Friends wish Klassens farewell
TED CLARKE
Ben and Rusella Klassen’s daughter Sherryne had just arrived with her husband and daughter at the airport Sunday and asked her parents if they could stop at Lakewood United Alliance Church to meet a few people. That secretive meet-and-greet in the church parking lot for the longtime owners of Homesteader Meats turned into a 35-car parade of well-wishers saying their goodbyes
to the Klassens before they make their move to Vancouver Island at the end of the month
On a blustery but sunny day, Ben and Russella sat on lawn chairs and waved as their friends, some of whom they hadn’t seen in years, pulled up beside them for a safely-distanced chat as they filled a basket full of goodbye cards and letters.
“I thought it was amazing, it was great to hear them give us their congratulations and a beautiful send-
off,” said Russella. “That was a big long parade.”
“I felt the same way, I was totally surprised,” said Ben.
The pandemic prevented a traditional farewell party from happening, so longtime friend Maureen Bilawchuk organized the parade which drew longtime friends, neighbours, fellow church-goers and some of the Klassen’s most loyal customers
ARTHUR WILLIAMS
The City of Prince George is planning to convert two current city parks into off-leash dog parks.
City acting director of civic operations Blake McIntosh said the plan is to convert Ingledew Park and Malaspina Park into off-leash dog parks over the next few months.
“Both parks have fencing infrastructure that will be (repurposed) for dog park use,” McIntosh said.
Ingledew Park is a treed park at the intersection of 17th Avenue and Ingledew Street. Malaspina Park is a grassy fenced area, located beside Malaspina Elementary.
The cost to convert the parks for off-leash use was estimated at $25,000, and it was not expected to add significant operational costs. The city’s current off-leash dog park program costs the city about $15,000 per year in addition to normal park-related costs, according to a report provided to council.
The parks will be the first off-leash dog parks in the Miller Addition and College Heights neighbourhoods.
The city’s park strategy calls for the creation of further off-leash areas, city manager of parks and solid waste
Sean LeBrun said.
“We’re going to proceed cautiously. We know that people enjoy the off-leash areas,” LeBrun said. “We take it very slowly, and make sure we are not impeding anyone or stepping on anybody’s toes.”
Not all park users feel comfortable sharing a park with off-leash animals, he added.
Coun. Kyle Sampson said the new off-leash areas would be good for dog owners and non-dog owners.
“It is good for the people who have pets, it makes this a bit closer to them in their neighbourhood and makes sure they can have this recreating opportunity,” he said. “But it also means, hopefully, that more folks will be compliant with the not having their dogs off leash in parks that are not for off-leash.”
4units left for sale and 5for rent
Daycare construction starting soon
in planning stages
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Ben and Russella Klassen are all smiles as they greet some of their friends at their farewell party Sunday at Lakewood Alliance Church.
NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS
NOTICEOFALTERNATIVE APPROVALPROCESS
PUBLIC NOTICEISHEREBY GIVEN thatpursuant to section 86 of the Community Charter, Prince George City Council is proposingtoseekapproval of theelectors of theCity of Prince GeorgebyAlternativeApprovalProcess. The question before the electorsis whether they are opposed to Prince George City Council adopting the proposed “City of Prince George EquipmentFinancing BylawNo. 9199, 2021” at the regular Council meeting scheduledfor Monday, June 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council ChambersatCityHall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, without first obtaining assent of the electorsby a referendum vote.
City of Prince GeorgeEquipment Financing BylawNo. 9199, 2021
The annualreplacementand addition of vehicles andcapital equipment are financed through theMunicipal FinanceAuthority (MFA) Equipment Financing Program. The estimated cost of theprojects associated with this Bylaw is the sum of onemillion six hundred andfifteenthousand dollars ($1,615,000.00).
The loan agreement with the MunicipalFinance Authority(MFA) will be for atermno longer than fifteen (15) yearstomatch theexpected service lifeofthe newmobile equipment.The annual debtservicing costs forborrowing thefull amounts will be one hundred fifty two thousand one hundred and eighty one dollars($152,181.00) and would result in 0.13% of future taxlevyincreases.
The approved projects from the 2021- 2025 Capital Financial Planthatwill be part of theEquipment Financing Program request include:
•Project#0431 –Mobile Equipment Replacement -$1,525,000.00
•Project#3208 –Janitorial Equipment -Replace Floor Scrubbers -$40,000.00
•Project #3344– FirefighterDecontamination /RehabilitationTrailer-$50,000.00
Acopyofproposed Bylaw No. 9199,2021,a moredetailed summary of the EquipmentFinancing and acopyofthe proposedloanagreementswiththe Municipal Finance Authority areavailable for public inspectionatCityHallduringeachbusiness dayofthe week between 8:30 a.m.and 5:00 p.m.
Forany questions, pleasecontactthe Legislative Services Department at (250)561-7793orcityclerk@princegeorge.ca.
Instructions
If youare notopposed to theadoption of theabovenoted Bylaw,you need do nothing.
If youare opposed to theadoption of theabove noted Bylaw without the Bylaw first receiving assent of theelectors by voting,you maysignand submit an Elector Response Form indicating your opposition.
Aperson maynot signmorethan one Elector Response Form
ApplicableArea
The area to which the Alternative Approval Process applies is theentireareaofthe City of PrinceGeorge.The municipal Council mayproceedwiththe adoption of Bylaw No. 9199, 2021 unless before adeadlineof 5:00p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021,at least 10% of the electorssubmit asigned Elector ResponseFormindicating that Council must obtain assent of theelectors by areferendum vote before proceeding with theadoption of BylawNo. 9199, 2021.
Forthe purpose of this AlternativeApprovalProcess, Councilhas determined that there are 58,852 electorsinthe City of Prince George. Themunicipal Council may therefore proceed withthe adoption of BylawNo. 9199, 2021 unless at least 5,885 electors submit acompleted copy of an Elector Response Form to the CityofPrince Georgebefore the deadlineof 5:00p.m.onTuesday, June1,2021.
Resident/Non-ResidentProperty Electors:
In order to sign an Elector Response Form,a person must eitherbearesident elector or anon-resident property elector of theCityofPrince George. Forthe
purposes of the AlternativeApproval Process, an elector is aperson who wouldmeet the qualifications referred to in section65orsection 66 of the Local Government Act if assentofthe electorswere sought, either as aresidentelector or non-resident property elector.
To signanElector ResponseFormasa resident elector aperson must meet all of the following criteria:
•bea Canadian citizen;
•beatleast 18 yearsofage;
•havelived in BritishColumbia foratleast six (6) months beforesigningthe Elector Response Form;
•havelived within the City of Prince Georgefor at least thirty (30) days before signing the Elector Response Form;and
•not be otherwise disqualified from voting by the Local GovernmentAct or by other law.
To signanElector ResponseFormasa non-resident propertyelectora person must meet all of the followingcriteria:
•beaCanadian citizen;
•beatleast 18 yearsofage;
•havelived in British Columbia for at least six (6) months before signing theElector Response Form;
•haveowned property within the CityofPrince George foratleast thirty (30) days before signingthe electorresponse form,and if there is more thanone registered owner of the property only oneofthe ownersmay signanElector ResponseForm with the written consent of themajority of theregisteredownersofthe property; and
•not be otherwise disqualified from voting by the Local GovernmentAct or by other law.
Elector Response Form
An Elector Response Form must be in theformapprovedbythe Council of the City of Prince George,oranaccurate copy of the formsuchasa photocopy. Elector Response Formsare available on the 1st Floororthe 5th Floor of Prince George City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, PrinceGeorge,BC, between thehoursof8:30a.m. and 5:00 p.m., on MondaytoFriday,excluding statutoryholidays. An Elector Response Form is also available to be downloaded fromthe City’swebsite: https://princegeorge.ca/aap.
The deadline for submitting an ElectorResponse Form to the City of Prince George is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
An ElectorResponse Form mustbefully completed and hand-signed.All pages of the completedElector ResponseForms must be submitted in order to be accepted.
Elector Response Formsmay be submitted by hand delivery, mail, facsimile(fax), or email as aPDF document attachment, as follows:
Address fordeliveryormail:CityofPrince George 5thFloor -1100Patricia Blvd. Prince George, BC V2L3V9 Attention: CorporateOfficer
Facsimile (fax)number:(250) 561-0183
PDF submission viaemail:cityclerk@princegeorge.ca
If submittingthe ElectorResponse Formstothe CityofPrince George by facsimile (fax) or by email as aPDF documentattachment,please ensurethatthe transmission was completed.
This is the first of two (2) postingsofthispublic notice.
DATED this 22nd dayofApril, 2021
Walter Babicz, CorporateOfficer
City of Prince George
‘I’ll miss the people’
ownership, the business is thriving.
MP DOHERTY’S FAMILY TARGET
OF THREATS
“They have given so much to the community and to our church and to me personally, they have been a family that encouraged and loved all of us through ups and downs,” said Bilawchuk. “You want to encourage all the rest of the community, who haven’t been able to do anything, to be able to give back in some way. That’s what the Klassens have done our whole life; they’ve poured their heart and soul into their business and their church and their neighbourhood and their friends.”
Ben has been a butcher since he was 17, a craft he learned from his meat-cutter father growing up in Dawson Creek. Hired on as a teenager by Spittal’s Meat in Dawson Creek in 1955, Ben opened up his own store in Fort St John in 1968 and ran it for 13 years before he moved to Prince George in 1982. He and Rusella started Homesteader Meats on Second Avenue and were at that location for about a year before they moved the store to the Parkhill Centre – a seven-minute drive from where they lived on North Nechako Road
Kids got free wieners whenever they visited Homesteader and Ben was known for his hamburgers and steaks and excellent customer service, like the time he got a call at 10 o’clock on Christmas Eve from a woman in a panic because she forgot to pick up the turkey He drove down to the store and grabbed the bird and delivered it that night and was rewarded every year after that with a box of chocolates. His neighbours on North Nechako always knew they could just knock on the door to dip into the Klassen house freezer if they ran short of meat while hosting a barbecue
Ben cut and sold the meat and operated the store, while Russella kept everything shipshape at home and was always available for bookkeeping/ banking duties from page 1
or to help out serving customers when they were short-staffed.
“The staff made things fun,” said Russella. “We had lots of laughs at parties, they’d pin a pig’s tail to Ben’s jacket sometimes and they got a big kick out of that when he’d be walking around not knowing he had a pig tail on him We did have a lot of fun together.”
Customers liked the tailor-made products and that they could phone in their orders and Ben shared one of the secrets that kept them coming back.
“We gave lots of hugs,” he chuckled
The Klassens sold Homesteader in 2007 but after two years the new owners were unable to keep it open and the bank called and asked them to come back as owners. They did that until they sold the shop again on Feb 1, 2020, and under new
The Klassens will have been married 55 years in July. They met at church in Dawson Creek and Russella was working at a credit union when Ben came by to tell her she should come by the butcher shop to buy some of the house specialty
“I went down to see that little butcher to see if he could get me some Cervelat sausage and the next thing we knew we were going out for some hot chocolate,” Russella said. “I had a ring on my finger pretty quick. He was a good salesman. He’s been a very good husband.”
The Klassens sold their house a month ago and plan to fly to Victoria April 30 to begin the next chapter of their lives between Lake Cowichan and Qualicum Beach, close to where two of their three daughters now live with their families.
Vancouver Island is also home to three of the 11 Klassen grandchildren.
‘”We really enjoyed raising our family here,” said Russella “Prince George is very good place to raise a family. We really find it very friendly and the people have been just great. Especially if a person is sick or something like that, the people band together and they really show support, so we really felt loved here.”
“I’ll miss the people,” said Ben. “We’ve really gotten to like Prince George. I always say if our girls weren’t gone we’d be staying right here.”
Butcher shops are more of a rarity and there are fewer jobs in the trade, with some supermarket chains centralizing meat-packing operations. Klassen has no regrets about his occupation, a career path his brother Gerald also followed.
“It’s a lost art, and any young people that I try to talk to today, I always tell them to go into it, because it will be one that will come back,” Ben said “I did it for 65 years and I would do it all over again.”
TheLegal Programs operatedbySeniors FirstBCoffer probono legal services to eligible olderadultsresidinginBritish Columbia on awide rangeoflegal matters,including:
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Forother issues that affectthe health and wellbeingofindividuals 50+, including questions aboutbooking an appointment for aCOVID19 vaccine,call our SeniorsAbuseandInformation Line at 1-866-437-1940 (toll-free number),Monday to Friday,8 am-8pm, andonweekends10 am-5:30pm, excluding statutoryholidays.
Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty took to social media to send a message of his own after his family became the subject of a death threat.
“Today I received another threat,” he said in a video posted on Facebook and Twitter “So I want too send a message - I don’t run and I don’t hide
“You threaten my family, you approach my family, and I will take appropriate action - and that’s not a threat, that’s a promise.”
In the 20-second clip, Doherty did not go into details regarding what was said in the threat or what it was about.
When contacted by The Citizen, his office issued a brief statement in which Doherty said his family is safe and thanked those who provided notes of concern - as of Tuesday morning, the posting had drawn about 1,700 views and several expressions of support for the MP.
“As I mentioned in my video, I have taken appropriate action and notified the RCMP and the House of Commons Protective Services,” he said. “As this case is currently under investigation, I cannot comment further.”
- See editorial on page 9
City’s unemployment rate 5.9 per cent in March
The city’s unemployment rate continued its downward trajectory in March. It stood at 5.9 per cent, according to Statistics Canada labour market survey numbers, compared to 8.8 per cent for the same month last year and when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.
The rate hit a peak of 11.8 per cent in May.
Coinciding with the decline in the unemployment rate, the number of people is up, reaching 51,300 last month, compared to 47,400 for March 2020.
The unemployment rate in February was 6.4 per cent but 52,500 were holding down jobs.
The numbers are based on a three-month rolling average and do not separate fulltime from part-time employment.
With thesupportof:
MAN GETS FIVE YEARS FOR SEX ABUSE
ARTHUR WILLIAMS
An autistic man who sexually abused and took pornographic images of a girl when she was five to seven years old has been sentenced to five years in prison.
B.C. Supreme Court Justice Sheri Ann Donegan sentenced the man, who can not be named to protect the identity of the victim, to three years in prison for sexual interference of a person under 16, and a further two years for the possession, accessing and making or publishing of child pornography
Donegan issued a conditional discharge for the charges of invitation to sexual touching of a person under 16 and sexual assault.
