Prince George Citizen July 29, 2021

PRINCE GEORGE

New pool project $1.5M over budget

HANNA PETERSEN

Although the downtown pool replacement project is less than halfway finished, it’s projected to be about $1.5 million over budget.

The additional costs are associated with two main issues: primer failing on the pool’s structural steel beams as well as pipes and unsuitable soil found below the swimming pool tanks that had to be removed. In a report delivered at Monday’s city council meeting (July 26), acting director of civic operations Blake McIntosh, explained that in mid-December 2020 primer-coated structural steel for the new pool was delivered in “good order” and subsequently stored under cover on-site.

But by early 2021, the city says it was evident that the primer had started to fail and would need remediation. The primer coat is essential to protect the steel against a humid environment.

“To limit impacts to the construction schedule it was determined the best course of action would be to ship the structural steel offsite to a controlled environment and remediate the primer and a local fabrication shop,” said McIntosh.

No extra jail time for robber who left victim with brain injury

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

A robber whose daylight attack left a prominent local social worker with a life-changing brain injury will serve no additional time in jail.

Marshall Randolph Schulze plead guilty to robbing Diane Nakamura on Oct. 29, 2018, when she was walking along Fifth Avenue near Quebec Street. As Schulze and Nakamura struggled for control of her bag, Nakamura fell and hit her head on the sidewalk, suffering a concussion that left her unable to work, sleeping 12 to 18 hours a day and feeling emotionally dead inside, according the victim impact statement she presented to the court in November.

The attack happened just a month after Nakamura was named the Prince George Community Association’s Citizen of the

Year for her social work and advocacy

On Friday, Provincial Court Judge Michael Brecknell issued Randolph Schulze a suspended sentence, with 36 months of probation. In addition, Brecknell ordered Schulze to perform 100 hours of community service, donate $1,500 to the Prince George Brain Injured Group over the next three years and provide a DNA sample to the RCMP databank. Brecknell also issued Schulze a lifetime ban on owning firearms.

“There is no need to incarcerate Mr Schulze for the standard duration. What would that accomplish? The public is not in danger from Mr Schulze as long as he maintains his mental health and sobriety,” Brecknell said. “The court’s decision may not find favour with Ms. Nakamura and her supporters… (but) his future

positive progress is exactly what she tried to achieve in her career.”

Schulze spent 131 days in jail following his arrest and the Crown had asked for a sentence of 12 to 20 months in custody, followed by three years probation.

In his ruling, Brecknell agreed with Schulze’s lawyer that his efforts to treat his drug addiction and get counselling, maintain a full-time job as a carpenter, and turn his life around following his release from jail constituted exceptional circumstances that warranted a suspended sentence.

In a letter written by Schulze to Nakamura, which was read by his lawyer during his submissions to the court earlier this year, Schulze took responsibility for his actions and offered an apology for the harm he’d done

The community is better served by allowing Schultze to continue his rehabilitation into society than by sending him to jail, Brecknell said. However, if Schultz violates “even one term of the probation order,” he will be back before the court in Prince George to face sentencing for his crime, Brecknell said Schulze appeared in court remotely from Abbotsford, where he now lives.

Following the ruling, Nakamura said she agreed with the judge’s decision.

“Even though my life has been drastically altered by his actions, I agree with the judge saying that sending him to jail won’t be in the community’s interest,” Nakamura said. “He is young, and he has his whole life ahead of him.”

With

files from Mark Nielsen

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

new pool under construction downtown is $1.5 millon over budget, according to a report that went before city council on Monday night. The pool is being built to replace the Four Seasons Leisure Pool which closed last year

Life-saving machine installed at stadium

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

If someone goes into cardiac arrest at Masich Place Stadium, their chances of survival have doubled thanks to the installation of a new automated external defibrillator (AED).

The machine, located in a climate-controlled cabinet in the Masich Place parking lot near Griffiths Avenue, was funded by the Bill Bond Memorial Fund.

The fund, managed by the Prince George Community Foundation, was created to honour the memory of Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond’s husband, who died on June 6, 2020 following a stroke.

Shirley Bond and her family unveiled the AED at Masich Place Stadium on Thursday She said her husband was passionate advocate for having AEDs installed in public places, and there are plans for 10 of the machines to be installed in Prince George and the Robson Valley

“I know Bill would be absolutely thrilled,” Bond said.

“Bill deserves this and a whole lot more. We miss him every day.”

When cardiac arrest happens outside a hospital, the chances of survival are less than 10 per cent, according to information provided by the B.C Heart and Stroke Foundation.

With access to an AED and CPR, the chances of surviving double.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond helps her grandsons unveil an AED machine at Masich Place Stadium on Thursday. The life-saving device is one of 10 planned using funds from the Bill Bond Memorial Fund.

The machines, which stimulate the heart with electrical current to get it to start beating again, are like those used in hospi-

REQUEST FOR COMMENT

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW NO.8383, 2011 AMENDMENTBYLAW NO.9173, 2020

Subject Properties– 2068and 2542 PG Pulpmill Road

The City of Prince George is considering an amendmenttothe City of Prince GeorgeOfficial Community Plan (OCP) BylawNo. 8383, 2011 to amend Schedule B-6: Future Land Use for a portion of theSubjectProperties from Rural Resource to HeavyIndustrial. The amendment would facilitate the development and operation of a renewable diesel facility and expansion of the existing refineryoperations on the subject properties. This application to amendthe OCP also includes arezoning application (Bylaw9174, 2020).

Pleasevisit the City of Prince George website at www.princegeorge.ca for more detailed information. From the homepage of the City of Prince George website click on “Businessand Development”;

click on “Planning and Development”; click on “Land Use”; andscroll down to “Applications in Progress”.

The City requests written comment from anyperson, organization, or agencies that maybeaffected by thisamendment to the OCP.Please forward anywritten submissions by 5:00 pm on August 6, 2021 to the Development Services Division at 1100 Patricia Boulevard, PG V2L 3V9, Fax: 561-7721,Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca

Tel. (250) 561-7600 •Fax (250) 612-5605 •1100 Patricia Boulevard,PrinceGeorge,BCV2L 3V9 311@princegeorge.ca

Visit princegeorge.ca forinformation about City services andoperations.You canevensubscribe to receiveinformation directly to your inbox. Visit news.princegeorge.ca/subscribe to select thecategoriesthatmattertoyou.

tals – except they are automated to allow them to be used by an untrained bystander, by following simple instructions

The AED is installed in a climate-controlled cabinet, which means it is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Bond said The installation is the first of its kind in B.C. outside the Lower Mainland

“Bill deserves this and a whole lot more. We miss him every day.”

She said the family is in talks with McBride and Valemount to find locations for the next four AED machines. She said she’d like to see them installed in McBride, Valemount, Dunster and at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre.

Bond said purchasing and installing the machines was only possible because of the donations to the Bill Bond Memorial Fund.

“We could not do this without your generosity and friendship,” she said. She also encouraged her colleagues in the Legislature to support her private member’s bill, calling on the province to provide more AED machines in public spaces throughout the province.

Shirley Bond

–

Prince George Community Foundation president Alain LeFebvre said the Bill Bond Memorial Fund will be an ongoing fund, which will support the installation of 10 AEDs in the region in the short term, and more in the future Donations to the Bill Bond Memorial Fund can be by going online to www.pgcf. ca/donate-now or by calling the office at 250-562-7772.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY ARTHUR WILLIAMS

P.G. tourism operators ready for U.S. visitors

HANNA PETERSEN

As Canada’s borders are set to reopen to American’s on Aug. 9, it could mean good news for the local tourism industry.

Earlier this month, the Canadian government announced it will reopen the borders to fully vaccinated American tourists on Aug. 9 and other international travellers Sept. 7.

Travellers will need to be fully vaccinated with one of four vaccines approved by Health Canada at least 14 days before arrival in Canada, and will be required to provide proof of a COVID-19 test prior to entry.

Those who are not fully vaccinated, or immunized with a vaccine that is not approved by Health Canada will still be subject to things like quarantines and COVID-19 tests.

“I think it is exciting for Tourism Prince George that the boarder is reopening and I think that the tourism industry has just been hit so hard by COVID-19 that it’s a little bit of a sigh of relief to see some of the restrictions being lifted,” said Tourism PG CEO Colin Carson.

He added that not many local tourism businesses rely solely on international travelers, but the region typically sees a lot of American’s tourists passing through on their way to Alaska.

“We weren’t sure if we were going to see a whole bunch of American travelers this year, because typically they are going to Alaska where a lot of them like to be up there for the solstice so they can see the 24 hours of sunlight, so we weren’t sure if we were going to get a huge bump in August,” explained Carson.

“But I was talking with a few hoteliers and as soon as the announcement of the restrictions came out – the Bon Voyage Motel west of town – had 10 inquires in the first day from American parties, so it was one of those things where we weren’t expecting, but it may be busier than we thought.”

Carson added that Tourism PG keeps track of data from American visitors, based on how many stop in at the visitor’s centre per month and in a typical year, about 400 American parties stop through the visitor’s

centre in August.

Canada’s borders have been closed to non-essential travel since March 2020 and it has taken a heavy toll on the hospitality and tourism industry on B.C.

However, Carson credits efforts like Support PG for helping the tourism industry through the pandemic by encouraging local support of the industry.

“I think that was really important for a lot of the accommodations and other tourism businesses because they were able to say ‘check out a hotel if you haven’t in Prince George’ and a lot of people were doing the staycation thing and trying out those experiences they don’t normally do because they live here.”

The Prince George Regional Airport (YXS) is also welcoming the easing of restrictions as sign of good things to come.

