecedented time where we are showing greater willingness to look at our inhumanity toward one another. While our legal systems are all imperfect, they are the best tools we have for righting past wrongs and moving forward in a way in which we finally respect the inalienable rights of our neighbours.

It is our job to not only hear the cries of the persecuted, but to hold the people and the governments who once controlled their fates accountable. This has nothing to do with forgiveness. It is simply a matter of doing the right thing.

relative frequency. There was an extensive trade network amongst the islands.

But the question has remained – did they make it all the way to the Americas?

Considering the length of some of the voyages they undertook and their familiarity with the ocean’s currents, it has always seemed likely there should have been a connection. For example, sweet potatoes which originated in the Andean highlands were grown across many islands in eastern Polynesian well before European contact. Samples of Polynesian sweet potatoes from the 1700s share genetic markers with coastal South American varieties. As the Pacific islands were never part of South America, the only mechanism by which sweet potatoes could have arrived is via some form of transportation. But the debate over the issue remains contentious.

A new study might finally settle the issue. Published in Nature, Alexander G. Ioannidis and co-workers have analyzed the DNA of 807 individuals from 17 island populations and 15 Pacific coast Native American groups. According to the authors “we find conclusive evidence for prehistoric contact of Polynesian individuals with Native American individuals (around AD 1200) contemporaneous with the settlement of remote Oceania.”

Essentially, the research team collected samples and analyzed for specific sequences within each individual. They were then

dozers, excavators, graders, loaders, rubber tire backhoes, skid steers and more. Their hereditary chiefs don’t want the pipeline built across their traditional territory, ignoring the huge opportunity for their children to receive union schooling and field training for a life-changing and prosperous future. Union membership also includes a lucrative pension plan and extended health and welfare plan with the

able to map their DNA against markers from other populations. For example, the individuals from the Cook Islands in the western Pacific all had a genetic make-up consistent with populations further to the west, in Vanuatu. For the most part, the individuals were solely Polynesian.

However, individuals from the North and South Marquesas showed a consistent amount of DNA with markers for the Zenu or indigenous Colombians. The consistent concentration of these markers across the whole population is indicative of contact a long time ago. More recent admixtures of DNA show variation in concentration for particular individuals depending upon their recent ancestry.

The DNA of Native Americans found in the Polynesian people can be dated to the different islands – beginning in South Marquesas around AD 1150 and finally reaching Rapa Nui around AD 1380. The DNA data tells us there was traffic across the Pacific and the two peoples interbred in some fashion. It doesn’t tell us whether it was Polynesian sailors visiting South America for a period of time or South American people venturing out into the vast Pacific Ocean.

Tracking specific DNA markers is helping scientists unravel the story behind the diaspora of human beings from Africa to every place on the planet. Even the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean.

best coverage in the business. To prepare for all of the future pipeline construction, union companies are hiring one apprentice for every piece of equipment on site. This amounts to needing to hire over 300 apprentice operators for just the union’s part of the contract build. All First Nations kids belonging to nations that have signed on to the project will be guaranteed to become equipment opera-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

from page 12

tor apprentices. They will likely all garner enough equipment hours on this pipeline to become certified equipment operators.

For the elected chiefs of the four clans, council members, elders and all of the Wet’suwet’en people, you need to have your voice heard before you miss out on your opportunity to guide your kids to prosperity.

Due to the pandemic, the hereditary chiefs have not conducted a legitimate vote and are only using he said, she said, as their grounds to try to stop the pipeline construction. If one continues to sit on one’s hands, you will shoulder blame for your children’s life of unemployment.

We all borrow from this Earth for our children, so let’s do the best we can and make it right for them.

Miles Thomas Prince George

Minerva thanks

Minerva BC would like to thank the community of Prince George for supporting

our Learning to Lead program for Grade 11 girls. Originally scheduled to take place in person in May at UNBC, the adaption to online programming was made possible thanks to the Minerva Northern BC community committee who helped guide our work, along with the countless women leaders from Northern BC who served as mentors, speakers, panelists and den moms for five weeks in May and June.

Special thanks to Melissa Morin, from the SD57 Indigenous Education Department, who offered beautiful opening and closing circles.

The program exceeded our expectations as the amazing young leaders in the program were able to participate in workshops focused on self-discovery, confidence building, leadership development and fun.

Thank you also to Shaw, RBC and Enbridge for supporting our work in Northern BC and believing in the leadership potential of youth. We look forward to being back in your community in 2021!

Ashley Milbury Vancouver

Remember the past

In the July 2 issue of the Prince George Citizen, Neil Godbout’s editorial (The problem with Gladstone Drive) caught my attention. So did Jerry Chidiac’s column (Democracy dies when citizens go silent). I am, therefore, speaking up. I do agree with Neil’s assertion that history has undergone a transformation and that we have the responsibility to respect the legacy of our ancestors and repair the damage they caused. It is painful for me to read details of the history of how we have treated people in the past. This is not a history of which to be proud.

Still I am not sure that removing murals and changing street names is the way to address this issue. We must not forget the past because, if we do, we may repeat it. In my personal life, mistakes have been the source of my biggest learnings and my deepest, most profound life changes. I want the same result from however we choose to proceed with our current awareness.

I am sure future generations will judge us no matter what we choose to do. I hope

Is a degree really that valuable?

Typically, there is a correlation between unemployment and registration in colleges and universities. This year however, due to the move towards closed campuses and increased online learning to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, there is talk that many prospective students are going to take a gap year and do something other than school.

It is also universally believed that there is a link between post-secondary education and income.

A study titled “Comparing the Returns to Education for Entrepreneurs and Employees” 2004, Sluis et al, published by University of Amsterdam, found that advanced education led to an increase in income roughly between six and 10 per cent for employees and seven to 14 per cent for entrepreneurs.

That being said, many of the richest people I know, who are now coming to the end of their careers in industry, have had little in the way of post-secondary education. It could be true that there was less opportunity to obtain post-secondary education 40 or 50 years ago. However, some of

BUSINESS COACH

DAVE FULLER

those entrepreneurs who have succeeded without formal education have done so through a dedication to hard work and a determination to leave poverty behind. What education fails to measure and give credence to is the ability and motivation needed and displayed by those achieving higher levels of income.

As a wise person recently told me in an email, “People don’t care what type of degree I have. They care what mistakes I have made and what I learned from them.”

Post-secondary education has its place and it seems that it is harder to find jobs other than those at entry level that don’t specify some level degree of advanced training or education. Yet without grit and determination, many of those degrees and certificates will be useless unless the graduates apply themselves to finding work in

their chosen fields. Unfortunately for many, some university degrees fail to set their graduates up for success by not providing a firm foundation in the necessary skills to succeed beyond the walls of academia.

In 2013, after 25 years of running my own businesses, I returned to school to obtain an MBA that I thought would allow me to have certain opportunities outside that of small business.

