The United Way of Northern BC (UWNBC) has kicked off its annual Tree of Lights campaign.
The Tree of Lights is a fundraiser to help fill the gaps that have emerged in the second year of the pandemic and also serves as a beacon of hope and joy to unite residents during the holidays. The funds raised will focus mostly on
addressing the most urgent and pressing local community needs.
People in Prince George will also have the opportunity to drive by the United Way Office and donate while not even leaving their vehicle.
“Our mission of improving lives by connecting resources to the local needs is the driving force behind this newly visioned
Court order sought for tent city
The City of Prince George is seeking a court order to evict the residents still living at the Moccasin Flats homeless camp. If the order as proposed is granted, the occupants would have until noon on Dec. 10 to remove all structures and belongings and to vacate the site at the end of Lower Patricia Boulevard. After that, city workers would be allowed to move in and clean up what is left and RCMP would have authority to arrest anyone who remains at the site. A petition seeking the order was filed at the the courthouse last week and the city is seeking to have a hearing on the application Dec. 6. Affidavits in support of the application include one from an analyst at the Prince George RCMP who tracks trends in crime to help police determine how to best deploy their resources. A comparison of June to October 2021 and the same period the year before when there was no camp shows that the number of complaints to police about incidents within a 250-metre radius of the site rose by 115 files, or nearly 290 per cent.
United Way sets $50K goal for Tree of Lights
campaign. Our ongoing outreach to local agencies has made it evident how critical social service programming and services have been through the pandemic,” says the organization in a statement.
“We continue to see that an extraordinary amount of help is needed to ensure these agencies keep up with the demand that has increased significantly and
shows no sign of changing.”
The 2021 campaign will also include a weekly Tree of Lights draw. For 24 days, a prize from a local business will be unveiled daily leading to a weekly draw every Monday of the campaign.
A donation of $25 and above will guarantee entry into the draw to win the local packages.
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
HE TOOK THE WHO’S FEAST, HE TOOK THE WHO PUDDING, HE TOOK THE ROAST BEAST!
The Nove Voce Choral Society presented four performances of How the Grinch Stole Christmas - A Choral Storytelling on Saturday at Trinity United Church.
WHAT:
CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS
City Council consideration of applications: •Temporary Use Permit Application No. TU000075
WHEN:
6:00 p.m., Monday,December 6, 2021
WHERE:
Council Chambers of City Hall, 2nd Floor,1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC
PROPOSALS:
1. Temporary Use Permit Application No. TU000075
Applicant: Rebev Renovation Centrefor National Ski Experts Ltd., Inc. No. 389389
Subject Property: 1191 1st Avenue
The purpose of this application is to allow the subject property located at 1191 1st Avenue to be used for Building &Garden Supply.The applicant has applied for aTemporary Use Permit to allow for “Building &Garden Supply” as apermitted use on the subject property in order to determine potential land use impacts prior to submitting arezoning application.
The subject property is currently zoned C1: Downtown, which does not permit “Building &Garden Supply” as aprincipal use. In accordance with the Local Government Act,temporary use permits can allow ause not permitted by azoning bylaw.These permits may only be issued for amaximum of three (3) years and may be renewed once for an additional three (3) years.
The proposed Temporary Use Permit applies to the property legally described as Lots 13-15, Block 22, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #1 below Location Map
HOW CAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?
Residents areinvited to provide comment in writing.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council has authorized by resolution to discontinue informal hearings for Temporary Use Permits and all other applications wheresuch hearings arenot legally required to be held.
Residents areencouraged to provide written comments to Council to be included in the Council meeting agenda package and available for public viewing on the City’swebsite.
For submissions to be included on the agenda for Council’sreview in advance of the meeting date, they must be received by the Corporate Officer no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday,November 30, 2021. Submissions received after the noted deadline and before 3:00 p.m., Monday,December 6, 2021,will be provided to Council on the day of the meeting for their consideration during deliberations on the application.
Submissions may be sent by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca, faxed to (250)561-0183, mailed or delivered to the address below
Please note that written submissions for all applications will form part of the Council agenda, become public recordand areposted on the City’swebsite. By making awritten submission you areconsenting to the disclosureofany personal information that you provide.
Authority
Personal information is collected under the authority of section 26(g) and disclosed under the authority of section 33.1(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For information or questions, contact the City’sFIPPACoordinator at (250)561-7600 or 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, V2L 3V9.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Acopy of the proposed permit and other related documents will be available for review by the public on the City’swebsite www.princegeorge.ca under ‘News and Notices’ beginning Wednesday,November 24, 2021
These documents may also be reviewed at the Development Services office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on November 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, December 1, 2, 3, and 6, 2021, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
WHO CAN ISPEAK TO?
For moreinformation, please contact Development Services in person, by telephone at (250)561-7611 or by email to devserv@princegeorge.ca.
More apartment buildings planned on Foothills
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
A Kamloops-based developer is looking to build a five-storey, 95-unit rental apartment building on Foothills Boulevard.
City council has voted in favour of a development variance permit to allow the project to go ahead at 1775 Foothills Blvd.
In a letter to city council, Station One Architects senior associate Leon Schroeder said the building is the second phase of a rental apartment complex which is already under construction on the site.
The architect firm was acting as a representative for Kelson Investments Ltd., a Kamloops-based company which owns 50 apartment buildings in B.C. and Alberta, including 10 in Prince George.
an asset to the community in addressing a number of different family sizes and needs, which is needed in the area. Also, the number of adaptable units provided greatly exceeds the requirements.”
The building will include one level of underground parking, Schroeder wrote.
This wide variety of unit types will be an asset to the community in addressing a number of different family sizes and needs, which is needs in the area.
Kelson Investments also owns the Forest Glen apartment complex immediately north of the new development, on Glen Shee Road. City director of planning and development Deanna Wasnik said the development variance permit was needed to increase the allowable maximum height of the building from 15 metres to 18.62 metres and increase the maximum number of stories from four to five.
“The units will be a wide variety of sizes and mixes, including studio, 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom plus den, and 2 bedroom units,” Schroeder wrote.
“This wide variety of unit types will be
“The proposed changes are not expected to have a negative impact on land use,” Wasnik said.
Given that the development backs onto University Way, which rises quite rapidly, the impact on neighbouring properties should be minimal, she said.
