Prince George Citizen October 7, 2021

THURSDAY, October 7,

An informal gathering was held at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on Sept. 30 to honour National Truth and Reconcilliation Day.

First Truth and Reconciliation Day held last week

Prince George recognized Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with an informal gathering at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on Sept. 30.

Many people wearing Orange Shirts came together Thursday to honour the significance of the day, which is meant to commemorate the horrific legacy of residential schools in Canada.

While the formal event which was to

have a set schedule, performances and vendors was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, an informal gathering which consisted of a prayer, speeches and a march to The Exploration Place display took place instead.

“It really says a lot when we see so many orange shirts here and so much support and allies to what is taking place. Each and every one of you are contributing in a really positive way for making change for our Aboriginal people,” said Lheidli T’enneh elder Darlene McIntosh during the

opening prayer.

“Our First Nations people have just come through a devastating announcement of finding over 215 children that were in Indian residential schools, their bodies thrown into the ground so no one would find out. Who would do this to innocent children? The trauma that continues to open the wounds of our elders is unthinkable.”

McIntosh urged everyone to take the time to listen and reflect.

“We as First Nations people faced this

for over 150 years This is a day of introspection, a day for all humanity to be silent just for a moment,” said McIntosh.

“Thank you for those willing to build a strong relationship with each other and a powerful commitment to make sure this does not happen again. We thank all who have come forward today to show they care.”

Thegatheringwasorganizedandhosted by UHNBC drummers Wesley Mitchell and Ivan Paquette

See ‘THIS DAY,’ page 5

CITIZEN PHOTO BY HANNA PETERSEN

Local man who killed his wife denied day parole

A man convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife will remain incarcerated after a Parole Board of Canada panel denied his bid for day parole.

In doing so, the panel found Denis Florian Ratte has made only “minimal progress” toward addressing a “capacity for extreme violence.”

In December 2010, Ratte was sentenced to life in prison without eligibility to apply for parole for 15 years – he received credit for time served in custody before sentencing – after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in the August 1997 death of Wendy Ann Twiss Ratte, 44.

For years, the disappearance of the woman, noted for her involvement in the community, was a mystery.

However, the couple’s daughter, Anna Sieppert, worked to keep the case on the police radar and Ratte eventually became the target of an elaborate undercover operation, known as a Mr. Big sting, in which police officers posing as high-level

criminals worked to extract a confession out of him.

Ratte eventually confided that he killed his wife, shooting her from behind while

REQUEST FOR COMMENT

OFFICIALCOMMUNITY PLAN BYLAWNO. 8383, 2011 AMENDMENT BYLAWNO. 9218, 2021

Subject Property –7920Highway 97 S

The City of Prince George is considering an amendment to the City of Prince George Official Community Plan (OCP) BylawNo. 8383, 2011 on 7920 Highway 97 S(subject property) as follows:

•Schedule B-6: Future Land Use fromRural Resource to LightIndustrial; and

•Schedule B-4: GrowthManagement fromRural Resource to Phase 1.

This application is to facilitate the development of light industrial uses on the subject property This application to amend the OCP also includes arezoning application(Bylaw9219, 2021).

Please visit the City of PrinceGeorge website at www.princegeorge.ca for more detailed information. From the homepage of the City ofPrince George website click on “Business and Development”; click on “Planning and Development”; clickon“LandUse”;and scroll down to “Applications in Progress”.

The City requests written comment from any person,organization, or agenciesthat maybe affectedbythis amendmenttothe OCP. Please forward anywritten submissions by 5:00 pm, October 22, 2021 to theDevelopmentServices Divisionat1100Patricia Boulevard, PG V2L 3V9, Fax: 561-7721, Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca

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

Visit princegeorge.cafor information about City services and operations. Youcan even subscribe to receiveinformation directly to your inbox. Visit news.princegeorge.ca/subscribe to select the categories thatmattertoyou.

she was feeding ducks in the backyard of their rural Prince George property, then disposing of her body in a swamp east of the city and leaving the family van parked

at a supermarket, now Value Village, to make it look like she disappeared.

According to the panel’s finding, issued Sept 14, Ratte, now 68 years old, has claimed he was entrapped and has maintained his innocence But the panel found the findings of the court “as more reliable and persuasive than your version of events and that you have demonstrated the capacity for extreme violence and deception.”

Ratte’s behaviour while in custody has been satisfactory, the case management team supported granting him day parole and he had been accepted into a halfway house in the Lower Mainland.

But the panel remained concerned, noting in part that after the murder, he was convicted and sentenced on a trafficking-related charge, indicating that his involvement in criminal activity was likely greater than his formal record and that he has an “entrenched criminal attitude.”

“Your file states that you have little insight or understanding into your actions. Further, reports indicate you are very comfortable playing the victim role and blaming everyone but yourself.”

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

ILLUSTRATION BY MILAN BASIC

An artist’s rendition of Denis Florian Ratte from the 2010 trial in which he was found guilty of murdering his wife, Wendy Ann Twiss Ratte.

Two nurses create bursary for nursing students

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

A pair of lifelong friends and nurses have left a $100,000 legacy to the College of New Caledonia (CNC) to help the next generation of nurses.

Betty Smith and Becky Beck lived next door to each other in Vancouver and dedicated their lives to the nursing profession, becoming members of the Victorian Order of Nurses.

CNC alumnus Roger Dunkley grew up across the street from Betty and Becky and said they were like great aunts to him.

When Dunkley was completing his criminology diploma at the college, his father Terry spoke with Betty and Becky about helping fund a future award for nursing students.

Terry suggested the two women consider CNC’s nursing program that helps fill the need for nurses in the north.

When Becky died in 2018 at the age of 97 she willed everything to her best friend Betty, who never forgot the conversation they had with Terry about creating the award.

Then when Betty died in 2021, her will included a $100,000 donation to CNC for the creation of the new award.

“Their light shone so bright that now even after passing, they’re still having a warm positive impact on this world,” said Dunkley.

Betty Smith and Becky Beck willed $100,000 to the College of New Caledonia to create a new bursary for the college’s nursing students.

The new award not only honours Betty and Becky, but also Becky’s mother Edith, who was also a nurse and graduated back in 1919.

The friends’ contributions will provide four $1,000 awards annually to students at CNC and it will be known as the Three Sisters Endowment Bursary.

“These two worldly old ladies were pretty cool,” said Dunkley who detailed their full lives of travel, hobbies and charity work.

“Betty and Becky both never married nor had any children, instead their warm

nurturing ways were expressed through caring for animals, cultivation of nature and giving to charities.”

Dunkleyalsocommentedonhowimportant this donation is given that nurses are needed more than ever in the fight against COVID-19.

“It goes without saying the north, no doubt, could benefit from more trained personnel in the medical field. For the last five years the number of nurses from remote and rural areas has steadily declined, an already alarming statistic exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,”

said Dunkley. “It is an opportunity for the girls, even not being here in this world, but shining bright for everyone and helping the community and nurses.”

CNC president Dr. Dennis Johnson said this type of bursary will help average students get financial support.

“It is often average students that need that chance to succeed and this award is flexible enough for us to help a wide range of students,” said Johnson.

“It supports both sides of the equation, we need the nurses but we also need students to be able to afford to come to school.”

CNC’s nursing program provides education for students in health care assisting, practical nursing, and the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program in conjunction with UNBC.

“This new award supports the ecosystem of Nursing in the North, providing support to students in all three nursing education streams offered at CNC,” said Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, dean of health sciences.

“This ensures motivated students have the means to succeed in the areas they’ve chosen: health care assisting, practical nursing or registered nursing.”

College of New Caledonia students can apply for the Three Sisters Endowment Bursary through the college’s Financial Aid and Awards page when the applications open at the end of October.

MOU aims to improve health of Nechako River, tributaries

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and three area First Nations have signed an agreement committing them to work together to improve the health of the Nechako River and its tributaries.

The memorandum of understanding between the RDBN and Saik’uz, Stellat’en and Nadleh Whut’en First Nations was signed Wednesday.

“Local First Nations and non-Indigenous communities alike have suffered from the impacts of the Nechako water management regime, which has prioritized energy production over a healthy river and fish populations,” RDBN board chair and Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen said in a statement.

