The Northern B.C. tourism industry is in dire straits and will need help from the provincial government to recover from the staggering losses brought on by the COVID-19 crisis.
Two weeks ago the Tourism Industry of BC, which represents 19,000 tourism and hospitality businesses and 300,000 workers, applied for a $680 million stimulus package that would come out of $1.5 billion recovery fund set aside by the B.C. government.
That application for funding was the topic of discussion last week in a digital town hall meeting with tourism stakeholders hosted by Tourism Prince George to hear concerns over business lost due to pandemic travel restrictions and discuss ways to stimulate the industry and encourage more travelers to come to the region to take advantage of city amenities and the region’s unspoiled natural areas.
“We have some great strategies already in place, there’s a 10-year plan for destination development that northern BC and all the communities in the northeast and northwest have worked out, with Prince George in the middle, and that needs to be funded,” said Tourism Prince George CEO Tracey McBride.
“I think it’s a good time to do it during COVID. Start working on your infrastructure and signage and experience development so that you’re already ahead of the game when people start to come again. If we could spend some money and time on creating new experiences, addressing shortages on signage, paving parking lots and making better trailheads, those are the kind of things we could be working on while we’re waiting for people to travel.” McBride revealed in the meeting that Tourism New Brunswick has instituted
Tracey McBride, centre, CEO for the Prince George Tourism Society who started her new position on Feb. 3 is seen with Mayor Lyn Hall and Elke Hierl-Steinbauer, chair of the board for TPGS, during the announcement that welcomed her to Prince George in January.
a rebate program for residents of that province that will pay 20 per cent of their travel expenses within the province up to $1,000 per person. Eligible expenses include overnight accommodations, food and drink, activities and entrance fees, and vehicle rentals, ferry and parking fees.
Quebec is considering a similar rebate program for its residents and McBride is convinced to would work for BC, keeping tourist dollars in the province.
“It’s to help stimulate domestic travel in their province,” said McBride. “We’re looking at programs like that for British Columbians. If people are challenged with their budget it would be a great way to get them out and reward them for traveling.
“The nice thing about Prince George is we do have some very affordable staycation packages we have created. Unlike some areas that are a little more cost-prohibitive, we’re not.”
Tourism operators share survival concerns
The BC tourism industry projects a best-case-scenario $14.8 billion decline in revenue this year, as compared to 2018 when the tourism sector brought $20.4 billion in spending and put $4.5 billion of tax revenue into the province.
The Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) has been conducting regular surveys with local businesses in the region to gain an understanding of how they are weathering the pandemic storm. NBCTA has also launched a resiliency program to connect with local businesses and hear about some of the unique challenges northern-based businesses face and help tourism operators walk through government assistance programs.
Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond took part in the virtual conference with Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris, as well as provincial Liberal party tourism critics, Doug Clovchok and Michelle Stilwell.
“We know tourism providers have been one of the most impacted sectors as a result of COVID, so these are really difficult times,” said Bond. “Our job is to try to continually raise the issue with the government and we are carrying the message from the north that if we want these businesses to stay afloat, they need help.
“So we’re going to continue to press the government in question period,” she said. “They’ve set aside $1.5 billion for economic recovery and we expect to see them take a pretty hard look at what they can do out of that fund to help tourism operators.
“We have a lot of businesses that will not survive unless they get help and that’s the message I’ll be taking back to Victoria. Tourism is one of the key economic drivers, especially in small communities like McBride and Valemount. It’s hit our region hard and we need our government to respond.”
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
WHAT:
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS
City Council consideration of applications regarding:
•Liquor License Application No. LL100166
•Proposed amendment to “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007”
WHEN:
Monday, August 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Council Chamber sofCity Hall, 2nd Floor,1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC PROPOSALS:
1. Liquor License Application No. LL100166
Applicant: ZorawarSaini for The Generator Enter tainment Ser vices Ltd.
Subject Proper ties: 1232 –1244 3rd Avenue
The applicant has applied to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for anew Nightclub Liquor Primar yLicense for “The Generator” located on the subject proper ties at 1232 -1244 3rd Avenue. The pur pose of this application is to facilitate the proposed hour sofliquor ser vice from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. from Mondayto Sunday.
Total maximum occupant load at the establishment is: 250 patrons.
The Liquor License Application applies to the proper ties legally described as Lot 13 and 14, Block 44, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268, as shown outlined in bold black on the Location and Zoning 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 1232-1244 3rd Avenue
2. “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9133, 2020”
Applicants: Dana Mathison, Adam Mathison, Owen Mathison and Lorraine Mathison
Subject Proper ty: 1675 5th Avenue
BylawNo. 9133, 2020 proposes to rezone the subject proper ty from RS4: Urban Residential to RM1: Multiple Residential as shown on Appendix “A to BylawNo. 9133, 2020.
The pur pose of this application is to facilitate afull-daydaycare, with more than 13 children under the ‘Community Care Facility,Major” principal use on the subject proper ty,orother uses, pur suant to the proposed RM1: Multiple Residential zoning designation(s).
The proposed bylawapplies to the proper ty legally described as Lot C(BA516698), Block 160, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268, as shown outlined in bold black on the Location Map #2 below
Location Map #2 1675 5th Avenue
HOWCAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?
Residents are invited to provide comment in writing
As aresult of the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council at their meeting held April 6, 2020 passed aresolution to discontinue infor mal hearings for Liquor License Applications and other applications where such hearings are not legally required to be held.
Pur suant to Section 464(2) of the Local Government Act,City Council has waived the requirements for aPublic Hearing to be held respecting the proposed Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9133, 2020 during their regular Council meeting held Monday, July 27, 2020.
Written comments should be forwarded to the Cor porate Officer by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2020, to be included in Council’sagenda package. Submissions received after this time will be provided to Council on August 17, 2020 for their consideration during deliberations on the application. 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 awritten submission you are consenting to the disclosure of anyper sonal infor mation that you provide.
Authority
Personal infor mation 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). Forinfor mation or questions, contact the City’sFIPPACoordinator at 250-561-7600 or 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, V2L 3V9.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Acopyofthe application, proposed bylawand other related documents will be available for reviewbythe public on the City’swebsite www.princegeorge.ca under ‘News and Notices’ beginning August 5, 2020.These documents mayalso be reviewedatthe Development Ser vices office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on August 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17, 2020,between the hour sof 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
WHO CAN ISPEAK TO?
Formore infor mation, please contact Development Ser vices in per son, by telephone at 250-561-7611 or by email to devser v@princegeorge.ca.
Tel. (250) 561-7600 •Fax (250) 612-5605 •1100 Patricia Boulevard,PrinceGeorge,BCV2L 3V9 •311@princegeorge.ca Visit princegeorge.cafor information about City services and operations. Youcan even subscribe to receiveinformation directly to your inbox. Visit news.princegeorge.ca/subscribe to select the categories thatmattertoyou.
Lawsuit filed against RCMP officer facing criminal charges
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
One of three Prince George RCMP officers facing criminal charges from an arrest caught on video that suggests excessive force was used is now also facing a civil lawsuit from one of the two men apprehended.
Cst. Joshua Grafton is named as a defendant in a notice of claim filed July 23 on behalf of Cuyler Richard Aubichon. The Attorney General of Canada and the B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General are also named as defendants.
Aubichon and Nathaniel Lazarus Basil
were arrested during the early morning of Feb. 18, 2016 in an alley off the 2000 block of Oak Street when they were found in a stolen pickup truck.
A video from a security camera on a nearby home shows an RCMP officer using a service dog to pull Aubichon out of the truck and onto the ground before elbowing him in the head.
Aubichon is claiming Grafton is the dog handler and that he “deliberately misused the dog to terrify and caused severe bodily harm.”
He says Grafton not only encouraged the dog to bite him on the arm while removing Aubichon from the truck but allowed the
dog to continue biting him while he was face down on the ground. He also claims Grafton punched and elbowed him and kicked him in the stomach and used a baton on his head while he was on the ground.
Injuries Aubichon says he suffered include bite marks to his face and a hand, bruising over a forearm as well as his sternum, bleeding to the back of his head from the baton and unspecified injuries to his upper thigh and ribs.
Grafton has been charged with assault, assault with a weapon, and obstruction of justice and, in separate information, Cst. Wayne Connell and Cst. Kyle Sharpe have
been charged with assault causing bodily harm.