Even before the announcement, passenger numbers at YXS were up significantly in comparison to the second quarter of 2020, however, passenger numbers are still down

54 per cent year to date

“We are optimistic with the rise in passenger numbers and further easing of restrictions including the opening of the

Canada-U.S. border,” said Prince George Airport Authority president and CEO, Gordon Duke.

“We are hopeful that the opening of the border will further increase passenger numbers as travelers start to take their long-awaited vacations. A tremendous amount of work has gone into ensuring that safety measures are in place to protect passengers and we are looking forward to more travel opportunities.”

The airport saw 7,427 passengers in April, 8,124 passengers in May, and 12,870 passengers in June. However, June 2021 saw the most monthly passengers since March 2020.

In terms of air service, the Prince George Airport is seeing growth with Flair starting back up and expanded schedules from both Central Mountain Air and Pacific Coastal and the organization says there is more to come in the third quarter of the year.

Travellers coming to Canada, even fully vaccinated ones, will still have to submit a quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine, in the event they do not meet all the conditions for entry.

There will also be a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings in which fully vaccinated travellers may need to have post-arrival tests, if they are randomly selected – with files from the Canadian Press

TOURISM PRINCE GEORGE HANDOUT PHOTO

The Tourism Prince George visitor information centre, seen above, and many local hotel operators are ready to welcome American tourists when border restrictions are lifted next month.

THE WEEKEND IN PHOTOS

TOP LEFT: A racer makes their way around the oval at PGARA Speedway Park on Saturday evening during a heat race prior to the Wescar main event.

TOP RIGHT: Gordon Stobbe, left, and JJ Guy, right, of Twin Fiddles perform in front of nearly one-hundred fiddle fans on Saturday evening at the Kiwanis Bowl in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. The Twin Fiddles concert was hosted by the Prince George branch of the B.C. Old Time Fiddler’s Association.

BOTTOM LEFT: Kalem Schultz, 9, draws back his bow and gets a 3-D target in his sights on Saturday morning at Keith Paterson Field while particpating in the Silvertip Archers Outdoor 3-D competition The event drew roughly 100 archers from across the region.

SUBMITTED

The easing of public health restrictions on travel and gatherings means a return of wedding season. Several familiar Prince George faces were at the wedding of John Milne and Nancy Paterson, formerly of P.G., in New Westminister on Saturday.

City intends to seek compensation

from page 1

He said the primer failure is likely due to “inadequate structural steel primer specifications.”

McIntosh said initially the city first thought the cost of the primer remediation could be absorbed into the project budget contingency, but as it’s now close to completion the estimated additional cost to the project is approximately $1 million.

However, McIntosh noted the city is trying to recover that extra cost.

“The city has taken steps to put the appropriate parties on notice and that it intends to seek compensation for the cost of the primer remediation,” said McIntosh, adding that this work also caused a twoweek delay to the construction schedule.

Even before the steel primer issue, the city ran into problems while excavating for swimming pool tanks.

The contractor discovered unknown pipes and unsuitable soils within the tank footprints A geotechnical consultant monitoring the soil conditions determined that the pipes and surrounding soil would need to be removed and replaced with engineered fill.

This work will be an addition to the original project budget and is estimated that the cost will be $553,000.

“A comprehensive review of the budget is ongoing and projecting an overextended construction contingency that will require further consideration,” said McIntosh, adding that once the project is at 80 per cent completion the city will have a better idea of the final impacts of these unexpected issues.

“As the project progresses actual budget impacts will be realized.”

To date, the construction project is currently 42 per cent complete and $15.4 million has been spent on the $36.25 million project.

Coun. Cori Ramsay asked if any prework had been done to assess the underground conditions and suggested council look at additional contingency funds for downtown projects knowing the frequency of soil and piping issues with downtown builds.

have been more thorough. It appears the pipes and the unsuitable soil could have been privy pits from way back in history that just got buried.”

City Manager Walter Babicz said these concerns will be addressed in the capital project management review which the city has recently begun.

“The city has taken steps to put the appropriate parties on notice and that it intends to seek compensation for the cost of the primer remediation.”

“There was some preliminary work done in 2017 and subsequent to that in 2019 there was more investigation,” said McIntosh. “It is tough because we feel they did investigate the site but maybe they could

“There is thorough interviews being done as a part of that project and this issue will help inform the work, “said Babicz. “These factors are being taken into consideration by the consultant.”

Coun. Ramsay thanked administration for bringing these issues to council’s attention before project completion.

“I think we are on the precipice of the old way of doing things with the new way of doing things and I know perhaps the public is going to be a little outraged there is another outage but we are fixing things and I think it’s kind of where this project falls in that cycle,” said Ramsay.

“I do recognize this is an outage. We don’t want to see those types of things and

Development of aPest Management Plan (PMP)

Peace and Fort Nelson Regional Districts

PMPReference Number:402-557-2021/2026

Applicant: BritishColumbia Timber Sales(BCTS)Peace-Liard BusinessArea(PLBA) Contacts:

JasonSmith,RPF WoodlandsSupervisor

Fort Nelson Field Team

250795-3119

Jason.V.Smith@gov.bc.ca

Noticeisgiven that adraft PMPhas been prepared by theapplicantfor the purposeof implementinga programofidentification, preventionand monitoringof pests(herbs, shrubs anddeciduoustreecompetition to ourmanaged crop trees) whilecarryingout silviculturetreatments to supportafreeand well-growncropoftrees

Theareas affected include Peace andFortNelsonNatural Resource Districts. It may also affectFortNelson, Fort St.John, Hudson Hope,DawsonCreek,Chetwynd and TumblerRidge

Proposedmethods of treatment includeherbicides,manualand biologicalmethods including girdling,snap/ hinge,mechanicalbrushingand weeding(saw), manual brushingand weeding (hand),brush mats, sheepgrazing,mechanicalsitepreparation andprescribed burning.

Thepesticidenames and applicationmethods proposed foruse underthisplan include aerial conventional, aerial (lowdrift delivery system), backpack (broadcast), backpack (directedfoliar),backpackcone,hackand squirt,cut stump andbackpack basal of thefollowing:

Samuel Asirifi,M.Sc.F., MFC PracticesForester

Fort St John FieldTeam

250795-3128

Samuel.Asirifi@gov.bc.ca

we are doing all of this work to make sure these don’t happen moving forward and I do believe in the work we are doing, despite the fact it’s not a good feeling to see an outage at 40 per cent completion.”

Coun. Murry Krause also emphasized the exact overage may not be as large as anticipated.

“We shouldn’t assume we are over the $1.5 million. We are looking for some cost recovery on the steel primer,” said Krause Council the report was received for information.

Currently being constructed are: the swimming pool tanks, concrete floor, steel stud infill to the exterior walls, cap sheet for the roofing and concrete block partition walls. In Feb 2021, council amended the $35.75 million Downtown Replacement Pool capital project budget to include an additional $500,000 for a NinjaCross obstacle course

Funding for the $36.25 million capital budget project includes $25.5 million of Municipal Finance Authority borrowed funds, $10 million in grant funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and a $750,000 capital contribution from the Regional District Fraser-Fort George. Construction began in 2020 and is close to halfway towards its scheduled Aug. 2022 construction completion date.

Theproposedduration of the PMPisfromSeptember 2021 to September 2026

Adraft copy of thePMP documentwith maps of theproposedtreatment areas maybeexamined at thefollowing BCTS office addressesinDawsonCreek at 9000 17th Street,inFortNelsonat6100AlaskaHighway andinFortSt. John at 8553 Highway97North

Aperson wishing to contributeinformation about aproposed treatmentsite, relevant to the developmentofthe pest managementplan, maysend copies of the information to the applicantatthe address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

GOLF WITH GODBOUT

Remember your golf goals

Each week this summer, Citizen editor Neil Godbout will share his experience learning to golf at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. Want to get in a free round with Neil? Just drop him a line at ngodbout@ pgcitizen.ca.

Week 8

For now, I’ve stopped keeping score. It was getting in the way of my golf goals.

Sure, I had ambitions to shoot under 100 by the end of this season (and still do because I’m a competitive person, especially when the competition is me) but my ambition to play well takes a back seat to my two goals.

After this season and all of the play, practice and lessons with Prince George Golf and Curling Club pro Blair Scott, my main goals are to learn, to play better and to have fun.

Keeping score was distracting me from working on those goals. The results of productive lessons with Blair, followed by decent practices, weren’t being seen during play Heading out onto the course, I was thinking about the score, instead of my goals. As a result, neither my play or my scores improved and I started wondering whether golf was my game.

There’s nothing wrong with golf, of course. As usual, my attitude and ap-

CITIZEN PHOTO BY NEIL GODBOUT

Citizen editor Neil Godbout hit the links last week with P.G. Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Corrigall and former Citizen publisher Colleen Sparrow

proach were the problem.

I had a lovely time golfing last week with Colleen Sparrow, the Citizen’s former publisher and one of my favourite people in the entire world, and Todd Corrigall, the CEO of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. We played best ball to keep it light but I was frustrated for much of the round. My warmup on the driving range had

gone so well but now out on the course, I couldn’t do much of anything right.

Because I’m prone to excessive analysis, I realized the next morning I had made myself a victim of the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

This is a famous and well-researched quirk of human psychology where a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. While beginners accept their lack of expertise, nov-

ices think they know everything about the subject at hand. After a handful of lessons and a few rounds, I thought for sure I’d be shooting in the 90s and keeping up with golfers with decades of experience. Boy, was I wrong. Golf, like any other sport, any other discipline, like life itself, is an endless path of learning and adapting.

So the next afternoon, I headed out again with Owen Thomson, a longtime Citizen colleague and all-around good guy. He’s also easily the best golfer I’ve played with this season (he just missed a 20-foot putt for eagle on the par-5 second hole). As anyone who has ever played team sports knows, playing with better players makes you play better.