“I am satisfied that the aggregate sentence of five years is proportional... It is at
RCMP
the low end of the sentence range for this crime,” Donegan said. “(The man’s) high level of moral blameworthiness is somewhat attenuated by his mental disabilities.”
Crown counsel had sought 10 to 13 years in prison for the man, while his defence lawyer argued that he should spend just under two years in jail, followed by three years probation.
Based on a psychological assessment done on the man after his conviction on June 12, 2020, Donegan found the man’s mental disabilities, including autism and attentional deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were not a causal factor to him committing the crime. However, she agreed with the submission of the man’s lawyer that his disability did reduce his moral culpability.
In addition, Donegan said she agreed
seek homicide help
Prince George RCMP are asking for dashcam footage as part of their investigation into what has become the city’s third homicide of the year
Specifically, they’re asking anyone who may have images from driving along PG Pulp Mill Road on Sat., Apr 10 between midnight and 5 a.m. to contact the serious crime unit through the detachment’s main switchboard at 250-561-3300.
with his lawyer that he will be a vulnerable person in prison, because of his disability.
One of the man’s parents, who he was living with prior to being sentenced, has a terminal illness and is expected to die during his period of incarceration, Donegan said.
Factors weighing against the man at sentencing was his abuse of trust - he was living in the home of a family member in Prince George and his victim was a member of his extended family – the young age of the victim, and the extended period of abuse, Donegan said. He also engaged in “grooming” behaviour.
“(The victim) was at a very tender age during all his offences against her,” Donegan said “(He) befriended this young girl. He manipulated, he preyed on and exploited (the victim). He enlisted (the
victim’s) help to keep this a secret. The burden of keeping this secret from her parents is something no child should bear.”
In addition to the jail time, Donegan ordered the man to provide a DNA sample, as he will be listed as a registered sex offender for the remainder of his life.
Donegan also banned the man from being at public parks, playgrounds, schools, swimming pools, etc. for 10 years; from being within two kilometres of the victim or her mother’s home for 20 years; using the internet to communicate with anyone under the age of 18 for 10 years; and from taking any job or volunteer position working with children for 10 years.
“He was in possession of child pornography not of (the victim), suggesting the risk he poses is broader than (just her),” she said.
One person was found deceased on that day when RCMP were called at about 4:45 a.m. to a report of a disturbance at an 1100-block PG Pulpmill Road home.
Originally deemed a suspicious death, it was upgraded to a homicide.
Information on the victim has not been released.
Two other deaths in the city this year have been classified as homicides.
Street crime unit seizes drugs, weapons
Prince George RCMP’s street crew unit scored seizures of drugs and guns from two homes and a motel during the first week of April.
The basement unit of a 900-block Carney Street home was targeted on Thursday, April 1 as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
A search warrant yielded scales, packaging, weapons and ammunition that RCMP say are common with the street-level drug trade.
They also arrested a man wanted on outstanding warrants and who police said was found with a quantity of cash and suspected illicit drug consistent with drug trafficking.
The unit followed up on Wed., Apr 7 by shadowing three men and a woman known to police as they left a motel in the 2200 block of the Hart Highway and drove to a business in the 5900 block of O’Grady Road
RCMP saw them leave the business with about $1,500 in items that police determined were stolen.
The four were arrested and a search warrant was executed on the motel room where they found an ounce of suspected methamphetamine and a loaded .22-calibre rifle.
Two more people were arrested at the scene One of the six arrested was also apprehended during the boost and bust operation at Pine Centre Mall in late March, RCMP noted.
Then, on Thur., Apr. 8, street crew unit members found themselves back at a 2100-block Spruce Street home where they have previously executed a search warrant on Tues., March 23.
This time, quantities of suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and suspected crack cocaine were seized, along with scales, packaging, cash, and several weapons as well as ammunition and a replica pistol.
Ten people were arrested of which two could faces charges pending further investigation.
Names of the suspects were not released and charges remain pending.
Young back in the swing of things
TED CLARKE
It’s been a long year since Jared Young had the rug pulled out from under his feet, along with thousands of other professional baseball players trying to make the jump from the minor leagues to the majors.
The pandemic cancelled all minor league seasons in 2020 and Young, a 25-year-old Prince George native trying to make that climb in the Chicago Cubs organization, suddenly found himself without a place to play.
Twelve months later, Young is back on the spring training field at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., getting in the swing of things again to prepare for a season that starts May 4.
He’s not sure where he’ll be playing this year but when the dust settles he’ll be ready fpr that opening pitch.
“Things are rolling now,” said Young. “It was definitely strange having a year off.
“There was a lot of uncertainty, a lot of wondering how this is going to be because
Youth baseball ready to go
we haven’t played in a while, but it’s come back to me pretty quick and it’s just so amazing to be here.”
Listed at six-foot-two, 185-pounds, Young spent the 2019 season with the double-A Tennessee Smokies and he would love a chance to return to the Knoxville suburb of Sevierville to stick together with his Tennessee teammates.
“I’m a little bit bigger and stronger and that’s definitely going to help as we get going,” he said. “Having the year off to not play and not really do anything, that was one thing I really focused on and hopefully it pays dividends. I’ve probably gained 10 pounds. I’ve worked on staying limber and getting bigger and that’s going to help over 152 games, you definitely have to have some weight on you.”
Playing mostly at first base and sometimes in the outfield his average dropped to .235 in his first year of double-A, moving up from the high-A level the previous season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Young
Barring unforeseen circumstances in the fight to contain the pandemic, Prince George kids will be playing organized baseball this year,
The Prince George Youth Baseball Association already has more than 300 players in seven age divisions signed up for the 202 1 house league season, which will begin as soon as the teams are allowed on the city ball diamonds.
“They haven’t shut us down yet, so we’re one
SPONSOREDCONTENT
was held to five home runs in 123 games after hitting 16 round-trippers combined with Myrtle Beach/South Bend in 2018.
The Cubs extended Young’s season when they selected him for their Arizona Fall League team – the Mesa Solar Sox – and he played a six-week schedule that ended in October 2019. Dating back to his youth baseball days in Prince George, he has always had the ability to hit well and he’s anxious to prove that again in his fourth season of professional baseball.
“It’s been over a year since I’ve played,” said Young. “This is a whole new year and it’s time to get going. I just keep getting better, I think. You get a little bit better every year and see where it takes you
“Everyone is pumped, everyone was in the same boat. You take something away from someone for year and obviously they’re going to be pumped when it’s back. I’m excited to get going and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
Chicago’s top farm team, the Iowa Cubs,
step better than we were last year - at this time last year we weren’t doing anything,” said PGYBA president Carmen Martin.
Online registration is available through the league website – www.pgyba - and that will continue until the Thursday midnight deadline. Registration fees vary according to age. It will cost $90 for kids five and-under (blastball) and 7U (coach pitch); $150 for 9U (tadpole); $200 for
will play in a seven-team Triple-A Midwest Division, the Tennessee Smokies are part of the Double-A South ‘s four-team North Division, the South Bend Cubs will play in the High-A Central’s six-team West Division, while the Myrtle Beach Pelicans have switched from High-A to Low-A in the realignment and will compete in the 10team Low-A East League.
The 6,000 minor league players were not paid in 2020, other than monthly stipends provided by the parent teams. Young stayed in Arizona where he could train year-round outdoors and he used his signing bonus to cover his living expenses.
He lives in nearby Scottsdale with his girlfriend Julia and their apartment is a 15-minute drive from the ballpark in Mesa. She works in software sales and wasn’t much of a baseball fan before they met.
“She is now,” said Young. “She’s learned a lot in this last year-and-a-half and I’ve got to give her kudos for that because she’s watched a lot of baseball with me.”
11U (mosquito); $210 for 13U (peewee); and $225 for 15U (bantam) and 18U (midget) divisions.
Teams have been working out indoors since January at the Northern Sport Centre fieldhouse. None of that indoor activity was going on last spring.
Martin is hoping a surge of registered players will bring the league closer to the 521 players it had in 2019.
Explore CoastalGasLink with itsVirtual Open House
CoastalGasLink,likeeveryone else, looksforwardtothe daywecan be together in person.But sincewecan’t meet at coffee shops, communityhalls, or at localeventsfor now, we’vedeveloped asafe, innovative,and convenient waytostayconnected.
CoastalGasLink recently launched itsVirtualOpenHouse platformand inviteseveryone to learnmoreabout the 670-kilometre project,and engage with ourteamfromthe convenienceoftheir ownhome
“Our commitmenttoengagewithIndigenous and local communities spansthe life of theproject,and we didn’twant to letthe pandemic stop us from doing that,” said Kiel Giddens, Coastal GasLink’s Public Affairs Manager for British Columbia
“The virtualexperiencecan’t replace the relationships we’vebuilt together,but we hopeitcontinues to keep communities informed andconnectedwithusin away that prioritizeshealthand safety,” he added.
Visitors to theVirtual Open Housewill have theflexibilitytointeract with content,watchvideos, explorethe project route, andposequestionsand comments when it is most convenienttothem Keyfeatures of theplatforminclude an interactive projectmap,a flyoverof
the670-kilometreproject route, and ‘stations’ wherevisitorscan engage with subjectmatter experts, much like aregularopenhouse. Information on contracting andemploymentopportunities,traininginitiatives, community investments,and currentconstruction progress canalsobefound on thesite.
“The team at CoastalGasLink have always done an exceptional jobofensuring that thecommunities alongthe routeof this project arewellinformed,”shared MayorDolores Funk from theVillage of
BurnsLake. “The virtual open house is no exception.I encourage everyone to explore allthe information that hasbeen provided here andreach outtoCoastal GasLink staff with anyquestionsand concerns youmight have.”
Feedback from Indigenousand local communities hasbeeninstrumental in helpingtoshape theproject being built today. Visitors to theVirtualOpen House cancontinuetoprovide Coastal GasLink withfeedback,ask questions, or requestfollowupdiscussions as partof
theproject’s commitmenttolistenand respondtocommunities “Thanks, CoastalGasLink, forgoing above and beyond in your efforts to be transparentand accountable!” added MayorFunk
Explore CoastalGasLink’s VirtualOpenHouse today, or anyday,at CoastalGasLink.com/OpenHouse.
Fire devastates McBride Ranch
CHRISTINE HINZMANN
As he entered the burning building trying to save the horses, Tom Ryan quickly lost his bearings when he bumped into the John Deere Gator blocking his path.
The Gator wasn’t supposed to be there but Tom’s wife Shelly is very happy it was because she’s sure between that barrier and the wind blowing the smoke clear just long enough for light to shine through a familiar window, Tom was able to find his way out before going in again.
It was too late for Tom to save the horses but he did manage to save one puppy on the second trip into the fire
The McBride Ranch lost six horses, a dog, a puppy, a cat and 20 chickens when their horse barn/arena burned April 12.
It was Shelly’s birthday
“Tom ended up in the hospital for three hours cleaning out his lungs from all the stuff he inhaled,” Shelley said. “Hours later when the fire was out we went into the barn to take a look and we see the Gator sitting there and it’s burnt to a crisp and we thought let’s take it out because the
tires are still intact and see if it starts. It started. We’re using it to clear the debris from the barn. We feel it saved Tom by getting in his way and it’s still alive so it’s kind of amazing.”
The horse lovers, who are breeders and trainers, also lost their 42 foot motorhome, another family member’s holiday trailer along with all their tack and other tools of a working ranch.
“We are so emotional over this loss,” Shelly said “We figured we got past the crying stage but just a text or looking at a photo will set us off again.”
They have no idea what started the fire
What woke them was a vehicle honking its horn in their driveway to alert them to the trouble during the early morning hours
Since the fire, there have been many woulda shoulda couldas going through the couple’s mind, Shelly said
“We can’t help but think like that but you can’t do that but you’re human so you do,”
Shelly said
They were going to get their motorhome out of storage the day before but decided to wait because it had snowed. They’re
kicking themselves now because they didn’t move it
Back in the early days when they first bought the land in 2004 and started to build, insurance was about $1,500 a year. As time went by it soared to about as much as $15,000 a year and they just didn’t have the extra $1,000 plus a month to manage it. They had no storage insurance because they thought everything was safe in the barn.
The loss is a big hit.
Everything inside was burned.
Four of the beautiful horses they lost in the fire were the Lusitano breed worth about $50,000 each They also lost a mare that was bred and a horse that Tom had tra,ined that was to be sold during a clinic next week.
Luckily their stallion and another Lusitano were outside at the time of the fire and are alive and well and among the 18 horses that remain on the ranch.
“We’ve still got my mare and the stallion so they can still make more babies so that’s something,” Shelly said. “We have to focus on the positives, right?”
The loss of those lives has left them reeling.
“The barn is a big structure but everything inside is gone and we are picking up the pieces,” Shelly said with great emotion. “Without all the help and support Tom and I would never be able to do this so we’re just going to do what we can and hopefully we can get some things so we can have a new normal because we ride and train horses and do clinics. And we just thought what do we do now? Where do we go?”
The horse people of McBride have rallied around the family donating what they can, Shelly added.
“We’re going to have more tack than we need, “ Shelly said. “So there is some happiness in this.”
Family, friends and neighbours have gathered to help clean up.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped us,” Shelly said. “We’re staying strong together We’ll get though this.”
The call is out for donations to start rebuilding what they can.
To donate visit https://ca.gf.me/v/c/yrfc/ help-tom-shelly-ryan
Logan eager to represent Lheidli T’enneh
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As the newly-elected Dayi, Dolleen Logan says she will be taking a steadyas-she-goes approach to leading the Lheidli T’enneh Nation while she works to live up to her promise of generating “real involvement” among the band’s members.
Logan drew 151 votes when the ballots were counted on Thursday, enough to defeat incumbent Clayton Pountney, who attracted 102 votes. Jason Gillis finished third with 13 votes.
In an interview, Logan said she saw a need to improve communication between band council and LTN members and, in particular, wants to better engage the band’s elders
An effort to get laptops into each of their hands so they can keep in touch online is part of that campaign as the COVID-19
pandemic continues to prevent LTN from holding in-person meetings.
Logan said she wants that communication to be two-way, where the rank and file can voice their opinions on what the council is up to and make their proposals on how the life for band members can be improved.
