Prince George Citizen August 27, 2020 by Prince George Citizen

PRINCE GEORGE

Pot production plan approved

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has approved rezoning four properties just northeast of Prince George to allow cannabis production, despite substantial opposition from area residents.

Last Thursday, the board of directors voted 10 to four in favour of rezoning the properties along Goose Country Road. The regional district received an 88-signature petition opposing the project – although more than a dozen signatories did not live in Prince George – and residents

voiced their concerns at a public hearing held on July 14. The board also received 59 letters regarding the proposal, split roughly equally between people for and against the project.

Goose Country Road residents Dee and Art Jones said three of the proposed growing facilities will be within 200 metres of their home.

“It really felt like our community had no value – we counted for nothing,” Dee Jones. “You don’t fully understand the implications (of these operations) until it is right next to you.”

If the district board isn’t going to listen

to public feedback, why ask for it at all, Art Jones said.

“We thought the process would work for us, but it did not,” he said. “We were planning to retiring down to the island, now with this those plans are in question. I’m not sure how many people want live within 200 metres of three grow ops.”

The Jones concerns were echoed by many of the letter writers: concerns about noise, traffic, smell, the impact on the local aquifer, property values and the potential fire hazard.

Citizen staff

The Phoenix Transition Society is planning to build a 14-unit social housing project on three vacant lots on Zelkwas Avenue.

Last Monday, city council approved rezoning for the lots located behind, and owned by, Trinity United Church located on Fifth Avenue. In a letter to the city, planner Hillary Morgan of M’akola Development Services – acting as an agent on behalf of the society – said the society already operates three housing facilities in the city

“The proposed rezoning will allow the Phoenix Transition Society to expand their existing Harmony House operations,” Morgan wrote. “Harmony House is a safe house whose mission is to provide support to pregnant women and new mothers struggling with mental health and or addictions.”

Harmony House offers 24-hour staffing, including registered nurses, early childhood education workers and support workers, the society’s website says. The goal of the program is to help women transition to independence and providing safe and caring homes for their children and themselves.

“The Phoenix Transition Society is a non-profit society that offers temporary shelter/housing for women and women with their children who have experienced and/or at risk of abuse and violence,” Morgan wrote.

The lots have no history of use, and are covered with grass, weeds and an asphalt area not used for parking by the church. Funding for the project is being provided by BC Housing, and the project is expected to be a two-or-three-storey building, built using modular construction methods to speed up construction.

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

WHAT:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO ZONING BYLAW

City Council consideration of application regarding:

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

Public Hearing regarding:

•Amendments to “City of Prince George Official Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011” AND “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007”

WHEN:

Monday, August 31, 2020

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

PROPOSALS:

1. “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9127, 2020”

Applicant: Lorinda Lunn

Subject Proper ty: 280 Bellos Street

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

BylawNo. 9127, 2020 proposes to rezone the subject proper ty from RS2: Single Residential to RM1: Multiple Residential. The pur pose of this application is to facilitate afull-daydaycare and infant toddler care program with more than 13 per sons under the ‘Community Care Facility,Major’ principal use on the subject proper ty,or other uses, pur suant to the proposed RM1: Multiple Residential zoning designation(s).

The proposed bylawapplies to the proper ty legally described as Lot 82, District Lot 2608, Cariboo District, Plan 19520, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #1 below

Location Map #1 280 Bellos Street

2. “City of Prince George Ofﬁcial Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011, Amendment BylawNo. 9063, 2019” and “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9064, 2019”

Applicant: Dylan Gustafson for Gustafson’sAutomobile Co. Ltd.

Subject Proper ties: 1880 Bowser Avenue, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1942, 1948 Willow Street and 1947 Vine Street

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

The pur pose of these applications is to amend the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylawtofacilitate an expansion of the Gustafson’sKia site on the subject proper ties located at 1880 Bowser Avenue, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1942, 1948 Willow Street and 1947 Vine Street, that will suppor tcustomer par king ,vehicle sales and acompound area for excess vehicle stock.

2.1 Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment BylawNo. 9063, 2019

BylawNo. 9063, 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 ties from Neighbourhood Centre Cor ridor and Neighbourhood Centre Residential to Business District, Ser vice Commercial.

2.2 City of Prince George Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9064, 2019

BylawNo. 9064, 2019 proposes to rezone the subject proper ties from RS4: Suburban Residential to C6: Highway Commercial.

The subject bylaws apply to the proper ties legally described as:

Lot A(54552M), Block 329, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268; Lots 3, 4, 17, 18, 19 and 20, Block 329, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268; and Lot 8, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 18815.

all outlined in bold black in Location Map #2 below

Location Map #2

1880 Bowser Avenue. 1912, 1924, 1936, 1942, 1948 Willow Street and 1947 Vine Street

HOWCAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?

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

Submissions in writing

Written comments on all applications, should be forwarded to the Cor porate Ofﬁcer by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 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

Residents wishing to provide comments to Council on the following bylaws, maydoso, by submitting written cor respondence:

•Proposed Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9127, 2020 (Subject Proper ty: 280 Bellos Street); and

•Official Community Plan Amendment BylawNo. 9063, 2019 and Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9064, 2019 (Subject Proper ties: 1880 Bowser Avenue, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1942, 1948 Willow Street and 1947 Vine Street).

Pur suant to section 464(2) of the Local Government Act,City Council has waived the requirements for aPublic Hearing to be held respecting proposed Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9127, 2020 during the regular Council Meeting held on Monday, July 27, 2020.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO ZONING BYLAW

Please note that written submissions for all applications will form par t of the Council agenda, become public record and are posted on the City’s website. By making a written submission you are consenting to the disclosure of any per sonal infor mation that you provide.

Submissions by telephone

In an effor t to provide the public with options to speak to Council on a Public 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 may only be received during for mal Public Hearings. Residents are invited to par ticipate by telephone for the following application(s):

• Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 9063, 2019 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 9064, 2019 (Subject Proper ties: 1880 Bowser Avenue, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1942, 1948 Willow Street and 1947 Vine 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, August 27, 2020 to Monday, August 31, 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 m or call 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 a limited period of time.

Submissions in person

Pur suant to Section 464(1) of the Local Government Act, a Public Hearing is required for Bylaw No. 9063, 2019 and 9064, 2019 and member s of the public are invited to provide comments to Council in per son at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2020 in Council Chamber s on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.

The City of Prince George follows the order s 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 per sonal infor mation that you provide.

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

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). 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 August 19, 2020 These documents may also be reviewed at Development Ser vices on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on August 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31, 2020, between the hour s of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

WHO CAN I SPEAK TO?

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

City of Prince George 2019 Annual Repor t

Notice is hereby given pur suant to Section 99(3) of the Community Charter that Prince George City Council will consider the 2019 Annual Repor t at its August 31, 2020 regular meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber s located on the 2nd Floor, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, B.C.

The Annual Repor t will be available for review by the public beginning August 14, 2020, on the City’s website: princegeorge.ca/annualrepor t. Paper copies will be available for review Monday to Friday between the hour s of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Ser vice Centre (1st Floor, City Hall) and the Legislative Ser vices Division (5th Floor, City Hall).

Written submissions, regarding the 2019 Annual Repor t, should be forwarded to the Cor porate Officer by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2020, to be included in Council’s agenda package. Submissions received after this time will be provided to Council on the day of the Council meeting for their consideration.

Member s of the public are welcome to attend the regular meeting on August 31st and are invited to present submissions or ask questions with respect to the Annual Repor t.

The City of Prince George follows the order s of the Provincial Health Officer and guidelines regarding the size of gatherings and physical distancing Measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of member s of the public attending to provide comments.

Submissions may be sent by email to citycler k@princegeorge.ca, faxed to (250) 561-0183 or mailed to the address noted below

Attention: Cor porate Officer Legislative Ser vices Division City of Prince George 5th Floor, 1100 Patricia Boulevard Prince George, BC V2L 3V9

For fur ther infor mation, please contact the Legislative Ser vices Division at (250) 561-7600 or citycler k@princegeorge.ca.

COVID-19 Resources

The City of Prince George has been in regular conver sation with Nor ther n Health about the most reliable sources of infor mation on novel coronavir us (COVID-19), and any assistance the City can provide residents and visitor s with reliable infor mation about measures that can be taken to prevent the spread and stay healthy.

People are advised to take all necessar y precautions to prevent exposure such as staying home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, washing their hands, and coughing and sneezing into the crook of their ar ms.

For more infor mation:

• Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website

• Visit the BC Transit COVID-19 website

• Visit the BC Ministr y of Health webpage on Pandemic Preparedness

• Visit the Gover nment of Canada’s website on COVID-19

• Visit the HealthlinkBC website

• Visit the World Health Organization website

• Download the BC Ministr y of Health’s Advice on Recreational Facilities - March 13, 2020 [PDF]

Nor ther n Health COVID-19 Update

Nor ther n Health has launched a COVID-19 Online Clinic and Infor mation Line to help answer questions and concer ns from Nor ther n B.C. residents. The NH COVID-19 Online Clinic and Infor mation Line can be reached at 1-844-645-7811.

Researchers examine outdoor accessibility

CHRISTINE HINZMANN

Citizen staff

UNBC professors, with support from a $24,000 federal grant, are researching how to make outdoor destinations more accessible for people with mobility challenges.

Spinal Cord Injury BC’s Access BC team, which includes Nancy Harris, is working with faculty members Mark Groulx, Shannon Freeman and Pamela Wright in their research to see more barrier-free destinations created in the province.

“We live in a province, and a country, that has some of the most magnificent natural environments,” Groulx, an associate professor in UNBC’s school of environmental planning, said. “The essence of this research really looks at whether or not all members of society have equitable access and opportunity to experience these amazing spaces.”

