Prince George Citizen April 29, 2021

BUILDING BRIDGES TOPS TO-DO LIST FOR LHEIDLI T’ENNEH CHIEF LOGAN

TED CLARKE

The sun was beaming but the wind was blowing cold Saturday morning when Dolleen (Dolly) Logan was sworn in as chief of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and she was looking forward to the end of the outdoor

ceremony at Ron Seymour Memorial Park on the Shelley reserve.

It was an historic day for the Lheidli T’enneh, who on April 8 elected Logan as the second female chief in their history

Regina Toth, a granddaughter of Mary Pius, the first elected female chief, read

out the Oath of Office to Logan. Logan’s light summer dress and jacket wasn’t keeping her warm in that cutting breeze and she was thinking she should have followed Toth’s lead and worn her winter jacket for the occasion.

Council approves projects review

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

The City of Prince George will be hiring external consultants to review the city’s capital management procedures, after council approved the move on Monday night.

The decision came after council received a report that the city spent an additional $8.58 million on overbudget or unbudgeted capital projects in 2020

Completion of the new George Street parkade contributed $5.1 million of those costs, including roughly $533,500 to connect the parkade to the Downtown Renewable Energy System, city director of finance Kris Dalio wrote is his report to council.

However, the city had 44 other unbudgeted or overbudget projects in 2020, ranging from five cents overbudget to $1.06 million in unbudgeted spending to compete the new firehall.

“This is long overdue,” Coun. Brian Skakun said. “It’s really unfortunate we had to hit a bottom, if you will, to get to this point.

The estimated cost of the review is $180,000, acting city manager Walter Babicz wrote in a report to council.

On Monday, Babicz said the plan is to have the report completed by the end of the year

4units left for sale and 5for rent

Daycare construction starting soon

in planning stages

LHEIDLI T’ENNEH PHOTO

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation member Regina Toth reads the Oath of Office to Chief Dolleen Logan during Saturday’s sweaing-in ceremony at Ron Seymour Memorial Park on the Shelley reserve.

NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS

NOTICEOFALTERNATIVE APPROVALPROCESS

PUBLIC NOTICEISHEREBY GIVEN that pursuant 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 ResponseFormindicatingthat 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. onTuesday, June 1, 2021.

An ElectorResponse Form mustbefully completed and hand-signed.All pages of the completed Elector 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 second of two(2) postings of this publicnotice.

DATED this 29th dayofApril, 2021

Walter Babicz, CorporateOfficer

City of Prince George

VOLUNTEER FOR THE CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE

Makeadifference in your community!

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

The Commission meets quarterly and is responsible for undertakingheritage education andawareness activities, and reviewingand reportingto CityCouncil and Staff on matters of heritage significance within the City

The City is currentlyaccepting applicationstofill three (3) vacancies on theCommission as follows:

·One (1) position with atermending February28, 2022; and

·Two (2)positions with terms ending February28, 2023.

Involvement with council committees, commissions, and boards provides residents the opportunity to contribute to the growth anddevelopment of our municipality and to provideinputonimportant civic issues.

The HeritageCommission meetsquarterly in March, June, September, and December, withmeetings scheduledfor 12:00 p.m. In addition to attendance at the quarterly meetings, interestedapplicants must be availabletoattend meetings of theirassigned workinggroups andbewillingto activelyparticipate in projects the HeritageCommission undertakes throughout the year.Information on the Commission including its governing bylaw, application forms and details on the application process, are availableon the City’swebsite.

Deadlinefor Applications: 5:00p.m., Thursday, May20, 2021

Applications maybecompleted and submitted online (https://www.princegeorge.ca/committees), deliveredtothe Service Centre, 1st Floor,City Hall, at the address below, or emailed to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.

Forany questions,tohave an application form mailed to you or to arrange for pick-up of an application formfrom City Hall, please contactthe Legislative ServicesDivision at (250) 561-7655 or cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.

‘STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’

from page 1

The review is expected to include a look at the current state of the city’s project management; identification of best practices and review of other communities’ practices; a list of recommendations; proposed changes project management policy and procedures; and a new manual and training for city staff, Babicz wrote.

The review will also look at things like when to hire external consultants or obtain legal advice regarding contracts, he added on Monday

“This is a step in the right direction,” Skakun said. “(But) none of this will matter if administration is not upfront with us and upfront with the public.”

Coun Cori Ramsay said the city’s current processes for managing capital projects “need some work,” but progress is already being made.

The reports that came before city council on Monday night, detailing

the cost overruns and use of the city manager’s delegated authority, were a step towards greater communication and transparency, she said.

“Things could have gone a lot better, and we know that,” Ramsay said.

“It’s not a fun place to be, but it is an opportunity to do things differently I think it is really going to change how we do business for the better.”

The review will hopefully lead to changes that will streamline the process, shortening the time between the initial budget estimate and the beginning of construction, Coun Frank Everitt said.

Shortening that timeframe should result in more accurate budget estimates, he said

“It’s one of the steps we’re taking, but it’s not the only step we’re taking,” he said.

While major cost overruns like those on the parkade and new firehall grab the public’s attention, Coun Murry Krause said, it’s important to

remember the city also brought in many projects on or underbudget as well.

The international standards and guidelines developed by the Project Management Institute, which were endorsed by the B.C Auditor General for Local Government before the office was disbanded, call for transparency and accountability throughout the process, Coun. Garth Frizzell said.

“At each stage in the cycle, there is a tremendous amount of reporting,” Frizzell said.

Mayor Lyn Hall said the final report will provide the city with continuity around project management.

“This could be a very, very workable tool for staff,” Hall said.

Once the report is complete, it needs to get the buy in at all levels of the city, Coun. Terri McConnachie said, not just “sit on a shelf.”

“The $180,000 is going to be money well spent,” she said. “This is what our community deserves.”

‘There’s the female touch’

from page 1

But duty called and Logan was willing to sacrifice her own comfort to look sharp for the cameras that captured her signing the oath, knowing that when it was all over she’d soon be inside a warm house helping her son lay down some new flooring

Logan is the mother of two adult children, a son and daughter, and has three grandchildren with a fourth on the way She says she wants to merge her own female qualities to her position as chief, as Pius did when she was elected in 1969.

“I think I can bring a different perspective, like we’re all business-minded but there’s the female touch – we’re all socializers, we’re caregivers, we’re teachers, we’re nurses, daycare providers, the list goes on forever,” Logan said. “It takes us all working together to raise our children, we can’t just leave it to one organization. We all have to work together If we work together we’re unstoppable.”

Logan was a member of the band council for six years prior to the election, having

served several years as executive assistant to then-chief Dominic Frederick, who lost the chief position to Clay Pountney in 2019 after a 15-year term. She’s worked for the Lheidli T’enneh for 13 years, after beginning her working career in the band’s sawmill making shingles. Her grandfather, August Quaw, and her uncle, Peter Quaw, were both former Lheidli T’enneh chiefs Logan hopes to build bridges, literally and figuratively, to draw the 550 Lheidli T’enneh members closer together She aims to improve communications between the band council and the people, not just those living in Prince George or on the Shelley reserve, but even to those who live as far away as California, Arizona, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

She brings renewed optimism that a bridge across the Fraser River will get built to connect the Southside and Northside subdivisions of the reserve, about 20 kilometres northeast of the city. Although there are only about 100 people living at Shelley there is a definite division in attitude that separates the two sides and

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provisions of Section 26(3)of the Community Charter that the City of PrinceGeorge intends to dispose of property located at 1936 River Road,Prince George,BC, legallydescribed as Lot 8District Lot 343 Cariboo DistrictPlan PGP40122 to JohnArend Brink for $150,000.00 per acre.

Ian Wells, Acting Deputy

City Manager

access is part of that problem. Southsiders can drive directly to and from Prince George on Shelley Road but to get to the Northside involves a more indirect route through Northwood Pulp Road. To drive from one side of Shelley to the other takes 15 or 20 minutes.

The Southside has the gas station, band office and school, while the Northside will be home to a new health centre under construction that’s slated for completion in the fall. Logan said there is a certain degree of jealousy among the residents that one side gets more amenities than the other

“We need a bridge to join those two communities and I’d like to have a band office on the Northside big enough to hold community meetings and have the town people come in,” she said. “A lot of members grew up in Prince George but a lot of them have never seen the reserve.”

Logan is proud of how well her people have followed health orders to limit the threat of the pandemic, with just one positive case, a man living on the reserve who was quickly isolated with his family as soon as the positive test was confirmed. She estimates 98 per cent of the Lheidli T’enneh have received their first doses of vaccine.

DISTRICT IMPOSES DEADLINE ON OWNER OF ‘SLEEPING SHED’

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has given a Tete Jaune Cache property owner 90 days to get a building permit or demolish a substandard storage building being used as a house.

The district’s board of directors approved allowing the district’s bylaw officer to demolish and remove the building if the owner doesn’t meet the deadline

In 2015, the owner of three lots located at 11902 L’Heureux Road, backing onto Highway 16, received a permit to build a 512 sq. foot accessory building, according to a report to the regional district board. But in March 2016, the building failed to pass a building inspection and the owner was ordered to cease construction until an engineer’s report was done showing the building was safe for use.

“It was approved for use as a storage building. (But) at two different times inspectors had reports of a person living in it,” said Blaine Harasimiuk, district manager of inspection services and sustainability practices. “There is a potential health and safety risk to the occupants.”

A 2017 report found the building was built of untreated, rough-sawn lumber, sitting on six-by-six and eight-by-eight

wooden beams directly on gravel, instead of a proper foundation. The report said the building could be used for storage in the short term, but would need a proper foundation installed within five years.

The regional district has been trying to get the owner to fix the issues and get the building up to code since 2016, Harasimiuk said Building inspectors and the district’s bylaw officer have delivered letters to the owner in 2018, 2019 and five times in 2020 informing him the building is not in compliance and what needs to be fixed, finally resulting in a legal demand letter sent in November 2020, giving the owner a deadline of Jan. 30, 2021 to fix the problems.

“We’ve been very open and accepting on the person coming in and helping them out,” Harasimiuk said “We would like the owner to obtain the permits and start working toward compliance.”

The owner has refused to remedy the issues, and in 2019 built an addition to the building and installed a Quonset hut on the site without a building permit for either, he said. In an email in May 2020, the owner denied living in the building, saying he lived in a camper on the lot.

However, district inspectors have seen furniture in the building and smoke coming from its smokestack, along with other signs

the building continues to be occupied. In earlier correspondence with the district, the owner described the building as his “sleeping shed.”

“If this building was to fall over, and somebody gets hurt, does the regional district have any liability?” Director Joan Atkinson asked.

“We have consulted our legal counsel on this issue, and the simple answer is ‘maybe,’” district bylaw officer Michael Tillmann said. “There have been cases where local governments have been sued for not enforcing their bylaws.”

Director Dannielle Alan, who represents the Robson Valley including Tete Jaune Cache, said she was concerned the actions were excessive. There are many buildings in the district which were built without permits or don’t comply with building code, and the district has simply registered that on the title, she said.

“It does seem to me to be a little bit heavy-handed,” Alan said. “It looks like they are living a pretty precarious existence anyway.”

Alan moved an amendment to give the owner 90 days, instead of the 60 initially sought by district staff. She said she doesn’t want to see the owner end up homeless after the building is demolished.

Building permit numbers drop

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George issued less than half the building permits in the first quarter of 2021 than it did in 2020.

From January to March, the regional district issued a total of 26 permits, with a combined value of $3.29 million. In the same period in 2020, the district had issued 65 permits with the value estimated at $7.14 million

City made off limits to parolee

A man serving time for an attempted murder of a local woman must steer clear of Prince George under the updated terms of his parole.

Robyn Glen Derksen, 57, can come no closer than 25 kilometres of city limits, a Parole Board of Canada panel stipulated in agreeing to extend leave privileges.

Derksen was sentenced in August 2018 to a further seven years, nine months and 21 days after he pleaded guilty to luring a woman into his home in October 2015 with the intent of murdering her

According to an agreed statement of facts read into the court record, Derksen told police he had a “demon in him that came out when he was drunk,” and he had been looking for a victim to murder for as long as two years, oftentimes carrying around a box cutter as he roamed the city.

While in prison, Derksen has been participating in Alcoholics Anonymous and has raised no concerns in terms of his behaviour

In September 2020, he was granted day parole and by January 2021 had gained full employment while continuing to live in a halfway house. He also continues to attend AA meetings

Derksen had applied for leave privileges of five days per week and, in a decision issued earlier this month, the panel decided on four days per week, while also making Prince George off limits.

In March, the district issued seven permits worth a combined $709,000, compared to 26 issued in March 2020, worth a combined $2.4 million.

Panel members said the victim suffered serious emotional and psychological harm and ordered Derksen to stay away from Prince George “to prevent any chance encounters that could re-traumatize the victim.”

Omineca Arts Centre hosting fundraiser

CHRISTINE HINZMANN

Arts-based community development is what Omineca Arts Centre strives to provide in Prince George.

