Prince George Citizen February 4, 2021

PRINCE GEORGE

Chad Staley’s legacy carrying on after his tragic death

TED CLARKE

Citizen staff

Chad Staley had been home just two weeks after finishing his first pro hockey season in Italy when he decided to join his buddies in Kennewick, Wash., in a men’s league four-onfour tournament.

In one of the games, the 25-year-old former Prince George Spruce Kings captain got hit with puck in the mouth hard enough that it broke his teeth He returned to the rink the next day with his face still swollen and wore a full face shield so he could play

But his pain did not go away. It just got worse and he reached out to a friend for help. He gave Staley a little blue pill stamped with ‘M’ on one side and ‘30’ on the other, thinking it was the prescription drug oxycodone, but the pill was laced with fentanyl.

On March 9, 2020, while watching a hockey game in his TV room surrounded by shelves of his hockey trophies, Staley swallowed what his friend had given him

A few hours later, Staley’s mother Jennifer came in to the room to call him for dinner when she found his lifeless body.

“From what we can tell, he had taken one and it killed him instantly,” Jennifer Staley said. “He was home alone and we have cameras in our house. He had worked for me in my office and got a massage and got lunch at his favourite Mexican restaurant

and he got home and I could see him going through the house laughing and singing and you could tell he was happy and having a good day.

“We came home at 5 and went to get him and found him and he had been gone for many hours. The paramedics came and tried to revive him, and we tried CPR, but it was no use. The paramedics tried Narcan and things like that. They tried for 45 minutes but it was no use and pronounced him dead. They said this fentanyl, when they take it, they usually die within eight minutes of taking it.”

Produced in labs and sometimes mixed with heroin or cocaine, fentanyl is considered 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

According to Health Canada, in the first six months of 2020, 1,628 people died of opioid toxicity and all but three per cent of those deaths were accidental. In those six months, fentanyl was the cause of 75 per cent of the accidental opioid overdose deaths The majority of the victims were male and most were in the prime of their lives in the 20-49 age category

“I want people to not take street drugs or anything that’s not prescribed to you,” Jennifer said. “You don’t know what’s in these drugs. From what I’ve learned, they’re coming up from Mexico, they’re called Mexi-30s, they’re blue pills and they’re killing people left and right.”

Chad Staley poses for a photo with his birth mom Jennifer just before leaving to begin his pro hockey career in Germany in July 2019.

Chad Staley arrived in Prince George in April 2012, along with winger Jeremiah Luedtke, his longtime hockey buddy from Seattle, when they were invited to the Spruce Kings’ spring camp. Both were undersized forwards but their chemistry together on the ice was obvious. The Kings signed them right after their weekend audition and they remained linemates throughout the three years they played in the BCHL Staley was a shy 18-year-old junior rookie when he first put on his No 22

Spruce Kings jersey but it didn’t take him long to come out of his shell That season, the five-foot-nine, 160-pound centre scored nine goals and had 27 points. He won the Kings’ most improved player award and with every game his popularity with his teammates, coaches and fans skyrocketed.

“He was one of, if not the, hardest worker every day,” said Dave Dupas, the Spruce Kings head coach from 2010-15

HANDOUT PHOTO

WHAT:

Public Hearings regarding:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS

•Proposed amendments to “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011”

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

•Proposed amendment to “City of Prince George Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw No. 9030, 2019”

City Council consideration of applications:

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

WHEN:

Monday, February8,2021

WHERE:

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

1. “City of Prince George OfficialCommunity Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011, Amendment BylawNo. 9154, 2020” AND “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9155, 2020”

Applicants: L&M Engineering Ltd. for Giuliu Investments Ltd., Inc. No. BC0660654 and Duk

Hong Kim and Myung Kim Soon

Subject Properties: 9800 and 9912 Sintich Road

Time: 7:00 p.m.

The applications propose to amend the Official Community Plan and rezone the subject properties located at 9800 and 9912 Sintich Road to facilitate arealignment of the lot lines of each of the subject properties and ensure consistency with the property zoning boundaries and property uses.

1.1 Official Community Plan (OCP) AmendmentBylawNo. 9154, 2020

BylawNo. 9154, 2020 proposes to amend “City of Prince George Official Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011” as follows:

a. That “Schedule B-6: Future Land Use”, be amended by re-designating The North East ¼ofDistrict Lot 750, Cariboo District, Except Plans 15470, 16630, 18608, 18991, 20076, 23849, PGP36675, PGP42228 and EPP73945 from Rural Resource to Rural Resource, Business District and Service Commercial; and

b. That “Schedule B-6: Future Land Use”, be amended by re-designating Lot A, District Lot 750, Cariboo District, Plan 23849 from Business District and Service Commercial to Business District, Service Commercial and Rural Resource.

1.2 Zoning Amendment BylawNo. 9155, 2020

BylawNo. 9155, 2020 proposes to amend “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007” as follows:

a. That The North East ¼ofDistrict Lot 750, Cariboo District, Except Plans 15470, 16630, 18608, 18991, 20076, 23849 PGP36675, PGP42228 and EPP73945, be rezoned from RM9: Manufactured Home Park to RM9: Manufactured Home Park and C6lc: Highway Commercial; and

b. That Lot A, District Lot 750, Cariboo District, Plan 23849, be rezoned from C6lc: Highway Commercial to C6lc: Highway Commercial and RM9: Manufactured Home Park

The proposed Bylaws apply to the properties legally described as:

•The North East ¼ofDistrict Lot 750, Cariboo District, Except Plans 15470, 16630, 18608, 18991, 20076, 23849, PGP36675, PGP42228 and EPP73945; and

•Lot A, District Lot 750, Cariboo District, Plan 23849;

all outlined in bold black on Location Map #1.

Location Map #1 9800 and 9912 Sintich Road

2. “City of Prince George Soil Removal and Deposit BylawNo. 9030, 2019, Amendment BylawNo. 9102, 2020”

Applicant:R.Radloff &Associates for Coyote TransportLtd., Inc. No. 0795252

Subject Property: 4117 Northwood Pulpmill Road

Time: 7:00 p.m.

BylawNo. 9102, 2020 proposes to amend Schedule “A”ofthe “City of Prince George Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw9030, 2019” to designate a12.5 ha (hectares) portion of the subject property,a Soil Removal or Deposit area, as shown on Appendix “A”to BylawNo. 9102, 2020.

The purpose of this application is to facilitate the property owner to apply for along termsoil removal permit for removal of approximately 687,500 m³ (cubic metre) of material from the subject property

The proposed Bylawapplies to the property legally described as The North West ¼ of District Lot 4041, Cariboo District, Except Plans 14790, 15755, 16737, 17194, 19160, 24178 and PGP39029 as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #2 below.

Location Map #2 4117 Northwood Pulpmill Road

3. City of Prince GeorgeZoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9134, 2020

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

Subject Property: 1919 17th Avenue

Time: 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS

BylawNo. 9134, 2020 proposes asite specific text amendment to “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007” as follows:

a. That Section 10.13.2 –“RM5: Multiple Residential” be amended by adding “Housing, Supportive only on Lot 6, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 18815”.

The purpose of this application is to facilitate amixed use supportive housing development for seniorsonthe subject property

The proposed Bylawapplies to the property legally described as Lot 6, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 18815, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #3 below

Location Map #3 1919 17th

4. City of Prince George ZoningBylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9159, 2020

Applicant: Ryan Gill for Devinder Gill

Subject Property: 2139 Redwood Street

Time: 6:00 p.m

BylawNo. 9159, 2020 proposes to rezone the subject property from RT1: Two-Unit Residential to RM3: Multiple Residential, as shown on Appendix “A”toBylawNo. 9159, 2020.

The purpose of this application is to facilitate the construction of amultiple residential development consisting of six (6) dwelling units on the subject property,orother uses, pursuant to the proposed RM3: Multiple Residential zoning designation(s).

The proposed Bylawapplies to the property legally described as Lot 6, Block J, District Lot 777, Cariboo District, Plan 5566, outlined in bold black on the Location Map #4 below

Location Map #4 2139 Redwood Street

HOWCAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?

Residents are invited to provide comment in writing or by telephone.

In accordance with ordersofthe Provincial Health Officer related to gatherings and events, membersofthe public are not permitted to attend City Council meetings and Public Hearings. These meetings are live streamed on the City’swebsite www.princegeorge.ca and the recordings are archived for viewing at anytime.

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.

Submissions in writing 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, February2,2021. Submissions received after the noted deadline and before 3:00 p.m. Monday, February8,2021, will be provided to Council on the dayofthe 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 awritten submission you are consenting to the disclosure of anypersonal information that you provide.

Residents wishing to provide comments to Council on the following Bylaws and applications, maydoso, by submitting written correspondence:

•“City of Prince George Official Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011, Amendment BylawNo. 9154, 2020”;

• “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9155, 2020”;

• “City of Prince George Soil Removal and Deposit BylawNo. 9030, 2019, Amendment BylawNo. 9102, 2020”;

• “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9134, 2020”; and

• “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9159, 2020”.

Submissions by telephone

In an efforttoprovide the public with options to speak to Council on aPublic Hearing applications and in accordance with the current Ministerial Order,the City now offers participation remotely via telephone during Public Hearings.

Residents can pre-register to speak to the proposed Bylaw(s) live via telephone. Pre-registration will be open from 8:30 a.m., Thursday, February4,2021 to Monday, February8,2021 at 12:00 p.m. To pre-register to speak to Council via phone, visit our website www.princegeorge.ca/publichearings to complete an online registration formor call 311. If you miss pre-registering,please watch the online live meeting broadcast as there will be an opportunity for you to call in for alimited period of time.

Telephone submissions mayonly be received during Formal Public Hearings. Residents are invited to participate by telephone for the following application(s):

•“City of Prince George Official Community Plan BylawNo. 8383, 2011, Amendment BylawNo. 9154, 2020”;

• “City of Prince George Zoning BylawNo. 7850, 2007, Amendment BylawNo. 9155, 2020”; and

• “City of Prince George Soil Removal and Deposit BylawNo. 9030, 2019, Amendment BylawNo. 9102, 2020”.

Authority

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

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Acopyofthe proposed Bylaws, applications and anyrelated documents will be available for reviewbythe public on the City’swebsite www.princegeorge.ca under ‘News and Notices’ beginning January27, 2021. These documents mayalso be reviewedat the Development Services office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on January27, 28, 29, February1,2,3,4,5 and 8, 2021,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.

Forquestions related to Public Hearing participation and procedures, please contact the Legislative Services Division by telephone (250)561-7793 or by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.

TAX HIKE DECISION NEXT WEEK

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Prince George residents will have to wait until Monday to find out what, if any, property tax increase they’ll see for 2021.

City council approved the city’s 2021 capital budget last Wednesday and the majority of the city’s 2021 operating budget. However, two budget items with the potential to significantly impact the city’s tax levy were deferred.

Council held off on making a decision about how much of the $6.11 million COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant to use to offset a proposed two per cent tax levy increase. Based on their comments, it appears council is divided on the issue.

“I think we have the opportunity, when we set the tax rate, to zero (per cent increase),” Coun. Brian Skakun said “We owe it to the residents and businesses in the community.”

The city budget includes more than $4 million this year to replenish the city’s endowment fund that was depleted by the cost overruns on the downtown parkade project, he added.

Crime Stoppers issues honours

According to a report presented to city council on Monday, to keep the city’s tax levy increase to two per cent would require using $796,185 of the $6.11 million grant. To eliminate the tax increase for 2021 would require using more than $3 million, leaving roughly half the balance of the grant for 2022.

“Zero per cent is what I’m looking for,” Coun Kyle Sampson said.

Sampson said every year he’s asked for council to be presented a zero per cent tax increase option, to see what that would mean for city services.

City director of finance Kris Dalio said the city administration already cut the proposed tax increase from more than three per cent, down to two per cent, as directed by the city’s finance and audit committee during a meeting last year

“I believe that administration has done what it can do, and anything else would require a service reduction that would require a vote of council,” Dalio said.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said she’s concerned using too much of the Safe Restart Grant in 2021 to offset a tax increase, which could

Northern B.C. Crime Stoppers has named Cst. Ryan Underhill its 2020 officer of the year for the Prince George RCMP.

Underhill has been in Prince George for nine years in a variety of units.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE

Makeadifference in your community!