Three other officers were involved in the apprehension of Basil, who had got out on the other side of the truck. His arrest was largely out of the camera’s view but it appeared one of the officers had stomped on him.
Aubichon and Basil were later sentenced from the incident to one year probation for possessing stolen property over $5,000. Aubichon is seeking general and aggravated and punitive damages. The defendants have not yet filed responses and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.
District study looks at lack of broadband internet
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is partnering with Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount to conduct a study into the need for broadband internet service in the rural areas of the district.
Earlier this month the district board approved a $79,000 contract for TANEx Engineering Corp. to conduct the study, with the cost shared between the district and three rural municipalities.
Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson, who
sits as a director on the district board, said lack of high-speed internet access adds to the disparity between rural and urban British Columbians.
“COVID has really highlighted this,” Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson said. “There were many people in Mackenzie who had to go to work to work, because they didn’t have broadband in their homes.”
The goal of the study is to inform a strategy to improve internet servicei n an area which has limited economic activity and access to education and social services.
District chief administrative officer Jim
Suspect accused of indecent act turns himself in
A man accused of committing an indecent act on a city bus earlier this month has turned himself in to police.
On July 12 at approximately 5:15 p.m. a man boarded a city bus near the corner of Wiebe Road and Vance Road. The suspect went to the back of the bus, and then engaged in an indecent act.
He then disembarked the bus near the corner of Victoria Street and Fourth Avenue.
The suspect was described as a South Asian man, approximately 20 to 30 years old, wearing a white T-shirt, blue pants with a white stripe and green flip-flops.
Police released information about the suspect last week. The Prince George RCMP thanked the members of the public that assisted with this investigation.
Martin said TANEx was picked because it has done similar work for the Regional Districts of Kitimat-Stikine and Bulkley-Nechako, as well as the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation.
“There is value in a cohesive approach,” Martin said.
Director Pat Crook said trying to attend district board meetings remotely really brought home the challenges faced by rural residents.
“I couldn’t even do a Zoom meeting,” he said. “It’s a serious issue in the smaller communities.”
Mayor Lyn Hall said the issue about high-
speed internet access has been one the North Central Local Government Association has been tackling for years.
“This broadband issue has been around for a very long time. It’s not just rural B.C., its rural every province in the nation,” Hall said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has just highlighted the changes and new ways of delivering services that has already been happening, he said.
“We’re going to see a new education delivery model for (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and post-secondary students,” he said. “It’s going to be online.”
REQUEST FOR COMMENT
The City of Prince George is proposing an amendment to Schedule B-6: Future Land Use of City of Prince George Official Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011, to facilitate an expansion of the Gustafson’sKia site (e.g .customer par king ,vehicle sales and acompound area for excess vehicle stock) on the subject proper ties. This application to amend the Official Community Plan also includes arezoning application (Bylaw9064, 2019).
Please visit the City of Prince George website at www.princegeorge.ca/landuse for more detailed infor mation.
The City requests written comment from anyperson, organization, or agencies that maybe affected by this amendment. Please forward anywritten submissions by 5:00 pm, August 14, 2020 to the Development Ser vices Division at 1100 Patricia Boulevard, PG V2L 3V9, Fax: 561-7721, Email: devser v@princegeorge.ca
Citizen staff
DRUG INVESTIGATIONS YIELD CHARGES
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Federal Crown counsel has approved charges related to three separate drug investigations conducted in Prince George last year - including one that saw a seizure of roughly $1 million in cash and cannabis.
From that investigation, Scott William Loutit, 36, and Katelyn Bree Wiebe, 30, both of Prince George have been charged with possessing cannabis for the purpose of trafficking as well as with two firearms charges. They were initially arrested on March 23, 2019 after Prince
George RCMP’s street crew unit executed a search warrant on an undisclosed Prince George home.
The search yielded 55 kilograms of dried cannabis and more than $550,000 cash, along with a “significant amount” of other forms of cannabis and several firearms and ammunition.
Both are scheduled to make their first appearance in court on September 23.
From a July 5, 2019 search of two homes in Prince George, Marshall Luther Cade, 26, has been charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking while John Jacob
Ceal, 30, and Shawn Brian Omark Whaling, 27, have each been charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
All three are from Prince George and are also scheduled to first appear in court on September 23,
RCMP said the street crew unit had uncovered a significant amount of cash, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl when it executed search warrants for homes in the 800 block of 15th Avenue and the 200 block of North Ospika Boulevard.
Whaling also faces one count each of possession for the purpose of trafficking and
possession of a loaded firearm without a licence from a July 26, 2019 search of the same 200-block North Ospika home and of a 1300-block Irwin Street home.
Whaling is scheduled to appear in court on September 30 on those counts.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
An assortment of guns, 55 kilograms of cannabis and $550,000 in cash was seized from a home by local RCMP on March 23, 2019. Charges against Scott William Loutit, 36, and Katelyn Bree Wiebe, 30, from the seizure were approved last week.
City council gives nod to housing project
Citizen staff
City council approved changes to the Official Community Plan on Monday to pave the way for a 250-unit housing complex at 1919 17th Ave.
The Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George is looking to develop an “urban Aboriginal community” on the 6.8-acre site near Winnipeg Street. In addition to a mix
of row houses and low-rise apartments, the society is planning an open gathering space, community kitchen, educational programing space, childcare facility, sweat lodge and space for a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
“I think the village concept is perfect,” Coun. Cori Ramsay said. “It’s just going to be such an incredible benefit to our community.”
Katy Fabris, senior project manager for
consulting agency M’akola Development Services, said construction could begin this year on the project.
Aboriginal Housing Society executive director Christos Vardacostas said the goal of the project is “that this community be representative of all the things it means to be well.”
The society is looking at the complex as a way to address needs in the community over the long-term, he said.
“We’re trying to think of everything that could be a future use of this space,” he said.
City councillors were effusive in their praise of the proposed project.
The location is an ideal fit with the surrounding community, Coun. Terri McConnachie said.
“I think it’s an incredible project,” Coun. Kyle Sampson said. “I think it’s a game-changer for Prince George.”
ARTHUR WILLIAMS
DO NOTTRAVEL TO TAHLTANTERRITORY DURING COVID-19
“The TahltanNationisassertingour title and rights in ordertoprotect our communities, andrespectfullyaskingall hunters and wildlifeenthusiaststorefrain from travelling to Tahltan TerritoryduringCOVID-19.Inorder to protectour communities,the Tahltan Nationencourage everyone in British Columbia to engage in all recreational activities wheretheyreside.” Chad Norman Day,President, Tahltan Central Government
“Beforetravelling,check on whetherthere aretraveladvisoriesinplace fortransportation routes andrecreational sites, and be sure thecommunityyou want to visitisopento visitors.” Dr.BonnyHenry, TravelManners
Remote and Vulnerable
Tahltan Territory’s remote location makes this region of British Columbia amongstthe mostvulnerable in Canada. With limited healthcare facilities, alack of timely transport of patients needing critical care, and large numbers of Elders, COVID-19 is agrave threat that the Tahltan Nation takes extremely seriously
Limited Medical Capacity
The closesthospital from Tahltan Territory is approximately 600kms away.Wehave alimited amount of aircraft, airport infrastructure, and pilots available forany emergency medical evacuations. Our clinics have very limited staff,that we desperately need forour local communities and Tahltan people. In fact, there is no longer afunctional pharmacy in Tahltan Territory during this time.
Shutting Down Access Points
All non essential travel to Dease Lake, Iskut and Telegraph Creek should be avoided and all recreational activityisstronglydiscouraged north of Bob Quinn. Hunting and recreational activityaccess points, including the Stikine Bridge, will be blocked with gates and monitored.
Patrolling Our Territory
The Tahltan Central Government’s WildlifeDepartment and our Guardians will be patrolling Tahltan Territory and asking all visitors to followappropriateprocedures or leave if they choose to ignorethis traveladvisory.
City defers 2020 tax sale
ARTHUR WILLIAMS
Citizen staff
Some delinquent property tax payers will get more time to pay before their properties are auctioned off, thanks to a measure passed by city council recently.
Council voted to postpone the 2020 tax sale for one year, using the special authority granted to municipalities by the province as part of its response to the pandemic.