The volunteer-run facility at 369 Victoria St. is looking to raise funds for its operating costs to survive the rest of the pandemic. Always looking to their live showcases to raise funds in the past, that avenue came to a dead end when COVID-19 crashed into humanity.

Now the downtown community arts centre is reaching out to offer those in the Omineca Region several ways to support their efforts.

Off the Rails Late Night Show takes place April 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. which is a by-donation virtual event while an online art auction will continue from now until May 1 on Omineca’s Facebook page.

During the showcase, comedians and

musicians will perform.

“We’ve rolled a bunch of fundraising opportunities into one,” Kate Ames, a board member of the Omineca Arts Centre, said. “So on the 30th it’s going to be a late night talk show style comedy show with five comics and we’ll feature about 10 local musicians and we’ve got about 10 door prizes and 50/50 tickets as well.”

During the April 30 main event there are two comedians that will Zoom in, Ames said.

Headliners are Dino Archie and Justin Nichol who have appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Just for Laughs and Comedy Central

So this will be Gypsy Entertainment’s Off the Rails Comedy Show premiere, Ames added.

Off the Rails Comedy troupe, who are starting their own YouTube channel in

May, stepped up to do a virtual show.

“We’ve got a new band called Cold South performing,” Ames said. “This is their debut performance and they were born out of the pandemic.”

Charcoal Heather and Patchwork PG and Danny Bell and His Disappointments are local bands who will also perform and solo artists include Nathan Kelly, Susan Phillips and Genevieve Jade.

Artists contributing to the online auction include photographer Darren Rigo, painters Dianne Richier, Andrea Fredeen and Mo Hamilton, along with many others from the region.

The online auction features art that is on exhibit right now at the Omineca Arts Centre so people can go see the pieces in the auction in person if they wish, Ames added.

Bidding takes place on the Facebook

page called Off the Rails Late Night Show.

“We’re just really trying to keep the doors open,” Ames said. “The pandemic has been tough and we’re at the bottom of the bank account and this is our big push to try to make it through.”

Omineca is applying for lots of grants but those are more for programming and development not rent and utilities.

There are other ways people can help the cause. Support can come by way of donating bottle returns at the Nechako Bottle Depot to account 683 or jumping on the GoFundMe page to donate cash or buy a T-shirt and there’s also door prizes and 50/50 raffle tickets for purchase as well.

For more information, send an email to info@ominecaartscentre.com, check out

GoFundMe: gf.me/u/zjgfn5 or visit Facebook pages Omineca Arts Centre and Off the Rails Late Night Show

CHOIR SEEKS SUPPORT WITH ZOOM BINGO

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

For all those music trivia buffs out there, the Prince George Cantata Singers group is hosting a Classic Rock Music Bingo fundraiser on May 14. Dress up as a favourite musician, get the pets in on the fun and get ready to dance and play a traditional bingo game with a musical twist. Because the pandemic has changed the way people are being enter-

tained, the event is virtual, including the specialized bingo cards sent via email. Each bingo card will have a classic rock song title in each block instead of a number, when you hear the song during the game, mark it off and when you’ve got the blocks filled according to the the game you shout “bingo!” from your Zoom Room and win one of the prizes up for grabs. There are more than $1,000 in prizes to

be won and that includes for best costume, cutest pet and best dancer.

The Cantata Singers are one of many non-profits affected by the pandemic Live shows were their main source of income to sustain the choir and because they haven’t been able to perform as often as they used to they need to raise some money

The members of the board brainstormed and then participated in a Zoom Music

Bingo event to make sure it’s what they wanted to do as their fundraiser Prizes include tablewear, gift certificates to Real Canadian SuperStore, Nancy O’s Restaurant, Transformation Day Spa, Books & Co., Long & McQuade, Everything Baby, Starbucks and PG Rental Centre. Classic Rock Music Bingo take place at 6:30 p.m on May 14. Bingo cards are $10 each. Visit pgcantatasingers.ca.

Prince George

Ball teams sidelined until restrictions lifted

TED CLARKE

After more than a year of living in the shadow of a pandemic, the local sports community desperately needs a shot in the arm.

Slowly but surely, the vaccine is providing that lifeline and Paul Wilson is confident that by late spring he will be getting back to playing baseball and fastball as more people get inoculated and the threat of the virus diminishes.

At 46, Wilson would the first to admit his best days as an athlete are well behind him, but playing ball is something he looks forward to every year and right now it’s the kids who are suffering the most while their activities are curtailed by provincial health orders.

“I feel bad for kids missing their sports, I couldn’t imagine being a young kid, it would just suck,” said Wilson. “It just kills me when I drive by on Ospika and see the soccer fields just empty

“I just think there’s more harm being done to kids (not letting them play) but I’m no doctor It’s just unfortunate. Some people want everything locked down and some people want to go back to normal, and when you try to do something in the middle it seems like everybody’s mad. I don’t envy the people making those decisions.”

With case counts still near record levels and the province imposing travel restrictions to discourage people going to and from other health regions, there’s not much hope outdoor leagues will be playing in May, the traditional start of the season. But by July, Wilson thinks the situation could abruptly change for the better

“It’s kind of my hope the vaccine is going to work and there will probably still be some restrictions but at least we’ll be able to play some games,” he said “The fastball league played last year and there was no problem. I didn’t hear of any transmission

or anybody getting it from being at the ballpark last year, and there was no social distancing and no masks there Guys liked it because it was like going back in time, it was the one place COVID didn’t seem to go.”

Wilson made the switch to fastball last summer when the Prince George Grays baseball team joined the Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association in late July, when the Prince George Senior Baseball League decided to suspend its 2020 season. There is a plan in place to revive the senior baseball league and Wilson confirmed the Grays will be part of both leagues if that does happen He says it’s essential for the five-team baseball league to have some kind of league play this summer just to keep players interested. Otherwise there’s a risk of losing them to other activities such as golf or going to the lake, and then it becomes difficult to entice them back to Citizen Field.

“I think for the health of the league we’ve really got to have something this year, and that we at least have some games there so guys don’t completely forget about going to the park,” said Wilson. “It is a challenge because lots of guys have kids and now they’re playing ball and some guys are already kind of part-time now.”

The PGSBL has traditionally given the Prince George Knights 18U team a chance to play at a higher level to prepare the Knights for provincial tournaments and Western Canadian championships and Wilson says it’s vital for the future of the men’s league to continue to provide that opportunity.

‘We need that (Knights) program to be strong and healthy because they kind of feed our men’s league,” he said. “We seem to lose more men than we gain from that every year so we need to make sure that team is playing and that team is doing good.”

Canadian Native Fastball Championships postponed

The Canadian Native Fastball Championships has been delayed until 2022, organizers have confirmed.

The event was set for July 31-August 2, 2021, in Prince George.

“We recognize that the recent vaccinations have improved possibilities However, time constraints do not allow us to host

a successful event,” organizers said in a statement.

“We strongly feel that participating teams and fans deserve a better quality event than we can currently deliver The poor economic climate as a result of the pandemic would make it difficult for both organizers and teams to effectively fund-

raise in time for the tournament.”

The event was to attract close to 80 teams and 1,200 athletes playing in six divisions. Prince George last hosted the Canadian native championship in 2016, and before that in 2006 and 1994.

“We are eager to resume this event in 2022 and we have received support from

the City of Prince George,” organizers said.

In January 2021, city council approved a $48,133 grant to cover facility rental and services costs including rental of port-apotties and new shale for the infield and to purchase a portable backstop and fencing to be used to temporarily convert baseball fields to fastball diamonds.

JAIL TIME SOUGHT FOR DRUG DEALER

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

What to do with a man caught selling drugs in the vicinity of a local social agency was a source of contention during a sentencing hearing last week.

Dean Peter Alexis, 44, faces as much as a further 10 months in jail and as little as time served followed by probation under the options presented by Crown and defence counsels during a hearing at the Prince George courthouse.

Alexis was arrested on Oct. 6, 2018. The day before, he had sold 0.21 grams of cocaine and 0.15 grams of fentanyl to a pair of undercover police officers he encountered at the St. Vincent De Paul Society drop-in centre on Second Avenue. He returned the next day to exchange the cocaine for 0.1 grams of heroin-fentanyl after reloading on that drug.

Crown prosecutor Angie Murray argued for a sentence of two-and-a-half to three years less credit time served prior to sentencing. As of Tuesday, that stood at 788 days. In doing so, she emphasized the dangers fentanyl can pose on users and the number of deaths the drug has exacted in the last few years, both across the province and in Prince George.

She also stressed Alexis’ extensive criminal record of 19 convictions. Although most were for breaches of conditions, it also includes convictions for break and enter, possessing stolen property, assault as well as for one count of trafficking for which he was sentenced to 50 days

Alexis was on probation at the time of his arrest, it was also noted.

Defence counsel Donna Turko argued for time served followed by an unspecified period of probation. She described Alexis’ actions as being at the lower end of the scale in terms of the amount of drugs sold. He was selling the drugs to “fund his own addiction,” the court was told, but whether Alexis is willing to go seek counselling and treatment related to drug addiction was a question

According to a pre-sentence report, he had attended a treatment centre in the past but was expelled and has maintained it would be a waste of time since he has remained clean and sober since he was remanded into custody.

However, when asked during the hearing, Alexis said he has “looked into” attending a treatment centre.

Provincial court judge Susan Mengering reserved decision to a later date.

Drugs, gun seized from suspect

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

RCMP seized a large quantity of drugs and a loaded handgun after resorting to spike belts to stop the driver of a car police said hit speeds of up to 180 km/h last Thursday evening on Highway 97 south of Quesnel.

RCMP used a Taser and pepper spray in the course of apprehending the driver and then secured a search warrant for the car after noticing what appeared to be a large quantity of drugs in the vehicle.

RCMP seized 723 grams of fentanyl, 659 grams of methamphetamine, 445 grams of cocaine, as well as a loaded nine-millimetre handgun with silencer and about $20,000 in cash.

“To put the drug seizure into perspec-

tive, cocaine is sold at the street level in half grams (0.5 grams) and meth and fentanyl are sold at the microgram (0.1 gram) amounts. When you do the math, this seizure took a lot of doses of harmful drugs off the streets,” Quesnel RCMP Cpl. Matt Isaak said. “The fact that this man had a loaded handgun with a silencer is also disturbing and speaks to the level of violence associated to the drug trade.”

RCMP said the spike belts were deployed to prevent the car from making it into the community’s downtown at the end of the business day when traffic is at its heaviest.

Cory Todd Siebolts, 33, has been charged with dangerous driving, fleeing police and resisting arrest and was released on $2,000 bail. A 30-year-old woman was also arrested but later released.

NOTICE OF THE ANNUALGENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given thatthe 2021AGM of the P Prince GeorgeDowntownBusiness Improvement Association will be held as follows: Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 @5:30pm

ATTENDEESMUST PRE-REGISTER BY JUNE 8th, 2021 @12:00 noon. REGISTER AT: www.downtownpg.com/2021-agm DowntownPropertyand BusinessOwnersare responsiblefor ensuring that membershipinformation is completed by May 10th,2021 in order to vote Nominations for the Board of Directors areencouraged by May31st, 2021. All forms areavailable at the DPGoffice or website 1406 2ndAvenue,Prince George,BCV2L 3B6 250-614-1330 •www.downtownpg.com

MARK NIELSEN

Thousands pitch in for city cleanup

TED CLARKE

Last Thursday was Earth Day and local students took a break to get out with their gloves and garbage bags to pick up litter that accumulated over the long winter season.

For one lucky 10-year-old boy, his willingness to clean up his school yard paid off in a big way when he looked down and saw a scrap of brown paper He’d found a $100 bill mixed in with all that trash.

The Earth Day activities laid the groundwork for a small army of volunteers who registered for Sunday’s REAPS (Recycling Environmental Action Planning Society) Spring Clean Up. People descended on parks, parks, river banks, parking lots, roadside gutters/ditches/boulevards and residential neighbourhoods to pick up garbage and beautify the city. They found tires, wood pallets, car parts, appliances and all kinds of paper, metal and plastic waste and piled it up along roadways for city crews to pick up later

Elm Street residents Tim Graham and Pam Hodson were out Sunday morning with their bright yellow Pitch-In Canada garbage bag picking up litter along Patricia Boulevard on the bank overlooking downtown. The retirees go for walks regularly along that stretch of roadway in their neighbourhood and just wanted to do their part to make those walks more pleasant for people.

“We hadn’t done this before so we thought let’s give it a shot and we can do it at our leisure so we don’t have to rush,” said Graham “We’re pensioners with nothing but time.”

Hodson loves getting out to do her own yardwork and keep her garden tidy and she didn’t mind going through the bushes to pick up some of the unsightly trash others had left behind

“We walk every day and we see all the garbage and it just seems to be lying there constantly building up,” said Hodson. “We know they have a cleanup day so we went online to see when it was and we wanted to participate in it.”

They weren’t alone – 2,135 people signed up for the spring clean-up and they adopted 312 kilometres of city roadways as the focus of Sunday’s activity Their clean-up efforts were charted on a map for city truck drivers to follow later for pickups.

