Prince George Citizen December 10, 2020

PRINCE GEORGE

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN GROWING DURING PANDEMIC

CHRISTINE HINZMANN

Citizen staff

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, a local women’s shelter is feeling the effects, as there is an increase in violence and its severity against women and children in Canada.

A recent national survey conducted by Women’s Shelters Canada saw 52 per cent of 266 participating shelters report seeing clients who were experiencing somewhat

or much more severe violence as public health protocols continue to increase social isolation while job loss causes increased tension in many homes.

In Prince George, the Elizabeth Fry Society has seen numbers ebb and flow in the use of its transition house during the pandemic, Bally Bassi, community, social and justice programs manager of the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society, said.

“We are a 17-bed transition house and

we’ve had to reduce it to six rooms and within that we would also do double bunking and during the pandemic we were unable to do that so our capacity was reduced to six rooms so that means six women and their children or if a mother and adult daughter came in,” Bassi explained. “So looking at what we had in a 17-bed shelter that was decreased somewhat because we could only single bunk people.”

MARK NIELSEN

UNBC refutes dismissal charges

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

UNBC is denying a former employee’s claim that she was wrongfully dismissed because she blew the whistle on alleged improper conduct by upper management.

In a response filed November 19 at the Prince George courthouse, UNBC says Heather Sanford was let go as the university secretary on March 13 to help deal with a $3.5 million budget shortfall at the university UNBC says Sanford’s position was being covered through “soft funding” and because of that, the position was being held on a “term basis” through a series of contracts, the last of which was set to expire at the end of June.

In a statement of claim filed in October, Sanford says had been dismissed because she had “blown the whistle” on how various matters related to the Board of Governors were handled, notably a salary increase for UNBC’s then-president Daniel Weeks and terms of separation for then-vice president of finance Barb Daigle.

“The Plaintiff essentially claims that her employment was terminated because she was critical of how UNBC discharged its administrative and governance functions,” UNBC says.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE/LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE.

Buckhorn Lake Road

WHAT:

CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION

City Council consideration of application:

• Liquor Licence Application No. LL100173

WHEN:

6:00 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2020

WHERE:

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

1. Liquor Licence Application No.LL100173

Applicant: DaniellAben on behalf of Snaring RiverHoldings Ltd., Inc. No. CO782486

Subject Property: 363 George Street

The applicant has applied to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to allow patron participation entertainment and an extension of hoursatThe Firm Lounge and Grill located on the subject property

This application will facilitate the addition of apatron participation endorsement (i.e. standup comedy shows and live music) and extension of hourstoaFood Primary Licence.

The hoursofliquor and food service are proposed to be increased as follows:

• MondaytoSundaybetween the hoursof10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

There are no changes proposed to the existing occupant load.

The Liquor Licence Application applies to the property legally described as Lot 6, Block 134, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268, as shown outlined in bold black on the Location Map #1 below.

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

Location Map#1 363 George Street

HOWCAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?

Residents are invited to provide comment in writing

As aresult of the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council at their meeting held April 6, 2020 passed aresolution to discontinue Informal Hearings for Liquor Licence Applications and other applications where such hearings are note legally required to be held.

Submissions in writing

Residents are encouraged to provide written comments to Council to be included in the Council meeting agenda package and available for public viewing on the City’swebsite.

Forsubmissions to be included on the agenda for Council’sreviewinadvance of the meeting date, theymust be received by the Corporate Officer no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Submissions received after the noted deadline and before 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020,will be provided to Council on the day of the meeting for their consideration during deliberations on the application.

Submissions maybesent by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca, faxed to (250) 561-0183, mailed or delivered to the address noted below

Please note that written submissions for all applications will formpartofthe Council agenda, become public record and are posted on the City’swebsite. By making a written submission you are consenting to the disclosure of anypersonal information that you provide.

Authority

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

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Acopyofthe application and anyrelated documents will be available for reviewbythe public on the City’swebsite www.princegeorge.ca under ‘News and Notices’ beginning December 9, 2020. These documents mayalso be reviewedatthe Development Services office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on December 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 21, 2020, between the hoursof 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

WHO

CAN ISPEAK TO?

Formore information, please contact Development Services in person, by telephone at (250) 561-7611 or by email to devserv@princegeorge.ca.

COVID-19 Resources

The City of Prince George has been in regular conversation with NorthernHealth about the most reliable sources of information on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and any assistance the City can provide residents and visitorswith reliable information about measures that can be taken to prevent the spread and stayhealthy.

People are advised to takeall necessaryprecautions to prevent exposure such as staying home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, washing their hands, and coughing and sneezing into the crook of their arms.

Formore information:

•Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website

•Visit the BC Transit COVID-19 website

•Visit the BC MinistryofHealth webpage on Pandemic Preparedness

•Visit the Government of Canada’swebsite on COVID-19

•Visit the HealthlinkBC website

•Visit the WorldHealth Organization website

•Download the BC MinistryofHealth’sAdvice on Recreational Facilities -March 13, 2020 [PDF]

NorthernHealth COVID-19 Update

NorthernHealth has launched aCOVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line to help answer questions and concerns from NorthernB.C. residents. The NH COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line can be reached at 1-844-645-7811.

PARKADE COST OVERRUN ‘SHOCKING’

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

The members of city council want answers about when and how the roughly $9.85 million in cost overruns on the new underground parkade on George Street and Sixth Avenue were approved.

The city has spent $22.4 million on the parkade project, which had an initial budget of $12.61 million, according to a report to council by city acting deputy manager Ian Wells. Council approved a motion by Coun. Brian Skakun asking for a more detailed breakdown of costs and a timeline of when they were approved.

“We’ve been kept in the dark. How the

hell are we going to do our jobs providing oversight?” Skakun said. “It’s shocking We have literally tens of millions of dollars of overruns. My god, it’s just embarrassing, your worship.”

Coun. Cori Ramsay said she spent the weekend reviewing every report provided to city council about the parkade and the timeline just doesn’t add up.

The city administration was advised in July of 2018 by the developer that the project would cost closer to $20 million.

City administration told the developer to go ahead anyway, Wells wrote in his report.

“In March 2019, we were asked to approve a $12 million project,” Ramsay said.

“That is almost an entire year after the city knew it would cost $20 million. In June of 2020 all of council received the capital project update. There was no mention of the George Street parkade. There was so many times that this could have been communicated to council. We have a transparency problem and we have a communication problem.”

Even if the $7.5 million increase did technically fall within former city manager Kathleen Soltis’ authority to approve at the time, that should have been communicated to council, she said. The changes made by city council to require cost overruns of more than five per cent – or $100,000 – on

a capital project should prevent this from happening again, Ramsay added.

“The person I’d really like to question doesn’t work for the city anymore,” Ramsay said. “This can never happen again. No one person should be approving $7.5 million – that is absurd.”

The number of major capital projects coming in significantly over-budget is alarming, Coun. Terri McConnachie said. It’s time the city conduct a review of all its project management procedures, she said, because something isn’t working.

That review should involve an outside expert, to assess the city’s processes from beginning to end, she said.

City committee calls for two per cent tax hike

City council will be advised to approve a two per cent increase to the property tax levy for 2021, when it meets to deliberate the annual budget in January.

On Monday, the city’s standing committee on finance and audit approved a recommendation calling for the two per cent hike to the tax levy. In a report to the committee, city director of finance Kris Dalio said in order to maintain service levels, the city would need to raise an addition $3.59 million – equivalent to a 3.16 per cent property tax increase.

However, he said, the city received $6.11 million from the provincial government’s Safe Restart Grant program that can be used to cover some or all of that amount for the year

“The intent (of the Safe Restart Grant) is literally for the offset of COVID impacts,” Dalio said. “It’s a one-time funding source. The exercise is to use that Safe Restart funding until we get back to normal.”

The proposal put forward in a motion by Mayor Lyn Hall, and subsequently amended by Coun. Cori Ramsay, would use $1.33 million of the grant money in 2021 to reduce the tax levy increase to two per

cent, leaving $4.78 million for future use.

Ramsay said the committee could recommend using the grant to cover the full $3.59 million, resulting in no tax levy increase in 2021, but that would only leave $2.52 million to help cover further costs and lost city revenue in 2022.

“I don’t want the taxpayers to be hit with a five per cent tax increase in 2022,” Ramsay said.

In July, the city was predicting it would face a $6.4 million shortfall in 2021, equivalent to a 5.63 per cent tax increase.

In his report to the committee, Dalio said the restructuring at city hall resulted

in the reduction of eight exempt and four unionized positions – in addition 44 staff who work at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, Elksentre and Four Seasons Leisure Pool are laid off while those facilities are closed.

Dalio said his financial projections assume those three facilities will remain closed throughout 2021.

“The exempt and management staff have committed to zero per cent increases over the next two years,” Dalio added

The Prince George Public Library also committed to zero per cent budget increases until 2023, Dalio said.

Nicole Elizabeth LouiseAlec, this is your official notice that the originalcourt date on December 9, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at Vancouver Family Court at 800 Robson Street, Vancouver,B.C.,has been adjourned to December 23, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. where the Director of Child, Family and Community Services willmake an applicationfor an extension of theTemporary Custody Order to Other,pursuant to section 44(3)(b) of the Child, Family and Community Services Act in connection with your child, D.A., born February 20, 2020. Please contact the social worker,Declan Harrison, at 778 572-5195orthe Robson Square Court Registry at 604 660-8989 for further details on how to participate at the court hearing.

Youhave the right to be presentand be represented by legal counsel. Nicole Elizabeth LouiseAlec, or anyone knowing her whereabouts, please contact Declan Harrison, social worker,atMinistry of Children and Family Development, 212-3665Kingsway,Vancouver, B.C. or by telephone at 778 572-5195. Collect call accepted.

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Citizen staff

AIR AMBULANCE HELICOPTER TAKES FLIGHT

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new air ambulance helicopter is now at the Prince George Airport.

The craft quickly proved its worth when last Sunday, a day before the service’s “official launch,” it was flown to Terrace to pick up a patient. What would have been a 6 1/2-hour trip by ground took a “signifi-

Correction Notice

cantly faster” two hours by air, according to B.C. Emergency Health Services. It complements two fixed-wing aircraft, also stationed at the airport, and will usually be used for shorter flights of less than 240 kilometres that make up about 30 per cent of BCEHS transports by air.

As well as carrying patients from community to community, it can also be de-

In the circular beginning Sunday, November 29, 2020, the Artist Floor Easel by Artist’sLoft® for $29.99 on our Everyday Value program featured on page 4will not arrive in our store due to shipping delays.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused

Correction Notice

In the circular beginning Wednesday,November 25, 2020, the Artist Floor Easel by Artist’sLoft® for $29.99 on our Everyday Value program featured on page 8will not arrive in our store due to shippingdelays.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

ployed to accident scenes on the region’s highways. So-called 911 emergency calls make up about 10 per cent of the workload, according to BCEHS.

Because the chopper is based at the airport, ambulance personnel still need to be on hand to carry the patient to the University Hospital of Northern B.C.

In September, and just prior to the

‘No oversight function’

from page 1

“That claim is false and the Defendant puts the Plaintiff to the strict proof of each of her allegations and the reasons therefore.”

As university secretary, Sanford says she was responsible for “ensuring the effective and efficient operation of UNBC’s administrative and academic governing bodies.”

But in the response, UNBC suggests Sanford’s authority was limited to “advisory only.”

“It (her position) has no gatekeeping or oversight function and is not charged with vetting or approving any governance issues The Office has no decision making authority with respect to any governance issues.”