The city is normally required to hold a public auction to sell properties with unpaid taxes that have been delinquent for two years, city director of finance Kris Dalio said. Property owners with taxes owing from 2017 would see their land up for auction on Sept. 28 this year, he said. With the decision to postpone this year’s tax sale, those property owners will have
until the 2021 tax sale on the last Monday in September 2021 to clear their tax bill.
“While the approximately 360 parcels currently proceeding to the 2020 tax sale did not become delinquent as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the owners’ ability to pay sufficient delinquent property taxes to avert the tax sale may be further hampered by its effects,” Dalio wrote in a report to council.
“In the spirit of that, we wouldn’t want to end up with some people losing their property because of COVID,” Dalio told council.
The properties which would have gone to auction in September owe $941,771 in unpaid taxes. The tax sale is an incentive for delinquent taxpayers to pay up, Dalio wrote in his report to council. City staff will continue to encourage those taxpayers to pay, and one year’s interest on the outstanding amount will equal roughly $6,000.
However, Dalio said, if the city had proceeded to a tax sale, there would have been significant logistical challenges.
The B.C. Community Charter stipulates the auction must take place inside city council chambers, and makes no allowance for online or telephone bidding. On average 11 properties are sold at the tax sale each year, and currently the city’s council chambers are limited to 11 people in the gallery.
“If the number of participants is limited to this capacity, or even if employing additional rooms or electronic bidding were options, there could still be a negative impact on attendance and the fair value of bids,” Dalio wrote in his report. “As a result, the delinquent owners may suffer significant financial damage, which could lead to legal challenges to the tax sale process, and possibly the overturning of a sale.”
Great Big Bike Registry goes Sunday
The Prince George Nechako Rotary Club and the Prince George RCMP are gearing up for the Great Big Bike Registry on Sun., Aug. 9.
Rotary volunteers and representatives of the RCMP will appear at eight locations across the city for two hours at a time encouraging cyclists of all ages to stop by and register their bikes with 529 Garage, a
bike registry and recovery system with the goal of deterring bike theft.
If a bike is stolen, 529 Garage assists police in returning stolen bikes efficiently to their rightful owners, saving thousands of dollars in police resources and loss of product for Prince George residents. The program can be accessed online and through a smartphone application.
With 3,000 Prince George cyclists registering their bikes in four years, the Great
IS THE BOX EMPTY?
The registration process is free for everyone. Volunteers will follow all provincial health guidelines regarding COVID-19 and will wear facemasks or face coverings and gloves.
Here’s the schedule:
- 9-11 a.m.: Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park (6877 Glenview Dr.) and College Heights secondary’s parking lot (6180
After the tax sale, property owners still have one year to pay the outstanding taxes to retain ownership of the land and cancel the sale, Dalio said. However, it is rare –perhaps only four or five properties per year are redeemed in this way, he added.
“Administration is not in favour of this extension as successful bidders from the 2019 auction expected to either be repaid with interest for a period up to one year or to take possession of the property at the one year point,” Dalio wrote in his report. “A one year extension changes the terms of the tax sale for the successful bidder and some may feel they have been forcibly required to wait for a second year before receiving their funds or the property.”
Coun. Garth Frizzell said postponing this year’s tax sale was the right balance between compassion for hard-hit taxpayers and enforcing the city’s rules.
Domano Blvd.);
- 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.: Hart Highlands elementary school (2233 Sussex Lane) and Vanway elementary (4509 Highway 16 West);
- 2-4 p.m.: DP Todd secondary parking lot (4444 Hill Ave.) and Duchess Park City park (2425 Ross Crescent); 4:15–6 p.m.: Blackburn Community Centre (2451 Blackburn Rd. S) and Nusdeh Yoh elementary school (2579 Victoria St.).
Citizen staff
Big Bike Registry has a goal of registering 500 bikes.
Club swimmers returning to pool in September
TED CLARKE
Citizen staff
City council’s decision to reopen the Prince George Aquatic Centre in September comes as welcome relief for the city’s swim clubs.
But the cancellation of the BC Summer Swimming Association’s competitive race season due to the COVID crisis has dealt the Prince George Pisces Swim Club a crippling financial blow, with no races during the summer to attract the bulk of the club’s membership.
“We missed our entire competitive season, we missed all our swim meets the entire summer,” said Pisces vice-president Bob Lees. “So for us going into the fall session, because of the way the pool has been allocated with everybody having reduced availability of lanes, we’re going to be capped at 30 swimmers, where we had over 70 last fall.
“So we’re going to lose a substantial amount of money this year.”
Unless the province moves to Phase 4 (no restrictions) in its recovery plan, Lees said there won’t be any room for the Pisces youth development program or its masters swimmers. He said that will leave a serious dent in the club’s non-competitive membership which last year had 40 swimmers. The lack of members will also hurt the club next year when it applies for BC Lottery gaming grants, which are awarded based on the number of swimmers in the club.
The Pisces employ a full-time coach (Ian Williams) and typically the club banks
Swimmers were in the Aquatic Centre pool in Feburary during the 33rd annual Prince George Iceman.
what it earns in membership dues in the fall and winter to pay for the busy summer season, which begins in May, when it occupies all lanes of the Aquatic Centre swim tank five days per week.
Lees said there’s still some doubt there will be a summer season in 2021. The Pisces wanted to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary next year with a banquet in mid-June but all those plans have been scrapped.
“We are all healthy and we are getting some pool space, so it could be a lot worse,” said Lees.
Williams has been offering dryland training virtually three times per week and once the club has its return-to-sport documentation filed with Swim BC the coach will be instructing lake swimming sessions at Ness Lake, where club president Rory Boyle has a lakefront property.
The Aquatic Centre will reopen to the
public Sept. 8 with five two-hour blocks available during weekdays and four twohour blocks open on weekend days. Each block will be limited to maximum of 50 people (40 swimmers, 10 staff members), as allowed by the provincial health authority.
The three competitive swim clubs – Pisces, Prince George Barracudas Swim Club and Prince George Water Lillies Synchronized Swimming Club – will be allotted daily sessions in the two 25-metre pools that make up the large swim tank and from 3:30-6:30 p.m. daily.
Club swimmers will be asked to arrive just before their swim sessions and will have just 15 minutes at the end of practice to change and leave the building before the next allotment of public swimmers begins to trickle in. Spectators will not be allowed during practice. Initially, the Barracudas will be teaching only the older swimmers
in the youth national and elite categories because the younger swimmers require adult supervision at all times and that’s not possible with the 50-person restriction. The combined total of the Barracudas’ youth national and elite programs is about 25 swimmers in a club whose total registration last year was about 180.
The Aquatic Centre and Four Seasons Pool have been closed for nearly five months because of the pandemic, which abruptly ended swim practice for the Barracudas’ youth and masters programs.
Barracudas assistant coach Jason Smith said some of his swimmers have been practicing their swim strokes in portable pools set up in the heated garages of their homes. Now that the lakes are warming up in the sun, more club members are getting their exercise with open-water swimming. After nearly five months of inactivity, Smith is looking forward to cracking the whip again as a coach.
“I’m really glad that city council last Monday decided to keep to its original plan when they said they would open the pool on Sept. 8,” said Smith. “Mind you, it’s still a moving target and anything can happen during the next week or month.”
Smith and Barracudas head coach Jerzy Partyka were laid off from their club positions in mid-March and will return to their jobs later this month. Smith said they are not allowed to provide any in-person coaching (dryland, open water or pool deck) until the club finalizes its back-tosport plan.
Construction Notice: Pipe transport by truck to Coast al GasLink right -of-way
Coastal GasLink is committed to creating an extraordinar y legacy of safety and respect for all people, communities and the environment As part of this commitment we are keeping our neighbours along the project route informed on construction activities.
What: Pipe deliver y from storage sites to the Coastal GasLink rightof-way
When and where: Beginning August 2020 over the course of pipeline construction. This activity will take place in sections along the right -of-way during daylight hours.
What to expect: Signage will be used as required and no road closures or significant traffic impacts
are expected with staggered loads and standard-sized haul trucks. Traffic management plans are in place to maximize safety and minimize any potential effects to local traffic and communities.
Coastal GasLink will have road monitors and inspectors in place to help ensure pipe deliver y is done safely, with respect for speed and road conditions, and in accordance with plans and requirements.