I slogged away for two years and at the end graduated with three letters that I can now put after my name. What I discovered however, was that that education, was only the beginning. I quickly realized that in order to make more of a difference in the world, I needed to further that education with more knowledge and continuous learning.

Advanced education can be much more valuable than the increased income of 10 per cent that it is said to provide. That value lies in the ability of the student to put that knowledge to use in improving their situation and that of their community. This takes hard work and dedication.

We must acknowledge however, that

the legacy we leave acknowledges that all lives matter, all of life matters and that includes our mistakes. I hope we will be seen as kinder, more compassionate, accepting and respectful than in the past. I hope desperately that this will be so. Meanwhile, I intend to approach everyone and everything in this challenging world of ours with respect, curiosity and kindness.

Barb Dean Prince George

Communists everywhere

How good it was of Tom Moore to reveal to all that Citizen editor Neil Godbout is a communist. Who could have known? And we good citizens thought you were a neutral purveyor of community news... Of course, this makes me and most of our citizens “communists” by definition, according to Tom. I suppose one would ahve to be pretty far off the margin of the right to be classed as a fascist, eh?

James Loughery Prince George

there is a lost opportunity cost of two to eight years of the extra income generated by those who choose to go right to work after finishing high school

The ability to fail, to think critically, and to learn from one’s mistakes are not generally taught in school. Those traits are learned through observation, contemplation, and trial and error, a process begun by parents who teach their children to learn from their mistakes instead of making them think that everything they do is a “Good job!”

Without persistence, dedication to self-improvement, and efforts to contribute to the betterment of one’s family, community and ultimately to the world, we tend to stagnate as human beings. No amount of education or degrees can make up for a mindset that believes that barriers cannot be overcome or that happiness is dependant on money.

— Dave Fuller, MBA, is an Award-Winning Business Coach and the Author of the book Profit Yourself Healthy. Believe that you are the sum of your education? Email dave@ pivotleader.com.

Staycation packages encourage local tourism

Citizen staff

A campaign to encourage Prince George residents to explore their own backyard while on vacation has been launched. Through its website, Support PG is now offering staycation packages that give locals a way to experience Prince George through a visitor’s eyes, all while staying close to home.

With more packages expected in the coming weeks, here is an example of the

current roster of bookable experiences including:

The Mid-Week Camping Pack – ($125) Enjoy a fabulous two night mid-week family staycation at Salmon Valley Campground. Upon your arrival, you will receive a Birch and Boar Camping pack and dessert from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Love is in the Air – ($200) Enjoy a Wine Flight at the Northern Lights Estate Winery and a $50.00 NLEW Bistro Gift Certificate. After your romantic tasting at the winery

enjoy a night away with your sweetheart at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Prince George.

Girls’ Night Out – ($120/person based on four people) This one of kind experience offers a private table-side Wine Tasting hosted by a Northern Lights Estate Winery Guide. After finishing your Wine Tasting wind down your evening with an overnight stay for four at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Prince George.

The Support PG website was launched

in April to give businesses access to all COVID-19 support resources in one centralized location and provides links to business events, health and wellness information, and good news stories.

Complimenting the website, a marketing campaign was designed to promote local businesses by encouraging residents of Prince George to shop local.

To learn more and book a Support PG staycation package, visit www.supportpg. ca/prince-george-staycation-packages.

Cougars aim for Oct. 2 season start

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

While nothing is set in stone in these viral times, the Prince George Cougars are planning a return to return to the ice at CN Centre when the new season begins at home on Oct. 2.

After their season was mothballed in March, that’s the date the Western Hockey League has targeted for the new season begin, assuming the pandemic continues to diminish and the health authorities will allow fans in WHL buildings.

Despite city council’s announcement this week that arenas will remain closed indefinitely as a COVID-19 cost-cutting measure, the Cougars have remained in daily discussions with city staff and the team is confident their rink will be ready for the scheduled start of training camp Sept. 15.

“Everything continues to be tentative and the idea that they’re not opening the arenas for now is just that, it’s for now, and we have no reason to believe that once there is certainty to the start of our season that the ice will be installed and we’ll be ready to go,” said Andy Beesley, the Cougars vice-president, business.

“From the Cougars’ point of view, we want to be good partners with the city. Obviously we want ice in the arenas and want hockey to be happening but we also have to understand we have to be patient and wait until we can open up properly.”

The league has planned for a full 68 game-season for each of its 22 teams and all teams are in agreement; without clearance to put bums in seats, there’s no viable way the league can operate. Beesley said the league’s return-to-play protocol suggests teams be limited to no less than 50 per cent capacity when the puck drops on the 2020-21 season in October and that would gradually increase through the season. An Oct. 2 season start would be two weeks later than normal.

“We would all be naïve to think that’s the only scenario, that is the only official one that’s out right now but behind the scenes we’re all fully aware we may well have to do some dramatic revisions to that as we get closer to the season start,” said Beesley.

“If we have to do the six-feet-apart distancing that creates a real challenge that will severely limit the number of people we’re able to have in our arena.”

Later start dates and fewer games have also been discussed as possibilities for the next WHL season.

At least a dozen schedules have been drawn up in the league’s return-to-play plan.

Beesley said all Cougar season ticket holders have all been contacted by the team and he’s confident they will continue to support a team that averaged just 2,333 fans per game in a rink last season playing in a rink with a capacity close to 6,000.

With less space in the CN Centre stands available, he encourages people to lock up their seats early to help guarantee they will get to sit where they want to.

If for any reason the season is in jeopardy he said the Cougars will be quick to provide refunds.

The other wrinkle the WHL faces is that six WHL teams are in based in the United States, which has had more difficulty than

Canada containing the virus. The U.S.–Canada border remains closed and rules on self-isolating there’s still uncertainty over the logistics of allowing hockey teams to move between the two countries. One of the WHL scheduling scenarios has the six U.S. Division teams playing only each other and the 16 Canadian-based teams playing only themselves.

“Between the WHL and all our teams I think everything is on the table,” said Beesley.

“From a scheduling point of view there’s probably a dozen different scenarios out there. Our plans are to follow the health authority’s guidelines and our Number 1 priority has to be the safety of our players and our fans and everybody involved with the team.”

With airlines operating on reduced schedules and fewer planes in the air, Beesley said the Cougars are concerned about getting the American and European players back for next season.

The WHL has been shut down since March 12, when it announced the 2019-20 season was on pause. At the time, the Cougars had six games left and were seven points out of playoff spot. A week later, the league canceled the rest of the regular season and on March 23 the playoffs were also scrapped.

The Cougars’ plan calls for a condensed

training camp with fewer players invited than in previous years. Beesley said the club intends to follow through on a tradition it started a few years ago and will invite all 10 players picked this year in the bantam draft with their parents for two days of sightseeing around the city using the team bus just before training camp begins.