UNBC goes on to say it acted in accordance with advice provided by the Public Sector Employers Council to

‘It’s

from page 1

Correction Notice

In the circular beginning Sunday,November 29, 2020, we called out All Christmas Trees were 50% off. Unfortunately, this promotion is incorrectand does not include All Christmas Trees. The 7.5 ft. Pre-Lit Augusta Cashmere Pine Tree (Tree #156) with aregular price of 459.99 is excluded from this promotion.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

provincial election, the government said a concept plan to build a new surgical tower at UNHBC had been approved. There was no indication the tower would include a rooftop helipad; UNHBC is the only major hospital in the province without one. There had been one at the hospital until the late 1990s, when it was deemed unsafe

Weeks’ salary increase and with legal advice to making public the terms of separation reached with Daigle when she left in January.

However, while UNBC says Sanford was let go on a “without cause basis,” it also notes interim president Geoff Payne found Sanford “came across as confrontational,” and wanted her to be “more collaborative which is better aligned with how universities generally approach decision making.”

But with her contract about to expire at the end of June, and with Sanford on stress leave by that time, UNBC says Payne determined it would be unfair to speak to her about hercommunication style and that she was still remunerated to the end of her contract, despite ending early

The claim also notes that Sanford is married to Dan Ryan, who during his time as UNBC’s interim provost and

about survival for

Looking at the complexities added due to the pandemic, Bassi saw significant increases in the emotional and physical turmoil experienced by women and children who accessed the transition house.

“When it comes to an increase in violence, individuals who are not working didn’t have the financial support available to them and there are so many compounding factors that will continue to raise that risk of emotional, mental or physical violence for women seeking out and coming to the transition house,” Bassi said.

vice president academic, filled in as acting president when then-president Daniel Weeks was absent

Given her husband’s role, it would have been inappropriate for Sanford to sit in on closed Board of Governors meetings when issues related to the president were discussed, UNBC says. When Weeks went on medical leave in January 2020, it was Payne, not Ryan, who took over as interim president. Ryan, meanwhile, resigned from his position in August and went on research leave.

UNBC also disputes Sanford’s claim that she was excluded from a review of governance. While Sanford said the review should have been carried out by her office, UNBC says she was interviewed by consultant Harriet Lewis, who was put in charge of the review, while former president Charles Jago was named a supporting advisor.

women’

Staff numbers at the transition house have not decreased and Bassi said if anything they would like more staff because during the pandemic even getting a snack is a big deal as the common areas need to be sanitized within pandemic protocols and social distancing can be a challenge.

“Now it’s staff preparing the meals and serving,” Bassi said. “So right now we have a position posted for house cook that we’ve been unable to fill. So really when we look at the staffing pieces we need more staff because of the complexities of the families that are coming in and the adaptation policies that have been put in place.”

Transition houses are safe havens for women and children who are in or leaving abusive relationships or who are at risk of homelessness.

“In these trying times it’s about survival for women who are leaving complex, challenging, unsafe situations with their children,” Bassi said. “There is high anxiety and fears especially during the pandemic.”

Shelter Women’s Canada and provincial grants help fund the transition house and if there is a demand for shelter and the transition house is full the society has partnered with local hotels to provide emergency housing to clients in need, Bassi added.

Celebration of Lights now a drive-thru event

CHRISTINE HINZMANN Citizen staff

It’s that time of year again.

The Celebration of Lights at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum will be held from Dec. 18 to 23 and 27 to 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. but this year it’s a drive-thru event.

To make the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser a COVID-friendly event it’s been adapted to accommodate as many people as possible as safely as possible.

There are more than 100,000 lights on display at the park including an extraordinary light display that was once viewed at a residence on the Old Cariboo Highway, which can now be seen along River Road at the local railway and forestry museum site.

“This is such an incredibly generous donation in memory of Rose Novak,” Katherine Carlson, executive director of the Railway and Forestry Museum, said.

The minirail train made its way through a corridor of lights during last year’s Celebration of Lights held at the Central B.C. Railway and Forestry Museum.

Eric Seemann, who donated the extraordinary light display, said he didn’t think he was going to put up the display any time soon as is heart just isn’t in it without his partner Rose Novak there to enjoy it with him Novak died earlier this year after a lengthy illness.

Every year it took Seemann about six

Waitingroom. Family time.

weeks to put up the display

“It was something Rose and I really, really enjoyed doing together,” Seemann said.

“There was no way I was going to enjoy it this year as I am still grieving.”

Seemann and Novak enjoyed watching

hundreds of residents stop by to see the light display. Seemann said that’s what inspired the donation to the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum

“At least this way people can still enjoy it,” Seemann said.

There will be a designated driving route to follow, with staff there to guide vehicles through the eight-acre park.

Prebooking is mandatory and can be done online or at the museum in advance of the event.

Cost is $15 per vehicle.

Every 15-minutes 20 vehicles will be able to drive through the park at a maximum speed of 5 km/h

Organizers are asking that everyone bring their printed out receipt with them and place it on the dashboard of their vehicle so that it will be a contactless event. People must stay in their vehicles at all times and the shop and bathrooms will be closed to the public. For more information visit events.pgrfm.bc.ca.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE.

UNBC team slam dunks Movember

TED CLARKE

Citizen staff

Matt Jickling thought about reaching for some dark hair dye to make his stiff upper lip more of a Movember standout for the team photo but decided otherwise. He didn’t want to offend his mother, who is proud of the attributes of her blonde-haired son.

His choice to keep that ‘stache natural had no negative effects on the fundraising abilities of his UNBC Timberwolves men’s basketball team.

They had more than enough cash collected to win the three-team challenge that collectively raised $23,384 to fund men’s health initiatives.

The T-wolves hoopsters took up the challenge laid down by the UNBC men’s soccer team and won the contest over this year’s male soccer squad and the Prince George Spruce Kings junior hockey team. The 15-member basketball team, which included T-wolves alumni Collin Plumb, brought in a haul of $11,259 – the third-highest total U Sports team total.

COUGARS

TED CLARKE

Citizen staff

Assistant coach Nav Parmar raised $2,000 himself and won a bet with graduated T-wolf Marcus McKay, who now has to get a tattoo.

All three teams did their part during the month-long campaign.

The men’s soccer team booted the team total to $6,950, while the Spruce Kings filled the net with $5,625

The 18-year-old Jickling, who joined the T-wolves this fall as a shooting guard recruit from Regina, couldn’t hold a candle to some of the more accomplished facial hair cultivators of the team, such as Rotash Mattu, Tyrell Laing and Vova Pluzhnikov, but was no less enthusiastic in tapping into his list of contacts to send their donations.

“Men’s mental health and men’s health in general doesn’t have a lot of light shone on it and it’s an important issue,” Jickling said. It’s good to see the amount we all raised together.”

The Spruce Kings saluted the winners this week by wearing their basketball jerseys on the ice at practice at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.

AWAIT SEASON DETAILS

The Prince George Cougars are still intent on starting training camp right after Christmas but with infection rates continuing to spike, adults banned from team sports activities and travel bans in place, there are no guarantees there will even be a season until COVID has been quashed.

There’s been no change since mid-October, when WHL commissioner Ron Robison announced the regular season would start Jan. 8 with each of the 22 teams playing exclusively within their own divisions. For the Cougars, that means a shortened sea-

son of games against Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria. Andy Beesley, the Cougars vice-president, business, would gladly accept that, if that’s what it takes to get the teams playing again.

The WHL has hired Calgary doctor Willem Meeuwisse, the NHL medical director who set up the bubble in Edmonton which had no positive tests in two months of Stanley Cup playoffs, and Beesley is encouraged the league will find a way to salvage its season.

“Ultimately, the health authorities and COVID will determine what we are able to do this season,” said Beesley “Having said that, there is a tremendous amount of work

being done behind the scenes on the WHL level as far as doing their homework and coming up with a variety of scenarios with a large amount of meetings with the health authorities in all six jurisdictions.

“Here in B.C., there are working committees of various types that are working through a lot of different plans and ideas and scenarios for how we could potentially get some sort of a season underway here.”

It seems WHL games will be played without fans in the stands, but that also could change, depending on what the provincial health office will allow. Beesley expects an updated announcement on the league start date within the next week or so.

“Everything’s on the table,” said Beesley. “In a perfect world, this COVID situation would dramatically improve and we would start off the season probably with no fans and by the end of the season we’re not only allowing fans back in but we’re in playoffs and maybe even a Memorial Cup.

“The reality is that everybody involved in these discussions is fully aware that the situation is not looking very positive right now and we have to be realistic in our planning right now. The position the Cougars have taken and the WHL has taken is that we’re not just giving lip service to the idea that the safety of the players, fans and staff has to come first.”

Health order delays start of season for Spruce Kings

The province’s latest health order to temporarily suspend all team sports activity for adult players has gutted the Prince George Spruce Kings practice roster.

Twelve of the 25 players on the team are 19 or older and are classed as adults, which means they are not allowed to participate in any team practices or training sessions. Forty-eight per cent of the league is currently made up of players 19 or older, which means nearly half of the BCHL’s players are currently ineligible to practice

with their team under the order announced on Monday by provincial health officer Dr Bonnie Henry.

As a result, the B.C. Hockey League has decided to put its season on pause for the next five weeks.

Youth athletes under age 19 are allowed to continue practicing and training but are prohibited from engaging in any games or scrimmages.

The Spruce Kings on the prohibited list include 19-year-old goalie Aaron Trotter; defencemen Cole Moberg, 20, Mason Waite,

20, and Zach Gabruch; and forwards Corey Cunningham, 19, Connor Bowie, 19, Roman Millar, 19, Hunor Torzsok, 20, Darwin Lakoduk, 20, Kolton Cousins, 19, Christian Buono, 20, and Andrew Seaman, 20.

The BCHL has adhered to all travel restrictions imposed by the PHO and none of its players are traveling anywhere outside of their home arena. Despite that, the PHO has restricted 19 and 20-year-old players from practicing with their teams

“While the current restrictions only directly affect athletes age 19 and up, there are unintended consequences for our younger players as well,” said BCHL executive director Steven Cocker

“Although they are still allowed on the ice, the fact remains that half of their teammates are not, which essentially means their teams and the league are forced to pause operations until restrictions are lifted.”

If current restrictions are extended beyond midnight on Jan. 8, the league will come together and make a decision on when play can resume.

CITIZEN PHOTO

Spruce Kings Colton Cameron, left, and Austin Spiridakis show off the results of 30 days of razor inactivity as participants in the Movember challenge.

Beloved social worker mourned

CHRISTINE HINZMANN

Citizen staff

Christal Capostinsky, a well known Prince George social worker, died recently at 45, after a lengthy illness.

Those in the community will remember Capostinsky best for her commitment to helping those most vulnerable in society

“The last couple of weeks have been really hard,” Shelly LeBreton, a longtime friend who is a local social worker, said about Capostinsky’s passing. LeBreton offers endof-life care in her social work practice.

Capostinsky was still in Alberta and so she and LeBreton communicated over the phone and used Facetime.

LeBreton and Capostinsky studied social work together in Prince George and came

up with creative ways to earn enough to help pay for their educations as a team, LeBreton explained.

During her younger years, Capostinsky struggled with addiction that led her to a life as a sex trade worker. During her remarkable recovery, Capostinsky’s determination to better herself resulted in her getting her education to become a social worker, while overcoming many societal and financial barriers. Capostinsky ultimately earned her masters in social work degree in 2008 from UNBC.

“For Christal it was all about helping women overcome their circumstances like she did,” LeBreton said.