“I think this is wonderful, it gets the

communities together and gets them walking around the area and seeing what’s happening,” Hodson said. “It’s beautiful in this area and we just love it.”

Hodson used to live in the Lower Mainland and says there are designated community clean-up days in which people without vehicles can leave out any kind of garbage on their curbs and trucks would come along later to pick it up free of charge. She suggested a similar type of program might work for Prince George.

It was cool start to a sunny Sunday but it

warmed up to 10 C by mid-afternoon.

“It’s a perfect day for it, that’s for sure, we’re pretty blessed,” said McClymont. “The worst complaint I had all week was that somebody went rogue and cleaned up their area before Sunday.”

People from the Christian Reformed Church of Prince George on Masich Drive got their work done on Saturday when they went across the street at Carrie Jane Gray Park and came out with piles of wood pallets and tires people had left in the woods. The piles they collected were picked up later by city parks maintenance staff. McClymont said most schools took part in cleanup activities on Thursday, with kids and teachers concentrating on their schoolyards and high-traffic areas and fast-food restaurants. She said picking up trash is a year-round activity for the volunteers who make up the Prince George Nature Team.

REAPS established five locations with steel dumpsters for people to take all the non-recyclable trash they’ve collected. The containers are located at the REAPS headquarters (1950 Gorse St.), College Heights Secondary School, Hart Mall, Third Avenue and Watrous Street, and in Vanway at the intersection of Bunce Road and Park Drive. The bins are not for hazardous household waste, metal, electronics and yard/ garden waste. Electronics can be dropped off at PG Recycling & Return-It Centre at 2614 Petersen Rd., just off Highway 16 at the bottom of Peden Hill.

Other recyclables and waste can be dropped off free of charge at the landfill off Foothills Boulevard or at city transfer stations.

Everybody who registered is eligible for a draw for a $200 restaurant gift certificate and a draw for a composter and rain barrel.

B.C. First Nations getting behind energy projects

Like all big energy projects, the Cedar LNG export terminal proposed for Kitimat will need to go through a lengthy environmental review process.

The proponents of the $3 billion floating LNG terminal will need to meet numerous conditions to mitigate impacts on land, air and water But satisfying local Indigenous interests and concerns should be a little easier for Cedar LNG. After all, it would be the first LNG project built in Canada that would be owned by a First Nation: the Haisla.

It is one of two energy projects in B.C. that First Nations are pursuing, not as partners, but as majority owners, the other being the Clarke Lake geothermal energy project, which will be owned by the Fort Nelson First Nation.

Although provincial and federal environmental reviews are ostensibly about assessing and trying to mitigate environmental impacts, resource project proponents can tick all the right environmental boxes and still fail if there is strong opposition from local First Nations.

“It is definitely a huge asset to the projects to be owned by First Nations,” Haisla Chief Coun. Crystal Smith said, adding that the Haisla have developed significant capacity and knowledge of the LNG industry over the years.

The biggest challenge for these projects may be securing financing. At three million to four million tonnes of LNG production per year, the Cedar LNG project is about one-third the scale of the LNG Canada project. Its capital cost is estimated at roughly $3 billion. The project still has a long row to hoe in terms of securing financing and offtake agreements and getting an environmental certificate.

One advantage for Cedar LNG is that it won’t need a new pipeline to source natural gas. The Haisla have an agreement with LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink – signed as part of a benefits agreement with LNG Canada – to access some of the natural gas from Coastal GasLink.

The Haisla have project partnerships with Pacific Traverse Energy and Delfin

Midstream, which specializes in building floating LNG terminals.

“The development partners have brought capital to the table to develop the project,” said Jonathan Turner, vice-president of external affairs for Cedar LNG and Pacific Traverse Energy

The proponents hope to be able to make a final investment decision in 2023

In the Clarke Lake geothermal energy project’s case, the Fort Nelson First Nation is getting help from the federal government, which recently committed $40.5 million to the project. The project will also need a BC Hydro electricity purchase agreement, which is still under discussion

The geothermal energy project would generate seven to 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity – enough to power Fort Nelson, which currently gets its power from a natural gas power plant.

In a pre-feasibility report commissioned by GeoscienceBC, the capital cost of the project was estimated at $139 million to $285 million, with a payback period of 12 to 24 years.

John Ebell, senior project manager for

the Barkley Project Group, the Fort Nelson First Nation’s industrial partner, said the proponents think they can build the project’s first phase for slightly less than $100 million.

In addition to producing electricity, the project could also generate heat, which could be used for drying lumber and other commercial purposes.

One advantage of geothermal energy over wind and solar power is that it can produce zero-emission power around the clock. Its big drawback has been the costs associated with proving the resource. It can cost millions to drill a single well, only to find out it lacks the right conditions of temperature and permeability

But Clarke Lake’s geology is already well understood because it is a depleted conventional gas-producing region, with numerous wells, access roads and a lot of geological information.

The Fort Nelson First Nation plans to drill the first production well this summer. A binary cycle power plant is expected to be built in 2023, and first power from the project would be produced around 2024.

Glacier Media

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Pam Hodson and Tim Graham got busy Sunday morning picking up garbage in their residential neighbourhood overlooking the city along Patricia Boulevard.

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the head of the YMCA of Northern B.C., Amanda Alexander is enjoying a convergence of events when it comes to delivering affordable daycare to Prince George.

On Monday, the federal government presented a budget in which $10-a-day daycare was made a top priority.

On Tuesday, the provincial government committed to doubling the number of such spaces in B.C. over the next three years

And on Wednesday the City said work has begun on building a new daycare centre in the downtown - one Alexander’s organization will be operating once it’s opened near the end of this year.

It has amounted to a series of “hallmark” days for Alexander

“For those of us that are in child care and really committed to the importance of early learning and quality of care and great outcomes for children and great outcomes for families and particularly in terms of women’s ability to re-enter the workforce, it’s stellar,” said Alexander, who is the YMCA of NBC’s CEO.

“And quite honestly, I think about my time as a working parent and I was paying child care fees, you knew you might be able to save once child care was done, so $10 a day will be amazing for parents in terms of their quality and affordability of life.”

Under a provincial government pilot program, the Y’s Highland Development Centre has been home to $10-a-day daycare since 2018 Alexander said the program has been “life changing” for the parents and caregivers who managed to get a spot.

Work began last week on construction of a new

She said studies Quebec, where a version has been in place for several years now, show the subsidy is more than paid back in the form of women who can participate in the workforce and pay taxes.

Critics have said the money committed would be better spent on tax credits and direct transfers to families with children.

Alexander disagrees, saying it’s about providing equitable access to quality care.

“If I’m someone that’s living in poverty that might not necessarily be where I’m going to invest my dollars, given my own personal choices, my own personal life and circumstances but if my child gets that building block, it is a game changer for

them in terms of their outcomes,” Alexander said

She said the Y provides a “playing to learn” curriculum based on educational best practices.

To be located next to the Park Hill condominium complex, the new centre is slated to open by the end of this year and will cater to parents who work in the downtown core.

“It’s been a very significant need that we’ve noticed for many years so we were very excited to work with the City to move the centre forward,” Alexander said.

The City secured $4 million for the project - $3 million from the provincial government and $1 million from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

The facility is being built at a fixed price by A&T Project Development Inc. in collaboration with PRD Construction of Prince George. The City has also contracted Colliers Project Leaders to provide project management services.

It will have enough space for 85 youngsters - 12 infant/toddler spaces, 25 group childcare spaces for children ages 30 months to school age, and 48 school-age spaces.

It’s doubtful $10-a-day will be the rate when the centre is opened but Alexander is optimistic that in time, it will be in place

“There’s still a lot of work that needs to happen and the province was very specific around the things that they were looking for - like in terms of diversity, and serving teen parents and having Indigenous children attend the centre for a real cross section,” Alexander said. “We’ll have to be really thoughtful around what the next phase is.”

Program gets seniors moving Quesnel mill

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

After sitting on the couch for a year during the pandemic, one local senior thought it was time to take some action.

Dorothy Friesen just completed the three-month Choose to Move Program geared for those 65 plus who are inactive who wish to become more active, whatever that looks like for them.

“I am 74 and for a while there I was feeling like I was 94,” Friesen said. “It was getting hard to even walk. I knew I had to do something or I was going to end up in a wheelchair.”

Getting groceries, going to meet friends in the park or just going for a walk with her husband were just distant memories until recently

“Now we go for walks every night if the weather is decent, I went to a book club meeting in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and was able to walk to a sunny spot carrying my lawn chair,” Friesen said. “I tell you three months ago I would not have been able to do that. I can move and go grocery shopping and do all those things again.”

Choose to Move is now a virtual program that is free to any senior at any fitness level who thinks a little boost will help motivate them.

“They give you lots of encouragement and get you to set goals and all that kind of stuff,” Freisen said

“They give you access to some online exercise programs and movement programs and that encouraged me to find others and it’s been great ”

There were seven people in the program with Friesen and she looked forward to the weekly meetings.

“They were a great bunch of people,” she said.

Friesen did a number of different things to extend her range of motion, build strength and achieve better balance to prevent falls

“That is so important as we get older,” Friesen said. “People fall and break their hips - I don’t want to be one of those people.”

The program coordinator and activity coach, Lisa Neukomm, said during the program people can access resources within their community and set their goals to what they need

The group gets together for about an hour via Zoom each week for some educational content, as well as for time for participants to share their successes and challenges.

“We would meet with Lisa and she had

a different focus every time so we’d go through all these different things like exercise, diet and mental health,” Friesen explained “It was really good.”

The program begins with a one-on-one session with the activity coach.

“I help them navigate what their goals are and help them successfully lay out an action plan, depending on what their interests are and what their abilities are,” Neukomm said.

“Then we work together to strategize ways to continue to stay on track and provide support for each other and there’s also the social aspect of the sessions.”

The program creates that sense of community during the online sessions as that is an important part of each individual’s success.

“We’ve had lots of success stories within this program,” Neukomm said. “We’ve had people who were pretty house bound and couldn’t even walk a half a block who set a goal to walk a block or walk two blocks and at the end of the program are now successfully being able to go on a 30-minute walk with no problems.”

For more information, visit the website at www.choosetomove.ca

To contact Neukomm email her at Inspiredlifestyles@shaw.ca

Glacier Media

A sawmill in Quesnel that had been permanently shut down is being restarted under a new owner.

Last year, the C&C wood Products sawmill in Quesnel was shut down, putting more than 100 people out of work.

Quesnel has been hard hit by regional sawmill closures and production curtailments during recent years.

In 2019, Tolko Industries permanently closed its Quest sawmill, which had employed 150 workers.

The C&C mill will restart under a new owner, Kandola Forest Products, at the end of this month, the company said in a press release.

Kandola will use lumber to make engineered wood products, interior wall paneling and shiplap, and mass timber glulam products.

Kandola Forest Products is a family business owned by Paul Kandola and led by his son, Neal

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE HANDOUT PHOTO

YMCA daycare downtown.

Judge rejects new pipeline review

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A B.C. Supreme Court Justice has dismissed a bid by a group of Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs to put the Coastal GasLink pipeline project through a new environmental review.

Justice Barbara Norell found the concerns raised by the chiefs, as represented by the Wet’suwet’en Treaty Office Society, fell short of what would have been required to revoke CGL’s environmental assessment certificate for the project.

The chiefs had taken issue with the way the provincial government’s Environmental Assessment Office had dealt an application from CGL to extend the certificate for a further five years.

Originally awarded in October 2014, following a two-year process, the certificate imposed 32 conditions for the project.

In April 2019, CGL had applied for the extension because it had failed to substan-

tially start the work within the certificate’s five-year life and seven months later, in October 2019, the extension was awarded. However, the decision from the EAO was limited to a 1 1/2-page order and without any formal reasons, prompting the WTOS to claim the decision was procedurally unfair

The WTOS also claimed the EAO failed to account for complaints of non-compliance by CGL on the work that had been conducted up to that point and failed to consider the findings of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry that “bear directly” on the project.

Norell dismissed all three claims.

On the lack of formal reasons, Norell noted that an evaluation report concerning CGL’s application, as well as a supporting “tracking tables” and “response document” are posted on the same EAO website where the order is found.

“I find that to the extent there was a duty

to provide an explanation for the Decision, this duty was fulfilled by those documents,” Norell said.

On the complaints of non-compliance, Norell found they were adequately considered during the review and that there was “ample evidence” from EAO inspection reports that CGL was addressing the concerns raised

On the MMIWG report, Norell said the EAO has requested that CGL consider the harms identified and noted CGL is required to provide semi-annual updates of its socio-economic effects management plan.

Now under construction, the 675-kilometre $6.6-billion project is to deliver natural gas from the B.C. Peace to the LNG Canada liquified natural gas plant in Kitimat, also currently under construction.

Cost of that project has been put at $17.7 billion.

According to an April 22 update from CGL, 43 per cent of the project is complet-

ed with 26 per cent of the pipeline now in place and almost all of the route completely cleared.