“I want real involvement. Not just an annual general meeting to say ‘this is what we’ve done,’” Logan said. “I want the elders to take pride in it and say ‘yeah, we helped them get that done ’”
While that’s put into place, Logan said the band council will continue to pursue the matters already on the agenda.
The lawsuit against Enbridge over the October 2018 pipeline explosion that forced an evacuation of the Shelley reserve will remain in play, as will the efforts, in partnership with the McLeod Lake Indiand Band, to establish an industrial park southeast of Summit Lake and to have a member from each of the bands sit on the School District 57 board of trustees
On the pandemic, Logan had accolades for LTN members, saying they have adhered to the restrictions on social gatherings and the requirement to wear masks and continue to do so even though the first round of vaccinations has been completed.
“We tell them that ‘just because you’ve
had your shot, you’re not invincible,’” Logan said.
As a result, she said there have been just “one or two cases” among LTN members in the Prince George region.
Logan was a member of the band council for six years prior to Friday’s outcome She was also the executive assistant to longtime Dayi or Chief Dominic Frederick, who lost to Pountney in 2019 after a 15-year run.
Among those elected to band council, Crystal Gibbs topped the poll with 94 votes, followed by incumbent Helen Lisa Buzas with 90 votes Frederick was also elected to band council with 74 votes as was Marcel Gagnon with 73 votes and incumbent Joshua Seymour with 70 votes.
Elected to the lands committee were Rena Zatorski, 140 votes, Elaine Gagnon, 137 votes, and Wendy Jael, 106 votes. All were elected for two-year terms.
LUMBER PRICES THROUGH THE ROOF
Glacier Media Record-high North American lumber prices are a good news, bad news story for B.C. industries.
High lumber prices have kept B.C. sawmills busy and allowed forestry companies to bank some hefty profits – a far cry from late 2019 and early 2020, when sawmills were being curtailed or permanently shut down.
But record-high prices for lumber and other wood products are making it hard for homebuilders, especially those companies tied into stipulated price contracts.
“Homebuilding is through the roof,” said Larry Clay, president of Clay Construction and incoming president for the Canadian Homebuilders Association. “Everybody I talk to is exceptionally busy It’s about as busy as it’s ever been.”
The bad news is that lumber prices are also through the roof.
In recent months, softwood lumber prices have been breaking records. The reason is booming housing starts and home renovations in the U.S. and Canada, and a shrinking timber supply in B.C., traditionally one of North America’s biggest softwood lumber producers.
U.S. housing starts surged to 1.38 million units in 2020 during the global pandemic –higher than the 1.29 million units pre-pandemic in 2019, according to wood products analyst Russ Taylor
North American sawmills can hardly
keep up with the demand for wood products from new home construction and home renovations, and the U.S has even been importing lumber from high-cost regions like Sweden.
According to Natural Resources Canada, eastern spruce-pine-fir two-by-fours were selling for $1,400 per thousand board feet in March; Western spruce-pine-fir two-byfours for $1,200 per thousand board feet. Other products like oriented strand board (OSB) and panel board have been selling for similarly high prices.
One year ago, in March 2020, lumber prices were between $550 and $600 per thousand board feet. Prices then dipped, throughout the spring of 2020, as the pandemic cooled the home construction market.
It resumed with a vengeance in the summer and fall of 2020, thanks to pent-up demand, spiking prices to around $1,200 per thousand board feet, before dipping down again for the winter, and then spiking again around the beginning of this year.
“We have jumped from $11 to $12 a square foot in lumber, to $33 to $35 a square foot right now,” said Vinny Maharaj, president of Taranis Construction, a construction management company that builds multi-family homes.
He added that the price for plywood has also jumped threefold from this time last year
Prices for lumber, plywood and OSB are
Mackenzie Pulp Mill permanently closed
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Paper Excellence has permanently closed the Mackenzie Pulp Mill.
Production at the mill was originally curtailed in June 2020, putting 253 employees out of work in the community north of Prince George.
It said employees from the mill have been relocated to other Paper Excellence facilities where possible and the terms of the collective agreement with Unifor Local 1092 will be respected and severance payments made.
The company attributed the decision to market impacts caused by COVID-19 and lack of local economic fibre.
“Since acquiring the Mackenzie mill in 2010, Paper Excellence has invested more than $360 million in the facility,” the company said in a statement. “However, despite these investments and the committed team of employees in Mackenzie, the facility’s small production capacity and the ongoing lack of local economic fibre meant the mill could not be globally competitive.”
Conversely, Paper Excellence said it is restarting one of the paper machines in its Powell River mill in early May, investing with and establishing jointly beneficial partnerships with First Nations, and making a $13 million capital investment in its Port Alberni facility to “diversify into
so high that Maharaj has been looking into buying Canadian lumber from Bellingham, Washington, for the first time, because even Canadian-made lumber is a bit cheaper when purchased from the U.S
“I’ve been building for 20 years – never been in this situation,” Maharaj said. For some homebuilders, the increased costs can be passed onto homeowners
The National Association of Home Builders (NHBA) in the U.S. estimates a 180 per cent increase in lumber prices since last spring adds roughly US$24,000 to the price of a single family home in the U.S
Canadian homebuilders likewise say the higher lumber prices can add $30,000 to $40,000 to the price of a new home. Builders who work on contract with stipulated prices could face losses or at least dramatically shrinking profits
“If it’s fixed price, you have builders who are losing money, or at least a reduced profit,” Clay said. “If you are a spec builder, and you have a set price, it’s a reduced profit.”
Maharaj’s company builds multi-family developments on contract with developers.
Those developers don’t much like it when he has to tell them the final cost of their project is going way up, due to skyrocketing lumber prices.
“Normally, [when] there’s a shift in lumber pricing, we pull money out of the contingency within our budgets,” Maharaj
said “Right now, projects are getting put on hold because owners have to go and refinance.
“It’s creating tension because now the blame is going to go on the construction management company ‘Oh, gee, you underestimated the budget.’ Well, no we did not. That’s what the market is doing. Now we are fighting with developers to cover our percentage on that overrun.”
The question on everyone’s mind in the construction sector is how long these record-high lumber prices will continue.
“The issue is going to become where our clients, the people who are bidding for these builds, will not want to build, or the shift is going to go towards concrete,” Maharaj said
Taylor said most market analysts expect the current high prices to come down in 2021, but the estimates range wildly, from US$550 to US$865 per thousand board feet.
“I expect prices to peak shortly and then retrench down from the US$1,000 level to the US$650 area in the second quarter before rising again in late second quarter through mid-third quarter before a fourth quarter lull takes prices lower again [But] while the peak price may be near or about to pass, there are so many wildcards in play that no one knows what is going to happen with lumber prices, as shown by the wide range of people that forecast prices for their business or as a living.”
higher-value markets.”
The company is working towards a “significant capital investment” in its Crofton facility on Vancouver Island and restarting its facility in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
Nechako Lakes MLA and BC Liberal forestry critic John Rustad called the development disappointing. He maintained the Mackenzie area is home to one of the “biggest fibre baskets we have” and speculated that uncertainty over what the governing NDP has in store for the industry played a role.
“The big shifts that the government is talking about in terms of forest management and allocation, I think, were too much of a headache for them,” Rustad said.
He also predicted a further closure of a pulp mill and a sawmill north of the Pine Pass as the restrictions on access to fibre in the name of protecting caribou take hold in the Chetwynd area.
In an emailed statement, forests, lands and natural resource operations minister Katrine Conroy said the news has left her saddened.
“My sympathies are with the impacted workers and their families. I spoke with Mayor Joan Atkinson this afternoon and assured her that our government will continue doing everything we can to support the workers, their families and the community,” Conroy said
Arts councils accepted into national program
The Community Arts Council of Prince George & District and the Northern Indigenous Arts Council (NIAC) have been accepted into the artsvest program that builds capacity in Canada’s cultural sector.
Artsvest is a mentorship training program offering arts and culture organizations resources, expertise and training in marketing, board governance and spon-
sorship, along with incentive funds and peer-to-peer networking.
Founded in 2005, there are 2,200 organizations that have participated and formed 5,150 partnerships with businesses raising more then $23 million in new private sector investment.
Including matching funds the impact sits at $32.2 million to Canada’s cultural economy
“NIAC is honoured to be a part of the artsvest mentorship training program,” Diane Levesque, NIAC president, said.
“Having access to a wide spectrum of development and fundraising resources will enable us to develop lasting community relationships that will assist us in years to come, not only with sponsorships, but getting to know our community on a much larger scale.”
Having both the regional arts councils accepted into the program shows artsvest recognizes the progress made in developing the North Central sector of the province, arts council president Linda Rempel said.
The 2021-2022 artsvest program gets underway this month with the two area arts councils participating and is approximately one year in duration
Beading artist offers workshops
CHRISTINE HINZMANN
A Dene/Carrier beading artist is offering workshops through Two Rivers Gallery.
Crystal Behn-Dettieh was two years sober some 15 years ago when she turned to her grandmother to teach her the ways of her people and continues to this day to respect her culture as her mother, grandma and Auntie Elaine taught her.
“I needed a new addiction so I would be over at my grandmother’s house beading often and then in the spring it would be beaver skinning time so I learned how to skin beaver and fall time it was time to harvest meat,” Behn-Dettieh said. “As much culture and tradition I could absorb, that’s where I’d always be - at my grandparents’ house.”
When Behn-Dettieh was a child, her mother would craft and sell beaver fur hats, mitts, mukluks and moccasins worldwide so those skills were always familiar to her Traditional Indigenous crafting has always been a passion for the artist with her work exhibited at museums, sold out at stores and showcased all across the nation.
After many successes selling her art-
work, Behn-Dettieh decided to start her own business called In Her Footsteps that honours the three most influential women in her life - her mother, grandmother and aunt.
“In my logo, I hand drew the three women as feathers and it’s all in honour of them, they’ve taught me so much,” she added.
It’s important for Behn-Dettieh to pass these traditions along to the next generation.
“I have a daughter and I know I’m going to have grandchildren - a lot of the traditional, cultural things are dying and they need to be preserved, they need to be passed on to the next generation,” Behn-Dettieh said. “Our knowledge is so powerful and I don’t want to see it lost ”
The Two Rivers Gallery Therapeutic Beading Workshops features Behn-Dettieh who offers one, two or three evenings of beading virtually from the comfort of home.
Learn the technique while also experiencing the calming effect of the process.
Materials included with classes are premade kits available at the art gallery.
For more information visit www.tworiversgallery.ca/programs/adults/.
Association offers help to non-profits LOCAL ARTISTS FEATURED IN NEW
When it comes to non-profits, fundraising is a priority because without it community organizations don’t exist.
The Northern Interior Communities Association (NICA) helps non-profits with community gaming grant applications, which can be a major part of any organization’s funding.
NICA is celebrating 29 years in the community and has continued to offer their services despite pandemic challenges. It can be tricky to navigate the process of accessing a community gaming grant and NICA offers guidance during workshops to provide updates and changes to regulations and guidelines and will even assist by reviewing those applications that have been denied Gaming grants became available only when gambling became legal in Canada when a vice turned into a virtue, Shawn Bartolon, president of NICA, explained. The vast amounts of its profits were then donated back to the community to do some good, she added.
“There’s been that promise since 1906,”
Bartolon said. “It’s turned into a very important industry in provinces and it funds a huge portion of our health sector as well as many other areas of provincial infrastructure.
Bartolon explained that gaming dollars have taken a hit because of the pandemic so there’s less available to those in need.
“There are about 6,000 community groups that get grants but there are many more that apply,” she added “It’s a very competitive process. If you’re a non-profit or a charity and you’re trying to understand the gaming grant process when you’re new to it, it can be kind of unwieldy to understand the guidelines and the nuances of it.”
It’s important to make an organization stand out from the rest during the acceptance and denial process.
Bartolon said it’s a challenge and a continual one as an organization reaches out for the same grant dollars year after year, especially during these uncertain times “Those accessing gaming grants are the foundation of every community,” Bartolon
said. “We are the hospices, the search and rescues, we are the boy scouts and the community centres. We are part in parcel of every day life and we rely on the charitable gaming sector.”
The Northern Interior Communities Association has more than 1,100 members that are from more than half of the province from Prince Rupert to Chilliwack and all communities in between.
“We’re all over the region because people are asking us to come in because they need help,” said. “People tell us they don’t understand the terminology and they don’t know what they want, they ask us how best they can put an application forward.”
Sometimes it’s a challenge to get it uploaded, she added, especially in rural communities with unreliable internet service.
“We’re asking the public at large to understand that without these charities, groups and non-profits in their communities they’re way of life is going to greatly differ,” Bartolon said. “We are an important piece of ensuring that every Prince George person... has a better quality of life.”
KIDS BOOK
Huble Homestead is celebrating the upcoming release of Ceepee and the Fish Camp, the fourth in a series of children’s books.
Ceepee and the Fish Camp is illustrated by water colour artist Cliff Mann and Lheidli artist Jennifer Annais Pighin.
The book is set in the early 1900s and celebrates Lheidli history and incorporates vocabulary in Dakelh, the traditional language of the Lheidli people.
The book will be made available to Lheidli members in early May, with a general release scheduled for May 22, the first day of Huble Homestead Historic Site’s 2021 season.
This project was made possible by the participation of the Lheidli T’enneh and the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia, Northern Health and the Fraser-Fort George Endowment Fund (Area G).
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Beading artist Crystal Behn-Dettieh is offering workshops through Two Rivers Gallery.
CHRISTINE HINZMANN
THREATS ARE ALSO A VIRUS
There are stories throughout history, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to the excellent 2013 movie Prisoners, directed by Canada’s Denis Villeneuve and starring Hugh Jackman, about how people can lose their humanity in moments of crisis.
The transformation from decent and caring to cruel and evil happens quickly, yet the person it happens to is completely blind to it
Their pain, anger and fear, however justified, consumes them so fully that they fail to see the tragic irony of how much pain, anger and fear they are now causing others.
It is all explained away as fighting for oneself and having the courage to do whatever’s needed to make things right and normal again.
Or maybe too many people are just plain selfish jerks who think their hissy fits are freedom of speech and expression.
Either way, threatening a local Member of Parliament and his family with harm and even death is wrong and unacceptable.
Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty took to social media Monday with a short but firm message. He won’t stand for it and he will do what is necessary to protect himself and his loved ones.
Threats are not protected speech. They are a criminal offence “I was just joking around,” “I was having a bad day” and “my life sucks” aren’t accepted as excuses. Threatening to harm any other individual, whether it’s done verbally or in writing, is a crime, both legally and morally.