The legacy Capostinsky has left includes her work on the board of the Northern

Women’s Information Centre between 2004 and 2007 while being a peer support worker with Positive Living North. Capostinsky founded the New Hope Society, which she created when she was a social work student earning her diploma at the College of New Caledonia in 2005. New Hope Society is the only sex worker support organization in northern BC New Hope Society’s mandate is to identify and address barriers to access supports and services that marginalized women, both adults and youth, face while working in the sex industry

While Capostinsky was on her mission of providing continued support to vulnerable women, she earned many honours, including the Bridget Moran Advancement of Social Work Award and the Governor

General’s Award for the sensitivity training she provided to the RCMP on how to deal respectfully with sex workers.

After earning her masters of social work at UNBC, Capostinsky was the Pacific representative for the Canadian AIDS Society while she worked full time as a child protection officer for the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Capostinsky moved to Alberta with her teenage son in 2015 to be closer to family and she was employed as a family interventionist with the Family Centre of Northern Alberta.

LeBreton created a gofundme page for a bursary of $5,000 for a social work student at the university called the Christal Capostinsky Social Work Bursary.

MAN FINED FOR FLYING DRONE DURING HUNTING TRIP

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Fort St. James man has been fined $1,000 for flying a drone while out on a hunting expedition

Paul James Hesse was issued the penalty on Nov 9 in Fort St. James Provincial Court. He was also prohibited from hunting for one year and assessed a $150 victim surcharge. The outcome stems from a complaint conservation officers received on Sept 22, 2018. The next day, officers attended a cabin on Marie Lake, southwest

of Fort St. James, where they seized the drone along with a harvested bull moose.

After securing a search warrant, they gathered photos and videos from the machine and forwarded the matter to Crown prosecution. Conservation officer Richard Keenan-Toop, the lead investigating officer on the file, said it was the first conviction for the offence in B.C The Wildlife Act was amended in July 2016 to make the use of drones while hunting illegal

Connie Morrisey, a native court worker in Fort St. James who helped Hesse defend

Food for Fare

the charges said he never actually used the drone for actual hunting. Instead, she said he was using it to get images of the cabin and a route planned for a trail from big Marie Lake to little Marie Lake, but because he was at the cabin as part of a hunting trip, he was charged.

“The minute you leave your house to go hunting to the minute you get back to your house, that’s considered a hunting expedition,” Morrisey said. “He did not use it to hunt but he flew it when he was at the cabin.”

She said Hesse uses the drone for work purposes and had it with him in camp. When he came back to Fort St. James, his father picked him up and went to the cabin.

“He said ‘I know you can’t use it for hunting but if I had known you can’t even have it one you, I would’ve went home, dropped the drone off and went out,” Morrisey said As part of the prohibition against hunting for a year, Hesse is also prohibited from accompanying other hunters and the drone was forfeited to the Crown.

Property owner faces court order

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Fraser-Fort George Regional District has turned to the court to get a property owner to remove more than 100 vehicles stored on his property.

In a notice of claim filed Nov. 30 at the Prince George courthouse, the FFGRD claims that as recently as mid-November, as many as 140 vehicles were stored on a Chilcotin Road property south of the city

It says at least 23 of the vehicles had significant damage, at least 22 vehicles were without valid licence plates and that several piles of vehicle parts and other material were found on the property during a visit by the FFGRD’s bylaw enforcement officer and inspections manager

The count was up from 134 vehicles

found on the land during a previous visit in mid-May when it was also noted that many of the vehicles were “surrounded by tall grass and covered in moss.”

The FFGRD alleges the property owner is in violation of the regional district’s zoning and unsightly premises bylaws and is seeking an order that he lower the count down to 10 vehicles of which no more than two can be derelict and to remove all of the piles of parts and rubbish. Moreover, should the order be granted and the property owner still fails to comply, the FFGRD is also seeking an order that it be allowed to move in and remove the items at cost to the property owner

A response to the claim has not yet been filed and the allegations remain to be tested in court.

Coal mines hurting caribou: report

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Precious caribou habitat is being sacrificed for a trio of northeast B.C. coal mines that have had a history of falling short of delivering the economic impact they were purported to generate, say the authors of a report. Who Benefits from Caribou Decline was issued last Thursday by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, a left-leaning think tank. That resource development is the underlying cause of the trouble herds in the region are facing does not come as news for many, but the authors question

whether the Willow Creek, Brule and Wolverine coal mines made financial sense in the first place.

The authors looked at a 20-year period, from 1999 to 2019, and found that while $250 million in corporate taxes were predicted, taxes paid up to 2016 were net zero. As for the caribou, each of the projects may have passed an environmental assessment, but their cumulative impacts are a reason the species are facing complete erasure from the region, according to the report. Adding to the trouble, open-pit mines are often dug in the high-elevation range caribou prefer.

GLOOM AND A DASH OF HOPE AT CITY HALL

On one of the darkest days of an already dark year, Prince George city council had a dreary agenda Monday night.

But there was a little glimmer of hope tucked inside it

Mayor and council had a closer look at a disgraceful list of cost overruns on various recent projects, led by the new downtown underground parkade that is nearly $10 million over its original budget It was supposed to cost $12.6 million but $22.5 million has already been spent on a structure that has yet to house a single vehicle.

The report on the project is a litany of oversights and errors from ground water problems (we’re building an underground parkade at the base of a hill on a flood plain near the meeting point of two major B.C rivers – who knew?) to having to move a major fibre optic cable and remove some buried foundations and oil tanks that were somehow forgotten about.

With everything going so well and on budget, it was then decided to spend another $1.5 million to make the parkade slightly bigger than planned, so back to the drawing board.

And then millions more were needed to cope with external factors like American tariffs, a shortage of skilled labour and higher-than-anticipated costs for just

about everything else that needed to be done, from mechanical and electrical work to building retaining walls

Gosh, that never happens on major public works projects

Except for the Haggith Creek bridge

And the library entrance project.

And the new fire hall.

Any bets on the cost overruns of the new pool or the renovation and repair of the existing Aquatic Centre?

All of city council needs to shoulder some of the blame, for certain, but two in particular – Mayor Lyn Hall and Coun. Garth Frizzell, the chair of the finance and audit committee – need to own this mess the most. They had the best seats in the house to this disaster movie and should have to justify how this out-of-control spending happened on their watch

Also on Monday, city council received the 2020 review of city management pay, a depressing read with a silver lining.

The external review found the City of Prince George pays its city manager on par with similar-sized municipal governments in B.C.

The 2017 review found the city manager 15 per cent below the average rate, so city council approved pay hikes for the city manager to close that gap.

The 2017 review also offered an ap-

ple-to-apple comparison of not only the city manager’s compensation but also the entire senior management team by position. This time around, the review is far more vague, framed by “pay band” comparisons of various positions, from city manager to two senior executive levels and three manager levels.

On the surface, that’s useless information to interim city manager Walter Babicz and mayor and council, especially when the 2017 review found that eight other senior managers at the city were all paid above average, some of them outrageously so.

For example, in 2017, Prince George paid its director of external relations $174,830 when the average for that position in five similar B.C municipalities outside of the Lower Mainland was $113,205

Prince George also paid its director of human resources $174,830 in 2017, when the average for that position in five similar B.C. municipalities outside of the Lower Mainland was $138,207

The 2020 review doesn’t make similar comparisons but it does define the responsibilities of the various pay band positions.

Based on those definitions, the director of external relations is actually a Manager Level 1 position, which pays $121,688 per year on average, $61,000 less than the

Weathering the winter ahead

The world is going through difficult times. COVID-19 is not only testing us physically, it has created an economic crisis for many. And it is taking a psychological toll on all of us. When facing challenging times, I’ve found that certain resources always provide hope and a way forward.

Viktor Frankl wrote his classic Man’s Search For Meaning not long after being released from a Nazi concentration camp. In it, he reflects on what he learned about survival and the human condition.

While we may not be facing the extreme conditions Frankl lived through, he points out that suffering is like a gas It completely fills a chamber no matter its size “Thus suffering completely fills the human soul and conscious mind, no matter whether the suffering is great or little.”

Frankl also talks about a “provisional existence of no limit.” Prisoners did not know when their suffering would end and this is one of the most difficult situations

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

to grapple with psychologically. We don’t know when the current crisis will be over and we have been dealing with this for many months already.

There are ways to transcend a crisis, however Frankl used to imagine himself teaching in a warm lecture hall about what he had learned by living through his concentration camp experience

I tell my high school students that one day they will be telling their children and grandchildren about the great pandemic of 2020 and how we had to social distance and keep washing our hands Just like we have 80s retro days when we wear crazy hair and bright colours, one day we will be searching for medical masks to try to recreate the look of today This small shift in mindset can get us to realize that what

$182,657.58 paid in 2019, according to the city’s statements of financial information. Similarly, the director of human resources should actually be a Manager Level 3, which pays $144,499 per year, more than $38,000 less than the $182,657.58 paid in 2019

Both of those positions still exist at the City of Prince George at director-level pay. And it’s entirely possible there are more city positions that are paid at a higher pay band than what they are at other B.C. municipalities.

Babicz has already made significant internal moves to streamline the management structure and save money on wages since replacing Kathleen Soltis in early October.

Seen in that light, the 2020 compensation review gives Babicz all the ammunition he needs to make further personnel and structural changes to increase efficiency and save money.

That’s not much to be happy about among those massive multi-million dollar project cost overruns and years of too many senior managers making too much money at city hall

But amidst all the gloom, that little spark of opportunity to make things better shines bright - Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

we are going through really will one day simply be a memory.

Perhaps Frankl’s most clear and powerful message was given to his fellow prisoners as hope dwindled after a particularly difficult day.

The first point Frankl made was extraordinary, considering it was given by a man who had lost many family members and was living in a concentration camp. He told the others that their situation was not the most terrible one could think of, there was reason to hope, and what was lost could be restored. He then quoted the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.”

I do not mean to minimize the anxiety business owners feel in the present moment or the stress of those who are unemployed

I do remember, however, being in a situation where the threat of civil war was real and I faced the possibility of losing everything I owned.

As I thought of what was most important and of what could be replaced, however,

my fears simply melted away

The next point Frankl made to his friends was that great changes could happen very quickly Today, we do have an end in sight. Once people are vaccinated, especially those at greatest risk, life will return to normal.

Along with having a vision of the future, Frankl points out how important it is to look at the past with a sense of gratitude. “What you experienced, no power on earth can take away from you.”

The final point Frankl makes is central to his philosophy Human life never ceases to have purpose and thus our suffering always has meaning.

It has not been easy to make sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but our actions are life saving for countless others.

The winter of 2020-2021 is going to be difficult and this Christmas will be like none other we have experienced. If we can support our neighbours from a physical distance and find meaning in the challenges we face, we will get through this time and we will be better for it.

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Injury prevention important

SBOGGLED

DIANE NAKAMURA

afety prevention in and out of the home is important to everyone.

Besides safety proofing the house for toddlers, young children and the elderly, there are risks that most people wouldn’t think about.

Let’s face it. Most of us don’t go through life thinking something bad is going to happen to us. Yet “freak” accidents happen all the time. And many of these accidents could have been avoided

Crystal Pederson is the injury prevention coordinator and a case manager at BIG (Brain Injured Group). She has been employed with the organization for 13 years. Crystal has had a well-rounded stint with BIG. She worked in the group home as a care aide, was a community support outreach worker and for the past year she has been at the main office in her current position.

In Crystal’s injury prevention role, she facilitates group information sessions and is out in the community, set up at a booth in the mall or at a fair with information pamphlets in hand to educate the public. The COVID pandemic has thrown a wrench into information distribution but she has had to be creative in her efforts to continue providing education awareness.