VOLUNTEER WITH THE CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE
The City is currently seeking residents interested in serving on the Tourism Prince George Society BoardofDirectors
The Boardmeets six times annually and is responsible for establishing the strategic direction for Tourism Prince George in order to best achieve its goals related to the promotion and marketing of Prince George to visitors.
The City is accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy for the remainder of a two-year term ending in April 2023. Applications from individuals with particular expertise, experience and representation in the Food and Beverage sector will be considered.
Individuals interested in serving on this Boardmust be available to attend regularly scheduled meetings and be willing to actively participate in projects that the board undertakes throughout the year.Further information on Tourism Prince George Society is available on Tourism Prince George’swebsite (tourismpg.com).
Deadline for Applications: 5:00 p.m., Friday,December 24, 2021
Applications may be completed and submitted online (www.princegeorge.ca/committees), picked up from and delivered to the Legislative Services Division, 5th Floor,City Hall, at the address below,emailed to legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca, or faxed to (250) 561-0183.
For any questions, or to have an application form mailed to you, please contact the Legislative Services Division at (250) 561-7655 or legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca.
This image, provided by Station One Architects, shows the proposed design for a five-storey, 95-unit apartment building on Foothills Boulevard.
“Even thought there will not be much of an impact to the area, was there notification to the public?” Coun. Brian Skakun asked.
The city did mail out notification to
surround property owners, Wasnik said. No letters or comments were submitted as of last week’s council meeting. Council unanimously approved the development variance permit.
The public hearing into Bylaw No. 3195 was originally opened on April 8, 2021 and adjourned (not closed) by the Chair.This notice is for the re-opening of that public hearing meeting.
When and Where:
6:30 pm, Wednesday,December 8, 2021
Viatelephone conference call and In person attendance
The public hearing will be chaired by adelegate of the Regional District Board.
Owner: 1216590 BC Ltd. Inc. No. BC1216590
Agent: Gordon Bliss, Bliss Consulting
Proposal: Bylaw No. 3195 is proposed to rezone the subject property from Rural 1(Ru1) to Rural Residential 2(RR2) to facilitate subdivision, or other permitted uses pursuant to the RR2 zone. The subject property is The North ½ofthe North East ¼ofDistrict Lot 2415 Cariboo District and located in the Pilot Mountain Road area.
Anyone who believes that their interest in land is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded areasonable opportunity to be heard at the public hearing or to present written comments prior to or at the public hearing regarding matters contained in the bylaws.
Attendance at public hearings must follow provincial health orders. Telephone attendance is encouraged due to limited room capacity Masks arerequired.
Attend through telephone conference call:Contact the Regional District at 250-960-4400 or developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca for the telephone conference number and instructions.
Attend in person:Members of the public interested in participating in the public hearing in person may attend the public hearing at: Regional District BoardRoom 155 George Street, Prince George BC
Submit written comments: Written comments will be accepted in advance of the public hearing until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday,December 8, 2021 by: Email: developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca
Hand/Mail: 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Fax: 250-562-8676
Written comments received before9:00 am on December 8, 2021 (day of the public hearing) will be posted to the Regional District’swebsite.
Written comments will be accepted after 9:00 am on December 8, 2021 (day of the public hearing) and until the close of the public hearing by email only:developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca
Any material received beforeoratthe public hearing will become public information.
Need moreinfo? Acopy of the proposed Bylaw and any relevant background materials areavailable for review by the public on the Regional District’swebsite at: http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/services/ development/land-use-planning/current-applications/ or at the Regional District office, by appointment only,Monday through Friday,8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., between November 19 and December 8, 2021. To make an appointment contact the Regional District at developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca or at 250-960-4400.
An alternative to the typical approach for dealing with criminal offenders in Prince George is now the subject of a video.
Over the course of its 10-minute length, it provides an overview of how restorative justice is used to deal with mostly first-time offenders who have committed relatively petty crimes.
The centrepiece is the community justice forum, where the offender and the victim meet face-to-face. With help from an adjudicator, they work out a resolution that could involve restitution but avoids a criminal record.
“The victim has a strong voice in the process and they may make suggestions,” said Prince George RCMP community policing and restorative justice coordinator Linda Parker. “If they would like an apology letter, if they would like some community service hours or restitution.”
If the comments of John and Kelly Enemark, the two victims depicted in the video, are anything to go by, forgiveness is a theme.
“Young people are so easily led, especially by someone whose older than they are, and that’s what happened with this young fellow,” Kelly Enemark says. “It was his first time getting into trouble and the police officer knew
that and it is so much better than getting them into the system.”
For the offender, soul-searching and coming to terms with their poor behaviour play a role.
“From the outside and not actually being in the process, it doesn’t look like much, but they sit you down, they make you pretty much speak to yourself, speak the truth to yourself on what you did and why it was wrong and how to make it better,” says an unidentified offender in one of the last comments provided in the video.
The video is being used to increase the number of referrals, recruit more volunteers to work as adjudicators and to dispel a few myths.
“We knew that we needed to do a restorative justice video because research has shown that a lot of people do not know what restorative justice is about, they do not realize what it’s intent is,” said Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society executive director Bill Pavich
“They think it’s criminal-orientated to help the offender but in essence it’s to help those that have been harmed and create some sort of positive outcome for themselves and the community.”
Pavich said it costs about $150,000 a year to house an offender in the federal corrections system and about $100,000 for the provincial version. He raised doubts about how effective the traditional justice system is when it comes to getting offenders onto the right path.
For more of the above story, go to pgcitizen.ca or connect to it directly with the QR code below using your phone’s camera
Main
Office: 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 T: 250-960-4400TF: 1-800-667-1959F:250-563-7520 www.rdffg.bc.ca
Bill Pavich of the Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society speaks during the launch of a video about the restorative justice program in Prince George. On screen is Mark Macaplinac of the Prince George RCMP.
Vanderhoof killer committed to hospital
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The B.C. Review Board says a Vanderhoof man found not guilty due to mental disorder in the manslaughter death of his mother must reside at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam.
The order for Justin James Johnston, 43, was issued November 3, seven weeks after a B.C. Supreme Court Justice reached the verdict in relation to the January 2020 death of Joy Morris, 62.
In issuing the verdict, Justice Martha Devlin ordered Johnston confined to the hospital pending a hearing before the board.
Terms of the board’s order also include that he can leave the grounds under escort only and depending on his mental condition. He must also participate in any assessment or counselling and that he be subject to testing for alcohol, cannabis or
unprescribed drugs.