The Cougars, under head coach and general manager Mark Lamb, figure to be considerably stronger than last year’s version, with 2019 bantam draft picks Keaton Dowhaniuk (third overall), Koehn Ziemmer (fourth overall) and Kyren Gronick (26th overall) and 18-year-old Finnish forward Jonni Kärkkäinen (picked 12th overall in the 2020 CHL import draft) expected to contribute to a team which could include as many as 16 returning players.

“From Mark Lamb’s point of view that’s the goal for the entire coaching staff, is that every year we want to see improvements moving forward now and the difference now is rather right now than sitting and just crossing our fingers and wishing for improvements we have a plan a blueprint for success that is being implemented successfully,” said Beesley. “While it does take some time, we know this year’s team will have some high-end talent on it and we definitely expect to see

some improvements.”

In light of the current health regulations on social distancing which prohibit close contact, the Cougars have voluntarily cancelled their annual hockey school, which usually runs during the last week of August.

As a replacements for the hockey school, the Cougars plan to conduct minor hockey skills clinics during the winter, enhanced by game-day simulations using the CN Centre video screen and public address system during scrimmages, which will give young players a taste of what it would be like to play for the team.

The Cougars are the primary tenants of CN Centre and the cost of their lease is on a sliding scale of percentages based on attendance, food and beverage sales the city receives and advertising revenues the team attracts.

“The better the Cougars do, the better the city does, for sure,” said Beesley. “We’ve just had an economic impact study done (to be released in two weeks) and the Cougars bring in millions of dollars per year. Just the number of hotel beds alone and restaurant meals and the amount of dining out people do on Cougars game nights and the amount of charity we do runs in the millions of dollars a year that we contribute to the economic fabric of the city.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Taylor Gauthier is mobbed by his teammates in March at CN Centre as the Prince George Cougars shut out the Lethbridge Hurricanes by a score of 2-0.

Chance meeting brought couple together

KSENIORS’ SCENE

KATHY NADALIN

en Sales, one of the four sons of Gordon and Jeannie (nee Dupre) Sales, was born in the old army hospital here in Prince George in 1947. His father owned and operated the Rush Coal Sales company back in the day when coal dominated the source of home heating.

As a child, his family lived in the old army barracks where the Nechako subdivision is now located.

Later, they moved to the area near Alward and Burden Street. That was back in the early 1950s, when homes west of the Carney Street city limits did not have running water, no sewer systems and home owners had to pack their drinking water from a well on Fifth Avenue.

After high school, Ken first worked for his father at Rush Coal until he was hired on with Canada Post as a mail carrier in 1965. His duties included sorting and preparing mail at the post office and then delivering the mail along a designated route until he retired after nearly 37 years of service.

Ken said, “The job never got boring. I met a lot of people over the years and I always had great people on my route. It was a common practice for the post office to move us to a new route every six years. The choice of a new route was made through a bid based on seniority.

“It didn’t matter if there was rain, sleet or snow and hot or cold weather I was there to deliver the mail. I took pride in my job and now I am enjoying my retirement. I joined the Canada Post retirees social club and started to do some traveling.

“My priority was always to look after my parents in their senior years. I did all their yard work and the yard work and snow shoveling for their neighbors who were also seniors.

“I built a cabin at Bednesti Lake in 1966 and the family still spends time out there.

“The years went by and due to health issues, I had to sell my home and move into an apartment. That was a real blessing because at the age of 65, I eventually met and married my wife Joanne Kirby.

Joanne (nee Teneycke) was born in Pincher Creek, Alta. in 1945. Her parents moved the family to Willow River in 1949 in

Ken and Joanne Sales have been in Prince George since the 1940s and are well respected in the community.

the pursuit of work.

Joanne grew up and went to school in Prince George. After high school, she worked at Roses Ice Cream and as a car hop at the A&W and at the Rainbow DriveIn.

In 1965, she married Clarence Cox but sadly he passed away in 1974 in a work-related accident.

When the children started to arrive, she ran a successful day care service for 10 years and found time to do volunteer work as well with her main focus being the Salvation Army.

Clarence and Joanne had three children; Patricia Lynne (Tim) Dawson, Bryce and Jason (Sherrice) who in turn gave her six grandchildren and two great grandchil-

dren.

In 1975 she married Roy Kirby; they separated 20 years later on friendly terms.

At the age of 50, Joanne went back to school and earned her long-term care certificate at CNC.

For medical reasons, she was forced into retirement at the age of 55. She had to sell her home because she was unable to do the yard work and she happened to move into the same apartment building where Ken was living.

She was unable to drive while undergoing a series of medical treatments so she had to rely on a taxi. It all happened one day as she stood outside waiting for the taxi.

Ken took notice and offered her a ride.

Well, as they say the rest is history. They got married in 2013 and one of the two apartments went up for rent.

Ken and Joanne have both lived in Prince George all of their lives. They are well known and well respected in the community.

Joanne said, “Ken knows half of the people in Prince George and I know the other half. We are active in the Central Fellowship Baptist Church and we have looked after and cared for others all of our lives.

“We have both been dealt some bad cards when it comes to our health but now, we have the winning hand as we go forward just looking after one another and traveling.”

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

BCHL UNVEILS SEASON PLAN

TED CLARKE

Citizen staff

Barring a miraculous cure for COVID-19, the B.C. Hockey League will not be playing games until Dec. 1st.

The 18-team league has submitted its newest proposal to the B.C. government which calls for the delay of training camps until October. Teams will then have two months to practice and work on skill development before the heavy hitting of the regular season begins.

In addition to the December opening, the league also hopes to gain provincial approval to allow a minimum of 25 per cent capacity at all its arenas for BCHL games. That arena capacity would increase as the season progresses.

“The Alberta Junior Hockey League announced their schedule (a week ago), which is starting in September and we just don’t see that,” said Prince George Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “Provincial guidelines in each province are different. The limit of mass gatherings in Alberta has gone up to 200 and we’re still at 50, but I don’t see Alberta being able to start then even though they’ve announced that.

“For our league, attendance and gate revenue are important. I don’t want to speak ill of other leagues but there are other leagues where attendance isn’t like it is with ours. The gates are less important so they’re able to operate with less fans or no fans, but with our league that’s not an option.”

Prince George city council put the Spruce Kings into a difficult place when it announced that city arenas will remain closed indefinitely, rather than the original plan to reopen the rinks in August.

Hawes serves on the league’s six-member return–to-play taskforce, which gathers for Zoom conference calls two or three times per week, and he says the possible scenarios can change suddenly, depending on what the provincial health authority decides.

Under the proposal, instead of a 56-game schedule, each BCHL team would play 44 games, ending in early April. A two-month postseason would follow, ending with the Fred Page Cup league championship series in late May. Hawes said BCHL champions will likely opt out of the Doyle Cup (Pacific

Prince George Spruce KIngs forward Corey Cunningham looks to make a play

regional) championship and the Centennial Cup (national junior A) tournament, to be hosted in Penticton next spring.

fenders during a game last October at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena. playing in the upcoming season and take an economic hiatus to save costs. Those who apply for the exemption will have to inform the league a couple months ahead of the season to give the remaining teams time work out their schedules.