“My work won’t stop,” she said. “COVID has taught me to think outside of the box. There are other ways such as talking on the phone answering questions, facilitating Zoom meetings and having the media help spread the word.”

In recent years, there has been increased knowledge about the hazards of concus-

sions in sports and recreational activities. For hockey players, skiers, snowboarders and cyclists, helmets are non-negotiable. Crystal points out it is not enough to wear a helmet.

“Many people don’t realize how to properly wear a helmet. “ she said. “If a helmet isn’t worn properly, it won’t be of any benefit. At BIG we sell helmets of all kinds at a reduced price for people on a limited income.”

Walking outdoors in the winter can present a risk. Wearing cleats will prevent falls that can cause concussions, broken

bones, cause long-term damage to necks, backs and hips Winter weather in Prince George can be hazardous, Being proactive can make a huge difference and prevent injuries that can affect a person for life.

And then, there’s the topic of concussions. Parents are now very aware of having their kids checked out medically for possible concussions. But for adults, many minimize their injuries.

Bottom line - head injuries are a big deal Crystal and her colleagues at BIG have met numerous people who suffered concussions that turned into brain injury.

Year in review (Part 2)

Here is a summary of the seniors profiles I did this year: Frank and Aline Pighin celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June.

Frank (Ennio Enore Lanfranco) Pighin was born in Udine, Italy in 1928 and Aline

Cecile Marie Theresa Houle was born in 1930 in Prud’homme, Sask. Her father Joe Houle was the town electrician

They got married and moved to Prince George; Frank worked as an electrician in the family business of Houle Electric. By 1967, he was the manager and in 1984 became a shareholder of the company until he retired at the age of 66

Aline raised their eight children and worked as the secretary for the company until she retired at the age of 60.

Darrell and Diane Hubbell: Darrell was born in Invermere and grew up in Cassiar His passion for making jewelry developed when the family moved to Woodpecker (near Hixon) and opened a rock shop. In 1984, he opened his own jewelry store and

SENIORS’ SCENE

KATHY NADALIN

36 years later he is still designing unique jewelry. In 1996, he married Diane Parent. Diane was born in the old Prince George army hospital. She worked as a substitute teacher and then at AiMHi until Darrell persuaded her to partner with him in their jewelry store. Darrell’s volunteerism is extensive; he was named the Prince George Citizen of the Year in 2011

Clasina (Nederpel) Van Adrichem was born in Den Haag, Holland in 1928. She met her husband Mike through family members in 1950. They immigrated to Canada in 1952 and were married upon arrival. In the early 60s, they moved to Prince George

They had not sought medical attention and weren’t aware of BIG’s existence. They developed depression, anxiety, migraine headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, vision and hearing problems, extreme fatigue, increased irritability and personality change, inability to organize and multi-task. Sadly and tragically, many folks dropped out of school, were unable to maintain employment, relationships fell apart, poverty set in, some became homeless, others committed suicide because of depression and dismal circumstances.

Information is key whether it’s in the prevention stage or post-injury. A friend of mine recently told me his elderly mother who resides in an assisted care facility has recently taken a few falls, which required trips to the hospital. His mother is scheduled for a geriatric assessment to determine what her needs are and how to keep her safe.

I asked Crystal what she would recommend for my friend’s mother. Crystal asked does she have a walker? Check Recent eye examination? Check. Adequate lighting in her apartment? Check Proper footwear, not knitted slippers? Check Medication on track? Check. Is her apartment free of mats or rugs that don’t stick to the floor? Check. Does her apartment have hand rails? No. When I told my friend what questions Crystal asked me, he said that hand rails would be installed as recommended by his mother’s geriatric care team. Being proactive, asking questions and seeking advice from professionals can prevent injuries that can haunt a person for life.

And it’s not just the injured that are affected, so are their families, friends and their community. No one is exempt from life-altering injuries without safety precautions in place.

Think prevention.

Think smart.

where Mike worked for the Federal Department of Agriculture at the Experimental Farm and retired in 1978 Next, he worked as the superintendent for Catholic Independent Schools and retired again in 1988

He passed away in 2014. Clasina has been a 62-year member of the Catholic Women’s League

At the age of 85 and after 30 years of volunteering in catering at the Sacred Heart Cathedral she decided it was time to retire and left the task of catering to a younger pair of old legs.

Gary and May Parrish: Gary was born in 1942 and May (Taylor) was born in 1943. Gary bought two trucks, formed his own company, did contract work for 20 years and then sold the company Life was good when suddenly Gary suffered a stroke in 2013; he is still in recovery. Since then Mary runs the snow blower and Gary manages the snow removal process from his chair He is the coach and keeps all the equipment in good running condition while

their faithful companion Daisy sits and keeps guard over both of them.

Sylvia (nee Allen) Cooney turned 93 in July. She was born in Edmonton in 1927 and has lived in Prince George for 60 years She has given back to her community many times over When Sylvia was 56, she applied for a job at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and worked as a teller for the next 19 years She retired at the age of 75.

Ken and Joanne Sales: Ken was born in the old Prince George army hospital in 1947 while Joanne (Kirby) was born in Alberta in 1945. Ken first worked for his father at Rush Coal and then in 1965 started at Canada Post working as a mail carrier until he retired after 36 years of service At the age of 65 and due to health issues, he had to sell his home and move into an apartment. This was a mixed blessing because at that late age he met and eventually married Joanne Soon her apartment went up for rent.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE/LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

Crystal Pederson is the injury prevention coordinator and a case manager at the Prince George Brain Injured Group.

Where the rubber hits the road

Annually, tire manufacturers construct 3.1 billion tires worldwide. And 3.1 billion tires are discarded annually. Some are recycled, some are not. Regardless of their ultimate fate, it is a lot of tires.

But it also means 3.1 billion tires worth of tread is left on roads around the world. Annually, this amounts to 5.6 billion kilograms of rubber-based road dust and particulate matter.

Of course, we don’t see this dust as it tends to be in the form of very small particles – typically of in the PM2.5 to PM25.0 (2.5 to 25 micrometer) range.

But it is there.

And when a vehicle hits the brakes hard, the rubber becomes apparent as skid marks left on the road – although most of a skid mark results from the asphalt in the road heating up.

All of this rubber being released by normal tire wear leads to the question of where does it go? In Prince George, where people have been driving cars for almost a century, you would think there would be great big piles of rubber left on the sides of the roads. Or our roads would be rubber-covered like a sports track but they are not.

The answer to where tire rubber ends up is complex. The first step is to consider what exactly goes into making a tire Generally, production techniques and rubber composition are proprietary with manufacturers employing slightly different blends of compounds.

However, using various sources, an approximate composition can be obtained. Natural rubber (poly-isoprenes) and

synthetic rubber (poly-styrene-butadiene) typically make up 40 per cent, fillers such as carbon black, silica, and chalk about 25 per cent, vulcanizing agents such as sulphur and zinc oxide are three per cent, anti-oxidants and softeners around 15 per cent, minerals about five per cent, and various additives such as plasticizers around 12 per cent.

Of these components, natural rubber can be broken down by bacteria found in the environment.

This decomposition can take a long time but ultimately leads to a degradation in the structure of the tire particles releasing the fillers, minerals, and other components into the soil.

Some are innocuous as they are naturally occurring components of soil.

For example, carbon black is released into the environment during a forest fire and is incorporated into soil layers throughout the north.

But before decomposing particles are lifted by wind or stirred up by passing traffic leading to suspension in air where they can be transported long distances. It is estimated 28 per cent of the plastics found in our oceans are from tire rubber. This amounts to about 2.8 billion kilograms per year or about half of the rubber left on the roads.

This flow of plastic particles into the ocean is particularly exacerbated by the distribution of population worldwide. Approximately 2 billion people live within 50 km of the ocean with many major cities serving as ports (i.e. Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, London). Transport to the ocean is likely much higher from these areas.

But it is not just plastic particles that are an issue. The various additives, such as plasticizers, are not generally consumed by bacteria nor destroyed by combustion as the tire hits the road.

For decades, fishery scientists have noted an alarming trend in the streams and rivers where coho salmon collect to spawn. Up and down the west coast, fish have been turning up dead in huge numbers after heavy rain events – a phenomenon labeled urban runoff mortality syndrome.

A recent report in Science, entitled ‘A ubiquitous tire rubber-derived chemical induces acute mortality in coho salmon’ suggests the culprit may be the compound N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine) or 6PPD.

More accurately, the 6PPD released as tires break down over time reacts with ozone generating a by-product called 6PPD-quinone which is the actual culprit. It is 100 per cent toxic to coho and researchers have found it in roadway runoff samples collected from urban areas spanning the west coast.

In a typical healthy stream, less than one per cent of adult coho die before spawning. But in rainfall related mass die-off events, anywhere from 40 per cent to 90 per cent

For decades, fishery scientists have noted an alarming trend in the streams and rivers where coho salmon collect to spawn. Up and down the west coast, fish have been turning up dead in huge numbers after heavy rain events.

of fish can perish. As streams located closest to high-traffic urban areas and highways fare the worse, the researcher suspected for years the runoff from roadways played a role.

Further, the streams most affected often had a chemical profile matching roadway run-off. After years of careful research, Ed Kolodziej, the lead researcher, concluded: “We believe 6PPD-quinone is the primary causal toxicant… It’s exciting to start to understand what is happening because that starts to allow us to manage these problems more effectively.”

Eliminating the use of 6PPD from tire manufacture may simply be a matter of regulation as cleaner alternatives may be available But it will take three to five years before all of the tires containing the compound are removed from the road And in the meantime, billions of kilograms of micro-particles will find their way into our waterways and oceans.

The treatment will outlive the virus

2020 was a tumultuous year, to put it mildly. But it would be a mistake to not give this annum a proper valediction because we might miss that the pandemic was actually just the penultimate event, an inciting incident that led to the far more impactful rising action. In short, COVID-19 was a catalyst that brought hitherto potential reactions at every level of authority and in all areas of life to fruition. These, and not the virus, are what will go on to shape the century.

I believe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 exists; I believe it originated from Wuhan, China; this virus has killed people, often brutally, and seems particularly deadly to the elderly; the vaccine, regardless of one’s inclination to take it, is a marvel for how quickly it was developed. I am not a medical expert and will not impute motives to any of our authorities in this space but the socio-econo-political effects of their decisions are fair game for my comment.

Indeed, I personally witnessed that COVID-19 policies can spread further than the virus. I endured our initial lockdown and lost my job due to COVID, so I moved for work. All tests done in that new

community came back negative. LIfe was normal, outside of government offices, but eventually, the panic and fear via media began to affect us, resulting in confrontations. Near the end of my visit, mask mandates et al finally arrived and yet, to date, case history remain zero.

Historically, the most momentous events often require time to affect life far away. Indeed even the World Wars went on unnoticed in many places. But between the power of the modern state as well as instant communication, combined with the terrifying mystery of the virus itself, a novel development occurred: from the ISS to the most isolated monasteries, from our polar ice cap to Antarctica, as well as all they bookend, the protocols of daily life were changed in weeks.

That is unprecedented And it is only matched by an unintended consequence of these sweeping changes enacted by state authority and echoed throughout the me-

dia - the average citizen’s mobilization for or against these changes In the era before COVID (BC), even in those demographics where certain issues are closest to their hearts, people with no particular view existed. Today, the bell curve is flipped upside down and all with respect to COVID-19 policies.