“The people of our region – those

who use and depend on the river – deserve a healthy Nechako and a legitimate seat at the table when it comes to water management. We can achieve that goal by continuing to work together collaboratively.”

The MOU puts a focus on sturgeon and salmon populations and calls for more natural flows in the Nechako River, new stewardship projects and a new governance regime to replace the one established in 1987, which excluded the four groups.

The step was taken as a long-running lawsuit against Rio Tinto and the provincial and federal governments remains before the court.

The case centres on the impacts of the construction and operation of the Kenney Dam on the Nechako River.

Completed in 1952, it created the massive Nechako Reservoir which provides hydro power to Rio Tinto’s

aluminum smelter in Kitimat in northwest B.C.

The communities say about 70 per cent of the water that would normally flow into the Nechako River is diverted as a result of the project, causing “devastating effects” on the river’s fish species – chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and Nechako white sturgeon.

In part, they are seeking an injunction that would require the RioTinto to “reinstate the functional flows that make up the natural flow of the Nechako River.”

In a response to a request for comment on the signing, a Rio Tinto spokesperson said improving the river’s health is a priority for the company and is looking forward to bringing all parties together as it has through its water engagement initiative.

‘This day doesn’t end today’

From page 1

“I want to express my personal gratitude to Wesley and Ivan and others like them who have shown us the way to make a difference in the community,” said MLA Shirley Bond, who added that Sept. 30 was about asking the hard questions.

“Words make a difference, and it is one thing to be here today sharing with one another as we wear orange, but we need to move beyond that. There are specific things that we need to do. I need to do those as well as a legislator.”

Mayor Lyn Hall also took a moment to thank Mitchell and Paquette before commenting on Truth and Reconciliation.

“It is about education and what I can learn as an elected official to do my job better, what I can do to learn from elder McIntosh, Wesley and Ivan and others to do better in my role not just as the mayor of Prince George but as a human being,” said Hall.

“This day doesn’t end today there is work to do far beyond today. Today was an opportunity for us to come out and recognize collectively the truth and reconciliation journey that we are on.”

Former NDP candidate Audrey McKinnon was also invited to speak and called for a recommitment to listen to Indigenous voices and take action.

“Ask yourself what you can do for the next 364 days, and all the days after that to take action to make this a better place for Indigenous peoples and to make reconciliation a reality,” McKinnon said.

Following the opening remarks, residential school survivors and drummers led the crowd on a march through Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, past the burial ground, and toward The Exploration Place where a monument to the 215 children discovered in Kamloops is displayed in the windows.

Participants then placed flowers below the monument and gathered to perform a song called Honouring the Day.

Invitation to Comment

On March16, 2009, an Environmental Assessment Certificate (# M09-01) was issued forthe Mt.Milligan Copper-GoldProject locatedapproximately92 kilometersnorth of Fort St Jamesand 95 kilometers west of Mackenzie

Thompson CreekMetals CompanyInc.(Certificate Holder) is proposingtouse surface waterwithdrawals foroperation of themine forthe lifeofthe project andmodifythe approved project designbynot constructing theMeadows CreekWater Supply Pond as planned.

TheCertificate Holder must amendtheir existingenvironmental assessmentcertificate before anyworkcan be undertaken relatedtothe proposed amendment. An amendment application(Application) forthisproposal was submittedonAugust 17, 2021 andissubject to review under British Columbia’sEnvironmental AssessmentAct EAO invitescommentsonthis Application.

All comments received during this comment period in relation to the Amendment Application willbeconsidered

Theintention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects–environmental, economic, social,heritage

andhealth –thatmight result from theproposed amendmentare identified forconsideration as part of theassessmentprocess.

Acomment period on the Application foranEnvironmental Assessment Certificate will be open for30days from October15, 2021 to November 14, 2021 at midnight PDT.

TheEAO accepts comments:

•ByOnlineForm: gov.bc.ca/eao -click ‘Commentingon Projects’

•ByMail: KatherineSt.James Environmental Assessment Office PO Box9426 StnProv Govt Victoria BC V8W 9V1

•ByFax: 250-356-7477

TheApplicationfor an Environmental Assessment Certificate andother public engagement materials areavailableonthe EPIC website at:https://projects. eao.gov.bc.ca, clickon‘List of Projects,’ then search: ‘Mt MilliganMine’.

Formoreinformation on theenvironmental assessment process, visit: gov.bc.ca/eao

NOTE: Allsubmissions receivedbythe EAO during thepublic commentperiodinrelation to theMt. MilliganCopper-GoldProjectare considered public andwill be posted to theEAO’s website. Allcommentsmustadheretothe EAO’s public commentpolicytobeconsidered

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Representatives of the Saik’uz, Stellat’en and Nadleh Whut’en First Nations and Regional District of BulkleyNechako toast the signing of a memorandum of understanding to improve the health of the Nechako River.

North has secondhighest OD rate in B.C.

CITIZEN STAFF

Vancouver Coastal Health and Northern Health had the highest rates of drug toxicity deaths during the first seven months of the year, according to a report released Sept. 29 by the B.C. Coroner.

As of the end of July, the rates were 47 and 46 deaths respectively per 100,000 population, while the overall rate for B.C. was 40 deaths per 100,000 residents.

There were 77 such deaths in Northern Health compared to 130 for all of 2020, the worst year on record, with the Northwest health service delivery area accounting for 23, Northern Interior for 13 and Northeast for 18.

Prince George was home to 27 of those fatalities, compared to 58 for 2020.

In July, there were 12 such deaths in Northern Health, with the Northwest area accounting for seven, Northern Interior for three and Northeast for two.

B.C.-wide, the findings show deaths reached 184 in July, the second-highest ever recorded in a single month in the province. The report comes less than a month after chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said January to June was the deadliest ever for drug toxicity in B.C.

With data from July added, the report

says the 1,204 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths are the highest ever in the first seven months of a year – 28 per cent above the same period last year.

Lapointe says an average of almost six people died every day in July, with 72 per cent between the ages of 30 and 59, while men accounted for nearly 80 per cent of the total fatalities.

Deaths involving fentanyl stayed at 86 per cent, unchanged from 2020, but the report says deaths linked to extreme fentanyl concentrations jumped to 13 per cent from eight per cent.

The ultrapowerful opioid carfentanil was detected in 113 deaths this year, compared with 65 over the same period last year.

WhenLapointereleasedherlastreport in August, covering drug toxicity deaths over the first half of the year, she said it was “tremendously frustrating” to see the lack of significant progress in stemming fatalities.

Most overdoses in 2021 have been indoors, in private homes, while data show 15 per cent have happened outside in vehicles, parks, sidewalks or streets.

No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites, the report says. – with files from The Canadian Press

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A true calling

At any given time about a dozen men and women are fielding calls of concern received through the 911 service and relaying the messages to the officers out in the field while at the same time coaxing as much information as they can from people who, in the worst of cases, are fearing for their very lives.

Stressful, emotional, taxing – being a dispatcher is all that and then some. But rewarding too.

“I love it,” said Megan during a break between calls at the centre. (We’re not providing last names for safety reasons).

After years of working on contract, she started looking for something more secure as she approached midlife and gave dispatching a look. That was about eight years ago and she hasn’t looked back.

“Every call’s going to be different, every radio dispatch is going to be different,” she said.

After about a decade in marketing, Laryssa wanted to make a living in something less mundane. When she heard about dispatching through a cousin of a woman who worked as one, she decided to give it a try.

As of August, she’s been a dispatcher for five years.

“It was kind of on a whim. I was looking for something new, I was bored where I was and wanted a new job. I wanted to do something that helped people and I thought about becoming a regular (RCMP) member as well, but for my lifestyle, this kind of just fit better.

“I found that the adrenalin is what keeps me here, like when you kind of get those big calls.”

By November, Mo will have been a dispatcher for 21 years.

“It’s an interesting job, there are a lot of facets to it,” he said. “One of the things people perceive is that you just answer phones for a living. No, it’s more than that... you get into some pretty neat situations.”

Each stationed in front of a row of computer screens and wearing headsets, dispatchers at the detachment are responsible for taking calls and deploying officers from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border. The computers show who’s available and where they may be – RCMP vehicles are equipped with global positioning systems. They work 12-hour shifts - two days, two nights and four days off – which has its drawbacks but also its advantages.

“It helps to be a night owl,” Laryssa said.