“Teams would have the option, from September 8th to December 1st, of running extended training camps, said Hawes. “They can do skill development, do practices and there might be some exhibition games scheduled in the league in those months, with zero fans.”

He said it’s unlikely the Spruce Kings will host any of the eight exhibition games it has planned for October-November and each game would be a one-day roadtrip to save on hotel costs. All of the league’s exhibition games will be webcast on Hockey TV.

To help defray costs, Hawes said BCHL teams will probably charge players a season fee. Teams that are struggling financially will be given the option of not

“At this point there are no teams that are indicating they won’t participate, and that’s a great thing,” said Hawes. “But that could change as they look deeper into their financials and decide whether it’s going to work for them if we do get the health authority’s approval to start December 1st with a minimum 25 per cent capacity.”

High school-aged Spruce Kings will be registered at Prince George Secondary School and Hawes said all their classes will be online, with the opportunity to attend school twice a week for tutoring or other instruction. Players will have their temperature checked each day as they enter the dressing room and will be sent home to begin an 14-day quarantine if they show any signs of fever or other COVID-19 symptoms.

The community-owned Spruce Kings sold out the Show Home Lottery in May, which covers at least half of the team’s half-million dollar operating budget. But with so much uncertainty hovering over the league, Hawes said the club will try to get a break from the city in what it pays for ice rental and office space at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena. The team office at the rink has been locked up and inaccessible for more than three months since the outbreak of the virus. Last year the team pays about $77,000 annually in rent to the city. Because the playoffs were cancelled following the completion of the first round in early March, no league champion was

declared. Heading into the new season, that makes the Spruce Kings two-time defending champions, having won their only league title in 2019.

The Kings will be back playing in the Interior Conference for the first time since 2012, when they moved to the Mainland Division. Recognizing the fact minor hockey players haven’t been on the ice since March, the Spruce Kings are hoping to gain city approval to host an abbreviated twoweek hockey school in late-August.

Pending ice availability, Hawes also plans to utilize the teaching talents of the Kings’ coaches – head coach Alex Evin, associate coach Lukáš Lomicky, assistant coach Jason Garneau and director of player development Nick Drazenovic – to instruct minor hockey camps during the month of September.

By Oct. 1, all 23 players on the roster will be in Prince George for the start of training camp, which would be exclusive to rostered players. Hawes is hopeful border restrictions will be lifted on the American players on the team. The Kings have four U.S. residents to start the news season but they could have the limit of six imports by the time training camp opens. All import players crossing the border would have to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The Spruce Kings will elect six new directors at the club’s annual general meeting next Monday at 6 p.m. at the Sandman Signature Hotel. Prior to the election of directors, the team’s financial statement will be presented. Team president David Keough is entering the second year of a two-year term. Due to pandemic restrictions, pre-registration and a $5 fee is required to attend the meeting. Go to https:// sprucekingsticketing.as.me/AGM.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

against two Alberni Valley Bulldogs de-

COVID -19 has had atremendous impact on health authorities and patients around the world. It’s hard to imagine the experience a patient goes through when the unthinkable happens and they are hospitalized. In some cases, patients require ventilators, amachine that provides mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air in and out of the lungs.

In April 2020, apatient who had been hospitalized and on aventilator due to COVID -19 was asked what could have been done to create abetterexperience given the circumstances. The patient informed the staff member that communication with the care team was difﬁcult while connected to aventilator.Thisfeedback was sent to Northern Health staff members Beth Ann Derksen, executive lead for Critical Care, and Jeanette Foreman, NW quality improvement lead.

From there, staff started collaborating address the feedback .Jeanette conducted some initial research and then reached out to Julie Lidstone, chief speech-language pathologist at the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNB C), to assist in developing

Healthy Living

Improving communication forCOVID -19patients on ventilators

By Daniel Ramcharran, Communications Advisor for Planning,Quality and Information Management, Northern Health

something to support patient communication. Julie engaged UHNB Cspeech-language pathologists (SLP) Pamela Ross and Sophia Neppel, as well as Ashley Lequereux, an SLP with Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA), to participate in the initiative. SLPsare highly-educated professionals who specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.

Next, Julie, Pamela, Sophia, and Ashley worked with nursing leaders to design a toolkit consisting of aset of communication boards. The boards let patients communicate their needs by gesturing or pointing at letters, pictures, and common words and phrases, as well as writing messages. Various evidencebased communication boards were reviewed to create the toolkit.

The SLPsalsoconnected with colleagues across various programs and sites to gather information and review the design of each board. Although Northern Health and other health authorities have general communication boards to assist patients in communicating,theyneededone that was

speciﬁc to patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

“I was happy that the Speech-Language Pathology Department was able to participate in this project and provide ameans of communication for this patient population,” says Pamela. “I’m very proud of our team and the help that we were able to provide during this time.”

Pamela had recently completed her certiﬁcation in the CAYA Partners program, which provides additional training to SLPs working in the area of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Along with Ashley ’s expertise, as the CAYA representative in the North, they provided astrong foundation for development of this communication toolkit. CAYA (cayabc. net/) is aprovince -wide service program that supports youth and adults aged 19 years and older,with assessment and intervention in the area of AAC.

Theteam was able to create the communication toolkit in only acouple of weeks. On April 29, 2020 the Intensive Care

Unit (ICU) Assisted Communication Toolkit was approved, printed, and distributed to each ICU across the organization. Pages were laminated to ensure it could be sanitized between patients and to follow infection control standards.

“I was thrilled that our team had the opportunity to participate in this initiative,” says Julie Lidstone, chief speech-language pathologist. “The ability to communicate is not only the patient’s right, but is essential to providing patient-centered care. It is instrumental that patients have the opportunity to participate in their care.”

The development of the ICU Assisted Communication Toolkit is another example of Northern Health’s person- and family-centred care focus. Although its original purpose was to increase communication for ICU patients during the COVID -19 pandemic, the ICU Assisted Communication Toolkit can also be used to facilitate communication for abroad range of patients. The toolkit will increase opportunities for better communication, assist in reducing patient and provider frustration and help to improve overall health outcomes.

HORO SC OPES &P UZ ZLES

PUZZLE NO. 776

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the gridsothat every row, every columnand every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line. You already have afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe sameline, column or 3x3 box.

PUZZLE

Teresa Saunders

Dr.Devan Reddy

Richardand WendyGirard

Douglas Walder

Brian Pearson

DorothyReimer

David Flegel

Ronand AnnetteParnell

Dave Read

Jan Rose

Dave King

DorothyFriesen

Gordon Bliss

BarbaraHampe

Chris H. LindaWijcik

Susan McCook

Jackie Clements

Roland Green

HOURS: Monday-Friday8:30am -3:00pm •Closed 12:00pm -1:00pm forlunch OFFICE/PHONE

DEADLINES: AD DEADLINE:FridayatNoon forthe followingThursday

LloydJohnHanton

January1,1951July23,2018

KARNOUSKOS, DIANNE E.