The manifestation of division between decades long neighbours I witnessed in Northern Canada was a microcosm of an infinitely larger new reality. People who could not be bothered to call in an expired license plate, vote in an election, or hold a particular opinion even on flashpoint issues preached from the respective pulpits of their sacred or secular congregations, have all of a sudden jumped into the chronically understaffed political or cultural trenches in full battle dress.

Pandemic policy has acted as a winnowing fork of biblical proportions. Inside of families, churches, workplaces, markets, even entire countries, divergent opinions and actions are at the fore. The real phenomenon is the complete evaporation of widespread apathy within the body politic.

In short, because the broad mandates have affected everyone everywhere, the logical result is all of us and our unwalked

2020’s true legacy is not the pandemic but the countermeasures implemented and the polarizing effect these had on people, most of whom were unengaged until now.

dogs have an opinion on the matter. And unlike previous hard moments in the 21st century, such as 9/11 or 2008, this crisis has resulted in new protocols that cannot be avoided even if one doesn’t bother with flights or mortgages. Combine this with a lack of certainty about when “normal life” will resume, and is it any wonder that tensions are so high?

Thus, 2020’s true legacy is not the pandemic but the countermeasures implemented and the polarizing effect these had on people, most of whom were unengaged until now. I cannot say when the virus will be defeated, but I am certain these unintended consequences will outlast it.

Bond’s moment to shine

If there was ever the right person in the right place at the right time to start making the right kind of changes to get the B.C. Liberals back on track, it’s Shirley Bond.

But if the B.C. Liberals treat Bond as merely a seat warmer until the next leader arrives, they are squandering a huge opportunity to get started on that much-needed change.

With John Horgan’s NDP government in secure majority territory, there is no prospect of an election until 2024 at the earliest, so no rush on a leadership race

Why not wait until late spring 2021, when it should be safe to gather packed community forums and a noisy leadership convention to choose Wilkinson’s successor?

In the meantime, the B.C. Liberals should give Bond free reign to start revitalizing the party

Interim leaders in any capacity, business or politics, private or public sector, should set the table for their eventual replacement. Regardless of whether that may be minor tweaking or wholesale change, that work by the interim leader allows their permanent replacement to get busy on the big, strategic goals right away

NIGHT SHIFT

L GODBOUT

Over at the City of Prince George, interim city manager Walter Babicz has made significant changes (and likely isn’t finished) since replacing Kathleen Soltis.

He’s blown up the management structure, shuffled departments and streamlined processes.

Whether he’s doing it for himself if he has the interim part stripped off his title next year or whether he’s doing it for his new boss, this critical work is a necessary revitalization of the local government bureaucracy.

The same applies to Bond in her new role and hopefully she will be just as bold.

Right-of-centre political parties have a historical tendency to lean on tradition over innovation, tried-and-true practice over fresh thinking, age and experience over youthful energy and longing for a glorious past instead of working towards a brighter future.

Bond needs to start reversing that trend, which has clearly taken hold of the B.C. Liberals.

She can start by putting down the rabid dogs – the members and supporters of the party who actively traffic in conspiracy theories. There should be no room in the B.C. Liberals for COVID hoaxes or anti-climate change, anti-expertise, anti-government, racist, sexist and intolerant views that foster hatred and division. That is not political correctness or stifling dissent; that is meeting a basic standard in truth, science and decency

Bond should kick these people, locally and provincially (and they’re right there out in the open on Facebook), out of the party and tell them to go play with the B C. Conservatives and the Christian Heritage Party where they belong. They won’t be missed.

After that, the social conservatives (who are conservatives in name only because they choose ideology and government control over individuality and personal responsibility) should be told to shut up or pack up Rolling back the clock on abortion, same-sex marriage, sex education in schools, transgender rights, assisted dy-

Say no to simply seasonal

I admit that I am one of the worst people you can have buying you gifts. I tend to be one of those guys who are shopping on Men’s Day at The Mall, which is more generally referred to as Christmas Eve.

When I was in retail, I would be tired after weeks of selling others gifts and helping them prepare for a special Christmas and shopping for gifts was the last thing I wanted to do. As a result, I would usually resort to purchasing the last thing that Margaret mentioned that was an issue in the house. Range hoods, vacuum cleaners, silver garbage cans, and even a toilet plunger are gifts that I have managed to buy and slip under the tree for my adoring wife. Thank God, our family tradition has more focus on a baby sleeping in a manger than gifts themselves or I would probably spend most Christmas nights sleeping in the barn myself!

Christmas for many small business owners in retail can be a time when they have more sales than at any other time of the year Seasonal businesses can be frustrating to manage. As an owner, you might focus your efforts on preparing for sales that can be derailed by weather, economy, technology, social changes or just down right bad luck. Imagine if all of your income was based on how you preformed in just a few weeks of the year? You might feel the stress that some owners of seasonal

BUSINESS COACH DAVE FULLER

businesses feel. When everything goes just right, you get a bonus, but facing an unforeseen a hiccup and you are scratching to pay the bills for the year. Unfortunately, if they don’t get the timing right, a few missteps can create a year of little or no profits. Christmas for those business owners can be a bleary time indeed. Owning a business based on seasons can be challenging but by thinking out of the box, some people in business have developed a whole new industry. Here are some examples:

- Ski hills have changed their business by running their lifts in the summer as well This industry has discovered that they don’t need to be idle when there is no snow Downhill mountain biking is the rage and by opening up in the summer, and adding a golf course, ski hills around the world have created a new source of income that has allowed some of them to increase their revenue streams that offset years when the snow didn’t show

- Many landscape companies turn to snow scape when the white stuff falls Snow removal uses much of the same

equipment that is used in the summer, just in a different manner Some landscape companies focus on erecting Christmas lights and Christmas décor By using your investments differently in different seasons, expenses can become profits. Another option might be to add energy audits or renovation services to those clients with whom you have already built up a trusting relationship.

- Depending on the restaurant, the food business can be very seasonal. To offset this, restaurateurs need to be creative. To diversify their reliance on the seasonal business, some entrepreneurs including some well known big names have moved to adding food trucks to add additional revenue in the off season One of our clients is developing a plan to diversify from restaurant cooking to specialized cooking classes in the off season.

- Chocolate and flowers are big sellers for 3 days a year: Valentines, Christmas and Mother’s Day are when the majority of these products are sold. Instead of waiting for these very seasonal business opportunities, some entrepreneurs are trying to figure out how they could have a year-round business. Some have created a model where they service hotels, offices and people who want weekly or daily flower arrangements to impress their guests. Chocolate manufacturers look to customized designs for tourist locations to spike

ing, cannabis legalization and Indigenous reconciliation while denying the existence of systemic racism and white supremacy throughout modern society is the path to permanent political exile in this country and especially in this province.

Any effort to do so sells only to older, rural, less educated and whiter voters, all shrinking parts of the electorate

That’s not political correctness; that’s political calculus.

The B.C Liberals (and Social Credit before them) have been most successful when cheerful, ambitious, hardworking pragmatism in the interests of working class taxpayers has been at the heart of the party and its politicians.

Cheerful, ambitious, hardworking pragmatism has defined Bond’s political career and it’s why even people who disagree with her politics keep voting for her in her Prince George-Valemount riding.

If she brings that ethic back, in both style and substance, to the B C Liberals, she’ll leave the party in much better political shape than it is now

And if there’s anybody that can get that job done in short order, the money’s on Shirley Bond.

summer sales that are typically slower

- Stoven is a UK based company that was not satisfied with its business of just selling water heaters in the winter and being slow all summer The company diversified to selling solar panels in the summer and now has a booming business year around. There are plenty more examples of how you can diversify your business so that you can not be hamstrung by seasonality. The soup shop that sells ice cream, the vacation company that does corporate retreats, bike shops that sell skates or skis. and The Tipsy Elves Christmas Sweater Company that now sells clothing to college students year around are examples of ingenuity that have saved businesses The options are endless.

Thinking out of the box sometimes takes an outsider to inspire you to see your opportunities. The benefit of creating a business that is busy year-round results in less cash flow challenges and less stress. You might not decide to buy better gifts for Christmas giving but you will probably be in a better position financially to afford them.

- Dave Fuller, MBA, is a certified professional business coach and small business owner His wife will be receiving a pressure cooker as a gift this year for Christmas and he will be sleeping in the doghouse, unless you send him a better gift idea. Dave can be reached at dave@pivotleader.com

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We also have baskets thatall of the proceeds will go to supporting St.Vincent de Paul.

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AveMaria Specialties Mother Maria’sMarket 1638 –20th Ave. •250-563-6388 115-4488 Hwy16W.•250-964-6686 avemariahealth.com Let us help you with Christmas this year!

The World Health Organization has designated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. (who.int/newsroom/campaigns/year-of-the-nurse-and-themidwife-2020)

As part of this year-long celebration, Northern Health has been highlighting adifferent nurse or midwife each month.

Forthe past month, we interviewed Robyn Klassen, aSurgical RN,who is part of the Northern Health travel nurse program.

Where do you live/how do you likeit?

Icurrently live inDawson Creek,BC. As someone who grew up in the North, but also had the privilege of living and working in other areas of BC,Ican say warm-heartedly that the Peace Region is and always will be my home. Ilove that my backyard is one large playground where Ican hike, bike, and adventure with friends.

Tell us about your nursing experience and role(s).

Istarted my career alongside three of my best friends from nursing school. We all packed up and moved to Fort St. John (FSJ), BC,where Igot my first full-timeposition as anurse with Northern Health (NH). Soon after I was hired, Itook the Perioperative Nursing Program.

Both personally and professionally,I was quick to learn what it takes to be avaluable nurse and team player.After three years in FSJ Idecided to takemyselfona career excursion. Over the next couple of years,

Healthy Living

International Year of the Nurseand the Midwife: Robyn Klassen

By Sanja Knezevic, Communications Advisor,Human Resources, Northern Health

Iworked in five different surgical centers across BC.I worked alongside surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses from all over.I gained aremarkable amount of knowledge and experience, and Ifound apassion working as atravelling surgical nurse.

What do you likeabout your role?

Professionally,Iliketocontinuously improve my skills and advance my career.It can be as simple as learning anew surgery,orworking with anew surgical team member.Asa travelling nurse Iget to learn skills that are beyond just that. Iget the experience and the exciting variety that travel brings. Iget to work with different people in different situations all the time and explore more places inside and outside of the hospital.

What impact does your role have on patients?

Surgical nurses play avery essential role for patients as we are there before, during,and after any surgical procedure. Ilikeputting the shoe on the other foot and making the experience for the patient as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We have to be patient, we have to listen, and most importantly we have to have agoodsense of humor

What has your nursing background taught you?

Be present in the moment. Every day you’re learning.Learning how to takeconstructive criticism and feedback will makeyour job that much more enjoyable, and your relationships that much stronger

What made you want to go into nursing?

Iwanted to do something with acareer that was mobile, interesting,but also challenging With nursing there is alot of variety in the routine. I’ve always been aperson who likes to work with their hands, and having amom who spokesohighly of the career,surgical nursing seemed to be aperfect fit. Icouldn’t wait to get my hands on all the different instruments and tools, and witness the instant gratification from the patient. There is avery rewarding nature to the job.

What is one thing about nurses that you wish you could tell everyone?

Nurses have astrong work family.You will grow closer to the people you work with faster than anyone else. You’ll love them and disagree with them just likefamily.You’ll celebrate every holiday with them, you’ll share your lunch, “spill the tea,” and scratch each other’s backs. They understand your stress and love of work more than anyone else, and they are there for you. These relationships are strong,full of support, and trustworthy

What drew you to Northern Health?

The North has always been my home. NH has allowed me to takefull advantage of my nursing career.Iamable to enjoy my lifestyle and have the freedom of flexibility.They have been more than generous in helping me achieve my career goals and work out a schedule that benefits us both.