The larger project team includes UNBC grad student Jacob Cameron and Chris Lemieux from Wilfred Laurier University, Spinal Cord Injury BC, as well as numerous tourism and recreational partners that work with Access BC.

As part of the $24,000 research grant, visits were made to outdoor tourism and recreation sites around B.C. in conjunction with the ongoing work that Access BC already undertakes to collect data on accessibility needs.

“Access BC audits and measures where infrastructure, as well as environments, are

accessible and where deficiencies might present barriers to those with mobility or visual limitations,” Freeman, an associate professor in UNBC’s School of Nursing, said.

“As researchers, we are trying to use our tools to help further improve their processes and efficiencies and hopefully help build capacity for them so that they can do more of the great work that they do.”

Audits consider a wide variety of potential barriers to accessibility that may exist at sites, such as the widths of paths, slopes

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia

Date: Wednesday,September 23, 2020

Time: 11:00 am

Location: Virtual Attendance Only via Amazon Chime Video Conferencing

The Board of Directors of the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA) invite customers, stakeholders and interested parties to attend the Annual General Meeting of the LTSA. The LTSA is apublicly accountable, statutory corporation established under the Land Title and Survey Authority Act,and is responsible for operating British Columbia’sland title and survey systems.

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions related to public gatherings and social distancing requirements, public attendance at the AGM will be by virtual-means only.Registered attendees may join the meeting via Amazon Chime video conferencing services (available at https://aws.amazon.com/chime/download)and will have the opportunity to submit questions live.

To register to attend the LTSA AGM, send an email to Jayne.Ethier@ ltsa.ca with your name and email address. Details for joining the meeting virtually,including unique access information, will be sent to the email identified.

The LTSA Annual Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020 as well as further information about attending the AGM virtually,is accessible on the LTSA website at www.ltsa.ca/about-ltsa/annualand-quarterly-reports.

of trails, gaps between grates and heights of washroom sinks and toilets.

Even getting to a washroom can present a challenge. Often at outdoor sites, washrooms are tucked away and access is either up a slope or down a slope, which makes it a challenge or an impossibility for people with mobility issues to gain access.

“We have to think about equity all the way through the experience a visitor might have, from the early stages of deciding what they want out of a trip to when they actually arrive and use things like pathways, buildings, washrooms, shorelines, docks and other infrastructure,” Wright, an associate professor in UNBC’s outdoor recreation and tourism management program, said.

“Access BC also looks at ensuring that specific site information is easily found online and is accessible, so that even before a trip, visitors can determine if an environment will meet their needs.”

The research work has led to the development of a new digital tool that will help Access BC streamline the collection of data for reports to be shared with recreational, municipal and tourism stakeholders as part of ongoing discussions around accessibility and potential planning for space upgrades.

“Participation in outdoor recreation is and has always been a high priority for Spinal Cord Injury BC’s members, which is why our Access BC initiative is focusing its efforts on enhancing the accessibility of outdoor recreation spaces, particularly in the communities and parks of north central British Columbia,” Chris McBride, executive director of Spinal Cord Injury BC, said. “These efforts have been critically bolstered by our research partners at UNBC, who bring unique content expertise, skills and insights to the initiative. The new tools, evidence, and content developed through this partnership are serving to expedite our collective work to enhance access and inclusion of park spaces for all.”

Groulx said the key is taking more direction from people whose needs should be met.

“If we’re looking to have positive impact through our research, then this kind of collaboration seems to be a really worthwhile process in terms of time, effort and funding investment,” Groulx said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO 27 ACCESS BC TEAM

At left, Access BC’s Nancy Harris measuring pathway widths in the David Douglas Botanical Garden at UNBC with Mark Groulx, associate professor in UNBC’s School of Environmental Planning.

Library renos nearing completion

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Citizen staff

The main branch of the Prince George Public Library is open to the public again but the new renovations and COVID restrictions make it a whole new place.

Access to the library is through the Civic Centre’s rotunda while major renovations take place to create a new front entrance.

The circulation counter is in the same spot it used to be but it’s been revamped using Plexiglass as a safety measure, featuring a sleek curved counter and all the books that are accessible to the public are on display only on the main floor in order to keep sanitization and monitoring to a smaller area. There is no seating available except for those wishing to access the computers that are available for public use. For now the days are gone when someone could curl up in a chair with a good book at the library.

“Once the renovation to the main entrance is complete the elevators will see people flow into the library,” library director Paul Burry said.

Once the main entrance renovations are complete, patrons of the library will enjoy a different experience than that of the past. Gone are the dark set of stairs and the tiny elevator that was once accessed through the parkade.

“That entrance was never intended for public use,” Burry said. “No, we’ll have this big, inviting facade that will be welcoming people to come in from the parkade level, the plaza level and as people enter the building they’ll have great sight lines, accessibility will be better and there’s a larger elevator so it will solve a lot of challenges that we’ve had in terms of accessibility and safety.”

Renovations should be completed barring any unforeseen circumstances by mid-October, Dale Jarvis, supervisor of infrastructure delivery for the city, said. Llibrary staff and management have

The new circulation desk at the Bob Harkins branch at the Prince George Public Library.

been a pleasure to work with during the renovations, he added.

“It’s going to be really exciting to see it completed and to have access to that space,” Burry said. “We’re looking forward to having a big launch party to invite the community to come in.”

He added they will celebrate while always adhering to the pandemic guidelines and restrictions that are in place.

Due to COVID-19, the Bob Harkins

Branch (downtown) is open for limited service Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Nechako Branch (Hart) is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The features of the new entrance are:

• A two-door elevator providing access from the parking area, plaza level, main floor, and second floor.

• Improved stairs for access from the lower and plaza lobbies to the main floor.

• Windows to maximize natural light and provide a sense of openness.

• Improved safety with better visibility/ sight lines.

• Enhanced accessible parking and drop off zone at parking level.

• Additional public space.

To see the rendition of the planned renovations check out https://youtu.be/ MXGpvr0qr7c and for more information visit https://www.pgpl.ca/renovations.

INMATE’S VERSION OF JAILHOUSE ATTACK DISPUTED

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The B.C. Attorney General is denying responsibility for the injuries an inmate says he suffered in an altercation at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre.

In March, Kelly Michael Richet filed a lawsuit seeking damages, claiming a fellow inmate, Jeff Lapier, “suddenly, and without provocation,” attacked him with a bladed weapon and left him with wounds that needed 20 stitches to close and long-lasting nerve damage to his right arm.

In a response, the ministry presents a different version of the events beginning with the date on which he was allegedly attacked. While Richet says it occurred on March 18, 2018, the ministry says an “incident” between the two occurred in the shower area of their living unit on March 6, 2018.

Richet says Lapier had just been released from the jail’s special handling unit on the day of the attack, “knowing that Lapier was a danger to other inmates,” and had attacked staff at the jail on that day prior to going after Richet.

But in the response, the ministry says Lapier had been voluntarily placed in separate confinement for medical reasons “unrelated to any violence or conflict with inmates or correctional staff,” and did not assault a correctional officer on the day in question.

Prior to the incident, Lapier had “no problematic history” and the incident was “not foreseeable,” the ministry says.

Only after the incident did Richet report to staff that just prior to going into the showers, Lapier accused him of being a “rat” and, in turn, Richet challenged Lapier. Richet “could have, but did not, report any of this to correctional staff before he

attended the shower area,” the ministry continues.

Richet claims that in the days that followed, Lapier pasted signs around the facility saying Richet was a “rat” and shortly after two unknown inmates tried to attack him. Richet says he locked himself in his cell to secure his safety and was then placed in protective custody.

The ministry says it was not aware of any signs being posted but does say he was placed in separate confinement following an incident with two other inmates and adds he was not harmed.

Richet also claims he was denied any pain medication for the wounds while at PGRCC. The ministry, in turn, says Richet refused to see healthcare staff, reported no pain, refused to take medication and ultimately removed the stitches on his own despite help being available.

As a result of the attack, Richet says he

suffered nerve damage to his right forearm and his ability to work has been severely diminished. Richet also says he has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and nightmares and attends counselling sessions on a weekly basis.

The ministry is questioning the extent of the fallout.

In April 2018, Richet, who is self representing and does not have a lawyer, was transferred to a federal institution to serve the remainder of a seven-year sentence for his role in a July 2016 targeted shooting in Mackenzie.

Lapier, meanwhile, was sentenced in November 2018 to a further 23 months in jail for a February 2016 shooting of a woman in Moore’s Meadow.

The ministry’s response was filed in B.C. Supreme Court in Prince George in late June. None of the allegations have yet been tested in court.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

RESIDENTS, DIRECTORS DIVIDED

“This is a dead-end road. if there is a fire, there is a potential to cut off all escape routes,” Dee Jones said.

Much of the land is currently in the Agricultural Land Reserve, but a cannabis greenhouse isn’t the same as living next to a cattle ranch or a hay farm, Art Jones said.

“The lights, the fans – it’s 24/7, 365 days a year,” he said.

Fellow Goose Country Road resident Lisa Devine said her home borders on the four lots. She said she’s concerned about the increase of traffic on the narrow, winding road – both for its impact on residents, but also on wildlife in the area.

“As for the watershed... where is he going to get this water? Not just for the crop, but what’s he going to do for fire security?” Devine said. “Who is going to monitor him, to make sure he’s doing this safely?”

Devine said many residents have been there for decades and are worried about the future of the neighbourhood.

“This is a business for money. Can it go bigger? Can he sell it to someone else, some large conglomeration?” Devine said. “I’m not against cannabis, I just don’t want it in this area. There are better areas for it.”

Area resident Marie Payne said the district shouldn’t have treated cannabis like any other farm crop.