The City is seeking the expertise of residents interested in serving on the Prince George Heritage Commission.

The Commission meets quarterly and is responsible for undertaking heritage education and awareness activities, and reviewing and reporting to City Council and Staff on mattersofheritage significance within the City.

The City is currently accepting applications to fill four (4) vacancies on the Commission with terms beginning March 1, 2021 and ending February28, 2023.

Involvement with council committees, commissions, and boards provides residents the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our municipality and to provide input on important civic issues.

Interested applicants must be available to attend regularly scheduled meetings (Monday–Friday, between the hoursof8:30 am and 5:00 pm) and be willing to actively participate in projects the Heritage Commission undertakes throughout the year Information on the commission including its governing bylaw, application forms and details on the application process, are available on the City’swebsite or maybepicked up in the Legislative Services Department, 5th Floor City Hall.

Deadline for Applications: 5:00 p.m., Friday, February12, 2021

Applications maybecompleted and submitted online (https://www.princegeorge.ca/ committees), delivered to the Legislative Services Division, 5th Floor City Hall, at the address below,emailed to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca, or faxed to (250) 561-0183.

Forany questions or to have an application formmailed to you, please contact the Legislative Services Division at (250) 561-7655 or cityclerk@princegeorge.ca

leave the city in a tough situation later.

“At the end of the day, these funds are to help us until our revenues are back up,” Ramsay said. “It’s really a challenging budget cycle. We’re down 40 full-time employees. I just don’t know how much more we can cut.”

One possible option would be permanently closing the Four Seasons Leisure Pool, she said The city is budgeting more than $400,000 in 2021 to maintain the pool, even though it is closed and may never reopen, she said.

It may be time for the city to look at selling those facilities and allowing those third parties to run them themselves, she said.

Coun. Garth Frizzell, who chairs the city’s finance and audit committee, also previously voiced concerns about not having enough left in the grant to cover costs associated with reopening facilities once the pandemic is over

“I can understand Coun. Frizzell’s concerns about spending the Safe Restart dollars,” Coun. Murry Krause said. “At the end of the day, it might mean a small tax increase and using some of the Safe

The detachment’s general duty D Watch was named 2020 watch of the year. Staff Sgt. Chris Riddle heads the unit, comprised of 12 general duty constables, two corporals, a sergeant and a staff sergeant.

Restart money.”

Council also deferred voting on a proposal to add two training officers to the city’s RCMP detachment on Wednesday, so council could get additional information about the proposal The proposal was expected to cost $96,000 by the time it starts in late 2021, and $365,000 for the full year in 2022.

Mayor Lyn Hall said before he’s prepared to support the proposal but he wants to ask Supt. Shaun Wright more questions about funding for dedicated police units, including the dedicated downtown unit.

“I’m not suggesting for a moment that we don’t need this, but I need more information,” Hall said. “Why should we, as a municipality, pay for training?”

City council did sign off on a number of items, including a $1.5 million increase to the city’s snow clearing budget to bring the budget in line with what it has been spending on average over the last few years

In 2020, the city spent $10.4 million on snow clearing, despite only having a budget of $8.5 million for the service The extra costs were paid using the city’s contingency funds, Dalio said.

Their efforts have made a significant impact on both the drug trade and property crime in Prince George and surrounding areas throughout 2020, according to Crime Stoppers.

Murder suspect pleads guilty

An Alberta woman has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2018 death of a Vanderhoof man.

Leslie Allie entered the plea during a B.C. Supreme Court hearing at the Prince George courthouse, B.C. Prosecution Service spokesperson Dan McLaughlin confirmed in an email.

The man’s body was discovered inside a motel room in the community west of Prince George on May 16, 2018 when police were called to a disturbance at about 8 p.m.

The death appeared suspicious and the North District RCMP major crime unit was called in.

The name of the victim, a 59-year-old man, has not been released.

The RCMP have said the victim and accused knew each other

On Aug. 2, 2018 police arrested Leslie, then 24 years old, in Spirit River, Alberta, and she was charged with second-degree murder

Second-degree murder implies the act was committed without planning and carries a minimum sentence of life in prison with no parole for 10 years.

The matter has been adjourned to April 12 to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports and to fix the sentencing date, McLaughlin said.

Thwarted home invader guilty of gun charges

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man well known to the police and courts has been found guilty of six gun-related charges from a home invasion in the making.

The arrest of Julien Naseem Abdala Yasin Lazarre, 22, on the morning of Sept. 25, 2019 was the product of a chance encounter. Two members of the Prince George RCMP’s street crew unit were called to a report of a theft from a vehicle in the 1400 block of Carney Street when they spotted Lazarre and another man, Devin Albert Olson, 32, in the back yard of a crack shack.

When the officers ordered them to stop, both took off though an alley But while Olson ran for a distance, Lazarre walked away slowly, provincial court judge Susan Mengering said in issuing her verdict.

A search of Lazarre uncovered a rock of heroin-fentanyl, 33 tablets of ecstacy, a thick wad of cash adding up to $5,720, a flip phone and a cellphone. Significantly, RCMP also found an empty pistol holster shoved into the waist band of his pants.

A subsequent search of the area by a dog and handler found a loaded handgun placed on a small mound behind a nearby utility pole. Police also found a folding knife and a laser sight that could fit the pistol closer to where Olson had surrendered.

That led defence counsel to suggest Olson may have possessed the gun but Mengering ruled that the markings on the holster found on Lazarre were a match for the handgun

The DNA found on the pistol was from an unknown person but Mengering found it doubtful that someone else could have

Schools face budget crunch

School District 57 has seen roughly 300 fewer students attending in-person classes for the 2020-21 school year than it had projected, according to one of the district’s senior administrators.

District secretary-treasurer Darleen Patterson presented an updated annual budget to the district’s board of education during the board’s regular meeting last Tuesday

“I think it was about 300-and-some-odd (less students) in our physical building, and our distributed learning went up over 200 students,” Patterson said. “(But) students attending distributed learning are funded at a lower level.”

While the district did receive more than $3 million in funding from the Ministry of Education than it had initially projected, it also reported more than $400,000 in lost rental and investment income, according to the amended budget approved by the trustees

In addition, the district’s costs rose by more than $6.7 million than projected for 2021, resulting in the district having to use more than $4.7 million in reserves from pervious year’s surpluses – leaving only $1.3 million in accumulated surpluses remaining.

“There has been a significant increase in our staffing costs, and other costs,” Patterson said.

With the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s difficult to project what the district’s finances will look like by

the 2021-22 school year, she added.

“We’re finding it very difficult to anticipate what our enrolment will be. Our (enrolment) modelling software is having a tough time predicting what it will look like next year,” Patterson said. “(But) we do anticipate being in funding protection next year.”

Trustee Tim Bennett, who chairs the district’s management and finance committee, said funding protection means the ministry won’t reduce the district’s grant by more than 1.5 per cent in a single year

That protects districts with declining enrolments from having sudden drops in funding.

The majority of the rising costs have been linked to schools and in-class instruction, Bennett explained, while the district has found ways to reduce its administrative costs.

“For an organization our size, we have a very lean administration,” he said. “(But) we have a $145 million organization to run, and $1.3 million of unappropriated surpluses is not enough of a rainy day fund.”

Trustee Sharel Warrington also said she’s concerned about how quickly the district has been depleting its surpluses. Back in 2018, the district was sitting on $17 million in surpluses, she said.

“We’re scraping the bottom on the barrel, so to speak,” she said. “I am concerned about where we are going, and the things we don’t have a cushion for. I hope we don’t find ourselves not being able to fund those very important (initiatives), if budget crunches become a reality.”

placed the pistol at the spot. In part, she noted the serial number makes it traceable to the owner who, in turn, would face serious consequences for leaving a loaded and restricted handgun at such a spot.

Lazarre was also found guilty of resisting arrest for failing to stop despite officers ordering him to do so three times.

Of the six gun-related counts, the most serious appears to be possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose and was related to Lazarre’s attire when he was found.

Despite the weather, Lazarre was wearing a bulky winter coat with the hood up, along with gloves and sunglasses and was carrying a face mask in his satchel, suggesting he intended to carry out a home invasion at the house.

Lazarre will be sentenced at a later date. He has remained in custody since his

arrest nearly 500 days ago. In a previous decision, Mengering found the search did not violate Lazarre’s charter rights.

Lazarre has had several brushes with the law In June 2019 he was sentenced to time served for his role in a drug-related kidnapping and, for a time, had faced a count of attempted murder from a December 2017 shooting incident. The count was later dropped due to a lack of evidence.

In January 2020, Olson was sentenced to one year of probation for identity theft and breaching an undertaking or recognizance in relation to the arrest. He was released on a recognizance on the same day he was arrested but by November 2019 was back in custody for breaching the recognizance. Olson continues to face seven gun related charges from an October 2020 arrest. He was released on $1,000 bail.

THE 2021 PARCEL TAXROLL REVIEW COMMITTEE willmeetonMonday, February22,2021at2:00p.m.,forthepurposeofconsideringwrittencomplaints withrespecttotheinclusionorexclusionofpropertiesaffectedbythefollowing parceltaxrolls:

AdamsRoadCommunitySewerService, AzuWaterSystem, BearLakeWaterSystem, BendixonRoadCommunitySewerService, BuckhornCommunitySewerService, Shell-GlenFireProtection, ShelleyRiverbankErosionProtection, SymsRoadStreetLighting, TaborLakeCommunitySewerService, TallusRoadCommunitySewerService,and WestLakeCommunitySewerService

ForcomplaintstobeconsideredbytheParcelTaxRollReviewCommitteea complaintmustbesubmittedinwritingandbereceivednotlaterthan2:00p.m. onThursday,February18,2021.Complaintsreceivedbyfaxat250-563-7520will beaccepted.

Theparceltaxrollswillbeavailableforviewingbyappointmentonly,atthe RegionalDistrictoffice,155GeorgeStreet,PrinceGeorge,B.C.V2L1P8,from January28thtoFebruary18,2021,MondaytoFridayfrom8:30a.m.until4:00 p.m.Tomakeanappointmenttoviewtherollorforfurtherinformationplease contactCindyPaton,CommunityServicesLeader,at250-960-4400oremail communityservices@rdffg.bc.ca.

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ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Parris coming to Prince George

The UNBC Timberwolves have picked up striker Dominic Parris for the 2021-22 season.

Parris, 21, comes to the Twolves from the York University Lions of the Ontario University Athletics conference. The six-foot-one striker was on the 201920 training roster for the U SPORTS national bronze medal-winning team.

Parris was born in Falmouth, Jamaica, and lived in Jamaica and Barbados, before moving to Calgary at the age of 12. However, coming to Prince George will be a bit of a homecoming for him. His father lives in the city and he visited Prince George before joining the UNBC lineup.

UNBC coach Steve Simonson says Parris brings athleticism and attacking prowess to the lineup.

“I am really excited to have Dom join our program. He has made a great initial impression on everyone here so far,” Simonson said in a press release “He is humble, hard-working, and will be a fantastic member of the Timberwolves family.”

While playing with the TImberwolves, Parris will also be studying towards a career in sports medicine.

In the circular beginning Friday, February 12, 2021, the offer description of Select Artist Easels &Tables on page 2isincorrect. The correct offer description is Select Artist Easels Correction Notice

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused

UNBC Timberwolves post Sveta Boykova dribbles the ball in a game in July 2019, when she was captain of Team Russia at Universiade in Napoli, Italy The 24-year-old from Moscow is looking forward to playing her first Canada West games for the T-wolves next season.

RUSSIAN RECRUIT BRINGS

EXPERIENCE TO UNBC

TED CLARKE

First, it was a season-ending knee injury that spoiled her Canada West debut, now it’s the pandemic.

Svetlana (Sveta) Boykova will eventually get to play basketball in Prince George and she plans to stick around for at least the next five seasons.

The six-foot-one post from Moscow, who twice represented Russia at Universiade, also known as the World University Games, gives the T-wolves an immovable anchor in close proximity to the net, the size and strength they’ve lacked ever since all-star post Vasiliki Louka graduated to the professional ranks two years ago.

The Canada West season has already been canceled, with no national championship to play for, and during the current pandemic lockdown teams are not allowed to play exhibition games or even scrimmage in practice. That means the 24-yearold Boykova won’t get show off the slick moves and stoic leadership that made her Russia’s choice as national team captain for the Universiade tournament in Napoli, Italy in July 2019.