New orders are in place to help everyone in BC significantly reduce their social interactions and to stop COVID-19 from spreading in our province.

The following orders and direction are in effect:

•Mandatory mask mandate for workers and customers in indoor public and retail spaces –and in workplace common areas

•Noevents or social gatherings with anyone outside your household or core bubble (if you live alone)

•COVID-19 travel advisory in BC: essential travel only

•Spin classes, hot yoga, and high intensity interval training are suspended

•Nospectators –and no travel outside your community –for sports games

Learn more: https://gov.bc.ca/covid19restrictions

Robyn Klassen enjoys the travel and outdoor opportunities that come with her role with Northern Health.

HO RO SC OP E S&P

ACROSS 1. Listening organs 5. Brats 9. Verbalize 12. Ink spot 13. Field cover 14. Purpose

15. Grizzly, e.g.

16. Plumpest

18. 18-wheeler

19. To’s partner

20. Football throw 24. Entice 28. Received 32. Farm tower

33. Guy’s date

34. Roof overhangs

36. Anti’s answer 37. Legend 39. Wiggly desserts 41. Bus terminal 43. Fishermen’s tools 44. Soft toss

Gap 50. Donations 55. Favorite star

Pasture mom

The Stooges, e.g. 58. Curtain holders 59. Sunday seat 60. Song of worship 61. Coatrack

DOWN

and flows 2. Aweather’s opposite 3. Rove

Band of color 5. Part of TGIF 6. Tangled mass 7. College figure, for short 8. Gush suddenly 9. Bring legal action

Burro 11. However 17. Foot parts

Chimpanzee

25. Kind of skirt 26. Think ahead 27. Playthings 28. Matured 29. Cloak 30. Paper holder 31. Printer’s term 35. Was located 38. Chilly 40. Pullover

42. Molar, e.g. 45. Hide underground 47. Fragrance 48. Rich deposit 49. Or (threat)

50. In the know 51. Great respect 52. Hot off the press 53. Actor/ comedian Conway 54. Daddy’s boy

PUZZLE NO. 795

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every3x3 box contains the numbers1through 9only once

Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. You already have afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.

PUZZLE NO. 62

CL ASSIF IEDS

In Memoriam

BRIAN AUSTIN PRIESTON

December 11, 1970 March 28, 2002

Another Birthday has arrived, today you would be 50. Happy Birthday Brian. Loving and missing you always, Your loving family

Obituaries

Edmund Stefan passed away November 24, 2020

Allan Craig DAEM

Nov 27, 1953Nov 9, 2020

Born in Revelstoke, November 27, 1953. Passed away from cancer, November 9, 2020. He has left to mourn him, his loving wife Valerie (Val) and his daughters Tui Anita Johnston, Lisa Marie Stewart (Trevor) and Rebecca Joy Johnston in New Zealand. His grandchildren Rose Gerry (Dominic), Sabrina Stewart and Dillan Stewart. His dear brother Donald Daem and his wonderful friends Wolfie and Kathy, Rene and Marg and Rudy and all his neighbours. Pre-deceased by his parents Joris and Mary Daem and his sisters Jo-Anne Hillier and Rose Gobiel and brother-in-law John Gobiel and nephew Jacques (Joris) Gobiel. Remembered by many nieces and nephews. He started as a brakeman for the CPR before moving to Prince George and joining the crew at Canfor’s Northwood Pulp Mill in June 1974. He had only intended to stay a year and check it out, but 46 years later he was planning his retirement in the spring of 2021. He started with a Power Engineer Ticket (3rd class) and then progressed to become a Millwright Journeyman.He loved to work on things mechanical. He had a million stories to fit everything, but unfortunately, never got the chance to finish them. He was always following his curiosity to so many parts of the world from extreme northern isolation to mega cities, waterfalls and hot springs to meeting families in a diverse number of countries. He had a big heart and always in the right place. He loved to help his friends as much as he could, but always took a little time for himself playing pool, tinkering with vehicles, playing games. He couldn’t drive from point A to point B without stopping to check on someone’s grandparents, old friends, hot springs, pick huckleberries, or to play with someone’s kids (or dog or cat) who needed a little guidance and fun. He was a giver and not a taker. Allan was really knowledgeable about a lot of things, which came from his curiosity and neverending quest to find answers to the most complicated questions. He told about projects he’s done for other people - this renovation, that tear down, that automobile fix. Now he’s resting in peace. There will be no service by request. Many thanks to the family doctors and the nurses at the hospital and the medical staff at the hospice, for all their wonderful care and compassion.

REMEMBRANCES

Oct. 16, 1924Nov. 24, 2020

Irene was born in Sylvania, Saskatchewan October 16, 1924 and passed away peacefully at UNHBC on November 24, 2020 at the age of 96. Irene joined the military at a very young age where she met and married her husband John. In the early years they were stationed in Prince George. After John’s military duties ended they moved to Manitoba, spent some time in Newfoundland, then back to Manitoba and eventually settled back in Prince George. Irene was predeceased by her husband John in 1993 and her daughter Betty in 2018. She is survived by her daughter Marlene Mann and her son John Hnatyshen, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and good friends. Irene was a very kind and generous soul and would always go out of her way to help someone in need. She loved to knit, crochet and spend time with her family and friends. She worked at SEARS for over 30 years.

Irene has touched the lives of many and she will be dearly missed.

A graveside service to be held in the spring of 2021.

Jun 26, 1944Nov 23, 2020

It is with deep sorrow we must announce the passing of Linda June Valcourt. Our dearest mother departed peacefully on November 23rd, 2020 in Prince George Regional Hospital due to health complications; of which she had battled for many years. Linda is survived by her sons; Ken, Mare and Rick; her grandchildren Kenny, Lindsey, Kelsey, Levi, Darci and Jesse; her great grandchildren Aries and Kaiden.

Linda was born in Timmins, Ontario June 26th, 1944 and married her first love Emilien Gaetan Valcourt in 1963 who preceded her May 21st, 2012. Our mother had several passions but most notable is her love for her children and writing music.

She took great inspiration from Elvis Presley and collected and enjoyed Elvis Memorabilia over the years.

Linda will be greatly missed by anyone who ever spent time with her. Her infectious smile and innocent giggle will be one thing we hold on to forever.

Irene Olive (Chatwell) Hnatyshen

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

Linda June Valcourt

Ruby Becker

April 22, 1930November 20, 2020

It is with heavy hearts the family of Ruby Becker announces her passing, at Gateway Complex care, Prince George, BC.

Left to mourn her loss- husband Otto Becker of 48 years, daughters Kathy Last , Linda Pratt (Marvin), stepdaughter Lisa Mckenzie (Ivan) stepson Larry Becker (Doreen) 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, sister Cheryl Waller, and daughter in law Sharon Couiyk and many nieces and nephews.

Ruby was predeceased by her parents Roy and Jenny Waller, husband Mike Couiyk, sister Mary Couiyk, brother Roy Waller, 2 sons Lawrence and Leonard Couiyk, and son-in-law John Last. Ruby loved to spend time gardening, crocheting, cooking, baking, birdwatching, camping, reading, and caring for her family.

She will always be remembered for her kind warm heart. She was known to many as Nanny.

She will be deeply missed.

A special thank you to Dr. King for her compassionate care, and to all staff at Gateway Complex care and Gateway assisted living. No service at this time due to covid.

Stanley Yurkowski

May 18, 1933 to Nov 29, 2020

Stan passed away after a long, happy life in the early morning of Nov 29, 2020. Predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan, his parents (Ignace and Mary), 2 brothers (Joseph and John), and 1 sister (Bernice). Left to mourn are his sons Jim (Margaret) and Russell (Anne), 4 grandchildren (Rebecca, Laura, Emily, Samuel), 3 great grandchildren (Haedyn, Ava, Vivienne), his sister Vicki (Jim), numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends, Ken and Christine.

Dad was born in Lanigan, Saskatchewan. As a young man, he decided to venture across the Rockies to British Columbia. He found employment in Prince George and met his wife, Joan, and they were married in August 1958. Dad had various jobs throughout his work life. He worked for banks, accounting firms, Prince George Pulp and Paper, real estate and the highlight of his career being owner/operator of Nature’s Vita Centre (a health food store) on 4th Ave from 1982-1999.

In his retirement years, Dad liked to go on daily walks, play golf, play with the grandchildren, socialize with family and friends, and watch sports both locally and on television. He loved to sing silly songs and dance a jig with the grandchildren. Dad was a great conversationalist and took keen interest in others and their lives. This quality allowed him to meet a lot of people throughout his life. Dad will always be remembered for his engaging smile and laughter, enjoyment of a good meal, and his caring nature. He was a great example of what a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend can be. He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

We love you Dad (Grandpa), may you Rest In Peace.

No funeral service or celebration of life. Donations may be made to Prince George Hospice Society.

JOHN HUGH BARAGAR

October 30, 1936November 28, 2020

John passed away in the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia; Prince George after a very brief battle with COVID-19. Predeceased by his wife Helen (Krueger), parents Charles and Helen (McCuish) and sister Elizabeth (Darragh). Survived by nieces and nephews, inlaws and cousins. John’s adopted family truly are the people of Prince George.

John was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and moved as a child to Ontario and then to BC. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, then logged the West Coast of BC. He then dedicated the rest of his life to his faith and became an officer with the Salvation Army. March 30, 1974, he married and converted to Mennonite.

John is well known for helping others, among many endeavours he was active with A.A., Toastmasters, The Street Church, The Prince George Exhibition, The United Way, Sonrise Men’s Transition House, and was runner up for the Prince George Citizen of the Year award a few years ago.

A small private service will be held by the Westwood Mennonite Bretheren Church, In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice in John’s name.

Tanna Pieternella Dofka (Lorier)

January 18th, 1923 to November 24th, 2020

We are sad to announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Auntie and Friend. Mom immigrated to Canada as a war bride in 1946 from Kampen, Holland to Barrhead, Alberta. From there moved to Salmon Arm then to Prince George. Mom was a member of the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre where she sang with Rainbow Singers and was also involved with the Drama Club. In 2017 Mom was moved to Parkside LTC. Mom was very happy there and enjoyed playing Bingo among other activities. Mom had the most excellent care we could have asked for.

Mom is predeceased by her parents and 2 brothers in Holland, husband Adam, sons Terry and Ronald, daughters Marlene (Fred) Bruce and Gwen Taylor, and son-in-law Rick Garraway. She is survived by her children Karen Garraway and Luanne (Bill) Koocher and Brian, son-in-law Arthur Taylor, daughter-in-law Cathy, 11 Grandchildren, Laura, Debbie, Jessey, Jo-lee, Adam, Cindy, Sam, Michael, Leana, Lindsay and Kristen, 13 Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland. Mom was a happy, beautiful soul who will be missed forever. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone at Parkside LTC for their care, love and support. We owe you all a huge Thank you.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Katherine Lawrie Cupp

Feb. 2, 1934Nov. 29, 2020

Lawrie passed away on November 29, 2020 at the age of 86. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Chris (Sheila), Merle (Peter), and Donna (John). She will also be fondly remembered by her 6 grandchildren, Mackenzie, Liza, Rob, Beth, Jeff, and Christa. The family would like to thank Simon Fraser Lodge for the attentive care and compassion provided to our Mum. No service by request.

August 20, 1960November 23, 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of James (Jim) at the Rotary Hospice House in Prince George.

James was predeceased by his parents, Wyn and Ted and brother Bruce. He leaves behind to remember him fondly his sister Jain and twin brother John, nieces Haley, Sarah and Taryn, and nephew Travis.