Find out more at CoastalGasLink.com and follow us @CoastalGasLink
For more information: Questions can be directed via email to coastalgaslink@tcenergy.com or by phone to 1.855.633.2011
FILE PHOTO
Hair dye linked to breast cancer
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the virus infect over 17.3 million people worldwide with more than 6.5 million cases still active and 675,000 fatalities. It has laid low the world’s economy – with record breaking drops in GDP and other economic measures. And unemployment is at levels which haven’t been seen in a hundred years.
None of this is good news. But at the same time, news coverage carries stories about people being worried about not being able to get their roots dyed.
Well, not to add misery to misery but a recent article in Chemical and Engineering News discusses a link researchers may have found between permanent hair dye and breast cancer.
To begin the discussion, let’s talk about what is actually involved in colouring hair. To do so, we need to understand the structure of hair. It is simply extruded protein – a lifeless strand composed of keratin. It is no more living tissue than our fingernails, or the horns, hooves, and feathers of other animals.
One of the common misconceptions about hair is it is some form of living tissue replete with DNA. It isn’t. Any DNA associated with hair is only found in the root cell. Each strand grows from a follicle or
microscopic sack found beneath our skin. Each strand consists of a core called the ‘cortex’ which contains the colour components of the hair and a transparent covering called the ‘cuticle’.
A good analogy for a strand of hair is a transparent plastic straw. The straw is the cuticle and the empty interior is the cortex. If you use the straw to drink some orange juice, the straw will appear to turn orange. Use it to drink some Coca-Cola and it appears dark brown. For hair, the colour components in the cortex achieve the same effect. The structure of the compounds and their relative frequency or density in the cortex determine your hair colour.
Human hair is coloured by two pigments. Melanin is a dark brown or almost-black substance and phaeomelanin is a similar molecule but lighter in colour with a redbrown or yellow-brown tinge. The colour of a hair depends upon the amount and physical condition of these two pigments. Everything from blond to red to brown to black is determined by the amount and
disposition of these two molecules.
If the follicle stops producing the pigments, then the cortex is no longer coloured and will become transparent. As the cuticle is also transparent, the loss of colour results in a translucent strand that shows up as either white or gray. There are some other factors involved, such as how rough the cuticle is, but empty hair is essentially colourless.
To dye gray hair, it is simply a matter of adding colour back into the cortex. To change hair colour, it is a little trickier as the first step involves removing the colour already present. There are many products on the market which are surface dyes. These colouring agents stick to the outside of the cuticle and will disappear with a few washings.
To produce permanent hair colouring, the dyes must pass through the cuticle and into the cortex. To do this, hair dyes strip the cortex and then add a mixture of compounds such as para-phenylenediamine and resorcinol. Then the chemistry happens. The molecules are oxidized, react with one another and link to form the final colouring agent which is now too large to diffuse back out through the cortex. In effect, hair dyes turn hairs into really tiny test tubes where interesting chemistry occurs.
All of the individual compounds used
A culture of impunity
The greatest danger to our way of life is the culture of impunity we have created. It is an assault on truth and on human dignity. This became very clear in a discourse between two members of the American House of Representatives. Ted Yoho verbally accosted and demeaned Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for expressing her views on controversial issues and for bringing to light instances of corruption and exploitation in the American economic and political systems. Yoho concluded his rant by using common slang to call her, a person chosen to represent the people of her constituency in one of the most powerful lawmaking bodies in the world, a copulating female dog.
In defending himself, Yoho read a prepared speech where he not only denied Ocasio-Cortez’s accusation (which was heard by several other people), he, for some reason, pointed out that he was a husband and a father of two daughters. To this, Ocasio-Cortez stated, “This issue is not about one incident. It is cultural. It
LESSONS IN LEARNING
GERRY CHIDIAC
is a culture of…impunity, of accepting of violence and violent language against women, and an entire structure of power that supports that. ...Dehumanizing language is not new and what we are seeing is that incidences like these are happening in a pattern…(demonstrating) an attitude towards women and dehumanization of others.”
It is important to note that almost all of the demeaning remarks against Ocasio-Cortez over the years by powerful people in politics and the media have had nothing to do with her stand on controversial issues, they have been directed at the fact that she is female and Hispanic. Why did Yoho do what he did? Because he knew that he could get away with it. We live in a world where people who are responsible for genocide and other crimes
against humanity are not held accountable, while our prisons are full of people who would be better served by more effective social and educational programs.
Misogyny goes back thousands of years in our history, as does racism. The difference is that now we understand the damage we have done. We understand the infinite capacity of each person, regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. We have made bold statements regarding human rights, we have defined genocide, we have said “never again”, yet we continue to make excuses for powerful people, and we willingly forgive their transgressions.
There has been some progress. Since the end of the Cold War, we have seen numerous trials take place in the International Criminal Court (ICC), which focuses on crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes, and there have been important convictions. The ICC has also expanded the definition of these crimes to include rape and sexual violence. Yet, there have been no convictions of people from powerful countries, despite their involvement in such crimes, whether direct or indirect.
in hair dyes have undergone extensive screening for toxicity and carcinogenicity. Humans have been dying hair since 1907 and many tests have been performed on the compounds to verify their safety. The industry is diligent about meeting safety standards.
It was a bit surprising, then, when two recent studies – one by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Science called “the Sister Study” and the other by Adana Llanos of Rutgers School of Public Health – found a positive correlation between breast cancer and the use of permanent hair dyes. The Sister Study, for example, showed a 45 per cent higher risk of breast cancer for black women and a seven per cent higher risk for white women compared with study participants who did not colour their hair. The caveat is the Sister Study included 46,000 women, aged 35 to 74, who have a sister who has or had breast cancer. There is already a genetic pre-disposition to breast cancer within the family and the dye may simply be activating the genes rather than causing the cancer. This is why the studies have revealed a correlation and not a causation. As with most scientific questions, there is a lot more work to be done. But not being able to go to a hair salon during the COVID-19 pandemic for hair dyeing might turn out to be a good thing.
In fact, a disproportionate number of the convictions to date have involved people from Africa. The ICC has not solved the issue of impunity which Ocasio-Cortez spoke about, nor has any other international body. We are not even close.
Perhaps the most important point to remember is that the Holocaust did not begin in gas chambers, it began with words. There are no exceptions to this pattern when it comes to the violation of human rights. Words are important because when words which demean others are spoken with impunity they lead to further infringements on our dignity.
At the same time, freedom of speech is vital to the effective functioning of any society. With every freedom, however, comes responsibility. This is what we too often forget. Ted Yoho had every right to defend the policies being challenged by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but he also had a responsibility to respect her humanity. We are all equal as human beings and we are all responsible for our words. This is the sacred foundation of every just society. When we lose sight of it, we put ourselves in peril.
MAILING ADDRESS
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Making beautiful music together
Alexis Maikapar, of Russian descent, was born in Munich, Germany in 1946. Five years after the war his family was told to move to Australia. Before that happened, friends of the family wrote them a letter and sponsored them in a move to Quebec City.
In 1951, they arrived in Quebec City not speaking French or English which made it hard for the family. Alexis learned the French language on the street and the English language in school. Twelve years later the family moved to Montreal.
After high school Alexis worked in the insurance business for five years and then he became a Montreal taxi cab driver for five years.
In 1971 he married Claudette and in 1981 they adopted their daughter Barbara.
In 1977, they headed west for work opportunities to pick fruit in the Okanagan and then on to Kitimat where Alexis’s brother lived. Alexis worked at Eurocan Pulp and Paper, moved to Terrace, earned his electrical apprenticeship and retired at the age of 62 just before the mill shut down due to the poor market conditions.
The couple divorced in 1989.
In 1991, Alexis married Gisela Williamson and they moved to Prince George in 2012, became active members of the Fort George Baptist Church and the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre. Unfortunately, three years later Gisela lost her battle with cancer and passed away.
Sandy (nee Morrison) Moseley was born in Kimberley in 1941. After high school, she attended college in Victoria and received her teacher’s certificate in 1962. She taught school successfully and happily for three years on Vancouver Island in the Campbell River School District. She went back to her hometown and taught for one year in Kimberley when her principal suggested that she go north to Prince George for a greater
SENIORS’ SCENE
KATHY NADALIN
challenge and more opportunities.