Three career presentations are scheduled for the remainder of this year, with the first set for Oct. 16 at 10 a.m.

MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Dispatchers keep their eyes on the screens at the North District RCMP detachment.

Local teacher featured in new documentary

Sonya Rock featured in Can They Hear Us Now, talking about her

experience as a residential school survivor

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

After a whirlwind summer and a chance meeting, a new documentary featuring the story of residential school survivor Sonya Rock premiered on Canada’s first NationalDayofTruthandReconciliation.

Rock is from Gitxsan Nation, Frog Clan and is a teacher at Nusdeh Yoh Elementary in Prince George. Her story is featured in the new documentary Can They Hear Us Now, directed by California-based cinematographer Aaron Harris.

“This whole summer everything just happened all atonce,everythingunfolded, the way it should be and I’m very, very honoured to be able to share my story,” said Rock.

After the discovery of unmarked graves of 215 children at the former site of Kamloops Indian Residential School, Harris connected online with producer Rae Lawrence in Prince George and the two decided to make a documentary to raise awareness.

residential schools.

She said she’s never dealt with the pain she’s carried from residential school but wasabletobeveryhonestaboutherexperiences when making the documentary.

“My mother never spoke about it. My father never spoke about it. And there are others that I know, even just within my own community that will not speak about it,” said Rock.

“What I’m hoping to do, is that by sharing my story, I’m hoping that it will open up opportunities and let survivors know that it’s okay to share. That it’s empowering and it’s healing. I feel like I went through a healing process making this movie.”

Rock said it wasn’t just her family, but she’s witnessed her people and community affected by intergenerational trauma.

“I speak out and share my story for the youth,” said Rock. “They are going through so much and they don’t understand why they’re in the situation that they’re in and so I’m hoping that I pass on hope for the youth.”

Downtown motel to be used for social housing

CITIZEN STAFF

The provincial government is leasing a downtown motel to help get more homeless off the city’s streets.

Knights Inn at 650 Dominion St. downtown, directly across from the new Four Seasons Pool, will provide 44 units of supportive housing for people living outside or in emergency shelters.

Residents are expected to move into the motel in early November.

“We know there’s an urgent need for housing in Prince George, and our government will continue to build more affordable housing for everyone,” David Eby, the B.C. Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, said in a press release issued Monday.

Prince George Native Friendship Centre will be the operator and will provide residents with support services, including daily meals and health and wellness support services. At least two staff members will be on site around the clock.

“The PGNFC is committed to providing a diverse range of services and supports through a trauma-informed and cultural approach, as inclusiveness, friendship and kinship are key to building strong relationships, understandings and safety,” said Barb Ward-Burkitt, PGNFC executive director.

The provincial government is leasing the motel through BC Housing for two years for about $1 million and will provide PGNFC about $1.5 million for operating costs.

Lawrence then saw Rock share a post on social media about her experiences and asked if she’d be willing to participate in the documentary.

“I was in a lot of pain, everything came back to me about my experience in residential school,” said Rock, about the discovery in Kamloops. “What I said at that moment was I’m not going to be a victim here. I’m going to do something else instead. I’m going to do something to remember these little children.”

Rock said she agreed to share her story to inspire others and keep the conversation alive.

“I think it’s incredibly important that Canada realizing the significance of what has happened to the Indigenous people here and what their life was in that and to take that responsibility.”

Rock went to Port Alberni Residential School and her 10 siblings, as well as both her parents before her, all attended

Even while directing the documentary remotely from California, Harris said the filmmaking process has also been a healing experience.

“This film has become a passion project and lit the fire of getting in touch with my Indigenous roots and understanding of my native heritage,” said Harris. “It’s made me stop, think, and truly understand these children might have been my ancestors and relatives. Which is truly heart-wrenching. I’ve counted down the days to be able to share this beautiful story of strength, resilience, power to overcome and heal from abuse, and trauma.”

Harris who is currently in school for cinematography completed the project with no funding but hopes to enter it into festivals next year.

“This subject and project has brought tears, emotions, and healing to my heart,” said Harris.

The documentary Can They Hear Us Now is available to watch online for free.

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SONYA ROCK

Seek the second source

U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously wrote in the Washington Post in 1983: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.”

Moynihan died in 2003 – the year before the launch of a little company called Facebook. I try not to read too much into that, but there are days when it’s hard not to.

People may not be entitled to their own facts, but thanks to the rise of the interconnected worlds of online search social media, they certainly have access to their own facts more than ever before.

The algorithms that power search, and especially social media, reinforce our preconceived notions and opinions by showing us content similar to that which we already consume and by connecting us to more people who think the same way.

Ironically, that ability to connect people of similar interests is what makes social media such a powerful force for good. But that sense of belonging to a group of like-minded people makes it easier to become attached to our views and the sources that underpin them – and makes it harder for us to change our minds when presented with new information.

Then, when we do encounter people of different viewpoints, they can sound either hopelessly ignorant or actively trying to subvert the truth for some malevolent reason – and guess what? You sound the same to them.

All that makes civil discourse far more challenging than ever before. Arguing whether two and two make fourdoesn’tsoundhard,buttrydoingitwithsomeone who doesn’t seem to admit to the concept of addition, let alone the existence of the number two, and thinks you’re trying to foist an evil numerist agenda on them.

So what’s the solution? There isn’t one – not a big overarching one that can be imposed from outside. Rather, there are millions of small solutions – one for each of us. It starts with being aware where the information we consume comes from, and actively seeking to broaden our sources.

A simple solution to start is: when you find a piece of information that triggers a strong emotion – anger, surprise, fear – look for a second source. Putting a few search terms into Google might just show you a different perspective on the same issue.

Is that more work? Absolutely.

Tim Shoults is the operations manager at Aberdeen Publishing.

The economics of injustice

In a 2016 interview, CBC journalist Peter Mansbridge confronted children’s advocate Dr. Cindy Blackstock with this statement regarding public funding for Indigenous programs:

“Billions of dollars have been spent in trying to come to grips with the situation that so many Indigenous Canadians face. And of those billions, it’s on the record that some of them, a lot of them, have been misspent, not just by non-Indigenous groups, but by Indigenous groups.”

In response, Blackstock did not argue with Mansbridge, but noted that the Auditor General of Canada had looked into this and found that the misappropriation of funds was not significantly different than it is in the non-Aboriginal community. She then pointed out that this stereotype has been weaponized against Aboriginal people resulting in funds being

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

held back, money that should be used to help children overcome the challenges they are facing.

Blackstock’s point is quite valid, and much more needs to be said with regard to corruption, not only in Canada, but throughout the industrialized world.

The truth is our democracies are rife with corruption, and this is nothing new. We allow those who have the most to gain by unjust policies to make our laws.

Even today our laws allow the wealthy to profit from our most vulnerable citizens. We have, in essence, legalized loan sharks who give

money to those who struggle with poverty and addictions and then charge exorbitant interest rates and unreasonable fees. Isn’t it ironic that we question funding social programs that will help these people, while we pass laws which allow unscrupulous businesses to exploit them?

No one will argue that Indigenous groups do not need to be held accountable for the use of public funds. The more important point is that in reality, our efforts to focus on corruption in the Indigenous community while allowing obscene amounts of funds to flow into the pockets of wealthy individuals is arguably the very definition of systemic racism.

We are passing laws that establish unjust tax structures and reward unscrupulous business practices while holding money back from children who need better schools and social programs.

A tragedy over the horizon

In 1833, the British economist William Foster Lloyd introduced the concept of the tragedy of the commons using a hypothetical example of unregulated grazing on common ground in Great Britain and Ireland.

The term tragedy of the commons became widely known in economic circles a century later through an article written by Garret Hardin.

It describes a situation in which individual users gain unhampered access to a resource without formal rules. Each user acts independently according to their own self-interest and contrary to the common good of all the users. The result is the depletion of the resource to the disadvantage of all.

This way of thinking about the tragedy of the commons is about the consumption of a resource. As the original essay pointed out, overgrazing by livestock eventually leads to land which is no longer able to sustain the growth of grass or grain and everyone loses.