“If someone wanted to put up a large pig barn, or chicken farm, there would be nothing we could do, because we choose to live in a farming area. But cannabis production is different,” Payne said in an

email. “Cannabis production for instance, tends to attract unwanted attention. One doesn’t hear of criminals trying to steal cabbage, or chickens very often, or ever, but it is a different story with pot.”

Concerns raised by some of the residents about the possibility of attracting criminals lwere echoed by the RCMP.

“It is our position that there is an elevated risk that this type of business may be the target of criminal acts such as robberies or theft. This is based upon the high value of the product involved, involvement of the criminal element in the illicit sale of cannabis, and the relatively remote location of the site,” the RCMP statement said.

“While this location is near the municipal boundary of the city of Prince George, that area of the city is a low density, low crime area and subject to infrequent police presence. Prompt attendance to this location will be problematic and it will be difficult to provide an effective policing response should those crimes occur.”

OWNER DEFENDS PROJECT

Owner Michael Johnson and Stretch Enterprises Ltd. are looking to build “micro cannabis” growing facilities on the four properties, which range in size from four hectares (10 acres) to 117 hectares (289 acres). Under federal regulations, each micro cannabis licence is restricted to up to 200 sq. metres of cultivation space and 600 kg of dried product per year.

In a letter to the district board, Johnson said his family have lived and farmed in the area for three generations and he’s looking

diversify his farm’s income.

“In the past years crops of beef and hay traditionally seemed to be the only crops one could produce,” Johnson wrote. “The new legalization of cannabis production in Canada has opened up at least two opportunities for me. On one hand, the licensed cannabis producers that I’ve spoken with, have shown me strong markets in both domestic and international communities for the products produced. On the other hand, professional soil scientists have convinced me micro facility by‐products can be used in my current farming practices acting as a good soil amendment.”

In his letter, Johnson said he planned to start with one facility and potentially expand to include the other three within eight or nine years, if the venture is successful.

During the public hearing on July 14, Johnson addressed some of the concerns raised, saying carbon and charcoal air filters will be used to control the smell and that his operation would follow all federal and provincial guidelines regarding security, water usage, etc.

Many of the letters of support vouched for Johnson’s character as a responsible farmer and neighbour, and welcomed the economic diversification.

DISTRICT BOARD DIVIDED

Regional District director Warren Wilson, who represents Electoral Area A where the project is proposed, supported the project. Wilson and nine of his colleagues voted in favour of the project.

“This is an agricultural enterprise,” Wilson said. “I do have concerns about the number of properties being applied for here. (But) I don’t want to discourage any investments that may help our local economy.”

Director Kevin Dunphy said cannabis is a legal product in Canada now and its time for both the RCMP and residents to change how they think about it. “As far as I’m concerned, these people are farming,” he said. “I don’t think we should be against it because it is cannabis.”

District manager of development services Kenna Jonkman said the federal government will make the final decision regarding the cannabis licences. Johnson will also have to apply for building permits from the district for the greenhouses, which will have to comply with the district’s rules regarding setbacks from the property line.

Director Danielle Alan said she’s concerned the board is setting up the community for a long-term conflict.

“In the Robson Valley, we’ve had a couple of developments that were heavily opposed. We’ve had trouble with those areas and those developments for years,” Alan said. “When the board goes against the wishes of the neighbourhood, it really does have long-term consequences.”

“This has the potential of changing the landscape of that community,” Director Joan Atkinson said. “If we’re going to ask for public input, we should listen to it.” Alan, Atkinson and directors Lara Beckett and Bill Empey opposed the approval.

Arts centre hosting new Kovacic exhibit

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Citizen staff

At the Omineca Arts Centre, visitors will both see and feel Connections, a new art exhibit by Betty Kovacic who takes on the role of artist-in-residence.

“This body of work is hugely about relationships between people and people, people and the Earth and people and animals,” the well-known local artist said.

“Unencumbered by narrower definitions of community, Connections expresses my lifelong philosophy that the first community encompasses the Earth, its life sustaining elements of Air and Water, and all its citizens. Everything on the Earth is connected.”

Whatever happens in one place eventually impacts the entire world, she added.

“If you think about such things as global warming everything slowly moves between the earth, air and water and I really feel that as stewards - I don’t feel we are owners but rather stewards - I feel it’s important to protect the Earth and its inhabitants so those who come after us are able to enjoy the beauty and the life that we are able to enjoy.”

What began as abstract pieces have now evolved to embrace realistic and symbolic images, Kovacic said.

As the message is multi-layered so are the complex works on display at the arts centre.

Visually woven together is conte,

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Betty Kovacic showcases her latest work in the exhibit called Connections currently on display at Omineca Arts Centre in downtown Prince George.

graphite, gouache, pastels, India ink, water colours and acrylics.

“Intricate layers of textures, form, technique and image present opportunity for deciphering multiple narratives,” Kovacic said. “The techniques acknowledge the di-

versity of the individuals and the multiplicity of the communities. The work allows for individual interpretation and engagement.”

The process of creating the series was very meditative for Kovacic. She enjoys the journey so much more than the destina-

tion, she said.

“I would start with something and I would work with it and I’d almost dialogue with it as it was happening on the paper, seeing how I could be connected to it and understand what the piece was supposed to be or needed to be,” Kovacic said.

In this body of work, Kovacic shows how important it is to be connected and work together.

“I believe every single creature has intrinsic value, all life is sacred,” Kovacic said. “So this body of work looks at the big picture and then looks at the small pictures, too.”

Some of the pieces on display have individual stories while others offer a broader look at the world, she added.

“In the past I believe we have been losing connections with each other - with the world, with people, with the forest and the creatures and I think it’s detrimental to our well being,” Kovacic said. “These pieces are a celebration of our connections.”

There is a virtual reception Aug. 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. and a virtual workshop Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. hosted by Kovacic. Join these events on Facebook or Zoom. For more information on how to participate visit Omineca Arts Centre on Facbeook. Those wishing to see the exhibit in person can make an appointment for Aug. 31 from 12:30 to 4:30. To contact Kovacic, visit her Facebook page at Betty Kovacic art or email bettykovacic@shaw .ca.

Project openings:

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UNBC MOURNS DISTINGUISHED CHANCELLOR

The Canadian Press/Citizen staff

Joe Gosnell, a renowned treaty negotiator, politician and leader of the Nisga’a Nation, has died at the age of 85.

The Nisga’a Lisims government said Tuesday that Gosnell died in his home in New Aiyansh after a long battle with cancer.

Gosnell was a hereditary Nisga’a chieftain of the Eagle Clan and was president of the nation when it finalized a landmark treaty in 2000 that gave the First Nation control over its land including forestry and fishing rights. It was the first modern-day treaty signed in B.C. since the 1800s.

Nisga’a Nation president Eva Clayton said Gosnell’s wisdom, dignity and determination helped lead the First Nation into self-government over its territory northeast of Prince Rupert.

“Today, we have lost a giant,” Clayton said in a statement. “His legacy will help shape the project of reconciliation for generations to come.”

Gosnell was a recipient of the Order of Canada, the Order of B.C. and held an honorary doctorate of laws from Royal Roads University in Victoria.

In 2019, he was named UNBC’s chancellor, a position he held until his death.

Flags on the univeristy’s campus were lowered to half mast in memory of Gosnell.

“The world has lost a tremendous leader, a man who repeatedly demonstrated a love

at convocation. He will be dearly missed.”

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Audrey, their seven children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Clayton said Gosnell’s work to negotiate the Nisga’a Treaty produced a “beacon of hope” for people around the world.

“His focus was always on what the Nisga’a, British Columbians and Canadians can achieve together,” she said.

When a bill to accept the treaty was introduced in the legislature in December 1998, Gosnell told the house the agreement proved to the world that reasonable people can sit down and settle historical wrongs.

“It’s a triumph because under the treaty, we will no longer be wards of the state, no longer beggars in our own land. It’s a triumph because under the treaty, we will collectively own approximately 2,000 square kilometres of land, far exceeding the postage-stamp reserve set aside for us by colonial governments.”

He said the treaty proved that negotiations — not lawsuits, blockades or violence — are the most effective and honourable way to resolve Aboriginal issues.

for his community, his people, education and a commitment to enhancing the lives of others,” said UNBC interim president and vice-chancellor Geoffrey Payne.

IS THE BOX EMPTY?

“His dedication to education was evident during his time as Chancellor. He brought dignity and respect to all proceedings, and spoke thoughtfully, inspiring our graduates

“It’s a triumph, I believe, that signals the end of the Indian Act, the end of more than a century of humiliation, degradation and despair for the Nisga’a Nation.”

The nation said funeral arrangements will be announced by the family. - with files from Prince George Citizen

TNW plans 2021 return

Citizen staff

Theatre NorthWest is hoping to be able to put on half a normal season of plays for 2020-21, but that all depends on public health restrictions being eased enough to allow audiences in the building.

Currently, under Phase 3 of the B.C. Restart Plan, gatherings are limited to 50 people. Once you count the actors, technicians and front-house staff, Theatre NorthWest would be limited to audiences of 35 to 40 people under current public health rules, executive director Marnie Hamagami said.

“We have to wait until we can have a bigger audience. We won’t be doing a show if that doesn’t happen,” she said. “Right now all the theatres across the country are shut down. It all depends on it being allowed.”

In addition to the challenges posed by audience sizes, there are few plays that would allow the cast to effectively social distance themselves from each other, Hamagami said.

Theatre NorthWest looked at alternative ways to deliver shows, but the logistical challenges were significant. Live-streaming plays is expensive, requires technical expertise and working agreements with the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), she said.