The T-wolves signed her two summers ago. The mother of a friend of hers in Moscow knows head coach Sergey Shchepotkin and his wife Alla - both former national team players in Russia - and told them about Boykova. After talking to her on the phone, Sergey arranged to meet Boykova on a basketball court in Russia for a couple one-on-one sessions.

Having heard the positive endorsements from her coaches, he knew what to expect and wasn’t disappointed.

“I wanted to see her on the court and I played against her in practice and she convinced me she can play at this level and I was happy to take her,” said Shchepotkin.

“It’s challenging to recruit to UNBC so I was happy to find that experienced (player) who I don’t have to teach the fundamentals,” he said.

“She already knows how to be tough under the basket, she has high basketball IQ, she knows how to help on defence. She’s tough to play against. On offence, she’s a good shooter and she’s a good rebounder.”

Boykova is one of two Russians on the T-wolves’ roster along with

fourth-year guard Alina Shakirova of Moscow. Shchepotkin’s contacts in Europe also led to the signing of six-foot-two forward Laura Garmendia Garcia, who also red-shirted with a knee injury last season. Garmendia Garcia is from Spain, the same country that produced T-wolves point guard Maria Mongomo, who graduated last spring after five stellar seasons.

Boykova, who hurt her knee last summer in a game against the T-wolves alumni squad, is convinced the T-wolves will be competitive against Canada West opponents once they have the green light to start playing again. The short-staffed T-wolves advanced to the second round of playoffs a year ago while four players sat out with knee injuries and two others were sidelined with concussions.

“I like my team,” said Boykova. “They’re really good, they have skills, they have good personality and our coach is amazing. They’re pretty young but they have good backgrounds and they really want to grow And I know that I can help them and that coach can improve their skills.”

Local track club president honoured

CHRISTINE HINZMANN

Elena Thomas, president of the Prince George Track & Field Club (PGTF), was recently honoured by BC Athletics for providing outstanding service as an administrator.

Because the COVID pandemic significantly impacted all sports, BC Athletics altered its award categories to better recognize members who adapted and continued to perform at incredible levels of dedication, whether as coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers or athletes.

Thomas is being recognized for going above and beyond in her commitment to support club members, creating competition opportunities and leading community engagement.

BC Athletics officials chair Brian Thomson, Vancouver Thunderbirds CEO Nigel Hole and Yurith Hayley, president of the Greyhounds Track & Field Club in Surrey, were also recognized in the same category.

Soon after the coronavirus pandemic shut everything down, Thomas spent a month creating a 25-page document so track and field practices could be held once provincial health orders were lifted to allow athletes to practice in small numbers while following all safety protocols to protect against the spread of the virus. The document Thomas created contained protocols, guidelines and procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus before there was even such a document in existence.

Thomas had to submit the return-tosport guidelines to the city for approval before the PGTF club could rent Masich Place Stadium for practices. The local track and field club was able to hold practices for half the summer and well into the fall where about 30 athletes were able to train twice a week.

Thomas facilitated the Masters World Virtual Challenge, a competition for some athletes and spent hours at the track volunteering during the practices held in 2020

Thomas started with the PGTF club as a parent of an athlete, her oldest son, Max, when he was 12 years old. Max, now 19, used the summer training as a method of cross training for speed skating.

Max didn’t want to run so he wasn’t too

CITIZEN

PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE/LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

Elena Thomas, president of the Prince George Track & Field club, has been recognized for her Outstanding Service as an Administrator by BC Athletics.

keen on joining the club until it was suggested to him to try throwing. In track and field, young athletes can throw implements including shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throw.

“He spent a day trying it and came back saying he wanted to throw and it became his passion,” Thomas said. “So, of course, I had to volunteer As a parent you have to help in some way.”

Back then, the PGTF maintained the stadium so Thomas grabbed a shovel and turned over the sand in the jumping pits, helped get equipment out for the athletes, put it all away again and signed the children in for their sessions.

Thomas became treasurer quite early on and her volunteerism increased from there.

As Max started traveling for competitions, he encouraged his mom to start throwing, too.

“He loves it, it looked like fun so I started to throw,” Thomas said.

She has competed in the Masters category since 2016 and in 2020 was ranked number one in Canada in the hammer throw in her age category.

On the administrative side, Thomas took over in 2018 when the past president

stepped down.

“It was a total learning experience for me,” Thomas said. “I didn’t do track as a kid, I walked into it because my kid wanted to do it and I thought it would be good for him and track and field coaches thought it would be good for him.”

As far as being recognized for her Out-

standing Service as an Administrator by BC Athletics Thomas is a reluctant recipient

“It’s very nice to be recognized but I don’t feel like I deserve it,” Thomas said. “I just did what anyone else would have done had they been in my shoes.”

Sabrina Nettey, BC Athletics introductory programs coordinator, disagrees.

“When we looked at the nominees one thing that we saw across the board was that these were individuals who had put in a lot of time and they were committed to the programs in their clubs, they were engaging their members and the community and one way each of them had gone above and beyond was trying to create competition opportunities in a very odd world,” Nettey said. “So when we saw the nomination for Elena we saw all of these things where she had put together - the COVID protocols for the Prince George Track & Field club and right off the bat that was huge because other clubs didn’t fold financially but decided to close up shop for the year and try back again in 2021. Right there that showed initiative and commitment to continuing to serve her club and her members and just the time commitment she was spending on the track even though this is a volunteer position.”

Editor’s note: Citizen reporter Christine Hinzmann nominated Elena Thomas to be recognized for her Outstanding Service as an Administrator by BC Athletics.

‘He just had this determination’

from page 1

“He was never any trouble and was always helpful to his teammates, and always respectful to the coaching staff, he was just a good kid. He was a better kid than he was a player and he was a very good player

“He just had this determination. No matter if it was practice or a game, up 10 or down 10, it didn’t matter, he was going to go out and give the same effort every time. He was skilled and strong on the puck and he never stopped. He wasn’t the biggest guy, the flashiest guy or the fastest guy out there but people knew when they played against him they were in for a long night because they had to keep going, just like he did We were lucky to get him.”

As a kid, Chad Staley played baseball, football, lacrosse and soccer and when he was four he joined a roller hockey league. He was smaller than most of his peers and was just learning to skate on his inline blades. Jennifer said it made her cry with worry to see him getting knocked down but he reassured her that he loved it and took to the ice the following year.

Chad excelled in hockey and grew up idolizing the Tri-City Americans WHL team. He played youth hockey in the Junior Americans program until he was a teenager and that led to a three-year stint playing midget hockey for the Wenatchee Wild. While playing for that team at a tournament in Kelowna, he caught the eye of the Spruce Kings

Named an assistant captain his second season with the team, Staley took on that responsibility and led the Kings in scoring as the team MVP with 29 goals and 33 assists for 62 points in 58 games. He wore the ‘C’ his final junior season and finished second to Luedtke in team scoring with 22 goals and had 58 points in 59 regular season games Staley continued to light it up in the playoffs with three goals and six assists. The Kings eliminated Langley in five games but were swept in the second round by the division-champion Chilliwack Chiefs

“He was a quiet leader,” said Dupas “He was a kid guys could rely on and that’s why he ended up being captain. He wasn’t one of those guys yelling and screaming at people, he was a quiet guy who would go out and put his arm around you if you’re having a bad day and he’d say, ‘Just pick it up, don’t worry about it.’ He was a great captain.”

Staley was a fan favourite wherever he played He always managed to find a kid or two in the stands and would toss them a Kings puck over the glass during warmups. His biggest fan was Kiara Turgeon, a special-needs teen who wore Staley/Luedtke jerseys to games On the day he died, he had two pictures of Kiara hanging in his room in Kennewick.

“Every move he made was further from home, first it was Wenatchee, then Prince George, then Alaska, and then Europe,” said Jennifer. “He absolutely loved Prince George. He loved the people, he loved his billet family, he loved his team and his coaches. He just loved the Prince George Spruce Kings so much, it was so instru-

mental in him getting his hockey scholarship to Fairbanks.”

The feeling was mutual. Prince George loved Chad Staley.

“He was so good in the community,” said Dupas. “He was always out talking to kids, making special appearances, visiting kids, he was down at the food bank doing the baskets at Christmas time and he was doing it with a smile on his face You didn’t have to ask him to do it, he wanted to do it, you just had to tell him where and when and he’d be there with a smile and work as hard as he did on the ice.

“He spent time with handicapped kids and those less fortunate and he was a hero to those kids. He’d sit with them have a nice conversation with them. He was well on his way to having a good life because when you have work ethic alongside the character he had, it’s really hard to fail. People would bend over backwards to help him because he was the type of guy that would help anybody do anything at any time. He was one of those kids you just couldn’t find anything bad to say about him. It’s just a tragedy.”

The year before he died, Staley talked what career aspirations once hockey ended for him and he told Jennifer he wanted to go back to college to become a teacher. His plans to open a hockey school in Kennewick this past summer died with him.

“He was actually working on his logo and his agenda for working with the little guys and was talking to us about it just nights before he passed away,” Jennifer said. “He just has a good heart and I’m so proud of the man he became. He could have been a sportscaster. He knew about every player on every team in every sport. He constantly had ESPN on and his knowledge blew me away

“He was hilarious as a kid, I always thought he could be a comedian because he was always trying to make people laugh – Chad had a smile in his face his whole life,” she said. “I can’t think of a time we ever had cross words with each other, he was just such a wonderful child.”

Staley’s success as a Spruce King paved the road to a full-ride scholarship at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and he continued to excel on the ice and in the classroom.

After struggling against NCAA opponents his rookie season, he earned team awards in each of the next three years He led the Nanooks in scoring his sophomore season and was the most improved player that same year. He made the WCHA All-Academic team three times and in his final season his popularity earned him the fans’ choice award.

Armed with a degree in psychology at Fairbanks in the summer of 2019, he accepted an offer to play pro hockey in

HANDOUT PHOTOS

Chad Staley poses with his parents after the seniors night game with the University of Alaska-Fairbooks Nanooks, above. Left, Chad Staley took up hockey as a youngster growing up in Kennewick, Wash.

Germany for the Hamburg Crocodiles of the Tier 3 Oberliga

He was on a point-per-game pace nine games into the season when he suffered a knee injury that kept him off the ice for a month. As one of only a couple English-speaking players on the team the language barrier added to his isolation while he was sidelined and not being able to play made his adjustment to the pros that much more difficult. He knew Buoninconti, his former Spruce King linemate, was playing not far away in Egna, Italy, and he told Staley they needed players.

Continued on the next page

‘It

brings me to tears to think his name will be on an arena’

from the previous page

So on Dec. 12, after working out a deal with both coaches, he left his German team on good terms to join the Cavaliers of the Italian Hockey League.

The Cavaliers had just played a game on Jan. 4 when Buonincontri and Staley made a last-minute decision to go on a roadtrip. Buonincontri is from Montreal and his cousin, Detroit Red Wings 2018 first-round pick Joe Velano, was playing for Canada at the world junior hockey championship in the Czech Republic a year ago when he and Staley decided to go watch them play in the gold-medal game They starting driving to Bolzano at 3 a.m., then took a train to Milan and flew to Prague, then drove another four hours to get Ostrava, arriving just an hour before game time. It was a sleepless but worthwhile journey In a thrilling final, Canada rallied from a 3-1 deficit and scored three goals in the final 11 minutes to beat Russia for gold. They made it back just in time for practice two mornings later.

Staley and Buonincontri were roommates in Italy and as soon as he arrived from Germany he took out a painted Spruce Kings logo and hung on a wall “It was the first thing he did when he walked into the apartment,” Buonincontri said “I couldn’t tell you how much he loved that crown.”

Staley played 14 games with Unterland, scoring five goals and 17 points but the team didn’t go far in the playoffs and he and Buonincontri had to scramble to book their return flights home while COVID outbreaks were rapidly filling up Italian hospitals. The week before he died, Staley was working out the details to return to Europe play for a team in Sweden.

“Me and Chad always knew we were going to reunite somewhere playing overseas and when we got that deal done to come over it was still early in the year, but after COVID our year kind of shut down a bit,” Buonincontri, who makes his off-season home in Montreal, said

“After playing at a really high level in the NCAA in Alaska, when he came in to Europe he was just beginning his career He became a better player and it’s sad to see after all his work. He could have played another 20 years He wasn’t a big guy but he had a heart of gold.