Skip ahead to the 21st century and we have our own version of the tragedy of the commons. It is not about over-grazing or the uncontrolled exploitation of resources. Rather it is what we are putting into the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is being dumped into the atmosphere without consideration for other users. Individuals act according to their own self-interest and contrary to the common good of all users. When I say individuals it does extend down to singular

RELATIVITY

individuals within modern society But the tragedy can also be considered at the level of the nation state.

I don’t know how many times I have heard someone make the argument that Canada is a minor player – “we only contribute two per cent of the overall carbon emissions” – so we can’t do anything about the problem. That is like the goatherd who says “but I only have a few animals so what harm can they cause?”

In the case of carbon dioxide, it is not strictly a “resource we are using up” but the finite carrying capacity of the atmosphere for carbon dioxide and a finite tolerance for changes in the atmospheric temperature at the surface of the planet. We are definitely using up the atmospheric capacity.

In a few weeks, world leaders will once again meet to discuss climate change and the actions necessary to bring it under control. COP26 in Glasgow will be the latest in a series of international gatherings with the intent of trying to develop a common good with respect to carbon dioxide emission An understanding we can’t all act in “our own self-interest.”

We must act in the best interest of everyone.

Yes, the argument could be made that Canada is a minor player but

SENIORS ‘THROWN TO THE WOLVES’

To all seniors in B.C.,

Our doctor tells us that all major surgeries will take two years.

Then surgeries will only be performed on extreme cases.

My husband is waiting for knee surgery and me potentially back surgery.

Our future is bleak as we couldn’t get into a nursing home for who knows how long?

The old adage that the government is keeping seniors in their own homes as long as possible has gone to the wind.

All I can say is we had better think long and hard about getting a “right to die” in place.

I can’t help but think a lot of this is caused by antivaxers who get COVID-19 are taking up all the hospital beds, and are taxing and jeopardizing all the health care workers with no regard to them. This is due to their ignorance and, their belief in all the debunked (stuff) that they read on social media?

Who says we don’t live in a communist country?

We, the seniors, have worked to make this country what it is today.

Canada and Mexico produce greenhouse gas emissions comparable to the entire continent of Africa or South America.

Whenever I discuss the issue invariably someone points out that we can’t destroy our economy just to save the planet Really? The economy depends upon having a healthy planet with the resources to sustain our lifestyle. Without a healthy planet, we will all start to starve Just as the grazing of common land led to the death of livestock and starvation for the people dependent upon the animals for food.

The issue is also one of the “tragedy of the horizon.”

It is hard to be concerned about future events. And the further in the future, the easier it is to dismiss the concerns. When Svante Arrhenius pointed out in 1896 that the combustion of fossil fuels would lead to changes in the carbon dioxide levels of the atmosphere, his ideas were dismissed by the scientific community.

The consensus was that it would takeaverylongtimebeforeitbecame an issue.

We now know Arrhenius was right. Carbon dioxide levels have increased from pre-industrial levels of 280 ppm to the present-day 414 ppm. And the increased carbon dioxide levels have driven a temperature change of 1.3 degrees. But it took 120 years – a time span hard for most people to grasp.

It is time for politicians and business leaders to get past four-year election cycles and address the tragedy we are facing before it is too late.

Participate in this week’s poll Go to princegeorgecitizen.com, scroll down to the Community Poll, and vote!

RESULTS from last week’s polls: What should public health officials do to curb the spread of COVID-19 in northern B.C.?

● Increase the number of places people need to show a vaccine passport to enter. 49 votes 5.58 %

● Require workers in more industries to be fully vaccinated. 71 votes 8.09 %

● Reduce the size of public and private gatherings allowed 43 votes 4.90 %

● All of the above. 543 votes 61.85 %

● None of the above. 172 votes 19.59 %

Total votes: 878 (as of Oct. 4)

What do you plan to do on Truth and Reconciliation Day?

● Work. I don’t get the day off. 279 votes 29.18 %

● Honour my Indigenous heritage, ancestors and elders. 46 votes 4.81 %

Now, because of our age, we are being thrown to the wolves.

So don’t wait till you are 80 years old to think of surgeries that you may need. Please, please get vaccinated.

Sue Bliskis, Prince George

EDITORIAL CARTOON ‘DISGUSTING’

I am very concerned about the so-called cartoon I saw in the September 30th issue in the Prince George Citizen. I find this cartoon not only disgusting but abhorrent. Seriously what has happened to human decency? I am not going to debate whether to get vaxxed or not. That is not the issue.

The issue is the disgust I feel at the way people are continually bullying each other and it really needs to stop. Period. I have pretty much had it with all the meanness between people.

It is important to be kind to one another no matter where you differ on things.

Robyn Dyck

Prince George

● Reflect on Canada’s history and treatment of Indigenous people. 204 votes 21.34 %

● Take part in UNBC’s online Truth and Reconciliation Talking Circle. 12 votes 1.26 %

● Nothing specific. 415 votes 43.41 %

Total votes: 956 (as of Oct. 4)

LETTERS WELCOME: The Prince George Citizen welcomes letters to the editor from our readers. Submission should be sent by e-mail to: letters@ princegeorgecitizen.com. No attachments, please. They can also be faxed to 562-7453, or mailed to Box 5700, 150 Brunswick St., Prince George V2L 5K9. Maximum length is 400 words and writers are limited to one submission every three weeks. We will edit letters only to ensure clarity, good taste, for legal reasons, and occasionally for length. Although we will not include your address and telephone number in the paper, we need both for verification purposes. Unsigned letters will not be published.

Prince George hosting biathlon championships

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club will host the 2022 Canadian Biathlon Championships in March

CITIZEN STAFF

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club will host the 2022 Canadian Biathlon Championships in March.

The event, announced this week, will draw 250 of the country’s top athletes in the sport to the trails off Otway Road for races spread over five days, starting March 13.

“We are honoured and excited to have Canada’s best biathletes gather in Prince George to compete in and enjoy our beautiful city and the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club facility,” said the club’s local chief of competition John Neumann.

Biathlon is the combination of cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship.

Athletes will ski a set distance and then, with their hearts racing, shoot toonie sized targets.

Time or distance penalties are given for shots missed.

Along with being home to world-class facilities, the club has had a history of producing top-flite athletes They include former Olympians like Megan Tandy and Sarah Beaudry.

Currently, Beaudry, a 2018 Olympian, and club alumni Emily Dickson are training for competitions at an international level.

The championships will begin on March 13 with the sprint, followed by the pursuit the next day.

The individual mass start will go on March 16 and the single mixed relay on March 17.

Those interested in volunteering to organize and host the event, or simply coming out to watch, can visit the club’s website at www.caledonianordic.com for more information.

Our communities are powered by localnewspapers. Celebrate howtrusted journalism sparks important conversationsat nationalnewspaperweek.ca

This artwork was created by Canadian artist Ola Volo in celebration of National Newspaper Week from October3-9,2021

PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE/LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

ON THE BALL UNBC Timberwolves striker Michael Henman chases down a loose ball with UBCO Heat defender Felix Jones hot on his heels on Saturday afternoon at Masich Place Stadium UNBC won the game 4-1

Cats home opener a family affair

the Blazers – but it was pleasant surprise that certainly made his day.

Fresh from his audition with the Philadelphia Flyers, Prince George Cougars defenceman Ethan Samson returned in time for Saturday’s season-opening game against the Kamloops Blazers figuring his parents, Shawn and Terri, would be there at CN Centre to watch the game.

They made the trip all right, and brought along 19 friends and family members from Delta to form a Samson family cheering section.

Seeing all those No. 4 Samson jerseys in the crowd wasn’t quite enough to inspire the 18-year-old and his team to victory – the Cats gave up a late power-play goal and lost 5-4 to

“I only thought that my mom and dad and my girlfriend and her parents were coming, but it turned out I had a lot more family coming out to support me and it was nice to see,” said Samson.

“It’s a good feeling having fans in the building again and how much my family supports me and how much they’ve done for me to get me to where I am.

“It’s just a big confidence boost. It shows I have a lot of people in my corner I can rely on and it just makes me want to go out there and be that much better.”

Samson just got back last Tuesday from his first NHL training camp.

Drafted in the sixth round this year by the Philadelphia Flyers, he spent several weeks with the Flyers rookies and was then invited to main camp with the veterans.

Samson’s parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends had their flights booked to Prince George and his extended stay with the Flyers had everybody on edge while they awaited word on when he was coming back to the Cougars.

