Thank you, Prince George
2020 has been ayear unlikeany other.
We have all beenchallenged in unexpectedwaystostepupfor ourcommunities. Butwe’ve beeninspired by the amazingwaysyou have taken care ofeach other.
Your support forfrontline workers, seniors,teachers,neighbours,familieswithsick children andthe manypeople with criticalneeds hereinthe community hasbeen above and beyond, and then beyond that even more
We want to sayaBIG thank youfor theunwavering kindness,generosity and togetherness you’ve shownfor one another this year
Thank youtoour guests foralwaysmaking us partofyour day, and forgiving back through campaignslikeFries forGood,which raised over $2.9 milliontosupport both the Canadian RedCross and families who turn to Ronald McDonald House Charities®across Canada to stayclose to their sick childbeingtreated at the local hospital
Thank youtoour incredible restaurant teams who have supportedour neighbours on thefront lines of the pandemic:providingcoffee to Prince George’s health care workers,emergencyservices personnel and teachers,donating meals to health careproviders anddonating to local community organizationsincluding theSpirit of the NorthHealthcareFoundation’s Festival of Trees,the Child Development Centre, PrinceGeorgeCougars Hockey Club andRMHCBCand Yukon.
The generosity shown by everyone this year hasmade adifference in the lives of so many, butthereare moreneeds to meet. The holiday season is atime of year when increasing numbersoffamilies turn to food bankstoput dinnerontheirtables,so McDonald’s Canadaand our localrestaurantowners from acrossthe countrywill continuetostepupbysupporting witha donationthat will provide 400,000 meals to Food BanksCanada’s nationwidenetwork. HereinBritish Columbiathat means over 50,000 meals to families in need.
We know there’s adifference between being in acommunity,and being partofone, and we arehumbled andproud to be apartofyours
From our McFamilytoyours, we saythank you, Prince George.
Jacques Mignault
President& CEO
McDonald’s Canada
Brian Boresky Owner and Operator
Prince George
ICU nurse shares COVID insight
CHRISTINE HINZMANN
Citizen staff
Renee Bush, a critical care nurse at the University Hospital of Northern B.C., wanted to share what it’s like to go to work every day in the intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic as numbers of positive cases increase on a daily basis.
Bush grew up in Houston and moved to Prince George almost 20 years ago to get her nursing education.
She joined the surgical unit in 2007 and about eight years ago became an ICU nurse.
“I’m just a small-town girl that wants to tell her small-town friends what this has been like,” Bush said.
Bush said she’s afraid that people aren’t going to pay attention to the restrictions put in place during the holiday season and wants people to take the coronavirus seriously.
In the north, the second wave is worse than the first, she added.
GYM OWNER ON MEND
TED CLARKE
Citizen staff
After two weeks of excruciating pain and discomfort coming out of cancer surgery to remove a tumour on his liver, Dean Coleman had his first real good day last Friday.
The 46-year-old real estate agent/fitness gym co-owner was in a good mood resting on his couch at home.
The story of Coleman’s second bout with the disease, 12 years after he beat lung cancer with his first round of surgery, touched off a wave of emotion and support from the local community to help him keep the doors of the family business open.
A GoFundMe page started by fitness instructor Kimberly Sexsmith has so far collected nearly $35,000 and donations continued to arrive following Coleman’s return to Prince George last Wednesday
Dean and wife Janna surprised their two young daughters, nine-year-old Kenlee and 11-year-old Maija, when they flew home a day earlier than they promised.
While he still has to have a PET (positron emission tomography) scan to check the remaining tissue of his liver and injections to inhibit cancer cell growth, Coleman is encouraged by his prognosis.
“There is a ton of follow-up but I think the liver that’s left looks really healthy,” he said. “I know it’s a pretty big chunk of the liver they removed. The surgery outcomes were good and the CT scans were positive. The surgeon seems confident.”
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE/LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE.
MERRY COVID CHRISTMAS Santa Claus (Vince Prince) waves while Treena Beauchamp-Prince holds up a
their grandkids over FaceTime on Sunday in Cottonwood Island Park. Merry Christmas from
COVID vaccine arrives in Prince George
The first shipment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine arrived at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. on Monday, Northern Health reported.
Northern Health expects to begin vaccinating highrisk health care workers and long-term care and assisted-living residents this week.
“The Pfizer vaccine has been approved by Health Canada and is safe, effective, and will save lives.
Vaccines do more than protect the people being immunized, they also protect everyone around them,” a statement issued by Northern Health said.
“As more vaccines are approved by Health Canada and shipment volumes ramp up, more communities and more groups of people will receive the COVID-19
vaccine. We expect to be able to immunize all Northern BC residents who wish to have the vaccine by the end of 2021.”
Northern Health anticipates the vaccine created by Moderna to be available in 2021, as Health Canada is expected to approve it for use shortly All COVID-19 vaccines will be free to everyone in British Columbia.
Occupational Health Nurse, Health & Safety
Advisor Siyanna Bennett unpacks first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia.
Teachers want COVID changes
The Prince George District Teachers Association is calling on the provincial health officer to make changes to the way COVID-19 is dealt with in schools.
In a letter sent to Dr. Bonnie Henry, the PGDTA is urging her to make masks mandatory in all areas of schools and to cut by half the number of students in a classroom.
PGDTA vice-president Katherine Trepanier said physical distancing is not possible in a classroom
“There seems to be this idea that class are still the teacher standing at the front of the class delivering information and the students just all sitting properly in rows. That’s just not what schools look like,”
Trepanier said.
Trepanier said reducing class sizes could be achieved by shortening days or having students come on alternating days and then doing their schoolwork online.
“We want schools to stay open. We know how important it is for children, it is the best thing,” she said. “But we’re in a global pandemic We have to make everybody’s physical health a priority right now.”
Trepanier cast doubt on the idea of extending the Christmas break
“My worry is if you extend the break, there is not a guarantee that people will be any better behaved during the extended time,” she said
Together we ride.
BC Transit is heretohelpyou comfortablyand conveniently connectwith your community. While youare celebratingathomethisseason, we hope buildingthismini paper-craftbus brings alittle funto your day. Formorefun activities please visit visit ride.bctransit.com Step
NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO
PLASTICS PLANT HEADED BACK TO CITY
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The massive West Coast Olefins Ltd. petrochemical complex is returning to Prince George.
Originally proposed for land on the BCR Industrial Site, proponents began looking north to sites near Summit Lake and Bear Lake in response to public pressure. But speaking on a webcast hosted by the B.C. Resources Coalition, WCOL president Ken James said the project is heading back to the city He attributed the reversal to a combination of steadfast opposition from a “vocal minority” no matter where it was
to be located, combined with pleas from the “silent majority” to bring it back to the original site in Prince George
“We didn’t get the objectives we wanted by going north,” he said “But what we did discover is those in opposition were never going to be satisfied unless we were willing to just roll up our project and give up.
“But when we moved north, that was actually (when we got) the most positive feedback we got for our project. People disappointed to lose the jobs, people disappointed if they were going to have to do 45-minute commutes each way for people that did get jobs out there, so there was
a lot of positive actual messaging we got when we left.”
First announced in July 2019, the complex is to consist of a natural gas recovery system that would take feedstock from the nearby Enbridge pipeline and transport it to a 120-hectare (300-acre) property zoned for heavy industry on the BCR to supply an ethylene plant and an ethylene derivatives plant. The ethylene plant would produce about one million tonnes per year of polymer-grade ethylene.
In all, the works would cost at least $5.6 billion to build and generate 2,000 to 3,000 jobs at its peak and employ about 1,000
people once completed. The natural gas recovery system would account for about $1.3 billion of that total, the ethylene plant for $2.8 billion and the derivatives plant for $1.5 billion.
Next steps include reviving an application to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office for the ethylene and derivatives plants and guiding an application for the natural gas recovery system through a process set out by the provincial Oil and Gas Commission.
As well, negotiating an impact benefits agreement with the Lhiedli T’enneh is on the list.
First Nations oppose move
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Lheidli T’enneh Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band have thrown up a roadblock for the proposed West Coast Olefins Ltd. petrochemical complex.
In a statement, the two nations said they oppose WCOL advancing the project on the BCR industrial site and that there will be no future negotiations between the parties.
WCOL president Ken James has said reaching a benefits agreement with LTN was among the next steps following a decision to bring the proposed project back to the BCR.