“Chad was always consistent on the hockey side, nothing was different. He was the hardest worker on the ice, he really gave it all, and he was a captain-material everywhere he went. He had an impact on the team not only on the ice but off the ice as well and everybody loved him. He was a true leader I lived with him and he was a best friend and a brother to me.”

Jennifer and Pam Staley have been living

together since 2008 and they got married in 2012, the year Washington state passed the law to allow same-sex marriages. For most of his childhood, Chad considered Laurie Page, Jennifer’s former common-law wife, his second mother, and she is now partnered with another woman When he was 14, Chad and Jennifer began living with Pam and her son and daughter. Chad never had a father. Jennifer was artificially inseminated and she gave birth to him on June 29, 1994.

“He had billet dads who were instrumental in helping him and he looked to his coaches as father figures too and we’re grateful to all of them,” said Jennifer She assumes some of his school peers gave him a rough time about having two moms but he took it in stride and never felt uncomfortable with his family life. “He embraced it, he was proud of his family He never talked about being teased, but I know as he got older and became a teenager he stood up for us If other people talked bad about same-sex relationships or marriages, even if it wasn’t about us, he would defend it. He wrote papers about it in high school, about the fact he’s had this wonderful life and he was raised by two women and that the stigma was incorrect.”

After his death, Jennifer found a letter in Chad’s computer he’d written to a young hockey player in Alaska who was in a similar situation with two female parents. He offered him advice and told him he wasn’t alone and that he was there to support him whenever he needed it.

Lynda Pattie was Staly’s billet mom in Prince George and in the three years he lived with her and her now ex-husband Scott and their son Jaymes they formed a tight bond with Chad and his family The Patties made the trip to Fairbanks to see him play his last college game in 2015 and had stayed in contact ever since he graduated the junior ranks. His sense of humour crept into the conversation one day when he called on Mother’s Day and touched on the complications of having four moms in his life as well as a fifth adopted mother

“I remember Chad saying, ‘Lynda, Mother’s Day is a very busy day for me,” Lynda said.

Sometime in the next week, the compact hockey rink that now occupies what used to be four sheets of curling ice at Prince George Golf and Curling Club will be getting a name.

It will be called the Chad Staley Memorial Arena and if Lynda Pattie has it her way his name will be on that rink forever. When Pattie, the owner of Ascentech Solutions Inc., a local software development and IT support business, caught wind that Mike Peterson and Chris Hunter of Northern Ice Sports were marketing the naming rights to the rink they built, she jumped at the

opportunity to immortalize her favourite Spruce King. Pattie is also the founder of the newly-created Chad Staley Memorial Athletic Foundation to raise money and create skill development opportunities for less-fortunate kids to play hockey and other sports.

“Chad was family, he phoned me every Mother’s Day, always at Christmas, always on my birthday,” said Pattie. “With the naming rights being available we thought it was a perfect way to launch the foundation and to raise awareness about Chad as well.”

Jennifer said: “It brings me to tears thinking his name will be on an arena. He was a very humble young man and he would be honoured that this is being done in his name because he liked kids. He would be happy to see his name put towards young hockey players furthering their skills and goals.”

Thirty family members attended Chad’s funeral in Kennewick, which happened just as the state was going into a lockdown to try to contain COVID-19. The family hopes to be able to invite his friends and former teammates to a celebration of his life later this year

Above, Chad Staley greets his cousin’s son Greyson after playing a game for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks. Left, Chad Staley’s interest in hockey as a youngster also led him to try his hand at officiating.

Jennifer said they know who sold the fentanyl to Chad’s friend but the police in Kennewick are powerless to do anything about it because there’s no proof that ties the dealer to Chad’s fatal dose and no charges will be laid.

If there’s anything to be gained out of Staley’s death, it’s the warning it serves of the dangers of street drugs and how deadly they can be. It’s not just thrill-seekers or known drug users losing their lives, it’s everyday people, some in chronic pain, some waiting for surgical procedures, or, as in Staley case, someone reaching out for temporary relief from the agony of an injury.

“When we first put a message out on Facebook right after he passed away I didn’t want people to think Chad was some drug addict that had a problem, he didn’t,” said Jennifer “He was a good kid who was doing everything right in life and he made this horrible decision that took his life. It’s tragic and it has stop. Somehow we’ve got to get these drugs off the street.

“It worried me that people would think negatively about him but you just have to be honest and tell what happened because it could save someone’s life.”

HANDOUT PHOTOS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Pointing fingers

The revelation of a near tripling of the cost of the Park House and underground parking project has brought much criticism from the public. The mayor, some councilors and some senior administrators have been found lacking

It appears the two biggest factors for these massive cost overruns are solving the problem of water threatening to flood the underground parking area and the need to replace, relocate and increase the capacity of the antiquated water and sewage infrastructure in that old part of the city

Our mayor, our councilors and our senior administrators are not required to be experts in the intricacies of a major development of this magnitude They are expected to know how to get the advice of experts to guide them through such a development. It would appear either the expertise of qualified people in the initial planning, design and engineering stage of the project was not sought, was ignored or was poorly done by those hired.

I took my $600 iPad complete with free altimeter app and found out in 10 minutes that the street in front of the development is at the same level as the parking lot at the Nechako River boat launch That information together with the easily attained knowledge that the entire downtown portion of our city is an old gravel-filled riverbed for the Fraser and Nechako Rivers

should make a well paid expert think that maybe there may be a water issue with an underground parking lot in that location

Considering the availability, condition and location of water and sewage infrastructure should also be something that is considered in the early planning, design and engineering stages of such a project, not when the project is well on its way Here in Prince George, some other examples are the bridge fiasco in the BCR industrial area, the UNBC access road and, going way back, the Coliseum/Rolling Mix Concrete arena.

This isn’t a problem experienced only at the civic level. One only needs to look a bit to the north of us to where we are with Site

C. The Christy Clark government pushed the BC Utilities Commission aside whose job it is to take a non-political look at utility projects to ensure their viability We could only hope that with that independent review not done they would have been doubly careful before proceeding

But alas, no.

Here we are billions of dollars into that project and we are being told it appears there is no stable rock there to tie the dam into. Should not it have been part of the pre-construction phase to determine that basic fact?

Is it politicians wanting to get these high profile jobs underway, is it public servants choosing to ignore the alarm bells or is it poor work in the initial stages of these developments by well paid experts that is

IS THE BOX EMPTY?

causing us taxpayers to keep footing the bill for someone else’s mistakes?

There has been criticism of the mayor, individual councilors and senior city staff on the Park House issue. The professionals hired by the city to advise all of the above on this and other projects should not get off the hook without someone looking into their role in this mess

John Warner, Prince George

Unacceptable excuse

Lame excuse, Lyn.

As I read the article about the online press conference, I shook my head at the lame excuse Mayor Hall says that he was not kept informed.

Well, as the mayor and as he was informed in July about the cost, he should have done more on his part to inquire what was going on. To say he was as surprised as council was in 2020 does not cut it for us taxpayers.

I feel Mayor Hall is looking to blame others as much as he can, which is all the more reason for him to step down.

Correct me if I am wrong but it took more than a week for the mayor to respond to the fact that he actually knew something before the cost overruns got out of hand.

That, in itself, is unacceptable.

Roland Hill, Prince George

Taxes too high

In having a conversation with a coworker at work tonight, he said that the property tax bill he is paying for his 3800 square foot $900,000 home in Coquitlam with utilities in is $6,000 and that is so expensive

I have an old $292,000 home in the Hart area of Prince George with a property tax bill sitting at $5,600 with utilities. Maybe city council doesn’t see a problem with this, but with the lack of amenities, lack of public transportation in a good part of the city, lack of second opinion for medical care and other issues, why are we paying triple the property tax rate that Vancouver suburbs are paying?

Robert Corbin, Prince George

Words matter

Inclusiveness and diversity are popular and trendy words in this day and age. Many institutions of our provincial government have made declarations against hate, with proclamations and statements of inclusivity and diversity

What do these words mean?

We hear it all the time and the media perpetuates this feel-good rhetoric Yet this rhetoric is worthless.

days, rainbow sidewalks or Facebook comments watered down so nobody takes offence. Inclusivity and diversity is treating people right. It’s doing what every fouryear-old knows and not doing things that hurt people

Our provincial government has been practicing inclusivity and diversity in theory only, while simultaneously doing things that hurt people

Sean Kealy, Prince George

Stop the plastic plant

I am not concerned with the construction of a plastic plant in the bowl area – I am furious!

We are in the age of plastic reduction and shouldn’t even be considering such a plant. If this plant was going to recycle our existing plastic, I wouldn’t be as concerned but they are not. They are going to use our natural gas to produce more plastic. Our planet is choking on the mountains of plastic we already have. We are killing our lands, waterways, and oceans We need to clean up the mess we have and not add to it.

The issues at stake here are:

• Using natural gas to produce plastic. Do you know what happens when there is a great demand for a commodity? Yup, the price goes up, and up and up. So Prince George, get ready for skyrocketing gas prices. Might even be some shortages thrown in there. Keep in mind what happened when one line was shut down for a period after the pipeline exploded.

• Ethylene extraction. That’s right – they are going to extract ethylene from the gas, then further refine it to produce polyethylene to make plastic pellets. In other words, the natural gas we all use to heat our homes will become plastic pellets. This entire step could be skipped if they just used the existing recyclable plastics. Leave our natural gas alone.

Levan Francis was subjected to years of racism at his job in BC corrections. After an eight-year battle, it was shown that co-workers frequently called him racial slurs.The Patterson report found that WCB claims were over 50 per cent more likely to be denied, based solely if a person is from a First Nations reserve.

The recent investigation into racism in the BC health care system found that racism against First Nations patients is widespread and well known.

These are three of many examples, right here in B.C., of outright racism and prejeduce, the very opposite of these new buzz words, inclusivity and diversity

Inclusivity and diversity isn’t pink shirt

• By-product production. The company in question says they can do this without producing environmental pollution. Air pollution is one thing we will have to deal with but this company has conveniently skipped over the by-product of this whole procedure. Mono-ethylene glycol – more commonly known as antifreeze – is extemely poisonous. It seems that there are plans to eventually collect this product and send it overseas to Asia. In the meantime what’s going to happen with it? Tailings ponds? I suppose those could be fenced and covered to keep wildlife from being poisoned but this plant is right on the river and the soil in the bowl area is sandy loam. This will leach through the soil and into the river where it will kill the fish, birds, deer, moose and whatever else might use the river

Prince George, we have to take a stand. West Coast Olefins has stated that only a “minority” have expressed opposition to this project. We have to show them they are wrong.

If there is a petition against this project, I will sign it. If there is a demonstration, I will be there. I don’t know what else to do right now but write this letter but if there is an opposition group, I would sure like to join.

Jean O’Brien,

Prince George

COUNCIL SHOULD FOLLOW BUDGET SURVEY

It seems even when the City of Prince George asks for the views of residents, mayor and council still won’t listen to the response if it doesn’t suit what they want to do.

In the fall, the city conducted a budget consultation survey It was an incredible success, with more than 1,000 residents filling out the online survey, compared to just 170, the average number of responses in the previous four years.

City council received the results of the survey in December. While there were mixed results in several categories, there was one response that was crystal clear: only 18 per cent of respondents were in favour of raising taxes to offset lost revenues due to the pandemic.

The top of the list, with 66 per cent support, was to seek financial assistance from senior levels of government.

That assistance has arrived in the form of a $6.11 million COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant from the provincial government.

City council can keep property taxes

frozen at last year’s rate and only spend about half of that money, tucking away the rest for next year.

When city council convenes on Feb. 8 to set this year’s tax rate, that would be the right thing to do, seeing as how it lines up with the budget survey

While some city councillors clearly want to go in that direction – Brian Skakun and Kyle Sampson, in particular – there are at least two other city councillors (Garth Frizzell and Cori Ramsay) who want to ignore the budget survey, increase taxes this year and save more of the provincial grant for next year.

If the only concern under consideration were the financial well-being of local government, this would be prudent fiscal management. However, the financial well-being of local property owners, many of whom have already been hit hard during COVID-19, should also be considered.