“He didn’t know, but we planned it back in August and we were a little worried that he might not be back in time,” said Shawn Samson.

“His billet family happened to be camping with us (when the trip was planned). All of a sudden there was 21 of us and it worked out fantastic.”

Polars have strength in numbers

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

In all his years of coaching the senior football team at Prince George Secondary School, Pat Bonnett has never had so many players willing to suit up to play.

The roster continued to grow each week since the school year began and Bonnett finally had to put a jamb in that revolving door of new recruits, with just two games left in an already-short four-game season.

Having 30 players to work with is a novelty for Bonnett, who started with the Polars as an assistant in 2012 and took over as head coach in 2018.

Part of the reason for that is North Division has reserved its junior varsity division strictly for players in Grades 8 and 9 and all the Grade 10 players are now with senior teams.

“This is the most players we’ve had at the varsity level and I think this team is pretty close to being the most talented,” said Bonnett. “What we don’t have is the experience. Other years we’ve had talented kids that have had four or five years of playing experience and now we have talented players but they haven’t had the experience. That’s what they’re getting each week and I hoping they’ll get better each week and each practice.”

In 2019, when the Polars ended up last in the fiveteam B.C. Secondary School Football Association double-A varsity North Division, they struggled just to round up enough bodies on the field.

“We had 14 guys on the senior team and 12 of them had never played before,” said Bonnett. “It was awful. There were some good athletes there, but they just had never played.”

The Polars, who improved to 2-0 this season after a 33-0 win over a young Nechako Valley Vikings senior team Saturday afternoon in Vanderhoof, take on the College Heights Cougars (1-1) in a B.C. Secondary Schools Football Association double-A varsity clash Friday at 5 p.m. at Masich Place Stadium.

The Condors and Polars appear to be the teams to beat in the north and they’ll get a chance to settle bragging rights when they meet Oct. 22 at Masich.

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Prince George Cougars defenceman Ethan Samson’s return from the Philadelphia Flyers last week came just in time for 21 family members and friends who made the trip up from Delta to watch him play the Kamloops Blazers in Saturday’s season-opening game at CN Centre. From left are Samson’s sister Jenna, mom Terri and dad Shawn.

Yugoslavian film pioneer’s legacy rekindled in P.G.

A Way to the Heart executive producer

Nada Newell

inspired by father’s success in the silent film era

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

While on vacation in Zagreb, Croatia several years ago, Prince George resident Nada Newell opened the pages of a newspaper and was shocked to see her father’s work as an early 20th century filmmaker was being featured that week in a local art gallery exhibit.

Very little was known at that time about Franjo Ledic, the man who in 1925 brought Hollywood to the former Yugoslavia when he opened the country’s first film studio, and Newell was able to fill in the missing pieces of her dad’s remarkable life, a life that would later inspire her own involvement in the movie business.

She phoned the newspaper who put her in touch with Daniel Rafaelic, a Zagrebbased film historian and Egyptologist who produced the Ledic exhibit. For Rafaelic, meeting Franjo Ledic’s daughter was like finding a Rosetta stone to unlock the mysteries of his past.

Ledic, the self-confessed first Yugoslav film director, was one of the pioneers of German expressionism, an avant-garde art movement that gained traction in the postwar early 1920s. Inspired by emotion and abstract ideas, expressionism touched on social, cultural and political themes and provided audiences still reeling from the First World War an escape into mysticism and the subconscious, with elements poverty and destitution, which motivated creative artists like Ledic.

Ledic’s second feature film, Angelo, The Mystery of Dragontown, proved hugely popular. Because it was a silent movie with only a musical track, the title cards were easily transcribed into other languages and it was distributed throughout Germany, the United States, France, Czech Republic, Italy and Yugoslavia.

“He lived like a king in Berlin; he was really doing good and he was wellknown,” said Newell. “The only reason he didn’t stay in Germany was the war was happening.”

This past June, Nada and her husband Tom jumped on an opportunity to be executive producers in a movie project filmed in Prince George – the Baker Street Cinema romantic comedy A Way To The Heart, produced by Norm Coyne. They both had minor on-screen roles and Tom’s high-society 1926 Cadillac Model 314 opera coupe figures prominently in the movie.

“I enjoyed it, I was so happy just being there, this was what my dad was doing and I can understand why he loved it,” said Nada.

“He would be very happy, very proud, because that was his life.”

Ledic’s father wanted him to be a barber, but when he was eight he saw a moving picture for the first time in a circus tent

in Derventa, Yugoslavia and knew that was the career path he wanted to pursue. In 1912, at age 19, he moved to Berlin to work with film/newsreel maker Oskar Messter.

Originally hired as an extra, Ledic showed his artistic side as a make-up artist, set designer, props producer and camera operator.

Having worked with Ernst Lubitsch and silent film star Pola Negri, Ledic began making short films and that led to his first major success in 1919, the historical drama, Cornelie Aredt. Angelo earned Ledic a fortune and gave him worldwide fame, but its release came at a time when Germany was struggling economically after the First World War.

Just 35 seconds of Angelo is left, preserved as a short clip in a Belgrade museum. That’s all that remains of the reels of film that made up the 90-minute mystery movie seen by audiences in theatres around the world. But Ledic was unable to replicate the success of Angelo.

He wanted to have Hollywood in Yugoslavia – he was a dreamer.

He and his film partners received offers to move to United States. Lubitsch and Negri sensed the imminent collapse of the German economy in 1923 and both went on to lucrative careers in Hollywood, but Ledic chose instead to move to Italy – a decision he later regretted.

In Italy he made several short films, but after two years he returned to Yugoslavia and invested all of his wealth to build his ill-fated studio, Ocean Film Palace, in Zagreb.

“He wanted to have Hollywood in Yugoslavia – he was a dreamer,” said Newell.

Unfortunately, the only film Ledic made at Ocean Film – Gypsy Blood: The Balkan Benefactor – was a flop, and the local bank that promised to back him financially then wanted nothing to do with the studio.

From 1926-41, with no financial backing to make more movies, he made newsreels until the war began.

Seeing his country taken over by Nazi Germany, Ledic fled Zagreb with his family

and rented a farm near a small town. His poor eyesight meant he was not forced to become a soldier.

Having written a how-to guide for aspiring actors during the height of his film career, Ledic resumed his writing career while living at the farm and worked for a book publisher. He was the author of several children’s books and in 1971 wrote a history of Slavic mythology that’s been translated into several languages and is still used as a reference source.

Ledic owned the film studio until 1945, when the communist leader Tito took over Yugoslavia and imposed a ban on private ownership. After the war, Ledic moved back to Zagreb and offered his services as a filmmaker to the government, but he was blacklisted – dismissed as a German sympathizer because of his past working in Berlin.

“As a child I didn’t know enough (about his film background) because he didn’t talk about it,” said Newell. “It hurt him, I’m sure, so he just buried it.”

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Nada Newell of Prince George holds a poster showing a photo of her father, Franjo Ledic, whose work as a Yugosalvian film pioneer and movie studio owner was featured in an art exhibit in Zagreb, Croatia.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Sparkythe Fire Dog turns 70

Did you know that Sparkythe Fire Dog has been the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association for the last 70 years? In honour of this milestone birthday,here are seven important lessons about fire safety for kids that Sparkyhas taught during his many years of service.

1. Smokealarms save lives. Since this beeping device lets you know if there’s a fire, every home needs working smoke alarms on every floor and near each bedroom.

2. Get outside, stay outside. If you hear a smokealarm, you must immediately stop what you’re doing and find the safest and quickest way out of the house.

3. Practise fire drills at home. Families should review where the exits are in each room and where the outside meeting place is at least twice ayear.

5. Stay away from hot things. This can include bath water,a stove, soup, matches, afireplace and lighters. If you’re not sure if something is hot, check with agrown-up.

6. Follow the one-metre rule. There should be akid-free zone around stoves, space heaters and other hot devices. Anything that can burn should also be kept one metre away.

7. Know when to stop, drop and roll. If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop to the ground (remember to cover your face with your hands) and roll over until the flames are out.

To learn more about fire safety and test your knowledge with fun games and activities, visit sparky.org.

How to conductafire drill

Fire drills offer an opportunity to review the actions you should takeinthe event of a fire. If you want to ensure your next fire drill is asuccess and that everyone is prepared for areal emergency,follow these steps.