James was born in Queen Victoria Hospital as part of the gift of twins to Wyn and Ted. He grew up in Revelstoke in the sixties and seventies where he developed a passion for skiing, mountain biking, hiking and fishing. Following high school, James went to Sri Lanka as part of a Canada World Youth exchange program. There he lived and worked with the local people building schools among the fields and rice patties. This experience had a life-long impact.

James earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics from the University of Victoria. Many summers between semesters were spent at the family home in Revelstoke building flower gardens to ensure Wyn always had flowers, the subject of her paintings. James took a leap of faith and moved northwards from Victoria. Shortly thereafter, he began working as a health research analyst for the offices of the Chief Medical Health Officer and the numerous health agency CEOs in northwest BC. In 2003, James moved to Prince George to accept a position at Northern Health as the Regional Manager of Health Informatics; a role that would see him involved in various planning and information support functions throughout the agency. In 2007, James received the BC Public Sector Award for Citizen Engagement, and in 2017, he graduated with an MBA degree from the University of Northern BC. He was known to many as the “Gardener of Prince George”. He championed the community garden and created many smaller gardens in places he knew would bring joy to the neighborhood. James developed friendships with people everywhere he went and spent his time selflessly helping those in need. He cared deeply for people and his ability to connect with them made him truly special. Always ready with a practical joke or a smile to lighten the moment, in everything he did, James embraced advocacy, honesty, empathy, personal-humility and the promotion of others.

James will be interred in Mountain View Cemetery with his parents and brother in the spring. His many bags of wild-flower seeds will be planted as a lasting memory.

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort...

Rest in peace brother.

James Michael Haggerstone

Gerald Griffin

August 27, 1930November 25, 2020

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gerry Griffin. Gerry passed away In Willoughby Snowden Hospice. Gerry is predeceased by his parents Eric and Alva Griffin, also his daughter Brenda, son in law Rick, granddaughter Tammy and son Mervin.

Gerry is survived by his loving wife Joan, daughters Donna (Dave), Kathy (Frank), Sandi (Bob), Ken (Pam) and Daughter in law Lourie.

Stepchildren Sheryl, Don (Sharon), Gordon Also many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gerry was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan then moved out to British Columbia in the early 60’s. Gerry lived and worked in Prince George for many years but spent the later part of his life in the Kamloops area. Gerry and Joan lived on Little Shuswap Lake for many years making memories for all his family, later they moved into Chase but as his health started to falter they moved into Kamloops where he spent his last years.

Gerry Griffin was his name, Truck driving was his game. Many miles he had spent, Without an accident.

Highways, North,South, East and West He always did his best.

Time now to park and rest !

Gerry will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A small private service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com

In Loving Memory of Domenico Mario Di

Benedetto

May 26, 1943November 27, 2020

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Domenico Di Benedetto on November 27, 2020. He will forever, lovingly be remembered by his daughters, Margarita (Johnny) Angela (Danny) grandchildren, Emma, Domenic and Enzo, sister Silvana (Chris) beloved partner Carol and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Domenico was born on May 26, 1943 in Carpanzo, Italy. The family immigrated to Canada in 1957. At the age of 16 and with the help of his father, uncle and friends he designed and built his first house. Building became his passion. Domenico became a meticulous, dedicated builder. Along with his brother Sergio, Domenico Construction and Newborn Homes were born. Domenico, excelled in his trade and was very proud of his accomplishments and workmanship . He will be missed by all his coffee buddies and friends. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a family burial was held on Saturday. December 5th. A celebration of life will take place in the spring at a date to be announced.

Rest in peace Domenico. You will be greatly missed.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Look Who's Celebrating Birthday

Birthdays,Annivers aries, Graduation or Any

Special Occasion Look Who’s Celebrating runs every Thursday(Deadline Fridays at 3pm).

To book your spotcall 250.562.6666

Happy Bel ated 1st Birthday to our preciouslittleboy

Gavin DONALD Doig

Born: Oct23, 2019

With lots of love from: Dad &Mom (Rob &Michelle)

Bigbrother Damon Papa &Nana Doig

Grandpa &Grandma Jagodnik xoxoxox

EMPLOYMENT

School Bus Driver

Location: Prince George, BC

Diversified Transportation – BC Operations is currently seeking dedicated and safetyminded School Bus Drivers to join our team. This is an essential role that offers job security, a flexible schedule and allows you to make a difference on the front line by transporting our children to school safely

The health and safety of our employees and passengers have always been our top priority In response to COVID-19, we have implemented additional safety protocols which can be viewed at www.diversifiedbus.ca

Why You Should Choose Diversified BC

We offer free personalized training, competitive wages, bonuses, and flexibility within your personal life.

• Part-time hours - per fect for a stay-at-home parent, entrepreneur, or retiree!

• Competitive wages

• Opportunity for advancement

• Employee recognition programs

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday – no mandator y nights or weekend work Split shifts

Job Description

As a School Bus Driver, you will work a split shift, driving approximately 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. You will be assigned a route that falls between the hours of 6:30 am - 9:30 am in the morning and between 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the afternoon. Spare drivers must be comfortable with navigation as they can cover any route.

A good knowledge of the surrounding area is essential.

Requirements

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license (FREE Class 2 training provided)

• Clean driver’s abstract with a safe driving record

• Clear criminal record and vulnerable sector search

The interested candidate may apply by submitting a completed resume by email to bernardd@pwt.ca or by fax 780-449-7198, attention to Bernard D.

PRINCE GEORGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GENERAL MANAGER

ThePrinceGeorge SymphonyOrchestra(PGSO) seeks aGeneral Manager. This is afull-time permanentposition.

ThePGSO which is celebrating its 50th anniversar ythis season, ser vesthe City and the surrounding region. It is akey member of the per forming ar ts communityinthe City and provides oppor tunities forprofessional musicians,communitymusicians and encourages and suppor ts the development of young ar tists.

TheGeneral Managerisresponsible to the Boardthrough the BoardChair forthe direction and execution of all fiscal and administrativeactivities of the PGSO.

TheGeneral Managerpar ticipatesinthe Board’sdevelopmentand implementation of its strategic plan.

Theposition has full responsibilityfor the business office, budgeting,financial recordsand repor ting,marketing and promotion and financial development. In conjunction with the Music Director the role includes concer t produc tion managementand relatedvolunteer engagement, musician recruiting and oversight with par ticular referencetothe termsofengagement.The GM is also theprincipal staff spokesperson forthe organization for polic yand non-ar tistic matters

Thesuccessful candidate will have apost secondar yeducation or equivalent experience, an appreciation of and ideally experienceinclassical music and orchestras,possess ahigh levelofleadership and demonstratestrong interpersonal sk ills as ateam player. Ademonstratedabilitytoengage donors is an impor tantasset.

Applicants areasked to submit their resume in full confidenceto search@pgso.com

Salar yrange -$50,000 -$60,000

Application Deadline: Januar y15, 2021

To place an ad 250-562-6666 cls@pgcitizen.ca

Create,

Crea te your own ads in the Classifieds.

How to write a classified ad that works.

Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.

Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.

• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.

• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.

• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.

• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.

• Limit abbreviations. Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.

• Limit abbreviations. Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.

• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.

• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.

• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.

To advertise, call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address. To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

Bedroom/Bedding

Houses for Sale

Property For Sale

7902 North Nechako Road (DL 2099) 6 acres of land, subdividable after removal of gravel (est 700,000 yards). Priced to sell. Interested parties reply to Box 441, Station A Prince George

160 Acres, 72 miles East Prince George, all weather road access year around, mixed timber, 250 feet from

TO:MICHELLEDUBRULE PrinceGeorge,BCUnder WarehouseLienAct,your 2005ChevroletMailbuFour DoorSedanVIN# 1G1ZT52845F231253 locatedat555-777Central St.WestPrinceGeorge,BC V2M3C6sinceJune29, 2020.Itwillbeseizedand soldtocoverchargesof $10,000.Auctionofthis itemwillbeonDecember6, 2020. 250-545-3204 richard.sutton@bentallgreen oak.com

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.

Linda Wijcik

SusanMcCook

Jackie Clements

Roland Green

Sharon &Wayne Armistead

How SmartHomesWork

Connected viaWi-Fitoa main hubsuchasAmazon EchoorGoogle Home, smarthomesare acollectionofdevices thatsynch to ahome’snetwork. Witha tap of your smartphone,you’re able to synchwith andremotely access appliances,alarm systems —all at your command. Our smart home starter guide will takeyou stepbystep through everything you needtoknow to set up asmart home. One of the keyattractionstosmart homesistheir scalability —you’reabletoadd moredevices asnew appliances make theirway into your home. As your budget and your smart homeneeds evolve, youcan bring on new gadgets and build onto yoursmarthome platform.From finetuning yourhome’s heating andcooling needs to receiving updates on expiring food in your refrigerator,this do-it-yourself home automation can revolutionize the wayyou live at home.

Chooseyour smart assistant

Beforepicking up any smart home tech, you’ll need ahub,whichissometimes calledasmart homeassistant.These devicesconnect allofyourappliances and webenabledsmart systems to the internet. Andfromthere,they’reconnected backtoyou through amobile device orweb browser. Apple’sHomePod,Amazon’sEcho andGoogle’sHome Assistantare examples of hubs.It’sa good idea to create asmarthome designplan. Whenshoppingfor smarthome devices, you’ll need to be surethateach appliancewill workwith the hubyou’veelected to use.Makea list of all theitems you’dliketoget connectedintoyour home, and then do alittle homework to be surethey’reall compatible with the hubyou’ve got in mind

Design your smarthome

Nowthatyou’ve got ahandleonthe home assistant and you’resureitwillwork with your smart homeplan, it’s time to explore your designoptions. One waytobuilda smarthome canbe accomplishedbymakinga room-by-room list. Jot down devicenames andproducts youwant to usethere.Another optionistobuild alist of capabilities,or the ways thatyou want your home to be moreefficient andremotely accessible.Then create your accessories anddevice list. Manymanufacturers arecreatingproductsfor all hub platforms, but some areonly compatible withasingle system.Take alookatproduct reviewsand customer feedbackaswell becausenot all smart homeappliances arecreated equal.

Donna Badowski***

Avoid making mistakes when selling your home

Maybe it’s true that your property cost a lot to buy and that you’ve improved it over time. But when selling, you still have to be realistic and set a fair price that’s based on comparable properties in your neighbourhood. Asking too much is one of the most common mistakes sellers make. Here are some other mistakes to avoid:

• Not preparing the home properly. Make your property as attractive as possible. Tidy up, clean everywhere and do all the necessary repairs (leaky faucet, wobbly steps, etc.). Depersonalize the

decor; don’t make it look too empty, though, because you want visitors to be able to imagine living there.

• Not getting the right help. To sell your home as quickly and efficiently as possible, you need to have the help of some competent professionals. Choose your real estate agent, notary or lawyer and home inspector with care.

• Concealing defects. Be honest and don’t hide anything. It’s pointless, anyway, because an inspection will reveal any problems.

• Being too emotional. You love your house, which is normal. However, you need to keep a cool head and not be offended by a really low offer. It’s only natural to try and buy a property at the lowest possible price. The good news? Your home has attracted attention. All you have to do now is negotiate.

Five advantages to organizing an open house

Are you undecided about organizing an open house to stir up interest in the sale of your home? Here are five good reasons to convince you.