Making threats is taken so seriously because they are incredibly destabilizing to an otherwise peaceful society. Threats are just like viruses – invisible social germs able to quickly spread sickness through the population, sparking stronger threats and then violence
How well do you think Doherty and his wife are sleeping these days? How vigilant do you think they now are when they go to the store or go to work? How nervous do you think they are when approached by someone they don’t recognize? How safe do you think they now feel in their own home?
Now they are angry and scared. And for what?
Do the bullying idiots, frightened fools or pathetic crybabies – take your pick – really believe the Member of Parliament in the opposition party, not even a member of the ruling government party, has the authority to solve their problems with a snap of his fingers?
As with every crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic shows humanity at its best and worst. Individuals reveal who they really are. They meet the challenges head-on and offer help to others or they feel sorry for themselves and lash out at anyone and everyone not hurting as much as they think they are.
Which one are you? Are you a symptom of the disease or a dose of the cure? Be honest
It’s OK to be angry if you’ve lost your job in the last year and now you might lose your vehicle and your home. You have good reasons to be mad and you’re not alone
It’s OK to be upset if you’ve lost a loved one in the last year, to COVID-19 or some other health issue. You have good reasons
COVID hitting students hard
Looking around my school this year, I notice that there are fewer students. There are also fewer disciplinary issues and it has become even more difficult to establish and maintain contact with our at-risk students and their families. I did not realize until recently, however, that this is a global issue.
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted student learning. A recent UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) report states that in every part of the world, student achievement has been negatively impacted by school closures and reliance on remote learning.
A CBC feature pointed out that at least six per cent of students in Canada have no access to online learning and that 200,000 young people have lost touch with their schools. Globally the number is estimated to be 12 million, but at this time it is difficult to determine if that is accurate
This issue is being examined by the Institute for 21st Century Questions, which states: “This is arguably the most underap-
LESSONS IN LEARNING
GERRY CHIDIAC
preciated, time-urgent catastrophe of the entire pandemic period. If these children are not found and reintegrated into schooling with the greatest possible speed, they simply cannot succeed.”
UNESCO recognizes that many students have been able to continue learning throughout this crisis, but learning inequalities have clearly been exacerbated. The students in Canada and around the world who were already disadvantaged have fallen further behind.
We now have several pressing questions. Where have all of these students gone? Why are they no longer attending school? For those students who have stopped attending, how will we get them back? For those who have fallen behind, how will we get them caught up?
In answering some of these questions,
to be sad and you’re not alone. It’s OK to be frustrated with political and health leaders about the pandemic restrictions and the vaccine rollout. You have good reasons to be ticked off and you’re not alone.
Your neighbours are scared and worried, too.
Canadians from coast to coast are frightened, too.
Your Member of Parliament and other health and political leaders are afraid enough already without having to be terrified of the very people they are trying to help.
Look past your pain to the people who can inspire you, who can help you in ways small and large, with their words and their actions. Look for ways to offer support, in words or actions, to others who are in an even worse situation than yours (and be inspired by the strength and resilience they are showing).
Don’t surrender your humanity at the very moment our individual and collective capacity for kindness, caring and sacrifice for one another is needed the most Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout
one can do little more than speculate. Given the difficult economic times, it is likely that many families have moved and have thus lost contact with their school communities For others, there has been a legitimate fear of going to school due to the risk of illness. The lack of technology may have led to frustration for other students, and frustration often leads to non-attendance.
What is more important is figuring out how to re-connect with these students and their families once the current crisis is over This will take a community effort involving school administrators, teachers, support staff, as well as others who provide broader services to children and families.
Once we reconnect with students, we need to design programs that will help them catch up
With this in mind, it is important to recognize that a crisis can also be an opportunity Educators have long acknowledged that not every student fits into the K to 12 model Some students, especially those deemed to be at-risk, simply need more time to complete their studies and earn
MAILING ADDRESS
their high school diploma. If we are willing to extend the timeline for school completion and we can offer programs that will be effective and attractive to these students, we can potentially improve our graduation rates. If we do nothing, however, we risk failing an entire generation.
The bottom line is that we will need to invest more in education due to the COVID-19 crisis. Some may argue that given the state of the global economy, the necessary funds are not available. That, however, would be a very short-sighted perspective
If we do not invest in these young people now, we will have a large segment of the population that is under-educated and difficult to employ
By showing willingness to invest and to adapt our educational systems to the needs of our children and youth in the post-pandemic era, we will ensure a welltrained workforce of active, tax-paying citizens.
The path beyond the educational crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is not clear, but now is the time to begin planning our way forward.
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COVID story targets Mennonite women
Old Colony Mennonites are the kind of Mennonites where, by religious conviction, the men dress in blue-collar clothes, and the women in kerchief head-coverings and long dresses. This makes the women members of a visible religious minority. Keep that in mind as you read.
As my regular readers will know, I grew up in an OC Mennonite community in Alberta, just across the border from Fort St. John. I have extended family in the Old Colony Mennonite community of Prespatou, which is about one hour north of Fort St John.
Last year, Prespatou made the news. For a people group who prefer to live quietly, don’t get involved in politics, and keep to themselves, they didn’t enjoy the attention when COVID swept through their community early last summer.
In October, the OC Mennonite Church in Prespatou quietly decided for the sake of their member’s mental and spiritual health to resume regular, non-distanced, non-masked church services. Their COVID cases had resolved, schools had reopened and they hoped that no one would be interested.
I would have argued that they should have expected a pandemic research team. After all, COVID-19 is a new strain of virus which we need to know more about. The nearly closed community of Prespatou provides an opportunity to study the spread,
THINKING ALOUD
TRUDY KLASSEN
impact and herd-immunity possible by being exposed and contracting COVID-19. It is possible that this has happened, or is happening, but it’s not making the news.
Another thing I would have expected is media interest in the fact that this community has had only one case of COVID since they restarted normal church services.
That’s one case, they were told by Public Health, which was contracted outside the community and didn’t spread to anyone else.
Isn’t herd immunity what we are after with vaccines?
Isn’t the fact that a community like Prespatou has achieved significant immunity after an outbreak a thing to celebrate?
Weren’t many of us initially terrified that this novel coronavirus could wipe out a significant portion of the world?
Prespatou, a community of close to 600 people, had only one COVID death and has resumed normal life
That is newsworthy
That is encouraging.
The OC Mennonite Church in Prespatou decision to resume regular church services was not carelessly made.
In fact, when the community was expe-
riencing its COVID outbreak last summer, they practised socially distanced visits and shut down church services.
When they made the decision to begin church services in October, school had resumed, so their children were already together unmasked in school and on buses.
Large families mean grandparents and aunts and uncles take care of children when needed, in their homes. They rationally assessed that COVID danger for their community was past.
Instead, what we got was a hit piece. CJDC, Dawson Creek’s largest media outlet, conducted a paparazzi-like ambush on the church and their pastor on Easter Sunday morning.
But CJDC didn’t stop with simply publishing their story.
Here is what Energetic City, a different Dawson Creek media outlet, reported on April 14: “The Fort St. John RCMP received a phone call from a local media outlet on April 3rd, investigating a tip about a church in the Buick area planning to host an in-person service that weekend The following day police received a report of a church service from the same media outlet that had located the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Prespatou celebrating an Easter Service The media outlet provided the RCMP with a video documenting the incident, which showed a parking lot full of vehicles and people exiting the church building without wearing masks.”
Not only did CJDC report the church
to the RCMP, they then drove two hours to find this isolated community to create their paparazzi-style story.
To make sure their reporting did not go unrewarded, they sent the video to the RCMP Since then, a $2,300 fine has been levied to the church.
The behavior of CJDC is newsworthy to me.
Since when does a media outlet report their sources to authorities? Since when is it right to expose visible religious minority women to discrimination?
They took it even further
In the CJDC report, they reveal that their reporter asked Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman if she feared Mennonites coming into the city to shop. Wisely, she didn’t answer.
Nothing in the CJDC news piece suggests that the OC Mennonites were refusing to wear masks when in town or refusing to obey public health orders when outside their community OC Mennonites are not activists. CJDC seems to have ignored simple common sense and fairness in their reporting.
We have been hearing about increased attacks on visible minorities since the pandemic started. When they go to town to buy groceries, pick up parts, take their kids for medical appointments, these women are visibly OC Mennonite. OC Mennonite women will be exposed to discrimination, regardless whether they are from this community, or any other.
Canada is a climate change problem
How do we change our economy to be more environmentally friendly? What do we need to do to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions and climate impact?
I respectfully suggest the first thing we need to do is recognize the problem. The Conservative Plan to Combat Climate Change was released by Erin O’Toole last week. It starts with a quote: “We will fight climate change and protect the environment but we won’t do it on the backs of working Canadians”.
Good start but what exactly does the “backs of working Canadians” mean? And why then does the document come back on page 13 to the tired old mantra: “However, since Canada only produces less than two per cent of the global emissions…?”
Let’s consider our emissions. The document is right We do produce just under two per cent of global emissions or just a bit more than two per cent depending upon how you count it. That doesn’t sound like a lot but it puts us seventh in the world and among the G20, trailing only Saudi Arabia.
Put another way, our annual per capita emissions are 20.94 tonnes, which is more than the USA (19.9 tonnes) and over double the UK’s (8.45 tonnes). The world average is 6.27 tonnes. In other words, we might be only two per cent of the world’s
carbon dioxide equivalent emissions but we are full value for being gluttons
To put it another context, according to the UN, between 1990 and 2018, the UK has seen its emissions drop from 797.8 Mt to 465.9 Mt with twice the population of Canada! The USA has remained roughly constant – 6,437.0 Mt to 6,676.6 Mt. But Canada has increased our inventory from 605.2 Mt to 729.3 Mt. For B.C., the numbers increase from 53 Mt to 66 Mt.
Saying we are “only 2% of the global emissions…” misses out on the fact that not only are we energy hogs but we aren’t really doing anything about it. Under both Liberal and Conservative governments, we simply do not have the vision or the leadership to truly transform our economy And as the Conservative Plan points out, we will pay the price.
It says: “Climate change increases the risks of fires, droughts, flooding and extreme weather events. Canada is already demonstrably feeling the impact of this given the fact that insurance payouts due to environmental events – particularly
flooding – have dramatically increased in the last 12 years.”
But to unpack that statement a bit, it recognizes the human damage occurring as a result of climate change but fails to understand the environmental damage. It is bit like someone saying: “I lost my 52-inch flat screen television when my house burnt down. Don’t know how I am going to live without my television.”
But at least the Conservative Party tried to recognize climate change is going to impact us all.
It will make life more difficult It will impact working Canadians
And it will do so in a way that will make it harder for the average working Canadian to maintain a North American standard of living.
So, if we want to keep living the life we have now, we need to look at countries like the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, and the rest of Europe. And, I would argue, stop looking at the United States.
We need to consider changes to the building code, which would see new houses moving to better insulation standards. For example, passive house architecture can provide a warm, comfortable house with minimal heating.
Even moving the bar to ensure all new homes meet more than the minimum standards would be a major step in the right
direction.
And it would stimulate economic growth through the construction industry.
We also need to invest in transportation infrastructure. Effective mass transit in larger cities and communities is critically important but the movement of freight between cities could also be more efficient. The difference between road, rail, marine, and air are significant. Road is 62 gCO2/ tonne-km while rail is only 22 and marine is 8.4. Air is through the roof at 602 gCO2/ tonne-km while utilizing pipelines is the most environmentally friendly option at 5 gCO2/tonne-km.
We should also be investing in developing capacity for the production of batteries and electric vehicles. If the free market won’t lay out the capital, maybe it is time for Canada to create a crown corporation to do so.
At least that way we know the profits would come back to the taxpayers instead of being shipped overseas to avoid paying taxes
My favorite lines in the Conservative Plan are on page 4 where we are assured carbon pricing will be affordable: “$20/ tonne and increasing to $50/tonne but no further” but on page 6, we will “be prepared to set industrial carbon prices on a path to $170/tonne by 2030.”
Really?
Limits on Google, Facebook essential
In public policy terms, it’s called “generals fighting the last war.”
It’s the doomed — if entirely understandable — default tactic of using the same strategies and weapons that won previous battles in an entirely new setting against a new foe.
As Canada joins other democracies in responding to Google and Facebook’s predatory monopoly practices, it is perhaps the greatest risk of all: using the tried and true policy instruments of the past to resolve an unprecedented threat to local news across Canada.
It’s important to note that the “generals” this time around especially Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault understand that what’s at stake this time is clearly unlike any threat that news media, and the millions of Canadians who rely on it, have ever faced before
In his public pronouncements, he has indicated that you can’t call in the cavalry to fight a high-tech war, especially when the other side has nukes.
But not everyone sees it that way. Some are tempted to look at a new problem through an old lens
Over the last half century in particular, successive Canadian governments have effectively responded to threats to the Canadian cultural sector including to news media with innovative and comprehensive policies of special funds and Canadian content and production requirements.
Purists have sometimes chafed at these policies, but they’ve been instrumental in nurturing and sustaining a vibrant cultural sector in the face of constant bombardment from the world’s dominant cultural
GUEST COLUMN
JOHN HINDS
superpower across the border The fact is that our geography a relatively small population strung sparsely along our border with the US our broad cultural affinity with Americans, and the tremendous economic clout of American cultural industries all combined to make Canada uniquely vulnerable.
The success of the Canadian response to this challenge is all around us: a cultural sector more confident and globally successful than anyone could have dreamed of 50 years ago.
And the case for these kinds of public supports for smaller news media, particularly in rural and remote areas, still makes a lot of sense.
The Aid to Publishers (ATP) component of the Canada Periodical Fund is an excellent example of a relatively small, but highly effective fund for small news media.
It’s been around for decades and it supports important voices.
Maintaining and expanding it make a lot of sense
But the challenge that Canada faces from Google and Facebook is not just the latest battle in an ongoing “Cancon” (the industry argot for “Canadian content”) war.
And it’s not about protecting Canada from a US cultural onslaught. It’s about protecting democracy itself Because it is the lifeblood of democracy local news that is under attack from the web giants’ practices.