PROVIDE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS

All occupants of abuilding need to know what they should and shouldn’t do if afire breaks out. Makesure everyone knows where to go once they’ve evacuated the building Remember that assembly points must be a safe distance from the building and not obstruct access for emergency vehicles.

DELEGATERESPONSIBILITIES

Particularly in aworkplace, one person should be in charge of leading everyone safely out of the building,and another person should be assigned to ensure rooms are empty and doors are closed. Makesure both of these people are well aware of their roles and that everyone knows to takefire drills seriously

must be avoided during the evacuation. You can further complicate things by simulating that someone is missing or an exit is blocked. If necessary,inform your security service provider about the drill in advance.

REFLECT ON THE EXPERIENCE

Time the evacuation to determine whether it was completed quickly enough (aim for less than three minutes). After the drill, consult each participant to identify changes that could be adopted to maximize everyone’s safety.Ifany adjustments are made to the procedure, be sure to clearly communicate them to

DEVISE AN EMERGENCY SCENARIO

4. Report an emergency.Ifyou see afire, hear asmokealarm or know that someone is seriously hurt, call 911. Be sure to tell them what and where the emergency is.

This year,FirePrevention Week takes place from October3to9.The theme forthis year’s eventisLearnthe Sounds of Fire Safety, which aims to better educate the public about the sounds smoke alarms make, whatthose sounds mean and howto respond to them.

Decide on atime and scenario for your drill. In ahouse, the fire might start in the kitchen, for example, which means that room

Tipstosafely use flammable and combustible products

Thereare avariety of products that can cause afire if they’re incorrectlyused or stored. In some cases, they may release toxic vapoursthatcan igniteor explode. Hereare some important tips to followwhen working withthese types of substances.

READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY

Beforeusing aflammable or combustible product, read all the instructions listedonthe packaging. Look forany warnings about health hazards and risksofreactions with

other chemicals. Neverremove the label, and keep these products in their original container

WORK IN AVENTILATED AREA

Wheneverpossible, use these products outdoors. Otherwise, make surethe room is well ventilated during and afterthe process to avoid abuildup of flammable vapours. Stay away from lit cigarettesand other heat sources at all times, and remember to keep a portable fireextinguisher nearby. DISPOSE OF ITEMS PROPERLY

Place rags, paper towels and other materials soaked withflammable or combustible liquids in asealed fireproof container.Ifyour clothes arewet,hang them outdoorstoair out. Next, wash them by hand beforeputting them in a washing machine and drying them outside. Recycle or dispose of empty containersinthe appropriatelocation, and nevercut, weld or place them near aheat source.

STORE IN ASAFE PLACE Followthe storagerecommendations on

theproduct’s packaging. In allcases, however, youshouldkeep these products in aclean and dry environment away from heat sources, doorsand windows. Youalso shouldn’t storemorethan thepermitted amount.

Finally, remember to regularly inspect anycontainersused to store flammable and combustible products for signs of damage. Be suretoimmediately clean up leaksand ventilatethe room. If there’sa substantial leak,notify your local firedepartment.

HORO SC OPES &P UZ ZLES

11. Small numbers 19. Lightning

21. Path 23. Scold 24. Flood boat 25. Trot

27. Upper canine 28. Accelerate in neutral

29. Swine home

31. Closemouthed person

32. Withstands 35. Avoided 36. Flower garland 38. Used a crowbar 39. Luxury hotels

Curve

Only 43. Factual 44. Alluring 47. Age of note 48. “Of Mice and ____”

ACROSS

1. Snaky curve 4. Lead actor 8. As well 12. Dove’s cry

Contend (with) 14. Lived 15. Deli purchase 16. Great Barrier

17. Speed competition 18. “Carmen,” e.g.

20. Explodes 22. “____ Sawyer”

Sobbed

As of now

Bent down

Tariff

Flower receptacle

Favorite

Spicy sausage

Uprisings

Cattle stick

Large truck

Mine shipment

23. Riding whip 24. Hot and dry 26. Furnaces 30. Jamaican product

Skin affliction

Wood source

Monkey suit

Cast off, as skin

Hourglass filler

Yo! DOWN

Repeat

Bath bar

At afuture date

Vamoose

Foot end 6. Monkey’s cousin 7. Hockey official 8. Sudden 9. Dancer’s jump 10. Religious faction

PUZZLE NO. 839

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers1through 9only once.

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

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

ASSIF IEDS

William Chen

22, 1962 - April 25, 2021

Twisted Cork 1157 5th Ave

Prince George, BC V2L 1T7

October 9th, 2021,1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

We will be gathering to share our favourite memories, our stories, to laugh, to cry and remember a wonderful person who is greatly missed.

REMEMBRANCES

LACHMUTH,Iris

October6,1932-September24,2021

IrisLouiseLachmuthpassedawayonSeptember24, 2021,afterabriefillness,attheageof88,atPenticton, BC.

Irisleavestomournherloss,herson,BradLachmuth andhiswife,LeeofKamloops,BC;andstepgrandchildren,BettySue(Chuck)ofKamloops,BC,Karen (Tracy)ofKamloops,BC,andBobby,andtheirrespective families.

Shealsoleavesbehindherson,GrantLachmuthandwife, BethofSummerland,BC;twograndchildren,Erik Lachmuth(wife,Tennile)ofArmstrong,BC,andRachel LachmuthofPenticton,BC;andherthreegreatgrandchildren,Danielle,ErynandPearson,ofArmstrong, BC.

Irisisalsosurvivedbyherbrother,ErwinVoelkandhis wife,AudreyofPrinceGeorge,BC.

Iriswaspredeceasedbyherhusband,AloysiusLachmuth (1926-2015);herfather,PancratzVoelk(1899-1983);her mother,Emma(neeSchreiner)Voelk(1903-1995);and sisters,IsabellaMelin(1923-2020),ViolaPfefferle(19252018),andRosella(Sally)Denis(1927-2014).

Inlieuofflowers,donationstoIris’sfavouritecharity-the WorldWildlifeFundwouldbeappreciated.

TherewillbeafamilygravesideserviceatHillside Cemetery,Kamloops,BC,whereshewillrestinpeace nearherhusband,Al.

ThankyoutoAshleyandStaffattheHavenHills RetirementHomeinPenticton,BC,fortheirexcellentcare ofIrisduringhertimewiththem.

Therese peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family, she leaves behind 10 children, 10 step-children, 15 grandchildren, 33 stepgrandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 25 step-great grandchildren as well as her 5 siblings, many nephews and nieces and friends. She is predeceased by Husbands Bill and Walter, parents Arthur and Beatrice Canuel. A intimate graveside service will take place on Oct 2nd at 10 am at the Prince George Memorial Park Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 concerns and safety for all, the family ask that the service is attended by family and close friends and masks to be worn. We encourage everyone to join us virtually by selecting the link provided.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/10377961 password : 5513

Obituaries

Obituaries

of Life

Memorial Services

Therese Mary Elvina (Dagg) Muxlow

GRANT LACHMUTH

In Memoriam

BERG, Mary (nee Mutz)

December 29, 1929 – September 26, 2021

On December 29th, 1929, Michael and Barbara Mutz welcomed Mary to their world. The third of four children, Mary was born and raised in Prince George, making it home for all of her nearly 92 years. Mary, a teller at the Bank of Montreal, married Albert Berg on September 5th, 1953 and settled on Burden Street where she would then devote her life to raising three children; Barb (Roy Lancaster), Brian (Connie) and Maureen.

Over the next decades, Mary would lovingly watch her four grandchildren grow, giving her five great-grandsons to hold and spoil.

Those who knew Mary would remember her calm nature and abundance of patience. She loved to knit and quilt for the next baby, to keep everyone’s feet warm with a new pair of slippers, and to support the Prince George Hospital Auxiliary. Her days between were filled with gardening, crosswords, RVing and Sunday drives (with the odd casino stop along the way).

She had a quiet demeanour but those close to her would know a great sense of humour and a sharp wit. Even to her last days, Mary’s love for her family was immediately evident by the glowing smile she had for them; whether it be in person or on her weekly video call through the times they were unable to be with her.