Sandy said, “That was in 1966 and there were indeed many opportunities here in Prince George because that is where I met my first husband Bryan Moseley.
“Bryan and I each lived in apartments with roommates and during this time we all became good friends. The six of us had many good times together and remained friends for over 45 years. We all got married in 1968.
“Bryan worked for Northwood Pulp and Paper for 32 years and retired in 1998. Sadly, he passed away in 2013 after 45 years of a good marriage.
“We had two sons; Robert and Michael (Michelle) and now I have four beautiful grandchildren.
“I taught school for 27 years; 20 of those years were Kindergarten and Grade 1 in Prince George – three years at Quinson, 12 years at King George V and eight years at Seymour.
“Teaching was a great career but retirement is even better. Shortly after I retired in 1998, I joined the choir at the Elder Citizen Recreation Centre and did some traveling on my own. I have always loved traveling and I am thrilled to say that I have been on almost every continent and wintered in California for eight years.
“Even though I loved traveling I always came back to my choir friends at ECRA. Alexis was one of those many friends. We sang together at the farmers market, at care homes and at the senior centre. We had fun with the group and soon we became good friends, then we got engaged and you guessed it – we got married in 2016.”
Back to school or no?
Public and independent school back-to-school will look quite different for 2020-2021. The current plan is that all students will be back full-time, with students and staff divided into learning groups within which they do not have to physically distance. Students and staff will be together in groups up to 60 for elementary and middle schools, and up to 120 for secondary schools.
I like the learning group idea, because it means any Covid outbreak should be fairly easily traced and spread is reduced. It also provides students with the community atmosphere their families expect from the public system.
For the families uncomfortable with BC Ed’s back-to-school plan for schools, they have the option of homeschooling or online schooling. These are very different options than the “emergency” plans put together in the spring. Online schooling
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Alexis and Sandy Maikapar, who married in 2016, saw their love of music bring them together.
Alexis volunteers to serenade seniors at many senior facilities all over Prince George. He told me that when he volunteers it is a big boost to his morale, and it brings a smile to the seniors listening to him in the audience.
Sandy concluded by saying, “We have both been singing since we were children
THINKING ALOUD
TRUDY KLASSEN
requires serious diligence on the part of the student, with reporting required by the child and parent, with oversight by a certified teacher, and works for some families. Homeschooling is an entirely different ballgame.
As a veteran homeschooling mom with six children, (all at home from K-12, except our last going to public high school for Grade 11 and 12) my best advice for those considering homeschooling is “Don’t do it unless you have positive reasons.”
Homeschooling is a lifestyle choice with consequences. If you have school-aged children, ask yourself, do you want a lifestyle that will be out-of-synch with most of the rest of society? Why do you think you could do a decent job of educating
your children? If you think you have good reasons, then consider what it takes.
Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart. Fear of Covid is not enough to sustain the very different demands of homeschooling; it requires two kinds of bold confidence.
First, a bold confidence in your ability to meet the demands of guiding and facilitating little minds; being okay with learning as you go, no matter what your neighbours or parents think.
Second, a bold confidence that your children will learn in spite of your shortcomings, and will actually flourish in the home environment.
Homeschooling is not school-at-home. Over my 25 years of homeschooling, I watched many families’ attempts to model a school classroom fail. None that tried that model succeeded.
Methods are usually a combination of a parent’s abilities and your child’s interests. classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unschooling, unit studies, and eclectic are
and we still love it. I am so happy that my husband has the same love for music as I do. Now we laugh and say that we make our own music together and we hope that there are many more years to come. Every day is a good day and we are thankful for good friends and a great family.”
the general styles, but most families end up with a combination of a few styles, and then find themselves switching as needed, and as each child needs.
Search engines will provide thousands of hours of insights and help.
There is a vibrant homeschooling community in Prince George, so you won’t be alone, but since each family is different, advice always has to be modified to suit your family.
If you choose homeschooling, instead of water-cooler talk, you’ll be discussing what to make for lunch, or what makes the moon look bigger when it’s near the horizon. If this isn’t appealing to you, do your family a favour: face your fears and send your children to a classroom, public or private.
Regardless of which schooling option is chosen, children will flourish if their parents are interested in them, and provide them a secure home where they know they are loved. All the best, regardless of your choice. Be kind, be safe!
HORO SC OPES &P UZ
PUZZLE NO.778
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 same line, column or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO. 42
There are many forms of dementia. It’s aterm that refers to diseases and conditions that impact memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Over 85% of people living in long-term care homes have some form of dementia.
Across the Northern Health(NH)service delivery area, there are thirteen longterm care homes andeight hospital units for people living with dementia Forthe last four years, NH has focused tremendous effort towards improving the quality of life for people with dementia by applying DementiAbility Methods (dementiability.com/)
This work was started to increase NH’s capacity in long-term care homes and provide non-pharmacological approaches to behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). DementiAbility Methods are multidisciplinary and evidence-based. They take aperson-centred, nonpharmacological approachtodementia care by creatinganenvironment that supports the needs, interests, skills,
Healthy Living
Improving quality of life fordementia patients in long-term care
strengths, and abilities of aperson with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. Through meaningful activities that enhance function, the methods support memorywhile enriching the lives of peopleliving with dementia. The goal is to provide personand family-centred care with afocus on enabling individual abilities that nurture asense of purpose, belonging, joy,and companionship.
Everyone gets involved in these relationships–staff,residents and their families, and volunteers –toprepare an environment (facility or home) with memory supports andthings to do, setting each person up for success in the process.
Aprepared environment caninclude signage or visual cues to help aperson find different places and things, and to complete tasks successfully.Memory supports also:
•Help connecta person sufferingfrom dementia to people wearing name badges (when the badge can be clearly seen).
•Remind people about things they need to do.
By Daniel Ramcharran, Communications Advisor for Planning,Quality and
•Teach residents to remember which room is theirswheneach person’s door is unique, including their own, which they learn to look for
NH staff areenabling the abilities of people in care through the many ways they’re helping each person enjoy better days and be the best they can be.
Prepared environments provide opportunities to:
•Dothings independently
•Fulfill roles based on aperson’s abilities, needs, interests, and choices.
•Use an individualized schedule with daily routines.
•Connect socially with others.
•Enjoy meaningful leisure pursuits.
Learn more about long-term care homes. https://www.northernhealth.ca/services/ home-community-care/long-term-carehomes
Masks can have arole to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially for healthcareproviders and for people that have COVID-19. This is because masks act as a barrier and help stop the spread of droplets from aperson’smouth and nose when talking,laughing,yelling,singing,coughing,or sneezing.
Wearing amask should be combined with other important preventive measures such as frequent hand washing and physical distancing.Using only amask is not enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Unique doors makeiteasier for people with dementia to find their room.
CL ASSIF IEDS
REMEMBRANCES
July 25, 1939July 18, 2020
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Verne Russell Gatzke. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by June, his wife of 60 years; his daughter and son-in-law Tawny and Rick Walters; his daughter and son-in-law Tracey and Gary Pawluk; his daughter and son-in-law Carrie and Stephen MacIntosh; and his son and daughter-inlaw Spence and Megan Gatzke. He will always be loved and missed by his grandchildren: Grace (Patrick) MacCoubrey, Hanna (Justin) McGregor, Emily Pawluk (Benjamin), Kyle (Shawna) Walters, Jordan Walters, Ryder and Sydney MacIntosh, and Russell and Logan Gatzke. He will be dearly remembered by his great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Everett MacCoubrey, as “Great Papa.”
Verne was born on July 25, 1939 in Port Alberni, British Columbia. As a young child, his family moved several times and they lived in many communities throughout BC. He is predeceased by his parents, Russell and Pat Gatzke; his sisters, Bev and Bonnie; and his brothers, Larry, Dale, Garry and Ralph.
Verne and June were married in 1961, and they spent the early years of their marriage in Prince George, BC. Verne began his career in bookkeeping and car sales, and migrated to the real estate industry in the late 1970s. He started his real estate career at Century 21 Ft. George Land Realty. Shortly after, he opened his own real estate office, Canada Trust Your Real Estate Centre. He was the president of the BC Northern Real Estate Board from 1980 to 1982.