If there was ever a year to give Prince George taxpayers a break, it’s this one. It also gives the city a full year to prepare for next year’s budget to make sure a hefty

tax hike isn’t needed in 2022 to pay for no increase this year.

In the survey, residents identified options to help make sure that doesn’t happen.

Along with financial support from senior government, three other suggestions were backed by a majority of respondents: sell some city land (59 per cent), keep facilities closed (55 per cent) and increase user fees (53 per cent).

Ramsay rightly identified keeping Four Seasons Pool permanently closed, a $400,000 savings on this year’s budget. It would be nice to open Four Seasons until the new downtown pool under construction is ready to open but it is a relatively easy sacrifice to make and one supported by the survey

Selling some city land offers both shortterm and long-term benefits The value of the sale offers an immediate windfall, as well as a private owner who now has to pay taxes and utilities on that property

For decades, the City of Prince George has accumulated parcels of land, partic-

ularly downtown, on the hope that, one day real soon, a developer would descend from the heavens with big plans and lots of dough. Having the land ready to go was seen as an enticement.

How well has that worked out?

It’s time to abandon anold plan based on little more than hope that has generated minimal return on investment, especially when local residents point to it as a legitimate way to increase revenues and reduce costs.

When residents are asked to take part in a government survey, there is a reasonable expectation the politicians will take the responses into account when making decisions.

In this case, the response was clear.

No tax increase this year

Use senior government financial assistance to pay for it, along with selling some city land, keeping facilities closed and raising user fees

The people have spoken. Make it so, city council.

- Editor-in-chief

Neil Godbout

Vaccine rollout exposes problems

Afew years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to a forestry company CEO speak about the prospects for the future. The talk was optimistic and certainly gave one hope for the future.

But it did get me to thinking because it involved a lot of heavy duty equipment, turbines, and other such stuff. The company was purchasing it from European and Asian manufacturers.

So I asked why wasn’t this being made at home? Why wasn’t his company doing the R&D and developing things in-house? The answer, of course, was from his perspective it is cheaper to let others do the research and development and then to simply buy the final product. After the talk, I had several people try to explain to me why this was a better approach. After all, they said, R&D costs money

But just because someone else is doing the research and development doesn’t mean you aren’t paying for it! The price of all the R&D is included in the cost of the product, along with a measure of profit. And, in this particular case, the company had to adapt its purchases to the conditions under which they would be operating, requiring further costs. I just thought it

would have been cheaper to do the whole thing themselves!

Why bring this up? For two reasons

The first is Canada still lags behind other major economies with our expenditures on R&D – both in terms of real dollars and as a percentage of GDP We seem to be a country quite willing to buy products from abroad rather than developing them here. Ironically, we often ship raw materials to other countries only to buy it back after they have added value. Those value-added jobs could have gone to Canadians

This is not a new attitude. It has permeated our economy for as long as I can remember. It was the source of the “brain drain” Canada experienced in the last century and, arguably, we are still in its grips. We lose a lot of students to the south – and many much further than just Vancouver. But the second reason has to do with what our politicians are nattering about in Ottawa. The opposition parties are chastising the government for its failure

to deliver on vaccine doses. For example, Pierre Paul-Hus representing CharleshourgHaute-Saint-Charles proclaimed: “We need to get two million doses a week. What will the shortage be this week? It will be two million. What will the shortage be next week? It will be 1.9 million. Who will be left behind because of this failure?”

Of course, the response of Anita Anand, minister of public services and procurement, wasn’t particularly enlightening. She simply pointed out: “we have a very solid plan in place with seven vaccine manufacturers, and our strategy from the very beginning was to ensure that Canadians have access to a vaccine by the end of September.” (I am pretty sure she meant every Canadian would have access to a dose of the vaccine…)

What Paul-Hus fails to mention is the number of doses we receive from Pfizer or Moderna is not in the hands of the Liberals. These are companies in other countries They are not Canadian companies in Montreal or Vancouver And we have very little in the way of power to compel these companies to provide us with doses aside from a written contract

After all, it costs a lot. Better to let someone else do it and then just purchase the results. Or that is what previous governments seemed to say Ironically, it was under the Conservatives’ watch that Merck packed up and moved its R&D and manufacturing capacity out of Montreal. Maybe if that government had had a little more foresight, we would have a homegrown vaccine or, at the very least, the capacity to manufacture another company’s under license here in Canada.

Under normal conditions, trade allows for the free flow of goods between countries but if 2020 stands for anything, it is that we are not living under normal conditions. And everyone has the same fears –that more lives will be lost to COVID-19 as the rollout of vaccines is delayed. But why are we not getting vaccines this week? Some sort of government incompetence? No. It is because the company has to revamp its production line so it can meet the demand.

We don’t have the capacity to manufacture the number of doses needed in a timely manner. We don’t have a research and development infrastructure, which would have allowed us to participate in the race to a vaccine. We have exported our capacity to be a major player in the world of drug development.

Maybe Paul-Hus should show a little more patience.

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Democracy must come with accountability

While most agree that those who physically attacked the U.S. Capitol buildings on January 6 should be arrested and charged for their crimes, some say the politicians who may have been behind the attack should not even be investigated. Their argument is that there is already enough polarization in the United States and this would make the situation worse.

History shows that such a course of action is very dangerous.

First of all, in order for a democracy to function, there must be respectful discussion of diverse opinions. That cannot happen if members of the Congress do not feel safe. To put things in perspective, how would any of us feel if our workplace was attacked? What if there was evidence that our own coworkers had revealed our whereabouts to an angry mob? How could we ever restore trust unless a proper investigation was done and justice was served? Secondly, we need to understand the

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

concept of forgiveness. It is not something that can be imposed. Forgiveness must be a free choice made by each person who was offended. It is easier to forgive if the offending party accepts accountability and chooses to make reparations, but even if this is the case, the person confessing knows that their forgiveness is not guaranteed.

With regard to the attack in Washington, DC, we are not only asking the innocent members of Congress to forgive, we are asking the American people to pardon an assault on their democracy. Failure to accept responsibility, especially by those in government leadership positions, will create further polarization and resentment, and it will undermine people’s trust in their state.

It is interesting to note that good people break laws, too. The difference is that they expect to be arrested and charged. They have faith that by putting themselves at risk in this way, they will expose the injustices in the legal system.

The Trump supporters in Congress have not yet demonstrated the moral courage that was so admired in Representative John Lewis, who passed away in 2020 Lewis broke laws he felt were unjust and was arrested 45 times during his life, including five times as a member of Congress. If Trump and his supporters are not willing to stand by their actions with integrity, they demonstrate the illegitimacy of their views and the weakness of their character

American Republicans also need to recognize that their entire legitimacy as a political party is at stake in this moment. There are many Republicans who recognize that they are being humiliated by the extremists who have been allowed to flourish under their banner in recent years. If the party does not return to its principles,

Inside the hamster wheel mind

Have you ever had a thought stuck in your brain?

In the non-brain-injured world, a thought can be stuck in your head for hours, possibly days, even months. Imagine, not just one but numerous thoughts going around and around in your brain that don’t stop. Even years after the fact. These thoughts can take over your whole life. In the brain injured world, this is called perseveration.

A person who is perseverating may feel trapped because they can’t let the thoughts go or may not even see it For family and friends, it becomes very annoying and despite complaining, the person continues to talk about the same things over and over Sound familiar?

One of the first articles I wrote focused on brain injury symptoms going away, then coming back and new symptoms showing up. When I first heard about perseveration, I was glad I wasn’t struggling with that because I had so many other brain injury related issues to deal with.

BOGGLED

DIANE NAKAMURA

About seven months ago, guess who showed up very unexpectedly Surprise! Because I have friends who wrestle with perseveration, I recognized it right away

My first obsessive thoughts were about buying only local food I inspect every label and if it’s not from Prince George or somewhere in B.C. or Canada, I generally don’t buy it. I stopped buying Asian vegetables because they are mostly imported from the U.S I order meat and eggs from local farmers. As we got into winter, the selection was extremely limited for produce, however it’s been quite manageable for my family. Where it’s been and still is a problem is how buying local has taken up so much space in my brain.

Why can’t we grow our own food and

rely less on the U.S. and Mexico for our produce? Why are we allowing agricultural land reserves to be bought up by businesses that are not going to produce food?

And I’ve become judgmental towards consumers who only buy their food from big box stores. Why aren’t more shoppers supporting local merchants? I tell myself many times to let this go. These thoughts and others have prevented me from having a decent sleep.

My perseveration has decreased in frequency and intensity since I pulled out my information binders from my classes at BIG (Brain Injured Group). The following tips can help slow down or temporarily turn off the cranial merry-go-round:

Recognize that you are perseverating. You’re trying to figure out a problem that you can’t fix. It rolls around and around in your head along with other thoughts. You’re still hanging onto something from five years ago and you talk about to anyone who will listen to you. People around you tell you to “drop it” or “you’ve told me

Tell city council what you think

Tit may well disintegrate

Those who propagate lies and are unwilling to accept responsibility for their actions are declaring that they lack a moral compass. Historically, we know what happens when society is not protected from such people

Some have compared the Washington insurrection to Adolf Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch of 1923. This may be an exaggeration but it is a warning, nonetheless. The courts were quite lenient toward Hitler and his followers in their disastrous coup attempt. A few years later, Hitler was the supreme ruler of Germany and democracy vanished from the heart of Europe.

American playwright Sam Shepard said: “Democracy is a very fragile thing. As soon as you stop being responsible to it and allow it to turn to scare tactics, it’s no longer democracy, is it? It is something else. It may be an inch from totalitarianism.”

We can never take our democracy for granted and we need to recognize that its greatest defenders are integrity and accountability.

this a million times already.”

Reduce situations where you may get stuck. This means having to avoid certain people, situations and topics of conversation that may trigger you.

Retreat from the situation whether it’s leaving the room, picturing a stop sign in your head or explaining to people what is going on. Relax, do some deep breathing and tell yourself to stop and move onto a pleasant subject.

Rethink about if you can change the situation you’re obsessing about. If the answer is “no,” then tell yourself “change it or accept it.”

Rebuild by finding ways around perseveration. Limit the amount of time you perseverate, talk to someone you trust, journal your thoughts, ask others to help you move on. Talk to your doctor about possible medications that may help. Ongoing practice and repetition will repair and change damaged neuron connections so that new and positive behaviours can become the norm.

THINKING ALOUD TRUDY KLASSEN

here is a statistic that says most people only spend four minutes each week thinking about politics. If that describes you, I will be quick: the City of Prince George is spending $32 million on a project approved for $12 million You and your neighbours will cover the extra $20 million without having a chance for input. So how much is $20 million? Based on the city’s own handouts, $20 million dollars would: put new pavement (rehabilitate is the word they use) on 181 km of city streets; upgrade 20 km of our old and breaking down sewer pipes; build another pool; nearly build a replacement for Rolling Mix Concrete Arena; and construct many kilometres of beautiful accessible trails Or we could have helped buy lots of medical equipment for the hospital. Or we could have paid for 550 people struggling with addictions to do rehab at Baldy Hughes for a year

Watching the city council meeting last week, it was obvious to me that council does not yet understand that something is very wrong with how they manage the affairs of the city. So what is left to the good people of Prince George?

It is nearly two years to the next election and there are no options for people to pursue to get some accountability In the meantime, we can push for change by writing an email. City council does listen when people write in, so please write. Your email can be one or two sentences, simply saying what you think. You can send an email for the public record to cityclerk@

princegeorge.ca or send individual emails: mayor@princegeorge.ca; frank.everitt@ princegeorge.ca; garth.frizzell@princegeorge.ca; murry.krause@princegeorge.ca; terri.mcconnachie@princegeorge.ca; cori. ramsay@princegeorge.ca; kyle.sampson@ princegeorge.ca; susan.scott@princegeorge. ca; brian.skakun@princegeorge.ca

Let’s not let the fact that this seems like old news to us keep us from asking for change. Let’s do our part to fix this problem. Take the next two minutes to write an email or a letter and let city council know that you expect them to do a better job managing our money

RED TAPE HURTS INVESTMENT IN CANADA

Red tape and I don’t get along very well at all. And it’s not good for my city, my region, my province or the country as a whole. Our region and province are very dependent on resources, whether it be agriculture or forestry or mining.