Mary was the last surviving member of her family, predeceased by her parents and siblings; Walter, Olga and Willie. She is survived by Albert, her husband of 68 years, all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who are fortunate to have had her for so many years. Much appreciation from Mary and her family goes to the nurses and care staff at Jubilee Lodge and Dr. York who all were instrumental in providing comfort over the last few years. Per Mary’s wishes, there will be a private service for the family.

Larry Smith

October 12, 1943 - September 24, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of an amazing husband, father and grandfather; Larry Smith.

Left to celebrate his life are his loving wife Rosemary, daughters Susan (Duncan) and Shelley (Jeff) and grandchildren Parker, Tyler (Erin), Adam (Ricki) and Alyssa.

The family wishes to thank Dr. McLeod, Dr. Paterson and the staff at BC Cancer Centre and Hospice House for their care and compassion.

Karen Trask

March 1, 1954September 4, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Trask of Prince George, BC. She peacefully passed away surrounded by family Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the age of 67.

She is survived by her husband James; children Jared and Amanda (Daniel); grandchildren Hailey and Sidney; her mother Rowena and her brothers Bob and Daryl (Debbie). She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her.

Services were held Friday, September 10, 2021.

Condolences may be offered at www.LakewoodFH.com

November 11, 1920 to September 26, 2021

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Lucille Dunn on September 26, 2021. Survived by and left with a lifetime of wonderful memories is her daughter Patricia Sawchuk, grandsons Brian (JoAnn) and Mark (Pam), great grandchildren Curtis and Kirsten, Jadine and Alvin and 4 great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lucille is predeceased by her husband Bill, whom she married in April 1940, and sisters Betty, Norma and Dorothy and son-in-law Alec.

A huge thank you to Dr Khan for looking after our mother and grandmother. We would also like to thank the staff at Gateway Assisted Living for their fabulous care of Lucille where she spent the last few years.

On November 11, 2020 we celebrated Lucille’s 100th birthday with a parade of cars and all her family.

Lucille Christina Dunn

• La bourers

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

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

Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business Mackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years.

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.

Transition support available for the right buyer. Serious Inquires Only

Office (250)997-9003

Home (250)997-5538 Cell (250)990-0152

Class1Licensewithclean driver’sabstractisrequired with6-12mosprevious Class1mountaindriving experiencePreviousreefer experienceisadefiniteasset $0.5491permileplus $25.53/hrplusbenefits Fax:604-472-2136 jobs@clarkfreightways.com

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

• Limit abbreviations

Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.

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.

BuildResults PLEASE RECYCLE

Hay/Bales For Sale

Heavy Equipment

Management/Administration

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Dollar Saver lumber operates a lumber re-manufacturing operation in Prince George We currently have an opportunity in our management group for a Sales Production coordinator.

This position is responsible to perform the following functions:

• Co-ordinate purchase of raw material to meet mill requirements

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

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

• Communicate with customers to ensure their needs are being met

Preference will be given for persons

• Good computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

The 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.

• Good analytical skills

The position offers:

• A competitive salary and benefit package

• Opportunity to work in friendly non- bureaucratic environment

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.

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

Bedroom/Bedding

Adjustable Hospital bed : ETUDE-HC bed kit. Very lightly used. includes: Beech head and foot board, power operated head and foot deck sections, 4 function control pendant with function lock outs (mattress not included) $2000 250 964-9417 pics at http://invacare.ca/doc_files/Etu de_Booklet.pdf

Firewood

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $900. or bucked to length $1050 per load delivered 250614-6667

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $900. or bucked to length $1050 per load delivered 250614-6667

Mills/Equipment

1998 KENWORTH with mixer trailer, white. $120,000. 617-3373

SAWMILL, 48” head rig, hand set, completely rebuilt, $8000 obo plus parts. 250-441-3242

Sheds/Outbuildings

NEW 30’ x 50’ All Steel Commercial shop, never assembled, c/w complete set of drawings and engineer cert. Has straight outside walls, 1 12’ x 14’ service door opening, 1 3’ man door opening, inside clearance 16’, roof has 3/ 12 pitch that is 20’ high at peak. Outside wall cladding painted tan. $30, 000 Call Bob 250-983-3372

Wanted

BUYING OLD JEWELRY

Gold, Silver & costume jewelry! Charm bracelets, rings, chains, necklaces, pocket watch chains, watches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, coins, all old jewelry WANTED, QUALITY, ESTATE, EVEN UGLY & BROKEN JEWELRY, ALL THE BITS AND PIECES YOU NO LONGER WANT! CALL OR TEXT Todd’s Coins 1-250-864-3521

Frontier Traders 168 Front St, Quesnel, BC (250) 983-2294

Will purchase estate items; antler mounts, bear rugs, live mounts, hides.

WANTED 999 BULLION bars & coins!ENGELHARD, JOHNSON MATTHEY, RCM, Maple leafs + All other mints. Also Buying old money, all gold & silver coins, coin collections. + BUYING all things made with gold or silver. Todd’s Coins 1-250-864-3521

Boats

Western Canoe built- 16 ft 8 in fiberglass canoe. Can seat four Current cost new $1800 at factory.Special offer sale at $ 1150. Contact 250 565 7709 or post @ fpcinc@telus.net

Collectibles & Classic Cars

WANTED COIN COLLECTIONS, old money, all gold & silver coins, Royal Canadian Mint coins. Also BUYING 999 BULLION bars & coins. ENGELHARD, JOHNSON MATTHEY, RCM, MAPLE LEAFS + ALL OTHER MINTS. + BUYING all things GOLD or SILVER! Todd’s Coins 1-250-864-3521 QUICK PAY For all gold, Estate jewelry, scrap or unwanted, coins & currency, antiques, Rolex. Unbeatable pricing, privacy assured. (250) 612-1808 24/7

Motorcycles

SUZUKI

For

Apartments / Condos-For Sale

Flat-topped hill

Move upward

Admiration

It’s useful for serving food

Kidnap

One of the Greek Muses

A type of media

Gasteyer and Ortiz are two

Leave

Forearm bone

Very fast airplane

Helps little firms

Beverage containers

46. Science accreditation organization (abbr.)

47. Purpose

49. Group of elected officials

52. Hebrew prophet

Sunscreen rating

Defunct economic organization

56. They help you drink

Former Michigan coach

German town devastated in WW2

1. Where wrestlers work

2. Dueling sword

3. Practice fight

4. Genus of clams 5. Fear of heights 6. What some tell their dog 7. The Golden State 8. When you expect to get there 9. Pointed ends 10. Extinct flightless bird 12. Feeds 13. Nape of neck 16. Descendant 17. Small boats found in Turkey

Science-based students organization (abbr.)

Feels ill

Indicates position

20. To avoid the risk of

22. Athlete with no contract (abbr.)

25. 13th letter of the Greek alphabet

26. Brew

27. Feeling of anxiety

29. Young girls group

31. Perform on stage

34. White clerical vestment

36. Popular musical awards show

37. Bumpkins

38. One who acts on another’s behalf

40. Direction

58. Lawmaker

60. Charitable

62. Doctrines

63. Footwear

43. Look at with fixed eyes

45. One who helps professors (abbr.)

48. A large number of

50. Type of powder

51. Large jug

53. __ Christian Anderson, children’s author

54. American state

55. Muslim inhabitant of the Philippines 57. Witness

58. Landscapers lay it

59. Type of bread 61. Of I

999 BULLION BARS &COINS! ENGELHARD,JOHNSON MATTHEY, RCM, MAPLE LEAFS +ALL OTHER MINTS. ALSO BUYING OLDMONEY, ALL GOLD &SILVERCOINS, COIN COLLECTIONS. +BUYING ALL THINGS MADE WITH GOLD OR SILVER. TODD’S COINS1-250-864-3521

BUYING COINS

WANTED COIN COLLECTIONS, old money,all gold &silvercoins,Royal Canadian Mint coins. Also BUYING 999 BULLION bars &coins ENGELHARD,JOHNSON MATTHEY, RCM, MAPLE LEAFS +ALL OTHER MINTS. +BUYING all things GOLD OR SILVER! TODD’S COINS 1-250-864-3521

SALE 5x5 1300-1500

5 reasons to renovate your home in the fall

Although most home renovation projects can be undertaken at any time of the year, there are numerous advantages to starting them in the fall Unless you need to deal with urgent repairs, here are five reasons it’s best to renovate in autumn.