After first eyeing a site at the BCR, proponents then announced in May they were looking at properties near Summit Lake and Bear Lake. In June, LTN and MLIB announced a partnership to develop an industrial park near Summit Lake.
Pountney said talks had been going on since February 2018, when LTN was first approached.
“During the last 32 months we have worked with Westcoast Olefins in good faith and we have expended countless hours and dollars in our attempts to build a relationship that is respectful and transparent,” Pountney said.
“Even when the project location was moved north of Prince George, we still maintained our commitment to negotiations via our partnership with McLeod Lake Indian band.”
Reached for comment, James said WCOL will continue to progress the project through the regulatory processes and work to address those aspects related to indigenous stakeholders.
In the statement, LTN Dayi Clay Pountney and MLIB Chief Harley Chingee said that despite a significant investment in time and resources, no agreement has been reached.
“It’s time to move on and work with industry partners that understand and respect aboriginal rights, title and interests MLIB remains committed to working with LTN in the development of the Shas-Ti Dlezeh Industrial Park,” Chingee said
“We share a common vision to bring new industries into the territories including the petrochemical industry to help diversify the local economy.”
“We have to provide all the environmental information and all the impacts and the impacts on their treaty rights, their traditional rights and their title rights,” he said. He noted the current site is on fee simple land and is not in MLIB territory and that LTN has a place on the working group that is part of the submission to the B C. Environmental Assessment Office for the two plants planned for the BCR site.
Another application is before the Oil and Gas Commission for a system to provide feedstock from Enbridge’s natural gas pipeline to the BCR site
“If they don’t want to participate, that’s their prerogative,” James said.
James also disputed the date talks began, saying they actually started in February 2019.
Downtown cleanup crew kept busy
TED CLARKE
Citizen photo
In pre-pandemic times, the lineup to get into the St Vincent de Paul drop-in centre on Second Avenue at meal time resulted in a hot breakfast or lunch served at a table in a warm dry surroundings protected from the elements of winter weather.
That doesn’t happen anymore while the threat of COVID still exists
Since May, it’s takeout food service only at the city’s largest soup kitchen. Meals are served in Styrofoam containers or on paper plates and the only seats provided are the cold concrete sidewalk.
St. Vinny’s feeds on average 140 people for breakfast and 180 for lunch. When the food is gone, the evidence gets left behind in piles of discarded trays, plates and napkins. It’s Andrew Scott’s job as a city parks employee to handle the cleanup duties.
“All that stuff they feed them ends up on our streets,” Scott said.
It’s a never-ending battle picking up garbage tossed to the ground in a concentrated area bordered by Queensway to Victoria Street and Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue. With sit-down dinners discouraged, the pandemic has had a noticeable effect on the amount of litter that collects on the sidewalks and street gutters.
“In the pandemic, a lot of people aren’t gathering,” said Scott “Even in the campsites they build and the houses where they gather and rent, they’re not eating inside. They all loiter out on the streets.”
It’s an area of downtown notorious for attracting street people and the homeless crowd who leave behind dirty needles, used condoms, feces, urine and vomit for city workers like Scott to clean up. His workday starts with emptying sidewalk waste containers, and for the first part of every shift, he and his work partner dismantle temporary shelters made of cardboard, plastic sheets and wood pallets set up in alleys and greenspaces or blocking entranceways to city businesses.
“They build little forts with cardboard and stuff and they have to be knocked down every day and cleaned up and they do it all over again the next night,” said Scott. “The first four hours of my day is pretty much downtown. I could be down there eight hours. There’s not enough
CIty parks worker Andrew Scott empties a litter barrel at the corner of Second Avenue and Dominion Street across from the St. Vincent de Paul drop-in centre during one of his shifts.
people right now to handle it. We do an early-morning sweep down there and we have a sidewalk sweeper in the spring and summer that goes down as well.”
Spurred by public pressure to clean up the streets and address some of the social issues that plague the downtown core, city council formed a task force committee that came up with the list of recommendations in the Downtown Safe, Clean and Inclusive Package unveiled in June. Beefing up daily litter patrols and an increased police foot patrol presence downtown were among the recommendations of the task force implemented over the summer Teams of two now work together to keep streets and sidewalks clean.
“We have two people down there together now because of safety issues and we’re working seven days a week right now because of COVID and the homeless getting fed outside,” said city park foreman Mike
Dimassimo. “It’s constant every day trying to keep it clean.”
The city doubled RCMP staffing for its two-member downtown daily patrols and increased bylaw staff from two to four Downtown civic facilities are now monitored by contracted security staff. The package also renewed funding for two downtown homeless service hubs, which provide washrooms, storage and other critical services. Improved lighting and security and daily cleaning protocols are now in city-owned parkades. Equipment and staff from the public works department assist in dismantling the marginalized camps and are available for cleanup duties and spray sanitizer of surfaces.
Scott says he likes to give the people huddled in their shelters a warning/wakeup call before the RCMP, backed by bylaw enforcement officers, come down to issue more stern instructions to vacate the
Motel owners deny blame for fatal fire
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The owners of a Prince George motel that was the scene of a deadly fire this summer have filed a response to a class action lawsuit, saying they took all reasonable care to ensure its fire safety systems were in working order prior to the blaze breaking out.
Instead, Mundi 910 Victoria Enterprises Ltd. and Choice Hotels Inc., say that if anyone is to blame it would be the City of Prince George and the two companies who were in charge of maintaining the system at the Econo Lodge City Centre Inn.
Three people were killed in the July 8 fire that gutted much of the motel in the 900 block of Victoria Street.
In September, one of the occupants who survived the blaze filed a class-action lawsuit against the two owners, as well as the City of Prince George and All Points Fire Protection Ltd. and Aztech Fire Safety Planning and Consulting (2015) Ltd.
In a response filed Dec. 7 at the Prince George courthouse, Mundi and Choice say that on July 6 - two days before the firethe City of Prince George, through Prince George Fire Rescue, inspected the motel’s fire preparedness and safety system and
area while shelters are taken down. Not everybody leaves their temporary homes willingly
“They get just infuriated by it,” said Scott. “They have guys carrying around sticks, pellet guns, blades and axes and they have them on them all the time I’ve had a few interactions with pellet guns and little hatchets and a couple people trying to break into our vehicle and I’ve had to scare them off. I haven’t been actually approached and threatened with weapons.”
It’s an everyday exercise taking down the shelters and it’s only a temporary fix.
“Basically the streets are somewhat empty and we come back first thing in the morning and it’s back to Square 1 again,” said Scott. “It’s very frustrating. I get asked that question all the time, ‘how can you put up with this?’ But I’m hired to do it. I’ll always be nice to the people down there because everybody has their issues and it’s not going to change any time soon.”
The shelters provide protection from thieves who try to rob the occupants of money, drugs or possessions. Sometimes the residents forcibly attempt to hang on to the building material they’ve collected out of wastebins and that’s why a police presence is needed. Scott can empathize with business owners who want the city to come up with a more permanent solution to rid the area of vagrants to encourage more potential customers to come downtown.
“The businesses are very frustrated, they help cleaning their own businesses. There are a few that don’t, and get really ticked off, but the majority of the business owners and renters are doing the same thing at the same time, kicking them out of the doorways. They have (human waste) to deal with and that’s not fun to deal with at 6 in the morning.”
Scott estimates he sees about two dozen regulars in downtown Prince George who are considered homeless. Many of the street people he sees erect shelter together in groups to give them a place to sleep and they come to the soup kitchens to get fed. Sometimes they pick up a broom to help him clean the sidewalks.
”They’re out all night collecting bottles (for recycling) or stealing stuff and they hang out downtown,” said Scott. “I know probably a dozen people by name.”
found they had met standards.
They also say they followed a fire safety plan that has been prepared by Aztech sometime before the fire and that All Points had inspected and tested the system in February and March. The owners further say that at all material times, the motel “was reasonably safe for use by the general public” and they deny that it was “in a dangerous or unsafe condition prior to the fire, whether as alleged or at all.”
If there were problems with the system, they say they were due to a failure by the City of Prince George, Aztech and All Points to “take reasonable care” to ensure
it was in proper working order.
The owners also suggest the occupants failed to take reasonable care for their own safety. The allegations have not yet been tested in court and the City of Prince George, Aztech and All Points have not yet filed responses to the lawsuit, which has not yet been certified by a judge.