However, for a 78-kilometre stretch south of Houston that has been at the centre of a dispute with the chiefs, 58 per cent has been cleared and no grading or pipeline construction has been completed. It said site preparation will be ongoing until this summer, with clearing to resume at that time, and grading and pipeline assembly to start this fall.

On April 16, the provincial government said it will provide the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs with $7.22 million to “support work to implement Wet’suwet’en title and rights.”

The step follows on a memorandum of understanding signed by the provincial and federal governments and the chiefs in May 2020, part of an apparent truce that ended a spate of nationwide blockades and protests.

Hunter fined for spotlighting

Glacier Media

A Hudson’s Hope man has been fined $4,750 for illegally hunting with a spotlight.

Justin Thibault pleaded guilty to the charge in Fort St John provincial court on April 12.

Prince George RCMP Serious Crime Unit is investigating the fourth local homicide of 2021.

An adult male was brought into the emergency room at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. with traumatic injuries on April 22.

The police got the call from hospital staff at about 3:30 a.m.

The man died of his injuries

“Preliminary information indicates that prior to arrival at the hospital the male was associated to a residence on the 900 block of Carney Street,” Cst. Jennifer Cooper of the Prince George RCMP, said.

Fastball equipment stolen HOMICIDE PROBE UNDERWAY

“Police are familiar with this residence as it was the subject of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant executed by the Street Crew Unit in March of this year. As such, investigators believe this was a targeted attack and there is currently no risk to the public.”

Anyone with a dash cam who was driving in the area of 10th Avenue and Carney Street between 3 and 6 a.m. on April 22 is asked to call police at 250-561-3300.

If anyone has any information about this or any other criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers.

If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

The fine will go to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

Thibault was also handed a five-year hunting ban, which restricts firearm possession to his home and forbids him from being in the presence of anyone who is hunting.

Court heard the incident took place on Nov 5, 2017 as part of conservation officer sting operation to catch Thibault in the act by placing a decoy deer in a field near Farrell Creek.

He fled from the officers when they attempted to apprehend him.

Court heard that complaints of night

hunting had been received for several years along Farrell Creek Road, prompting COs to conduct surveillance of the area.

In late October 2017, a conservation officer spotted a white pickup truck that had stopped three times along the road, with Thibault allegedly using a mounted light bar and flashlight to spot game.

Officers quickly concluded that the truck belonged to Thibault and put their plan into motion not long after, court heard.

On the night of Nov. 5, Thibault fired two shots from his truck at the decoy after repositioning his vehicle to have the light bar facing the fake deer

He drove on the shoulder of the Farrell Creek Road and evaded two officers who had tried to stop him with their vehicles, court heard.

The officers did not pursue him any further

The truck was seized Dec 11 after it was reported stolen to RCMP and later found, allowing COs to confirm the vehicle belonged to Thibault.

The truck will be returned to him at a later date.

It’s not the first time Thibault has been in court for violating the Wildlife Act. He was arrested in June 2020 after RCMP confiscated a caged black bear cub from a Farrell Creek property as part of a theft investigation.

Thibault was also in court last summer for allegedly harassing an elk on the Peace River in Hudson’s Hope in 2019

COs seized his boat as part of their investigation, which remains under a detention order extended by the courts.

Thieves broke into the Prince George Minor Girls Fastball League equipment locker earlier this month and made off with thousands of dollars in equipment.

Prince George RCMP were called on April 6, after a resident found two large bags of sporting gear abandoned in Freeman Park, according to a statement released by police. Investigators determined the bags belonged to the P.G. Minor Girls Fastball League.

League president Andrew Ferguson told police that the team’s equipment locker on 12th Avenue had been broken into, and more than $5,000 in equipment was missing.

“Given the financial hardships we are already experiencing as a result of the

COVID pandemic, the loss of this equipment puts us in some degree of financial difficulty,” he said. “Hopefully we can recover from this and the 200 girls who play this great game will be able to take to the fields and have a successful, fun filled season. Most of these girls did not play ball last summer, it would be devastating for their well-being to be denied another year.”

The stolen items include:

• Jugs soft toss pitching machine

• Jugs small ball pitching machine

• 2 x Bownets batting nets

• 2 x Easton seven-foot batting nets

• 2 x Easton/Jugs batting tees

• Approximately 24 11-inch Jugs Softie Softballs

• 3 new sets of catchers equipment

(helmet, chest protector, shin/knee guard)

• 48 12-inch Rawlings Red Dot softballs

• 24 11-inch Rawlings Red Dot Softballs

• Team bags

• Assortment of training aids

• Electronics for a scoreboard

• Various bats

Police are asking people to call police if they see any of this equipment being sold locally online, or in person Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call police at 250-561-3300. Tips can also be made anonymously at www northernbccrimestoppers.ca or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477

THIRD WAVE TRAGEDY WAS PREVENTABLE

It seems like the closer we get to the end of the pandemic, the more politically fraught decisions on COVID-19 restrictions get.

Last year at this time, most people just stayed home, faced with so much uncertainty. Everyone was told quite early to be ready for a second wave of cases and hospitalizations in the fall so no one was surprised when restrictions on gatherings and travel returned after a summer pause. Unfortunately, notice of the approaching third wave back in February got lost for many in the midst of the vaccine development and rollout, with production issues, scheduled deliveries unmet, risk of side effects, questions over how long could people go between doses and, of course, who got it first and how

A third wave seemed to not make sense. How could COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths go up when people, particularly the seniors and vulnerable populations hardest hit, were getting vaccinated?

The wild card was the variants, which has hit younger populations fast and hard Too many people travelled and got together in late March and early April for Easter, for Passover, for Ramadan, for spring break or just because it was warming up and the days were getting longer. Case counts exploded from there and by the middle of April, most places in Canada and B.C., including Northern Health, were seeing the number of cases reach record levels not seen in either the first or second wave.

In B.C., Dr Bonnie Henry implored residents during March to stay home, stay safe, be kind, yada yada yada. She saw what was coming but for many she’s become not much different from the boy who cried wolf. Pandemic fatigue is not her fault but the same message delivered the same way by the same person was not the right approach heading into the third wave.

Strong political action, not just in B.C. but also in the other most populated provinces – Alberta, Ontario and Quebec – was needed to support the public health

warnings about the third wave.

Political stripe made little difference when it came to pandemic procrastination by provincial premiers. John Horgan, Jason Kenney and Doug Ford didn’t have the nerve to lay down the law hard in their respective provinces, when most religious groups and a growing number of the secular population were furious about the lesser restrictions already in place in late winter and early spring.

So this week, with cases already peaking and showing signs of plateauing, the Justin Trudeau administration in Ottawa is suspending flights for 30 days from India and Pakistan, Ford is giving tearful apologies in Ontario and the Horgan government in Victoria is rolling out more non-essential travel restrictions and dressing up the notion of police enforcement of these restrictions as similar to Christmas campaigns targeting drunk drivers.

Too little, too late, minimal effect. That’s the reaction of many public health experts.

The sad irony is that the people who

must be the most frustrated by the third wave are the most silent about it. Doctors, nurses and other health care workers, already burned out from fighting COVID-19 for more than a year and dealing with the anguish of patients and their families, are still in the middle of this war

Instead of banging pots and honking horns in thanks outside of hospitals to thank our brave health care workers for their ongoing efforts, most people now seem to be making noise at politicians to loosen up the restrictions.

Sure, the political leaders could have and should have done more, followed the advice of public health officials more.

The small and seemingly harmless actions and inactions of individuals is also a key part of this third wave.

Tragically, more people will still get sick and more will die in our country, in our province and in our communities, just as the bulk of the population gets inoculated from this horrible virus.

- Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

Construction industry must focus on wellness

To say that, as a society, we have a challenge with mental wellness, is to vastly understate the seriousness of a health crisis that is raging out of control. An epidemic before COVID-19, the pandemic-forced social isolation resulting from job losses, the closure of schools and religious institutions, and the cancellation of community events and family celebrations, is compounding the mental health calamity that has gripped our communities.

There remains a widespread hesitancy to talk openly about mental health issues and a cloud of stigma prevents the kinds of conversations that are needed to help people who are struggling. Mental health is an issue running very deep, but very silent –when it surfaces, the consequences are too often deeply tragic for individuals, their families, workplaces and communities.

When I was five years old, my father passed away from an “accident.” It was nearly ten years later that I was told that he took his own life That’s the way things were then – people simply did not talk about these things. In the decades since, there has not been a day that has gone by

GUEST COLUMN

where I have not pondered the “what if” of this profound loss for my family In recent years, I have wondered what it would be like to have the call display on my phone light up with the word “Dad.”

The men and women working in construction are not spared from the human toll of the crisis in mental wellness and the statistics are sobering.

More than half the employed people who have died of opioid overdoses in B.C. in recent years worked in construction. WorkSafeBC reports that mental health claims in construction were up 25 per cent from 2017 to 2019. And, according to the Lancet medical journal, it’s not just accidental overdoses that affects construction either – the risk of suicide for those working in construction is seven times the national average.

There are a lot of resources to help safeguard and improve mental wellness, but not many of them are tailored to construction workplaces and workforces.

Construction contractors and workers have much to be proud of in how effectively they’ve enhanced commitments to workers’ physical safety in recent decades. Now, we must strive to create workplace cultures that foster all aspects of worker wellbeing.

To do that, we need to talk about mental wellness more openly and in every part of construction – on our job sites, in our safety briefings, at our toolbox talks, and in our offices. My organization, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), has spent the past year consulting with contractors, construction workers, and wellness experts to develop a workplace wellness program with the construction worker at its centre.

And because the COVID-19 pandemic has taken such an enormous toll on people, families and their communities, ICBA is offering this new wellness program free to our member construction contractors and their employees.

Developed specifically for the construction industry and its unique challenges, ICBA’s Workplace Wellness program is designed to change the construction workplace culture It’s holistic – addressing diverse, interconnected themes that collectively influence individual wellbeing.

MAILING ADDRESS

505 Fourth Ave. Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

OFFICE HOURS

Everything is designed for the unique challenges of construction – the stress and pressure to meet schedules, the physical toll, life in a remote work camp, and the project driven nature of the work.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety says only 23 per cent of Canadians feel comfortable talking to their employers about mental health issues. We want to help grow that number, especially in construction. The scope and scale of the crisis that is destroying far too many people and families struggling with mental wellness challenges is indeed daunting. Every month, B.C. officials report new record numbers of drug overdoses.

As we rebuild our economy after COVID-19, we must also ensure that we are rebuilding our people. We have to learn how to start conversations and remove the stigma associated with mental wellness. By doing so, we can help countless fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, friends, and co-workers avoid the pain and devastation that too often comes from silence, from saying and doing nothing.

- Chris Gardner is the president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association. Details about ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program can be found at icba.ca/ wellness.

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Democracy has mixed record

Looking at the world through the lens of the media, it is difficult to gain a clear perspective as to what type of government works and what doesn’t, who is a good leader and who is bad, and where the people are happy and where they are not.

We have been taught in the West that democracy is the ideal form of government, and we tend not to question this perspective Perhaps we should.

Africa, for example, was divided by powerful men on a different continent in the late 1800s They created borders that were completely arbitrary to the people actually living in Africa. The result was that people in the same tribe found themselves in different countries, and people in the same countries found themselves with people who did not even speak the same language. The system worked under colonialism because those in power used these differences to pit groups of Africans against each other and thus maintain control. When these countries gained independence, the error of colonial thinking

LESSONS IN LEARNING GERRY

CHIDIAC

became very apparent.

Even many decades after most of Africa has achieved independence, it is difficult for any country there to achieve a stable democracy.

This is not just an African issue Many countries around the world today are ruled by a single, powerful leader.

Whether a dictator is labelled good or bad has more to do with the political alliances of the media outlet providing the report. In addition, many foreign reporters do not reside permanently in the countries they are reporting from and few know the local languages. There is no way they can get a clear perspective on what is happening around them if they are not able to spend sufficient time with locals and earn their trust. For those of us trying to make sense of the world, the news media is

rarely a good source of information

One way to gain better understanding of what is happening in other countries, however, is to objectively study social statistics. How well is the government taking care of its people, especially its most vulnerable? Is the infant mortality rate dropping? Do the people have access to health care? Is the literacy rate improving? Do all children have access to education, regardless of gender or ethnicity?

Given this lens, we can see beyond political alliances and measure the effectiveness of certain governments In Africa, few can rival the success of Paul Kagame in Rwanda, despite his questionable human rights record.

Kagame effectively channelled foreign aid and rebuilt his country from the devastation of the 1994 genocide. Today, health related statistics in Rwanda include an infant mortality rate better than that of South Africa and a life expectancy of 69 years, which is one of the best in sub-Saharan Africa. Literacy rates are more middle of the road for this part of the world, though they are improving, especially

Government debts worrisome

Idon’t like deficits. I am not a fan of debt. Especially government deficits and debts. My reason? We will need to pay off the debt over time and in doing so, some of government revenue that could be used to support people and services ends up being used to service the interest on our debt.

Both the provincial and federal governments tabled their budgets last week with predicted deficits and increases in debt. Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland revealed a federal deficit of $354.2 billion this past year (2020/21). To put that in perspective, the Federal government had revenues and expenses of $354.2 and $373.5 billion respectively in 2019 The deficit was roughly the same size as government in the previous year.