1. IDEAL TEMPERATURES

Unlike the weather that’s typical in winter and summer, the coolness of fall offers optimal working conditions for most renovation projects

2. PROMPT SERVICE

Since the demand for home maintenance work tends to diminish at the end of summer, contractors and tradespeople are more readily available in the fall This means shorter wait times for service.

3. LOWER COSTS

Given the decrease in demand at this time of the year, some home renovation companies reduce their prices

in the fall, which could allow you to enjoy considerable savings

4. SIMPLER LOGISTICS

The influx of workers, temporary loss of living space and ubiquitous layer of dust that come with a major renovation will be much less inconvenient once your kids have returned to school in the fall

5. WINTER PREPARATIONS

If you complete projects like replacing windows, improving insulation and upgrading the heating system in the fall, you can make sure your home is ready for winter. Plus, you’ll have a stylish new space for the holidays.

In addition, postponing your renovation projects until the fall will allow your family to enjoy backyard summer weather without the constant noise and bustle of a major renovation project.

ESTIMATES

GO FOR GOLD.

Choosing the right tile

Not all tiles are the same In fact, each type has its own characteristics that make it well suited for some spaces and less than ideal for others Here’s what you should know before you start your next tiling project.

CERAMIC

The durability of a ceramic tile depends on its PEI rating, which measures the surface enamel’s resistance to abrasion. Class 1 and 2 tiles are lightweight options perfect for shower walls and backsplashes. On floors, however, you’ll need at least a class 3 tile to avoid cracking the surface.

PORCELAIN

This material is available in a wide range of styles and can be made to look like just about any type of flooring Porcelain is highly resistant to damage, stains and moisture, which makes it a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and entryways.

NATURAL STONE

From marble and slate to granite and limestone, there’s no denying the elegance of stone tiles However, the porous texture of certain types makes them harder to clean and more susceptible to scratching To prevent water damage and stains, you’ll need to regularly apply a high-quality sealant.

Unwind on a daybed

GLASS

While not recommended for floors, glass tiles can be used to create a mosaic-styled backsplash in the kitchen or an accent piece around a bathtub. Using the material can brighten up a room as glass reflects light and pairs wonderfully with natural surfaces like wood and stone.

Once you’ve selected your tiles, leave installation to the professionals Their experience allows them to work efficiently, waste fewer materials and create unique designs

If you want an elegant piece of furniture built for lounging, consider including a daybed in your home decor This trendy item offers a number of advantages

A cross between a couch, single bed and chaise longue, the daybed is a versatile piece of furniture. It’s equally great as a spot for sitting, sleeping or curling up with a book

Plus, a daybed is just as stylish as it is functional Available in a wide variety of materials and styles, it can tie in with nearly any design esthetic. Use yours to create a private retreat or an inviting area for guests.

This multipurpose piece of furniture can be used to optimize your living space without having to compromise on decor To find the right daybed for your home, visit a furniture store in your area.

FindingHomes for Families

Tips for planning a major renovation

Do you want to remodel your home so it better suits the needs of your growing family? Or maybe you hope that a major upgrade will appeal to potential buyers? Regardless of your goals, here are a few things you should do to ensure your large-scale renovation is a success

3 reasons to consider an induction cooktop

Are you in the market for a new stove? If so, here are three benefits of opting for an induction cooktop or range

1. RAPID COOKING

Powered by electricity, an electromagnetic field beneath the glass cooktop transfers a current to the pot or pan. This efficient process directly heats up the cookware rather than warming a burner which then transfers heat to the pot. Keep in mind that the cookware must contain a ferromagnetic metal like stainless steel or cast iron to work.

2. EASY CLEANING

Since the glass cooktop doesn’t have a hot burner, stray food and spills won’t get burned to the stove. This makes

cleanup a lot less strenuous However, you should wait a few minutes before you wipe down the surface as the pot will have transferred heat onto the cooktop

3. CONSISTENT HEATING

Induction ranges and cooktops provide consistent heat, even at their lowest setting, and allow you to make accurate temperature adjustments. Plus, since the cookware is heated directly, no energy is lost in the transfer from burner to pot.

One additional thing to keep in mind about induction stoves is that they draw a fair amount of power. For this reason, you’ll need to determine whether your circuit breaker has the adequate rating If you’re unsure, consult a licensed electrician.

• Determine your needs and establish a list of priorities such as creating an open-concept living space or adding a second floor

• Settle on a maximum budget and reserve a portion of the amount for unexpected expenses

• Do some research to find out whether you qualify for any home renovation rebate programs

• Obtain all the necessary permits from your municipality before you begin any work

• Consult with and hire all needed professionals such as an architect, interior designer, general contractor and electrician

• Set a realistic timeframe in which to complete the work

• If needed, make arrangements for your family to live elsewhere during the renovations

Remember, when properly planned and completed by experienced professionals, most major home renovations offer a great return on investment.

7 essential steps for painting kitchen cabinets

An effective and affordable way to freshen up your kitchen is to paint the cabinets For great results, follow these seven steps

1. REMOVE DOORS AND DRAWERS

Start by taking apart the cabinets so you can work on a flat surface. You should also remove all handles, hinges and other hardware. Be sure to number the doors and drawers so you know where each item goes when you reassemble the cabinets

2. CLEAN EVERY SURFACE

To remove fingerprints, grease and other residue, wipe down all components of the cabinets with a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let each surface dry completely before you move on to the next step.

3. LIGHTLY SAND EACH SURFACE

Remove the finish on the doors and cabinets using a sanding block with fine-grit paper. This will create a rough surface for the paint to grip. If the existing paint is peeling, you may need to start with a medium or coarse-grit sandpaper and then finish with one that has a finer grain.

4. REMOVE ALL THE DUST

Sanding the cabinets will create wood dust, which needs to be removed to ensure a smooth paint job. Start by vacuuming up the loose particles, then wipe down each surface with a damp cloth. Allow the cabinets to dry completely

5. APPLY A COAT OF PRIMER

An undercoat of primer helps ensure the paint’s adhesion.Besuretoapplyitevenlytoallsurfaces Foramore eco-friendly option, choose a water-based product.

6. ADD TWO COATS OF PAINT

Once the primer dries completely, apply a thin coat of paint to the interior and exterior of the cabinets, doors and drawers. Make sure the paint flows into the corners of any raised features Wait at least three hours for the paint to dry before you apply the second coat

7. LET THE PAINT CURE

To ensure your cabinets are resistant to scratches and dents, wait a week or two for the paint to harden before you reinstall the doors and drawers.

Once your cabinets have been remounted, consider getting stylish hardware and light fixtures to enhance your kitchen’s new look These elements will help define the space’s style

PRO TIP!

For a flawless finish, lightly sand every surface after the primer dries and between each coat of paint. This will remove dirt and dust particles that would otherwise create a rough texture.

Hardwood floors: repair or replace?

Have your hardwood floors seen better days? If the planks are dull, stained, damaged or creaky, you may be wondering if you should refinish them or simply start over Here are some factors to consider before you decide

REPAIR

If you like the look of your hardwood floors, you may be able to revive them. Sanding and varnishing as well as staining the wood can extend the lifespan of your floors by a few years. If the planks are warped or worn thin, however, they’re likely beyond repair Similarly, if numerous damaged planks need to be re-

placed, you’re probably better off starting over REPLACE

If you’re in the mood for a change, installing new flooring is an opportunity to completely transform the look of your home Plus, it will last for many years to come It should also be noted that renovating old floors can take several days, whereas replacing them is a fairly quick process albeit more expensive.

If you’re still uncertain about whether to repair or replace them, ask a professional to evaluate the condition of your hardwood floors He or she will be able to recommend a solution.

2021 TRENDS

Why glass partitions deserve a look

out noise while continuing to let in plenty of natural light. If you want to create an office space or reading nook in your living area, for example, such partitions are ideal Alternatively, glass walls can be used to keep strong

From intricately etched panels to industrial steel frames, glass partitions can be incorporated into any style of home and customized to fit any space. Plus, they’re typically made of tempered glass, which means they won’t shatter into sharp pieces if they accidentally break.

To help you make the most of this practical and striking feature, consult an interior designer.

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Janine

Donna Badowski***

Jasmine

Bruce

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