The lawsuit’s main plaintiff, Leonard Hay, says he suffered second and third degree burns and lost all his possessions in the fire
Dick Byl Law Corp. and Vancouver-based Camp Fiorante Matthews Mogerman LLP are listed as the plaintiff’s lawyers.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
‘BE KIND TO OTHERS’
This is what Bush posted to her Facebook page:
“As an ICU nurse I have dealing with Covid patients in the Prince George hospital.
I am wanting people to recognize that Covid is real in the north.
The Health Care Team is working long difficult hours and extra shifts. This is not only physically exhausting, but emotionally and mentally draining.
I am nursing critically ill patients to the best of my ability, but it hurts my heart every day to be nursing people separated from their loved ones.
I field daily phone calls from families wanting updates about their special person that they love so much. They feel alienated and stressed that they can’t be with them. They tell me that they appreciate that we are at the bedside caring for their dad or sister or whomever it might be They tell me little things about their loved one to let me get to know them, even if it is just a small portion of who that person is.
I hear the cracks in their voices as they talk to me, trying not to cry. They always end the conversation with please tell them I love them. Even though most of my patients are unconscious I tell them I will, and I do. It makes me cry too. I want people to remember when they see the stats that these are real people, with lives and families, they are not just numbers.
I truly connect with my patients. I go
home thinking about them and their families I have constant thoughts in my head wondering if all my patients will still be there tomorrow when I get back to work. It’s hard to just turn your brain off Every death hurts us, we really are working so very hard
I hear the ventilator and monitor alarms even when I am at home. My face hurts from my respirator that I wear so much, the other parts of my day I wear the same mask as all of you. I am tired, and my soul hurts.
I went into nursing because I care about people. As true northerners we all care and love our neighbours I am asking for your help to think of others and not just yourself
I know it sucks to not have Christmas with loves ones. I don’t get to see my family either Small sacrifices for the big picture are what is needed right now
Social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing or sanitizing your hands goes a long way. It’s all we have right now to try to flatten the curve that has grown substantially.
Be kind to others, remember this is a sacrifice everyone is making right now
My work life has changed dramatically, but so has my home life just like yours. As the north we are one big community We can work together to take a huge load off the healthcare system and keep ourselves safe and healthy. Please adhere to the provincial guidelines of social distancing and not having social gatherings at this time.”
Th
ank You...
GrSeason’s eetings Beeveryoneand stwishesfor acalm,safeand healthyCovid free2021
OurGratitude and Thanks to the many faithfull the over 300 volunteers, who have carried on with Prince George Minor Hockey throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic.
With your ongoing commitment we have managed to continue providing recreational hockey to many youth in our city. Your support is greatly appreciated.
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YES, DAVID, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS
This editorial first appeared in the Dec. 24, 2013 edition of The Citizen and it’s become a bit of a local favourite for its twist on the famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” letter. Enjoy and Merry Christmas from everyone at The Citizen!
Dear Madam Publisher,
I am soon going to be 70 years old Some of my senior friends say there is no Santa Claus.
It seems to me that, still being a kid at heart and not real keen to “act my age,” I think it is just fine to believe in all sorts of things. I don’t have to be able to see something or have to touch it to think it could be real.
At the Festival of Trees this year, I watched as people of all ages came in to that Christmas Wonderland. It wasn’t just the children that had their eyes wide open and expressing all sorts of excitement.
I looked in to the eyes of many of the older people and I could see the joy and
memories flooding back with their recollections from many a past Christmas. It was a sight to see.
No, it is not only children but people of all ages who believe in things you cannot see or feel.
I say to my friends and family that if you see something printed in The Prince George Citizen, then it must be so!
So Madam, please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Thank you and Merry Christmas, David Yarmish Prince George David, your senior friends are wrong.
They have been affected by negative people living in a negative time.
They have been influenced by people like my editor-in-chief, who wrote a horrible editorial, The Problem With Santa
He’s a journalist and you know what those people are like.
They don’t believe a thing unless it slaps them in the face and then they write to say they saw it coming.
Negative minds are small minds that
can’t see the size of the whole universe and the big truths, the ones that are bigger than us and last forever
Yes, David, there is a Santa Claus.
Even the saddest soul believes in love and giving and trust. Those are the things that make us all happy, that give our small lives meaning.
How pathetic would our existence be, tiny creatures living on a pebble floating through the empty darkness of space, without those eternal truths.
How pathetic our lives would be without Santa Claus. If would be as awful as if there were no one like you, with the heart to believe in what matters but also a curious mind eager to know the truth.
To not believe in Santa Claus is to not believe in the Easter Bunny
We could ask all of the scientists at UNBC to investigate but even if they couldn’t find Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny or any other miracle of childhood, it only proves they can’t find them, not that they don’t exist.
You are right, David, to recognize that
A boggled COVID Christmas
Since brain injury, any joy I felt about the festive season before has disappeared.
Thanks to COVID, I don’t need to explain my lack of enthusiasm to the people in or outside of my bubble.
I don’t mean to sound negative and Scrooge-like. Brain injury has severely impacted my energy level, ability to plan, organize, multi-task, tolerate noise, lights and people. I am often emotionally flatlined. One of the difficult aspects of being in this position is having the burden of disappointing family and friends. As time passes, my feelings of guilt have decreased but the pressure is still there. Pressure that I place on myself with help from others. Just the thought of Christmas shopping makes me want to throw up. Truthfully, because of my brain being over-stimulated by noise, lights and people, I become nauseous I have come close a few times of creating a yucky, nasty scene in public. I won’t put myself in that position and gross people out. I’ve learned about my limits the hard way
Gosh, could you imagine me heaving in a store? Or actually throwing up? I’d be accused of having COVID, get thrown out and possibly called in to the snitch line.
“Yes, hello, I’d like to report a woman
BOGGLED
DIANE NAKAMURA
who I think has COVID. No, I’m not a doctor She’s in the mall and it looks like she’s going to throw up. What does she look like? I don’t know she has a mask on! And I can’t see her very well from here. No I’m not going to walk closer to her. She looks really short. Like a midget. Wait, she just ripped her mask off and she’s throwing up in the garbage can. Can you just send the cops? Thank you. Merry Christmas!”
Okay it may not be that bad but in these uncertain crazy times you never know what might unfold.
Last year, it took me one hour to wrap one Christmas present. After that I gave up and didn’t have it in me to finish Christmas shopping and wrapping. I recently had to wrap a birthday present and it took almost 45 minutes to complete. So, if a present can’t fit into an envelope or a gift bag it’s not happening No more torturous wrapping for me.
Last year, I had a lot of help from my friend Pam to make Christmas dinner I
the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see or hear or touch or taste or smell but what we feel in our hearts.
Those joyful moments we share with our friends and family create bonds that no force can ever tear apart.
No scientific instruments or the words of know-it-all writers can measure or describe these things in all of their beauty and glory.
Yet they are real and are more real and lasting than anything else in all of the world.
They are not bound by time or by space or by the limits of our tiny imaginations or by the negative people around us who would deny the very best part of what it is to be a human being.
We should be thankful to live in a world with Santa Claus.
A thousand years from now, a thousand generations from now, he will still be bringing cheer to everyone, young and old.
Merry Christmas, David, and thank you for your letter
Colleen Sparrow
couldn’t keep track of what needed to be on the stove or in the oven, when food was finished cooking, and how to time everything to come together perfectly. Sequencing was and still is a problem for me.
I felt bad that Pam looked after most of the cooking and clean up. And she was one of my guests from out of town. She probably doesn’t want to come to my place for dinner ever again And I wouldn’t blame her
I often say “be careful what you wish for.” I wanted a quiet, stress-free Christmas. What I will receive this year is Christmas without kids and my grandbaby There is always a flip side.
Because my health is compromised due to brain injury, I will not risk my well-being because of one holiday season And I will not place my family at risk, either With the rising numbers of COVID in Prince George, I would rather sacrifice now than pay a huge price later, a price that I may have to potentially pay for years to come.
I’m not going to wish you folks a Merry Christmas because this would be a ridiculous thing to say right now
Stay safe, hold your loved ones close and let’s look forward to a better year. We can always hope.
Right?
Residents eager for vaccine, poll finds
During the latest online poll, The Citizen asked “Will you take a COVID-19 vaccine once it’s available in Prince George?”