But Minister Freeland did point out the government predicted a deficit for 2020/21 of $381.6 billion so they ended up spending less than they provisioned for Perhaps we will be so lucky in the coming years.

The federal government is predicting a deficit of $155 billion for 2021/22, and more than $50 billion in the following two fiscal years. It isn’t until 2025/26 that the minister is predicting the government will get things under control but even then she is predicting a deficit falling to only 1.1

percent of GDP with the debt-to-GDP ratio of 49 2 per cent

This, of course, is at the federal level. Provincial debt is going to follow suit Minister of Finance Selina Robinson’s budget included an updated forecast deficit for 2020/21 of only $8.1 billion versus the 2020 projection of $13.6 billion, again performing better than expected So it did contain some good news but the minister is predicting deficits for the next few years. Indeed, “debt is expected to increase significantly to finance the investments needed to ensure continued support for British Columbians who need it and a strong economic recovery for B.C.”

As I said, I am not a big fan of government over-spending. Debt can cripple an economy But we are also living under the shadow of a pandemic. And unlike the financial crisis in 2008, this is not one of our own making Viruses and other pathogens have routinely attacked and decimated whole populations over the course of human history. We have been lucky to have avoided

major scourges for the past 100 years and should manage to avoid the death tolls seen during the 1919 pandemic or the Black Death or the Justinian Plagues Looking at Canada’s debt over the past 150 years, sharp increases in the total debt occur during times of crisis and war The First World War saw debt rise from $204.9 million to $1.123 billion or by roughly five-fold. Similarly, the Second World War saw debt rise from $2.29 billion to $10.73 billion, again roughly five-fold The depression in the 1930s saw the national debt double and the previous Conservative government increased the debt from $464.9 billion to $684.2 billion in response to the 2008 financial meltdown.

It is perhaps not surprising then to see both the federal and provincial debts rising as a consequence of the pandemic Economic stimulus will be necessary in order to ensure a recovery.

Governments must spend more than they take in during times of crisis. One can hardly argue the government should not be purchasing vaccines, medical supplies, and hospital equipment. Nor can it be argued the government shouldn’t be supporting workers displaced by the ongoing pandemic. And even helping out a struggling airline seems to make some sense if only to ensure they refund airfare for flights which were cancelled.

among women under 24. Despite being the de facto dictator for over a quarter century, Kagame remains very popular among the Rwandan people

Perhaps the world’s greatest success story with regard to improvements in health and education is Cuba. Today they have a higher life expectancy, a lower infant mortality rate and a higher literacy rate than any other Latin American country and even rival the United States in these areas. Though many Cubans did leave the country during Fidel Castro’s 57-years as leader, those who remained were visibly saddened by his death in 2016.

For years we have supported the leaders who allow foreign financial investors to operate in their countries with the fewest restrictions. That does not determine whether or not a government will be effective in the long run. In fact, it generally leads to instability.

People in developing countries deserve leaders who will prioritize their well-being above all else. In the end, those are also the governments that will remain the most stable.

But government is playing a dangerous game. Or as Bill Robson of the C.D. Howe Institute put it to Global News: “We’re really on a knife’s edge here It they’re lucky with interest rates, if they’re lucky with economic growth rates, then we’ll probably have a stable debt ratio.” But the debt-to-GDP ratio could creep higher if borrowing costs increase or we hit a rough economic patch.

So far, economic recovery is looking healthy Our GDP did grow by 10 per cent in the last quarter of 2019, despite the pandemic or maybe because of it. There is a great deal of economic optimism amongst analysts believing the economy will rebound out of the pandemic in a manner similar to post-war times. And models do suggest the debt-to-GDP ratio will start to decline over time.

But lurking in both budgets is healthcare. The federal budget increases the amount of money transferred to the provinces and healthcare makes up on average about 40 percent of the provincial costs. It is the healthcare system that is under strain with the pandemic. Costs have sky rocketed and it is clear the systems are under-staffed.

Will these costs continue if and when we have COVID-19 under control? And what will the long term costs be given our aging population? Someone will need to pay

Prince George is a beautiful community to

a family and enjoy the outdoors. Please let each of us do our part to keep it that

Faith Furlong Prince George

Young women see different feminist visions

Equality signifies something different to everyone.

As our individual experiences shape who we are, they also highlight the issues most predominant in our lives and, therefore, the injustices we seek most to overcome.

Feminism, the very term in and of itself, may set people up with an opinion of how to respond regarding it - for or againstwhen it should rather be an ever evolving discussion that is neither standing still nor dogmatic.

Monira Akther, a Grade 11 student at College Heights Secondary School, spoke of what feminism means to her and how her experiences have shaped its importance in her life. Monira talked about how specifically as a person of colour, feminism was something she always needed to have growing up.

“You need to speak up for yourself,” she said. Monira explained how her young age is precisely the reason feminism is so relevant to her, as it provides a sense of empowerment and strength that allows her to speak up, regardless of her age. Though she said she has not experienced everything feminism ties into, such as the workforce, it cannot nullify what she has faced in her life so far.

Feminism also provides for her a certain

GUEST COLUMN

NOOR ZOHDY

lens that enables her to feel proactive in striving to advocate for equality within her life.

“Feminism has definitely made me more critical of my culture and the culture that surrounds me, in a way of ‘is this how things really have to be, or can this be reconstructed into something else that’s better?’”

This sense of empowerment won from feminism, however, can sometimes be concealed. Monira and I found that feminism having become this buzzword in the media actually made it less welcoming and seem less universal. It felt like there might not be any room for our specific discrimination and issues, when it became a favourite over-generalized term

Strange as it sounds, it was something of a thrill when we realized feminism could advocate for our rights too. It sounds strange that this was not obvious, but when feminism was inadvertently introduced to us through the media, the lack of representation would have fuelled a

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

More pain ahead

First I would like to thank the Citizen for taking an interest in my plight (Hip replacement can’t come fast enough for local couple).

You were the only ones that did.

We have heard absolutely nothing from Premier John Horgan and nothing from Health Minister Adrian Dix.

Secondly, I would like to thank Citizen readers for their kind words of encouragement.

I phoned my surgeon’s office last week as I had been told by the nurse to phone in the middle of the month as that is when they are advised by the hospital if the OR will be opening in the next month for elective surgeries.

I was told then that there will be no elective surgeries in May.

So for all of us who are suffering with pain, we will suffer for at least another six weeks.

Fingers crossed for June.

We will all remember this pain come election time.

Richard Clements Prince George

Watch for road crews

Road construction season is once again upon us and along with it comes delays, detours and frustrations.

Most drivers like to think of themselves as good drivers but that, in my not so humble opinion, is a load of bumpkus.

Just watch how drivers go through a construction zone.

They get angry, shout at and even throw stuff at road crews and they even aim for the person holding a traffic control sign that is outfitted with bright neon green or orange clothing.

They either don’t pay attention to what the traffic control is telling them or try to hit the traffic controller either intentionally or unintentionally.

I worked on road crews for a couple of years and we learned to never trust a driver going through our site.

Even 28 years ago when I did it, drivers intentionally tried to hit not only our flag people but the people doing the work on the road.

I lost count at how many mirrors a day would hit my back or sides from drivers who were angry about being held up, forced to go slow or just plain not paying attention.

Three times our flag people were run over in one season.

Fortunately, the injuries were minor but two were from inattention and one was intentional because he was upset that he had to wait.

It is even more dangerous for road workers now because many of the drivers are on electronic devices or have vehicles with tons of bells and whistles that they rely on to help them drive.

Lastly, if you see road construction signs on the road yet nobody in sight, you are still required by law to slow down to follow the posted limits and drive at that speed until you are beyond the last set of signs coming from the opposite direction or see

vicious cycle of aversion from us as well. However, beyond the surface, the universality is apparent.

Monira explained how the problems she inherently deals with as a person of colour, in being condescended and stereotyped, seemed altogether avoided when she would try to speak of it in conversation on feminism.

“It either gets brushed off or they get very uncomfortable,” she said how she noticed the overall discussion of race and racial privilege in feminism seemed to be generally averted. And it is very likely again the buzzwords and overgeneralizations that may conflict with this truth and create avoidance and discomfort in its discussion

Education is the way to start when trying to understand any movement; history, of course, plays a massive part in how we think, and hope to improve our world today

Monira and I discussed how fantastic it would be if the fight for feminism could start there, and in schools, with light shed on diverse ranges of women historically Even if it was brief, it would still be there and a part of public knowledge and understanding.

If this was the case, wide ranges of people speaking on feminism would not seem

so outrageous and unnecessary to some and we would be able to far more easily find common ground, even if opinions and perspectives vary.

Having a diverse range of voices within feminism is incredibly important. It is the only way equality could ever be reached. The issues we see today may have far more sources than we expect and a wide range of perspectives is needed to dismantle them.

As Monira said: “feminism is a value, and we use our values when an issue shows itself, but it’s important to analyze the roots of the issues that come up, as there could be a root problem.”

In focusing on these root problems, we could help the wide ranges of people needed to challenge them in the first place.

Feminism becomes incredibly powerful when we open the doors to all of these perspectives. Monira and I talked about how much it empowers us to just know we are not alone.

“There are millions of women fighting for the spot they deserve just like me, and if I know they can achieve theirs, I know I can too,” Monira said. “They’ve finished the path I’m currently on, and if they could finish, so can I.”

- Noor Zohdy is a Grade 11 student at College Heights Secondary

a sign to resume regular posted speeds. If you don’t follow the laws, then I truly hope you have deep pockets for all the fines you will get and no sympathy from me.

Do everyone else a favor and learn to pay attention while driving because I really don’t like seeing headlines of another flag person or road worker being hit because a driver was angry or inattentive.

Dean Soiland Prince George

Airline influence

The federal government is allowing air travel in and out of Canada, including to and from Covid-19 devastated nations like Brazil.

Other than the travel-related industries, particularly the airlines, I’d say there’s no real benefit from such liberty

I believe that when the coronavirus crisis began, big business was the most influential voice to have the ear of government, when it should have been the independent health-sciences community Thus the result was resistance against an immediate halt in travel, including international flights weeks of delay that may have translated into many additional and needless COVID-19 deaths.

When the COVID-19 crisis is over, the same common yet questionable refrain may still prevail among capitalist nation governments and corporate circles, perhaps even left as neglectful of human-health needs as before (which had resulted in the many horrible COVID-19

long-term care-home deaths). Business decision-makers best decide best business practices, including what’s best for the consumers

And our government(s) too often fail to intervene, perhaps out of fear of being labelled ‘anti-business’ in our avidly capitalist culture.

Frank

Big mess near UNBC

I was interested to see UNBC listed as one of Canada’s most green employers. I often walk to the university and the trails around it.

The back of UNBC behind the pellet plant and the forestry lab are wide open to vehicle traffic even though they are marked as trails with signage intended to prevent vehicle traffic.

These areas get used as parking lots, adhoc fire pits and four-wheel drive mud pits.

The trail behind the forestry lab gets used regularly by pickups that travel down this path to the end of 15th Avenue and the fence line along the top of University Way.

It is littered with garbage, there is mud flowing into the creeks and much of the fence line is torn apart.

The parking lot behind the pellet plant is a mess in a similar situation.

I would encourage UNBC and the City of Prince George to put vehicle barricades up to prevent this environmental destruction.

Mike Anderson

Prince George

Sterle Jr White Rock

HORO SC OPES &P UZ ZLES

ACROSS

1. Jewish teacher

6. Obvious

11. Oak seeds

13. New cop

14. Partial return of apayment

15.Implants

16. Racetrack feature

17. Bring up

19. Place

20. Male feline

21. Data

24. Subways’ cousins

25. Feather scarf

28. Pour

29. Work by Shelley

30. Labor

31. Hen product

32. Liable 33. Dormant

34. Ladybug, e.g.

37. Faulty 40. Growl 41. Tint

44. Functional 46. Restaurant

48. Proposed explanation

49. Come into view

50. Did secretarial work

51. Totaled

DOWN

1. Few and far between

2. Some fighter pilots

3. Certain haircuts

4. Bikini part

5. Emcee’s speech, for short

6. Sky sights 7. Soft toss

8. out (barely manages)

9. Military assistant

10. Remainder

12. Junction

PUZZLE NO.815

13. Secondhand

18. Summer quencher: 2 wds.

20. Freight weight

21. Intense fury

22. Criticize

23. Pear-shaped fruit

25. Physique, briefly

26. Liquid gold

27. Ginger

29. Frankly

30. No-win contest

32. Ridiculous

35. Pine or ash

36. Andes pack animal

37. Cigar end

38. Pale

39. Profound

41. Drive cattle

42. Beg

43. Watched

45. Opponent

47. Edward’s nickname

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.

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

CL ASSIF IEDS

January 18, 1938April 30, 2007

Mom,

You are missed so very much

I often sit and think about

The years that have passed by

And of the happiness and joy

That was shared by you and I. I think of all the laughter, Smiles and all the fun

And, before I even know it,

My tears have once again begun.