In 1989, the family moved to the Lower Mainland, where Verne continued his legacy in the real estate industry. He owned and operated Re/Max offices in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Langley and Surrey. Under his leadership, each office quickly grew and became a force in the Fraser Valley. He will be remembered as a friend, teacher, leader and mentor by those who had the honour of working with him. He was a role model in the community and he was a Freemason and a Shriner.
Verne’s kindness, generosity and integrity defined him as a person. He found the best qualities in people and truly wished the best for everyone. He was a caring friend and a committed, trustworthy leader. As a husband, father and grandfather, the love for he held for his wife and family knew no bounds. He walked fast, he talked fast and he made us all laugh. His presence made us feel safe and secure but most of all he made us feel valued and loved. He taught us the importance of commitment and family and we are so proud of the way he lived his life, the person he was and the life lessons he taught us.
May you rest in peace, knowing the world is a better place because you were here. We will always miss you and love you.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Morgan Place Care Facility for exceptional care, kindness and compassion.
BLACK PRESS - CLASSIFIEDS
R0011828094
3.00x92.0-4C PG11 / 615595
May 31, 1953 - July 23, 2020
A life well lived but cut short far too early.
Georgina, known to family and friends as George or Gee passed away July 23, 2020 surrounded by her family after a brave and valiant fight against leukemia and cancer.
She lived life to the fullest and was always one to follow her own path. She was a fiercely devoted partner, mother, grandmother, friend, and equestrienne. Her wicked sense of humour and love of life will be missed.
She will be lovingly remembered by her devoted partner of 30 years Rick, children David (Emma), Katie (Matt), much loved grandchildren Mila, Jett, Miles and Kaya, sisters Jade (Mike) Wendy (Bill), Sandra (Jim ), the Klingbeil family (Ann, Lori and Darren), canine child Polly, and beloved horses Rocket, Fancy Lady and Sailor.
We know our loss will be felt by all of her Prince George family, friends and students.
Special thanks to Dr. Toze and her staff at the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at VGH for their wisdom, wit, thoughtfulness and the considerate care our George received there, which allowed her to live her life with dignity, laughter and love.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at VGH.
Obituaries
Verne Russell Gatzke
Georgina Anne Jones (nee Dick)
Wilma Loraine Vaughan
June 7, 1936 - July 26, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Wilma (Willie) Vaughan announces her peaceful passing at Prince George Hospice House at the age of 84. Wilma will be forever remembered by her husband and best friend of 62 years, Ken.
Due to current restrictions, funeral attendance is by invitation only.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations in Wilma’s name to the Prince George Hospice House.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
DOUG SEAWARD
Aug 18, 1954 - Jul 25, 2020
Doug was born in Come By Chance Newfoundland on August 18, 1954. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 25, 2020. He left behind to mourn his wife of 47 years; Val, his children; Natalie (Trevor), Karla (Matt), grandchildren; Jocelyn (Nick), and Vivian, his mother Phyllis and brothers; Dan (Teresa), Craig (Sharron), Rod (Rhonda), sister; Cyndi (Richard), and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his father Fraser in 2017. Doug worked on the Railway for almost 40 years and retired as an Engineer in 2013. Doug will be deeply missed.
Please contact the family for service details as there will be limited seating during these unprecedented times. The service will also be available livestream online at www.sapg.ca on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 1:00pm (Pacific Time). In lieu of flowers donations to Parkinson’s society of B.C. or PG Salvation Army food bank.
Life is like a mountain railroad
Corina Lea Wight
Dec 2, 1970 - Jul 16, 2020
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Cory.
Cory was born in Prince George on December 2, 1970 and spent her life here. We lost her to a short battle with cancer on July 16, 2020. She is survived by her loving husband; Gary Hunter and her children Brent (Mandi), Zakery and Kyle, and her two grandsons who she loved more than anything in the world, Jayden and Dawson. Also left to mourn are Cory’s father, John Wight; sister Treena Wight and brother; James Wight. Cory was predeceased by her mother Sandra Wight.
Cory had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that she loved very much. A special thank you to her partner in crime and best friend; Auntie Joey and her very special friends Shannon and Juanita Fraser. Thank you for always being there. We would also like to thank all out friends and family members for their support and kindness through these difficult times.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Feb 16, 1957July 26, 2020
It is with heavy hearts, the family of Leonard Couiyk announces his passing at Prince George Hospice house, after a long hard struggle with cancer.
Leonard is survived by his loving wife Sharon of 41 years, son Clinton (Devon) grandchildren Caileb, Shine, Skyler and Everley, mother Ruby and stepfather Otto Becker, sister’s Kathy Last, Linda Pratt (Marvin), stepsister Lisa McKenzie (Ivan), stepbrother Larry Becker (Doreen), and many nieces and nephews.
Leonard was predeceased by father Mike Couiyk, and brother Lawrence Couiyk. Leonard started his working career with Six Mile Lake Logging at a very young age, and went on to be a very hardworking truck driver:
Leonard was born in Prince George, and raised at Six Mile Lake (Tabor Lake). After marriage, he and Sharon built their home and a beautiful log cabin in the same neighborhood.
Leonard loved to garden and putter in their beautiful yard with his John Deere tractor. The highlight of Leonard’s life was becoming a Grandfather: He adored his grandchildren. He spent many hours quadding, target practicing and hunting grouse with Caileb.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date (to be announced.)
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Prince George Hospice house.
Dec
1946 - Aug 19, 2005 15 years on Aug 19, 2020
In memory of our loving parents, Willi and Marita Hausot. Beautiful memories of you live on in our hearts, and your spirits live on in your sons and your grandsons. We miss you so much, and we always will.
Love your boys, Eduard and Andreas and our families
William (Bill) Mintenko
Oct 22, 1926 - Jul 22, 2020
William (Bill) Mintenko age 93 died peacefully at home in Prince George surrounded by loved ones.
Celebration of Life will be by invitation and held at 11am on Saturday August 15th at Gateway Christian Ministries or by registration at 12:30pm at the Evangelical Free Church. The service will be available via live streaming if you provide your email address to Bill’s grand-daughter Kaitlin Alger at kaitlinmarie333@gmail.com. There will be a prepackaged lunch to follow each service and interment at 2 pm.
Pre-deceased by his parents Harry and Mary Mintenko, brother Johnny Mintenko and his main squeeze Barbara Mintenko, Bill is survived by his sons Richard (Marianne) Mintenko and Larry (Helen) Mintenko and his daughters Janie (Cam) Chowen and Dori Alger as well as 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Born in Pense, Saskatchewan and orphaned at a young age, Bill was raised by his grandmother and educated in the school of hard knocks. As a young man he learned to work hard and take whatever jobs were available, pest control (groundhog tails), working on farms, in mechanic shops, and meat packing plants. A millwright by trade he retired attaining the position of Mechanical Superintendent for Northwood Pulp and Paper.
Bill took pride in his service to his country as a Veteran of WW2, and later in the army and navy reserves. He was an inventor, world traveller and avid adventurer. He loved being outdoors, fishing, foraging, hunting, downhill skiing, and playing baseball. He also excelled at gardening and took pleasure in his perfectly straight rows, weed-free garden, and super sized squash.
Bill will be forever remembered as a strong, stubborn, good man who had a beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love. He left a permanent mark, forever etched on our hearts and will be missed by many.
If you wish to send a note to the family or have something to be read at his funeral please email them to dori.alger@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of Bill’s favorite charities; BC Cancer Agency, CNIB, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Hospice, or the Salvation Army.
COUIYK Leonard
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
Willi Hausot
Marita Hausot
19,
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PERSONALS
JOHN S BEVERLY & ASSOCIATES
IN THE MATTER OF THE BANKRUPTCY OF ERIN ElIzABETH MIllER
R0011827950
NOTICE is hereby given that Erin Elizabeth Miller filed an Assignment in Bankruptcy on July 28,2020, and that John S. Beverley & Associates Inc. was appointed as Trustee. The first meeting of creditors will be held on the 18th day of August 2020 at the hour of 1:30 in the afternoon, at the office of the Trustee, 1240 5th Avenue (via Telephone (250) 563-4300, in the city of Prince George, in the Province of British Columbia.
Dated at Prince George, BC this 29th day of July 2020.