Morris was found dead in her home in the outskirts of Vanderhoof, 100 kilometres west of Prince George, on March 10, 2020. Investigators concluded she had died on January 22, 2020, the victim of blunt force trauma.
Two days later, her son was arrested in Penticton and subsequently detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act. Johnston was formally charged on April 10, 2020 and subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Devlin had agreed with a forensic psychiatrist’s opinion that Johnson was “acutely psychotic” and “suffering from paranoid delusions and disorganized thought processes as a result of his schizophrenia,” at the time of the offence.
The board’s disposition took effect on the day it was ordered and it can be reviewed within the following 12 months.
Pipeline opponents conditionally released
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
The remaining pipeline opponents arrested last month were released following a continuation of bail hearings at the Prince George Courthouse last week, including Gidimt’en Clan member Molly Wickham, also known as Sleydo’.
The remaining 10 opponents were released on the condition that they appear in court in February and must also comply with the terms of the injunction order first granted to Coastal GasLink in December 2019.
Those who are Wet’suwet’en, however, were given exception to access the exclusion zone for hunting fishing, or cultural purposes as long as these activities do not take place within 10 metres of Coastal GasLink worksites.
However, arguments arose regarding Wickham’s release as Coastal GasLink sought to prevent Wickham from accessing the exclusion zone for cultural purposes because of “her ongoing activity into the opposition of the order.”
The company’s lawyer Kevin O’Callahan argued that she has chosen to protest in a way contrary to the order and it’s not clear from her behavior she will refrain from breaching the order if she is allowed to return to the area.
However, Wickham’s lawyer, Frances Mahon, said that banning Wickham from her land as a Wet’suwet’en woman would be unnecessary and would impair the public’s confidence in the administration of justice.
Justice Marguerite Church said that Wickham was “undoubtedly the leader
Supporters gathered at the Prince George Courthouse during the bail hearings last week for the people arrested opposing the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
and spokesperson for this protest group and has made numerous public statements with respect to her opposition to the plaintiff’s construction in Wet’suwet’en territory.”
Church decided Wickham would have to agree to not be within 75 metres of any Coastal GasLink worksite rather than the 10 metres, which was a condition of release for the other Wet’suwet’en pipeline opponents who were arrested.
A court date of Feb. 14, 2022 has now been set for everyone who was arrested and released.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
The City of Prince George is looking to sell the naming rights to the new aquatic centre being built downtown.
City hoping to sell naming rights to pool
The City of Prince George will be looking to sell the naming rights for the new aquatic centre currently under construction downtown.
City council voted to issue a request for proposals for naming sponsors. City manager Walter Babicz said he expected the process to take roughly 90 days.
“There is a market for this, but we would be doing it internally,” Babicz said. “This presents an opportunity to potentially generate revenue. (But) there is no obligation for administration or council to approve any one option.”
Coun. Frank Everitt, who moved the motion to start the naming rights proposal, said the city already has a successful track record, having sold the naming rights for CN Centre and Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
In March 2020, the city and CN Rail renewed the naming agreement for CN Centre. Under the five-year deal, CN Rail pays the city $75,000 per year for the naming rights.
In January 2016, Rolling Mix Concrete signed a five-year deal with the city and the Spruce Kings for the naming rights of Rolling Mix Concrete Arena. Under that deal, the company pays between $25,000 and $30,000 per year to the city and Spruce Kings, and provides between $15,000 and $20,000 worth of concrete and $10,000 cash per year towards the construction of the Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery house.
Coun. Kyle Sampson said he hopes a permanent name could be integrated into the sponsor’s chosen name, to maintain continuity for the community. When Rolling Mix Concrete bought the naming rights to the former Coliseum, he would have preferred that it became the Rolling Mix Concrete Coliseum instead of Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
“(But) I think it’s a great opportunity to generate some revenue and give (the successful bidder) some exposure in our downtown core,” Sampson said.
There are several major corporations with a business presence in Prince George who would be a good fit for the naming rights, Coun. Brian Skakun said.
Council approves new CN Centre sign
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
City council has approved spending $150,000 to replace CN Centre’s digital sign along Ospika Boulevard.
The digital sign was installed in 2004 and worked 24-hours per day until the fall of 2019, when it failed, city director of public safety Adam Davey said.
CN Centre was closed in March 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which postponed the need to replace the sign, Davey said.
“This sign has been broken for approaching two years now,” he said. “Administration recommends updating the sign, so it is functional again.”
The city is obligated to provide the digital sign as part of its contract with the Prince George Cougars, he added.
City manager of entertainment Glen Mikkelsen said the sign will support the return of sports and entertainment.
“Sports and entertainment are working to come back, some cautiously and some more assertively,” he said.
In addition to the Cougars hockey games, CN Centre is expected to host the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship in March.
“We are very optimistic this event will be taking place,” Mikkelsen said. “Some of the curlers we’ll see in Beijing (for the 2022 Winter Olympics) will be here.”
The Offspring and Simple Plan will be holding a concert at CN Centre in February and Northern FanCon is planned for 2022 as well, Mikkelsen said.
Mikkelsen said he expects to see more event announcements coming over the coming months.
Over its 15-year working life, the previous digital sign displayed approximately 47.3 million messages. The cost of the sign in 2004 was $192,425, giving a cost per message of less than half a cent, Davey wrote is his report.
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
Settlement in gravel quarry spat in works
its permit allows a buffer of as little as five metres.
A long-running dispute between the City of Prince George and a concrete maker and the owner of a gravel quarry it relies on for material could be nearing a resolution.
Rolling Mix Concrete (B.C.) Ltd. and Rock’n’Roll Aggregates Ltd. have been at odds with the city since October 2020, when the city issued a stop work order after finding their gravel mining operation southwest of the intersection of North Nechako Road and Foothills Boulevard had encroached on a 100-metre setback from land zoned for residential use.
The matter was scheduled to go before a judge last week, but 10 days prior to the hearing a requisition was filed at the Prince George courthouse stating the parties have agreed to adjourn the matter generally.
The city’s lawyer, Troy DeSouza, confirmed that the sides are working on an out-ofcourt settlement.
The matter was scheduled to go before a judge last week.
While honouring the order issued under the city’s soil removal bylaw, Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix jointly filed a notice of claim in February, asserting that the B.C. Mines Act takes precedence.