“Yes, at the earliest opportunity,” took 51 per cent and 802 votes, followed by “Yes, I want to resume normal activities,” took 19 per cent and 295 votes.
On the flip side, “No, I’m concerned about its safety” took 15 per cent and 244 votes and just behind that answer was “No, I’m concerned about how quickly they were developed,” with 15 per cent and 236 votes.
There were 1,577 total votes.
Remember this is not a scientific poll.
The next poll asks “who is the Prince George newsmaker of the year for 2020.”
To see who made the top-five list and make your vote count visit princegeorgecitizen.com
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Paying tribute to Ingrid Wenzel
I recently received news that my dear friend, Ingrid Wenzel, passed away after a six-year battle with cancer She was well known throughout Northern B.C. for her friendly personality, storytelling, music and much more
Her father, Jan-Udo Wenzel, was known for his career with the Prince George Citizen as a writer and author to the Ginter story. Her mother Linda, is a well known and respected retired elementary music school teacher for School District 57
Ingrid grew up in the Pineview/Blackburn community. She was a loyal supporter of her community and could be found planning and encouraging all to participate in events such as the annual Pineview Snow Frolics.
She sang in and directed community choirs, drove for Operation Red Nose and volunteered with friends at St Vincent De Paul. Ingrid’s second home was the iconic Alternate Pub.
When she wasn’t there either working or socializing, she would could be found moonlighting in a local band playing her saxophone, often offering a birthday tune or tribute.
Prince George residents will remember Ingrid for her storytelling skills. She was the children’s programmer at the Prince George Library for many years and had a big fan following. She would dress up, sing and involve the crowd in her stories, which were for the young and old.
Ingrid held prominent positions in the
community as an early childhood educator and as a local chapter member of the Early Childhood Educators of B.C. She served at the Carney Hill Community School and daycare for many years She was also the owner/operator of a community pre-school. She continued on to work for community based programs, Childcare Resource Referral and Strong Start BC. Ingrid lived and worked and spread community spirit in Prince George, Quesnel
and finally Smithers. She has left Northern B.C. with a legacy of laughter, music, storytelling and educating children and strong community involvement and support. She always had a smile and took time to chat with just about anyone. Ingrid touched many lives in the North and we will always be grateful for who she was and what she gave us.
The outpouring of social media messages and heartfelt tributes this week are
a testament to Ingrid’s humanness. She will be missed In honour of Ingrid, please take the time to say hello to a stranger and strike a conversation.
Who knows? You might make a new friend!
This submission was lovingly encouraged and supported by Kristen Eastman, Traci Kreitz and Dychelle Williams. Jessica Hrechka Fee Victoria
GREAT MEMORIES OF MYRT TURNER
So I read that Premier John Horgan changed his Christmas dinner plans because apparently he thought it would be OK to have his son and daughter inlaw over who are not part of his household
All to often we forget or fail to mention the contribution a person makes to our society
Myrt Turner is one of those people that have passed but deserve a special mention
Myrt was a person of total conviction who always believed if you set your mind and convictions to something, you follow through.
Over the years working with Myrt, we were often on different pollical spectrums but never allowed that to interfere with the job at hand, which was provide the best advice and guidance that helped a person move forward.
Myrt replaced me on the night of the fire and explosion at Lakelands Mills. What she experienced was unbelievable, although the next day she was at work
That was Myrt - always concerned about how others were handling the disaster.
Myrt was there for many of the workers from the tragedy and talked them through
MP Todd Doherty met his new grandchild, which means the child was not part of his bubble.
So are there different rules or do they not apply to politicians?
their despair and anxiety from the events of that night.
In many conversations, I asked how she could keep her own pain in check while talking about this with others.
Myrt would say their pain is today, mine was yesterday and they need support and help today.
Myrt was very political, make no mistake. She gave a commitment and followed through. We had many conversations about this over the years and with humour Myrt would say we agree and disagree on our pollical views but never allowed that to interact with the job at hand
I loved this woman.
She was a trooper, honest and dedicated to the end and helped so many people achieve their goals, never asking for a thank you.
Love you, Myrt May the angels sing your song, Terry Tate Williams Lake
I find it hard to accept when the preacher does not understand his own message.
David Harder
Prince George
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Rosina Turner, left, daughter of city council candidate Myrt Turner, centre, and Aaron Dick, chat before the municipal election results came in on Nov 21. 2011.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Ingrid Wenzel tells a story to children gathered at Snowdrop Park for Storytime in the Park on July 26, 2012. The wellknown and popular children’s storyteller passed away recently after a long battle with cancer
Damn the cost – full build ahead!
“Damn the torpedoes - full steam ahead!”
That was the battle cry attributed to Rear Admiral David Farragut during the Naval battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, between the North and the Confederacy during the Civil War, back when underwater mines were called torpedoes. So what has this got to do with the George Street Parkade? Well, actually quite a bit.
I will use the letter from Ian Wells, acting deputy city manager, to city council on Nov 26 to explain.
The original budget for the parkade in 2017 was $12.6 million. This figure was based on a quantity surveyor’s estimate. A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction industry professional with expert knowledge on construction costs and contracts.
In February 2018, due to engineering concerns regarding fluctuating ground water levels, the design for the parkade was changed
In July 2018, the developer provided the city with an updated cost estimate for
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the land, not a church choir was singing, for all had been banned; the masks were hung from the people’s faces with care, in the hope “normal life” would soon resume somewhere.
The children were stuck, in their yards or their beds, while the authorities and their parents were at loggerheads; and Bonnie in her fluevogs, and we on our CERB, continued to fight about just who belonged out on the curb.
Within the huge malls there arose such a clatter, as busy shoppers crowded like viruses don’t matter, but for small businesses authorities flew like a flash, and brought down the hammer of shame with a crash!
More paupers were seen on the new-fallen snow, shuffling towards Sally Ann or Saint Vinnies with their children in tow, to pick up a hamper that only added to all
WHAT’S THE POINT? ERIC ALLEN
the parkade. The developer advised that the new estimated price was $20 million and contacted the city to determine how it wished to proceed. Administration confirmed with the developer that the city wished to proceed with the parkade.
“Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead!”
If we stopped the project, there would be significant consequences, and if we went forward there would be major consequences, the perfect catch-22, I would say,
So we ended up with an approximately $22.5 million dollar project, a $9.9 million overrun. The city now has to find money somewhere to pay for this huge overrun. This will mean cancelling some capital projects, delaying others, cost cutting, short term borrowing, etc
There were some positives because of
the design change. The number of underground parking stalls increased from 266 to 289 and the surface stalls were reduced from 68 to 62. In addition, the total land area of 2.5 acres was now available. This apparently allowed sufficient space to accommodate 85 new childcare spaces that would be built on this site.
There were other cost overruns that are outlined in the Wells letter but this is basically the gist of the situation
So what’s the solution to see this does not happen again?
The B.C. Liberals brought in what was called the Auditor General for Local Government (AGLG) to allow auditing of municipalities and to help them with capital projects, among other things. This office did a number of audits and we can reference the audit of the Township of Langley Water Project to get a clear view on how audits were done.
Alas, when the NDP got elected, they decided to get rid of this office. Seems municipalities don’t like to be audited by the province In any event, the office will
be closed at the end of this year
What the AGLG did while it was operating was to issue a number of reports, which they called AGLG Perspectives Series Accessible Tools. One we can and should use for a template is Audit Topic 3 - Tool 1 (April, 2014) called Oversight of Capital Project Planning and Procurement. These tools were sent to all municipalities in B.C and I suspect we have them on file at Prince George City Hall.
This report gives in full detail every step that should be taken to ensure there are very little surprise overruns. Specifically, it deals with the role of council/board members in capital project planning and procurement, as well as decision making in capital project planning and procurement. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. All we need to do is to follow these specific guidelines to ensure we are following best practices.
I strongly recommend all city councillors and senior administration get up to speed on these processes and to implement them for all future capital projects.
The night before COVID Christmas
RIGHT OF CENTRE NATHAN GIEDE
their drear, as the same amount of donations had to be spread thinner this year Oligarchs of all stripes were lively and quick, to take up more powers for the body politik, even when shown to not be what they claim.
The media hallowed and praised each one of them by name, no abuse was condemned, no matter how brazen, even when leaders trespassed a restriction long after phase in, how dare commoners eat on patios or meet at the local hall, and expect those in charge to follow the same rulesthe gall!