He offered reminders of what Blair has already taught me – stay relaxed, fluid swing and follow through, turning the chest back and then forward, back foot up and belt facing front in the follow through, don’t hit the ball, just let it get in the way of a good swing. He insisted I tee the ball up higher when using the driver and also when using an iron to get over the pond at number 14. For the first time in weeks, I cleared the water on the first try and more of my drives got some altitude. I need to keep practising the basics and keep having fun. Then the scores will come.

Anyone can do a podcast - here’s how

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

During the last 16 months the pandemic changed the way people live.

Looking for ways to be entertained during long periods of isolation became a priority for some while having a voice was important to others

Combining the two resulted in podcasts currently becoming the fastest growing media platform.

Listening while still on the move seemed to be the way to approach the boredom that comes with pandemic-era alone time. Now that things are opening up, it seems the popularity of podcasts is still holding steady

Anyone can listen in and on the flipside anyone can host a podcast, too.

Prince George & District Community Arts Council Arts North Media Studio, located above the Studio 2880 Artisan Gift Shoppe, was born during the pandemic and offers newbies a chance to create.

Arts North offers podcasting and livestreaming opportunities, graphic design, product photography studio, guidance on social media usage, e-commerce and a digital editing suite.

If this all sounds beyond the scope of reality the self-taught local artist specializing in graphic design who came up with the concept, Michael Kast, encourages people to take the leap Kast’s Arts North podcast is in its third season where he talks all things art in the city of Prince George.

His latest podcast Everything Everything, about 20 episodes in, is one he cohosts with Neil Godbout, editor-in-chief of the Prince George Citizen, where they talk about anything at all.

“Podcasting provides a platform that is really democratized – I am allowed to exercise my right to freedom of speech and expression and I want to do that in a re-

sponsible way – in a way that will allow all different views to be heard and podcasting does that in the macro-sense I don’t think there should be restrictions to what we say as long as it follows socially acceptable guidelines. So it’s unrestricted and it’s free and anybody can do it. We’re not beholden to anyone so our opinions are unvarnished and from the heart but that does leave the door open to opinions contrary to mine –which is great. And then there are those that are extreme views on both ends of the spectrum that can be damaging if they have a following – we’ve seen that in the last few years.”

There are many aspects of a podcast to be considered.

Some podcasts are looking for sponsorship and get it

But with that comes a warning from Kast.

“Whoever pays the piper calls the tune,” Kast offers the old adage. “But more power to them If it helps them and they can still maintain their integrity I’m all for it.”

Kast said he’d love to be able to have the choice to be sponsored or not.

Be mindful of sponsors’ expectations of control where language, topics and opinions might be influenced, he added.

There are corporate-created podcasts that offer something different – a turnkey podcast suitable for a certain brand, company or service that reaches consumers in a less traditional manner from radio or

television.

“I’m interested to see how it works,” Kast said. “It’s a niche that needs to be filled and I’m curious about that.”

At Arts North the equipment is state of the art and Kast knows that with companies offering the podcast creating services the quality will be broadcast quality that comes at a price.

Arts North Media Studio can be accessed by any individual, non-profit or business that is a member of the Prince George & District Community Arts Council.

“Podcasts are not this mysterious thing for only the few – the Arts North Studio is for people to come and check out and see if it’s their thing,” Kast said. “It doesn’t cost very much for the equipment – you can start off very simply – and as far as hosting – it’s free.”

The Arts North Media Studio uses Anchor.fm as their podcast host and there’s lots of great local podcasts being produced here in Prince George, Kast added

“This is your opportunity to start a dialogue on whatever is important to you,” Kast said. “If you present it in a way that is entertaining and informative – whether people agree or disagree with you – that’s the goal – and if people get upset – that’s great – let’s talk because starting that dialogue is the goal.”

There are no broadcast standards for podcasts at this time so the podcast is held accountable by the listeners, Kast said.

“Then we’re responsible – we’re accountable – and I’m responsible for what I say,” Kast said.

Membership information and applications are available at https://studio2880. com/gallery-shop/membership-registration/.

Individual membership is $30 per year, groups are $60, and businesses are $75.

Crazy Damn Canadians get the spotlight in local podcast

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

The fastest growing media platform right now is podcasts and there’s a unique podcast that is taking on a life of its own that comes from right here in Prince George. Crazy Damn Canadians is hosted by Scott McWalter and Dave Mothus and features interesting Canadians with a unique story to tell.

McWalter said he and Mothus had chatted about starting a podcast as they saw them gaining in popularity during the pandemic.

“So Dave and I decided to do something that allows us to interview people we find inspiring whether they were at the local level in Prince George or a more national scale,” McWalter said. “We started with one of Dave’s really good friends, Shirley Bond, and a local entrepreneur Selen Alpay (owner of the Prince George Canadian Tire) and it just grew from there.”

“As soon as we mentioned it to Andrew he was on board and we did a test pilot,” McWalter explained. “It worked out well and then after that we started shooting in various locations utilizing Andrew’s expertise so Dave and I just had to line up the guests who we thought our audience might find inspiring and go from there.”

Mothus said the brunt of the cost of doing the 20 or so podcasts they’ve already done was solely taken on by McWalter

“No one is paying us to do this, there are no advertising dollars, Scott was just passionate about doing interviews with people and we both found it really fun but that’s probably the one hard part about continuing to do it is that there is an expense to it and if you’re doing it as a hobby and you’re $5,000 in how long do we keep doing this for?” asked Mothus

Andrew Johnson of Sonic Interactive Solutions who does web design, photography, marketing and video editing saw how popular podcasts were becoming as a media platform, invested in the technology and he now helps McWalter and Mothus with theirs

The primary reason for doing the pod-

cast, McWalter said, is to do something of value to the listeners who are going to feel inspired.

“We want to continue to do it as long as we feel inspired and we wanted to expand so that we’re featuring people from across the country,” McWalter said. “But one thing Dave and I recognize is that 90 per cent of our audience is from northern B.C. and what do we have? Northern B.C. guests. So organic reach is so much greater with our local community compared to say for someone out east or from another province. So if we do keep moving forward we will continue showcasing people from northern B.C. because that’s where most of our listeners are from.”

The episode featuring Cam Thun has been their most popular one so far.

“The great thing about a podcast is they are less interview more of a conversation and the Cam Thun episode is a great example of that,” McWalter said. “It just felt like three friends sitting down and having a fun conversation.”

Podcasts are a huge legacy, as well, McWalter noted

“Just like for a newspaper where people for years have cut out articles and put them on their fridge or saved a digital version, podcasting is very very similar where it’s a legacy piece where say someone were to pass away people would be looking back at things like those newspaper articles and podcasting fits into that realm,” McWalter said.

Crazy Damn Canadians has made the transition to television and can now be viewed on Shaw’s Spotlight channel. Because they always shot video, the added visual aspects fit nicely into Shaw’s community showcase.

“We were hoping that if we got the right people in the interviews that people would start listening to it potentially across Canada and still firmly believe that that’s a possibility if we could find the Cam Thun in every community,” Mothus said. For more information and to check out the podcasts visit crazydamncanadians.ca.

HANDOUT PHOTO BY THE COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL OF PRINCE GEORGE & DISTRICT

Arts North Digital Studio’s podcast equipment is available for local aspiring podcasters.

For Seniors and about Seniors

Seniors Our Monthly Feature

PHOTO BY CATHERINE MILLS

Reseacher Dennis Proctor’s work has taken him to Antarctica, South Asian, Africa and the Canadian Arctic

Local senior dedicated life to science, travel

Dennis Procter started his life in Christchurch, New Zealand and earned his first degree at Canterbury University before heading to the Antarctic as a researcher.

Shortly after that, at age 22, he arrived in Vancouver, to study dragonflies for his master’s degree at UBC. Then he went to the University of Alberta in Edmonton to study soil-living nematodes for his PhD. That got him to Devon Island in the Arctic for research into extreme biomes. He has been a Canadian ever since.

“After graduating I got a job with CIDA (Canadian International Development Association) and that took me to Botswana…for a university development project, mostly training personnel.” Says Dennis, “The job lasted nine and a half years.”

His work took him to interesting places and inspired his travels He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice in Africa and travelled to the Amazon and Papua New Guinea. After his time in Botswana, CIDA sent him to Bhutan for a couple of years.

“My parents came to visit me when I was in Botswana and Bhutan. They were travellers already, but they wouldn’t have done those places if I hadn’t been there.” Dennis smiles, “I am the son of my parents; I got a double dose of addiction to travelling and

the jobs came along at the perfect time.” He returned to Canada and got his degree in Education through the University of Calgary. In 2000, UNBC offered him a job and he came to Prince George as an educator and ecologist

In 2016, at the age of 71, Dennis thought it might be time to retire. He continued instructing part time until 2018 when he decided it was time to focus on his love of cycling and travel.

As a boy, Dennis wasn’t keen on cycling. Instead, his love of competing took him through running and ballroom dancing But both had to be let go because of his arthritic knees.

“I’d been racing bikes for about 10 years off and on. I’m quite severely arthritic from injuries in my early fifties. I was a runner – I was warned… so I started getting out of it,” says Dennis wryly

Leave your children peace of mind

CHRISTINE IBBOTSON

Vancouver Sun

It is not possible to consider all the situations and decisions that you and your family may face.

But creating an estate plan helps provide a framework for the thoughts, wishes and goals to be achieved. It is necessary that family, heirs, and beneficiaries all have an understanding of the intentions on which the estate plan is based. There are four key components that one should consider when preparing a well thought out estate plan.

Step 1: Have a family meeting about the estate plan. How will you distribute your possessions and personal effects?