In fact, the News Media Alliance, representing nearly 2,000 news media organizations in the US, has defined the problem well: “The marketplace (is) controlled by a few dominant platforms that decide and impose unfair terms that benefit the platforms and ensure that they reap the vast majority of digital advertising revenues. These platforms use their power and algorithms to act as de facto regulators of the news publishing industry, including by determining how, when, and what news content readers can reach, and by collecting and controlling user data and digital advertising.”
Reporting real news costs real money. And in democracies around the world, regardless of the medium, journalism is financed by advertising or paid subscriptions, or a combination of the two.
Google and Facebook have broken that model.
In the US, a quarter of all newspapers have gone out of business in the last decade and a half, resulting in vast “news deserts” across that country.
In Canada, during a similar period, according to the Local News Research Project, over 300 newspapers have closed since 2008.
Economists have a technical term for what Google and Facebook have wrought: market failure.
And it can’t be fixed by a government fund or other Cancon tools.
One-off deals and care packages from Google and Facebook won’t do the trick either though it hasn’t stopped them from trying.
Either approach only provides a temporary, cosmetic fix, while the web giants further consolidate their stranglehold and
The man in the booth
The following is an abridged interview with Theatre NorthWest’s production manager, the inimitable John Reilly.
How did you get into theatre originally?
“I fell in. I got into it the usual way… I fell in love with a girl in Grade 9 and she was in theatre, so I went into theatre.”
That’s the way to do it. So were you performing or were you backstage?
“I got into acting first. Played Daddy Warbucks in Annie.”
Was that your first role?
“That was my first big role, yeah, that wasn’t just standing there. And at the same time the drama teachers just grabbed me and said, ‘Okay, you’re into this. Help us build the sets. You’re not afraid of heights, climb this ladder.’”
Favourite play of all time?
“My favourite play… I love Midsummer Night’s Dream. And I love The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon.”
Are you a big Shakespeare guy?
“I think it’s really important. I’m not a frothing fan, but I think it’s vital and important for companies to be doing Shakespeare still. It gives us our history.”
What was the most challenging show you ever worked on?
“All shows have their challenges, but one of the more challenging ones was Drowning Girls with getting working showers onstage.”
How did you do that?
“Great creativity… and leaning on professionals in the community…But that was one that I probably spent the longest time noodling on beforehand, trying to figure out the best ways to do it.”
Can you speak more on the collaborative aspect of theatre?
“Well, I mean the technical director or production manager is judged on their phone book, on who they can pull in. Because theatre uses every single aspect of community that’s out there, from pipefitting to electrical, you can’t know it all. And you can’t have all of that expertise
local news further atrophies.
The fact is that market failure can only be reversed by the state forcing an end to monopoly practices and restoring market fairness.
That’s what the Australian government is doing, forcing the web giants to negotiate collectively with all of the country’s news media as a group.
In this country, the publishers of the daily, regional, community, and ethnocultural news publications that account for more than 90 per cent of news media readership in Canada have come together to urge Canada’s Parliament to adopt the Australian solution.
It’s the key recommendation of the report we released last fall: Levelling the Digital Playing Field.
And we’re not the only ones
The CBC and the country’s private broadcasters have also joined our call to adopt the Australian model.
News media around the world are urging their governments to do the same, including the News Media Alliance in the US and the major European news media associations.
They all recognize what we do.
That this is about something more important than the survival of an economic sector
It’s no coincidence that disinformation, polarization and political extremism are flourishing in democracies around the world at a time when local news media are disappearing as a result of Google- and Facebook-induced market failure.
When the stakes are that high, it’s time to bring out the big guns.
John Hinds is the president and CEO of News Media Canada.
in-house, you know, unless you’re Stratford. You rely on your community around you that you can call up and go, ‘Hey, can I bounce some ideas off you? Can you show me how to do this?’ or, you know, ‘Can we borrow something?’”
How long have you been working at Theatre NorthWest?
“(Laughs) I can never remember I think nine seasons I’ve done. This might be my tenth.”
And before that, give us a brief history of where you’re worked.
“Coming out of theatre school I worked at Western Canada Theatre for about eight years; I’ve done trade shows for a couple of years; I did corporate events in Vancouver for ten years which is where I was before I came up here.”
How have you seen Canadian theatre change since you started working in this field?
“I’ve seen a number of interesting changes. One is theatre companies have gotten smaller for sure. Less staff… audience also. We have a core and it’s always a challenge finding the younger generation to come in and start picking it up. Prince George is a very supportive community for us and
we love them for it. …I’ve found more and more theatres getting away from a cowboy mentality on treating their staff. On actually understanding what an eight-hour day is, on understanding burnout...When I started it was a little bit wild west.
What do you think people will want from a night at the theatre after the pandemic?
“I think people are going to be really looking for a good giggle. I think a musical would do really well. I think a good slap-your-knee comedy will do really well. Coming out of the pandemic people want something that they can get out and get behind and enjoy. Because we’ve all been watching Netflix, and something live with other people around you laughing, crying, whatever, is what people are going to be after.”
Last question, what do you miss most of all about doing shows in this time?
“The camaraderie. The coming together The group of people coming in from out of town, forming a temporary family with those of us who are here, and creating something, putting it together, and the panic of getting it together and then… all of a sudden it’s there and you’re doing it for an audience.”
Why I left social media
Social media is largely about perspective generation and very little about truth seeking and truth telling. It is, for the most part, an electronic replacement for the erstwhile village gossip. And like the old construct, this new modern version, that carries with it a tinge of sophistication, flourishes among those who have time to spare and views to broadcast with little consideration for virtue and fact. Plainly put, social media, like its counterpart of old, the vulgar and vagrant preoccupations of busybodies, is for the most part simply gossip.
And because it is simply gossip and perspective generation, the most popular social media platforms do not have strict qualifying standards. Anyone can participate and opine on anything under the sun with little or no consequence. People also operate on this new platform in groups, fiercely peddling their own positions with no regard for ethical and professional standards in the pursuit of fact. Fact often isn’t what is being considered at all Personal agendas are what is foremost.
Opinions made on social media, even when done with the best of intent, are to a large extent far from reality Public policy, lifestyles, ideologies, and other overarching subjects with a contemporary affect get vigorously scrutinized and often scathingly commented on Yet in spite of the passion and effort, much of what went into the making of a policy, lifestyle, or ideology and its expression in society remains unknown to the volumes written on it by stargazers on social media. These can and do sometimes have dangerous effects as the world observed recently when the Capitol buildings in the U.S. came under mob attacks and when stock investments in the U.S. came under the influence of shady advisors on social media.
If this is what social media is, should we then consume ourselves through a deep investment of our time in it? The time we have isn’t in endless supply. And the more sensible and educated one is, the more purpose one has in one’s life, the
GUEST COLUMN
REUBEN LOUIS GABRIEL, PHD
less time one feels one has to do all the important things that must be done before the curtains fall. As the clock keeps ticking, we waste away and will soon be dead. The investment of our time hence is crucial to the making of our lives and the lives of those we love and the things we consider important.
I spent a good portion of my time in 2020 sitting at the desk with my MacBook and trying to save the world through social media. In the bargain I put on weight, had high blood pressure because of my emotional surges and dives into volatile environments, irregular heartbeats, cramps in my left arm, fainted twice and was rushed twice to emergency at UHNBC, very high blood sugar (constantly between 9 and 16 on a scale on which my sugar should have been maximum 7), and above all the lost time with my wife and children.
Joshua is in the second year of an engineering degree and will leave for another city in a matter of months to continue his studies. Life will most probably never again bring him back home as a little boy dependent on his father Jemima too will leave home in a year or two either to pursue medicine or a masters in molecular biology and biochemistry. She will marry and make her home and cannot be expected to return to my care as a child.
Amita has been by my side for 29 years and we both are aging and recognize that our days are numbered. The next few decades if we are lucky will pass like the wind. If I do not make conscious effort to spend more time with her and the children now, it will all be gone before I realize it.
Social media can wait or even be gone for good from my life But these relationships are vital and most lovely There’s no comparison between spending time with them and spending time on social media.
Social media is like being married to the mob. You don’t know who relates with you with what intentions and when things
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Grizzly encounter
I had a grizzly experience a few years ago when a friend and I pulled into the Merton Lake forestry campground in early September We were getting set for the start of Bullwinkle season.
The Merton forestry campground gets very few campers so the bush there was usually quiet for most of the camping year. They have two outhouses there. The first one on the way in I didn’t like because it was too sunk into the forest. The other one had more of the bush cleared around the front and sides
My buddy got to work in his camper preparing a bite to eat. Experiencing that sinking feeling that you gotta go real
soon, Iwandered with a little pace up to the outhouse. After getting my gear down and in the seated position, Icalmly latched the door with that feel insecure little hook thru the round eyelet. As soon as I hooked the latch, I heard some rustling behind the back of the outhouse.
Thinking my buddy was trying to scare me, I yelled out “what are you doing, Marcel?”
No reply and now the rustling was at my right side and I knew immediately it was the big bad bear The bear now was in the front and that little latch was all I had for my defence.
I remained quiet trying to hear if the bear was still out front. I waited until I could not hear any movement I did not want to
will bommerang. The slightest error of judgment could have horrendous consequences for you. Being deeply involved in social media exposes one to the world, and this world that’s full of all kinds of people can easily get into the nooks and crannies of your life and your private spaces. The result could be awful – a web of perennial discomfort.
As you relate to the mob on social media, your tolerance levels gradually drop and your sensitivity to provocation rises. Prolonged engagement with others on social media can alter character and make one angry, impatient, upset, depressed, and of a negative mindset. To succeed with social media, one must constantly ride the wave and be a winner, which means that there is a good possibility that one would be a loner at the top provoking others to jealousies and hatred. That’s not the best way to live.
Social media is an arena in which millions are looking for some fun at others’ expense. Too much engagement with social media could easily put you on the slippery road of becoming the despicable other Jealousies, competition, hatred, bickering, leud behavior, and all kinds of uncomely expressions are rife on social media. It is a very high price to pay for no gain at all.
It is often impossible to choose one’s group on social media. One is likely to be in the company of those who do not share the same culture, ideas, learning, beliefs, values, and behaviors. But one is likely not to know till they find out the hard way when things go wrong.
Social media isn’t one’s day job. But it can easily compete hard in a person’s mind to replace their day job. And that could soon turn into a nightmare adversely affecting primary responsibilities, relationships, and livelihood. It is simply not worth it.
Those who uncontrollably seek life-satisfaction through social media look for happiness in the distance. This usually happens because life in such people’s immediate vicinity isn’t that inspiring. Social media however isn’t reality It is a virtual reality that creates an imagined hype in the participant’s mind. It is a hype that quietly pinches out of the participant a valuable
price for which in return it provides imagined and shallow satisfaction which in the long run leaves for one a hollow and empty space with no tangible benefits. Social media is a drug for those who have a deep sense of dissatisfaction with their sitz-imleben (life situation).
A productive and fulfilled individual is intrinsically motivated. Such an individual is fully aware of their life-situation and because self-preservation is a fundamental trait of human persuasions, they will always keep their interests in mind and work to achieve their goals While occasionally extrinsic motivation can be helpful and does inspire one to consider tasks and achieve them, a slavish dependence on extrinsic motivation makes one emotionally reliant on factors on the outside which cannot be controlled and are highly unreliable.
Those who operate well only because of external stimulus tend not to be at peace with themselves and might suffer from poor self-esteem. Living a quiet life; being mindful of one’s immediate duties and responsibilities; loving and serving one’s near and dear ones instead of reaching out to the unknown and trying to create a huge impression in the distance is the right way to live. Social media often unfortunately feeds the insatiable hunger of those who crave for attention from a distant world. It isn’t indicative of healthy minds at work. Social media however has brought the world unimaginably closer Childhood friendships have blossomed once again and long forgotten and distant relatives have come close.
What happens in one part of the world gets transmitted within seconds all over enabling mindboggling scrutiny and the possibility of greater accountability from people in positions of power. Good information and relevant knowledge to seekers comes effortlessly because of algorithmic arrangements the deep dark web has make of every individual mind’s preferences. There are still some good reasons for keeping one’s ties with social media to a qualified minimum.
- Reuben Louis Gabriel, PhD, is an instructor in philosophy and history at the College of New Caledonia.
wait too long to exit as maybe the bear was coming back and I would miss my safe exit.
My left foot on the way out stepped into the centre of a muddy grizzly bear track. The grizzly track was about a foot wide and a longer distance from front to back. I did not look around just in case I made any eye contact with a possible grizzly, which would mean a confrontation challenge for any grizzly bear My buddy was still in his camper oblivious to what just took place
The next day, hunting alone, I came across the grizzly over the hilltop from the forestry campground. I was hunting from my vehicle and about 300 yards away watching the back end of the grizzly wandering away from me.
As soon as the grizzly sensed my
presence he turned around and the hair on the back of my neck defied gravity. It was a sweet feeling knowing the situation could have been a lot worse for me the day before.
Miles Thomas, Prince George
Team effort
I’d like to thank the Prince George Citizen for the great interview about Arts North and take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of the entire team - Kate Ames, Philomena Hughes, Harshpreet Kaur, and especially Lisa Redpath.
This is a team effort and without their contributions we would still be just thinking about Arts North.
Michael Kast, Prince George
GROUND BREAKS ON SPIRIT HOME
For the third year, CopperFalls Custom Homes offers the public a chance to purchase one of their homes with net proceeds going to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation to support better health outcomes in the North.
This year’s model will be similar to the first house they built for the charitable organization. The house is a collaboration with about 45 contractors and suppliers who will help create a 3,085 square foot rancher at 130-4393 Cowart Road in the
Forest Park subdivision.
“We live and raise our children in Prince George and want the best healthcare services available if and when it is needed,” Jeff Stewart and Brent Scheck, co-owners at CopperFalls, said. “Healthcare has touched us in many ways already and it is our way of doing what we do best and working with those who support us to collectively have an impact. It shows collaboration in the biggest way.”
In the last two years, $190,000 has been
donated from the Copper Project. The proceeds from the first home built in the Aberdeen subdivision of $90,000 went to breast health imaging, a dedicated maternal operating room and the purchase of four ortho video operating room towers.
Last year’s donation of $100,000 supported pediatrics, mental health and wellness and cardiac care.
COVID is top of mind now while there are also other health concerns as well.
“We are delighted to enter into year
three with such amazing support,” Judy Neiser, CEO for Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, said. “CopperFalls’ vision, shared with their sub trades, contractors and suppliers, together building a first class home is innovative and so generous. We are so very grateful for this partnership. It’s humbling to have so many very incredible people come together for such an amazing project in the community.”