For, although it brings me comfort

To walk down memory lane

It reminds me of how, without you, Life has never been the same.

Love you always and forever.

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

Your daughter Marni, Ron, Kyle & Cody DENYSE ETHIER

Asorrowfulgoodbye,weloveyou.

Roy Goodkey

May 17, 1936April 16, 2021

Roy passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021. Roy was son to Hilliard and Jesse Goodkey. Preceded by both his parents and sister Arlene. He is survived by his loving wife Sandra, his sons Tal (Valerie), Darcy (Angie) and grandson, Tyler. Brother Ed (Kay) Goodkey, along with many nieces and nephews. Roy was always willing to lend a helping hand to his many friends and neighbours. Whether it be hauling cattle to auction, fixing fences or flooding the local community rink. He truly loved being on the farm, even though the hours were long and the work was challenging, he always had a smile on his face and a strand of Timothy grass in his mouth.

We would like to send a very special thank you to the amazing staff at Hospice House who took such special care of Roy. We kindly ask in lieu of flowers or gifts donations be sent to Hospice House.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JEANETTE FRASER

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Purych,RandellM. March12,1961-April3,2021 Itiswithheavyheartsandfondmemoriesthatwe announcethepassingofRandyPurychinMedicineHat, AlbertaonApril3rd,2021attheageof60years.Randy issurvivedbyhisson,Nathan(Nicole)Purych; stepdaughter,Leigh-AnnCorris;granddaughter,Faith Purych;mom,AnnaPurych;stepfather,MikeYasinchuk; sisters,Carol(Ernie)Bespoyasny,LynnPurych,Twyla andDeneenYasinchuk;aswellasnumerousnieces, nephews,aunts,uncles,andcousins.Randywasbornin Hinton,AB,andraisedinPrinceGeorge,BC.Asayoung adultherelocatedtoFortSt.John,BCworkinginthe oilfield.Later,hemovedtoWilliamsLakeworkingasa cook/chef,then,in1996,herelocatedtoMedicineHatAB workinginoilfieldandconstruction.Randyenjoyed golfing,playingpokerwithhisfriends(hehadmany), music,fishing,camping,cooking,andsocialgatherings. Helovedhangingoutwithhisfriendsandishomewas theirhomeandhisdoorwasalwaysopen.Randywas predeceasedbyhisfather,MetroPurych;siblings,Pam andRockyPurych;sister-in-law,KathleenPurych; brothers-in-law,GordonHerbstandKennethOkimaw; nephew,MatthewYasinchuk;niece,babyJodiPurych; andgrandparents,CarolineandArtBoles.Thefuneral servicetookplaceatSAAMISMEMORIALFUNERAL CHAPEL,#1DunmoreRoadSE,MedicineHat,ABon ThursdayApril15,2021at1:00pm.Inlieuofflowers, donationscanbemadeatMedicineHatSPCA. Condolencesmaybesentthroughwww.saamis.comorto condolences@saamis.comsubjectheadingRandy Purych.

June 2, 1940 - April 20, 2021

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Husband, Father, Papa, brother, uncle and good friend Bill Cowpar.

Bill was born and raised in and around Beaverlodge, Alberta. He came to Prince George in the early 1960’s where he worked in the logging industry until he retired. He is survived by his wife Sharon of 56 years, daughters Lyanne (Dean) Jardine and Lenae (Scott) Cowpar-Allen. Beloved grandchildren Riley, Abbey, Trae, Brodie and Lindsay. His siblings Rose Nielson, Anne Thompson, Joyce (Bruce) McCaig, Mary McDonnell, Mabel Lusk, Larry Cowpar and Barb (Ross) Robinson and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will follow at a later date…………Pum, Pum, Pum.

Cowpar, William (Bill)

In Memoriam

Loreta Burden

DAVID PEACOCK

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Peacock,LorneM. May30,1942-April17,2021

LorneMcKenziePeacockpassedawaypeacefullyinhis sleep.HeleavesbehindhislovingwifeGinaPeacock,and his3sons,David(&Alex)Paul&Bryan,hisbrother Marty&sisterinlawBetty,nephewDean,nieceRiki,and 6grandchildren.

Lornewasanavidsportsfan:fromplayingBasketball,to coachingBaseball&Hockey,tobeingaPGCougars SeasonTicketHolder,tocheeringforhisbeloved VancouverCanucksandBCLions,hecouldalwaysbe foundatlocalsportingeventsandwasalwayswillingto shareasportsstorywherehehadanuncannytalentto recallsportsplayersjerseynumbersandobscure statistics.

Lornewasarailroaderthroughandthroughandtruly lovedall36years...staringwiththePacificGreatEastern in1965andretiringfromtheBCRailin2001.Heformed manylastingfriendshipsduringthistimeandalwayskept intouchwithhisrailroadbuddies.

Atalaterdatetherewillbeacelebrationoflife.

Heather Ashley Blues

1983-2021

On Friday 16 April, 2021, Heather passed away at the age of 38.

Heather was born 29 March 1983 in Surrey to Frank and Jennifer Blues. Heather graduated from College Heights Secondary and from the Culinary Arts program at the College of New Caledonia.

Heather grew up in Prince George and loved life. She was a longtime member of the Bel Canto Children’s Choir. Heather fondly recalled her trips aboard the SALTS sail training vessels and enjoyed her outings to watch the Prince George Cougars with her dad. Heather moved with her parents and her best friend Angus, her toy poodle to Courtenay in 2019 where she enjoyed the occasional golf game and ten-pin bowling.

Predeceased by her sister Frances, Heather is survived by her brother Fraser and her parents Frank and Jennifer. Heather’s sudden demise due to Trichothiodystrophy - a rare genetic disorder, was a shock to family and friends. Her quiet, gentle and friendly personality will be dearly missed.

Family and Friends will be advised of a date when we can meet to pay our respects to Heather when her remains will be interred at the Prince George Cemetery beside her sister Frances.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Heather’s name to the Canadian Diabetes Association, to the BCSPCA or to a charity of your choice.

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Gomes,Beatriz

February15,1925-April16,2021

Beatriz(Bea)Gomeswasadevotedwife,caringmother, grandmother,greatgrandmother,sister,andfriend.Itis withprofoundsadness,thatweannounceherpassingon April16,2021,inVancouver,BC,attheageof96,aftera briefbattlewithpneumonia.Sheleftthisworld,sleeping peacefully,withhersonatherside.

BeatrizwasbornonFebruary15,1925,inCoutada, Portugal-oneoffourchildrenborntoAntonioDias& MariaRosaria.Shehadmanycherishedmemoriesofher earlyyearsandattheageof26,shemarriedher husband,JoseGomes.Ayearlater,theyhadtheirfirst son,Cesario.In1958thefamilymovedtoCanada.They brieflysettledinPrinceRupert,Longworth,andthen Giscome,wheretheirsecondson,Cesar,wasborn.Inthe early’70stheymovedtoPrinceGeorgewhereBeatriz livedforthenext45yearsuntilabriefstayinVancouver. Beatrizlovedtomakefoodandthispassionledhertoa careerofcookingandcateringattheElksClubuntilshe retired.Whenshewasn’tatwork,shewouldbeinthe kitchenathome,cookingorbakinggenerousamountsof breadforherfamily.Shelovedtogarden,andheryard wasalwaysfullofflowers,vegetables,andappletrees. Shehadawonderfulvoiceandlovedtosingandnothing wouldmakeherhappierthanhavingherhusband accompanyherontheharmonica.Shewasskilledat crochetandcreatedmanybeautifulpiecesovertheyears. ShewasadevoutCatholic,wenttochurchregularly,and prayedtherosarydaily.Shelovedanimalsandadored herdogNala.Butmostofall,shewasadevotedwifeand motherwhowoulddoanythingforherfamily.

Beatrizwillbedearlymissedandleavesbehindherson Cesar;fourgrandchildren:Natalie(Tomasz);Nathan (Lauren);Peter;andMichael(Tess)andfourgreatgrandchildren.Sheispredeceasedbyherparents, brothersandsister,husband(Jose),son(Cesario),and othercherishedfamilyandfriendswhoawaitherin heaven.

PrayerswillbeheldatAssman’sFuneralChapelinPrince George,onSunday,April25,2021,at7:00&8:00pm. FuneralMassforthefamilywillbeheldonMonday,April 26,2021,at1:30pmatSacredHeartCathedral.Burial ServicetofollowatthePrinceGeorgeCemetery.

Insteadofflowers,donationscanbemadetotheBC Heart&StrokeFoundationinmemoryofBeatriz.Tributes canbemadeonlinewww.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Michael Scott McPherson

1974-2021

Michael McPherson, 46, of Calgary, AB, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 27, 2021.

Michael, born June 13, 1974 to Daniel and Joanne McPherson in Calgary, spent most of his youth in Calgary. He later moved to Edmonton in his 20s where he met his late wife Nicole and her two children Alexa and Justice, who he regarded as his own. They had two more sons together, Gabriel and Gideon. They later moved to Prince George, BC, to be closer to Nicole’s family. In the summer of 2013, he tragically lost his beloved Nicole and their unborn son Nixon from complications during pregnancy. Michael also lost his first son Daniel McPherson in a train accident in 2012. During this time, Michael was a rock for his four remaining children and inspired awe in the people around him for his positive attitude and ability to keep living life to the fullest.

Michael was blessed to meet his second wife, Leah, in late 2013. In the same way that Michael was able to show unconditional love to his stepchildren, Leah became a mother to his, creating a beautiful family that also included her three children Kage, Kyra, and Deven. In 2014 Leah was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and once again Michael acted as the rock for his family, handling doctor’s visits and long-distance travel with grace. Thankfully, the cancer went into remission and Michael and Leah eventually moved to Calgary in 2019 where he could be closer to his own family and the varied nature of Alberta that he loved so much. He remained living in Calgary until his passing, going on many hikes and outdoor adventure trips with his family; providing endless support to his loved ones; and participating in a multitude of hobbies and interests that he was ultimately known for.

He had a passion for gaming in all forms and was rarely seen idle. He was exceptional at nearly everything he did, from his collecting of many, many, many flashlights, and his abundant hobbies and crafts.

Michael, also known as Oli Einarsson, Robert the Traitor, The Great White Bear of the North, and The Most Ferocious Kitten of Tir Righ, had a resounding passion for the Society of Creative Anachronism where he gained many brothers and sisters by way of his vigor in smashing shield walls, remarkable skills in the arts and sciences, infectious smile and just being a genuinely awesome guy. He was always eager to help any way he could with events and group business.

He had a great love for bushcraft and hunting and was always prepared for anything. If you needed it, he had it. He was so proficient with a bow that he was asked to join the Olympic team in his younger years but turned it down in favour of his academic studies at the time.

Michael put many of his skills to use as a volunteer for Search and Rescue for several years of his time living in Prince George. He also volunteered by teaching school children how to survive outside with the Hug-A-Tree program. He was a fountain of knowledge, generosity, strength of character, and heart. If you needed advice, a laugh, a fire, or a beer he was always willing.

Michael leaves behind his devoted wife Leah, and treasured children Alexa, Justice, Kage, Kyra, Deven, Gabriel, and Gideon. His parents Dan and Joanne, his brother Brian (Andrea), his mother-in-law Marion (Alan), sisters and brothers-in-law Barbara (Tyler), David (Jody), Bruce (Lindsay), and Saranna (Mike), and countless others he cherished.

He is predeceased by wife Nicole and sons Daniel and Nixon. Hold them tight Michael, as we left behind hold each other now. Until we meet again. Due to Covid restrictions, a memorial is being delayed until it is safe to gather in larger numbers.

CESAR GOMES

Toys/Games/Puzzles

John Francis Ryan

Sep 12, 1940Apr 15, 2021

John Francis Ryan of Vernon, British Columbia died peacefully on April 15, 2021 at the age of 80. He was born on September 12, 1940, to John and Mary Ryan in Toronto, Ontario. He grew up the eldest of 5 children. After WW2, his family moved to Vernon and then to Kelowna, B.C. until 1949, when the family moved to Nelson, B.C. where John grew up and attended school.

John married his first wife Pearl Fulkco in 1961 and continued to reside in Nelson until 1965, when they moved to Quesnel and later Prince George, B.C. John and Pearl had 3 children together: Tracy, John, and Christine. After they divorced John married Faye Weir in 2001, who already had 2 children of her own, Tracy and Garrett.

John was a Financial Advisor for CIBC Wood Gundy and its predecessor companies in Prince George, B.C. for 37 years, and during that time he won numerous awards. He retired as their Manager in 2006, when he and Faye moved to Vernon, B.C. John was also the majority owner of Uniglobe Sunburst Travel in Prince George from 1981 until his death.

John lived a full and active life, travelling the world. He visited over 100 countries either on his own, with Faye, his siblings, or his children. He was also an adventurer, hiking the Chilkoot Trail in 2000, Mt. Whitney in 2001, to the base camp of Mount Everest in 2003, Mount Kilimanjaro in 2004 and he climbed down the Grand Canyon and back up with his son in 2010 as well as many hikes to Mount Robson. For the past fifteen years he and Faye enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona and a few weeks each year in Maui.