Step 2: Establish or update the Will and POAs. Discuss and explain the extent of the permission you are granting with your power of attorneys (POA). Avoid misunderstandings with other family members but letting others know why and who you have elected as your POA.

Step 3: Ensure that there is proper insurance in place for debt repayment or future tax burdens.

Step 4: Appoint a competent executor, (person or service). How do you want your pets to be cared for?

The majority of adult children have talked to their aging parents, but most do this informally Still, there are many that

have not had any discussions at all with their parents; instead refusing to bring up the subject, expecting nothing to happen, and if it does, thinking it will all be okay A “wait-and-see” motto never helped anyone when planning for their future or when they eventually pass away Estate planning conversations should really be a mandatory issue that your adviser coaches you on

I have seen all too often, when someone dies without an estate plan, Will or power of attorney, the best intentions always go awry.

Here are the top five problems that come up when you die without a formalized plan.

1. Conflicts between family members after the death of a loved one.

2. Unexpected or unpleasant surprises after the death

3. Legal complications, family bickering, he-said/she-said arguments.

4. Financial or taxation issues.

5. Succession issues with a business, taxation, shareholders, etc.

With just a little planning and open communication, there is the opportunity to leave behind peace, clarity and order for your family, friends and charities. Make sure you have an estate plan.

Christine Ibbotson has written four finance books, including the bestseller How to Retire Debt Free & Wealthy She also writes the Moneylady column. askthemoneylady.ca.

Cycling a new passion

from page 8

“I had a spell – here – race walking. And I did quite well! I had the potential to go farther I suppose but with the arthritis, I couldn’t straighten my knee and that is necessary in the upper levels. But it did smooth my transition out of running.”

“After the race-walking, I picked up cycling. It was faster, and not weird. Race walkers are actually very good athletes but sometimes I’d pretend I wasn’t me when I was race walking. Cycling is versatile and you can do almost anything on a bike except climb a rope.”

In 2018, Dennis took his “coming out” trip to Taiwan, an island nation with a strong cycle manufacturing background. He stuck mainly to the coast and headed for the foothills from time to time Taiwan is mountainous, with its highest road pass being 10,700 feet, not something he was ready to tackle! He feels he did not take enough time The country and the people deserved more than five weeks.

In 2019 he headed to Japan for a cycling tour of the northern half of the country, including Honshu and Hokkaido. He was delighted. The people were what he expected and more.

“In Hokkaido they have this really inexpensive set up called ‘Rider’s Houses’ meant for motorcyclists. Very rough and

ready…in one place it was a couple of railway carriages. Aimed at motorcyclists but they did not mind us cyclists using them.”

Dennis smiles, “You meet different kinds of people. …You see different things depending on how you choose to travel.”

Dennis’ openness to meeting people led to him being invited home by a fellow cyclist in Japan when they were both taking refuge from a storm. He wears his cycling kit and has an unusual road bike, not a racer, but one built for an aggressive rider No hiding what he is!

Covid put a stop to his 2020 trip to southeast Asia. He had wanted to tour the mountain villages in Vietnam and Laos with an eye to adopting one or two. At 76, single and with no children, he thinks a lot about how to give back. A friend is involved in doing something similar in Columbia, but his heart is set on Laos.

“I am a former competitive ballroom dancer These people have held on to their traditions, their dances and I would like to document the dancing. I am a biologist, ecologist, and an educator. Maybe that could work too.” Says Dennis.

That trip is on hold for now. Meanwhile our world traveller has been getting restless, so he will be heading to Iceland soon.

“I am restless, conscious of time passing. Iceland is different, an interesting country, they like tourists, they need tourists. So, Iceland is my COVID breakout trip.”

Making aDifference for Patients in the North

New city manager a rising star?

Prince George city council recently revealed they had hired a new city manager. New means different things to different people, and our city council believes that Walter Babicz, who has worked for the city as the corporate officer since 2008, was the best choice to be the new city manager.

Like many past decisions by this city council, this appointment raises new questions, without answering the old ones.

Starting with the assumption that the search was nationwide, and knowing that major changes need to happen, why would city council end up hiring someone who has been part of the culture at city hall since 2008? Surely there many people applying for a job which pays $223,000 per year (that’s $18,500 each month!)

Surely there would be many excellent candidates clamouring to move to the capital of northern B.C. Surely there would be many excellent candidates competing for the opportunity to work for a city governed by long time city councillors who have done their best to make the city a great place to live and work for the past

three, four, five terms?

Or not? If not, why not? Was Mr. Babicz chosen because he was the only viable candidate to apply? Was he the only one willing to risk his reputation by working with a council that, based on the terrible cost overruns because of poor project planning seems to not understand that their sacred duty is to ensure that taxpayer money (everyone pays taxes) is spent properly, accountably and transparently? Or did few apply because they took one look at the current culture at city hall and ran away as fast as they could? Or because there is less opportunity for a good future here for their children because of a segment of activist folks willing to shut down each and every major business opportunity that comes our way? Or because the city has an unfortunate record of not supporting initiatives and opportunities in

Walter Babicz

surrounding municipalities which means we will eventually run out of small towns to poach retail sales from?

As for the selected candidate, Mr Babicz does deserve a chance. He has begun some needed changes which his hiring announcement highlighted: reorganizing and streamlining the city’s organizational structure, amending the exempt employee overtime procedure, increasing the frequency of major capital project updates to city council, proposing and implementing a council-approved reduction in the city

We live in a very diverse world.

Not only is each individual unique, but as people from different parts of the world have come into contact it has become clear that each culture has different priorities Is there anything that we have in common?

I was very fortunate to have been brought up in a multi-cultural and bilingual household and to have come of age in a Canadian city that celebrates its ethnic diversity Travelling, studying and working on different continents also broadened my perspective, and I came to realize is that there is a great deal that brings us together Individual and cultural differences simply add to the richness of our common humanity.

I recently uncovered some very old university notebooks from the year I spent studying in the Philippines. Given that my degree was in social sciences with an emphasis on cross-cultural studies, I was able to take some fascinating courses

manager’s delegated authority for budget amendments. So, a decent beginning. His most difficult and urgent task will be overcoming perceptions because of some of the compromises he must have made. He must have known about the problems with the contracts that resulted in the huge cost overruns. How will he gain respect from staff that knew he knew? Can he improve staff morale? Will he promote the best people, or simply default to those who are good at making themselves look good? Will he be able to keep or promote the staff who speak up about improvements to how things are done?

Will he get rid of the use of the alternative approval process for fleet updates and maintenance spending? Will he be able to untie his salary from going up as union contracts go up? Will he be able to change the culture he has been part of for so many years?

For the sake of the people of Prince George, I wish Mr Babicz’s time as city manager to be marked by success and a growing, thriving city. I hope that his hiring will be seen as the best decision this council has made. As others have said, time will tell.

Everyone wants to be treated with respect

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC THINKING ALOUD TRUDY KLASSEN

examining ethics and values on the other side of the world. What I realized is that while there were differences in language (including body language), traditions, interests, and certain cultural norms, there were certain things which we agreed upon

We all valued honesty, integrity, respect, truth and love We also recognized that when these principles were compromised we created problems for ourselves and for one another It is also interesting to note that how one shows respect can very between one culture and the next, but that open-mindedness can help us to gain better understanding of one anther. Early in my professional career I found myself in the bustling African metropolis of Kinshasa When walking down the street

I noticed that complete strangers were saying hello to me. Having lived in both Toronto and Montreal, I felt quite affronted by this behaviour. I brought up my displeasure with Congolese colleagues.

They were rather surprised at my reaction and shared, “These people can see you’re not from here and they just want you to feel welcome.”

Needless to say, my perspective was broadened, as was my sense of humour

The truth is that there is no superior culture in the world, there are just different cultures and different ways of interpreting our core human values. Unfortunately, it took us centuries of colonialism and two extremely destructive world wars before finally engaging in serious discussion regarding our commonality.

Global discourse began in earnest after the Second World War. In 1948, the United Nations published the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Other human rights documents have more clearly specified these common values, including the UN

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples The challenge the world now faces is in honouring our fundamental values. It is very easy to get caught up in superfluous differences between people It can also be inconvenient to embrace our higher human ideals when they interfere with our short-term interests. This is a dilemma each of us faces, and some deal with it better than others

In my life-time, I have been privileged to know thousands of people from hundreds of different places. I struggle to think of any whom I did not like, and hopefully most of them feel the same about me. There is a common decency that we all understand In the end, everyone wants to be seen as a sacred and unique human being with their own story. If we can remember and prioritize these truths, we will find ways to move forward together.

Time to re-evaluate what we value

We live in a free-market capitalist society. Or, at least, that is what we like to tell ourselves.

It is a system which has flaws, many of which have become increasingly apparent as we have struggled through the banking crisis of 2008 or the first decade and a half of the 21st century and more recently the fiscal disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our system has increasingly come to accept the price of commodities and services as the value of those items. For example, I had a conversation a few years ago with an acquaintance about buying gold.

It was their contention gold always increases in value and it was the only thing for which the value was absolutely assured. The first statement is patently incorrect as the price of gold fluctuates on an almost daily basis but the second contention is more problematic.

After all, if I offered you a pound of gold – or, better yet, 100 pounds of gold – you would likely take it You might ask how I got a 100 pounds of gold but you would take it anyway knowing the value society assigns to gold

However, if you were stranded on a deserted island and I offered you that same 100 pounds of gold, would you take it?

What good would the gold do you if you are all alone? Gold’s value isn’t intrinsic. It is tied to societal expectations and demands. Its value arises from our common perception of its worth.

And more to the point, if you were stranded on a deserted island and given the choice between 100 pounds of food or 100 pounds of gold, which would you deem more valuable? I dare say the food would be much more valuable than the gold in that scenario.