Those interested can watch the progress on the project at www.spiritofthenorth.ca.
Be careful burning outdoors Hospice walk set for May
With a drying trend in the forecast, the B.C. Wildfire Service is urging people to exercise caution when conducting any outdoor burning.
“As the temperature increase, the grass cures and dries, becoming extremely flammable,especially in windy conditions,” the BCWS said in a press release.
While there are no prohibitions on open burning currently in place in the Prince George Fire Centre, the BCWS said people are still responsible for conducting burns in a safe manner
“Before lighting any fire, it is advised to monitor the upcoming weather forecast and check with
your local governments to see if any local burning restrictions are in place,” the BCWS said
Anyone conducting an outdoor burn must adhere to the following precautions:
- Ensure that adequate resources are on hand to control the fire and stop it from spreading;
- Never burn in windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires;
- Create an appropriately sized fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material, right down to the
•Drop-in fitness classesare free with membership
•Complimentary 3hourparking permit (31 DayPass, 10 Visit Pass, daily admission exempt)
•Suspend (temporary hold) your membershipuptothree months
mineral soil;
- Never leave a fire unattended;
- Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time;
Anyone wishing to light a Category 3 open fire time by calling 1-888-797-1717. A Category 3 fire is defined as any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide, three or more concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide, one or more burning windrows or stubble or grass burning over an area greater than 0.2 hectares.
The third annual Colour Walk for the Prince George Hospice Society takes place in May.
Due to the pandemic, people are once again encouraged to walk with their bubble friends to raise funds for the society.
This year, hospice partnered with Tourism Prince George to invite participants to explore other walking destinations around the city People can post their photos of their walking adventures to the Facebook group PG Hospice Colour Walk and one lucky walker who visits all featured parks and raises the most money will win the grand prize of a family staycation package from the
•Chronic
•Maintainfunctionalindependence
•Maintainmobility
Treasure Cove Casino.
The ultimate challenge is to walk 100 km during the month of May with a team or solo.
There is a weekly sponsor that will offer games like I Spy, a sidewalk chalk drawing competition and plenty of other things to encourage participants along the way.
The funds raised will directly support the Rotary Hospice House and the gardens on site. Registration is free and Tourism Prince George is offering swag bags to the first 100 registrants.
For more information visit the Facebook page, email info@hospiceprincegeorge.ca To register, visit www.hospiceprincegeorge.ca.
HORO SC OPES &P UZ ZLES
San Antonio site
Shakers’ partners
Goober
Important
San Diego
River, in Tijuana
Chicken-to-be
Hole punches
Carried out
PUZZLE NO. 814
Confused
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1through9only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line You already have afew numbers to get you started Remember:you mustnot repeat the numbers 1through9 in the same line,column or 3x3 box
Protect
Touch lightly
Certain railroads
CL ASSIF IEDS
Theresa Soltis (nee Deroche)
REMEMBRANCES
April 24, 1928 - April 16, 2021
Theresa Gertrude Soltis passed away peacefully at Rotary Hospice House in Prince George, BC, on April 16, 2021, shortly before her 93rd birthday. Theresa, the youngest of the nine Deroche children, was born in Mission, BC and was raised on a farm on Nicomen Island at Deroche, B.C. which was named after her grandfather, Joseph Deroche. Theresa was predeceased by her parents: Isadore and Kathleen (Birmingham) Deroche and her beloved husband, Andrew Soltis, her spouse of sixty-three years. She was also predeceased by her three sisters - Margaret, Corrine, and Frances - and by her five brothers - Oliver, Thomas, Ernest, Desmond, and Wymond. Theresa will be sadly missed by her children Allen Soltis (Kathleen) and Robert Soltis (Carla) and her grandchildren Katie (Braden), Andrew (Susy), and Marie (Paul).
From an early age, Theresa did farm chores such as milking cows and driving a team of horses to plant and harvest crops. She liked to tell the story of riding the family’s herd bull bareback twice a day to get water for him from the slough. When she was 17, Theresa went to Victoria to attend Normal School. She liked living in Victoria and was proud of becoming a teacher. Theresa’s first teaching job was west of Quesnel. Upon arriving to the area by train, Theresa was picked up and taken on a 30 plus mile wagon journey to the Webster Ranch at Narcosli Creek. She also taught in the Big Lake area and on the Jacobsen Ranch, which is east of 150 Mile House. In those early years, Theresa taught in one room schoolhouses and occasionally had students who were almost as old as she was. Her duties included chopping wood, starting the fire for heat, carrying water, providing janitorial service and, of course, teaching.
In 1952, Theresa married the love of her life, Andrew (Andy) Soltis. They raised their sons, Allen and Bob in Hope, BC, and when the boys were old enough, Theresa returned to teaching. She taught at Silver Creek Elementary School and then at CE Barry and Hope Secondary Schools. Theresa loved teaching - she was passionate about preparing students for their lives after school and she was an advocate for children who were struggling, putting a great deal of time and effort into helping them pass their courses. Theresa’s friendships with her “fellow” teachers and many students lasted forever. When she was not teaching, Theresa was active in the Hope community, and had many fond memories of the times she spent with the Eastern Star and Hospital Auxiliary ladies.
After she retired, Theresa spent many happy years travelling “the world” with Andy. They both loved their grandchildren, Katie, Andrew, and Marie, deeply and took immense pleasure in spoiling them. Theresa was sad to lose her soulmate, Andy, five years ago. As her health was beginning to deteriorate and she needed some help to continue to live independently, Theresa moved to the Prince George Chateau. She liked living at the Chateau and became friends with many of the residents there. Theresa held a special place in her heart for her neighbour, Joyce, with whom she was inseparable.
As has been the case for many people, the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for Theresa. She was a very sociable person and missed being able to see her family as often as she previously had and enjoying the camaraderie of the Chateau residents when doing Tai Chi, playing Bingo, listening to music recitals, and participating in church services. As Theresa’s health declined, she received excellent and compassionate care from her physician, Dr. Ian Schokking, and from the Northern Health Homecare nurses who were led by Sara. The Soltis family appreciates the many medical professionals who cared for Theresa over the years and gives special thanks to the Hospice House “angels,” especially Cynthia and Mara. The family is extremely grateful to Rev. Alexis Saunders who prayed at Theresa’s bedside just hours before she passed.
Mom and Grandma - we know that you were happy to rejoin Andy and fully expect that you will be socializing, organizing, and teaching others for an eternity. All the people whose paths you crossed during your lifetime will have different and interesting stories to tell and your legacy of teaching, helping others, and strong leadership will not be forgotten. Go in peace - we love you and miss you.
A Celebration of Theresa’s life will be held in Hope when COVID restrictions lift. In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to consider donating to the Hope Hospital Auxiliary in Theresa’s name.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so he put his arms around you and whispered “come to me.”
February 2nd, 1945 to March 31st, 2021
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Mama, Wife & Nama. Bev was an extraordinary woman with boundless love and warmth to share with those around her. She was born in Kamloops to Josephine and Jim Raymond. Her maternal grandparents had emigrated from San Stefano Del Sol, Italy to Nelson, BC. She spent many wonderful summers on the family farm in Nelson with Pops, her Mom, brother Al and cousins. In 1967 Bev graduated from nursing training at St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver. She arrived in Prince George to work at the local hospital where she met her adoring husband, Darryl Smith, marrying into a large and energetic family. Together they had three daughters who she gifted with so many blessings. She was a patient, kind, gentle woman who loved boldly and opened her arms to her daughters friends wholeheartedly. Bev was one of the original Edgewood Moms and there are so many fond memories we will hold close to our hearts forever. Bev was dedicated to her nursing profession and provided her patients with the same care and kindness she gave so freely to those close to her. She worked at the Prince George hospital for many years and finished her career doing what she seemed to love most, homecare nursing. In her career she developed many special friendships that continue to this day. As we grapple with the loss of our sweet Mama we are struck by the many circles of friendships and connections Mom had developed over the years. Bev had a gentle nature and was dedicated to her family and friends. She remained close to her 45’ers group (friends she first met in elementary school), friends from her nursing career, close connections that first grew in Edgewood and the special friendships she developed through her children and their families. Struggling to make sense of her loss are her three daughters, Kristi, Shannon & Trinity, her heartbroken and beloved husband, of 52 years, Darryl and her 8 granddaughters, Ella, Josephine, Tilly, Sadie, Isla, Tessa, Kate & Jane along with her loving son -in- laws, Parker & Chris. Nama made every granddaughter feel special, loved, and appreciated. Bev had a close relationship with her brother, Al and we are so grateful for our family trips to Nelson with him joining in the chaos. Those many summers in Nelson will be some of the ones we cherish the most. We are so incredibly grateful for those angels among us that helped us to get Mom to Vancouver and back home again. Bev wanted a diagnosis, and she wanted more time. She was officially diagnosed with advanced ALS March 22nd. Sadly, the time was far too short, and we are grateful to have been able to bring Bev home and to take care of her in the way she wanted. We are so very thankful to the Parkinson’s Society of BC, especially Tricia Wallace, the medical teams at UBC, VGH and GF Strong, especially the nurses & social worker on the respiratory ward at VGH. We wish to extend our gratitude to Dr. Denise McLeod, our angel on earth and Father Gilbert whom walked beside Bev in these final days with such kindness, compassion and care along with the palliative nurses, homecare and rapid mobilization team. Also, her diabetic team in Prince George and her Outpatient Dietician, Lindsay Kraitberg. We are forever grateful. Special thanks to her niece, Leah also a gifted nurse. Bev was so happy to have a nurse by her side, helping her husband and daughters to care for her in these final days. Bev’s extraordinary love for family and friends, her grace and strength will continue to inspire us. She was the centre of our family and an amazing matriarch. Love never ends. A private service will be held April 10th at 11 am at St. Mary’s. We look forward to celebrating her life at a future date with more family and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the ALS (www.alsbc.ca) society in her name. We would be profoundly grateful. The private mass can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZoWF8s9hhxFNj7vCMUt47Q
Obituaries
Obituaries
Beverly Smith
Ruth Hansen 1939-2021
On Friday, April 16, 2021, Ruth Hansen of Prince George, BC, died peacefully at home at the age of 81 with her husband of 59 years by her side. She had battled Parkinson’s with dignity and tenacity.
After a full life, well-led, Ruth is survived by her loving husband Ejvind (Ivan) Hansen. Her siblings Alice and John and their children. Her three children (and spouses) - Annette (Greg), Mark (Laura), and Tanya (Jason). And her cherished grandchildren; Griffin, Justin, Ryan, Gemma, Dannika and Nathan.
Ruth was born in Denmark in 1939. She came to Canada at the age of 21 for a short adventure with every intention of returning home, however she fell in love (with a Dane ironically, yes the two Danes met in Prince George), and stayed a lifetime. She never forgot Denmark and travelled back often to visit her family. Ruth ensured that her children and grandchildren enjoyed Danish traditions (including pastries and the famous smorgasbord - skal!). She loved her homeland, but she also loved Canada. She drank in all best Canada could offer with a penchant for it’s wilderness, vastness, scenery and peace.
Ruth was always busy and subsequently achieved much but she is probably best known as an artist. Working in many mediums that included painting, sculpting, weaving, felting… - art was her true passion. She truly did this for herself with passion (or perhaps obsession) but this combination did net some notoriety (wanted or not). Some highlights include: Ruth Hansen artworks have been sold internationally; she was proud to be founding member of the Milltown artists; she was chosen among a select group of artists to document and interpret the history of Mackenzie Trail culminating with resulting artworks being displayed at the Royal BC Museum.
“We will miss you - Ruth, Wife, Mom, Sister, Bestemor”. Our promise to your legacy is to ‘lead a good life’.
No service or event is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Parkinson Canada.
Bradley Darin Richard Kempster
May 15, 1988 - Apr 5, 2021
Bradley Darin Richard Kempster passed away suddenly on April 5, 2021 at his home in Prince George. Bradley was born on May 15, 1988 in Prince George, BC to Darin and Hayley. He grew up in Prince George surrounded by his family and friends where he loved playing baseball and going to the lake. Bradley graduated from Kelly Road Secondary School in 2006 and began his journey in post-secondary studies. In 2012, Bradley graduated with honours from Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, Bradley explored additional educational and career opportunities that led him back to Prince George where he would find the love of his life, Elisha. Bradley spent the next years as a loving partner to Elisha and stepfather to Tanner and Hailey. While spending time with Elisha and raising his stepchildren, Bradley spent time coaching and playing pool as well as playing softball. Bradley also volunteered at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, where he spent time connecting with and supporting local youth that were navigating challenging situations. Bradley met every situation with empathy and would always strive to help anyone, especially the underdog. Most recently, Bradley was studying to become a high school teacher at the University of Northern British Columbia. Throughout his studies and practicum experiences Bradley was exhilarated. He was a very reflective educator who demonstrated leadership among his peers as well as care, compassion and respect towards his students.
Bradley is survived by his wife Elisha and stepchildren, Tanner and Hailey; his parents, Hayley (Sean) and Darin (Alison); his brother Cody (Suzanne, Grace, Samuel and Henry); his step siblings Tiffany (Colin, Olivia, Jake and Ava), Samantha, Krysten (Joel); his great grandmother Molly Eberle; his grandparents, Heather and Roy Potts as well as Dorothy and Reginald Kempster; his auntie Veronica (Jacob and Ashley), uncle Royden (Kayla, Hudson and Georgia), uncle Dean (Marie) and uncle Randy (Patty, Kaidy and Erica); along with numerous great aunts, great uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his great grandparents Casper Eberle, James and Nova Kempster, Alvin and Margaret Brawn, and Rose and Oliver Potts. Listen Linda, Listen
Nedeljka Brkich (Neda)
October 16, 1932April 6, 2021
It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Neda Brkich, the pillar of the Brkich Family in Prince George. She was born Nedeljka Vukusic in Vrpolje, Slavonia in Croatia. She married the love of her life, Milan Brkich in 1950 and together they had 3 sons before immigrating to Canada in 1957. Soon after, they welcomed the birth of their daughter. Predeceased by her husband in 1990, she is survived by 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and a brother in Croatia.