“We are a live-theatre company. It’s like taking the Toronto Blue Jays and telling them, ‘OK, you’re going to play basketball now,’” she said.

If all goes well, Theatre NorthWest will open its season with the comedy Mom’s

the Word, running from April 16 to May 5, 2021. The show – written by Vancouver actors and playwrights Linda A. Carson, Jill Daum, Alison Kelly, Robin Nichol, Barbara Pollard and Deborah Williams – focuses on the highs and lows of early motherhood. Hamagami said they initially planned to end the season with the play, but after COVID-19 upended their plans, Theatre NorthWest is also aiming to bring The Marvellous Wonderettes to the stage May 21 to June 9. The musical by Roger Bean focuses on a squad of song leaders – musical cheerleaders – who step up at the last minute to perform at their high school’s senior prom in 1958. The musical features an anachronistic list of pop hits from the 1950s and ‘60s, including Mr. Sandman, Lollipop, It’s My Party, Respect and more.

Despite having to cancel a significant portion of shows they would normally put on this year, Theatre NorthWest is in better position than many theatre companies across Canada and around the globe, Hamagami said.

“So far all of our funders have been very understanding. Nobody has asked for their money back,” she said. “I know there are some communities that are clawing back the money (from arts groups).”

Seasons ticket holders were reimbursed for the shows that were cancelled. Those who want to support Theatre Northwest can purchase a $25 Ticket to Nothing. Tickets are available at 250-563-6969, ext. 304 or www.theatrenorthwest.com

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Joe Gosnell has his hood placed and pinned by UNBC Associate Vice President of Student Services and University Registrar Alex Reed after receiving his Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the UNBC convocation in 2000.

Legion needs our help

SENIORS’ SCENE

KATHY NADALIN

Many things have changed in our lives since the coronavirus outbreak; changes like social distancing and working from home. It has gotten to the point that the dog is no longer the only one who gets excited about seeing the postman at the mailbox.

For most businesses, the changes due to the virus are life changing for more than just the bottom line for that business.

This brings to mind the following email that I received from a personal friend of mine in regards to the future of our local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43.

“My name is Sanna Denicola and I am the daughter of a WWII veteran and an active Legion member and volunteer. Since I am not an official spokesperson for our local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 and have no authority to actually speak on behalf of the Legion, I would like to note that I pen my thoughts only as a concerned volunteer of this very worthy organization.

“I am writing to request the assistance of our community with keeping our local Legion open.

“Due to the coronavirus we, like many other organizations and businesses, are in serious financial difficulty. Unlike many other entities, we have fallen into one of the cracks in terms of not being eligible for any government assistance during this pandemic other than the rent assistance that both individuals and businesses could apply for.

“We have been trying as many things as we can in order to raise money; from a Go Fund Me page to individual members hosting home-based business parties with any money earned being donated to the support of the Legion. For all these efforts, we are extremely grateful, unfortunately it has not been enough.

“We have had to take drastic measures to try to limit our expenses in every way we can which includes having to lay off all of our paid staff with the exception of our cook, Larry. A very dedicated, albeit, small group of volunteers, of which I am a part, have been working hundreds of hours trying to fill all the positions but we seem to be just treading water at the moment and the small group is tiring.

“Please consider donating to help with our operating costs, either through the Go Fund Me page or directly at the Legion or by volunteering.

“Some volunteer opportunities are: shoppers, meal runners, dishwashing, selling meat draw tickets, door greeters and seaters, bartenders (would require Serving It Right certification) and table and chair sanitizing between when patrons leave and others come in.

“If you are interested in volunteering,

ABOVE; The Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party makes their way down 7th Avenue to Veterans Plaza on Monday as part of the 2019 Remembrance Day ceremonies. BELOW: BrittAM performs at the Prince George Legion in May 2019.

please contact the Legion at 250-562-1292. Our hours of operation are listed on our Facebook page along with the weekly specials from the kitchen.

“One other huge way to help would be to come down and spend time with us. Gather a group of friends together and come

and check out the weekly specials that Chef Larry is creating - you won’t be disappointed. Or just pop in for lunch and enjoy a relaxing adult beverage topped off with an assortment of appetizers. We are open to book a dinner or a business meetingwe would be pleased to accommodate you

on any of the non-open days of the week. It would help us if you could spread the word that we need help to as many people as you possibly can.

“The Royal Canadian Legion, a non-profit Canadian service organization has been in existence since 1925 with the purpose of helping our veterans and community - now we need our community to help us.

“The Legion is a very worthwhile organization and, even though my father Armand Denicola passed away a little more than a year ago, I know my dad would be very sad to see the shape that the Legion it is in right now due to this pandemic.

“Thank you - in advance - for any and all efforts you can make on our behalf.”

Sincerely, Sanna Denicola

August birthdays that I know about: Rita Svatos, Diana Myers, Marilyn Goetjen, Carol Stewart, Helen Dery, Judy Dix, Supi Peter, Jeannette Goossens, Don Grantham, Joyce Unrau, Gord Babcock, Lorraine Knight, Heather Couch, Gary Drake, Betty Townsend, Marlies Greulich, Margaret Johnston, Elaine Lamb, Malcolm Lamb, Barb Claffey, Shafeed Rahman, Alan Idiens, Joy Warner, Sharon Stene, Joy McKeller, Lyn Thibault, Ray Demily, Walt Wessner, Betty Wessner, Eileen Hughes, Victor Lavallee, Shirley McDermid, Lorea Reimer, Fred Buchi, Eva Buchi, Howard Germain, Leona Gervais, Rosemarie Maack, John Pavich, Elaine Reid, Esther Monroe, Doris Da’Silva, Edna Rouleau, Muriel Lank, John Kuharchuk, Donald Jones, Bob Horning, Wolfgang Jechow, Phyllis Anderson, Sandra Simola, James Loughery, Edward Normand, Harold Iverson, Charlene Vankoughne, Connie Gibson, John Walsh and Sonny Swanson.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTOS

Don’t let perfect get in the way of good

When I was 21, my younger brother Rob (who apparently thought he was a marriage counsellor) told me that there was no perfect wife. That I should find someone “good enough” and I could make it work if I put in enough effort. So being a late bloomer, I started dating at the ripe age of 23 and found a woman who settled for good enough when I was 31. Now 24 years of marriage later, it turns out that Margaret was perfect for me!

In leadership, more than any other aspect of life, there seems to be pressure to “be perfect.” We think we need to show the perfect image of success with a fancy house, nice cars, expensive and a perfect family. We believe we have to keep our emotions in check and can’t explode in our place of work when something goes wrong because “leaders never do that.” Since we think that people look up to us for direction, we wrongly assume that they are looking at us all the time. The pressure we

BUSINESS COACH

DAVE FULLER

put on ourselves to always get it right and be perfect can be enormous.

Right now, more than any time in the past couple of decades, trying to get it perfect is a big mistake. The changes in the economy, the increased safety demands of government, employees and customers, fluctuating revenues, lack of profitability, and moving targets has amplified the pressure that leaders are facing. Just when we think we can relax a wave of something else hits us. We need to focus on good enough.

What does it mean to be good enough? Good enough doesn’t mean that we are sloppy, careless, or inconsiderate. Good enough means that we accept that we are gong to make mistakes, that we might not get rich quick, that we might not get every detail right but we did our best given the time and resources we have at hand at the

time. Good enough means doing our best and being satisfied with that effort. Leadership and business ownership are not brain surgery, rocket science, or structural engineering where good enough might not cut it. However, when we are dealing with people and products, wording and websites, catering or cleaning, perfect is something that never happens. We have to accept the fact that it’s okay to be good enough and not perfect, and get on with things. We need to be vulnerable with those around us and ask for help despite the risk of losing our self-imposed image of the great savior of our organization.

In my job as a business coach, I sometimes deal with people who have anxiety about getting it perfect. They won’t make a phone call to a prospective client, or accept an advertisement, an employee or a new system until they get it exactly right. I get it, of course. They want to make sure that they don’t make a mistake and look like a fool. However, the current environment demands we make decisions and move forward and risk looking like a fool once and a while.

Dale Carnegie once said “Inaction breeds

Did Covid rules kill his son?

Afriend’s father-in-law posted this on his Facebook page on Aug. 16 It is a desperately sad but remarkably restrained post calling for more consideration of the unintended consequences of Covid rules. I share my column space with him, for his call to action.

“My 19-year-old son Aaron died early in the morning on August 15, 2020. He was such an amazing young man always wanting to play tricks and do mischief. A hard worker. Sometimes he could say the wrongs things and be annoying while he would have that smirk of a grin on his face. He loved to meet new people and wasn’t afraid to be anyone’s friend.

In December 2019 Aaron was in a major car accident where he was t-boned on the highway. The force of the accident throwing his body sideways jostled his heart so badly that it weakened his aorta. They had to insert a stent to strengthen the walls of his aorta. Aaron recovered miraculously

LETTER TO THE EDITOR False admiration

THINKING ALOUD

TRUDY KLASSEN

from brain damage and a broken pelvis to almost a full recovery. He was certainly a different person, but he was fully active and fully functional. He went through everything from the ICU to rehab and the Saskatchewan health care system was incredible and gave Aaron the best care. Everyone gave 110%. We are so grateful to them.

As ongoing care Aaron was to have continual checkups on the stent in his aorta and so he was scheduled for a CT scan in June 2020. But that was cancelled in Yorkton, SK due to Covid regulations. He was told it would be rescheduled. July went by and then into August and no word of rescheduling.

On August 13th Aaron went for a morn-

In response to Gerry Chidiac’s Aug. 17 column.