A site plan submitted to the provincial government as part of securing a permit under the act shows a 50-metre buffer from residential areas along the west and north sides and a 10-metre setback along the south and southwest boundaries, although it’s also noted in court filings that
DeSouza declined to provide details but did say the discussions have been fruitful.
Once a settlement has been reached on a civil matter, a consent order is usually filed with the court.
Rolling Mix pays a royalty to Rock’n’Roll to extract material from the site and the yearly volume exceeds 100,000 cubic metres of sand and gravel, according to court filings. The 100-metre setback imposed by the city has had a significant impact on the business, the filings further contend, saying that it removes 48 per cent of the reserves available, based on a five-metre setback
The Evergreen Mobile Home Park borders its western boundary and, with the Caledonia Mobile Home Park on the other side of North Nechako Road, the north
side is also considered bound by residential use.
The stop work order applies to second
and third phases of work Rolling Mix had planned to develop to supply material for its concrete-making plant.
BING
The site of a gravel operation at the centre of dispute with the City of Prince George is seen here.
City must get tough on feds
In August, the federal government negotiated a six-year contract with RCMP officers, including a well-deserved 23.78 pay increase. The deal is retroactive to 2017 but the feds have yet to provide a dime to municipalities to help pay for it. So now Prince George is on the hook for $6.5 million of backpay and a much higher cost per officer each year. Fortunately, the city set aside $4 million for this anticipated contract, so the real hit is $2.5 million or about a two per cent increase on next year’s tax bill, before inflation and anything else council decides warrants a tax hike.
So far, all Hall and the rest of council have done publicly is send a frowny letter to Ottawa, along with other similar-sized B.C. municipalities policed by the RCMP, asking for a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and senior Liberal officials. That’s a start.
City council should also pull in Insp. Shaun Wright, the officer-in-charge at the Prince George detachment, to a public meeting, inform him that the city will cover the backpay with the $4 million it has set aside, will tack on a cost-of-living increase for police services in next year’s budget but won’t pay for a cent more. Wright would correctly state there is no way he can cut $2.5 million from his budget without reducing services and personnel. City council’s reply should be to direct him to prepare the three least-worst options and bring them back to a public meeting in January for everyone to see the real cost. Doing so would reframe this problem from a financial dilemma for local government to how the Trudeau Liberals are slashing the amount of police protection in Prince George.
Perhaps City Coun. Garth Frizzell, who ran as a candidate under the Liberal banner in the recent federal election, could also help talk some sense into his pals in Ottawa. Hopefully, the Trudeau Liberals come forward with the cash but if they don’t, mayor and council have a brutal choice to make in the spring, six months before the municipal election. They either fold to Ottawa and come up with the money by passing on the bill to local taxpayers or they direct Wright to implement one of his three service-reduction options or, perhaps, some combination of the two. Publicly standing up on behalf of Prince George, its taxpayers and its police officers to the federal government will require political nerve and courage from mayor and council. Let’s hope they have what it takes to fight the good fight.
Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.
Forced removal at Moccasin Flats a human rights concern
On October 22, 2021, the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled that the encampment named Moccasin Flats on Lower Patricia Boulevard in Prince George, where approximately 80 dehoused individuals live, will not be removed because there isn’t sufficient shelter space available to them. In doing so, Chief Justice Hinkson found that the city’s assertion that there was sufficient shelter space for the residents of Moccasin Flats failed to take proper consideration of the significant barriers that exist with regard to accessing housing Chief Justice Hinkson also noted that there was no admissible evidence supporting the city’s claim that crime has increased due to the encampment, or that by forcefully removing it, crime levels are likely to decrease.
Then, in spite of the court ruling, on November 17, 2021, the city bulldozed Moccasin Flats.
Good on the city for trying to find dehoused individuals a warm place to live as the temperatures decline. However, the way in which these relocations occurred violated human rights and perpetuates distrustful relationships between the City and our dehoused citizens. In the rush
to put the dehoused out of sight and mind, the PG City Bylaw team came in with machinery and began to bulldoze homes, with personal possessions still in them. Since it was disability cheque day, individuals who weren’t offered housing were away from home and could not protect their homes and belongings.
Now, despite Chief Justice Hinkson’s ruling, other dehoused individuals are afraid to stay at Moccasin Flats because of the possibility of their belongings being bulldozed.
Housing is a human right under international law. The United Nations Human Rights Council determined that: “Homelessness is a profound assault on dignity, social inclusion and the right to life. It is a prima facie violation of the right to housing and violates a number of other human rights in addition to the right to life, including non-discrimination, health, water and sanitation, security of the person and freedom from cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment.”
Without questioning the city’s best intentions and commitment to the safety, health and wellbeing of all inhabitants of Prince George, recent actions by the city perpetuate harm
The city has an opportunity to centre lived experience and implement
“out of the box” solutions in relation to services, bylaws, and actions that affect dehoused individuals. We hope they are up to the task. Jonathan Alschech is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at UNBC. Daniel Sims is a member of the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation and an associate professor in the Department of First Nations Studies at UNBC. Tara Joly is an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at UNBC. Juls Budau is a masters candidate in the School of Social Work at UNBC Heather Peters is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at UNBC. Robert Budde is a professor in the Department of English at UNBC
Two people look at the debris left at the former tent camp known as Moccasin Flats last Thursday. For the complete version of this opinion piece, go to pgcitizen.ca or connect to it directly with the QR code below using your phone’s camera
More action, less apple pie
Parliament reconvened last week.
As usual, the session began with a Speech from the Throne delivered this time by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.
Her speech began in Inuktitut before switching to English and then French What a difference such a change makes! Not to everyone’s liking – BQ Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet seemed to be miffed by the inclusion of a third language. But using an indigenous language simply recognizes times have changed and we need to change with them.
The theme of the speech can be summed up in the title: “Building a Resilient Economy: A cleaner and healthier future for our kids.” For the government, this means growing an economy that works for everyone, fighting climate change, moving forward on the path to reconciliation,
AS I SEE IT TODD WHITCOMBE
and making sure our communities are safe, healthy, and inclusive.
All of these are “motherhood and apple pie” statements. It is hard to argue against ensuring our communities are safe and healthy. Despite years of denial by many, it is time to finally get to work on doing something to mitigate climate change. Actually, it is decades late but better now than not at all. And one could make the same statement about reconciliation.