Her unselfish and always giving nature, gentle ways and a comforting presence gave love, hope, inspiration and confidence that everything will work out for the best.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Dec 12, 1947Apr 11, 2021
Tex left earth and is now with his Lord & Savior. His battle with Cancer is over. He is survived by His wife Cheryl; son John & (Tanya) of Maple Ridge B.C; daughters Corinne of Mission, B.C, Kelly of Gibson’s & Tanya (Jason) of Prince George, B.C; grandchildren Kyle, Cameron, Braydon, Nathan & Brianna, Amanda, Erin & Christopher, Matthew, Mitchell, Mariah & Malachi; great Grandchildren, Gage, Valerie Rose, Levi Jordan, Logan William, Blake Martine & Blaine Patrick; sisters Gwen (Tom) Vernon, B.C & Grace (Dennis) Kamloops, B.C.
Predeceased by parents Agnes Beck, Lucien Ouellette, brothers Jerry & Ronnie, son Trent in 2018.
A graveside service was held on Fri April 16, 2021. Donations may be made to PG Rotary Hospice House.
Philippians 1:21: For to live in Christ, and to die is gain. Till we meet again.
We would like to thank Dr. Inban Reddy for the many years he served Tex, Dr. Lodi for the time he has served him. Your kindness, support through difficult times as Tex finished his earthly journey.
Also Simone- A big thanks to you as well for your encouragement & serving heart. Thank you to all the staff of Rotary Hospice House Tex so enjoyed your caring help& compassion, Faye & Kathy you went beyond what was expected!
Church family for you Love & Support & Pastor Marlo for doing the graveside Prayers and Service. Pastor Danny & Donna for your kindness& support and prayers. Thank you to all the pallbearers.
Thank you to Assman’s and to Glenn Johnston for all your help.
-Thank you Tex, Cheryl & Family
David Arthur Western
Jul 29, 1943Apr 8, 2021
It is with deep sadness that David Arthur Western passed away April 8, 2021 in Prince George, British Columbia after a long battle with cancer. David was born on July 29, 1943 in St. Anne’s Park, Bristol, England. David was a trained engineer who had spent some of his early years travelling to places like New Zealand, Hong Kong and Iran. He settled in Canada with his wife, Susan, where they raised their family and made many friends. All who knew David, knew him for his caring nature, loyalty and amazing sense of humour. Some will remember him from the rugby pitch, the tennis courts, and from the golf course. He is also remembered for his musical abilities, playing guitar. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him and were lucky enough to call him Dad, Papa, Husband, brother, uncle, and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, his daughter Tiffany, his granddaughter Ysabelle, his sister Rosemarie, and his brother Bill. He is predeceased by his daughter Sarah and his sister Patricia.
There will be no service held at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Prince George Hospice Society who gave such amazing care and comfort during this difficult time.
1934-2021
It is with great sadness that we announce Maria’s passing April 11, 2021 after a brief illness. Maria was born in Neukirchen, Germany on November 30, 1934, immigrating to Canada with her husband, Adolf, in 1955. They arrived in Prince George in 1957.
Mom loved Prince George and many people will recognize our Mom from her many years working in delicatessens. Mom was a long standing member of the German Community and she had many life long friends who will greatly miss her loyalty and support. This strong spirited woman found joy in reading, her flower garden and baking the most wonderful specialty cakes. She was a force in the kitchen and outside of it.
Maria was predeceased by her husband Adolf in 2008 and by an infant daughter, Sylvia. She will be forever missed by her daughters Angela (Lloyd), Caroline (Brendon) and her son Rick (Debbie). She was a loving Oma to Lori, David, Alexa, Amy and Sydney. Also survived by her family in Germany is her brother Guenter, nieces and nephews, as well as her extended family of John and Katie Francis, Matthew and Braeden, Aaron and Lindsay Hughes, Shannon Higgins, Ryan Higgins and their families.
Our family would like to express our gratitude to Mom’s neighbours Tammy and Trevor Thompson as well as Allan and Linda Anderson-they were always there for our Mom.
She leaves a huge void in our lives. She will be forever loved and missed.
No service by request.
Ouellette Tex Russell
Maria Charlotte Opitz
Itiswithheavy hearts that we honour thepassingofour patriarch, Shakti Nandan Sharma.Byalmostall he wasregarded as ‘Papiji’ (respected Father) andbyclosefriends Pandit Ji. Papi ji wasbornonNovember4th,1926, in thevillage of Kharaudi, District Hoshiarpur,Punjab, India. At theage of 6helosthis father to theplague,leaving hisMother, VidyaWati, widowedatthe ageof 24. Both were taken in, protectedand guidedbyChaudhary Hukam ChandParmarand family.His paternal Grandfather,KishanChand, whooperateda confectioner yshop, kept adotingand watchful eyeonhis grandson.His closestchildhood companions were his maternal uncles, Balak Ram, Ganesh Dass,OmParkash,and Benarsi Dass Parashar.
Upon completionofhighschool, Papi ji gained employment as the High School’s tuitionfee collectorand couldproudlyrecall the namesofall 800 students, their siblings andtheir parents! He quickly advanced as aBankAuditoratthe CooperativeBankinMahilpur. Shortly thereafter,hewas married in December1944 to Kamla Devi from village Sahri. They settledinNadalon wheretheir 5children were born
In 1959, at theage of 33, Papiji wassponsored by hismaternalUncle Ganesh Dasand Aunt Shanti Devi to immigrate to Canada.Initially, he took aleave of absencefrom hisemployer, intendingtomakejust enough moneytoreturnhometoIndia to starta financingcompany andpurchaseacinemahall!OnNovember14th, 1961, with only $8 in hispocket, Papi ji arrivedinPrinceGeorge.By1962, Papi ji began aver yprosperouscareerworking as theAccountant of Thompson Construction Ltd, aleadingconstructioncompany of theera that builthundredsofapartments, schoolsand homesthroughout NorthernB.C., includingthe Sharma’s home!Papijialwaysspoke highlyof Wayne Thompon’skindness&generosity
In 1963, themorningafter JFK wasassassinated,struckbythe fragilityoflife, Papi ji went straight to theimmigration office to apply forhis family to join him in Canada.His wife,Kamla Devi Sharma, andchildren, Kumar(Parshotam), Surrindar, Jiwan, Ravindar and Jasdeep, arrivedinPrinceGeorge in 1966. Papi ji’s mother joined them in 1967. After ashort four yearstogetherinCanada, Kamla Devi,was unexpectedlydiagnosed andwithin oneweeksuccumbed to terminal cancer This wasthe greatest lossPapijiwould endure
Shakti Nandan Sharma
(November4th,1926 -March 14th, 2021)
Papi ji wasone of the first pioneers of Indian origin to Prince George, andbegantoforge lifelongcompanionshipwiththe Khare’s, Gupta’s, Madhok’s,Goel’s, Sethi’s, Patel’s, Vohar’s, Miller’s andManhas’.With respectfor culturaldiversity,theyformeda tightknitcommunity preservingtheir faithand traditions. As Presidentofthe Prince George HinduCulturalSociety(PGHSC), thesocietyestablishedan annual scholarship forgraduating highschoolstudents. PGHSC’s final donation wasmade to theSpiritofthe NorthHealthcare Foundation to be directedtothe Northern Clinical Simulation Centre at UHNBC. As akeenphilanthropist,Papijimade annual donationstovarious charities, foundationsand institutions,includingUNBC.
At theage of 61, Papi ji retiredinPrinceGeorge,acitythathe proudly called “God’s Countr y”.His eldestson Kumar, anddaughter in lawParmod, remained by hissidealong with their threechildren, Purnima, Anand,and Shobha
He watchedCBC news andvoraciouslyreadthe Citizenand Time magazinetoremainabreast of currentevents. He also lovedtotravel! Papi ji couldalwaysbecounted on to vividlyrecount stories of his early lifeinIndia,professionalachievementsinCanada, andstories of friends andfamilyfrom histravels around theworld This includedvisitstoeachprovinceofCanadaand tripstofaraway destinationssuchasTrinidad &Tobago, Qatar, London,Alaska, Mexico,New Orleans,Las Vegas, NewYork, Hawai’i, Hong Kong,and Singapore.Healsomade regulartrips to visitfamilyin Toronto,California, Seattle, Indiaand Bahrain Themostextravagant of histravels wasthe Palace on Wheels traintourthroughout Rajasthan,India.Hepossessed an absolutelyphenomenalrecollection of birthdaysand anniversaries andspecifictimes anddates of important events in hisown life, whichallowed him to publish hismemoirs in 2007.Papijinever missed an opportunity to share with others the virtues that he livedby:
•Alwaysworkhard, hard work doesn’tkill you
•Alwaystellthe truth
•Befair, dont cheat
•Alwayshavefaith&gratitude
Papa ji believedinabalancedlifestyle.Anintegralpartofhis daily routine wasprayer. He always remindedustojoinour hands and recite Om NamahShivaya. When Papiji traveled,hecarried alonghis collection of nuts andgrainsand wasnever withouthis allopathic and naturopathic supplements. Whileridinghis bicycleinIndia as part of hisdaily lifestyle,herecalled “accumulating alot of mileage”.Once
in Canada,hehappily vowednever to ride abicycleagain!Instead he enjoyedlongwalksand took pride in stridingpastyouth. Quite surprisingly, in allof hisyears of living in theNorth,Papijidid not shovel thesnow, cutthe grass, or paintthe house! In recent years, Papi ji,enjoyed hiswalker,wheelchairand areclining stationary bike which he proudlyusedtostrengthenhis legs. He maintained astrictregimen forhis medications andmeticulouslymonitored hislab results. He neverhesitatedtoget multiple opinions before making his finaldecision. Oursinceregratitude to Dr.Iqbal,Dr. Reddy (both), Dr.Javed, Dr.Lakhoo&Dr. Hampole.
Papi ji wasdetermined to maintain hislifestyle,and Kumarand Parmod continuedtofaithfully care forhim at home.He received frequentvisits from hisyoungest sonJasdeep,daughterJiwan &sonin-law Mohinder,grandson Anandand friends Rani &Nirmal. GordonPearson &grandson-in-law Sagarwerealwaysavailable to lend Papi ji ahelping hand.Byfar hiskeenest hobbyremainedmanaging hisstocksand investmentswithdaily 6AMcallstohis bankingand financial institutions,which kept theadvisorsontheir toes! This passionwas second only to enjoying phoneconversations with family and playful banter with hisgreat grandchildren living in Prince George, Samanyu, Saranya, andJanav
Through hisconstant guidanceand protective prayers, Papi ji wrapped hisloveand strength around hismostcherished gift,his family
Dischargedfrom hospital on March13th, Papi ji passed away at home in theembraceofhis sons,grandchildren andgreat grandchildren. At 93, with finalprayers andresponsibilities fulfilled, Papi ji’s puzzle was complete. With arazor-sharp memory,and an abilitytoperform complex calculations in hisheadwithease, it is agreat coincidence that he diedonPiday 3.14. On March19th, 2021, performedbyParshotam (Kumar), we heldour belovedPapiji’sAntam Sanskar-his finalrites andcremation.Overa hundredintergenerational families, from varioustimezones around theworld,joinedusonlinetobearwitnessto thebeginning of Papi ji’s spiritual journey
Therelationships that ourPapijicultivated,will continue throughout thegenerationsand hisblessings willremain with us all.Let us honor hislegacy, raiseour glasses,and toastinPapiji’sown words“ To good health,happiness, andprosperity!”
Papa ji willbedearlymissedbyhis children andtheir spouses: Kumar (Parshotam),Surrindar,Jiwan,Ravindar, Jasdeep; Grandchildren: PurnimaKumari Sharma-David,Deepak Angl,Anand Kumar Sharma,ArunAngl, Shobha Kumari Sharma,Jayanth Angl,Sheila Angl,RajeevKumarSharma, Shelly Renu Sharma,Mila Renu Sharma, Ajay Nair Sharma,ShonitNairSharma, Shay Nair Sharma;Great grandchildren: Samanyu, Saranya, Rohan, Jia, Alexis, Austin, Miles, Cameron, Ashton,Janav ;
He is preceded in deathbyhis -PaternalGrandfather:Kishan Chand, Father:Dina Nath (d.age 24 in 1934), Maternal Grandfather’s nephew Chacha ji: Pandit Gian Chand(d. 1983), Mother:Vidya Wati Parashar (d.6/25/1987), Wife:Kamla DeviSharma(d. 6/29/1970).
BRIAN CHOW
2x40.1
Chow,EleanorE. April28,1922-April01,2021
PGC002172
EleanorEvangelineChowpassedawaypeacefullyonApril 1st,2021,justonemonthbeforeher99thbirthday. EleanorwasborninRegina,SaskandmovedtoVictoria, BC,whereshespentherformativeyearsastheeldestof 11siblings.EleanormarriedWayneO.Chowin1954and movedtoPrinceGeorgewheretheyownedandoperated theShastaCafe,thepremiereeateryinPGatthetime.In 2005,EleanormovedtoVancouvertobeclosertoher children.Shewasaskilledseamstressandenjoyed playingbridge,readingandtravelling.Predeceasedbyher husbandWayneanddaughter,Darlene(HenryNgo), Eleanorwillbegreatlymissedbyhersurvivingchildren: Marlene(Rod),Brian(Kim)andBruce(Mandy); grandchildren:Travis(Chantelle),Kevin(Lyndsay), Keenan,Jade,BaileyandBenjamin;andgreatgrandchildrenElaraandElyse.Eleanorwasblessedwitha longandwonderfullifeandwasanamazingmother, grandmother,great-grandmother,sister,aunt,friend. Alwayspositive,caringandloving.
MARY ANN MIDDLETON
2x42.8
PGC002173
BERG,Dieter
January27,1942-April02,2021
DietercametoCanadafromGermany,inhisyouthin searchofadventure.DietermarriedCarolBergin1974, andmovedtoTaklaNarrowsin1975.DieterandCarol weretheproudownersofTaklaRainbowLodge,andBC’s RemotestPubfor44years.Dieterissurvivedbyhiswife Carol,anddaughterDr.MaryAnnMiddleton(Mike). Hisfavouritequotethathewholeheartedlyembraced: "Mayyouliveininterestingtimes."
TaklaLakehaslostalegendarycharacter:DieterBerg, whopassedawayApril2,2021
DENISE WADDLE
2x81.3
PGC002175
KIDD,WayneS.