As leaves that before the wild hurricane
fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, so up onto social media, the allegations flew, from Karens reporting on any whose fears were too few: “This man was walking without a mask, And he actually feigned surprised at my small ask, that he ought to put one on, even outside. He’s precisely the very reason my dear old aunt died!”
People tried to celebrate, under the government’s foot, but if you were found out, a man would come in clothes black as soot, with all the authority of the state at his back, and a endless amount of fines inside of his pack, every informer and enforcer’s eyes twinkled - so scary!
Their mouths twisted in snarls, hands ready and wary, taking delight in the chaos it was their right to sow, impatient to invade the household next down the row.
The public bore all of this punishment through gritted teeth, frustration’s smoke
A humbling time of year
Iwas humbled this week. I was informed by a prospect that they were going to choose between our firm and another business coach. They chose the other business coach for a reason that made sense to them. They said that the other firm was smaller and they thought they would need us in the future after they learned more about business. I immediately knew the communication mistake I had made. I had failed to listen. I had, in my mind, dismissed the prospect as too small and had rushed through the selling process.
Of course, they would choose another company over us, even though after
BUSINESS COACH
DAVE FULLER
hearing about the company I still thought we would have provided better service for the client. It might not be a bad thing to lose clients that don’t fit the business model you have built. Unfortunately, many businesses hang on to unsuitable clients or customers long after their business has been adjusted to ensure long-term survival.
After hearing that this prospect picked
another competitor, I was faced with the news that two anticipated larger projects might not materialize due to funding challenges This is what can occur when we grow too big for our britches.
We become too proud or arrogant and fail to see that we are not much different from the next guy sitting on the bench or the street corner.
As a result, we tend to overlook those small things that contributed to our success in the past.
Being humbled isn’t a bad thing. It makes us realize that we are human and we rely on the support of others.
Some people say that hitting the bottom or being kicked to the curb builds character Indeed, it does. We have all been
encircling each of their heads like a wreath, and from the depths of their souls to the tops of their guts, they couldn’t shake the feeling all of these policies were just nuts.
To soften these blows, in lieu of proper festivities, citizens were paid with their taxes to suspend all activities, a one-time subsidy, that was brutally small and flat, apparently “means-tested” is for every public policy - but that!
So the Nativity was cancelled throughout the land, the consolation prize was either a half or a whole grand, but combined with previous public debt as well as a cunning mind, it was enough for adding to stockpiles of the bath tissue or ammo kind
Thus it would seem this year’s Christmas has been forbidden, and all of our seasonal, yuletide fellowship must be hidden, but I’m sure our dear leaders are doing everything right, so...“a merry Covid season to all, and to all a good fright!”
through some rough patches over the years, and I can honestly say that while I never enjoyed enduring those periods looking back, I can truly say that they challenged me to become a better person.
Right now, many people are being humbled and stressed financially, emotionally or even health wise.
The economic effect of this pandemic is having a devastating effect on many medium and small businesses.
While many organizations are struggling to make ends meet, their leaders are suffering in ways beyond comprehension to those people who have never suffered such a torment.
Prof. Claus explains quantum mechanics
What a year!
For many people, we have been trapped in our houses, unable to socialize or gather in large groups. We are all wearing masks to protect ourselves from a deadly virus. And loved ones near and far seem just a little farther away. But I was out walking – in a safe and socially distanced way – last week. And what to my wondering eyes did appear but a man we all know at this time of year! (Or, at least, that is how he looked to me I could have been mistaken as I didn’t have my glasses.)
His eyes, though, how they twinkled. And his dimples were quite merry His cheeks were like roses and his nose like a cherry Perhaps not too surprising given the cold in our neck of the woods!
He was wearing a mask but given the extent of his snowy white beard, it might not have been necessary After all, it would be quite impossible for a virus to find its way through all of those curly hairs! And with his beard sticking out of his mask at all angles, he was quite the sight.
As he walked towards me, I couldn’t help but wonder Especially as he had a broad face and a plump belly, which shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly
RELATIVITY
So, I worked up my courage and asked “Are you…?”
Before I even finished my question, he said “No. Of course not. You know I don’t really exist? I mean, how could I be? Especially in the world we have today?”
“But you look just like him” I said “And there are so many questions I want to ask. Would you consider answering a few?”
“Go ahead and ask if you must” he replied “and I’ll make some stuff up. Will that make you happy?”
“Well…” I said I wasn’t really sure how to respond. Made up stuff? But then I noticed a twinkle in his eye and the smile on his lips I knew this stranger out for a stroll must be St. Nick.
So, with some hesitation, I asked the most obvious question first: “How do you do it all in just one night? I mean there are billions of good children in the world. And you start at midnight! Even with all the time zones, you really only have 32 hours
to deliver presents And there are an awful lot of presents!”
He chuckled. And his belly shook. And he winked at me.
“Only one night if you believe in old Isaac Newton! Humph… he kept asking for a telescope every year. Anyway, Sir Isaac believed in linear time. A series of consecutive events. One following the next. He even thought if you could gather enough information, you would be able to predict the future! What a load of rubbish? I mean who could have predicted 2020? Really?”
“Are you saying time is not linear?” I asked.
“Well, of course it isn’t!” he replied “That is what quantum mechanics and relativity tell us The world we see is not the world as it really is.”
“Huh…?” I must admit I was a little puzzled
“Most of the universe is not visible to us. Haven’t your physicists calculated you can only see five per cent of everything there is? Dark matter, dark energy, photons… these are the things which really matter,” he said.
I could tell by the smile on his face this was a subject he didn’t get much chance to talk about, so I simply said “Go on…”
“Well, everything is really made of energy. In its simplest form, energy travels as photons – as a boson – and they are elusive as all get out. But the one property they all have is they travel at the speed of light. Do you know what happens to time at the speed of light?”
“Yes” I said “it stops.”
“Absolutely, my boy!” he exclaimed “And when time stops, well, you have all the time in the world to do pretty much anything you want. You also have all the energy in the world to do pretty much everything you want After all, they are just two sides of the same coin. I have seen physics articles written by scientific Scrooges claiming I couldn’t fly fast enough or make all those stops but what they don’t understand is I have all the time in the world.”
“Except right now…” he continued. “I have to go. I know there are many questions left unanswered. But that is what science and wonder are for, eh?”
With that he continued on his merry way I was left wondering as I stood and watched him go but before he disappeared around the bend in the trail, he looked back at me and said, “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
Capitalism needs ethics to survive
In recent decades, there has been a global phenomenon of the superrich getting richer while the middle class shrinks. This is a danger not only to our economy, but to democracy itself.
Unfortunately, while millions of people have lost their livelihood during the Covid-19 pandemic, the richest of the superrich have seen their assets balloon. While it would be easy to categorize the rich as bloodsucking parasites void of ethics, this is simply not true. There is a group in the United States, for example, called The Patriotic Millionaires. Their mission “…is to build a more stable, prosperous, and inclusive nation by promoting public policies based on the ‘first principles’ of equal political representation, a guaranteed living wage for all working citizens, and a fair tax system.”
It simply makes sense to have a strong and well-educated middle class and a society that cares for its most vulnerable members. In doing so, we maintain an effective workforce and a stable consumer market. It creates a situation where every-
‘The
from page 12
LESSONS IN LEARNING
one benefits in the long-term.
The problem is that many of the wealthiest people in our world look only for short-term benefits and have used the political system to legalize structures that allow more and more money to flow into the hands of fewer and fewer people. They do not seem to realize that this is unsustainable.
Corporations also use the court system to avoid being held responsible for their mistakes, and they do not seem to be concerned with the long-term consequences of these actions. I experienced this first-hand when I bought a van, not knowing that it had a head-gasket issue. While the manufacturer did improve their engines for later models, they did not take accountability for the fault in earlier vehicles.
I was rather surprised when the auto-
current situation
maker refused to cover the repairs on a van maintained at their facilities according to company recommendations, which had been driven under 120,000 kilometres. I was further surprised when they sent a legal expert to Prince George to argue their case in small-claims court. As a person without legal experience, I had no chance against a corporate employee who knew how to use the court system to his advantage.
It also struck me as very strange that an automaker would not realize that as a result of this experience, I would never again feel confident buying one of their vehicles. Judging from the drop in this manufacturer’s share of the North American automobile market over the decades, many other consumers seem to have drawn the same conclusion.