Mining is a big part of our community, starting with the Barkerville Gold Rush in BC’s Cariboo region in 1861.

But now we have red tape throttling development.

The proposed Prosperity Mine, 125 kilometres south of Williams Lake, has reserves of 5.3 billion pounds of copper and 13.3 million ounces of gold. It’s huge. It would employ 550 people, create even more spin-off jobs, and add $340 million to our GDP each year.

But we now have been through a full 20 years of process and government red tape on this, and we still have no mine and no jobs and no government revenue.

The BC government approved the mine in 2010. But later in 2010 Ottawa’s separate review led the feds to reject the project, and they invited Taseko Mines Ltd. to

GUEST EDITORIAL

WALTER COBB

submit a new design.

Taseko did this in 2011, and there was an important change in it: Taseko would no longer plan to use Fish Lake for tailings disposal, which was a major concern of the First Nations. Taseko now would build their own tailings pond. They saved the lake. They did all the extra work. They would even line the pond so there would be no seepage.

But the federal environmental assessment review panel didn’t even look at that. The panel didn’t even have the courtesy to read through the documents. They cut and pasted the original document.

The Williams Lake Chamber of Commerce took a delegation back to Ottawa to deal with the environment ministry. The federal minister of the environment, then Catherine McKenna, refused to meet with

us ‘because it may be deemed a conflict of interest.’

Two days before we got there, we saw in the news media that she had met with the First Nations that were opposed to the mine. But she wouldn’t meet with us.

There’s more to all this than just one mine. For all major natural-resource development, we need an integrated process between the feds and the province for environmental assessment.

That’s the biggest hold-up: process, process, process, both provincially or federally. It doesn’t matter whether it’s cutting-permits for forestry or environmental assessment for mining. It’s now got to the point of ridiculousness.

There needs to be one process. To have two different levels of government, going through exactly the same process, not only for the developer, but for the people that want to come and comment, whether it be First Nations or communities, you have to do it two different times to give the same answers. It just doesn’t make any sense.

Pipelines put strain on Chetwynd

Glacier Media

Chetwynd has one of those problems that, for a resource industry town vulnerable to the vagaries of commodity cycles, is kind of nice to have, but frustrating nonetheless.

Its hotels are full and the town is struggling to find housing for the new doctors that it has managed to bring to town.

That’s largely due to two major pipeline construction projects underway in northeastern B.C. – the Coastal GasLink project and the Enbridge Sprucewood pipeline loop project.

“It’s double occupancy now in our hotels,” Chetwynd Coun. Laura Weisgerber said at a networking session with Coastal GasLink at the BC Natural Resources forum last week.

“We’re struggling right now because we have two new doctors coming to Chetwynd. We can’t find a place for them to live. It’s brutal. It’s a good problem to have, I guess.”

Part of the problem is that Coastal GasLink does not have a work camp for the one section of pipe being built in that area, explained Kiel Giddens, public affairs manager for TC Energy Corp., which is building the $6.6 billion pipeline.

“Chetwynd is a particularly special case in that regard,” Giddens said.

“We had some challenges with the lodge location that we did have initially planned.”

He said the lodge had to be taken out of the plan due to some “environmental challenges” with the proposed location.

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern B.C. was relatively unscathed, both in terms of the COVID-19 case count and the impact of lockdowns and restrictions on work and travel.

Resource industries and big construction projects were deemed essential, and thousands of workers were employed for much of 2020 on projects like the Coastal GasLink project, the associated LNG Canada project in Kitimat and Site C dam near Fort St. John.

But after the number of COVID-19 cases began to creep up in the Northern Health region during the virus’s second wave, the public health office ordered large

The process is very, very flawed. We’re not going to get investment in Canada if we don’t clean up the assessment process.

Secondly, Ottawa and the province, or the provinces plural, need to be dealing together with the First Nations, so that everybody knows that we’re on the same playing field. Right now, it’s a mixed bag; the governments are giving mixed messages to both industry and First Nations and it’s causing a lot of conflict.

It’s not just the federal government that needs to do this and to speed things up. There is red tape in British Columbia, too. We don’t have that many mines being developed in the province, but we certainly do have a lot of forestry and the cutting permits that used to take a couple of months to get now take up to two or three years. Why?

I say it again: we’re not going to get investment in Canada if we don’t clean up these assessment processes and cut through all this red tape.

- Walter Cobb is a former BC Liberal MLA (Cariboo South, 2001-2005), a former councillor of Williams Lake (1980-1990) and now is in his third term as mayor of Williams Lake.

construction projects to reduce their workforces at the end of December.

The Coastal GasLink project, one section of which has been plagued by protests by a group within the Wet’suwet’en First Nation, has suffered some additional setbacks due to the latest public health restrictions.

Prior to a seasonal slowdown, the project employed roughly 4,000 people in 2020. The project managed to hit some major milestones in 2020. It is now about onethird complete.

A seasonal slowdown in work was already underway when, in December, the public health office ordered large projects like Coastal GasLink to scale back their workforces.

Currently, Coastal GasLink has 623 workers working on the project. The plan had been to have about 2.500 working on the project by now.

Provided the restrictions aren’t extended further, and subject to approval from the public health office, the company was planning to start adding another 600 employees, with the ramp-up starting this week, Giddens said.

The one section that has not had as much progress is the segment that cuts through Wet’suwet’en territory –section seven.

That section has been plagued by roadblocks set up by supporters of the hereditary chiefs who oppose the project. (Elected Wet’suwet’en chiefs and band councils support the project.)

“Section seven is an area where we’re still at the earlier stages of clearing,” Giddens said.

He said the company’s plan is to have pipeline construction underway in that section by this summer.

The limits on workforce remobilization has meant that some work that has to be done within the seasonal fish and wildlife windows will have to be delayed by one season.

“Some of that will have to be into next year’s construction schedule,” Giddens said.

“But there are ways we can adjust to actually complete the project in time for our 2023 in-service date. There’s still a fair bit of time between now and then to make up for that.”

To date, the project has awarded $870 million in contract work to local and Indigenous contractors.

Local man convicted for deadly crash

RON SEYMOUR

Kelowna Daily Courier

A Prince George man has been convicted by a Kelowna judge of dangerous driving causing death.

Travis Ryan Hennessy was also convicted of two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. The charges stemmed from a June 2018 crash in Rutland.

The maximum sentence for dangerous driving causing death is 14 years’ imprisonment.

When Hennessy took the stand in his own defence in early December, he denied being at the wheel at the time of the high-speed crash. He said he’d been in the backseat.

“I was in and out of consciousness, chillin’ in the backseat,” Hennessy testified, under examination from Donna Turko, his defence lawyer.

But Crown counsel J.B. Deschamps presented forensic evidence showing Hennessy had been driving. A woman who’d been in the car also testified that Hennessy was driving.

Hennessy, who has a lengthy criminal record, admitted to a day of heavy drug use preceding the fatal crash.

He testified he had driven to Kelowna from Prince George, then to Vernon and back, smoking crystal meth much of the time.

After leaving a Rutland party, Hennessy said he and three other people got in a car, intending to buy more drugs.

Hennessy said he was driving at first, but then claimed he’d relinquished the wheel because he didn’t know Kelowna streets very well.

An RCMP officer saw the car Hennessy was driving speeding and swerving down Highway 33. The officer did a U-turn, and activated the cruiser’s emergency lights and siren.

But the pursuit, in which the officer’s vehicle reached a speed of 146 km/h, was brief. Hennessy lost control of the car and it crashed into a concrete fence near Gerstmar Road.

One of the people inside the car was killed and the three others, including Hennessy, were hospitalized.

Hennessy is to be sentenced at a later date.

NELSON BENNETT

Coldsnap acts take the stage

Kelsey Abraham, right, dances on stage as part of the opening night of Coldsnap 2021 last Friday Bella Rain Abraham, bottom right, dances on stage as part of her peformance on the opening night of Coldsnap. During the Coldsnap for Kids! show last Sunday afternoon, Rachelle Van Zanten performs, bottom centre, with accompaniment by Brin Porter, bottom left. The 14th Annual Coldsnap Music Festival has set its entire nine days of entertainment to be shown with a online live-stream due to COVID restrictions. Thanks to sponsors and funders, the live-stream is no charge to viewers. A full list of performers and schedule for the final few days can be found on Coldsnap’s website at coldsnapfestival.com.

Citizen photos by James Doyle Local Journalism Initiative

Healing in pandemic times: Indigenous peoples, stigma, andCOVID-19

Indigenous Health, Northern Health, and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH,nccih.ca) presented ashort animated video addressing the ongoing issue of stigmatization experiencedby Indigenous Peoples in the health care system.

Healing in pandemic times: Indigenous peoples, stigma, and COVID-19 is intended for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. The video is available to watch on the Indigenous Health website.

Video link: (indigenoushealthnh.ca/initiatives/ healing-pandemic-times)

The video was executive produced by Dr.Margo Greenwood, VP Indigenous Health, NH and Academic Leader for the NCCIH

“Asthe video illustrates, the combination of pandemics and stigma is an old story for Indigenous people, but the pain is always new,” says Dr Greenwood. “The ill effects can last for generations unless we all, Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, support each other to takepositive, healing action. Everyone should feel safe and supported in their communities.”

The animated video reviews keyterms such as stigmatization, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in an easily understandable way

The video is narrated by Dr.Evan Adams (Tlesla II) who is both aphysician and an actor.Dr. Adams is

Healthy Living

also Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, Indigenous Services Canada.

“Healing starts with empathy.Each of us can step up to address stigma and discrimination,” says Dr Adams. “Together we can put an end to historic patterns of prejudice and exclusion.”

Speaking in reference to Dr.Mary-Ellen TurpelLafond’s In Plain Sight report (engage.gov.bc.ca/ app/uploads/sites/613/2020/11/In-Plain-SightFull-Report.pdf), Dr.Greenwood remarked that it is time to recognize and treat racism directed at Indigenous people as ahealthcrisis. This new video is an important resource to support urgently needed dialogue and action to change this situation.

The In Plain Sight report highlights discrimination as apainful reality for both Indigenous people seeking health care and Indigenous health care workers in British Columbia.

The video has been viewed by BC’s Provincial Health Officer,Dr. Bonnie Henry who said, “COVID-19 has shown us that Indigenous communities continue to carry adisproportionate burden of stigma and discrimination in our health care system. We must continue to promote education and cultural sensitivity to address this ongoing challenge.”

Healing in Pandemic Times features animation by Joanne Gervais and music by Renae Morriseau and M’Girl.

At every step, we’re focused on protecting the people at highest riskofsevere illness from COVID-19. Our timeline is dependent on vaccine supply.But our plan makessure everyone the vaccine is recommend for has

the opportunity to get it by September 2021. https://www2. gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/ emergencypreparedness-response-recovery/ covid-19-provincial-support/vaccines

Together,everyone can keep the circle strong

HORO SC OPES &P UZ ZLES

PUZZLE NO.803

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 withadarker line. You already have afew numberstoget you started Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, columnor3x3 box.

PUZZLE NO. 70

CL ASSIF IEDS

Sep 18, 1967 - Feb 2, 2016

Her strengths, weaknesses, fashion sense, flair – lost to us on a dark winter night. Always remembered by Nikita, Kirah, Callia and her family back home.

She lives in our memories

Lincoln James WHITEHEAD

May 29, 1971 - February 6, 1993

Remembering Lincoln

We can’t feel saddened over the loss of those we love without first remembering the joy of loving them. The real sadness would have been never having had them in our lives at all.

Remembering is a journey the heart takes, back into a time that was, and our thoughts are the only tickets needed to ride. We who have truly loved are blessed.

We are blessed because he’s always remembered and forever loved...

Mom & Dad

Charlene Dettling & Raye Sherback and sister, Shandee Whitehead

Robin Engensperger 1963-2020

Robin Engensperger passed away on 19th of December 2020 at the age of 56. She is survived by her loving husband Peter; mother Susan; daughter Tamara (Jake) of Antelope, Ca; son Daniel (Des) of Edmonton; 6 grandchildren; brother Ralph (Tracy) of PG; cousin’s Janet, June and Ivan and her best friend Louise. Robin is predeceased by her daughter Pamela Popoff. A celebration of life will held at a later time, when covid allows the ability to travel.