March11,1944-March30,2021
OurfamilyissadtoannouncethepassingofWayne StuartKidd,onMarch30,2021,attheageof77,dueto complicationsfromDiabetes.Waynebroughthisbeautiful wife,Marlene,andhisyoungfamilytoWilliamsLakein theearly’70safterfallinginlovewiththeCariboo lifestyle.Hewasproudtocontributetothecommunity throughhisworkasaMillwright,aBusinessowner (AirportLimousineService)andanEntrepreneur. WaynewasbornonMarch11,1944,inNewWestminster BCtoRubyandCrawfordKidd.Hegrewupinhumble circumstancesinSurreywithhiseightsiblingsandhas lived,travelled,andworkedalloverBC.Waynewas knownasaJackofalltradeswithspecificskillsin Carpentry,MechanicsandMillwrighting.Fromayoung age,Wayneshowedanaptitudeformathematicsand puzzle-solving;heespeciallylovedtotinkerwith machines.Waynealwayshadseveralprojectsonthego, eveninhisfinaldays.
Waynehasgoneontojoinhisbelovedwifeof50years, Marlene.Wayneoftenspokeofhislonelinesssincethe unexpectedlossofMarlenesixyearsago.Wayneis survivedbyhisthreechildren,Korene(John)Murchison, Denise(Chris)Waddle,andBruce(Kathy)Kidd;hissix grandchildren,(DiggoryandPerryWaddle)and(Mitch, Nic,Kate,andLisannaKidd);andhisfivegreatgrandchildren.Wayneisalsosurvivedbyfoursisters, Sharon,Lyndy,Colleen,andCleo;andtwosisters-in-law, HerthaandLil.
Waynewasalong-termmemberandsoldierofthelocal SalvationArmyChurch.Inlieuofflowers,thefamily wouldencourageadonationtotheWilliamsLake SalvationArmyinWayne’sname.
April 7, 1939 to April 15, 2021
We are sad to announce the passing of our grandmother whom has joined her daughter, Kim in heaven. She is survived by grandchildren, Jessica (Andrew), Jennifer, Darren and Camron (Arielle); great grandchildren, Abigail, Alayah, Ray, Lincoln, William and Wyatt; sister, Jean; and many nieces and nephews. No service as requested.
CUNNINGHAM, Brent
September 11, 1959April 11, 2021
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Brent Cunningham after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Grouard, AB, he grew up in Prince George, BC. Brent was predeceased by his parents John and Frances, sister Dolly, sister inlaw Sharon and nephews Darrell-Wade and Victor. He is survived by his daughter Brenna and son Robbie, grandchildren Dominik, Isabella and Declan as well as his siblings, nieces and nephews. As per his request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Association.
REMEMBRANCES
5years agowelost you unexpectedly, our Neil, amost precious Husband and Father
Sometimes it still feels likeyesterday, sometimes it feels likealifetime ago.
Our world has not been the same without you here.
Forever in our hearts and our minds and our lives.
We love youand miss you beyond words.
In Loving Memory of NeilHusband
June 25,1963 -April 26,2016
Agnes Louise Rokitjanski
Mackenzie BC
It is with sadness that we announce the passing away of a mother, sister, grandmother and friend on March 19, 2021.
She was born in Rosetown Saskatchewan (the 5th of 7 children). The family moved from Rosetown to Chilliwack, BC. She married Victor Rokitjanski in 1952, had 6 children. Her family moved throughout the province, settling in the lower mainland. She was widowed in 2000 and eventually moved to Mackenzie, BC.
She loved working with numbers, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch, reading, singing (until her voice started crackling, she would say) camping in her tent trailer and having little lap dogs. Her greatest love was that of sharing her faith and the wisdom found in God’s Word, to all who would listen.
Survived by her siblings: Dora (Ed) Becker, Peter (Irene) Dueckman and Anna (Hans) Krueger.
Children: Lori (Dave) Richard, Paul (Heather), Don (aka Rocky), Vera Donald, cousin Lena Hooten along with 6 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren. She leaves behind a large family of many nephews, nieces and a worldwide brotherhood of friends.
Predeceased by: husband Victor, children Allen and Tanya, parents Anna & Jacob Dueckman, siblings: Leo (Betty), John (Louella), Jake (Mary), David (Louise) and Mary.
She passed away with the unwavering faith in God’s promise of a resurrection to life on a paradise earth in the future. (John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:3, 4) This is a promise that we keep close to our hearts as we remember her strength, love, loyalty, patience, friendship and laughter.
The family would like to thank those special friends who helped with her care near the end, delivering meals, checking on her welfare, calling her daily to chat and the doctors and nurses who cared for her in the Mackenzie Hospital. Due to the pandemic and social distancing, a memorial will be held virtually on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 1:00.
Three years have gone since your passing on April 22.
Oct. 13/28 to Apr. 28/19
Two years and not a day goes by when we don’t think of you. Miss you more then words can say and we will love you forever.
Alway with us Darlene, John, Candee and Mark
We trust you are enjoying the God you strove to serve.
Exactly two years ago God comforted us with the birth of little Julfa, which we can celebrate, on the day we remember your departure.
Your loving family.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
In Loving Memory of our Mom
Eileen Hoagland
Janice Vireen Griffin
Svend Serup 1924 - 2018
In Loving Memory of Marie “Annette” Krushell
October 16, 1950April 26, 2011
Ten years have passed since heaven called on you and your guardian angels took you from us. You have been missed so much by all whom you touched with your graceful, unselfish, thoughtful and caring nature. We all loved you dearly in our own special way. Thank you for the precious time we shared together and the endless memories to cherish.
Always in our hearts and thoughts, Roger, Sons, Grandsons, Granddaughter Family and Friends.
Love you always,your wife Mary xxoo Your children, Andrew, Victoria &Nicholas
In Memoriam In Memoriam
Forever in Our Hearts
Logan Whitmer
August 2,1993April 25, 2013
Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business Mackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years. Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy. Transition support available for the right buyer.
To:KarenCindy Ghostkeeper
TAKENOTICETHATon February12,2021anorder wasmadeforserviceonyou ofaNoticeofApplication issuedfromtheVancouver RegistryoftheSupreme CourtofBritishColumbiain proceedingnumber158647 bywayofthis advertisement.
Intheproceeding,the Applicantseekstohavethe matterdismissedforwantof prosecution.
Youmayfilearesponse withintheperiodrequired undertheSupremeCourt CivilRulesfailingwhich furtherproceedings, includingjudgment,maybe takenagainstyouwithout noticetoyou.
Youmayobtain,fromthe VancouverRegistry,at800 SmitheStreetVancouver, BC,acopyoftheapplication andtheorderprovidingfor servicebythis advertisement.
Thisadvertisementisplaced bythedefendant/applicant whoseaddressforserviceis 301-2642MainStreet, VancouverBCV5T3E6. Email: cberry@hartmehl.com. Telephone:604-708-3775 ext.230
GO FOR GOLD.
Blissfully float in a hanging chair
It’s nearly impossible to resist the carefree allure of hangingchairs.Isitbecause they remind usof ourchildhooddaysspentswingingat the park? Whatever the reason,welovethem!
Many different styles of hanging chairs are available on the market to fit every decor trend Made from wood, resin, cloth, wicker, metal or rope, these floating seats can take the shape of hamacs, water droplets, eggs and cocoons. Make sure to secure your hanging chair to a ceiling beam that’s strong enough to support your weight. If your ceiling isn’t solid enough, choose a model equipped with extra support. For the finishing touch, add some comfortable cushions and stashafewofyourfavourite magazines nearby You’re now ready for an afternoon of pure bliss!
Ready to add a heavenly touch to your living space?Tour your local furniture stores to find theperfecthangingchair!
Make home inspectiona priority this
spring
The arrival of spring sometimes leads to unpleasant discoveries, like damages to yourhomecausedbywinter’swrath.Nexttimethesunisshining bright, take the opportunity to inspect your property, checklistinhand.
Here are just a few issues to look out for:
• Is there debris obstructing your gutters?
• Doesyourroofshowsignsofdamage orprematurewear?
• Does your foundation show signs of waterinfiltration?
• Are your outer walls faded or cracked? Do they show signs of erosion?
• Do any metal structures (fences, banisters, garage doors, etc.) show signs of rust?
When in doubt, consult a specialized contractorinyourregion.Thankstotheir knowledgeandexpertise,they’llbeable to precisely assess the problem and carryoutanynecessaryrepairs.
Getyourinspectiondoneearlyandtake full advantage of the splendours of spring!
JOHN HART PEACE RIVER HIGHWAY CHETWYND
52 unit Days Inn good occupancy and with 50 unit RV park beside the hotel for sale as well. Great location on the highway an attractive investment opportunity with all the economic activity in the Peace. For further information on financials and contact listing realtors. $7,000,000 MLS 184582
1602/1642/1656 VICTORIA ST
Excellent opportunity for commercial land spanning several lots. C5/C6 zoning with city services. $2,390,000 MLS#C8036369
JOHN HART PEACE RIVER HIGHWAY
50 unit RV park on 7acres great highway exposure beside the Days Inn. The RV has lots of room for expansion to expand this investment and grow your cash flow with servicing available.For further information contact listing realtors for financials and occupancy an well worth looking at.$1,300,000 MLS 184583
900 BRUNSWICK ST
FOR LEASE
4,000 sq ft Restaurant space located in the Marriott Courtyard, Prince George’snewest full service Hotel
1589 -7TH AVE.
Quality 9,900 sq ft corner lot on 7th and Vancouver St. High traffic area. Zoned C-7. $449,000 MLS C8037128
757 PRESTON RD.
1.76 Acres in City Limits. Zoned RM1 (Multiple Residential). Price $499,000 MLS #C8033659
2222 NICHOLSON ST FOR LEASE
Industrial zoned 5,733 sq ft, was previously operated as apool hall for the past 20 years. Paved yard, high ceilings &partial second floor office/lounge area. Located in prime Light Industrial area. Net-Lease. MLS #C8027687
This 6bedroom 3bathroom on a1/4 acrewithin city limits is agem. This nicely updated home has all the perks for alarge family or with an outside basement entry it has serious suite potential. The backyardhas pull through RV parking, patio, and ashed. The whole upstairs has fresh new paint and updates to the kitchen along with new countertops. Just offthe kitchen is alarge solarium which could be used for many things...workout room,
This 19.9 fully fenced acreage with year round Aquaponic greenhouse is amust see toappreciate! The 4bedroom 2bath home is just the start to this amazing property!
Upgrades include insulated exterior walls, newer windows, newer roof, newer hot water tank (2012) and well pump (2012). Many outbuildings include insulated chicken coop, 16x24 shed, 24x24 shed, separate area fenced for goats, fenced area for horses or cows...this could be the ultimate hobby farm. The aquaponic green house is 40x100 with attached building that includes work station, biomass boiler and aspace upstairs that could be made into asuite. This is atrue hidden gem!
905 LA SALLE$324,999
MLS R2526348
This nicely updated, three-suite, multi-family homeonalarge lot is steps awayfromthe riverand Paddlewheel Park.These units have been updated in the past fiveyears with newerhot water tank. Thislarge lot with two shedsmakes for agreat outsidespace
Do you dream of having a healthy green lawn and gardens filled with bright blooms?
1 2 3 4
Make sure each plant is in a spot where it’ll get the sunlight and nutrients it needs to thrive. Additionally, think about how the plant will look in terms of its appearance and size.
On hot days, water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening. This way the roots will have time to absorb the moisture before it evaporates. Test the soil, then select a fertilizer or soil amendment that’ll provide the right balance of nutrients for your grass and plants to thrive. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers after mid-July.
Cover the ground with a generous layer of mulch to enrich the soil, improve drainage and suppress weeds.
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Opt for nectar-rich plants and choose species with varied bloom times so your garden will flower from spring until fall.
Cultivate your garden without using pesticides by creating a diversified habitat and choosing insect and disease-resistant plants, among other things. Leave grass clippings on the ground after you mow the lawn so they can serve as a natural fertilizer.
Set up a few rain barrels on your property to conserve water. This will ensure you can continue to water your garden in times of drought.
How to paint a high-rise ceiling
using a roller in nice even strokes. Don’t press too hard, and follow the room’s natural lighting for a better viewofyourprogress.
10.Letthepaintdrycompletelybeforeapplyingasecondcoat.
Many modern kitchens are equipped with a multipurpose island fit for the whole family’s needs. Whether you congregate around yours for drinks, snacks or three-course meals, you can easily enhance thepracticalityandcomfortofyourkitchen island with little more than a drill How? By adding an elegant metal footrest to its base!
Carefully note your kitchen island’s measurementsbeforemakingyourwaytoyour localhardwarestore,whereyou’llfindeverything you’ll need (connectors, rods, brackets, bolts, etc.) to carry out this low-
Housing contractors frequently purchase derelict factories, churches and schools to convert into swanky living space. The condos and apartments in these repurposed buildings are highly sought after thankstotheiruniquearchitecturalcharacteristics.Highceilingsareamongthemost visuallystrikingofthesefeatures,butthey canbequitethechallengetopaint.Ifyours is in need of a fresh coat, follow these ten stepstosuccess.
1. Cover floors and furniture with plastic tarpsornewspaper
If you’re afraid of heights or if painting isn’t your forte, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals!
2. Open the windows to help the paint dryfaster
DIY Add a footrest to your kitchen island
costtask.Theonlydelicatedecisionyou’ll need to make involves selecting the right typeofmetaltomatchyourexistingdecor. Will you choose stainless steel, brass or castiron?Thechoiceisyours!
Before you dive headfirst into the installation stage, double-check your measurements. Installing your footrest at the right heightiscrucialtoachievingoptimalcomfort As a rule of thumb, your feet should naturallyrestonthebar.Ifyoustruggleto findyourfooting,chancesareyourfootrest needsadjusting.
Timetograbyourtoolsandgetstarted!
3. Install scaffolding or a stable ladder tallenoughforthejob.
4. Fill in holes and cracks with plaster and sand down the repaired areas to evenoutthesurface.
5. Wipe down the entire ceiling with a non-abrasive cleaning solution and a lint-freecloth.
6. Carefully section off the area with painter’stape.
7. Prepare your paint by stirring it thoroughlywithawoodenstick.Applya coatofprimerfirstifneeded.
8. Start by painting the borders with a regular paintbrush. Make sure to always have a damp cloth within reachtocleanuplittlemessesormistakesmadealongtheway.
9. Apply paint to the main surface area
Kaycie
Janine
Donna Badowski***
Jasmine