If millionaire privileged basketball players were to be such amazing advocates in a time of crisis as the author paints them to be, it would be amazing to see

ing run and collapsed on the sidewalk. He was holding his head and throwing up and he couldn’t feel or move his legs. It turns out there was a blood clot forming at the stent in his aorta and as he went for a jog the clot exploded showering through his lower body clogging the blood vessels supplying his organs and muscles with oxygen. He survived for 45 more hours as the incredible health care staff tried to save him. They did their best but the damage was too much.

This blood clot had been forming for some time. This stent is the size of a small garden hose and so much blood is constantly flowing through it. The surgeons said that it was closed to the size of a small hole the size of the tip of an ink pen.

If Aaron had gone to that CT scan in June or even if it was rescheduled in July than they may have seen something developing in his aorta and been able to deal with it. The result would be my son still walking amongst us.

Instead out of the fear and panic of

the phrase “Free Hong Kong” Or “Free the Uyghurs” as well as “Respectez Beso” proudly displayed on their uniforms. When that day comes, then I would take the time to recognize the character

doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”

When we focus on being perfect or trying to get it perfect, we become saddled with inaction because we know we aren’t perfect and we can’t make things perfect. Taking those first small steps towards our goals, even if they aren’t perfect, permit us to overcome the paralysis of indecision. No one knows what the next few months or years hold or even if we are going to make the right decision about the challenges or opportunities that are facing us in our roles. However, one thing for certain is that time will continue to keep ticking until it doesn’t, and if we want to reduce our stress levels we need to allow ourselves to move away from the idea that we have to be perfect and settle on the fact that when we give our best effort that are good enough.

- Dave Fuller, MBA is an award-winning business coach and a good enough author, father, and husband. It’s perfectly OK to email your comments to dave@pivotleader. com

COVID, rules were made that cancelled a simple procedure that would have saved my son’s life. This procedure was to be done in Yorkton, SK and was cancelled due to COVID, but there are zero COVID cases in the hospital in Yorkton. It appears to me that now in the Yorkton area we have a COVID related death, my son Aaron Ogden. In fear, bad rules have been set up and procedures that may save lives are not being done out of fear of spreading COVID. While trying to save lives they have killed others. This is unacceptable. I’m calling on those who make these rules to answer for this. Let’s not kill more people because of fear. This also does not have to be a trade off of one danger for another. These procedures, like a CT scan can be done safely with all COVID screening in place. I think something needs to be changed. Thank you for reading this and please share this so that we don’t have to have any more senseless deaths.”

By Mark Ogden, shared with permission. Posted publicly on Facebook.

of these great athletes and follow their leadership. Until then, not at all.

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The kids are right: mud is cool

“Mud, mud, glorious mud. Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood.

So follow me, follow. Down to the hollow. And there let us wallow in glorious mud!”

So sang Flanders and Swan in their hilarious Hippopotamus Song. If you haven’t heard it before, it is available on the Internet. And it perhaps requires a peculiar sense of humour. After all, who would write song about the glories of mud?

One answer would be geochemists. Mud is one of the more ubiquitous substances in our environment and it has the power to both tells us about historical landscapes and reshape the land we are living in right now.

In its simplest form, anyone can make mud. All it takes is water and soil or dirt. The proportions depend upon how sloppy, gloppy, or oozy you want the final product to be. When making mud pies, you might want a little more soil. When trying to wash away sedimentary build up, something a lot looser is more appropriate. Mud is not quite a solid nor really a liquid although it can behave as both. Its non-Newtonian properties can lead to being quite solid when struck hard or abruptly but mud will also gently flow if given time. As a consequence, a mudflow can both flatten a building and creep into every crack of a structure. It can stick to shoes or equipment with a tenacity belying its simplicity.

Mud isn’t just found on the kitchen floor or backyard. It comprises a large component of our environment, being found

This is a Moeraki boulder emerging from a mudstone bank. The boulder is a concretion formed in wet sediment, which eventually becomes mudstone.

on the bottom of lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans and it forms massive floodplains, river deltas, and tidal flats. These are often sources of nutrient rich soil such as found in the communities at the mouth of the Fraser. Richmond is built on a delta composed of some of the best mud-based farmland in the province.

Mud also stores vast quantities of carbon, sequestered against future generations. Coastal flood plains are home to vibrant communities of flora and fauna, and more recently people. This can sometimes lead to conflict. Mud can be a killer with mudslides burying thousands of people each year.

Earth has been a muddy planet for well over four billion years since water first condensed on the surface and began to flow into ocean basins. How mud forms

and moves has changed a lot over time. The arrival of land plants had a serious impact on geochemistry. The plants broke down rock into finer and finer particles which actually slowed the progress of water over the surface and stabilized sediments. Thick layers of mud developed in valley bottoms.

As the landscape changed and tectonic shifts resulted in the development of mountains, erosion patterns resulted in sea floors blanketed hundreds of meters thick in mud. Over time, many mud deposits hardened into mudrock, the abundant rock in the geologic record and accounting for roughly half of all sedimentary formations.

For the past 5,000 years or so, humans have been a dominant force with respect to mud. As our ancestors cleared land for farming and planted crops, erosion rates

Critical thinkers disarm narcissists

If we look honestly at the media much of the world consumes, we should not be surprised that we are living in a time of crisis. One of the goals of education is to develop the capacity for critical thinking in our young people. This does not mean that we condemn anyone else, but it does mean that we learn to look at people and society from an informed and objective perspective.

I recently finished reading The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, a compilation of essays by experts in mental health, edited by forensic psychologist Bandy X. Lee. There was much discussion as to whether or not Trump is a narcissist, the difference between diagnosing a patient and observing a public figure, and the ethics of discussing a person’s mental health. Ultimately, Lee and the other professionals felt the need to speak out on this issue, not because they wanted to demonize Trump or his apparent condition, but because he literally holds his hand over the button which determines whether or

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

not life on Earth continues, and his words and behaviour are consistent with those of a person who is prone to compulsive and uniformed decisions.

It is interesting to note that Trump’s own niece Mary Trump, who is also a psychologist, recently published Too Much and Never Enough for much the same reason. She sees her uncle as a very dangerous man and is concerned that our planet will not survive another four years of his presidency.

We need to remember, however, that Trump’s rise to his current position is not simply an American phenomenon. Before he was a politician, he was a global media star. People all over the world tuned in to the Apprentice every week. We followed the soap opera of his marriages, watched him on talk shows and read his books.

shot up. Rainwater washes away some of the top soil with each season. This sediment filled rivers and valleys, sometimes beyond recognition. In many locations along the eastern seaboard of North America, the natural course of river beds lies buried beneath metres and metres of legacy sediment from upstream activities. Add to this the building of dams and dikes, which trap sediment behind them and prevent its natural flow to river deltas and flood plains, and it is clear we are having a major impact. Further, industrial processes, such as the Mount Polley mine, have massive catchment ponds for their tailings which often end up collecting toxic compounds. Unfortunately, these can sometimes fail with tragic results.

Despite its ubiquity in our environment and its profound impact on the development of civilization which began in the rich, fertile sedimentary basins of the Tigris, Euphrate, Nile, Yellow, and Ganges Rivers, there is much we don’t know about mud.

For example, a very recent article in Science details the bizarre electrochemistry employed by some organisms inhabiting mud. Bacteria can link cells in a manner to form nano-wires up to 5 centimetres long, which are capable of carrying enough current to detoxify soil by removing hydrogen sulphide. They steal electrons from one molecule (such as hydrogen sulphide) and donate them to another molecule (such as oxygen) thereby generating enough power to run their metabolism. Essentially, the mud is electrified and the whole system is an electrochemically-based biosphere. A unique approach to life.

Mud is more than just mud. And it is truly glorious. We might get mad when the kids bring it into the house on the soils of their shoes but it has been shaping our lives for a very long time.

The issue, perhaps, is that we have not understood the difference between assertiveness and aggression, nor have we comprehended that healthy competition is not the same thing as winning at all costs. Trump has in many ways done us a favour, forcing us to take a step back from our hyper-competitive consumer world as we head toward a cliff driving 100 km/h.

In other words, by mindfully processing the works of mental health professionals, we can see that we, and the mainstream media which we mindlessly consume, are part of the problem. The Apprentice is not the only reality program which rewards deception, dishonesty, manipulation and lack of accountability. Do we really believe that emulating these strategies will lead to our achievement of peace, happiness and meaning in life?

The issue with uncritical consumption of media also goes much further than reality television. In a recent YouTube video, psychiatrist and narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula discusses the dangerous relationship myths fostered by fairy tales. Can we really change a self-centred

monster into a kind and handsome prince with our love, and then live happily ever after? Durvasula states, “The reality is … antagonistic, high conflict, rageful personality styles are not particularly amenable to change, and most of the people around them … go on to experience pretty significant anxiety and self-doubt from being around them.”

Clearly, we need to make better decisions in all aspects of our lives. To do so we need to think critically and to think critically we need good information. We are very fortunate to have mental health professionals who risk criticism by offering us useful information with regard to danger signs in human behaviour. We then need to take that information and apply it to ourselves so that we can be at our best. Finally, we need to apply what we know and understand to the world around us, question what we feel needs to be questioned, challenge what needs to be challenged, and make our lives and our world the best that they can be.

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Aging Strength Active Aging Essentials Group Meditation

BEETLE OUTBREAK POSES CHALLENGES

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Citizen staff

Industry and government are working with other partners to harvest the growing number of trees killed in the current spruce beetle outbreak.

With more than 250,000 hectares in the Prince George district already damaged by the largest spruce beetle outbreak in more than 30 years, the clock is already ticking to harvest the dead trees while they still have commercial value.

There is a seven-year look ahead plan that is key to battling the spruce beetle devastation.