That said, the opposition parties see it as their job to criticize the government and its agenda. Over the past week, this has ranged from pointing out that all of these were promised the last time around but
the government failed to deliver to suggesting the government’s priorities are completely wrong for this country at this point in time.
Where are we at? In the middle of a pandemic radically altering our economic model. Supply chains are dysfunctional. The stock markets teetering on the latest pronouncements from the World Health Organization. Working from home has become a new normal. And we are all wearing masks in public.
At the same time, British Columbia has spent the last six months bearing the brunt of climate change and seeing what the future holds if we don’t change our ways.
Right now we need much more than “motherhood and apple pie”. Perhaps it is time for all Parliamentarians to work together for our country’s future. Just a thought.
Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.
Embrace social responsibility
Renowned American writer Maya Angelou advises, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
In other words, before we put anyone into a position of trust in our lives, we need to examine their track record. How do they treat the most vulnerable people in our society? How do they respond when they make a mistake? Are they kind and courageous, and do they live with integrity? How do they behave when they think no one is looking?
While forgiveness is a wonderful thing, manipulation is not. There are people and entities who see the human tendency to hope and to trust as weaknesses, and these individuals andinstitutionsalmostneverchange.
We need to remember, however, that each of us is free to choose who is deserving of our trust and who is
LESSONS IN LEARNING
GERRY CHIDIAC
not. Power does not rest with the elites, power lies with each of us and spreads into our homes, workplaces and communities.
It is actually not very hard to bring about significant social change. In the 1960s, Ralph Nader and a group known as “Nader’s Raiders” took on the very powerful auto industry which was making tremendous profit by selling unsafe automobiles. The result has been ever-improving standards in the auto industry which help to keep us and our loved ones safe. Nader, now in his 80s, continues to be an indefatigable advocate for the common good as he celebrates and empowers others who are standing
SENIORS HIT BY CLAWBACK
In July 2021, many pensioners were reassessed for Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and summarily penalized. I was one of those pensioners who also just “happens” to be attending university full-time. Last summer of 2020, I was unable to find employment and applied for student assistance. Now, however, someone has chosen to ignore the part of the information stating that I am a mature student and although the provincial government did top me up initially, I am now having to again prove my eligibility as are many other seniors. Why has nothing changed? I know that I am not the only senior who has this problem but can someone in authority please help us.
We are in danger of being homeless and for why -so
COMMUNITY POLL
Participate in this week’s polls
Do you support the protests against the Coastal GasLink pipeline?
Just for fun, what would you like the new downtown pool to be called?
Vote by pointing your phone’s camera at the QR codes below, one at a time.
RESULTS
from last week’s poll: Will you be getting your child vaccinated from COVID-19?
● Yes, at the earliest opportunity 148 votes, 33 per cent
up to dishonest corporations and governments.
The very human qualities of integrity, compassion, kindness, respect, wisdom and courage really are more enduring and powerful than greed, selfishness and cruelty. The truly great leaders in industry, politics and every other aspect of life have always understood these positive principles. Today, each one of us has a roll to play in preserving human life. We can consciously choose to be the kind and courageous people we want to be, and in so doing hold ourselves andeveryonearoundusaccountable.
Historian Howard Zinn stated, “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George teacher.
someone in government can feel powerful?
Florence Schultz, Prince George
DECISION ‘BLACK AND WHITE’
I attended the RDFFG meetings on Nov 18, 2021 and have been following the West Coast Olefins project proposal in Pineview since June. Endless hours of research and meetings have since followed. One of the meetings that members from the Pineview community attended were with the staff from the RDFFG regarding process. Our members attended this meeting to ensure that we were well educated in the regional district’s processes and that we as community members understood where our responsibilities lied with in it.
I am was in utter dismay that the narrative of this extremely important decision put before the Agricultural
● Yes, I want children and teachers to be safer 127 votes, 28 per cent
● No, children are already at low risk 118 votes, 27 per cent
● No, I will wait and see if there are problems 52 votes, 12 per cent
LETTERS WELCOME: The Prince George Citizen welcomes letters to the editor from our readers Submission should be sent to: letters@pgcitizen.ca. No handwritten letters, please. 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.
E-mail: letters@pgcitizen.ca
Land Standing Committee was commandeered by its own members based on the lack of understanding of process.
As an elected official, it is your duty to understand what your role entails. If you had read the documents provided in the agenda, the process once again was presented within those documents that you had access to at least one week prior.
The negative effects far outweigh anything good that will come of this proposed project. This application is not supported by any policies. It is also not supported by any of the associations that the RDFFG sent out a request for input to. The decision does appear very black and white. Industry does not belong on agricultural land. Please step up and be accountable to your role as a member of the Agricultural Land Use Standing Committee.
Adrienne Cleave, Prince George
Vanderhoof shooting suspect identified
The BC Prosecution Service has released the name of the suspect in the Vanderhooff active shooting incident.
He has been identified as Paul Nicholas Russell and has been charged with one count of attempted murder with a firearm.
The BCRCMP says it is continuing to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with video or dashcam footage of the shooting or the events following to share with police.
At about 12:15 p.m. last Thursday, police responded to reports of an active shooter with a long gun targeting the RCMP Detachment in the 100 Block of Columbia Street.
The suspect fired multiple rounds at the Vanderhoof RCMP Detachment and police vehicles parked at the detachment before being arrested a short time later.
“Yesterday was nothing less than the most horrendous occurrence that can happen for police officers, our support staff, and our community. For reasons that may become clearer in the following days through the ongoing investigation, an individual opened fire on our police detachment where well over a dozen employees were working,” said Chief Superintendent Warren Brown. BC RCMP North District, District Officer.
“I am told that bullets from a rifle smashed through exterior windows striking walls, equipment, and flying past
work stations where police officers and office staff sat. Terrible accounts where our employees were deafened by gun fire, could smell burning gun powder, and threw themselves on the ground to avoid being shot. An incident like this is really something that happens rarely and regardless of how well we are trained, with the serious level of threat and fluid mayhem, it is remarkable to believe no one was hurt and the suspect was arrested safely. Really the best possible outcome.”
Mounties say because this was a targeted attack on the RCMP, police do not believe there to be any threat to the community and the suspect remains in
custody.
“I do want to acknowledge the overwhelming support we have received from the community of Vanderhoof. I met with the Mayor and CAO yesterday shortly after the incident and they expressed their sincere concern, appreciation, and well-being for our members and employees. As this incident was unfolding, citizens of Vanderhoof provided real-time up to date witness accounts through 911,” continued Brown.