Yet misuse of the court system is nothing new to corporations How many millions of dollars do they spend defending environmental disasters using the best lawyers money can buy? In essence, we have a legal system that favours the rich and powerful, not a justice system with a sense
is frustrating’
Many of us have been humbled by the choices made by our children, mistakes that have shown us up, or embarrassing accidents beyond our control, (though the time the tree fell on my kids’ trampoline a few years ago was preventable if I hadn’t used a chainsaw). The current situation is frustrating for many people because of that lack of control. The fact that decisions are being made regulating who we can see and where we can go are difficult to understand often in the face of contrary evidence
Perhaps during this time of humility, we need to realize that some of the greatest people who lived on our planet were humbled; Buddha couldn’t prevent his own death, Ghandi walked barefoot and served his people, Jesus whom Christians proclaim to be God, was born in a barn. Feeling the pain of embarrassment and
of ethics
It is also very interesting to watch the conduct of the wealthy class. They will make large tax-deductible donations to organizations that deal with the fallout of the policies caused by their greed. It would actually be far better for all of us if they simply supported the policies espoused by The Patriotic Millionaires.
Real life is not much different than the world portrayed in the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Corporatists are the Mr Potters of this world, but hopefully there are still enough Bailey Brothers Building and Loans we can do business with.
Mr Potter’s rent collector points out to him, “One of these days this bright young man is going to be asking George Bailey for a job.”
Corporations have created a structure unsustainable on political, economic, environmental and even spiritual levels. We still live in a democracy, and it is up to us to support the policies of The Patriotic Millionaires. Capitalism works very well, but it cannot be devoid of ethics
humiliation might not be comfortable but if we can learn its valuable lessons, we might just become better people for the future.
- Dave Fuller, MBA, is an award-winning business coach and the author of the book Profit Yourself Healthy. Dave would be humbled if you could send him your thoughts to dave@pivotleader com
Year in review (Part 4) and farewell
Here is a summary of the seniors profiles I did this year:
Bob (Gordon) and Patty Horning will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in December He met Patty Fleming at a dance in Nukko Lake in 1960 – they got married and the rest is history I asked them the secret to their 60-year marriage and they simply explained, “No one wants either one of us so we just have to stay together and that is okay by both of us.”
Findlay Young (deceased October 2020) was born in 1928 in Glasgow, Scotland where he practically grew up on a golf course. He married Nancy Adams in 1955 and they immigrated to Canada in 1957. Sadly, Nancy passed away in 2017. Findlay worked for an insurance brokerage company handling sawmill and professional liabilities. He retired at the age of 65. Over the past six decades, Findlay was involved in the sport of golf not only as a player but as a coach and administrator. He was inducted into the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame in 1998
SENIORS’ SCENE
KATHY NADALIN
Wayne Dobson retired after a successful 36-year career with the Jim Pattison Broadcasting Group. He attended Humber College in Toronto and studied for a career in radio broadcasting and management. He was invited to attend the B.C. Association of Broadcasters convention where he happened to meet Gordon Leighton, the general manager of CKPG radio 550 and CKPG TV in Prince George. He accepted a job offer and the rest is history. In 2014, he applied and successfully became a marriage commissioner Since then, he has married over 250 couples.
Doreen (Stone) McFarlane was born in 1933. She took her nurses training at the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton, worked as a general duty nurse in Alber-
ta, accepted a job offer in Alert Bay and went on to a successful operating room nursing career that brought her to the Prince George Regional Hospital. She had many achievements and along the way she became the first oncology nurse in Prince George. She retired at the age of 63. Emery and Geraldine (Ditto) Cawsey were both born in Alberta. After high school, Emery worked for the Beneficial Finance Corporation, married his high school sweetheart Gerry in 1963 and moved to Prince George to open a new office for his company Gerry worked as a nurse in the surgery unit until the children started to arrive.
When they were in school, she went back to work and retired in 2003 after a rewarding career as an enterostomal therapy nurse at the ostomy and wound clinic.
Emery worked for Beneficial for 39 years and retired in 1999. ***
This is my ninth and final annual yearend in review
It is with deep emotion that after writing this column for over eight years, I am announcing my retirement, effective today
When I reflect back over these past years, many great columns and even greater people come to mind.
Thank you for trusting me with your stories.
I consider myself so very fortunate to have had this experience and this opportunity to work with hundreds of seniors and the wonderful staff at the Citizen and in particular Neil Godbout.
Neil, this has been a positive working relationship right from the start and I thank you once again for this opportunity
Thank you for all your help and support over these past many years. Thank you for providing this platform for our Prince George seniors. You are among the best. I am going to miss all of this, however I am looking forward to retirement and no weekly deadlines.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Shoe box campaign sees huge increase
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Loni Ballantyne knew she had to take it to the next level.
For years, the retired teacher has spearheaded a local effort on behalf of Operation Christmas Child, a project hosted by the Christian-based aid organization Samaritan’s Purse, that sees shoe boxes full of small gifts sent to needy children around the world.
Typically, she’d gather enough in donations and effort to get 200 to 300 boxes assembled and shipped out from Prince George prior to the holiday season. But this time she found a way to get the count up to 910.
An early start, some particularly helpful donors, effective use of social media and support from local churches and a social agency were a big part of the difference, but Ballantyne also credits a higher power
“I believe God helped me through people who care about others and want to care about others, and He touched people’s hearts,” the retired teacher said.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Loni Ballantyne, left, and Hannah Ogirala, an AimHi community support worker who brings the people she supports every year to help pack supplies into the shoe boxes.
around the city to raise money and collect donations. It got to the point were she would get calls from strangers saying they can make a donation
“I would just go to their place and pick up the cheque from the mailbox,” Ballantyne said.
She said members of the RCCG Faith Chapel were particularly helpful at a point when she had run low on cash.
In short, it amounted to a prime example of what a bit of perseverance and effort can achieve.
Ballantyne estimated she raised at least $45,000 in cash and donations from more than 100 sources in addition to the original commitment. Donations included fleece hats and knitted toques that had been made for local craft fairs.
Many of the items were bought at local dollar stores. At times, she had filled two or three carts and the staff would open a separate till for her The stores were also a source of revenue.
From there, it was a matter of getting the word out. In past years, she would visit schools and seniors homes to make her pitch but with the pandemic taking hold,
Whereas the campaign would typically start after Halloween, this year Ballantyne got the ball rolling about a month earlier As she had in past years, Ballantyne secured a commitment from a neighbour, who prefers not to be identified, who promised to cover the $10-per-box cost of shipping.
that was out of the question.
So she started with those closest to herfriends, relatives, ex-coworkers and fellow church members - and worked outwards.
She turned to social media, local churches and a poster campaign at spots
“Whenever they asked me what I was doing, I would explain and then people in the lineup would pull out their wallets and say ‘that’s a great thing you’re doing,’ and they would hand me a donation,” she said.
Assembling the boxes in a COVID-safe manner was among the biggest challenges. Ironically, because of COVID there was extra room at the First Baptist Church in College Heights to do the work.
LOCAL SKIERS GEARING UP FOR CALEDONIA GRAND TOUR
Rather than go into the ski season with nothing to offer Caledonia ski club members who enjoy the thrill of a race, Caledonia competitions director Kevin Pettersen came up with a plan for a 12-event virtual Grand Tour of Caledonia . Starting Jan. 4, participants will get the chance to beat the clock skiing a set course that changes every week.
Each skier will then submit their individual race times to the Zone 4 website which will provide a permanent record of the time for each stage.
Each skier who completes all 12 courses will receive a finisher’s medal. A new course will be unveiled every Monday throughout the three-month program and to be eligible for weekly prizes
in a random draw, times must be submitted by the following Sunday However, the program is flexible so that if somebody is sick or for some reason unable to complete a stage that week, they can still complete the course any time right up until the final week in March and would still be in line to receive a finisher’s medal if all 12 stages are complete.
The stages will get progressively longer over more difficult terrain The Tour is geared to participation rather than competition to try and appeal to skiers of abilities.
Registration for the Caledonia Tour can be done at www.zone4.ca at a cost of $40 per racer, which includes a commemorative toque..
Things to do in a pandemic Christmas
CHRISTINE HINZMANN
Citizen staff
It’s all about the great outdoors when it comes to looking for things to do with the family this holiday season.
Skating, skiing, briskly hiking or taking a leisurely stroll on a quiet day, these are all safe activities that can be done in a COVID-friendly way Be sure to follow all the latest pandemic protocols, guidelines and restrictions during this ever-changing time.