Yes, I realize it is a bit of silly proposition. Many people would say “Well, I would still take the gold because I could then use it to barter with others on the island or as payment for transport on a passing ship.”

AS I SEE IT TODD WHITCOMBE

But we are talking about a deserted island with no one else around and no passing ships.

Value is something we place of things which helps us to survive. To someone in the middle of a dessert, water is more valuable than diamonds. To someone suffering from a heart attack, surgery is move valuable than money.

Last week, the CBC program Ideas re-broadcast Mark Carney’s Reith Lecture in which he discussed our modern economy and the differences between value and values

Value is the price we apply to something. Values are a measure of the things we hold dear or important – such as trust, sustainability, integrity, and such.

His contention is that we are moving to-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Governments failing to act on climate emergency

Dear editor, here we are again on the cusp of another emergency declaration, as western North America burns to the ground, due to the underlying emergency of human-caused climate change.

We need to question why there has been little to no progress in reducing CO2 in the atmosphere, despite an emergency declaration by Parliament and dire warnings by scientists for at least 60 years.

Instead our government purchased an oil pipeline and a pipeline construction project to encourage even more oil production that will only add to the basic problem.

Our provincial government is no better, by subsidizing and cheerleading LNG projects and continued destruction of old growth forest carbon sinks, both of which

add considerably to atmospheric CO2. At what point will we recognize that these decisions are criminally negligent?

There is a lot of talk now about needing to adapt- that it is too late to avoid climate change.

To a certain extent, that is true, but the real question is, how far is adaptation possible?

The progression of climate change won’t stop just because we adapt to current conditions. The worse it gets, the more we will have to adapt. Where is the end point?

What will we say to our grandchildren when it is all gone, everything has been consumed and the struggle to survive will be the final emergency? Acting now to minimize climate change is the only answer

The cost will certainly be more, the more we delay Roy Howard Dunster

wards a world described by Oscar Wilde’s quote: “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Indeed, in the modern economy, we equate price with value in a way which devalues both concepts.

For example, a recent paper estimated one blue whale is worth $2 million over the course of their lifetime in environmental services.

But what does that mean? If you have $2 million should you be allowed to hunt and kill a blue whale? Or if you caught one, you could sell the components for $2 milion? Or to replace the services provided by a blue whale would cost $2 million?

Putting a price on environmental services is one way some scientists have developed to try to get people to understand the value of the environment. But it short sells the blue whale which is a sentient living creature with its own reasons for living. And misses the point that seeing one in person is, as Mastercard would say, a “priceless” experience.

Young voters raise hope for action on climate

Re: “Let’s act now to save summer,” Opinion, July 15

Clearly there has been discouragingly insufficient political courage and will to properly act on Canada’s significant fossil-fuel role in the cause-and-effect of manmade global warming and climate change This includes the most polluting/ dirtiest of crude oils – bitumen ‘Liberals’ and ‘conservatives’ are overly preoccupied with vociferously criticizing one another for their politics and beliefs thus diverting attention away from the planet’s greatest polluters, where it should and needs to be sharply focused.

Regardless of which political party, our federal governments consistently prop the already profitable fossil fuel industry.

We should be valuing the blue whale because it is a blue whale and not because of its price. It has value which can’t be monetarized.

On a slightly more human point, we are all in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. While Canada seems to be emerging from the pandemic and its effects on our lives, it is still raging in other parts of the world. And the virus is making a comeback both south of the border and in the United Kingdom The pandemic is going to have long lasting effects.

There are cries to re-open the economy and get “back to normal.”

But the economy has been running the entire time. It is just running in a different mode than it was prior to the rise in COVID cases. It has tended to value things which are much important to our survival, such as health care

As we come out of the pandemic, maybe it is time to have a conversation about what it is we truly value in our lives. And maybe pay health care workers what they are worth.

In 2019, Canada’s Liberal government gave the fossil fuel sector 12-fold the subsidization it allocated towards renewable energy innovation.

This is on top of agreeing to triple the diluted bitumen pipeline-flow westward through B.C., which means increasing the oil freighter traffic seven-fold through pristine whale-bearing waters.

But I still see some hope for spaceship Earth and therefor humankind due to environmentally conscious and active young people, especially those who are approaching/reaching voting age. In contrast, the dinosaur electorate who have been voting into high office consecutive mass-pollution promoting or complicit/complacent governments for decades are gradually making way for voters who fully support a healthy Earth thus populace through personal actions

Frank Sterle Jr. , White Rock

U.S. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION HANDOUT PHOTO A recent scientific paper estimatd a blue whale is worth $2 million in enviromental services over its lifetime.

Timeto TeeUp

Picturethis: You’re standingatthe teebox,looking down afairway that has been cutintothe natural tree-lined topography.Adeerstrolls down the rightside of thefairway.It’ssoquiet andserene that asmilecrosses your face.You step up andhit asix iron perfectly, leavingyou with a10-footputt forbirdie on what arearguably thebestgreens in town.No, it’s notadream;thisisinyourown backyard

Andit’sjust eight minutesfromdowntownPrince George.

Thepar-3 Alder HillsGolfCourseisastrongtest forany levelofgolfer. To be prepared,you should take advantage of the12-stalldriving range– a 300-plusyardlayout that lets youpractice those short ironsorswing away with thebig clubs. The range is equipped with newtargets, balls,and T-Line mats that allow youtoplace your tee“in” themat.

Now, you’re readytoplay.

And thespeed of play is quick. Many golfers will finish their 18-holeround in as little as twohours

Thecourseissopopularthattheyhad to capthe ladies night registration!

And don’tforgetthatAlder Hillsisalsoagreat venuetohostevents. Twohugeparty tentscan accommodateover200 people so it’s agreat facility fortournaments or othergatherings.

Play the18-hole,par-3 Alder HillsGolfCourse. Challenge yourself –don’t just dreamabout it

Fishing hole

The area north of Prince George offers some of the Omineca Region’sfinest fishing. Many of the lakes there are alittle off the beaten path, and wellworth the trip. Firth Lake is a perfectexample of these fabulous fishing lakes. Anglers enjoy fishing in Firth Lake for the large rainbow trout.

Local author and angler Brian Smith is enthusiastic about Firth Lake, especially because of its underwater structure. He will work the ledgesofthe drop offs, and cast to deepwater or along the ledges.

Some of the best of these zones can be found in the north end. The channel leadingtoHourstonLake can be agood place to start, and the shoals and islands nearby can be productive. Smith says that the northwest corner is some of the best insect habitat, and thus agood trout area. “There is agraduated shelf, and a small inletbay that is primecaddis, dragonfly and damsel environment. These insects love flats and shelves that containlush weed growth and less than four metres of water.”

Take alook for Brian Smith’s two books, Seasons of aFly Fisher, and Fly Fishing BC’sInterior, bothavailable at local book stores. Smithisalso a regularcontributor to Northword mag-

azine, which can be found at northword.ca.

LAKE ACCESS

Travel to this lake requires 4WDor an ATV, as there is asteep hill leading to the lake that can leave a two-wheel drive stranded. Even with asturdy vehicle, the access can be tricky.A recent report on anglersatlas. com from Kevin52 tells us, “The 1-2 km road going downtothe lake was so overgrownthat Iwouldn’tdare take my truck through... Idoubt a normal car would even make it that far.”

From PrinceGeorge, travel north along Highway97for about 110 km. On the rightside of the highway (east) you will pass the Firth LakeRoad, but do not turn here as it takes you to a different lake.Continue afew more kilometres, past the rest stop, to the 42 Mile Road.Turn right(east) and follow for about five kilometres, past the substation, left at the communication building, and down asteep hill to Firth Lake. There is aforestry campsite at Firth Lake, with five vehicle units and acartopboat launch.

377 Hectares (932 Acres) 36 metres (118 feet)

metres (2,690 feet) August 1983 Metres

HORO SC OPES &P UZ ZLES

Bungle

Steak, e.g.

Regard

Farewell, for short

Conform to

Drink

Shoe part

Smaller amount

Road sign

Pack animal

Appropriate

Cookie grain

Cover, as a couch

Potent particle

Molasses spirit

Voila!

Put in the bank

Flick

Fade

Trash

Soak, as tea

Does, e.g.

Verbal

Billiard parlor: 2wds.

Discharge

Fan’s hero

Little

Related

Munches

PUZZLE NO. 828

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the gridsothat every row, every columnand every3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.

Each3x3 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.

Not early

Curved roof

Shack

Bugle call

Write text

Posed

Slurp

Lives

Actor Brynner 20. Shipment

Burnt wood

Downy

Three voices

Count

Seltzer

Holler

Bakery purchase

Piercing tool

Island garland

Guided

CL ASSIF IEDS

November

In Memoriam

1927 – August 4, 2020

The moment you left us, our hearts split in two, One side filled with memories, the other side died with you.

We often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep And take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks.

Remembering you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that never goes away.

We hold you tightly with our hearts and there you will remain, as our lives go on without you but will never be the same.

Your family will love you forever and we miss you every minute of every day.

June3,1941-June15,2021

ItiswithheavyheartsthatwesharethatoursisterDoris Windhaber(Kidd)passedawayonJune15,2021.Doris wasalovingmother,grandmother,great-grandmother, auntie,great-auntieandgreat-great-auntie.Shewasa precioussisterandfriend;shewillbetrulymissed.My brother,Jerry,andI(Maxine)alongwithourspouses Tammy(Kidd)andPeter(Hickli),areverygratefultoour sistersConnieLawrence,DarleneWoytula,Maureen Johnson,andtheirfamiliesforthelovingcaretheyhave providedtoDorisoverthepastseveralyears.Connie’s devotionwaslimitlessandselfless,shewasatrue blessingandensuredthateventhroughthechallengesof CovidDoriswastakencareofandwaswellstockedwith specialchocolate,savourytreats,andweeklywonton soup.Suchsimplepleasures,buttheymadeDorisso veryhappy.Doriswaspredeceasedbyherhusband, Erhard;ourbrothers,WayneandTed(Kidd);andrecently ourniece,Catharina(Noble).DorisandErhard’slegacyof lovingkindnessareafewofthemanyspecialgiftstheir grandchildrenwillcherish.