“The key to this thing is the area licensees, including Conifex, Canfor, Sinclar Group Forest Products, BC Timber Sales, Carrier Lumber, they are going to harvest, they are going to address where that beetle is and what they can get at, “ John Pousette, director for the Provincial Bark Beetle Response who was appointed to coordinate response efforts across the province, said.

Every year plans are updated after an evaluation to consider the latest in monitoring.

As far as controlling the spruce beetle infestation, the government is relying on harvesting while taking extra care to keep the unaffected portion of the forest intact.

In today’s market, spruce beetle killed timber has a fiveyear shelf life but longer if the wood is used as fibre for pulp or bioenergy.

CNC was part of a multi-partner milling study that was done recently to see the grade and product value when processing spruce beetle killed timber and the results showed a reduction on lumber end-product value.

Stumpage rates will be significantly lower now to reflect the downgrade of spruce beetle killed wood and to encourage salvage.

Despite the lower stumpage fees, certain forest licensees have suggested some stands that were attacked by the

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spruce beetle early on are not profitable in the current market.

BC Timber Sales has seen several “no bids” on spruce beetle impacted wood in the Mackenzie area.

The Land Based Investment Strategy (LBIS) has spent about $1 million per year over the past five years in the Omineca Region on flights to identify impacted areas and surveys to identify priority operational areas, as well as wood decay research and public engagement.

“Because the mountain pine beetle was here and our mid-term timber supply (11-50 years) was reduced because of that our main goal is to maintain a mid-term timber supply as high as possible and that means we want licensees to focus their harvest on dead and dying trees,” Pousette said.

“We don’t want them to focus on green trees. If there are dead trees out there to harvest, that’s where we want them to cut because every green tree they harvest is a tree that could be harvested later on.”

When possible, the expectation is that trees containing live beetles be removed selectively from any stand before spreading to unaffected areas.

The most severely impacted stands will be of the highest priority for planning and harvesting and stands will be harvested in order of descending priority.

Stands with less than 50 per cent dead trees without a significant component of susceptible spruce beetle infestation have a low priority for harvest, especially when analysis shows good potential for the reestablishment of these stands to contribute to the future timber supply. Whether to harvest or conserve old growth spruce stands is a difficult decision.

“A lot of old gowth trees are spruce,” Pousette said. “Old spruce is susceptible to spruce beetle and we then have to accept the fact that we may be leaving old dead trees. It gets kind of complicated in terms of values and what

we’re doing out there. Our main objective right now is to maintain the mid term timber supply.”

Right now for example, Pousette said, the maximum allowable cut determination for Mackenzie is 4 million cubic metres and of that only 2 million cubic metres is live and the rest is dead trees being harvested.

Because the Prince George area has been hit hard, Pousette said that if all of the attacked trees were logging over a short time, the logged areas would be quite bare.

Leaving the mature growth in a spruce stand might look bad in the short term but spruce tree stands are not like pine forests.

There is significant secondary growth in spruce stands. Often, what lies below the tall spruce in a stand is a diverse blend trees of all ages and species that include balsam, pine, fir, hemlock and spruce.

Sometimes leaving the dead trees in a stand to be over taken by the younger spruce growing underneath is the best choice.

“So we have to be careful what we choose - what we leave and what we don’t,” Pousette said.

PUZZLE NO.781

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers1 through 9only once. Each3x3 box is outlined with adarker line. You already have afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeatthe numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box

PUZZLE NO. 49

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

CL ASSIF IEDS

May 22, 1937 - August 15, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dietrich on August 15, 2020. He died peacefully at home of stage four Parkinson’s Syndrome. Dietrich is survived by his wife Jeanette, his former wife Linda and their two sons Arndt-Torben (Michele) and Andreas Karsten, his grandchildren Kevin, Kayla, Andrew, and Ayn, his great grandchildren Henry, Charlotte, and C-Jay, his nephew Mark (Stacey) and their daughters Sydney and Ava. He will be missed by his mother-in-law Esther Lunn, his brother-in-law Russell (Margot), and nieces and nephew Hope, Brittni, Demi, Rowann, and Keegan.

Dietrich was born in the Free City of Danzig (now Gdansk, Poland) to parents Elizabeth Charlotte (Penner) Elias and Paul Elias and was the older brother to sister Marlis and brother Berndt . He was a child of WWII on the Eastern Front. His family was forced to flee to western Germany during the Russian advance. After many trials, the Elias family was sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee and came to Canada. They settled in Yarrow, B.C. near Chilliwack. Dietrich learned English and completed his secondary education while he also supported his family through jobs including work at the Ocean Falls Pulp Mill, as a night watchman for the CNR, and as a sleeping car porter for the CPR. Education was Dietrich’s calling. Dietrich earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC and a master’s degree at the University of Oregon. He and his young family settled in Prince George. Dietrich started his teaching career at Duchess Park Secondary School. One cold January day he marched with a large teaching staff to the newly opened Prince George Secondary School where he became one of the first generation of PGSS teachers. He taught World History, Social Studies, and German for thirty-three years. Dietrich founded the Reach for the Top programme at the school and was proud to compete with and win against Saint George’s School in Vancouver . While teaching, Dietrich founded the CanadaChina Friendship Association and led tours to China in the late seventies and eighties. He was the vice-president of the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society for many years and was active in the Rheingold Club. He was an active traveller and loved to explore where others feared to tread! While pursuing the above activities, he took up beekeeping and eventually established Elias Honey Ltd., a successful family endeavour. The honey business kept him busy well into his retirement from teaching. In his later years Dietrich battled various health issues including open heart surgery and Parkinson’s. Even when his health was failing, he pushed himself to exercise and visit with family. Dietrich’s gentle manner and sly wit will be greatly missed by his former students, colleagues and friends, and especially by his wife Jeanette and his loving family. Dietrich was fond of jokingly saying: “No pig ever gets to be that old!”. Well dearest Dietrich, you had an incredibly full and blessed life!

We thank Dr. Rachel McGhee and the whole palliative care team most sincer ely for their compassion and quiet, good-natured professionalism . We are also grateful to the Red Cross for their loan of the hospital bed. They are angels in disguise. We cannot thank them enough for their care.

Because of Covid19 no church service or memorial will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Mennonite Central Committee, the Canadian Red Cross, or the Parkinson’s Society of British Columbia . “Good night, sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” (Shakespeare)

November 30, 1935August 16, 2020

Allan sadly passed away on August 16th, 2020 at the age of 84 years. He will be remembered by his admiration of woodworking and his love of trains. Left behind his wife Jeannette, children Todd (Katya) and Christine (John), 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and sister Dorothy. He is predeceased by his parents, daughter Katharine Gordon Tran, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Allan will be sadly missed by those who loved him.

Special thanks to the staff of Jubilee Lodge, there is no service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Obituaries

Dietrich Elias

Allan Wilbur Gordon

ROSA FORNARI

February 24th, 1928 Ponte Dell’Olio Italy

August 14th, 2020 Prince George, B.C.

Together with Rino again

No service by request

Paulette Diane McCabe (nee Ashdown)

May 30, 1943April 10, 2020

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce moms passing. No service will take place and a memorial bench has been put in Cottonwood Park in her honor.

Survived by her husband Ron, her son Kelly (Marlie), her daughters Corina (Mike), Rhonda, 7 grandchildren (Vanessa, Aaron, Aleisha, Brandon, Kyle, Haeden, Toren), 2 great grandchildren (Emily, Talon), 2 brothers (Jim, Mark), 2 sisters (Merrilee, Lynnie), nieces, nephews, and family.

Paulette grew up in Langley where she met her husband of 56 years and settled in Prince George. She was a nurse at PGRH for 20+ years, enjoyed sewing, crocheting, craft fairs, the Canucks and spending time with friends playing cards winning the jackpot. A loving wife, wonderful mother, grandmother, friend who will be missed dearly.

Roy Walter Augaitis

May 3, 1954August 14, 2020

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Roy Walter Augaitis on August 14, 2020 at the age of 66 after a brief battle with cancer. Roy was predeceased by his parents Walter and Helena Augaitis. Survived by his loving wife Deborah. Sister Norma (Henry), brothers Vern, Dennis (Brenda), Don (Sandy), mother-in-law Georgina Schwab, brother and sister-in-laws Dennis (Lesley), Kelly (Evan), Carol (Larry), Danny (Janet), Sandra and Todd and many nieces and nephews.

A very special thank you to Dr. Tammy Attia, his many home care nurses and the staff at Prince George Hospice.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Prince George Hospice Society.

“The world changes year to year, lives change day to day but the love and memory of you shall never pass away”

GERALD LAWRENCE BATES

GERALD LAWRENCE BATES, passed away after a short illness on August 18th, 2020 at the age of 84-years. He is survived by his loving wife, Jewel: daughter Wendy (Leonard), son Steve (Lynn) and grandchildren; Kelsey Ronan (Geoff), Landon Legault (Tara), Cole Legault (Erica), Kara Bates (Del), Jordyn Bates (Matt), great grandchildren; Myles, Noah and Henry Ronan, Adley and Lawson Legault; Madison and Nora Legault. Gerald was predeceased by his mother and father, five brothers and one sister. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, deeply missed by all and last of his generation. No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice House.

Thank you to all his doctors and nurses who made his final days more comfortable and to all the exceptional family and friends that have and are making this difficult time more bearable.

We LOVE YOU GBop

Ruth Ann Nylander

Aug 3, 1955- July 29, 2020 “Ruthie”

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ruth Ann Nylander on July 29, 2020 at 64 years of age.

Ruthie was born in St Thomas, Ontario on Aug 3, 1955. At the age of 6 she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, while living in Calgary Alberta.

Her family moved to Northern BC where she spent her childhood and teen years. Later she moved to Mackenzie, BC where she had her two children and remained there until her health issues brought her to Prince George, BC.