There’s nothing like the cheery sight of lots of bright lights to warm the holiday-spirit seeking soul.
If it’s an over-the-top glittery spectacle residents are looking for then the Celebration of Lights at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum offers a drivethru COVID-friendly event this year so guests can enjoy a tour of more than 100,000 lights on display from Dec. 18 to 23 and Dec. 27 to 30 from 5 to 9 p.m.
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.
This is the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser. It’s $15 per vehicle and to register in advance visit the museum or
1. A light display at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum’s Celebration of Lights Drive Thru on Friday night.
2. A pair of snowboarders cruise down the trail at Hart Ski Hill on Sunday afternoon during opening weekend.
3. A holiday light display at 164 McKenzie Avenue as part of Candy Cane Lane.
4. A holiday light display at 175 Aitken Crescent as part of Candy Cane Lane.
5. A holiday light display at 253 Wilson Crescent as part of Candy Cane Lane.
6. A holiday light display at 111 McKenzie Avenue as part of Candy Cane Lane.
7. A holiday light display at 1543 Alward Street.
go online to book a spot at events.pgrfm. bc.ca.
Then continue to explore the hot spots for great light displays like Candy Cane Lane that starts just off Upland Avenue on McKenzie Avenue.
There are extensive groomed ski trails for cross country skiing at the Nordic Ski Centre on Otway Get all the details at caledonianordic.com and the Hart Ski Hill is in fine form and offers an adventure just minutes from downtown. For more information visit hartskihill.com.
Skating fans can find a local ice rink in any local neighbourhood to get a little
outdoor fun.
If scenic walks are on the schedule, hit the trails in and around the city. The Caledonia Hiking Club has gathered an extensive list together that helps everyone make an informed decision on where to go. For more information visit caledoniaramblers.ca/trails
If the great indoors is more appealing have a family game night marathon and get all those old games out of the basement and onto the coffee table. Games always inspire a hearty laugh and some good-natured teasing is a great perk during these isolating times.
LIP BITER SENTENCED TO PROBATION
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A woman has been sentenced to time served and one year probation after a judge found she had bitten off the lip of another woman during an attack described as unprovoked, vicious and disturbing.
In passing sentence on Hailee Marie Kowalchuk, 27, Provincial Court Judge Cassandra Malfair reluctantly agreed to a joint submission from Crown and defence counsels.
Had it been her choice, Malfair said Kowalchuk would have been sentenced to four years in jail but when it comes to a joint submission a judge’s discretion is “much more constrained” than if counsel had differed on what they saw as an appropriate sentence Kowalchuk had pleaded guilty to
aggravated assault from the Jan. 25, 2019 incident but denied biting the woman’s lip. But following a hearing on the matter, Malfair agreed with the victim’s assertion that Kowalchuk did commit the act.
Summarizing the testimony, Malfair said the two had been friends and had gone out for drinks before returning to a home of a friend of the victim.
The victim testified she was only moderately intoxicated because she had to work the next day and went to sleep on the couch, while Kowalchuk and the friend stayed up.
The woman said she woke up at about 12:30 a.m to find her hands loosely tied behind her back and Kowalchuk on top of her According to the woman’s testimony, Kowalchuk threw her to the ground, straddled her and started hitting her in the face while also pulling at her hair and eye lash.
When the woman begged her to stop, Kowalchuk “strangely” said that because she had already gone too far, they would not be friends anymore and so, may as well continue with the assault.
The commotion awoke the friend, who was asleep in his bedroom. He went out and tried to pull Kowalchuk off and, unable to do so, he called police.
At that point, Kowalchuk grabbed the woman’s bottom lip with her teeth, held onto it for awhile, then ripped up quickly and tore it off. Kowalchuk then got off her and the woman, bleeding from the wound, ran into the bathroom. Police searched the home for the missing part of the woman’s lip in the hope it could be reattached but could not find it An implication arising from that fact was that Kowalchuk had ingested the lip, Malfair said.
The woman needed reconstructive
surgery which was largely successful in restoring her appearance She also suffered bruising on her eye, chin and face and a bump on her head.
Following her arrest, Kowlachuk spent 16 months in custody Based on time-anda-half for each day served prior to sentencing, Kowalchuk had credit for two years in jail.
She was also sentenced to a concurrent term of 60 days for leaving a residential treatment facility while out on a release order although she did subsequently complete several skills to success modules while in custody.
Terms of probation include a curfew for the first six months and an order to stay away from the woman and the friend. Kowalchuk was also issued a lifetime firearms prohibition and ordered to provide a DNA sample
Attack ‘muscle’ charged with fleeing police
The “muscle” in a notorious and near-fatal swarming attack is back in custody
Charges have been approved against Hayden Lee Alwood, 26, RCMP said, after he allegedly fled police at a traffic stop in Quesnel on Dec. 11.
Alwood got as far as Williams Lake before he was apprehended in what police called a “high risk” arrest that involved a spike belt and, when that failed to work, police boxing in the vehicle.
Alwood faces eight charges from the incident including one of assaulting a police officer with a weapon The driver had taken a run at one of the officers during the attempt to evade arrest, RCMP said.
In April 2016, Alwood was sentenced to a further three years in federal prison for a January 2013 “vicious, cowardly” swarming-style attack against two youths at a
Prince George apartment building. Co-accused Mercedes Rae Jewett was sentenced to a further three years and seven months.
While Alwood was described as the “muscle,” Jewett was found to have been the ringleader in an attack that left one of the youths with a brain injury and ongoing anxiety Jewett had maintained the two had snuck into her bedroom and sexually assaulted her and a friend while they slept, an allegation a judge found baseless.
The court found Alwood pulled the victim’s pants down before he was sodomized several times with a mop handle. Others then repeatedly kicked the victim in the head and hit him with a frying pan. Then he was dragged, unconscious, and dumped in a snow bank behind an apartment building in the 1600 block of Juniper Street near Connaught Hill Park.
Handguns, ammo stolen
Prince George RCMP are reminding gun owners to make sure their firearms are being stored properly after a Miworth home lost five handguns and matching magazines to a break and enter
RCMP said it appears the break-in occurred sometime during the day on Dec 14 and that a gun safe where the items had been stored was pried open.
“Guns were clearly targeted in this break-
and-enter,” said Cst. Jennifer Cooper. “Every gun owner should take all precautions to secure their firearms and should refrain from discussing locations and details of their guns with others.”
A member of the public found one of the guns
Police said it was hidden away in some garbage in an alleyway and may have been stored there for future use.
HORO SC OPES &P UZ
24. Floral necklace
“My True Love” 27. Kind of ballet shoe 29. Motoring nuisance 30. Commandments’ number
Once held 33. Collections 35. Volcano’s output 38. Flipped
40. Remarked
Recently 45. Hay storage places 46. Developed
Enrage 48. Eye rudely 49. Medicinal quantity 51. Cambodia’s continent 52. Injection 55. Color of Rudolph’s nose
ACROSS
Corrosive
Say yes to
Rowing blade
Mine find
Tough part of asteak 21. Commotions
Fellows
House site
Negative
Long scarf
Petition
Between fourth and sixth 32. Rams’ mates
DOWN
On acruise
Map feature
Keeps apart
Earned before expenses
Fragments
Pipe type
Differently
Musical group
Tiny
Colorized
Startle
Plunder
Aristocrat
Birch, e.g.
Branding tool
Small cut
Shed tears
PUZZLE NO. 797
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line. You already have afew numberstoget you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.
CL ASSIF IEDS
Doug Thirkettle
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Doug Thirkettle on December 11, 2020. A long time resident of Prince George and Summit Lake. Doug was an electrician with many ties to area businesses. Left to mourn is his wife, Alda, sons Trevor, Sean (Thea), Ryan and grandsons Kylar, Parker, Gabriel and Dempsey. As well as many friends and relatives. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Matt (Mathew) Korolek
May 30, 1936 - December 10, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Matt Korolek, at home, on December 10th, 2020 at the age of 84. He was born in Theodore, Saskatchewan before moving to Prince George where he was hired on the CNR and worked for 36 years as a Conductor on the railroad. He married the love of his life Gerda in 1959 and they were married for 61 years. He is survived by his wife Gerda and his 5 children; Carla Korolek-Spicer, Holly Gerrish, Leslie Korolek, Liana (Duane) Grant, Jason (Niki) Korolek. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren; Jenelle, Justin (Natalie), Lindsay (Sebastien), Laura, Carly (Kayle), Duncan, Chelsea (Owen), Keaton, Sam, Erica (Cole), Austin, Kayla, Jenna and two stepchildren, Jozi (Rob), Riley (Chika). He also leaves behind his 7 great grandchildren and two sisters Anne Baron and Rose Ryboticki. He was predeceased by his parents Stefan and Patty Korolek and 10 siblings.