He enjoyed golfing, photography, fishing, and investing in the stock market. He was an avid reader with an excellent library in his home.

John is predeceased by his parents John and Mary, his brother Larry, his sister Sue, and his granddaughter Sianna.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, 5 children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, his brother Ted Ryan (Carol) and sister Kay Schweitzer (Wayne).

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com

Messages

How to write a classified ad that works.

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

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

• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Established Franchise Photography Business Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years

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

Serious Enquiries Only Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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. Serious Inquires Only Office (250)997-9003 Home (250)997-5538

Nominations

ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

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

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

The 2020 Annual Report and Operational Review will be presented via zoom. Questions from the public will be taken in advance via email. Please send them to info@pgairport.ca before May 5, 2021 Meeting log in details can be found on our website: www.pgairport.ca Please be

is

NOTICEOFLEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Reference #PPC-03-21/26

As per the Integrated Pest Management Act of British Columbia, Section 61(1) this is Public Notification that:

Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina) is performing vegetation management on its facilities, rights-of-way, and related infrastructure within the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Peace River, Fraser-Fort George, Cariboo, and Thompson-Nicola Regional Districts as a public and employee safety measure and maintenance procedure from the years 2021 - 2026, a 5-year program. Associated communities in these regions are Fort St John, Chetwynd, Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake, Clinton, Kamloops and other smaller communities.

Select treatments including mechanical, manual, preventive and herbicides will be used at a low rate of application to control the growth of unwanted vegetation. This will reduce any potential fire risk, maximize public safety, and allow access to facilities and rights-of-way for maintenance and operational data collection. Pembina fenced facilities should only be accessed by authorized personnel.

These select treatment applications may also be used in accordance with the Weed Control Act by orders from the B.C. Ministry or local jurisdictional authorities. Herbicides will be applied by backpack sprayers with wands and ATV with spray tanks and power nozzles.

The trade name and active ingredient of the herbicides to be used are:

• Trade names that are proposed for use in this integrated pest management plan: VP 480, Arsenal, Clearview, Milestone, Navius VM, Escort, Banvel VM, Startup, Garlon XRT, 2,4-D amine, MCPA amine, Esplanade SC, Lontrel 360, Torpedo, Gateway, Hasten NT, LI700.

• Active ingredients that are proposed for use: Glyphosate, Aminopyralid, Metsulfuron-methyl, Aminocyclopyrachlor, Imazapyr, Dicamba, Triclopyr, 2,4-D, MCPA, Indaziflam, Clopyralid, Flumioxazin, Pyroxasulfone, Adjuvant, Surfactant.

Copies of the pest management plan and maps are available at request. For more information please contact: Pembina Pipeline Corporation

Attention: Ksenia Privalova, Specialist, Environment 4000, 585-8th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1G1 kprivalova@pembina.com

Phone: 403-231-6325

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of this IPMP may send copies of the information to the email address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

LAKE BABINE NATION NOTICE OF NOMINATION MEETING

Notice is hereby given that Lake Babine Nation has called Nomination meetings for the 31st of May, 2021, in accordance with its Election Code (2003) for the purpose of nominating: one (1) Chief; four (4) Woyenne Councillors; two (2) Fort Babine Councillors; two (2) Tachet Councillors; and one (1) Old Fort Councillor, to be elected on the 22nd June, 2021, for the next ensuing Term of Office.

Nomination documents and the official Voters List of all Eligible Electors shall be posted and available during regular business hours at the Administration Offices of the Lake Babine Nation; can be requested from the Electoral Officer; and will be available to download at: https://www.onefeather.ca/nations/lakebabine

NOTICE OF VOTING

ADVANCE POLLS 12 JUNE, 2021

WOYENNE - TACHET - FORT BABINE 12:00NOON - 8:00PM

Notice is hereby given that nomination meetings of the Eligible Electors of the Lake Babine Nation will be held in Woyenne, Tachet, and Fort Babine on the 31st of May, 2021, beginning at 4:30PM and lasting until 8:30PM, for the nomination of candidates for the positions of: one (1) Chief; four (4) Woyenne Councillors; two (2) Tachet Councillors; two (2) Fort Babine Councillors; and one (1) Old Fort Councillor, for the ensuing term

PLEASE NOTE that any Eligible Elector may nominate or second candidates by using a mailin nomination form and voter declaration OR you may nominate or second candidates in person at the nomination meeting Nomination forms and completed, signed and witnessed voter declaration forms MUST BE RECEIVED by the Electoral Officer before the time set for the nomination meeting OR you may nominate or second candidates at the nomination meeting.

REGULAR POLLS 22 JUNE, 2021

WOYENNE - TACHET - FORT BABINE SMITHERS - PRINCE GEORGE VANCOUVER 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Eligible Electors may vote in person at any of the the voting places (the Polling Stations) during the Advance or Regular Polls.

Given under my hand at Victoria, British Columbia, this 18th day of March, 2021

Nicole Hajash, Electoral Officer

LAKE BABINE NATION NOTICE OF ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that Lake Babine Nation has called Nomination meetings for the 31st of May, 2021, in accordance with its Election Code (2003), for the purpose of nominating: one (1) Chief; four (4) Woyenne Councillors; two (2) Fort Babine Councillors; two (2) Tachet Councillors; and one (1) Old Fort Councillor, to be elected on the 22nd June, 2021, for the next ensuing Term of Office

NOMINATION MEETINGS - 31 MAY,

CANDIDATE FORUM MEETINGS

Given under my hand at Victoria,

For more information please contact: For mail-in ballots and address updates: Nicole Hajash, Electoral Officer Email: nicole@onefeather.ca

OneFeather Support Email: support@onefeather.ca Office: 250-384-8200 TF: 1-855-923-3006 Fax: 250-384-5416 209-852 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C., V8W 1H8 https://www.onefeather.ca/nations/lakebabine

GO FOR GOLD.

Choose your FRONT DOOR with care

Your front door serves both as protection against the outside and insulation for your home.Ofcourse,youalsowantadoorthat youlikethelookofandthatgoeswellwith the rest of your home. Here are a few tips tohelpyoumaketherightchoice

Dare to THINK PINK

Pink?Yes,thiscolourishot.Ithasn’tbeen onthehomedecorchartsforquiteawhile, butnowwe’reallcatchingup.Areyoudaringenoughtotryit?

If you want to customize your front door, you can opt for one with a stained glass window Bear in mind that the bigger the window,the less efficient the insulation will be, although double glazing will help providemoreenergyefficiency

Now all you have to do is choose the type ofdoorthatsuitsyoubest.

Themostpopularmaterialforfrontdoorsis steel. Easy to maintain and durable, it also givesexcellentvalueformoney Inaddition, it’sidealforallarchitecturalstyles.Youlike the look of wood? While a wooden door can add curb appeal to your property, it’s going to be less effective as far as insulation is concerned. If you go ahead with wood, be sure to use the latest in weather stripping, which is more efficient than it used to be. Many woodendoorshavealsobeen designed to prevent warpingwithtime. Are you looking for a durable material that is resistant to shocks, cracking and warping? Fiberglass will meet all these expectations. This type of door is almost indestructible and doesn’t require maintenance, but it is more expensive than steel. Stores now also stock PVC doors with excellent energy efficiency. They are resistant to weather-wear, scratching and UV rays, but they’re more expensivethansteeldoors.

Of course, there’s no question of painting your walls bright pink. The idea is to use it to add pep, femininity and even a touch of daring to your home. Why not add a pink pillow to your white sofa or put a fuchsia bench in your kitchen? You couldalsohangpinkpatterned wallpaperinyourfronthallor yourbathroom.

You want a warm and modern decor? Choose a mix of pale pink, white and copper, and Bob’s your uncle. You’d rather have a glamorous and sophisticated look? Combine pink with black.You’d like an eleganttouch?Addsomegrey

The trend is towards warm and glamourous pinks that are great for any room as long as youuseitwithmoderation.Be daringandtrydifferentshades. Go back to your childhood with candy pink; use sugared almond pink to create a cozy

room that cries out “TLC.” Awaken your tastebudswithpinksorbet,oraddatouch ofcharactertoyourhomewithfuchsia. If you’re looking for a colour that brings optimism, peace and the joy of living intoyourhome,thenlooknofurther:pink isperfect.

Kaycie

Janine

Donna Badowski***

Jasmine

What type of KITCHEN COUNTERTOP should you choose?

Haveyoudecidedtoremodelyourkitchen, but you don’t know what type of countertop to choose? There’s lots of choice out there.Herearejustafewideas. Laminate is affordable, easy to care for and shock resistant. However, it scratches easilyandhasverylittleheatresistance.

Wood is timeless and perfect for a warm, rusticlook.Ithaslittleresistancetoshocks, cuts, heat and water It also absorbs food odours.Itcanbeexpensiveandneedstobe treatedonceamonth.

Concrete is shock-, stain- and heat-resistant as well as easy to maintain. However, it may crack and it requires the regular application of a sealant.

Quartz gives a very elegant look, is easy to maintain and is resistant to scratches, heat and stains. It is rather expensive.

Graniteisstylishanddurable as well as scratch- and heat-resistant. It’s also easy to clean. It’s expensive and a sealant needs to be applied everyyear

A few tips for giving your home a NEW LOOK

Youwant to sell yourhome as quickly as possible? Steal the best tricks from home stagingspecialistsforaquicksale.

Start by making your home more welcoming.Goodlightingisthesecret,sodon’t be afraid to open curtains and blinds to create as many sources of light as possible. This will also make rooms seem larger.Ofcourse,aspotlesslycleanhome is essential, and don’t forget to eliminate anybadsmells(animals,cigarettesmoke, foodanddampness,etc.).

A good cleanup never hurts, but this is eventruerwhenitcomestosellingahome. De-clutter your rooms while keeping a certain sense of balance. Make sure it’s easy to move around in them. Thinkaboutstoringfurnitureandobjectsthatmake rooms look crowded or thatcouldturnoff prospective buyers You shouldalso depersonalize your home by removing personal items such as familyphotos.

Highlighting the most beautiful features of yourhomeisanotherimportant aspect of home staging (fireplace,

mouldingsandpanelling,etc.).Thiswill give it more character and make it stand out from other properties on the market. Of course, you should be sure to do any smallrepairjobsandreplacewallcolours withmoreneutralshades,ifnecessary

The first thing potential buyers see is the outside of your home, so replace any torn windowscreens,andwashthesiding,doors andwindows.Aboveall,remembertokeep youryardlookingneatandtidy Lastly,the best way to maximize your chances of sellingistolookatyourpropertyfromthe point of view of a potential buyer That’s right; it’s already time to start detaching yourselffromyourhome.

Marble is elegant and timeless. It’s resistant to water, heat and wear and is easy to care for However, it’s expensive and susceptibletostains,andasealantneedsto beappliedeverysixmonths.

Glass is elegant and trendy; it’s heat resistant and is suitable for all decors.

Corian is designed for strength and is appreciated for its antibacterial qualities. Stainless steel is hygienic and heat resistant, and it gives a stylish industrial look to the kitchen.

Now all you have to do is make a choice basedonyourneeds,preferencesandbudget

Simple and effective STORAGE SOLTIONS

You need more space? It feels as though youneverfinishtidyingup?Whatyouneed are some new storage solutions. There are loads of ways to reorganize your closets, including the addition of removable wire shelves or opting for hanging rods and customizedshelves.

Yourbedcanalsobeahandystoragetool.

If you’re buying a new bed, choose one with integrated drawers or simply use the spaceunderyourbedtostoreclearlyidentified boxes. If you’re desperate for more space, you could also opt for a Murphy bed that can be transformed into a desk during the day Free up your nightstands byoptingforpendantlights.

Keep things tidy with a coat rack in your fronthallandaremotecontrolorganizeron thecouch.Doyouhavepilesofshoes,ties, belts and accessories hanging around your

bedroom? Hang a shoe organizer inside a closet or buy a shoe rack. Use drawer dividerstoorganizeallyouraccessories. Are the kids’ toys always in the wrong place?Get a decorative wall storage unit to put in their bedroom. Your kitchen cabinets are overflowing? Hang your pots andpansonaceilingrack.Youdon’tknow wheretoputallyourspices?Whynotinstall aspicerackinoneofyourkitchencabinets insteadofleavingthebottlesorbagsouton thecounter?

Storeyourbathroomproductsinattractive containers and replace the towel bar with hooks so that you can hang more towels withouttakingupmorespace.

Follow these tips, and you’ll no longer wastetimesearchingforlostitemsandfeeling discouraged because your home is in aconstantmess.

Fantastic area, close to all schools, 4bdrms, 2baths -backing onto greenbelt- fully finished up/down

$1,190,000

Stunning

5201

Completely renovated top to bottom, 4 bdrms/ 3baths total .Seperate suite w laundry,&seperate deck spaces!