REMEMBRANCES

Leonard “Len”

I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, I thought we were going to spend the rest of our life together Then I realized, you did.

I miss your smile, I miss your humour, I miss your kindness I miss you, I miss us I love you

Forever Cori

CAROLINE ALVARADO

2x26.1

Henderson,Richard July21,1932-June24,2021

PGC002264

Richard(Dick)HendersonpassedawayonJune24,2021, inLangley,BC,attheageof88.HewasbornJuly21, 1932,inVanguardSaskatchewan.Hewaspredeceasedby hiswife,Anne(2006).Heissurvivedbyhisdaughter, Janet(Randi)ofSurrey;brother,NormanHenderson;and numerousnieces,nephews,extendedfamily,andfriends. HewasaLetterCarrierforCanadaPostfor30+years.A CelebrationofLifewillbeheldinthefall.Condolences maybeofferedat: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/surrey-bc/ richard-henderson-10251482.

Margaret Gauthier 1939-2021

Margaret Gauthier, born May 29th, 1939 passed away peacefully July 9th, 2021 Survived by her husband of 65 years, Alcide Gauthier, her daughters Loraine and Janet (Bruce), her grandchildren Mandy, Stacey, Tami, Lorretta, Wayne, Darcy, numerous great grandchildren and her favorite fur baby Mia. She is now reunited with her son Edward Gauthier.

She will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts.

1942-2021

With COVID-19 vaccinations progressing and the restrictions being relaxed, we will be having a Celebration of Life for Gail Ware at her family home located at 3443 Clearwood Place, Prince George on August 28th from 1pm to 5pm. Everyone that knew her or the family is welcome to attend.

E. Marguerite (Hall) MacKenzie was born Feb 17, 1942 in West Vancouver to John Hall and Elizabeth Irvine (Houston) Hall and on July 17, 2021 passed peacefully with her family at her side and went to meet the Lord. She is survived by her devoted husband Jim, children Gwyneth & Andrew, grandson Corey, brother Peter and relatives across Canada.

She excelled at school and music and participated in many activities that were offered at West Vancouver Secondary. After high school she attended UBC and graduated with a degree in Education. In 1963 she was offered a teaching position in Prince George so made the big move and spent 32 years first teaching at Quinson & Buckhorn, then as the librarian at South Fort George & Malaspina and librarian/teacher at Lakewood. Always friendly and helpful, she made friends wherever she worked.

After retirement she and Jim embarked on a two month driving adventure across Canada to see friends and family. She very much enjoyed working in her garden, reading, taking pictures and volunteering. Among the groups were the Prince George Retired Teacher’s Association Education Heritage Committee, BC Old Time Fiddlers Branch #1 and librarian at Westwood Mennonite Church.

For more than 15 years she & Jim and friends performed many

play outs at senior’s homes and other events bringing East Coast fiddling music to appreciative listeners.

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

In memory of my loving husband

LOGAN WHITMER

Celebrating You! August 2, 2021

Love You Forever, Mom, Dad, & Marly

In loving memory

Betty Rushton

15,

Celebration of Life for Gail Ware

Memorial Services

In Memoriam

MAXINE HICKLI

WINDHABER,DorisE.

In Memoriam

E. Marguerite MacKenzie (nee Hall)

REMEMBRANCES

Anne Marie Switlo

Our small but mighty Anne Marie Switlo (nee Dahlgren) was born in Burns Lake, British Columbia on August 17, 1931, and passed away at the age of 89 on June 16th, 2021. Anne Marie spent many years in Fraser Lake, and though she spent her last years in Prince George, she always considered Fraser Lake her home. Her bold and playful personality left a mark on the hearts of all those she met. From playing darts at the local Legion, to skunking family and friends at a boisterous game of cribbage - laughter was always heard when Anne Marie was around. Anne Marie loved to cook and bake - no one can forget her buns, cookies and perogies. As she leaves us, we know she will lovingly join Don Switlo (Husband) and Robbie Hedstrom (Son) to continue the party. She will be affectionately remembered by: son Danny (Karina); daughter Kari (Duncan); daughter-in-law Bryony, grandchildren Trevor, Nikki, Caroline, Cody; great grandchildren, Jane, Maddie, Kate, and her loving care provider Sheila Garnot, who was like a daughter and ensured Anne Marie’s “wants” and needs were always met - not an easy job! Anne Marie lived for the moment and taught us that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously. We will always remember the joy she brought to our lives. The family will be holding a small, private celebration of life on August 14, 2021. The family is forever grateful to the staff of Emmaus House and Sheila who spoiled Anne Marie rotten. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmaus House (in Prince George) where Anne Marie brought laughter and mischief during her final years.

Glowena Margaret Cook (nee Waller)

October 12, 1950July 13, 2021

With heavy hearts the family of Glowena Cook announce her passing on July 13, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Sandy(Leslie); her daughters Celeste (Cooper) and Michelle; step daughters Kim (Mike) and Krista (Vern); sisters Donna and Judi (Rick) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Glo’s greatest delight was her grandchildrenEmma, Kira, Karlee, Lola, Addison, David and Bradley.

Over the years she loved travelling to Asia and exploring new countries around the world with family and travel friends.

Glo will be remembered for her smile and sense of humour, her patience, her strong will, and her non-judgmental attitude to all.

We are grateful for the support and care from family and friends during this time.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 pm4:30 pm, August 21, 2021 at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.

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

CAILLIER, Joe

March 22, 1953July 1, 2021

Born March 22nd, 1953 in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan.

Our beloved husband and father passed away with his family by his side on July 1st, 2021 at the age of 68.

Joe will be lovingly remember by his wife, Dorothy of 45 years. Daughters Janine (Len), Robyn, Stephanie (Derek) and granddaughter Jaimee. Sisters Lorraine (Russel), Anita (Ernie) and sisterin-law June. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Gislaine and brothers Maurice, Norbert, Robert and Leo and his sister-in-law’s Donna and Carol.

Joe will always be remembered for being the funniest, most caring, sports knowledgeable husband and dad.

As per his wishes, the family will celebrate his life at a later date.

In place of flowers, Joe had requested donations be made to charities including heart, diabetes and cancer foundations.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to everyone that assisted with roadside CPR and to the staff at the University of Alberta Hospital who cared for him in the cardiac care unit 5A7.

Brian De Marsh 1957-2021

Brian De Marsh in his 64th year (retired from Prince George School District and Elizabeth Fry Society) passed away peacefully on July 20, 2021 after a courageous and noble battle with cancer. Son of the late Frank and Rita De Marsh (O’Brian), Predeceased by brother Dale De Marsh, Survived by sister Gail Allair (Ron), sister Ann Prescott, brother Warren De Marsh (Elinor), Morley De Marsh (Penny). Also survived by nephews, great nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered and missed by his family, many friends and co-workers. Brian settled in Prince George after leaving Ontario in his late teens. Prince George was a perfect fit for Brians love of nature, mountains and hiking. Brians wishes were to have no formal service. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Hospice Society Prince George or B.C. Cancer Society. Brian will be remembered for his work ethic, quick wit, sense of humor, his readiness to share a joke, and his gentle side of reaching out to those in need.

GERDES, Elsie

November 22, 1932July 15, 2021

Elsie was born in Kitselas, BC on November 22, 1932 at home to parents Emil and Pauline. Her family moved to Hazelton, BC in 1940. She graduated from Hazelton High School in 1949. She entered the Royal Jubilee Hospital School for Nursing and graduated in 1954. She worked as a nurse in Duncan and then Pouce Coupe before joining government service in Prince George in 1955. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1975.

Elsie worked her way up and became Director of the Public Health Services (Northern Interior Health Unit Manager). She worked tirelessly for the people of British Columbia for 36 years. She was a founding member of the University of Northern BC, and she became president of the University Society from 1987-89. She saw the need for young people to obtain higher education closer to home. In recognition of her vision to improve the lives of young people and seniors, she received a Doctorate of Law from the University of Northern BC.

Since retiring after working in Public Health she has been on many health councils and committee’s working for the people, and particularly the elderly in British Columbia. She is survived by her sister Norma Shelley in Fanny Bay, nieces Linda Bentz, Carolyn Goss, Cathy Mickelow and nephew Ron Smaha, and many grand nieces and nephews.

The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire were asked to raise money in Elsie’s name to support a bursary for BScN in nursing at UNBC for a $5000 bursary, however, they felt this was inadequate and raised $50,000 in 3 years.

She passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness on July 15, 2021, with her sister Norma by her side. She was predeceased by her husband Dieter (Derric) Gerdes in 2012.

No service will take place, at the request of Elsie and family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lytton Fire Fund, care of the Red Cross.

NICHOLLS,Donald February18,1950-July11,2021

ItiswithbrokenheartsweannounceDadssudden passingsurroundedbylovedones.Dadlovedagoodcrib game,toplayhisguitar,racechuckwagonsandspoilhis grandkidswithicecream.Mourninghislossarehis2 sons,Adam(Tara),Rob(Sheena),6grandchildren, MotherRose,SisterSharon(Jim),JonBoyandmany cherishedfamilymembersandfriends.Predeceasedby hisbelovedwifeChristine,daughterLesiaandFather Gordon.Acelebrationoflifewillbeheld1pmSaturday July.31atDadshomeforclosefamilyandfriends.

Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps them near.

Claire (Kelly) Lavoie 1930-2021

On July 3, 2021 Claire (Kelly) Lavoie passed away at the age of 91 years. Kelly was avid about children reading books. Kelly started her career as an elementary teacher in Victoria then Kamloops and finally in Prince George Kelly was a driving force in around the creation of a kindergarten program from School District # 57. She now joins her parents James and Clarissa and her younger brother Arthur. The celebration of life will be Tuesday July 20, 2021 @ 3pm. Elks Lodge 663 Douglas St PG. In lieu of flowers please donate to PG Humane Society or donate a book to a local elementary school reading program.

Gone but not forgotten.

Alexander Frederick Hogh 1986-2021

With intense sadness, the family of Alexander Frederick Hogh, born June 20th 1986, announces that he passed away from cancer in the early morning of July 8th 2021, at age 35. He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Fred and Kathleen Hogh, brothers Andrue (Andy) and Christopher Hogh, nephew Luke Pederson, sister-in-law Julia Ironmonger, partner Elizabeth Norman and his cats Temujin and Captain Malcolm Reynolds. Alex was predeceased by his grandparents, William and Nena Hogh and William and Mary Payne. He will also be remembered by countless extended family members and dear friends.

Alex was beginning a career of personal training alongside years of being a dedicated student at CNC and UNBC, pursuing a major in psychology. Outside of his career, Alex was a passionate storyteller and his tales told from behind his dungeon master’s screen will be remembered forever.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt Thank you to the staff at the Prince George Hospice House for their incredible care in the last few months of Alex’s life.

A Celebration of Alex’s life will take place in August with details to follow.

Douglas M. Polsom

November 4, 1960June 29, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dougie. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Tiawna (Drew) Newman and his two grandsons, Brooks and Rhett in Washington. Predeceased by his grandparents, he leaves behind his two brothers Russ (Leslie), Chase, BC, and Lyle, Prince George, BC, his Mom Elizabeth (Bett), Prince George, his Dad Stan, Vancouver, as well as members of his extended family, cousins, aunts, uncles and his many friends.

Dougie’s passion for excellence and top quality workmanship was evident throughout his 30 plus years of service at Northwood Pulp and Paper. He loved to spend time with his family, his many friends and enjoyed working in his yard, having it look A1 at all times. After he mowed his yard, he said he didn’t want even the robins walking on it!! He took great pride in his home and himself. Dougie left us way too soon. He will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered for his wonderful sense of humour, his loving and kind personality, his appreciation of classic / vintage vehicles and his good sense of responsibility.

A big Thank You to everyone for the offers of help, the kindness you’ve shown, your generosity and support through this very difficult time for our family. There will be no funeral service. Instead, we would like to have a gathering of family and friends at a later date. Thank you again for your sincere well wishes!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

General Employment

MCSTRONGSAFETY

SERVICESBCCERTIFIED TRAFFICCONTROL PERSONNEL

BCCertifiedTCP’s requiredforworkin Valemountand Clearwateronthe TransMountainPipeline Project.Campjob,12 hourdays,6daysa week.Hourlywageand OTafter8.Pleasesend resume with qualificationsto: angie@mcstrongsafetyse rvices.com

www.mcstrongsafetyserv ices.com

Medical/Dental Help

NWCDC PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

LocatedinVanderhoof. Thisisafull-time (35hoursperweek) permanentposition. Relocationfunds available. hr@nwcdc.ca www.nwcdc.ca

Trades Help

PEACEVALLEYINDUSTRIES (2016)LTDQUALIFIED JOURNEYMANWELDERS

PeaceValleyIndustriesis currentlylookingfor QualifiedJourneyman WeldersforChetwyndB.C. Minimum5years experience.Pleaseemail resume to peacevalley@uniserve.com. Nophonecallsplease. peacevalley@uniserve.com Trucking &

614-6667

Dollar Saver Lumber has openings for the following positions:

• La bourers

• PL aNer FeeDer ( FT)

• Gr aDers ( FT or PT ) for 1x4, 1x3 in 8’, 7’ 6’ & 5’ lengths) Will pay competitive wages steady Work

Please apply in person to: Dollar Saver Lumber Attn: Ken 9359 Nor thern Cres Prince George, BC or email keyles@lumber.ca or gobbi1@telus.net Fax: 250.561.2111

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

•

• Co-ordinate shipments of finished products to existing customers.

• Work with Mill Manager to ensure optimal inventories are maintained.

• Communicate with customers to ensure their needs are being met.

Preference will be given for persons:

• Who have an understanding of sawmill operations familiarity with lumber grades and sizes

• Good computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Successful candidate will possess the following qualities:

• The ability to deal with customer needs in a calm constructive manner

• The ability to adjust to rapidly changing conditions and developments

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team

The position offers:

• A competitive salary and benefit package

• Opportunity to work in and exciting dynamic environment.

• Opportunity for advancement.

Please submit your resume to Frank Skerlak, General Sales Manager at fskerlak@lumber.ca or Bev at: gobbi1@telus.net Only those persons chosen for an interview will be contacted.

How to write a classified ad that works.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

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

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

FORESTRY SUPERVISOR

Dunk ley Lumber Ltd. is a modern and efficient dimension sawmill and planer mill facility at Strathnaver, 75 km south of Prince George, BC. Our quality lumber produc ts are sold across Nor th America and in overseas markets. Please visit our website at ww w.dunk leylumber.com to find out more about us.

We are currently seek ing applicants for a Forestr y Super visor position. The successful candidate will super vise logging, hauling and related operations and ensure produc tion, quality, environmental and legal requirements are met in a safe and cost- effective manner Responsibilities will also include contrac t management, contrac tor super vision, liaison with government officials and coordination of operations with other depar tments

The ideal candidate will posses the following technical sk ills and experience:

• Registration or eligibility for registration as a Registered Forest Technologist (RFT ), Forester in Training (FIT ) or Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with the Association of BC Forestr y Professionals (ABCFP)

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in forestr y fieldwork

• Proficiency using a computer

• Familiarity with current technology and forestr y applications

• Knowledge of current BC forest legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines

• Valid Class 5 Driving Licence and safe driving record

• Outstanding problem solving, decision mak ing and organizational abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication sk ills

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

This position offers a highly competitive wage and benefit pack age. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled Please email a cover letter and resume to mgronskei@dunkleylumber.com with Forestr y Super visor in the subjec t line.

We thank you for your interest; however, only candidates invited to inter view will be contacted.

Hay/Bales For

Bedroom/Bedding

Apartments / Condos-For

Property For Sale

THIS WEEKEND GARAGE SALES D

Be advised that Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. is proposing an amendment to their current Forest Stewardship Plan to add Tagi Resources Limited Partnership in respect of NRFL A94501, and Nechako Lumber Co. Ltd. in respect of FL A17842 and NRFL A94502, to the existing Forest Development Units. The amendment will be available for public review and written comment from July 22nd until September 20, 2021. To Schedule an appointment or arrange for more information, contact Andrew Peacosh, RPF at 250-6171184. In-person meetings will not be available at this time. Written comments can be submitted by email to: andrew.peacosh@sinclar.com or letter, Attention: Andrew Peacosh, Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. PO Box 1358, Prince George, B.C. V2L 4V4.

Draft Master Plan for Expansion - Tabor Mountain Ski Resort

Tabor Mountain Sk i Resor t Ltd. has submitted a draft Master Plan to the Ministr y of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) for review and approval, consistent with the All-Seasons Resor t Polic y. The draft Master Plan details the proposed expansion and development concepts to suppor t all-seasons resor t purposes.

Public Information Session

The Province and Tabor Mountain Sk i Resor t invite the public to attend an Online Information Session on August 4, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm (PST )

The link for the session will be posted at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/ natural-resource-use/resort-development/proposed-approved-resort-master-plans/list-ofproposed-plans/tabor-mountain-ski-resort-master-plan-review/tabor-mountain-masterplan-review-public-engagement Note: The recording will be available following the session. Please refer to the website link above for more information and details as they become available

Projec t Review Information

The draft Master Plan as well as suppor ting project review information is available online at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resort-development/ proposed-approved-resort-master-plans/list-of-proposed-plans/tabor-mountain-ski-resortmaster-plan-review Hard copies will not be made available due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Public Comments

FLNRORD is requesting comments from the public regarding the Tabor Mountain Sk i Resor t Draft Master Plan. Comments can be submitted online at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ applications (search for file 7407307) or mailed to Mountain Resor ts Branch, 510 – 175 2nd Ave., Kamloops BC V2C 5W1. The deadline for comments is 4:30 pm on August 20, 2021.

Disclaimer

This regulatory advertisement is paid for by the proponent as part of the Master Plan Review process. It does not constitute approval of the development project by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. Please refer to file 7407307 in all correspondence.

The art of lighting your property and landscape

Embellishing your deck, yard or garden with lighting involves more than simply lining your pathways and flowerbeds with lightfixtures.Indeed,therearecertainrules youshouldfollowforyourlandscapelighting to effectively show off your property comesunset.

First, let’s focus on safety Your steps and pathways need to be clearly visible so that you can walk around with ease while staying out of harm’s way Wall-mounted sconces and embedded ground lights are extremely useful for lighting dark areas withstyle.

Next, think about which elements of your landscape you would like to showcase. A beautifulplantthatyou’reparticularlyfond of? The entrance gate? The fountain? The statue?Toaddabitofmagic,playwiththe lighting and install your fixtures (lights, lanterns,projectors,etc.)atrandom.

Allittakesisawell-focusedbeamoflight to create an illusion of depth and volume inanyyard,bigorsmall.