REMEMBRANCES

September 30, 1932January 26, 2021

Mike was born in Victoria, BC and he later moved to Vancouver to receive a cooking degree from BCIT which gave him the opportunity to work as a cook on fishing boats. He soon met Louise whom he married in 1954 and 10 years later, they moved to Prince George to raise their family. They welcomed 4 children together; Barb, Michael (Susan), Keith, and Richard (Sharon); 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Mike ran a janitor and window washing business, worked at Canfor for 26 years, Regional Security for over 15 years and a Softball Umpire for 34 years as well. Mike was a staple at the Prince George Cougars games and was a season ticket holder every year. He loved enjoying local sports such as football and rugby played by his sons, grandsons and granddaughter and dedicated many years to volunteering with various sports teams and organizations in Prince George. Mike will be most remembered for being a Leprechaun and spreading smiles and candy throughout the city for over 25 years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ECRA Senior Center that Mike was very involved with.

James

March 3, 1993January 3, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lori James at the young age of 27 years. Lori was an enthusiastic, spunky, fun-loving soul. She was a wonderful and dedicated mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend who always loved with all of her heart and spoke ill of no one. Lori was predeceased by her grandparents Tom James, Murray and Lori Scott. Lori is survived by her sons Cash and Mason, co-parent Jordy, parents Kimberly (David), George (Deanna) and Sheldon, her younger siblings Colton (Carolyn), Karamyn (Justin), Wesley (Taylor), Mastin and Phaedra, step-siblings David (Ashley) and Andrea, grandparents Linda James, Joyce and Wes Fraser, Remi Scott, Pat Metner and Wes Cole, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there. Never more than a thought away, loved and remembered everyday.

In lieu of flowers, Lori and her family ask that donations be made to the Diabetes Association in her memory.

Michael Edward Arthur Bundock Sr.

Lori

In loving memory

Tanya MacDonald-Witso

Otto Becker

September 28, 1935January 20, 2021

It is with profound sadness the family of Otto Becker announces his passing on January 20, 2021 at Prince George Hospice House.

Recently predeceased by his beloved wife Ruby on November 20, 2020. Also predeceased by his parents Henry and Matilda; brothers Leonard, Norman, Clarence and Walter; stepsons Lawrence and Leonard Couiyk; and son-in-law John Last.

Left to mourn his loss are son Larry Becker (Doreen); daughter Lisa McKenzie (Ivan); stepdaughters Kathy Last and Linda Pratt (Marvin); daughter-in-law Sharon Couiyk; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 greatgreat-grandchildren; sisters Elsie Myhre (Hans) and Ann Wallace (Edward); as well as many nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Otto worked in the logging industry operating heavy equipment for many years with McDermid and Lofting, and Coyote Transport. He retired at the age of 72.

In retirement, Otto loved to spend time fishing, camping, gardening, watching old movies, gathering with family and enjoying great food. Most of all he enjoyed puttering in his shop, inventing cool gadgets, and fixing anything that his family and friends needed fixing.

A special thank you to all the staff at Gateway assisted living. Otto will be greatly missed.

Charlotte Louise Hellyer

January 24, 1928January 22, 2021

Love and kindness are what the “Happy Hugger” Charlotte Hellyer will be most remembered for. It is with great sadness, in her 93rd year, that we say “goodbye” to our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her daughter, Janet and husband Dan and her son, William and wife Cathy gave her the gifts of four grandchildren and their spouses Dan (Carrie), Rob (Sandy), Bill (Stephanie) and Pam (Steve), and they continued Charlotte’s legacy as Gi-Gi (Great Gramma) to Cassi, Jakob and Tehya, Emma and Keagan, and Paige, Carson and Oliver. Charlotte is predeceased by her parents, Doris and John Smith, and her three brothers, Norm, Fred and Jim. Charlotte loved a family hotdog roast over a campfire, something she continued to enjoy at Cluculz Lake. Not only was Charlotte cherished by her family, she touched the lives of many with her generosity, caring and friendship. Charlotte made many friends in her time in Prince George, and after retiring as a bookkeeper and office manager, she went on to volunteer, as a senior herself, for the “seniors” at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association and the Hospital Auxiliary. Her napkin folding was as legendary as was her strong will. Charlotte had many places she called home, starting with her birthplace in Winnipeg, then moving to the B.C. Lower Mainland at 12 and finally to Prince George in 1987. For over 30 years, her home was with the “Connelly Clan” until she moved into care at Laurier Manor and then Gateway Lodge; both providing her with wonderful support for which the family is very grateful. Charlotte will be lovingly remembered this summer when we can gather together to celebrate her life. It would be appropriate to end with her words, written in hundreds of cards and spoken at the end of every visit, “Love You and God Bless”.

Ralph Alexander Marcus Schemenauer

April 11, 1951January 22, 2021

Ralph (Alex) was born and raised in the small rural community of Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the family farm and was the youngest of 7 children. He learned the virtue of hard work and the value of a penny from his parents Edwin and Anne.

In 1971 he hitchhiked to BC for a summer job, fell in love with the forests and natural beauty of the area, and made Prince George his home. He had one child, Katherine Schemenauer, with his first wife Elaine Didier and proudly raised his daughter as a single parent. He has been together with his wife, Susan Adair since 2010 and married since 2017. Ralph and Susan had the opportunity to enjoy travelling until limited by his health decline. Ralph worked for Telus for almost 30 years, retiring early due to complications with Lupus. He maintained an active role with The Lupus Society for many years as an advocate and President.

Despite his health complications, Ralph had a zest for life, a delightful sense of humour, and a curiousity about others. Family was important to him and he maintained close connections with his siblings. He befriended all he met and strangers were friends he had yet to meet. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered for his kindness, honesty and optimism.

Left to mourn his loss are his loving wife, Susan, her children (Juergen, Troy, Sarah, Tyler and their families), daughter Katherine, grandchildren Dawson and Kara Lynn, siblings Margery, Ken (Pat), Eugene (Rosanne), Robert (Laurie), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ralph is predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Anne, sisters, Bernice and Leona, and brother-in-law Servais.

The family would like to thank every member of Ralph’s care team who were compassionate and kind. Thank you.

A private interment will be held at a later date.

Please consider donations in his memory to the BC Lupus Society.

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Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work Lots of opportunity to expand the business. Transition support available to

Bedroom/Bedding

http://invacare.ca/doc_files/Etu

778-675-4716

COLLECTOR PURCHASING COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS!

BUYING OLD COINS, ROLLS OF COINS, BANK BAGS OF COINS, RARE COINS, COLLECTOR COINS, OLYMPIC COINS, OLD PAPER MONEY, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, US MINT, COLLECTIONS +. WANTED CANADA, USA & WORLD COLLECTIONS! “TODD THE COIN GUY” 250 864 3521

a leader in the construction industr y in British Columbia.

Paving Superintendent

• Responsible for implementation and operation of paving projects, including initial mobilization and set up of construction sites, scheduling and progress estimates.

• Obtain and allocate equipment, materials and human resources.

• Ensure compliance with company safety program, policies and procedures

• Delegate responsibility and authority for planning and overseeing work to foremen

• Minimum 5-10 years’ experience in roads and highway construction required

Projec t Coordinator

• Obtain, review and interpret tender documents

• Project estimating responsibilities including maintaining tendered and negotiated changes

• Coordinate sub -contractors, materials and other resources necessar y.

• Ensure quality controls are in place and are followed.

• Establish good relationships with the team, the client and internal or external resources.

• Minimum 2 – 3 years of experience in construction operations estimating or equivalent.

• Strong computer sk ills and use of estimating software. To submit your resume, please visit our website www.terusconstruction.ca, or email to pittman@ycs.bc.ca

Pittman Asphalt, par t of the Terus Construction Ltd. group, is hiring for its Prince George operations Terus Construction Ltd is

WESLEYPERRIN

CRIMINALDEFENCE

Tickets/CriminalCharges

Quesnel-PG-FSJames 250-564-0564

COURT BAILIFF SALE

www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

The Court Bailiff offers for sale by tender bid, interest in the following goods of the Judgement Debtor(s):

Matthew Hromatka also known as Matthew Gordon Wolfgang Hromatka, Matt Hromatka Contracting Ltd., pursuant to a Writ of Seizure and Sale, Registry No. S187476

2008 Dodge RAM VIN# 3D7MX38A98G131260

Item(s) can be viewed at our 2706 Jasper St. & Ottawa St and 3rd Ave compound(s) in Prince George. Go to www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca to view photographs. Closing date February 28, 2021 Highest or any other bid not necessarily accepted. Bidders are solely responsible for determining the make, model, year of manufacture, condition, quantities, sets and or usefulness of all items for tender All items are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no warranty given or implied. As vehicles have not been inspected, we are declaring that they may not be suitable for transportation and may not be compliant with the motor vehicle act. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Terms of sale: Immediate payment in full by bank draft or cash only upon acceptance of successful bid. Call (250) 564-4900 for details.

North Central Bailiffs Ltd.

Prince George Branch Court Bailiff Division Brandon Jacobsen / Court Bailiff

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CROWN LAND

Take notice that Global Union Investment Group from Vancouver, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), Omineca Region, for a Crown Grant for Residential Development purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located in the vicinity of Pilot Mountain.

The Lands File for this application is 7408246

Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Tricia Klein, Land Officer, Omineca Region, FLNRORD, at 5th Floor 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1R5, or Tricia.Klein@gov.bc.ca Comments will be received by FLNRORD up to March 15, 2021 FLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date Please visit the website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications more information

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

Notice of Proposed TELUSTelecommunicationsFacility

Description: As part of thepublic consultationprocess required by theInnovation, Scienceand Economic Development Canada (ISED),TELUS Communications Inc. is inviting thepublic to commentona proposed telecommunications facility consisting of a64.0metre self-support tower andancillary radioequipment in ordertoprovide dependablewireless data andvoice communication services to Prince George Proposed TowerLocation: 9136 MilwaukeeWay,PrinceGeorge, BC V2N5T3 (PID:009-611-274) Coordinates: 53.838648° N, 122.741372° W

ForMoreInformation: Tawny Verigin

c/oCypress Land Services Inc.

Agents to TELUS Suite1051, 409 Granville Street

Vancouver, BC V6C1T2

telephone:1-855-301-1520

e:publicconsultation@cypresslandservices.com

Thepubliciswelcome to commentonthe proposal by theend of thebusinessday on March8,2021 with respecttothismatter

TELUSSite: BC104272

Location Map

Proposed Location

BeginNOW

Iknow,I know last week was blizzardlikeconditions and the lastthing on your mind is starting the process of home improvements thatyou want to get started on this summer Especiallyoutdoorprojects suchassheds,fences and/or decks. Like last week, we have afew tips on howyou can getthe jump on the summer rushfor contractors, home improvement.

TipsforPlanningaHomeRenovation

AskYourContractorPlentyofQuestions

When planning your home renovation,don’tbeafraid to quizyourcontractor about every stepofthe process.Find out their professional opinion about your:

Thatbeingsaid,sticktoyourplansasmuchaspossible.Don’tletacontractorforceamore expensiveproductorservice on you unless there’sagood reason for it. Just use their expertise to validateyour choices and prevent serious mistakes.

PlanforProblemsWhenRenovating

Even the most detailed home remodeling plans go awry.Don’tlet it get you down.Be prepared for delays and issues by setting aside achunk of your budgetfor unforeseen costs and allottingafew extradays in your projecttimeline. This will preventstress and overspending during the renovation and will help you stick to yourplan in the end.

PlanAheadforWasteRemoval

Don’twait until your contractor is piling concrete in your driveway to thinkabout waste removal.Includethecostof gettingridof debrisinyourbudgetandmakesureyoudiscuss planswithyourcontractorbeforetheprojectbegins.Decidewhoisresponsibleforfinding awasteremovalsolutionforconstructiondebris,whatitwillbeandwhereitwillbelocated during the planningprocess.

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GO FOR GOLD.

Why

a pro should

always install your gas appliance

Have you purchased a new gas appliance?If so, it must be installed by a trained professional.Here’swhy

TO PREVENT DISASTERS

Gas leaks present a serious health and safety risk to you and your family and couldevenbefatal.Aprofessionalwill ensure that your new appliance is installed properly, allowing you to avoid potentiallycatastrophicissues.

TO HAVE THE RIGHT PIECES

Installing a gas appliance requires specific fittings, pipes and connectors.Aprofessionalgasfitterwillknow exactly what pieces can and can’t be used in yourhome.