“This included suspect and vehicle descriptions, locations and other observations that were integral pieces of information that led to the capture of the suspect. It was the first ever
Police Emergency Alert in the province of BC that was broadcast. This is new to us all and the support and cooperation from the community at large was overwhelming.”
The District of Vanderhoof also praised the use of the Police Emergency Alert broadcast.
“Residents in Vanderhoof received an incredibly valuable warning about the incident through the BC Emergency Alert System. We are grateful that the alert system works and that because of the alert, residents knew to shelter in place and remained safe during the incident,” the district’s statement said. “These types of incidents are frightening and shocking to all of us. We understand these events can be challenging to deal with afterward.”
While the Vanderhoof detachment remains closed to the public as a forensic examination is conducted, there will be no disruption to the calls for service.
The BC RCMP North District General Investigation Section is now leading the investigation and is seeking the public’s assistance.
Investigators are aware that there are numerous videos of the incident and are asking anyone with dash cam or cell phone video of the shooting, or the events following it, to share it with police. If you have any information or are able to share video please contact the Vanderhoof RCMP at 250-567-2222.
Safety board report explores CN close call
A CN Rail crew lost control of a train while shuttling cars at one of its Prince George yards, the Transportation Safety Board said in a report issued last week.
The incident occurred on Nov. 13, 2020 at the north end of the company’s south yard when a foreman instructed a helper to connect 54 cars to another cut of freight cars by backing them onto another track with the help of a remote-control system.
A concern was raised about a need for air brakes on the rail cars but the foreman decided that the brake systems on the train’s three locomotives would be good enough. As they continued to connect the cars, the foreman realized that four cars had been left behind and used the remote-control system to send a stop command.
“However, the braking effort provided by the locomotives was insufficient and the movement did not stop,” the report states.
When the train had reached 11 km/h, the foreman sent a command to put the locomotives on maximum available brake effort. But it was too late as the train took off out of the yard and headed north.
It accelerated to as much as 27 km/h as it passed under the Yellowhead Bridge before coming to a stop in the company’s so-called middle yard and about 380 metres short of a main track out of the city. In doing so, it ran through a crossover switch that was lined against the train’s direction of travel, damaging the switch. As well, the crew alerted a train that was running on an adjacent track but did not use the emergency standby channel, the TSB noted.
The train did not derail, there were no injuries and no dangerous goods were involved. The TSB describes the incident as an unplanned or uncontrolled movement that could have led to catastrophic consequences. Between 2010 and 2019, the trend of such incidents had been on an upward trajectory across the country with a peak of 78 occurrences in 2019, according to the TSB, which has made such them a “Watchlist 2020 issue.”
“As this occurrence demonstrates, it is important for operators and employees to ensure sufficient braking capacity to enable the control of rolling stock when switching. Furthermore, operating employees must follow emergency communication procedures in order to ensure the safety of other employees working in the area,” the TSB concludes.
FACEBOOK PHOTO
Police arrest a suspect in the Vanderhoof shooting incident on Nov 25 in this screen grab from a posted video.
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Young actors needed for On Golden Pond
Miracle Theatre is presenting On Golden Pond from February 16 to March 13 and producers are looking for two young actors to share the role of 13-year-old Billy.
This role offers each youth the opportunity to work with professional actors from across Canada while the theatre company ultimately raises funds for the Prince
George Hospice Palliative Care Society endowment fund managed by the Prince George Community Foundation. Auditions will take place during the first half of December.
To register for an audition or to get more information parents can contact Miracle Theatre producer Anne Laughlin at 250-563-6937.
Exploration Place setting up in mall
school-age children online to take part in a 30-minute program at the pop-up location using KEVA building blocks.
The Exploration Place has opened a pop-up location in Pine Centre Mall, featuring children’s programming, a Christmas display, gift shop and more.
The museum and science centre has been closed since March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has remained closed during a major renovation of its gallery.
“I think it’s a great chance for The Exploration Place to have a physical presence again,” museum board chairperson Peter James said. “It’s a place people can come and catch up with The Exploration Place again.”
The pop-up location opened Saturday and will remain open during mall hours until mid-April, The Exploration Place CEO Tracey Calogheros said.
The Exploration Place was initially supposed to reopen on Jan. 15 next year, but supply chain issues and a shortage of skilled trades has delayed the reopening until April or May, Calogheros said.
Parents will be able to register their
The pop-up location includes a Christmas display featuring a fully-functional replica of Champion, the Northern Hardware horse ride, and The Exploration Place’s Heritage Tree. The Heritage Tree houses a collection of community memories symbolic of the city.
Families are welcome to come take photos in front of the Christmas display by donation, Calogheros said.
In January the pop-up location will be home to the Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867 exhibit. The exhibit, from the Waterloo Regional Museum, honours the role women have played in Canada since confederation.
“Unfortunately, that exhibit is now trapped in Vancouver,” Calogheros said. Because of the nature of the exhibit it can’t be shipped across the U.S. border, so won’t arrive until transportation networks to the Lower Mainland have reopened, she said.
Pine Centre Mall has partnered with the museum and donated the use of the space.
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
The Exploration Place board chairperson Peter James stands with some of the exhibits on display at the museum’s pop-up location in Pine Centre Mall.
PUCK BATTLE
Cariboo U17AAA Cougars forward Blake Pigeon battles Thompson Blazers defender Jobie Siemens for the loose puck in front of goaltender Preston Lewis on Sunday in Kin 1 during BCEHL U17AAA action. The Cougars won the game 4-3, with Pigeon scoring the game-winning goal.
Recruiting underway for junior football
TED CLARKE
Citizen staff
After months of rumblings that the city was about to become home to a junior football franchise, those rumours became official when the Prince George Kodiaks’ board members gathered at Masich Place Stadium in July to announce plans to join the British Columbia Football Conference in 2022.
That set the wheels in motion for twotime Grey Cup champion Keon Raymond, whose job as Kodiaks’ head coach and director of football operations is to build the team from scratch.
That’s no small task considering junior teams require between 60 and 80 players, so Raymond and Kodiaks general manager Ryan Bellamy and assistant coach Ken Hocker have been busy scouting
high school and junior games in B.C. and Alberta, trying to recruit enough players to fill the Kodiaks’ roster for the inaugural season.