Ruth was a Volunteer to many organizations throughout her life and it made her feel good to give back to her community. She will never know the countless lives she touched over her years of service. You will truly be missed by many.

Ruthie leaves behind to grieve, her son: Jodie Nylander, grandchildren: Levi, Jasmine and Kayleb, daughter: Michelle Nylander, grandchildren: Raechel (Theodore), Keith (Lena), and Liam, great grandchildren: Zane, Odin, Ares and Lucas, sisters: Mardell Warwaruk ( Andy), Janice Sissau, Darlene Sissau (Chad), brother: Quentin Collins, many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Predeceased by:

Mother: Madeline Collins

Father: John Alberta “Jack” Cowell

Step-Mother: Pat Cowell

Brother: John Alberta Cowell

Sister: Vicky

A Memorial will be planned for late September 2020

JOHNSTON, Dorothy Alice (Nee:Warkentin)

March 1, 1937August 5, 2020

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our mother Dorothy Alice Johnston, of Prince George, BC on August 5, 2020, at the age of 83 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Cheryl (Robert), John (Maureen), Vicki (David), and Scott (Makiko); grandchildren: Connor, Rachel, Rebecca, Morgan, Erin (Ryan), Nathan (Candice), Zachary, Maya, Mona and Tori; great grandchild: Aubrey; brother, Alfred (Mary Lou) Warkentin and sister, Phyllis (Hank) Peters; as well as many relatives and friends.

She will also be dearly missed by her close friends Kathy Lee and Mavis Downie, and her friends at the Auxiliary to University Hospital of Northern BC.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 49 years, John (Ted) Johnston; sisters, Florence Nickel, Carolyn Brigden, Edna Siemens, Eleanor O’Donnell; brother, Elmer Warkentin; and her parents, Maria and Abraham Warkentin.

Dorothy was born in Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, 6th of eight children to Maria and Abraham Warkentin.

The family moved to Abbotsford, BC in 1944 where many fond memories of the family farm were made. After Dorothy graduated from high school she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and worked clerical assignments across Canada. She loved jiving in her younger days, who knew! After her term with the RCAF, Dorothy moved to Prince George, BC, met her husband Ted, and the rest is history. Dorothy led a quiet life focused on her family, and worked as a court recorder/stenographer for many years. One of Dorothy’s guilty pleasures was Bingo! Dorothy lived for a time in Field, BC where Yoho National Park left an indelible mark on her soul - “the most beautiful place she had ever seen”. In 2019, Dorothy took a bucket list trip to Newfoundland with her son Scott as guide and caregiver.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with due consideration for Covid-19 safety measures.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to the:

Prince George Hospice Society, http://www.hospiceprincegeorge.ca/donate/give-today/

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Prince George Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion during Dorothy’s stay. Truly, the dedication of the staff and the facility itself are beyond words.

VOTING OPEN AUGUST20-SEPTEMBER 13, 2020

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Bedroom/Bedding

Lots & Acreages for

after removal of gravel (est 700,000 yards). Priced to sell. Interested parties reply to Box 441, Station A Prince George (250) 564-8791

Recreational Property

1000sq m building lot, #L72NCorintoPearleco-development Honduras. Contact Recap Investments, Toronto 1-888-212-8584 for more info and owner 250-5634999 $35,000 Canadian 11.26 acres manicured sub-lakeshore at Cluculz Lake, finest location by owner Only $399,000 end of Meier Rd. 604-908-0313

Apartments/Condos for Rent

1 & 2 bedroom, newly renovated near Pine Centre, inc heat & water, (604-540-8238 ext 303) hmrempel@gmail.com Riverbend, beautiful 2 bdrm on 4th floor. Senior 55+. Available now. $1950/mth 250-971-2211 or 250-565-7877

Cabins

Compost toilet for 2 - brand new never used $1200.00 obo (250-967-4215)

Duplexes for Rent

705 Ahbau St- 3 bdrm, fridge,stove. Newly reno’d. $1350/month + util. Ref required. (250)614-6667 or (250)568-2338 705 Ahbau St. 3bdrm, fridge, stove, washer, dryer, fenced back yard. $1500/month + utilities (250614-6667) or (250-568-2338)

Furnished Apartments

BACHELOR & 1 bdrm units, weekly rates, apply in person 867 17th Ave.

Lot #11 near intersection of Catherine Drive and Harold Drive In Miworth

330’ wide and 550’ deep

Existing shared water well on site.

in real-time. Communicate with us online with ease.

R0011828120

CENTRAL INTERIOR FIBER SUPPLY LTD

2x30.0

Woodlot Licence Plan

Woodlot Licence #262

R0011829531

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to section 17 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, that a woodlot licence plan has been prepared for Woodlot #262 held by Nechako River Holdings Ltd. This License is located west of Prince George along the Nechako river. If approved by the Ministry of Forests and Range District Manager, this plan may apply for a term of 10 years from the date of approval The woodlot licence plan is available for public review and comment by contacting the office of Aspen Ridge Consulting Ltd., during regular business hours between August 20th and September 20th 2020. Any written comments on the plan should be mailed to:

3161 Vista Ridge Dr Prince George B.C., V2N 5G8. Please phone (250) 613-2992 to book an appointment with Lee A. Foster RPF to view or discuss the plan.

PG16 / 225363

www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

The Bailiff offers for sale by tender bid, interest in the following goods of the Judgement Debtor(s): U and Me Restaurant Ltd. and Yu Hui, pursuant to The Rent Distress Act a Warrant to Seize was issued for the following goods and chattels:

Dining Room Chairs, Tables, Benches, Cutlery, Plates, Bowls, Cups, Industrial Kitchen Stove, Deep Fryer, Dishwasher, Stainless Steel Tables, Cooking Pots, Cooking Bowls Item(s) can be viewed at our 2706 Jasper St. & Ottawa St and 3rd Ave compound(s) in Prince George. Go to www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca to view photographs. 15th September, 2020. Highest or any other bid not necessarily accepted. Bidders are solely responsible for determining the make, model, year of manufacture, condition, quantities, sets and or usefulness of all items for tender. All items are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no warranty given or implied. As vehicles have not been inspected, we are declaring that they may not be suitable for transportation and may not be compliant with the motor vehicle act. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Terms of sale: Immediate payment in full by bank draft or cash only upon acceptance of successful bid. Call (250) 564-4900 for details.

North Central Bailiffs Ltd.

Prince George Branch

Bailiff Division

Brandon Jacobsen / Bailiff

Be Precise With Shed Floor &Walls

Don’t be tempted to get sloppy when you squareup the floor and walls of your shed. An out-of-squarestart will haunt you through the rest of the project, from doors and windows to trim and roofing. Foraconcrete slab,measure diagonally across the opposite corners of the form boards. Then adjust the forms until the diagonal measurements areequal. Do the same for awood platform floor.If you’reinstalling sheet siding on the walls, beforeyou stand them up,measure diagonally and squareupthe wall beforeyou nail on the siding.

Build Shed Roof Trusses

Whether you build your own trusses or order them from the lumberyard, building aroof with trusses is much easier than framing aroof one rafter at atime. As ageneral rule when learning how to build ashed roof, you’ll need one truss every 2ft. If you build your own, the cost will be about half this amount. Connect the framing for site-built trusses with plywood gussets gluedand screwed to the joints.

5 renovations that are better to do in the fall

Thanks to its typically temperate weather, fall is the ideal time to complete a number of renovations. Here are some types of projects that are best to undertake in autumn.

1. Update the siding. Nothing boosts your home’s curb appeal like a fresh coat of paint or brand new siding.

2. Repave the driveway. A freshly paved driveway will stand up to the harsh winter weather that’s approaching.

3. Repair or replace the roof. Your roof protects your home against rain, snow and wind. If yours is due for a renovation, fall is the best season to complete the task.

4. Change the windows and doors. Much like your roof, your

windows and doors play a big role in keeping your home comfortable and dry.

5. Remodel the kitchen. If you schedule it right, you could complete your kitchen renovation in time to do your holiday baking in the updated space.

Most of these projects will increase your home’s value. They’ll also protect your home from the elements and, in some cases, help to lower your monthly energy bills.

How to remove old wallpaper

Removing wallpaper is a home improvement project that seems challenging. However, with the right tools and a little know-how, it’s a task that almost anybody can complete. Here’s everything you need to know about removing old wallpaper using either water, solvents or steam.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

No matter which method you use to remove your wallpaper, you’ll need a few tools. These include:

•A wallpaper scorer to perforate the paper and allow the solvent, water or steam through.

•A scraper to separate the wallpaper from the wall.

•A spray bottle to apply solvents and water.

•A steamer, which can be rented or purchased. You can also use a clothes steamer.

HOW TO DO IT

Gather your supplies and get to work. You’ll need to do the following:

•Prep the area. Cover anything you don’t want damaged by moisture, like your floors, baseboards, light fixtures and plugs.

•Peel off the facing. If the wallpaper is coated in vinyl or plastic, start by peeling it off, if possible.

•Perforate the wallpaper. Using your wallpaper scorer, make holes all over

the surface of the paper. If you’re using a commercial solvent (wallpaper stripper) or water, do this next:

•Moisten a section. Spray the surface liberally with the liquid. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

•Scrape the wallpaper. Using your scraper, carefully separate the wallpaper from the wall.

If you’re using a steamer, you’ll need to do this:

•Turn on the machine. Wait for the water to boil.

•Apply the steam. Start with a corner close to the ceiling.

•Peel off the wallpaper. As you apply the steam, use your other hand to pull the paper away from the wall. No matter what method you use, you’re bound to be left with a few stubborn patches that won’t come off. Using solvent, scrub any remaining bits of glue or backing from the wall. Once it’s dry, prepare it for a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper.