TO AVOID BEING HELD LIABLE

Trained and licensed gas fitters and master plumbers carry their own insurance. This means you won’t be financiallyresponsible if something goes awry during the installation.

In many cities, installingyourown gas appliance is also illegal. Overall, it’s always best to hire a gas fitter or master plumber to hook up appliances that runongas.

DIY or don’t: tips for your next home renovation

While a number of home projects can be completed by the average DIYer, others should be left to the professionals. When decidingwhetheryoushoulddoityourself ordelegate,askyourselfthesequestions:

DO I HAVE THE SKILLS?

Ifyoucan’tconfidentlysaythatyouknow whatyou’redoing,hireaprofessional.

DO I HAVE THE TOOLS?

Ifthejobrequiresspecialgear,thinktwice. Purchasing equipment is expensive and certainpowertoolsandmachinesmaynot

beeasytouseforanovice.

DO I HAVE THE TIME?

You may be capable of completing the renovation, but if it takes too much of your personaltime,itmaynotbeworthit.

In general, cosmetic upgrades can be successfullycompletedbythosewithoutmuch experience. However, any renovation that involves plumbing, electrical work or the structureofyourhome,shouldbelefttothe professionals.

How to keep your appliances running like new

If you’ve recently purchased new appliances, you may be wondering how to make sure they continue to run. Here’s whatyouneedtoknow.

REFRIGERATOR

Don’tpackyourfridgetoofull,asthiscan block airflow and make the components work harder than necessary You should also vacuum the compressor and wipe the doorgasketwithsoapywateratleasttwice ayear.

STOVE AND OVEN

Keeptheovenclearoffoodbuildupbyperiodicallyrunningtheself-cleanfeatureor manuallyscrubbingitdown.Keepelectric coilsorgaselementscleanandavoiddragging your pots and pans over glass-ceramic cooktops. Wash the surface regularly withwarm,soapywateroraspecialcleaner

DISHWASHER

Always rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. If there’s a filter, makesuretocleanitregularlysoitdoesn’t get clogged with food particles Once a month, run it on empty with vinegar to keep it clean.

WASHER

Neveroverloadyourwashingmachineand makesuretoemptyclothingpocketssothe drumdoesn’tgetdamaged.Runamonthly cleaning cycle with hot water and vinegar. Alwayskeepthedooropenafterawashto allowtheinteriortocompletelydry.

DRYER

Clean the lint trap after every cycle and wash it monthly to make certain the filter doesn’t get clogged. At least once a year, getyourdryerductsprofessionallycleaned. This will ensure that your machinerunssmoothlyand decrease the risk for house fires.

To find out more about how to take care of your specific appliance, be sure toconsultyourowner’smanual.Though these tips are a great start, they shouldn’t replace the care instructions provided by the manufacturer

3 things to consider before building an addition

Do you love your home but wish you hadalittle moreliving space? Ifyou’re thinking about building an addition, here are some things to consider before youbreakground.

1.What you’re allowed. Most municipalitiesrequireyoutoobtainapermit if you intend to build an addition. Also, you may need to abide by their regulations concerning how large the new part of your home can be and howfarfromtheedgeofyourpropertyitcanreach.

2.Your budget. Building an addition is pricey, but it may cost less than moving altogether When making your

budget,besuretoleavealittlewiggle room for extra expenses that may comeup.

3.Theteamyou’llhire.Buildinganaddition isn’t something most people candothemselves.You’llneedtohire an architect as well as various contractors (or a general manager who’llberesponsibleforoverseeing the whole project).

Onefinalthing:buildinganadditionisa huge project that will undoubtedly overtake your home. If possible, it may be a good idea to move out while it’s underconstruction.

Vince Smallwood

Linda Warren

George Weinand

Andy Wilhelmsen

Helena Samzadeh

Terrace

Shandler

Dawson Creek

Welcome home! This home is a must see situated in apark like setting in the exclusive Valleyview Subdivision. All the benefits of rancher living but with afull basement as well. Thelaundry, bedrooms, kitchen, 3 bathrooms, dining and living room are on the main. Theliving room and master suite open onto amassive 20’X 50’deck and ultra private back yard. Downstairs you will find aspacious theater room, arec room, as well as afun in home hockey arena! Additionally,downstairs, you will find alarge cold room and plentiful storage. Huge semi-detached garage which allows for lots of room to work in this spacious shop, wired and ready for welders out there. Theyard is beautifully landscaped offering an underground sprinkler system. Updates include the main bathrooms upstairs with new tub, sinks, toilets, and vanity,new countertops and much more. This home is ideal for family gatherings inside and out or an oasis away from the city.Check out the virtual tour.(25139478)

The fireplace as focal point: how to make it work

If styled right, a fireplace can be a stunning focal point that pulls a room’s entire esthetic together Here are some ways to dress yours up

PAINT IT A BOLD COLOUR

This is a great place to try out a bold tone that you wouldn’t normally use to paint a room Because of the relativelysmallsizeofafireplace,thecolour will stand out without overpowering the space.

WALLPAPER THE SPACE FLANKING IT

feel, so be sure to select something you love

No matter how you style your fireplace, your choices will make an impact. Carefully consider the impression you want to make and design the feature accordingly.

Paint the fireplace a neutral colour and apply eye-catching wallpaper to the wall space on either sideof it Choosea design that invokes the room’s style or theme.

HANG STRIKING ARTWORK

A large piece of art that occupies both the horizontal and vertical space above the fireplace is sure to draw the eye. The piece you choose will affect the room’s overall

LEASE

and with

RV

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

1602/1642/1656

VICTORIA ST

Excellent opportunity for commercial land spanning several lots. C5/C6 zoning with city services. $2,390,000 MLS#C8036369

50

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

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

2 key things to ask before knocking down a wall

Are you considering knocking down a wall? Whether it’s to modernize your home’s layout or create more space, this isn’t a renovation to be taken lightly. Here are some things toconsiderbeforehiringacontractor todemolishawall

1. IS THE WALL LOAD-BEARING?

Demolishing a wall that’s a structuralpartofyourhomecouldbedisastrous. While it’s possible to replace these walls with a beam or column, you’llneedtoconsultanengineer

Lighting dos and don’ts

Lighting plays a big role in how interior spaces look and feel. Make sure your home is beautifully lit by following these dos and don’ts.

Do tailor the lighting to the room. Kitchens and bathrooms require bright task lights, while bedrooms and dining rooms should haveambientlights.

Don’t exclusively install hanging lights in the dining room. Chandeliers look equally great in entranceways, bedrooms and even bathrooms. Just be sure the one you choose is the right size for the space and that it’s hungatthecorrectheight.

your lampshades and light fixtures to the decorintheroom.Theyshouldcomplement andenhanceyourdesignchoices.

Above all, be sure to call an electrician if you’removinglightfixturesaroundorneed to replace switches. They’ll make sure the work’s done properly, thereby reducing the riskofanelectricalfire.

2. WHAT’S BEHIND THE WALL?

Even if the wall isn’t load-bearing, there may be components lurking behind the drywall that you can’t see. Pipes, wiring and HVAC systems may need to be moved before the wall can be takendown

The most important thing to keep in mind if you plan to knock down a wall is that it’s not a job you should attempt on your own. Always hire a professionalwhenmakingstructural changestoyourhome

Dousedimmers.Adjustingthebrightnessin aroomisagreatwaytoeitheraddambience orhavemorelighttosee.

Don’t forget to think about your lightbulbs. Task lighting should be bright and stark, while ambient lighting should besoftandwarm.

Douseacombinationof floorlamps,tablelamps and overhead fixtures. Not every room needs all of these but aim to useatleasttwotypes. Don’t forget to match

Dimmers don’t just add atmosphere. They also reduce energy consumption and will help your lightbulbs last longer In addition, some LED bulbs, which are already highly energy efficient, now work with dimmers.

The

Areyouacollector?Whetherit’sbooks, magnetsorvintageglassware,itcanbe hardtoknowhowtobestdisplaythetreasuresyou’veaccumulated.Here’showto expertlyshowthemoff

GROUP IT TOGETHER

Acollectionthat’sdisplayedasawholeis moreimpactfulthanonethat’sdispersed throughoutthehouse.Youcould:

•Createagallerywall.Frameandpresent yourcollectionofvintagemapsorphotos.

•Installfloatingshelves. Usethemto display grouped together figurinesand othersmall collectibles

•Useglassjars toshowoff your collectionof rocks,buttons orshells.

MATCH IT TO THE ROOM

Thebestdisplay foryourcollectionisonethat matchesitssurroundings.

Thekitchenistheperfectplaceforantique jarsorvases;thebathroomisagreathome foroldperfumebottlesorvintagejewelry; andadenorentertainmentroomisthe bestplacetoshowoffoldmovieposters. Ifyourcollectionissoextensivethatit wouldoverwhelmthespace,don’tdisplay everythingatonce.Showoffonlyyour mostimpressivepiecesandkeeptherest instorage.Or,rotatepiecesperiodicallyso thateveryitemhasachancetoshine.

How to define spaces in an open concept home

If you’re decorating an open concept home, you’ll need to think about how to demarcatedistinctareaswithinthelayout. Herearesometipstohelpyoudothis.

PAINT IN SHADES OF ONE COLOUR

Painting various areas in different shades of the same colour is a great way to visually separate one zone from another To make sure your home maintains a cohesive look, choose a single accent colour and use it throughoutthespace.

STRATEGICALLY PLACE FURNITURE

Sofas, chairs and tables can be placed in ways that indicate where one space ends and another begins. For example, you couldplaceyourcouchinthemiddleofa room with its back to your dining table,

clearly marking where the living space ends and the diningareabegins.

MIX UP YOUR FLOORING

Flooring can also help you create distinct zones.Asimplewaytodothisistolay down one or more rugs. Just make sure they’re big enough to fill their designated areas.

INSTALL VARIOUS TYPES OF LIGHTING

By using an assortment of different fixtures and lamps, you can make sure you have the right lighting for every space and help delineate where one area ends andthenextbegins.

By following these tips, your large and airyspacewillfeelwarmandintimate.

Small home? Maximize

your living space!

Is your home feeling cramped? Before you consider anaddition,herearesomewaysyoucanmaximizethe spaceyouhave.

REPURPOSE SPACE

Many people have parts of their home that are underused. Consider turning the attic into a guestroom,a storage space into an office or a closet into a reading nookforthekids.

DESIGN VERTICALLY

Useverticalspacetofreeupmoreroom.Aloftbedina kid’s bedroom provides space for a desk underneath. And shelving units can hold lots of items without takingupatonoffloorspace.Youcaneveninstallashelf abovethebathroomdoortostoretoiletpaperandcleaningsupplies.

HEAD OUTDOORS

An outdoor living room allows youtogainextrasquarefootage without sacrificing indoor space.You may not be able to use it year-round, but you’ll undoubtedly appreciate it in warmer months. Install a firepit or outdoor heaters so you can keep using it once the weathergetscolder

Ifyouliveinasmallhome,it’s also important to think carefully about what you own. By purging what you don’t use, you’ll free upextraroom.

4 types of flooring for your bathroom

Inabathroom,thetypeofflooringyou use should be water resistant, easy to clean, durable and beautiful to boot. Herearefourchoicesthatfitthebill.

1.Porcelainorceramictile.Apopular flooring option for bathrooms, these typesoftiles areversatile,relatively inexpensive and stand up welltomoisture.Theyalsocomeina near endless array of colours and styles.

2.Vinyl. If you’re on a budget, vinyl planks, sheets or tiles are a great choice.Waterproofandeasytomaintain, this flooring type is a great option for bathrooms, but may not look as chic as othermaterials.

3.Natural stone. For luxurious bathrooms, granite, marble and other types of natural stone make a great choice. Some kinds are waterproof, but others need tobesealedyearly

4.Cork.Madefromthebarkofcorktrees, thismaterialismildewandmouldresistant, extremely comfortable to stand on and a sustainable, eco-friendly flooringoption.However,itisn’tentirely waterproof, so it’ll need to be coatedyearlywithasealant.

Anyoftheseoptionscanbeusedtocreate astylishandhardworkingfloor Justbe sure to choose something that you’ll appreciateforyearstocome

Janine

Donna Badowski***

Nick van Rensburg