AUGUST 2, 1958 -JULY 19, 2010

Twoyearshavegoneby now.Itisstillreally difficulttoacceptthat youaregone.Ourlives havechangedsomuch inyourabsence.Allof ourfamilyevents; fishing,hunting, camping,Christmas, birthdaysandholidays justaren’tthesame withoutyou.Wemiss youeveryday Hopeyouareresting peacefully

Love you forever Dad.

LoveMom,Jackie, TylerandChris

Toplaceanadcall:

Dear Mom, 10 years have passed, but our love never will. With gratitude and love, Amanda (Wayne); Melissa (Clayton and Khloe); Troy (Annie); and the Grandkids you never got to meet: Elden, Owen, Georgia, Elise, Jacelynn, Kane, and Madden.

Inlovingmemoryof RodStussi

Aug1,1943Jul26,2015

Memoriesofyouarea treasureIwillhave forever

Lovealways Darlene

JONATHAN PETER SHAW passed away suddenly at the age of 45 years. He is survived by his daughters; Savanna Hedstrom (Kalib), Shauna Reimer (Craig), Kearra Shaw (Mike) and Kimber Shaw.Heisalso survived by his brothers; Kevin Shaw (Tiziana), Douglas Shaw and Daniel Shaw, sisters; Peggy and Dorothy,stepbrother; Neil Shaw and numerous other relatives and friends. Jonathan was predeceased by his mother Gwendolyne Shaw.The memorial service for Jonathan will be held on Thursday July 30th at 11:00am at Assman’sFuneral Chapel. Due to Covid 19 restrictions seating is limited to immediatefamilyandclosefriends.

REMEMBRANCES

November1937-July2020

It’swith heavy hearts that the family and friends of Patrick (Pat) Murray announce his passing on July 16, 2020 with his longtime friend Chuck Price close by Chuck and Pat worked together for many years on lots of construction jobs in Prince George and Pat was abig part of Chuck’sfamily. Pat left Ireland in 1956 for Canada and arrived in Prince George in 1966 where he began his own successful excavation business Pat Murray &Sons Ltd. He leaves to mourn his two children Sean Murray (Xuan), Angela Mcinroy (Tosh), 5grandsons Tan, An, Dustin, Taurean and Caleb, his brothers Larry,Mick and sister Mary, and many nieces and nephews from England and Ireland. Pat was predeceased by his parents Mary and Thomas Murray,sister Nellie &Bridie, brothers Benny, John,NoelandVincent.

Due to Covid-19, funeral attendance is by invitation only-forinfopleasecallChuckPrice@250565-4579.

B.DouglasStrachan

April4th,1948July15th2020

Doug Strachan -“The Pet Parade Guy” -passed away peacefully at home. Doug loved life, pets, sports, music, corny jokes and getting together with friends. Doug was born in Winnipeg, grew up in Calgary and graduated from the University of Calgary with aBAineconomics. Doug played football with the University of Calgary Dinos and later coached minor football in Prince George. In 1984 his team won aprovincial championship. He always had alot of interests and as well as coaching football, Doug hosted aSaturday night jazz show on radiostationCJCI.

Doug had an extensive career in real estate, he was a residential appraiser,an agent and realtor.For many years Doug played drums with “Tony White and the Heavyweights”

Sadly,Doug was predeceased by wives Deborah (1996) and Ann (2005), brother Ross (2016), mother Marion(2019)andfatherBruce(1964).

Mourning his passing are nephew Cameron Strachan, cousins Bruce Strachan (Beverley) Donna Masson, Gordon Strachan (Nancy) Carol Strachan, stepdaughters Bonnie, Samantha, Heidi, Johanna-Leigh, KirstinandJennifer

The family thanks Doug’smanyfriends who helped and supported him during the past few years, including Barbara Wright, Johnny Wagner,Trevor Wallace, Jennifer Johns and all the “Pub night” gang. Acelebrationoflifewillbeheldwhenconvenient. In lieu of flowers, please make adonation to the PrinceGeorgeSPCA.

Oct10,1944-July7,2020

With heavy hearts we mourn the loss of our mom, Judy Beatrice Murphy who passed away suddenly July 7, 2020 in Vancouver at St Paul’shospital. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband James in 2014. She will be forever missed by her children Roger &Jacqueline; grandchildren Dustin (Bekka) &Devin Sketchley; great grandchildren Peyton &Owen as well as many sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and countless friends across Canada. As per her wishes she will be resting with Dad in Mount Denson, NS cemeteryatalaterdate.

RIP mom, we will miss you and love you yots and yots.

ST.AMAND;Gabrielle

This announcement is the final one prior to our mom’sservice August 9, 2020. Originally,wewere hoping to accommodate alarger number of people, and truly celebrate her life…BUT with COVID, wisdom must prevail, and therefore, we will not have tents on the church grounds. We are only able to accommodate 50 people in the church and 50 people in the hall according to the Public Health orders. Therefore, we have made alist and invited people. Our sincere apologies to everyone who would have liked to attend, and now will not be able to do so, relativesincluded.

The service willbe live-streamed on the netfor anyone who cannot attend in person. Anyone can watch the service from home or anywhere, on a computer,phone or tablet. Details of the live stream service will be listed on the website for the Church of theImmaculateConception,PrinceGeorge,BC Again, the service will be held August 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Cathedral Ave. In lieu of flowers and in mom’smemory,donations to the church are what mom would appreciate. Alink where donations can be given will be provided on the website. Those attending the service, please bring your own mask and those invited to the gathering following the mass,pleasebringyourlawnchair Momlovedyouallandsodowe.

Thank you for your understanding, your love, prayersandsupport.

Obituaries

PatrickOliverMurray

Murphy,JudyBeatrice

SIMONE MYNEN

R0011826152

4.00x85.0-4C

PG11/710024

Mynen, Marian

November 5, 1933 –June 18, 2020

We are saddened and heartbroken to share our beloved mother and Oma passed away on June 18th in ComoxValley General Hospital from an aneurysm. Even at the end, she was surrounded by family telling stories. Marian loved to share agoodstory

It was during acold and wet Mynen family reunion in 2001 while preparing her strawberry-covered angel food cake for dessert, afavourite among kids and grandkids alike, that Marian ended up covered in whipped cream. After inserting anew CO2 cartridge into the professional dispenser,the perfectly whipped cream came gushing out of the nozzle. Shrieks of surprise were barely mufﬂed by her best efforts to eat it as fast as it came out. There was whipped cream everywhere, all over the motorhome canopy,her hair,clothes and glasses. It will be Marian’s love for laughing at funny situations, especially her own silly embarrassments, that family and friends will miss most.