1. You’ll save valuable time by meeting lots of visitors on the same day.

2. You’ll attract potential buyers who would not necessarily have visited your property under different circumstances.

3. You’ll show potential buyers that your home generates interest.

4. You’ll increase the visibility of your home in the neighbourhood.

5. You can get a feel for the market by asking for the views of the various visitors. This will allow you to make adjustments as needed.

So, when’s your open house?

MarcotteLaw Corporation has been ensuring smooth real estate transactions forovertwo decades.When youare buying or selling,we’re heretohelp save youtime, risk, and money.

Choosing a condominium: it’s not just the look that counts

Finding the perfect condominium isn’t just a matter of taking into account the number of rooms, the quality of the flooring or how modern the kitchen is. Of course, it’s important to choose a condo that you like and that has a workable kitchen, but you also have to be very sure you can afford it.

The first step is to decide if you want a new or existing condo. If you opt for the latter, make sure it is well maintained and that the condominium corporation is financially viable. In other words, take the time to check the financial records of the condominium association.

STAYING FRIENDLY WITH THE NEIGHBOURS

When you’re checking the financial records, take a look at the minutes of the meetings and annual general meetings This will give you a good idea of the general atmosphere of the condominium complex. This is important, as condominium living also requires getting

along with your neighbours, especially about the management and maintenance of the building. To limit the risk of conflicts, you’re better off opting for a building where the owners have a lifestyle profile similar to your own. Ideally, you should try to meet some of your potential neighbours

Bear in mind, however, that even if you get along well with your neighbours, they will be very close to you. A private or semi-private entrance is not a guarantee of intimacy, so make sure the quality of soundproofing is acceptable.

FOLLOWING REGULATIONS

To make an informed choice you also need to be aware of all the rules and regulations, especially where they concern pets, parking and the use of common areas. Make sure they fit your lifestyle and that following them won’t exasperate you on a daily basis.

WHAT SERVICES WILL YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR?

What are the amenities offered? Is there a tennis court, indoor parking garage or swimming pool? Don’t forget that condo fees pay for all the services, including maintenance. So if you like to swim laps, you’ll be glad your building has a swimming pool. However, if swimming is not your favourite activity, paying for the maintenance of a facility you never use could be annoying.

In short, you can’t choose a condo unit just because you like its appearance. Take the time to consider all aspects of the condominium in its entirety.

Would you like to share your home?

These days, things like divorce, job loss and heavy debt can put respectable, hard-working people in danger of losing their homes. As a result, many families consider renting out a room to one or more tenants. If you’re considering renting out a room or a part of your home, know that having a tenant can be a positive experience. But it can also turn into a nightmare. Before you take the plunge, consider all the pros and cons carefully. Renting out a part of your home is a

great way to pay the bills or pay down more of your mortgage. It could open up the possibility of owning a bigger or more luxurious home or of being able to afford better services, such as Internet and cable TV. Tenants can also be good company if you get along with them.

However, sharing your home with others is not always easy. You have to adapt to each other’s habits and negotiate chores. Things like paying bills, sharing groceries, smoking, pets, guests, and making noise could lead to conflict. To keep things peaceful, inform prospective tenants of your preferences in advance and establish suitable rules that everyone has to respect, including you.

Renting out a part of your home is a great mortgage helper

Five good reasons to sell through an agent

When homeowners decide to put their property on the market, they are faced with the decision to use the services of a real estate agency or not. Are you hesitating? Here are five reasons to entrust the sale of your property to real estate professionals.

1. Knowledge of the market. Fixing a home’s selling price is a difficult exercise. In addition to being neutral your emotions could distort your assessment of the real value of your home real estate agents know the market in your area as well as comparable properties. This allows them to decide on an appropriate selling price.

2. Home staging. Through their experience and expertise, agents can advise you on what improvements should be made to your home before it’s put on the market, as well as the best ways to make it look as attractive as possible.

Besides, they’re sure to have some home staging professionals among their many contacts.

3. The listing. Photos, description, certificate of location and inspection report: an agent makes sure your sales listing is complete.

4. Marketing. By using the services of a real estate agency, you give more visibility to your property and you can let skilled professionals handle the marketing. Your chances of selling quickly are much higher.

5. Organization. Managing phone calls, promoting the property, planning visits and assessing potential buyers: do you really have the time and skills to take care of everything? And don’t forget that you’ll have to tidy up and clean your home before every visit.

Real estate agents are experienced negotiators who can get the best price for your property, while respecting the buyer. Best of all, they support you throughout the sales process.

Going through a real estate agent means your house gets more visibility and sells faster.

Set up your OPEN-PLAN LIVING AREA like

Living spaces with minimal partitions have beentrendingforquitesometime.Thesemodern,welcomingspacesthatflowfreelyappeal to individuals in many different situations, frompeoplelivingalonetocouplesandfamilies Thatbeingsaid,itcanbehardtoachieve abalanced,estheticallypleasingdesignforan openfloorplan Herearesometipstohelpyou createacohesivespace.

•Structureyourspace.Usefurnitureand accent pieces to create visual boundaries between different areas. For example, use a low shelf, a rug, a bookcase or some plants to define your living room

area. To set your home office apart, use a decorative screen or a chest of drawers as a divider Foradditionalsoundproofing, opt for professionally installed glass partitions. In short, the goal is to design a roomwithinaroomusingrepositionable items instead of fixed walls.

•Optimizeyourstorage.Untidiness,even when minimal, can create a highly unpleasant sense of chaos in an open floor plan. To prevent this, camouflage clutterbychoosingfurniturethatdoubles as storage (hollow benches and ottomans, for example), or by minimizing

a pro

your possessions and keeping only what you need. Rest assured: a minimalist decorwillhaveyou feeling light as air.

•Choose a consistent colour scheme. When it comes time to decorate your space, choose a neutral colour for the main walls. To achieve a cohesive look, keep in mind that all of your windows should be dressed in the same fashion, or at least display coordinating trims. Finally, stick with one type of flooring throughout the space.

•Create focal points.An impressive lighting fixture, an aquarium, a work of art, a plantwallorafireplacewillautomatically drawtheeyeandcreaterhythminawideopen space. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as too many statement pieces can causequitetheoppositeeffect.Inshort,for Pinterest-worthyresults,lessismore!

Need advice on how to artfully organize youropen-plan space? Call aninterior designer or decorator in your area: he or she will be able to helpyoucreate a balanced, functional, beautiful home!

TOP FIVE REMODELLING projects for fall

Want to improve the appearance and value of your home before wintersets in? Get inspired with these five home improvement projects that experts say are perfect for fall.

1.Install a new heating system

2.Giveyourbathroomamakeover

3.Redo your roof

Real estate agents: a great solution for home buyers

Research, visits, negotiations and paperwork: buying a property can be complex, especially for first-time buyers. To avoid making mistakes, you’re much better off using the services of a real estate agent who will protect your interests After all, this is a major investment you’re about to make.

Doing business with real estate agents has many advantages. They handle all legal aspects of the complex real estate transaction and accompany you through each step of the buying process. In addition to receiving expert advice, you will be able to take advantage of their wide network of contacts in order to find the other professionals whose services you need, such as a building inspector, a notary or lawyer or a mortgage broker.

It also makes finding the perfect home easier. Realtors have access to numerous tools for finding the property that best meets your needs. They ensure that you have all the documents necessary to evaluate the property, including the complete listing, the property survey or certificate of location and tax bill. Their neutral perspective could also be valuable when you fall in love with a property that isn’t really what you’re looking for. They’ll help you think twice

Some practical tips for a successful open house

before you make a decision.

Because of their experience and market knowledge, real estate agents can help buyers determine the right price to offer for the property they are interested in. Depending on the province you live in, you may also be protected by law if you use the services of an agent.

In short, working with a real estate agent to buy a property is a smart move. So why deprive yourself?

Have you decided to sell your home and want to organize an open house to launch its appearance on the market? These tips may come in useful.

• Advertise the event as much as possible with posters, newspaper ads, bulletin boards and online social networks.

• Prepare relevant documents ahead of time, including fact sheets, photos, evaluation and municipal taxes, inspection reports and certificate of location.

• Be prepared to answer any questions. What year was the roof redone? How much are the property taxes? Have you done any renovations lately? How many previous owners have there been?

• Put away any valuables.

• Make sure your property looks its best inside and outside. Put any pets outdoors and air out the house.

• Greet visitors upon arrival and be available to answer their questions, but avoid putting pressure on them in any way.

• Take note of visitors’ contact information in order to follow up after the visit.

Don’t hesitate to ask visitors for their

impressions. One advantage of an open house is the possibility of knowing the visitors’ opinions. That way you’ll be able to make any necessary adjustments.

JOHN HART PEACE RIVER HIGHWAY CHETWYND

52 unit Days Inn good occupancy and with 50 unit RV park beside the hotel for sale as well. Great location on the highway an attractive investment opportunity with all the economic activity in the Peace. For further information on financials and contact listing realtors. $7,000,000 MLS 184582

5152 AIRPORT RD VANDERHOOF

100’ x120’ modern airport hanger.Includes office, board room and living quarters. Direct access to runway.More details available. MLS #C8027895

HART PEACE RIVER HIGHWAY

50 unit RV park on 7acres great highway exposure beside the Days Inn. The RV has lots of room for expansion to expand this investment and grow your cash flow with servicing available.For further information contact listing realtors for financials and occupancy an well worth looking at.$1,300,000 MLS 184583

BRUNSWICK ST FOR LEASE

4,000 sq ft Restaurant space located in the Marriott Courtyard, Prince George’snewest full service Hotel

CARIBOO ESTATES

1,800 block of 1st Ave. Industrial zoned with RETAIL/OFFICE applications. Highway access. Various locations and sizes available.

757 PRESTON RD.

1.76 Acres in City Limits. Zoned RM1 (Multiple Residential). Price $499,000 MLS #C8033659

zoned

1777-3RD AVE. FOR

Buying a condominium: a new or existing unit?

You’re looking for your dream condo, but you’re wondering whether you should opt for a new or existing unit. It’s definitely a question worth thinking about.

A NEW CONDOMINIUM

If you buy a condo before or during its construction, you’ll have the chance to customize the interior. It’s more likely to be a model that features the latest in decorative style and meets all the current standards in terms of soundproofing and insulation. In most cases, you’ll be able to choose such things as the flooring, kitchen countertops and bathroom tiles. Another advantage: you won’t need to renovate for quite some time.

However, the occupancy date could be delayed, which is certainly not ideal if you want to move in quickly. And although presale prices are sometimes advantageous, are you daring enough to buy property sight-unseen? After all, you’ll be relying solely on the plans or a model unit. And by purchasing a new condo, you won’t be able to judge how well the build-

ing is going to be managed, as the condominium association has obviously not yet been set up. In addition, you won’t know what kind of neighbours you’re going to have.

AN EXISTING CONDOMINIUM

In this case your imagination won’t play any tricks on you; you’ll be able to visit and inspect the entire condo before buying. You won’t have to deal with changing occupancy dates but just agree on a move-in date with the seller. Another major advantage is that you can consult the records of the condominium association and meet some of the co-owners to get an idea of how well the building is managed This will give you a glimpse at the current rules and regulations as well as the general atmosphere. Be sure to look at the minutes of the annual general meetings and co-owner meetings In short, you know exactly what you’re buying.

However, apart from any renovations that you may want to do to make the condo more to your liking, there may also be long-term maintenance work to do in the notso-distant future. That could include re-roofing or exterior siding updates. So, before making a purchase offer, it would be wise to ensure that the condominium corporation is in good financial health. Lastly, if the condominium building is fairly old, the insulation and soundproofing may not be up to standard.

So, should you choose a new or existing condo? Both options have their pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide what suits you best.