What to consider when shopping for a new washing machine

Are you thinking about updating your laundry room? Before you start shopping for a washing machine, it’s best to evaluate your needs and options. Here are some considerations.

YOUR LAUNDRY HABITS

A large family will use their washer more often than someone who lives alone. If you do a lot of laundry every week, choose a machine with a big drum that can accommodate larger loads.

THE FEATURES AVAILABLE

These days, washers often come with features like integrated sinks and WiFi connectivity, among others. Do you prefer a simple top-loading model or a front-loading one with all the bells and whistles? Keep in mind that the more feature-laden models come with higher price tags.

THE SIZE YOU NEED

If you live in a home with a large laundry room, you may not have to worry about the size of your machine. However,

apartment dwellers and those with just a small nook for their laundry area should carefully think about size. No matter what washing machine you choose, opt for one with an Energy Star rating. This guarantees that your new washer will use less electricity and water than their non-certified counterparts.

Fall cleaning checklist

Are you ready to winterize your home?

Then here’s a room-by-room checklist of the fall cleaning you’ll want to do this season.

BEDROOMS

•Clean out all drawers

•Get rid of clothes that don’t fit or you don’t wear anymore

•Clean and put away summer clothes and prepare your winter wardrobe

•Wash duvets, comforters and pillows

•Vacuum and flip the mattress

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM

•Clean and organize all cabinets

•Wash the shower curtain and liner

•Check the caulking around the sink, tub and shower reapply if necessary

•Scrub the grout between tiles

•Clean all appliances

•Seal and polish natural stone countertops

THE WHOLE HOUSE

•Hire a carpet cleaner or steam clean the rugs and carpets yourself

•Spot clean furniture upholstery

•Wash all windows and windowsills

•Clear cobwebs from ceilings and walls

•Clean baseboards

•Disinfect light switches and doorknobs

It may seem like a lot of work, but by tackling one room at a time over the course of a few weekends, your fall cleaning will feel manageable.

denisedykes@royallepage.ca

madisonporsnuk@royallepage.ca

dporsnuk@royallepage.ca

offers a

money

To get the look, remove the doors, fill in any imperfections and paint the interiors of the cabinets. Choose a colour that contrasts the rest of the kitchen or the dishware you plan to store inside. Bright jewel tones, pale pastels or dark hues can all provide visual impact. If you’d like to make even more of a statement, use wallpaper instead.

Keep in mind that daily cooking can cause grease and dirt to accumulate in the kitchen faster than in any other room in your house. If you take the doors off your cabinets, only store items you use regularly to make sure everything stays clean.

8223 St.John $465,000 MLS R2482805

No attention to detail spared in this immaculate home with aheatedgarage just15mins from town. This 5bedroom 3bathroom cabinet maker built home boasts elaboratesolid oak trim work, customcabinetry and corian throughout. Gourmet 16x20 kitchen has 36” gas range,convection microwave, wine fridge and amazing 9x4 island. Mastersuiteincludes an impressive9x11 wic, ensuitewith 2person steam showerand makeup desk. Gorgeous laundry and spacious bonus room compliment the topfloor with agym and 10x11 coat closet/ storage off the front entry.2bedroom suite has privatelaundry,acovereddeck and tons of storage.Liveyour dream!

This 4bedroom, 3bathroom home on a1/4 acrelot is avery desirable home Lots of updatesdone.2inch styrofoam wrapped around the whole home and then newsiding installed. All new windows and doors. Newfurnacein 2017,new hot watertank 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

This exceptional house in the desirable Woodlands subdivision is astunner.With 2 beds upstairs and awalk-in closet in masterand spa-likeensuite. 2entries through the garage one intothe laundry and one intothe entryway makethis an ease to bring in groceries. The customkitchen boasts high glosscontemporary whitecabinets and quartz counters with agas stove and anicegreyisland. Thefully Finished 2bedroom basement with large living

Nothing left to do but move in and enjoy!

What you need to know about geothermal heating and cooling systems

No matter how much the weather might fluctuate on the earth’s surface, if you go deep enough underground, the temperature stays stable at around 10 °C. Geothermal heating and cooling systems tap into this constant source of heat to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round.

HOW IT WORKS

Geothermal heating and cooling systems use indoor heat pumps combined with a series of pipes buried deep underground to regulate the temperature in your home. A fluid, usually made of water and methanol, continually circulates through the pipes.

When the system is heating, the liquid in the pipes extracts the underground heat and carries it to the heat pump. The pump then compresses the air to the desired temperature and distributes the heat through the home’s ventilation system. During the cooling cycle, the process is reversed and the heat in the air is removed and stored underground.

This type of system requires electricity to run the heat pump, but you can expect heating and cooling costs to go down by 50 to 70 per cent.

INSTALLATION

Installing a geothermal heating and

cooling system involves digging trenches to accommodate the required pipes. These can be buried horizontally or vertically, making this type of system suitable for both rural and urban developments. However, retrofitting an existing house may be costly and difficult as it requires digging into your existing landscaping.

If you’re building a new home or renovating, consider installing a geothermal heating and cooling system. It will provide an eco-friendly way to heat and cool your home, last generations and permanently reduce your energy bills.

This well kept family home in an idyllic neighbourhood has only had twoowners. Alarge masterwith awalk-in closet and ensuitetomatch.The flex room in the basement could easily be made intoa4th bedroom and the bath has all of the hook up forashower.

5 tips to help you choose the perfect armchair

An armchair can be a stylish accent piece or a cosy place to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. If you’re looking for the perfect one, these five tips will help you make your pick.

1. Decide how you’ll use it. Will your armchair merely fill an empty corner in your home? If so, one without arms may be fine. However, if you’re planning on sitting in it often, you may want to prioritize comfort, for instance with a deeper, wider seat.

2. Select a style. Do you prefer a traditional esthetic, or is your taste more cutting edge? Do you want the chair to blend in with the rest of the room, or are you looking for a piece that’ll make a statement? When thinking about style, remember to consider the current design elements in the room.

3. Determine the right size. Take into

account the size of the room and the height and width of the other furniture. Make sure people can easily walk around the chair without feeling cramped.

4. Choose the fabric. Leather and velvet are traditional and luxurious, but people with young children or pets may prefer microfibre or cotton slip covers that can be removed for easy cleaning.

5. Pick a colour. Will you opt for a colour that complements or contrasts the rest of the room? Alternatively, choose a patterned armchair that will make a statement.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect armchair, place it in your home. Accompany the piece with a lamp, a side table and an ottoman or coffee table where you can put your feet up.

Elaine Kienzle

250 96 0-8769

elaine@elainekienzle.com aine@elain Countryatits finest! This well maintained home features: abright, open concept living area with island kit; bay windows;gas FP;huge partly covered deck; spa like hot tub room off the master suite; 3bdrms on the main; daylight basement with in-law suite; OBEfrom the heated garage 22x26. The40x60 heated shop has office/storage areas plus mezzanine. 7.8acres.MLS R2486512 $659,000 Not your ordinarytownhome! This delightful, fully finished unit has alonglist of features which include having it’s own RV parking spot &a private location with views out to Westgate Park. It has an open concept floorplan with a huge kitchen; greatroomover the garage; deck off of the eating area; 4bdrms; 3baths; FP;and laundry on the main. See MLSR2466060 to view the video.

Should you switch to Turkish towels?

Are you looking to update your bathroom accessories? If so, consider investing in Turkish towels. These bath linens have been hand-woven in Turkey for centuries and were once used to dry off after spending time in a hammam, also known as a Turkish bath. Today, more and more people are using them in their own homes and here’s why.

•They’re absorbent. Turkish cotton has longer fibres than other types, and when tightly woven, they absorb a surprising amount of water.

•They’re easy to clean. Wash them in cold water and hang them to dry. Because they’re flat and thin, they dry very quickly. And, the more you use and wash your Turkish towels, the softer they’ll be.

•They’re versatile. Though they’re meant to be used to dry off after a bath, Turkish towels have a number of other possible functions. Use them as throws in the living room, picnic blankets

at the park or as a shawl or scarf if you get cold. They’re also particularly well suited to the beach, thanks to their absorbency and flat weave.

Turkish towels are traditionally coloured with vegetable dyes, lending them their characteristic pastel tones. While they’re usually adorned with stripes, they can in fact be found in an assortment of colours and patterns and you’re sure to find one that suits your style.

How to choose the perfect desk

If you frequently work or study from home, creating the ideal workspace is a must. So what’s the first step? Choosing the right desk, of course! Here’s what you should do before making your pick.

MEASURE THE SPACE YOU HAVE

Some people have a whole room they can use, while others are allotted only a corner. Before heading out to look for desks, calculate the space you have, and don’t forget to factor in room for a chair and other office furniture.

DETERMINE THE WAY IT WILL BE USED

Will you be working primarily on your computer, or do you need space to handle paperwork? Will your desk be kept clear, or do you need it to hold other office equipment like a phone or printer? Select a compact, rounded desk that allows you to reach everything you need without changing positions.

DEDUCE WHAT STORAGE YOU NEED

If you need to keep books, papers and other supplies handy while you work, consider a desk with drawers. Alternatively, filing cabinets and bookshelves can help keep you organized.

PRIORITIZE YOUR COMFORT

Pick a desk that’s the proper height, and if you suffer from back pain, a standing desk might be an ideal option. Things like foot rests, keyboard wrist rests and monitor stands can make your workspace more comfortable.

In addition to these considerations, consider what style elements you want your desk to have. Traditional and stately or contemporary and chic? For a seamless fit, choose a desk that matches the design esthetic in your home.