Many adinner table would be set, perfectly baked Yorkshire puddings would be pulled from the oven, grandkids would chuckle at being told to come “sit on the table”, dinner would be served and eaten and then, THEN,the aftertabling would begin! Dirty dishes that would drive the newest members of the family crazy would sit on the table while stories would be shared, and the love for family would be felt by all. But Marian would welcome anyone into her home, even strangers, offer them coffee and something sweet, and they too would leave with the sense that they had “arrived too late and left too early”.

Although she was happy in Canada, Holland always pulled at her heartstrings. One of many memorable trips back was with her oldest son Dick and his family.After along day driving from Paris to Amsterdam, Marian taught her grandkids the true joy of hotel stays: jumping on beds guilt free. Late at night, in asleepy hotel in aquiet town, squeals of grandkid laughter were caught on home video while Marian jumped up and down on the bed!

Her grandkids and children brought her great joy,asdid

REMEMBRANCES

true love, Martin. She followed his dream move to Canada without question, even though it meant leaving all she loved behind: her family,friends, and Dutch gezelligheid. She packed up their kids, an interesting assortment of belongings she thought they’d need in the wild woods of Avola, BC,and braved the unknown. Together they established new roots and the family found great happiness and fulﬁlling lives in their adopted homeland.

Forty-one years later she again left a comfortable, well-established life of friends grandchildren in Prince George, when she and Martin moved to Deep Bay on Vancouver Island; it took abit before she no longer felt she’d moved to the “boonies”! New firsts and great adventures filled the last ten years of their lives, and family were never far away; wonderful annual reunions continued, either here or in Prince George. She created new friendships and had a whole new audience for the beautiful stories she loved to tell. She joined the Knitwits at the library,played crib at the Legion, and was amember of the Lighthouse Community Hall board. She had agreat time as abartender at the Hall with her newlyacquired Serving It Right certificate! Her Supper Club friends will remember her stint as the fortuneteller Mamalou: Ask me anything,Iknow everything.Her humour and her warmth will be fondly remembered by so many far and wide.

Marian will be missed by her daughter Simone (Steve Lombardo and daughter Teka (daughter Jasmine, husband VicStewart)), daughter Mieke(Marcus Haywood), son Dick (Dorothy), and daughter-in-law Dina; grandchildren Tonianne (David Okano), Stephanie (Kevin Hautcoeur), Christina (Dave Marchand) and James; greatgrandchildren Ripley Okano and Benjamin Marchand; nephew Arnt (Diana) Veltum and children Mick and Ilja, and close relatives in Quesnel.

In Holland she will be missed by her sister Gina and brother Jan as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Marian was predeceased by her husband Martin and son Marcel.

ASSMAN’S FUNERALCHAPEL

DonnLichacz

March30,1952-July13,2020

Donn passed away July 13th in a tragic accident.Predeceased by his parents Dominick &Thelma and brother Robert. He is survived by brother Ken (Rita), sister-in-law Marilyn, nephew James (Isabel) Delorme, great nephew Jonathan, great niece Sophia and his special lady Teddi Ann. He is also survived by many relatives and friends. For service details and information please call Dorrinda McConachie 250-963-9484. Assman’sFuneralChapelincareofarrangements.

RobertAllenOrlando

(1944-2020)

Robert passed away on July 16, 2020 at the age of 76. Pre-deceased by his parents Diamond and Eda Orlando, he is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Marg, daughter Julie (Pat) Howard, son David (Melanie), sisters Linda (Ray) Tognotti of Las Vegas, Lola Bush of Simi Valley,CA, Debbie (Ray) Allsup of Knightsen, CA, as well as many nieces,nephewsandcousins.

Rob was raised in Trail, attended J.L. Crowe Secondary and played for the Jr.Smoke Eaters as goalie. In‘63 he joined the U.S. Army and lived in Germany for 2years. During his employ with Xerox he travelled all over Canada, and had resided in Prince George for the past 44 years. He loved the outdoors -hunting, fishing (in his trusty Greenfisherman), and camping. He enjoyed puttering in the garden or tinkering in the garagetherewasn’tmuchhecouldn’tfix.

There will be no Prince George service. Afuneral willbeheldinTrailatalaterdate.

We would like to thank Dr.Grobbelaar,the staffat the B.C. Cancer Agency in Prince George and the staffofRotaryHospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider adonation tothe charityofyourchoice.

Condolencesmaybeofferedat www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

BEAR CREEK FUNERAL HOME

2x60.3 PGC002021

Fay, George P. July 1, 1963 -June 6, 2020

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved George.

He is survived by his son Darion, his biggest accomplishment, his pride and joy. He is also survived by his father Pat, and best "Bud" Ovi. He was predeceased by his mother Rose, and the love of his life, Wendy. George was aloving, kind, generous man who will be missed deeply. He is well known for his passion for sports and for never losing agame...any game. He had a huge heart, charming smile and laugh that could get him out of anything. George loved his friends. He pulled the people he loved together to create everlasting friendships. He was aproud father to his son Darion, and never left a conversation without a"Love you". When he talked about his son you could see the light in his eyes. Life without George will be alittle duller.

We wish you could have stayed with us longer, but are happy knowing you are with the love of your life again.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home -

Band Manager

KispioxBand is seeking aself-motivated,energetic individual to manage employees in the day-to-day operations of the band.Under the direction of the KispioxBand Council,manage,direct, organize, implementand controlthe provision of policies,directives and band programs,which include administration, human resources, ﬁnancial management, housing,social assistance, public worksand forestry

Education/Professional Requirements:

•Musthaveapost-secondarydegreeinBusiness Administration

•Musthaveminimum of five (5)years of Senior Management/Human Resourcesworking experience;

•Musthaveminimum of five (5)years working/education experience in ﬁnancial managementand budgeting

Qualiﬁcations/Abilities:

•Extensiveknowledge of First Nations political roles and structure;

•Abilitytoliaise and communicate with personnel from variouslevels of government, First Nation Organizations and Funding Agencies, privateindustryand anyother individuals,groups or agencies operating in the community.

•Abilitytodevelop and maintain policies and procedures pertaining to allaspects of the KispioxBand Administration;

•Mustpossess managementand leadership skills and supervision of staﬀ in afair and equal manner

•Mustbeproficientinstrategic planning and programdevelopment

•Mustpossess skills in the administration, management/planning of human resources;

•Abilitytoestablish good working relationships with funding agencies/other organizations

•Abilitytoresearch funding sourcesand provide funding proposals;

•Mustbeable to plan and manage First Nation finances; strong skills in Financial Management– analyze, advise andrecommend on allocation of budgets,funds and organization

•Mustpossess excellentverbal and written communication skills and strong computer skills;

•Mustpossess excellentskills in problem solving and decision making

•Experienceinmanagementofband housing is an asset: working with rental arrears,construction, building contractors, etc.