Above all, it’s important to note that it isn’t necessary to illuminate the entire gardentocreateawarmatmosphere

An attractive yard that you’ll enjoy admiring from your patio or upstairs bedroom windowisbuttheresultofacarefulblend ofshadowandlight.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Many landscaping artists offer design and installation services for outdoorlighting projects.Totake full advantageofyouryarddayandnight, it’saninvestmentworthconsidering!

Countless models of ground lights are available on the market to suit every style and budget

How to organize your bookshelves

If you’re an avid reader, you might have more books than you know what to do with. Here are a few ways you can organizeyourbookshelves

•Alphabetically. In bookstores and libraries, books are organized alphabeticallybyauthor Youcanusethissystem at home or instead alphabetize your volumes by title Choose whichever method makes it easiest for you to find the bookyou’relookingfor

•Bygenre.Anothercommonwaytoorganize books is by category. Some genres you’reprobablyfamiliarwitharefiction, biography,history,poetryandtravel.But don’t be shy to use more atypical classifications such as urban fantasy, true crimeorFrenchcooking.

•By cover. If you want bookshelves that are visually striking, try grouping all your books by colour Similarly, you can wrap all yourbooksinonetype of paper, or place the spinestowardstheback sothatthepagesarefacingyou.

STYLE YOUR SHELVES

and knick-knacks around your books to showoffyourpersonalstyle.

•Paint the insides of your bookshelves an interesting colour or cover them with wallpaper Combining this with books organized by their covers would really makeastatement.

•Stack a few books on their side. This adds visual interest and the stacks can function as bookends for the other volumes.

There’s no one right way to organize your bookshelves,aslongasyouliketheeffect. Just don’t forget to leave some space for newvolumes.

In addition to classifying your books, use theseideastomakeyour bookshelves a key part ofyourdecor

•Placeitemslikephotographs, houseplants

Crittall-style windows and doors

Crittall-style windows and doors are undeniably popular right now The thin steel frames and unobstructed views they offer arebothmodernandtimeless.Datingback to the 1880s, you can find this style on manyedifices,fromhomestofactoriesand evenontheBritishParliamentbuildings.

Minimalist but striking, steel-frame windows and doors can look either historical orcontemporary,dependingonthetypeof building they adorn. If you’re thinking about making a change, they’re a great choiceformosttypesofhomes

Inadditiontotheirmoretraditionaluses, thesekindsofwindowsanddoorsareincreasingly being used in interior design. They allow light to easily pass from one room to another and in an open concept home, they can be used to mark off key areas. They’re alsoagreatoptionfor entranceways.

Crittall-stylewindowsand doorframes are historicallyblack,buttoday’stechnologyallowsthemetaltohavealmostanycolour,thereby allowing them toseamlessly fit into yourhome.

GO FOR GOLD.

How to grow fresh herbs indoors

Fresh herbs can make a mediocre meal mouth-watering.Toensureyouhavethem on hand at all times, why not grow them right in your kitchen? Here’s what you shouldknowaboutgrowingherbsindoors.

GETTING STARTED

Growing an indoor herb garden will require nutrient-rich soil, pots with good drainage and a sunny window Generally, herbsneedaminimumofsixhoursofsunlight a day to thrive. If you don’t have a spacethatcanprovidethisamountofnatural light every day, consider getting an LEDgrowlightinstead

CHOOSING YOUR HERBS

You can grow your herbs from seed or purchaseseedlingsfromagardencentreor nursery If you buy young plants, choose

ones with shiny leaves and strong stems. Some herbs that do well on a windowsill include:

• Basil

• Rosemary

• Parsley

• Chives

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Mint

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HERBS

Herbsshouldbewateredregularlybutnot overwatered You’llknowit’stimetowater them when the top layer of soil is just starting to dry out, but the deeper layers arestilldamp.Plantsinsmallerpotsneed tobewateredmoreoften.

Additionally,regularlyfeedyourherbsnitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage strong leafgrowth.Toremovesaltresiduecaused byfertilizing,flushtheplantsonceamonth by holding their pots over the sink and running water over them until it flows from the bottomofthepot.

To keep your herbs in great shape, harvest the leaves regularly To do this, simply pinch off the topmost ones as you need them. Just be sure not to pick the big lowermost leaves that provide plants with a sturdy base. Regular harvesting will ensure yourplantsthrive.

7 tips for keeping your home cool without air/con

During the hottest days of summer, it can be difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Here are seven tips to stay cool withoutanairconditioner

1.Keep sunlight out. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to prevent the sun’s raysfromheatingupyourhome.

2.Circulate the air. Set up a network of fans to keep the air in your home moving. You can also make a DIY air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice or an ice pack in frontofyourfanstocreateanicybreeze

3.Open your windows at night. Open your windowswhenthesungoesdowntoletthe coolereveningairin.

4.Use a dehumidifier. Humidity can make your house uncomfortably warm. Run a dehumidifiertoevaporatethewaterintheair

5.Cook outdoors. Using the stove or oven will make your home even hotter Instead, cookyourmealsonthebarbecue.

6.Use appliances wisely. Wait until the sun goes down to run your dishwasher, and hang dry your clothes in the sun. Being careful about how you use appliances will prevent you from adding more heat into yourhome.

7.Use your exhaust fans. Turn on your bathroom and kitchen fans to draw hot and steamyairoutofthehouse.

In addition to keeping your home cool, you mayalsowanttowearloose-fitting,light-coloured clothes, drink lots of cold beverages and avoid physical activity during the hottestpartsoftheday

Scandicraft: the new Nordic design trend

Do you appreciate the clean lines of Scandinavian furniture but also love unique, handcrafteddecor?Combinethetwoestheticswithscandicraftstyle.Thisnewdesign trendhasalltheminimalismoftypicalNordic design but leaves room for the unique piecesyou’redrawnto.

A scandicraft home is welcoming and makesjudicioususeofartisanalpiecesthat arebothbeautifulandfunctional.Furniture frequently plays double duty by offering storage space Accessories like throw pillowsandthrowsaresoftandcomforting.

Less monochromatic than other Nordic styles,scandicraftwelcomestheuseofpastels and jewel tones to create a space that you’ll love to come home to. Scandicraft

combines clean lines with eccentric, handmade pieces Show off your personality withamobilemadefromsalvagedwoodor gobohemianwitharattanheadboard NaturallightisveryimportantinScandinaviandesign,andthisschoolofdecoratingis no different. Big windows with little coveringareapriority

Scandicraft also embraces nature, so choose pieces made from natural materials like wood, leather and wool Hanging plantswillcompletethelook

What’s old is new again with scandicraft, socombineyourfleamarkettreasureswith clean and functional Nordic furniture to createahomethat’strulyunique.

Green: the hottest design colour

Both classic and unexpected, green has quickly become the colour du jour From jewel-bright emerald to calming sage, there’sagreenforeveryroomandstyle.

Forestgreenwallssetasolemntoneinan office or reading nook. If a full coat of paint is too much of a commitment, you can integrate this dark colour in subtler ways.Optforitonalamp,arearugorcurtains.

Emerald green will brighten up a small bathroom or add interest to a utilitarian space like a laundry room. In a kitchen, glossy green cabinets are a refreshing change from white. In a living room or

den,amid-centurystylesofainthisjeweltonewouldbeagreatfocalpoint.

Sage green is relaxing and calm, and would beideal fora nurseryorchild’s bedroom

Kellygreenisvibrantandexciting.Considerpaintingyourchairsandtablethishue to add a touch of whimsy to your dining room.

Green is very versatile and can work in almost any room. To keep the look fresh and modern,pairitwithcoolneutrals,andavoid combiningitwithwarmcolourslikeyellow orburgundy.

Low-maintenance perennials for the Pacific Northwest

Wanttosurroundyourhomewithanenchantinglandscape,butdon’thavemuchtimefor garden maintenance? The following easygrowing perennials look fantastic, require little effort on your part, and are well suited forthetemperate,dampconditionsofthePacificNorthwest.

CREATE TEXTURE

The rich, deep green foliage of the sword fern stays beautiful all year long. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in rich, well-drainedsoilandfullshade.Anotheroption for adding texture to your landscape is wild ginger, a fragrant shade plant that featuresgorgeous,glossyevergreenleaves.

ADD COLOUR

Dahlias come in countless colours and textures, and they’re all ideal for a low-mainte-

nance Northwest garden. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil. Lupines are also available in a wide range of colours, from pink to orange to purple. These tall, upright flowers prefer slightly acidic soil and grow bestinfullsunorpartialshade.

ATTRACT POLLINATORS

The crisp, white flowers of the Shasta daisy will have butterflies flocking to your garden allsummerlong.Plantdaisiesinwell-drained soil,eitherinfullsunorpartialshade.Hummingbirds love the eye-catching cardinal flower, which grows to be around three feet tallandbloomsbrightredinthelatesummer Ittoleratesbothsunandshade.

TofindoutmoreaboutgardeningwithperennialsinthePacificNorthwest,visityourlocal gardeningcentreorplantnursery

The benefits of

installing a stone garden wall

A low stone wall can be a practical and attractive addition to your garden Here’s whyyoushouldconsiderincludingonein yourlandscaping.

TO PREVENT EROSION

Ifyourpropertyslopesorhasdifferentlevels,astonegardenwallcanactasaretaining wall and ensure soil retention. Keep inmindthatthestructureneedstoprovide adequatedrainage.

TO CREATE ZONES

Astone wall is a classic way to delineate areasofyouryardsuchasthegarden,patio or pool. It also helps create a designatedspaceforaflowerbedorstairs.

Astone garden wall can be either dry or mortared.Adrystonewallisbuiltbystacking flat stones in an overlapping pattern tocreatefrictionandprovidestability