2600

701 -HWY 97B, SALMON ARM, BC

$985,000

A mortgage tailor-made for you

Each and every product available onthemortgagemarketresponds to a specific need Because there is such a wide range of mortgage products to choose from, it’s only normal to feel a little lost when the time comes tomakeachoice Fortunately,themortgage brokerage services offered by (insert name here) will help you find the bestmortgageforyoursituation.

Purchasing a home is a major investment, probably the biggest one you’ll ever make As a result, the process of finding the best mortgage product possible should not be taken lightly. Financial institutions offer many different options,andthebrokersat(insertname here) are able to do all the research necessary to determine which of these productsismostappropriateforyou.

Acting as intermediaries, our mortgage brokersnegotiatethebestratespossible for their customers. Their services are free;theyarepaidbythelendingfinancialinstitutions

Planning to buy your first home? You wanttosellyourhomeandbuyanother one? You’d like to refinance your mortgage and free up funds for a big project that’s important to you? It’s time to renew your mortgage and this time you wanttobesuretohavethemostsuitable mortgage product possible? All these are good reasons to consult the brokers at (insert name here). We’ve been offe-

ring personalized service for over (insert number of years) years, a service thatisbothreassuringandprofitablefor ourcustomers

After careful analysis of your situation, ourteamwillprovideyouwiththeright advice and guide you to the mortgage products designed to meet your needs. If you’re self-employed, a newcomer to theareaorifyou’vehadcreditproblems in the past, our brokers can help you obtain the type of mortgage financing youwant

At(insertnamehere),wealsofillinyour mortgage applications to financial institutions. Of course, it’s always a good ideatoknowwhatyourbudgetshouldbe before you start shopping around for a house, condo or piece of land. In that case, don’t hesitate to make an appointmentwithourbrokersforapre-approved mortgage. In addition to determining yourborrowingcapacity,you’lldemonstrate how serious you are to vendors, which gives you an advantage when negotiatingthepurchaseofahome

Mortgage payments will be a significant part of your budget for years to come, so lots of factors should be taken intoconsideration.Thankstotheexpertiseofthebrokersat(insertnamehere), you can be sure of getting the answers to all your questions. Finding the mortgagethatisrightforyouhasneverbeen sosimpleandstress-free.

MarcieMatthews 250-565-1177

Wanda Maundrell 250-219-9993

Julia

Rylee

250-617-7731

778-349-1409

Gaetano

Brad Messum 250-552-9860

Mike

778-258-0064

DarcyPorsnuk

George

250-960-9556

250-565-1170

Daryl Muchowski

JeffRushton

Rod Walker

Linda Warren

Nick VanRensburg

Dalin Weaver

Helena Samzadeh

Shandler

Porsnuk

Tammy VandeNobelen

Schlamp

Kyle Todoruk

Weinand

Andy Wilhelmsen

Moseley

meghann.miller@royallepage.ca

3072 WALLACE CRES $459,999

MLS #R2567734

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, yoga anyone? This home is amust see!

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!

7480 CARIBOU RD $559,999

MLS#R2567723

This nicely renovated home sits on a.35 acrecornerlot with apull through double garage and RV parking. 2bedrooms and 1bath upstairs with anew kitchen with corian countertops is astunner! In the basement is 1bedroom and 1bath with alarge recroom and living room great for entertaining. The sunroom is full of windows and has doors into the garage and the backyardfor an oasis within the city! The large deck and patio aregreat for entertaining with abeauty view! New furnace, all new windows and doors, new led lighting, and many moreupgrades this is amust see!

905 LA SALLE $324,999

MLS R2526348

This nicely updated, three-suite, multi-family home on alarge lot is stepsawayfromthe river and Paddlewheel Park. These units have been updated in the past five years with newer hot water tank. This large lot with two shedsmakes for agreat outside space.

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

Speak with Owner & Managing Broker,Rod McLeod,Associate Brokers, David Blackand Melanie LupulatRoyal LePage, the largest Real Estate Brokerage in NorthernBC. We have acomprehensive training program to kick-start your career.

100 YEARS OFSUCCESS

Helping you SUCCEED is what we do! Aspire Realty

Choose your FRONT DOOR with care

Your front door serves both as protection against the outside and insulation for your home. Of course, you also want a door that you like the look of and that goes well with the rest of your home. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice. The most popular material for front doors is steel. Easy to maintain and durable, it also gives excellent value for money. In addition, it’s ideal for all architectural styles. You like the look of wood? While a wooden door can add curb appeal to your property, it’s going to be less effective as far as insulation is concerned. If you go ahead with wood, be sure to use the latest in weather stripping, which is more efficient than it used to be. Many wooden doors have also been designed to prevent warping with time.

Are you looking for a durable material that is resistant to shocks, cracking and warping? Fiberglass will meet all these expectations. This type of door is almost indestructible and doesn’t require maintenance, but it is

more expensive than steel. Stores now also stock PVC doors with excellent energy efficiency. They are resistant to weather-wear, scratching and UV rays, but they’re more expensive than steel doors.

If you want to customize your front door, you can opt for one with a stained glass window. Bear in mind that the bigger the window, the less efficient the insulation will be, although double glazing will help provide more energy efficiency.

Now all you have to do is choose the type of door that suits you best.

Dare to THINK PINK

Pink? Yes, this colour is hot. It hasn’t been on the home decor charts for quite a while, but now we’re all catching up. Are you daring enough to try it?

Of course, there’s no question of painting your walls bright pink. The idea is to use it to add pep, femininity and even a touch of daring to your home. Why not add a pink pillow to your white sofa or put a fuchsia bench in your kitchen? You could also hang pink patterned wallpaper in your front hall or your bathroom.

You want a warm and modern decor? Choose a mix of pale pink, white and copper, and Bob’s your uncle. You’d rather have a glamorous and sophisticated look? Combine pink with black. You’d like an elegant touch? Add some grey. The trend is towards warm and glamourous pinks that are great for any room as long as you use it with moderation. Be daring and try different shades. Go back to your childhood with candy pink; use sugared almond pink to create a cozy

room that cries out “TLC.” Awaken your taste buds with pink sorbet, or add a touch of character to your home with fuchsia. If you’re looking for a colour that brings optimism, peace and the joy of living into your home, then look no further: pink is perfect.

Donna Badowski***

We would L VE to be yo ur Re altor ® .

Experienc e the Power of Te amwork

What type of KITCHEN COUNTERTOP should you choose?

Have you decided to remodel your kitchen, but you don’t know what type of countertop to choose? There’s lots of choice out there. Here are just a few ideas. Laminate is affordable, easy to care for and shock resistant. However, it scratches easily and has very little heat resistance. Wood is timeless and perfect for a warm, rustic look. It has little resistance to shocks, cuts, heat and water. It also absorbs food odours. It can be expensive and needs to be treated once a month.

Concrete is shock-, stain- and heat-resistant as well as easy to maintain. However, it may crack and it requires the regular application of a sealant.

Quartz gives a very elegant look, is easy to maintain and is resistant to scratches, heat and stains. It is rather expensive.

Granite is stylish and durable as well as scratch- and heat-resistant. It’s also easy to clean. It’s expensive and a sealant needs to be applied every year.

A few tips for giving your home

a NEW LOOK

You want to sell your home as quickly as possible? Steal the best tricks from home staging specialists for a quick sale.

Start by making your home more welcoming. Good lighting is the secret, so don’t be afraid to open curtains and blinds to create as many sources of light as possible. This will also make rooms seem larger. Of course, a spotlessly clean home is essential, and don’t forget to eliminate any bad smells (animals, cigarette smoke, food and dampness, etc.).

A good cleanup never hurts, but this is even truer when it comes to selling a home. De-clutter your rooms while keeping a certain sense of balance. Make sure it’s easy to move around in them.

Think about storing furniture and objects that make rooms look crowded or that could turn off prospective buyers. You should also depersonalize your home by removing personal items such as family photos.

Highlighting the most beautiful features of your home is another important aspect of home staging (fireplace,

mouldings and panelling, etc.). This will give it more character and make it stand out from other properties on the market. Of course, you should be sure to do any small repair jobs and replace wall colours with more neutral shades, if necessary.

The first thing potential buyers see is the outside of your home, so replace any torn window screens, and wash the siding, doors and windows. Above all, remember to keep your yard looking neat and tidy. Lastly, the best way to maximize your chances of selling is to look at your property from the point of view of a potential buyer. That’s right; it’s already time to start detaching yourself from your home.

Marble is elegant and timeless. It’s resistant to water, heat and wear and is easy to care for. However, it’s expensive and susceptible to stains, and a sealant needs to be applied every six months.

Glass is elegant and trendy; it’s heat resistant and is suitable for all decors.

Corian is designed for strength and is appreciated for its antibacterial qualities. Stainless steel is hygienic and heat resistant, and it gives a stylish industrial look to the kitchen.

Now all you have to do is make a choice based on your needs, preferences and budget.

Simple and effective STORAGE SOLTIONS

You need more space? It feels as though you never finish tidying up? What you need are some new storage solutions. There are loads of ways to reorganize your closets, including the addition of removable wire shelves or opting for hanging rods and customized shelves.

Your bed can also be a handy storage tool. If you’re buying a new bed, choose one with integrated drawers or simply use the space under your bed to store clearly identified boxes. If you’re desperate for more space, you could also opt for a Murphy bed that can be transformed into a desk during the day. Free up your nightstands by opting for pendant lights.

Keep things tidy with a coat rack in your front hall and a remote control organizer on the couch. Do you have piles of shoes, ties, belts and accessories hanging around your

bedroom? Hang a shoe organizer inside a closet or buy a shoe rack. Use drawer dividers to organize all your accessories. Are the kids’ toys always in the wrong place? Get a decorative wall storage unit to put in their bedroom. Your kitchen cabinets are overflowing? Hang your pots and pans on a ceiling rack. You don’t know where to put all your spices? Why not install a spice rack in one of your kitchen cabinets instead of leaving the bottles or bags out on the counter?

Store your bathroom products in attractive containers and replace the towel bar with hooks so that you can hang more towels without taking up more space.

Follow these tips, and you’ll no longer waste time searching for lost items and feeling discouraged because your home is in a constant mess.

A mortgage tailor-made for you

Each and every product available on the mortgage market responds to a specific need. Because there is such a wide range of mortgage products to choose from, it’s only normal to feel a little lost when the time comes to make a choice. Fortunately, the mortgage brokerage services offered by (insert name here) will help you find the best mortgage for your situation.

Purchasing a home is a major investment, probably the biggest one you’ll ever make. As a result, the process of finding the best mortgage product possible should not be taken lightly. Financial institutions offer many different options, and the brokers at (insert name here) are able to do all the research necessary to determine which of these products is most appropriate for you.

Acting as intermediaries, our mortgage brokers negotiate the best rates possible for their customers. Their services are free; they are paid by the lending financial institutions.

Planning to buy your first home? You want to sell your home and buy another one? You’d like to refinance your mortgage and free up funds for a big project that’s important to you? It’s time to renew your mortgage and this time you want to be sure to have the most suitable mortgage product possible? All these are good reasons to consult the brokers at (insert name here). We’ve been offe -

ring personalized service for over (insert number of years) years, a service that is both reassuring and profitable for our customers.

After careful analysis of your situation, our team will provide you with the right advice and guide you to the mortgage products designed to meet your needs. If you’re self-employed, a newcomer to the area or if you’ve had credit problems in the past, our brokers can help you obtain the type of mortgage financing you want.

At (insert name here), we also fill in your mortgage applications to financial institutions. Of course, it’s always a good idea to know what your budget should be before you start shopping around for a house, condo or piece of land. In that case, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our brokers for a pre-approved mortgage. In addition to determining your borrowing capacity, you’ll demonstrate how serious you are to vendors, which gives you an advantage when negotiating the purchase of a home.

Mortgage payments will be a significant part of your budget for years to come, so lots of factors should be taken into consideration. Thanks to the expertise of the brokers at (insert name here), you can be sure of getting the answers to all your questions. Finding the mortgage that is right for you has never been so simple and stress-free.

3072 WALLACE CRES $459,999

MLS #R2567734

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, yoga anyone? This home is amust see!

7480 CARIBOU RD $559,999

MLS#R2567723

This nicely renovated home sits on a.35 acrecor ner lot with apull through double garage and RV parking. 2bedrooms and 1bath upstairs with anew kitchen with corian countertops is astunner! In the basement is 1bedroom and 1bath with alarge recroom and living room great for entertaining. The sunroom is full of windows and has doors into the garage and the backyardfor an oasis within the city! The large deck and patio aregreat for entertaining with abeauty view! New fur nace, all new windows and doors, new led lighting, and many moreupgrades this is amust see!

atrue hidden gem!

905 LA SALLE $324,999

MLS R2526348

This nicely updated, three-suite, multi-family home on alarge lot is steps away from the river and Paddlewheel Park. These units have been updated in the past five years with newer hot water tank. This large lot with two sheds makes for agreat outside space.

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

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

CITY DONAIR &POUTINE 20 seat full service operation. Profitable, fully equipped restaurant, trained staff. Business ONLY, includes equipment and Inventory Please DO NOT contact staff or owner directly

PEACE RIVER HIGHWAY CHETWYND