Skills and Abilities:

•Abilitytoworkcollaboratively with Chief and Council and staff in establishing goals,preparation of budgets,and funding proposals

•Abilitytoworkindependently and build effectiveinterpersonal relationships

•Abilitytoself-regulate,meet deadlines,and give attention to details

•Recognizes and respects all cultural diversityand hasan understanding of First Nation culture

Working Conditions:

•Mustprovide arecentCriminal RecordsCheck

ForwardResume,RecentCriminal Record Check

And 3References To the attention of Sandi Reviakin: KISPIOXBAND COUNCIL, 1336 KispioxValleyRoad, Kispiox, B.C., VOJ1Y4

DEADLINE: August 5, 2020 AT 3:00 P.M.

We thank all applicants for their interest howeveronly those shortlisted will be contacted.

TheCityofPrinceRupertislooking fora permanent full time UTILITY OPERATOR

to join ourteam in the Operations Department Formoreinformation and acomplete job description please refertoour websiteat: www.princerupert.ca “Career Opportunities”

Qualiﬁed applicants areinvited to submit a detailed resume by July 24, 2020 to the attention of Human Resources at hrop@princerupert.ca R0011825159

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Please recycle this newspaper

BigSteelBox Corp at 5495

Hartway Drive, Prince George,BC, claims aPPSA Lien Against Martineau,Lor of Mackenzie,BCfor arrears of container rent amounting to $2,944.12 plus anyadditional costs of storage that accrue.Ifnot paid in full,the contents of the storage container, filled with furniture, tires and miscellaneous items.Will be sold online auction via Ibid4Storage.com on July 28, 2020.

BigSteelBox Corp at 5495 Hartway Drive, Prince George,BC, claims aPPSA Lien Against Wiebe,Lauraof PrinceGeorge,BCfor arrears of container rent amounting to $4,016.32 plus anyadditional costs of storage thataccrue.Ifnot paid in full,the contents of the storage container, filled with furnitureand miscellaneous items.Will be sold online auction via Ibid4Storage.com on July 24, 2020.

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LEGALS

Amendmentfor adding Winterrecreational to existing Fishing Outfitter’s camp,AdventureTourism. situatedonProvincial Crownlandlocatedon the South side of Bugle Lake, FLNRORD invites “Comments”onthis application, the Lands File is 7409682 concerning this application should be directed to Tricia Klein at 5th Floor 499 George street,PrinceGeorge BC, V2L 1RS. Comments will be received by FLNRORD up to August 10, 2020.FLNRORD maynot be able to consider comments received afterthis date

Please visit the websiteathttp;//comments.nrs.Gov.bc.ca/for moreinformation.

Be advised thatany response to this advertisementwill be considered partofthe public record Forinformation, contactthe Freedom of information Advisor at FLNRORDs’office in Omineca Region of British Columbia.

Whatare the pros and cons of brick and stone exterior facing?

In this multi-partsegment of Ask MJ, we answer your questions on refurbishing your homesexteriorusing some of the latestbrick, rock or masonryfacings. Whatare the advantages,disadvantages, costs and installationchallenges.

Advantages

Timeless and refined, abrick or stone exterior is one of the best choices for your home. Either material creates afire-resistant covering thatwill increase the value of your home. Research has shown thatbrick effectively lowers heating and cooling costs by as much as eight percent. It can withstand high winds and is not typically damaged by hail or other debris thatmay be blown around in windy conditions. Brick and stone exteriors arealso extremely durable and can continue protecting your home well into the next century.

Disadvantages

Brick and stone cost moretoinstall than other home exterior materials and their weight needs to be considered during construction. Once in place they arevery solid and inflexible. This makes brick and stone aproblematic choice in areasthatare prone to earthquakes. Over time, brick and stone will also starttoweather,changing their colors slightly.This can makeitdifficult to match the appearance if the home is later expanded or remodeled.

Installation

People mistakenly assume brick is waterproof. However,water can penetrateand seep through to the area behind it. It is important thata waterproof barrier be placed on the wall beforethe brick siding is installed. Brick needs to be installed with adrainage plane or weep holes so any water has an easy escape route. Theinstallation will cost a little moreinitially,but it will avoid countless problems down the road. Youshould also find out how the mason ensures thatfalling mortar won’t block this important drainage system. When brick or stone is added to an existing home originally designed for wood siding, the builder may need to add foundational supporttocarry the added weight.

In the next installmentofthus segment, we answer your questions about installation challenges andmaintenance chllenges andcosts

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Reduce urban heat island effect with grass pavers

Are you living on an urban heat island?

This scientific term refers to metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than surrounding areas. Unfortunately, the concentration of heat negatively affects humans, animals and the environment. One way it does this is by increasing the magnitude and duration of heat waves, thereby leading to a higher incidence of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and heat-related deaths.

Urban heat islands are largely the result of how little vegetation and how much concrete there is in urban areas. It’s therefore important that urban dwellers do what they can to add more greenery to the cityscape. One easy way to do this is with grass pavers.

ABOUT GRASS PAVERS

Grass pavers are paver blocks with spaces or cells that allow grass and plants to push through. They can be used for driveways, walkways, paths, outdoor seating areas and a variety of other structures. By using grass pavers instead of concrete, asphalt or stone, you’re helping to reduce excessive heat retention on your property and in your town.

But grass pavers are fantastic for a number of other reasons. For instance, because they’re permeable, they reduce storm water runoff and help prevent flooding. They’re also easy to install and replace. Lastly, they’re stylish and charming. Use them to turn your conventional backyard patio into a European-style terrace.

HOW TO choose the right air conditioner

HOW TO organize a home renovation project

Are you ready to take on a major home renovation but don’t know where to start? Here’s how to organize your tasks and ensure everything goes smoothly.

MAKE A LIST

Renovations should be done in a logical order to avoid wasting time and money. For example, you shouldn’t paint the walls before you open them up to install insulation. To ensure you have a clear idea of what’s involved and don’t miss a step, make an extensive list of all the tasks that need to be done.

ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE

Once you know what your project entails, you can determine a logical sequence in which to complete tasks. In general, you should start with any necessary demolition and tackle large structural projects first. This may include repairs to the foundation, support beams and subfloor. After you’ve addressed all plumbing, electrical and insulation concerns, you can hang the drywall and proceed to the finishing touches.

Depending on the scale of your renovation, you can follow these 10 STEPS:

1. Demolish, starting with upper floors

2. Make structural repairs

3. Install electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC ducts

4. Clean and upgrade the exterior

5. Add or replace insulation

6. Replace the windows

7. Close up the walls, ceilings and floors

8. Paint the ceilings and walls

9. Install the flooring

10. Clean up and furnish

If you plan to live in the house while it’s being renovated, remember to update only one bathroom at a time. This way you’ll ensure you always have one that can be used.