Whatare the pros and cons of brick and stone exterior facing?
by David Black & Harry Backlin
In this multi-partsegment of Ask MJ, we answer your questions on refurbishing your homesexterior usingsome of the latest brick, rock or masonry facings. Whatare the advantages,disadvantages, installation and maintenance challenges
Installation Challenges cont.
Newer technology,likediamond blade cutting, createsthin natural stone veneers that are11/4 to 11/2 inches thick, with an average weight of 10 to 15 pound per square foot. Manufactured stone veneers arelighter,usually lower in cost and have alower waste factor than natural stone. Good quality faux stone lookslikenatural stone in color and texture. Stone veneers can be applied over any properly prepared surface.
When setting stone, the spacing between stones, size and color of the stone and technique of grout application can create aparticular look, likerustic or old world. Both natural and manufactured stone veneers can create the effect of asolid stone wall; however,low-quality materials and poor installation may result in afacade that looksartificial. Thin stone veneers aremoredifficult to use in detailed work likelintels, corbels and return corners.
Maintenance
Bricksmay crack over time, soyou still need to inspect your brick home on an annual basis. Small crackscan be ignored, but it might be better to patch them using grout tinted to match the brick. Cracksthatgrowtoo large will requirethe help of amason to replace the damaged brick. Morelikely,however,would be the need to replace mortar.Itshould hold up for twenty-five years or longer,but when cracksand gaps starttoappear,you will want to startcalling masons for estimates. Thedamaged mortar should be chiseled out beforenew mortar is put in place.
Repointing mortar is not as simple as removing the old mortar with apower tool and then slopping in anew mix. Talk to the contractor to ensurehewill remove the old mortar to adepth of one inch. Thenew mortar should also match the existing mortar to ensureproper bonding. This isn’t abig problem for new homes, but it can be aserious issue for historic homes. If your home is older,especially if it is morethan seventy years old, consider hiring professionals who specialize in working with older brick.
Pace Realty’sMaintenance Team can help you with your yardand other home maintenance &renovation jobs. Call 250-562-6671 or email us at maintenance@pacerealty.ca today for afree, no hassle quote.
Mary-Jean (MJ) Jacobson loves to talk real estate!She is passionate about helping clients increase the value of the assets. She is aProfessional Property Manager,StrataManager,RealEstate Sales Agent and Licensed Managing Broker.She writes aseries of articles blogs and whitepapers about the real estate and property management industry at ASK MJ.
Lori Cruddas
Three helpful tips for CLEANING YOUR GARAGE
If you’re dying to spend hours cleaning out the garage this summer, raise your hand! Nobody? How surprising! Jokes aside, this chore can prove to be much less of a burden if you follow these three helpful tips. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get to work!
1. Unclutter. Have you accumulated a collection of disparate items over the years, telling yourself that they may one day come in handy? Chances are, you’ve long forgotten about most of those objects that now overcrowd your garage. If they’re still in good condition, donate them to charity or organize a (real) garage sale.
Any broken or potentially toxic objects should be thrown away. Check with your municipality to find out where, when and how you can safely dispose of hazardous waste.
2. Clean. Before cleaning your garage from top to bottom, make sure to put on gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask — there’s nothing luxurious about the task at hand. Using a broom, scrape the ceiling and walls to loosen debris and cobwebs, and then scoop everything up with a broom or vacuum cleaner, making sure to get into all those easy-to-miss nooks and crannies. Next, wash the walls, floor and other surfaces (shelves, cabinets, etc.) with a powerful cleansing solution that’s suitable for use on the affected surfaces. Once the cleaning is done, open the windows and doors to allow the space to airdry quicker.
3. Organize. A well-organized garage isn’t just visually pleasing — it’s a lot safer! Optimize your floor space by installing shelving units, hooks and any other type of storage system you can find at your local hardware store. Similarly, to make the most of your wall space and keep things clutter-free, tools, seasonal equipment and other materials should each have their own designated spot up on the wall.
And there you have it: your garage is as clean and organized as ever! Now, all that remains is to admire the end result before you resume your summer activities.
Three mistakes to avoid WHEN RENOVATING YOUR KITCHEN
Summer is the perfect time to renew your kitchen’s design. However, many homeowners, eager to get the job done fast, may commit crucial mistakes. Here are three common renovation traps to avoid:
1. Installing workstations too far apart. When your stove, fridge and kitchen sink are placed far apart, you lose precious time moving from one station to the next as you go about preparing your meals. For optimal efficiency, kitchen specialists recommend bringing these stations closer together to form a triangle.
2. Prioritizing style over quality. If you choose materials or appliances solely based on aesthetics, you could end up regretting it in the long run. Opt for timeless models with proven durability for your standard kitchen features (like the countertops, cupboards and sink) while allowing yourself more leeway when it comes to decorative items (like curtains and frames).
3.Neglecting efficient lighting. Think critically when choosing your lighting fi tures, as these should be neither too light nor too dark. For a functional and visually pleasing kitchen space, consider multiplying your light sources by installing built-in floodlights or other hanging ceiling fixtures.
What is a KITCHEN PENINSULA?
Contrary to the traditional kitchen island, which stands isolated from the rest of the cabinetry, the peninsula is an extension of the main counter space. Like the island, the peninsula can harbour a cooking appliance, a sink or shelving units.
A versatile piece, the peninsula can serve as both a workstation and a dining area. In narrow dwellings with limited room, it’s often used as the main dining table to optimize the amount of space available.
In terms of seating, stools are your best bet! If possible, choose models with adjustable heights or at least make sure there’s enough wiggle room (about 30 centimetres) to slide your chairs comfortably beneath the countertop.
Home décor trends
Pegboards aren’t just for garages and sheds anymore. In 2017, they’re making their way into every room of the house! Increasingly, homeowners are using these perforated boards to decorate and organize their humble abode. With the help of a few sturdy shelves and some decorative hooks, you can hang almost anything! Here are some ideas to help you get started:
• Accessories (hats, ties, etc.)
• Sewing equipment (spools of yarn, scissors, etc.)
• Jewellery (necklaces, bracelets, etc.)
• Cosmetics (nail polish, lipstick, etc.)
• Decorative objects (trinkets, masks, etc.)
• Food products (oil, spices, etc.)
• Kitchen utensils (spatulas, ladles, etc.)
• Plants (dried flowers, herbs, etc.)
• Clothes (dresses, shirts, etc.)
• Art supplies (paintbrushes, paint tubes, etc.)
No matter how you choose to use your pegboards, remember: a little creativity goes a long way!
Are you familiar with LUXURY VINYL TILES?
You’re no doubt familiar with standard vinyl flooring sold by the square foot. However, did you know that this type of flooring, which is both affordable and practical, has undergone a significant upgrade in recent years?
Available in the form of multi-coloured, interlocking slabs, luxury vinyl tiles come with many advantages. For example, they’re:
• Waterproof
• Easy to install on almost every surface
• Similar in style to other materials (wood, stone, concrete, etc.)
• Scratch-resistant
• Low-maintenance
Thanks to their remar-
kable durability and versatile design, luxury vinyl tiles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for both commercial and residential spaces. Like traditional vinyl, the luxury version remains an excellent option for rooms prone to high levels of humidity, like your basement or bathroom.
If you plan on renovating this summer, consider luxury vinyl flooring!
Affordable cleaning tips How to make your GLASS SHOWER SPARKLE
Glass showers are a staple feature of many contemporary residences; however, their translucent look has a downside. With time, residue from soap and shampoo can cause an unsightly greyish film to form on your shower walls. If your shower is looking a little grimy these days, consider these affordable cleaning tips to give it back its sparkle.
GLASS WALLS
In a large bucket, mix two litres of hot water with two cups of white vinegar and one cup of salt. Soak a sponge or cloth in the solution and vigorously scrub the shower walls, from top to bottom. After giving every thing a good rinse, dry the glass with balls of newspaper lightly dampened with white vinegar for optimal shine!
Does the smell of vinegar put you off?
Wash your shower walls with a mix of water and liquid dish soap instead, then rinse and polish with
a micro-fibre cloth.
SILICON JOINTS
If the joints in your shower look mouldy, scrub them with an old toothbrush dunked in hot water and bleach. Wait several hours before rinsing with cold water. If the joints still look tainted, consider having them replaced — chances are they’re worn beyond repair.