For the Kodiaks to thrive they will have to recruit most of their players from other cities because there are not enough high school players in the five team B.C. Secondary Schools Football Association North Division who have the ability or desire to play at the junior level. Many of the players will be billeted in local homes, similar to junior hockey players, if they can’t find their own accommodations.
As an expansion team in the BCFC the Kodiaks will play against the Okanagan Sun, Kamloops Broncos, Langley Rams, Valley (Chilliwack) Huskers, Vancouver Island (Nanaimo) Raiders and Westshore (Langford) Rebels in an eight-game season that runs from August-November.
GETTING PAST THE DEFENCE
Northern Capitals forward Brooklyn Hutchings looks to put a shot on net against Thompson-Okanagan Lakers goaltender Chelsea West on Sunday morning in Kin 1 during BCEHL Female U18AAA action. The Capitals won the game 6-1, with Hutchings scoring a hat trick.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
HORO SC OPES &P UZ
Solar or lunar events 17. Exploited
Slalom competitor 19. Mets, e.g.
Get bigger
Excellent
Scarf 29. Drink
9. Possessive pronoun 10. Get an “A” on 11. Unite in marriage 16. and cons
20. Point at 22. Toupee 24. Convey 25. Watch 26. Animal skin
27. Lowest male voice
28. Expression of pain
30. Seed container
33. Beginnings
35. Motor coach
38. Elongated fish
40. Statistics
43. Australian “bear”
45. Factions
47. Speak to God
49. What’s the big ____?
50. Woodland creature
51. “And ILove ____”
52. Kind of league
53. Charge for service
55. Needle hole
Like some tales
Make a touchdown
Faulty item
Circus safeguard
Talk back
Gooey stuff
Stereo: hyph.
Part of a phone number: 2wds.
an egg
Join together 32. Sedan, e.g. 34. Lump or mass
e.g.
Fill tightly
Crocodile’s relative
Trickier
Stubborn animal 6. Eating plan 7. Start 8. Brass instrument
PUZZLE NO. 847
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and 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.
CL ASSIF IEDS
In Memoriam
In Memory Of RITA McKINNON (Mamma)
September 15, 1947
December 4, 2015
It’s been six long years since you left us to remember all of the wonderful things you did for everybody.
Love you Miss you
Your Boys and their families
Cameron A. McKaig
This special soul was born on November 26, 1968.
Son, brother, father, friend.
A gift to the loyal and true, who shared his world.
As you share the
may you find comfort...
ROLAND DUCHARME (UMPHERVILLE)
Roland Ducharme (Umpherville), passed away on November 19th, 2021at the age of 69 years. He is survived by his daughter; Melanie, son Robert and five grandchildren; Jesse, Holly, Landon, Jake and Bobby Jr. Roland will be remembered by his brothers; Richard (Susan), Brian (Dianne) and Frank his sisters; Shirley, Lorraine and Penny as well as sister in law; Rhonda. He was predeceased by his father Gordon, mother Leona, brother Gordie and son Joey. A celebration of his life will be planned for a later date.
Melinda Louise Ewen
It is with great sadness our family announces the passing of Louise, beloved wife of Fraser Ewen, daughter of Gillian & Derek Falck, mother of Mathew and Curtis Hagblom, sister of Jeremy (Patricia) Falck, Melanie Falck and John (Susan) Falck, aunt to Leah and Jared Falck. Louise was step-mother of Dawn Wagner (Andrew) and Shawn (Loretta) Ewen, step-grandmother to Owen, Frederick, and Elizabeth. No service by request. Louise will be forever in our hearts and dearly missed. The family would like to send their greatest appreciation and a heartfelt thank-you to EVERYONE who contributed in sharing information and searching for Louise.
REMEMBRANCES
The Family of Thelma Sadowick wishes to announce her passing on November 17, 2021 at the age of 89. She leaves to mourn, her Children, Grandchildren, GreatGrandchildren and GreatGreat Grandchildren. Some things Mom enjoyed were Music, Knitting, Crocheting and Crafts. She especially enjoyed her friends at her favourite Senior Centres. Mom`s passing was unexpected and quick, after enjoying lunch and an afternoon at the Casino.
“She did it her way” Happy and a Winner!
Interment and a Celebration-of-Life will be scheduled at a later date.
Lawrence Yeomans
April 5th 1962November 19th 2021
It is with great sadness I announce the passing of Larry Richard Yeomans.
Larry was a firecracker with an infectious laugh, a big smile and the best hugs. Larry was a passionate goalie and car painter, taking pride in all he accomplished. He made many friends and many memories in Prince George throughout his life. He is survived by his daughters Molly & Brandy, his grandchildren Haylea, Brady, Cavyn & Kestyn, his niece Toni & his nephew Kyle; his mother Doris & step father Jim, and many aunts, uncles, cousins & friends. He is predeceased by his father Richard, his sister Debbie, & his first grandchild Nolan. We hope Larry has found peace, contentment, & a cold beer on the other side. I love you Dad, always. You took a piece of my heart with you.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.”
No service at this time.
Jean passed away at Birchview Residences in Prince George where he was cared for with much compassion by warm, giving staff.
Many thanks to all medical personnel who helped Dad along the way. Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Higgins who cared for both Mom and Dad throughout the years. Dad was such a wonderful man who will be missed by all.
Predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Theresa.
Survived and loved by his children Vivian (Vic) Leclerc, Raymond, Robert (Mel), Joanne (Brian) Stewart, Yvonne (Ken) Pfliger, Andre (Karen) and Annette (Nico) Aaroe; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; sisters Dolores and Yolande, and brother Fred.
A Memorial Service will take place in the Spring/Summer of 2022.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
February 15, 1935 - November 26, 2021
With great sorrow we announce the comfortable passing of Verna Grace Smith on November 26, 2021 in Gateway Lodge. She was predeceased by Alvin Oakes and leaves behind her family Terry Storey (Gary Hofstra), Ken Smith (Lorna), Kevin Smith and grandchildren Devan Storey, Brooke Storey, Kerry Smith (Dean Kutin), Kayla Smith (Linden) and great grandchildren Parker Smith and Nora Kutin. Verna will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
Another Good One gone.
A Celebration of Verna’s life will be held sometime in the spring/summer of 2022.