Matt loved life and his family more than anything in the world. He will always be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. Matt loved working with mother-nature and grew a beautiful garden every year where he would harvest vegetables to last the winter, make homemade sauerkraut, jellies, jams, and soups and freely share all of his harvest with his children. He had a natural interest in health and healing. Matt valued hard work and was an excellent role model for his children and grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered for his exuberance and enthusiasm for life, big bear hugs, bone crushing handshakes, generosity, and lucky hands in crib. He was the life of the party, told the best stories and had a great sense of humor. He will be so deeply missed and never forgotten. There is no service by request. We are hoping to have a celebration of life sometime this summer.
REMEMBRANCES
Obituaries
Mar 6, 1954Dec 14, 2020
Born in Prince George, March 6, 1954 to Harry & Marion Miller (both since deceased). Passed away from cancer December 14, 2020 in New Zealand surrounded by her loving husband and family of Brian, Athena (Shaun), Thalia (Stan) & Theon (Paula) and grand-daughter Tia Mae. Beloved youngest sister of Valerie Daem (Allan - deceased), Mavis Miller (Australia), and Kevin Miller. She is also mourned by nieces Tui Johnston, Lisa Stewart (Trevor), and Rebecca Johnston in New Zealand as well as Rose Gerry (Dominic), Sabrina, and Dillan Stewart. Also by cousins Hazel Peters in Ontario, Tracy (Claude) Bussiere, Gabrielle (Nick), Miranda as well as Michael Wainwright (Natasha) and sons. She started her life here, on a farm in Upper Mud River and then moved to New Zealand with our family in 1958. We had the wonderful pleasure of having her with us for a visit in 2018. Services will be held on Thursday, December 17th, in New Zealand. May she rest in peace.
ILA MAY CARLTON
MAY 31, 1939DEC17, 2020
With saddened hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother. Mom is now re-united with Gordon and John and her previous loved ones. LEFT to celebrate her life, devoted son’s, Ron (Karen). Dennis (Val),daughter Lynn (Rick), loving grandchildren, Nikki, Kolter, Amanda, Sam and Kim, adored great grandchildren, family and friends. ILA loved all she knew in her special way. Find comfort in these memories. Thanks for all the prayers sent Mom’s way. Thanks to Rotary Hospice staff, Dr.McCoy for the tender care of mom in her final days. MOM fought a tough battle to stay with us all. IN lieu of flowers, if wished send donation to Rotary Hospice in In ILA’s name. There will be a Celebration of Life held in May 2021.
Condolences can be expressed by visiting www.legacy.com.
Brenda Marie TeKoeti
Michael Dean Fulljames
July 31, 1956Dec 18, 2020
Michael, known to friends as “Big Mike” or “Bear” passed away peacefully on December 18, 2020 at the age of 64 years. Michael was known for his big personality, kind heart, love for family and friends, laughter, travelling, bad jokes, Keno, Harleys, music and movies.
Michael was born in Burnaby and grew up in East Vancouver. He followed his Dad’s footsteps in construction which led him to move to Prince George working alongside his brothers managing Ex-cel Acoustics. In 2013, Michael was forced to retire, after a stroke and other health issues. Throughout Michael’s retirement he overcame numerous health setbacks and was often referred to as the “Miracle Man” or a “cat with many lives”. He had a happy spirit with an uncanny knack for making people laugh, mostly with his bad jokes.
Michael was loved and will be sorely missed by his partner Louise, his children Brandy, Hailea and Cole, stepchildren Roxanne, Ariel and Lucus, granddaughter Porter, siblings Steven (Sandra), Terry (Kym), Jennifer (Tracy), Carolyn (Jim), Guy (Erin) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, best friends and his beloved dog Chico. Michael was predeceased by his Mom Peggy, Dad Allan, Step-Dad Puggy, nephew Brent and niece Sydney.
Special thanks to all the nurses who looked after him over the years, especially Janice (whom he loved) and Kathleen for their loyal, kind and devoted home care over the years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to the Prince George Hospice Society.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
We love you Mum/Gran Shirley & Devon
Look Who's Celebrating Engagement
SECURITY OFFICERS
Ruper t Square Mall
Must be dedicated, hard work ing individuals with a valid security license and first aid ticket (OFA Level 1) to join our team as a Security O fficer. Please email your resumé and a copy of your valid security license with 3 references to: steventao3168@gmail.com
*All applicants MUST have a valid Security License and subject to a Criminal Record Check. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in the position. However, only candidates selected for an inter view will be contacted.
Correc tion Notice: Anyapplications submitted to search.pgso.com should be re-submitted to search.committee@pgso.com
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
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•
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• How to respond. Always
cls@pgcitizen.ca
2006
Trucks
& Vans
2005
2002
2017
Sports Utilities
2006
1998 FORD F250 Diesel w/
Apartments / Condos-For Sale
Does COVID-19 makeyou worry that members of your community cannot access enough food?
Household food insecurity is complexand so are the solutions needed to address it. Fortunately,food programs across Northern BC can offer emergency support during times of crisis.
What is household food insecurity?
Simply,foodinsecurityexists when ahousehold does not have enough money to purchase food (bccdc.ca/pop-public-health/Documents/foodsecurity-infographic-2017.pdf).
It’s an income-based issue that requires incomebased solutions and was an issue long before COVID-19.
Before the pandemic, healthy food was hard to afford for people who earn minimum wage, or are living on income assistance. People with low incomes have to choose between putting aroof over their head and putting food on the table. In other words, food is available but there isn’t enough money buy it. This issue has gotten worse, because
Healthy Living
Household food insecurity andCOVID-19: Northern communitiesstepup
By Laurel Burton, Healthy Settings Advisor,Healthy Communities, Northern Health
many people are out of work or had their work hours affected due to COVID-19.
How can we reduce household food insecurity?
The keytosolving householdfood insecurity is to ensure that everyone has aconsistent and guaranteed income that is adequate. (stories. northernhealth.ca/stories/food-security-part-3-callaction?keys=food%20security)
This means that all people need to have enough money to buy healthy food after covering basic needs, including rent, utilities, clothing,and transportation.
We can do this with policies likecomprehensive poverty reduction strategies (gov.bc.ca/gov/ content/governments/about-the-bc-government/ poverty-reduction-strategy) that explore the idea of basic income, and aCanada Food Policy (agr gc.ca/eng/about-our-department/key-departmentalinitiatives/food-policy/?id=1597858160271) that includes everyone.
Emergency Food Program Inventory
While food programs are not along-term solution to household food insecurity,they can offer support to people during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since March, Northern BC communities have stepped up to help people across the region access food.
With the help of community food programs, a regional inventory of emergency food assets has been created.
The information available in the inventory includes:
•The community where the program is located
•The name of the program
•Schedule (hours, days open, etc.)
•Who the program is for (most are for anyone, but some have specific requirements)
•Servicescurrently provided
•Any items and supports the program may need
•Contact information
Where can you access the inventory?
The inventory is found on the Northern Health website. (northernhealth.ca/sites/northern_health/ files/health-information/health-topics/coronavirus/ documents/covid-19-regional-inventoryemergency-food-assets.pdf)
Abig thanks goes out to all the fantastic food organizations and programs that have come together to support their communities during this time. Now let’s work together to ensure that all people have adequate incomes to support ahealthy diet.
Foradditional information on COVID-19 and food insecurity and stories of resilience, please visit stories.northernhealth.ca/stories/household-foodinsecurity-and-covid-19-northern-communitiesstep
BC is under an essential travel advisory.That meansit’s timetopostpone tripsfor recreationortovisit friends and family.This holiday season we need to stayclose to home andexploreour local communities.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY
Regular travel for work,school or childcare
Travel for medical appointments
Recreational travel in your local community
NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
Visiting people outside your household
Vacation or recreation outside your community
Learn more: gov.bc.ca/covid19restrictions