As you can see, it’s neither difficult nor costly to upkeep a glass shower. All it takes is a little bit of effort!
Seven tips for AN ECO-FRIENDLY REMODEL
Every year, the construction industry produces heaps of waste, which contributes to widespread pollution. Are you looking to transform one or more rooms in your home while leaving behind the smallest possible ecological footprint? Consider these seven eco-friendly tips for your upcoming renovation!
1. Deal with a specialized recycling company that will take your leftover scraps instead of sending debris and other waste to your local junkyard.
2. Buy synthetic gypsum (which is made from recycled materials) instead of standard brands. Not only is their quality identical, but synthetic varieties are also much more sustainable.
3. Choose paint that doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOC). For example, water-based paints with a matte finish are generally good choices.
4. Invest in types of flooring produced with materials that have been either recycled or extracted from forests protected under the Forest Stewardship Council (look for the letters “FSC”). Eco-friendly materials to consider in-
clude bamboo, concrete, cork and engineered wood products.
5. Prioritize plumbing fixtures (toilets, showers, faucets, etc.) that cut down on water waste.
6. Insulate your water heater to reduce heat loss and minimize condensation.
7. Carefully consider your choice of lighting. Opt for energy-efficient bulbs to lower your utility bills and carbon footprint.
FORDOWNSIZING
$329,000
2bdrms., 3baths,mainfloor laundry,natural gas fireplace, lovely open livingroom & dining area.Finished basement with lots of storage &room for guestswith 3rdbath, single car garage,spotless condition &neutral decor.Calltodayfor moreinformation.
$124,900
2012 manufactured home,2 bdrms., 2bath, one owner home immaculate. Mudroom, deck and shed all on alow maintenancelot Calltodayfor more information.
DIY projectGive your bed A BEAUTIFUL NEW HEADBOARD
Do you often find yourself itching to redecorate, especially when summer rolls around? If you like DIY projects, here’s one that will surely pique your interest: give your bed a fresh new look with a handcrafted cushioned headboard!
MATERIALS
• A utility knife
• Styrofoam panels
(2.5 centimetres thick at most)
• Sewing scissors
• Padding (polyester or cotton)
• Fabric (of your choosing)
• A stapler
• Adhesive Velcro or double-sided tape
INSTRUCTIONS
1. With your utility knife, cut the Styrofoam into 30 cm x 30 cm squares. For a
queen-sized bed, anticipate using 15 pieces to create three rows of five.
2. Cut 15 squares of padding and place each on top of a Styrofoam square. For a more cushiony finish, double or triple the layers of padding.
3. Cover each square with the fabric of your choosing (solid, chequered, abstract, etc.) and securely staple the ends to the back. Depending on your artistic skill, you can configure the squares so that they combine to form an image or a particular pattern.
4. Carefully place the cushioned squares on the wall directly above your bed using strips of adhesive Velcro or double-sided tape. Now, step back and admire the results. Sweet dreams!
Jeff Rus hto n
He lena Sam zad eh 250 -975 -181 8
Cara McLeod 250-614-3992
mcleod.cara@gmail.com
CIRCLES AND SPHERES: the
in
Have you noticed how popular circular shapes have become in interior design? Just think about it: suspended lanterns, braided rattan balls, luminous garlands with rounded bulbs, decorative orbs made of stainless steel, glass or wood — they’re popping up everywhere! Organic and playful in design, spheres of all sizes, colours and configurations are being used to create an alluring atmo sphere in virtually every type of room.
Do you have one of those oldfashioned globes or retro disco balls hidden in a far corner of the house? Put it on display right away! Whether you show case it in your li ving room or your bedroom, it won’t go unnoticed. To get your hands on some of the most trendsetting spherical shapes available, visit your local home décor centres without delay.
Miller
meghann.miller@royallepage.ca
Cara McLeod 250-614-3992
mcleod.cara@gmail.com
dporsnuk@royallepage.ca
This 4bedroom, 3bathroom home on a1/4 acrelot is avery desirable home.Lots of updatesdone.2inch styrofoam wrapped around the whole home and then new siding installed. All newwindows and doors. Newfurnacein2017, newhot water tank in 2019,roof done in 2005. The16’7x38’9 attached pull through garage is the man of the house’sdream space, even comes with radiant heatand 2electric doors. Perfect forRVortrailer parking. This home is suretoplease
How to buy a home when you
have a bad credit score
Most lenders won’t consider granting home loans to Americans with low credit scores. But if you feel your number doesn’t reflect your current financial situation, there are a few options available to you that can make homeownership a reality.
INCREASE YOUR DOWN PAYMENT
If you have the resources, increasing your down payment can make you a more attractive candidate to creditors. After all, the more of your own cash you put towards the property, the less risk there is for the lender.
PAY A HIGHER INTEREST RATE
Those with low credit scores as low may still qualify for home loans through conventional lenders. The caveat? Higher interest rates. However, if your credit score is even lower, one possibility that
may still allow you to achieve your goals through a ‘B Lender’ or ‘Subprime Lender’. Again, interest rates are high and there are additional fees involved, but it may be worth it if it puts your dream home within reach.
USE A CO-SIGNER
Though it may put undue stress on your personal relationships, getting a friend or family member to co-sign your loan can make you a more attractive candidate to lenders. The best bet is to speak to local lenders about the particulars of your situation in order to determine if this is a possibility.
GET A PRIVATE MORTGAGE
Big financial institutions are usually the first to come to mind when applying for a mortgage, but there are other options. A private mortgage can come from anyone who has the financial capacity to advance you the needed funds. Friends, family members and private investors are all potential lenders. There are drawbacks to this type of agreement, however, so make sure you walk in with eyes wide open.
Four tips to sell your condo quickly
If you’ve outgrown your condo, it’s time to think about putting it on the market. But selling a condo is a bit different than selling a house. For one thing, condos tend to sell faster, which may require you to move on short notice if a good offer comes in. Employ these four strategies to make sure things roll along smoothly.
1. A COMPETITIVE PRICE
You need to understand the market to know what price range is reasonable for your unit. Look at listings to determine asking prices for nearby condos similar to your own, and price yours in the same ballpark. You can go slightly lower to bolster interest from buyers.
2. HIGHLIGHT YOUR ASSETS
Condo living is largely about the lifestyle, which is convenient and hassle-free in comparison to owning a house. Your current building undoubtedly has its own unique features to emphasize. These may include a gym, a swimming pool, a garage, a great view or a unique location. Also underline benefits provided by the neighbourhood itself, such as proximity to shopping or public transportation.
3. DECLUTTER
Store, donate and throw out as much as possible to increase visual space. Halve what’s in your closets to make them appear bigger. Keep surfaces clear and clutter-free, and pack away all personal mementos like photographs and knickknacks. Clean everything from top to bottom and fix or replace anything that’s damaged. Costly renovations, however, should be avoided unless recommended by a real estate professional.
4. OFFER INCENTIVES
To crack a tough market, you can offer incentives like covering closing costs or paying condo fees in advance for a set time frame. Doing so can enhance the appeal of your particular unit and (hopefully!) spark an outpouring of offers.
Should you buy a summer cottage?
Wondering whether or not investing in a cottage makes sense? While the memories you create may be priceless, any vacation property you purchase comes at a cost — financial and otherwise.
THE PRICE TAG
The average price for a vacation home in Canada ranges between $177,500 and $725,500, depending on the location. Yearly costs associated with a second mortgage — presuming you have a primary residence that isn’t already paid off — can easily come to $10,000 at the lower end of the spectrum. You’ll also need to factor in the costs for mortgage insurance, property taxes, utilities and maintenance.
THE UPKEEP
Like your primary residence, your cottage will require ongoing care. The lawn will need to be mowed and the driveway, plowed. There are floors to be washed, windows to be cleaned and gardens to be weeded. In short, prepare yourself (and the kids!) for a cottage experience that involves more than a few chores.
THE LIFESTYLE
Cottaging is a lifestyle; especially if you want to ensure the money you invest holds up to the amount of use you get out of it. Weekends, holidays and maybe even full summers will be spent up at the cottage. Is this something that will suit you and your family, now and in the years to come?
When deciding whether or not to buy a cottage, carefully consider the pros and cons. If it works for you, great — but for everyone else, renting is a hassle-free option that can be just as charming.