EVALUATE CONSTRAINTS

If you can’t afford to complete all of your renovations right away, determine the cost of each project and identify your top priorities. You can either do one room at a time or start with small tasks throughout the house while you save up the money.

Additionally, be sure to schedule your timeline around seasonal weather that could affect your renovation projects. For example, it’s best to avoid upgrading the exterior during winter or painting the interior in the summer.

For optimal results, consider hiring a contractor who can ensure the work gets done to code.

If you need to buy a new air conditioning system, you have a number of options. Here are a few tips to help you decide how to best cool your home.

DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS

The appropriate system for your home will largely depend on the type of dwelling you live in. If you have a house, you might want to invest in central air conditioning or a geothermal pump. If you own a unit in a multi-family building, consider installing a wall-mounted system. If you’re a tenant, opt for a portable air conditioner. Regardless of your choice, make sure the system you select adheres to building rules and municipal noise control regulations.

ESTABLISH A BUDGET

In addition to calculating the short-term costs of purchasing and installing an air conditioning system, you should consider the associated long-term expenses. This includes the amount for all maintenance tasks and potential repairs. Determine an ac-

ceptable price range based on your current financial situation. If you need to make significant renovations to install a central system, look into available financing options.

EVALUATE POWER REQUIREMENTS

The ideal cooling capacity for your air conditioner (measured in British thermal units or BTUs) will depend on the size of your dwelling, the quality of the building’s insulation and the number of rooms and storeys you want to cool. While you want a unit that’s powerful enough to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home, an oversized model tends to operate in short bursts and consume excess energy.

CONSIDER LOCATION

You should determine in advance where your air conditioner will be installed, especially if you live in an apartment with limited space to accommodate a bulky unit. If you’d prefer to only cool certain rooms throughout the day, a portable model on wheels may be a convenient choice. If your home faces south or a majority of its windows are on the south side, your air conditioning system will need to work harder. However, blinds or thick curtains can help block the sun and thereby reduce your cooling costs.

Once you’ve selected an air conditioner, hire a professional to install it and make sure it works.

Regardless of the type of air conditioning system you need, look for a model with Energy Star certification. This will guarantee that the unit is energy efficient.

HOW TO choose living room furniture

Whether you want to spruce up your living room or completely remodel it, choosing new furniture can be a challenge. Here are some tips that can help.

IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS

Consider how the space will be used. If you watch a lot of TV or enjoy frequent movie nights, opt for a comfortable couch with enough space for the whole family. For avid gamers, an entertainment unit with shelves to store consoles and controllers is a practical purchase. A coffee table that can be adjusted to various heights is a great solution if you tend to eat your meals in the living room.

Additionally, a sofa bed is a versatile choice if you need your living room to double as an occasional guest room. You should also determine how much storage you’ll need to ensure the space is functional and free of clutter.

ASSESS THE SPACE

Measure the dimensions of your living room before you go shopping to make sure you choose pieces that fit. If you want to maximize the space’s potential, sketch out a few different floor plans. Keep in mind the location of windows, doorways, baseboard heaters and floor vents when you design the layout. You should also take note of whether direct

HOW TO live a long and healthy life

If you want to increase your lifespan, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent illness and injury. Here’s what you should do to live a long life.

EAT WELL

An abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish packed with omega-3 fatty acids are vital components of a healthy, balanced diet. You should also limit your consumption of trans fat, salt and refined sugar.

sunlight will create glare on the TV screen or potentially fade furniture fabric.

ESTABLISH A BUDGET

Evaluate your financial situation and inquire about financing options for big-ticket items. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, decide on a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind, however, that while quality pieces are more expensive, they’ll also last a lot longer. It may be worth shelling out a bit more for furniture if it’s well made.

SETTLE ON A STYLE

When buying new furniture for your living room, it’s best to choose pieces with colours and textures that complement one another. Additionally, deciding on a design style will help guide your choices and allow you to successfully pair wood, metal and glass pieces. From the whimsy of bohemian chic to the crisp simplicity of Scandinavian, there’s a wide range of styles to select from. Choose one you love and pick your items accordingly.

TEST EACH PIECE

Before you purchase a sofa or chair, try out the floor model to make sure it’s comfortable. If you find a few items you like in the same store, ask if they can be placed side by side so you can see how they look together. You should also bring along paint chips, swatches and photos to help you find furniture that matches what you already have.

To simplify your search for living room furniture and help you create a cohesive space, consider hiring a professional interior designer.

REMAIN ACTIVE

STAY HYDRATED

Drink at least two litres of water every day to help your body absorb nutrients, regulate your temperature and eliminate waste. You can supplement your liquid intake with broth, milk and juice that’s low in sugar.

WATCH YOUR WEIGHT

If you’re overweight, you risk developing a range of health problems such as cancer, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. You’re also more likely to experience joint pain and reduced mobility.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Adults should sleep between seven and nine hours every night. To optimize your rest, establish a consistent sleep schedule and invest in a quality mattress and pillow. You should also avoid eating and limit your use of electronic devices before bed.

Health experts recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week. In addition to providing physical benefits, an active lifestyle helps boost your mood, improve your memory and reduce stress. Choose an activity you enjoy to ensure you stay motivated.

EXERCISE YOUR MIND

To delay or prevent cognitive decline, you should challenge your brain on a regular basis. Reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles and playing games are all great ways to stimulate your brain.

MAINTAIN YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE

Regularly visiting friends and family helps decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Social connections can also strengthen your immune system and lower your risk of developing dementia. Plus, group activities are often a great source of entertainment and laughter.

LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS

From ulcers and irritability to migraines and high blood pressure, stress can have serious consequences on your health. Explore various ways to relax and reduce stress such as breathing deeply, listening to music and practising yoga.

CONSULT HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Depending on your age and health, you should visit your doctor, dentist, optometrist and other health-care specialists every few months or years. If you experience any concerning or persistent symptoms, schedule a consultation right away.

In addition to adopting these healthy habits, you should avoid smoking and limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amount.

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The advantages of gardening with raised beds

Do you want a garden but have poor soil? Then gardening with raised beds is likely the best solution.

Raised beds are garden plots raised several inches or more off the ground and enclosed on all sides by a frame made of wood or rock. You simply fill your box with rich soil then start planting the desired fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers and plants.

Raised beds are different from planters because they have open rather than closed bottoms. Since raised beds are designed this way, they provide better drainage. Plus, the roots can extend into the ground and seek available nutrients.

Having a raised garden bed has a number of other advantages, notably:

• It provides a strong barrier against weeds and pests

• Its soil doesn’t compact or erode away in the case of heavy rain

• It allows you to plant earlier in the season, since soil that’s above ground is warmer and drains better

Lastly, gardening with raised beds is a great option for people with limited mobility or back problems. If the bed is high enough, you can tend to the garden without bending over.

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