Wendy Michelle HARDWICK
January 3, 1961 - November 18, 2021
Wendy Michelle Hardwick, age 60, of Prince George, BC, passed away November 18, 2021, with her loving family by her side. She was a caring wife to her husband, a sweet mom to her son, daughter and daughter-in-law and she cared deeply for her four grandchildren. She instilled in us a love for the simple things which became everything we will ever need. She will be missed every day and will always be in our hearts. Wendy has touched many people in her life and will always live on in their hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer time at later date.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
July 30, 1930 - November 21, 2021
Ellen Hoard (Ostlund) passed away Nov. 21, 2021 at the age of 91. She was born in Wadena, Sask. and moved to Prince George in 1948 where she enjoyed the rest of her life.
She is survived by her daughters; Ingrid Holmstrom and Karin (Bruce) Nyberg; daughter in law Kaltha Hoard, grandchildren; June, Chad, Greg, Deana, Olivia, Clayton and 14 great grandchildren.
Predeceased by her husband Art, son Lyle, sister Lonny Burton and son in law Eric Holmstrom.
Mom was happiest being with her family and many friends. She loved good conversations and was always there to listen to each of us, making us all feel so important and loved. Mom spent many hours tending to her flowers and garden. Many people stopped to comment how beautiful it was. She loved the compliments.
You are loved beyond measure. We can’t have you in our arms, but we have you in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Mom.
Thank you to Dr. Attia, Dr. Youssef, Dr. Geddes, Dr. Singh and all the wonderful medical staff that were so kind to Mom.
We plan to have a Celebration of Life in 2022 and will have a notice in the Citizen.
Verna Grace Smith
Ellen Hoard
R0011889433 7.00x167.0-4C PG11 / PG000001
Auntie Joyce passed away peacefully, without much hoopla, on November 19, with good friends, a loving nephew, and Elvis at her side. She might have preferred even less hoopla, as she was congenitally averse to shameless self-promotion and aggrandizement. We can’t remember a single time she sought approval, sympathy, or attention from anyone.
Don’t get us wrong. She was an enthusiastically social human being, and revelled in the company of her many friends. It’s just that she would rather be an excuse for a party, than the center of some superficial ritual.
It follows that she would probably object to us making a big fuss about her death, or go to the trouble of remarking reverently on her life. On these points, we will have to disappoint her. Sorry, Joyce. You meant a lot to us. You lived a remarkable life. And we are so very sad that you are gone. In equal measure, we are glad your pain and suffering has ended.
Nothing we write here could do that life justice. But we will try.
Joyce Marie Smith was the younger of two daughters born to Margaret and John, a sturdy, hard-working prairie couple in small-town Manitoba. It was the depths of the Great Depression. Even though their family was largely spared the worst effects of this difficult period, it surely shaped the mindset and character of everyone who went through it. More likely to be grateful for any measure of good fortune; less likely to be paralyzed and petulant in the face of adversity. The children of the depression, particularly prairie folk, spread out across the country, and it was their determination and independence that drove much of Canada’s growth and success in the decades that followed.
They were further tested by the heartbreaking losses, demands and challenges of the Second World War. This was a battle-hardened generation, and we often forget how tough and how strong they had to be.
Oakburn was a close, tight-knit community, driven closer together by the hardships of the era. Everyone knew everyone. The kids all went to school together, from grade 1 to grade 12. Every holiday, event, tragedy and celebration was a communal experience, shared by an extended family of hundreds. How comforting that must have been, in times of both joy and sorrow. The community had deep Ukrainian roots, so they were also very well fed. There are few problems in this world that can’t be solved by properly prepared petahe and a bucket of sour cream.
On an instructional note, Ukrainian ancestors attached spiritual significance to petahe, or perogies, and used them as part of pagan and sacrificial rituals. They took their dumplings very seriously, and still do. We can’t guarantee that tossing a few into your garden will ensure a bountiful harvest, but it can’t hurt.
This was the environment that nurtured Joyce’s childhood, and a heritage she proudly carried throughout her life. Ukrainians were broadly derided in Canadian culture, and especially by Roy (more on him later), but Joyce couldn’t have cared less. In a world where so much else was transient and fleeting, this was something that would never be taken away from her.
So Joyce’s early life was, by and large, a positive and affirming affair, bolstered by a sense of belonging and
Joyce Antonation
June
24, 1936 - November 19,
community. From there, it was perhaps natural she would set out on a lifelong journey filled with joy, optimism, and welcoming new people to her constantlyexpanding extended family with open arms.
One of her greatest joys, from the very beginning of her journey, was teaching.
She began teaching immediately after high school. Manitoba allowed graduates to teach for a year or two without any formal training or certification. This seems like a formula for disaster, but at least it would have weeded out the weaklings.
Joyce was sent out to a tiny schoolhouse, and placed in charge of a horde of children, each of whom needed to be taught at their appropriate grade level. At maybe 18 years of age, she might very well have been teaching students older than herself. We’ll bet their penmanship was immaculate.
If this were the practice today, we doubt there would be more than half a dozen teachers in the entire country. It would be chaos. They would be lucky to survive.
Apparently, Joyce survived, and even thrived, in this educational trial-by-fire. She went on to earn her teaching certificate, and taught for years in the relative metropolis of Brandon.
During these years, she endured a marriage to a miserable excuse for a man named Antonation, and the less said about that, the better. It explains her last name, but does nothing to explain the amazing woman she was. She refused to let the marriage, and the name, define her. In an act of independence rare for the age, she abandoned the misogynistic troll, packed up her life, moved across the country, and left him in her dust. Things did not go well for him after that, and justice, in its way, was served.
Joyce joined her sister Grace, who had settled with her young family in Prince George, in 1964. She took some courses required to qualify for her BC teaching certificate, and began a new chapter in her career that would span three decades. Generations of students passed through her classroom. She frequently spoke of individual students, and their parents, by name. They left an impression on her, as we’re sure she left an impression on them. We doubt you could swing a cat in Prince George without hitting someone, or the family of someone, that she taught.
By the way, Joyce would not approve of cat-swinging. She adored every animal, and her dogs were beloved members of the family, from Spook and Heidi, to Peanut and Boomer and Bugger-Lugs (so named because he was a bugger who lugged around, and often ate, anything that wasn’t nailed down).
She took to Prince George, and Prince George took to her. She made many lifelong friends (shout out to Theresa and Diane!). A favourite hangout was Nechako Lanes. She could bowl the lights out, and loved the troublemakers at the bowling alley. Her team was a regional champion, and travelled to tournaments throughout Western Canada.
On an otherwise routine train ride in the late 60’s, she met Roy Neilsen, and nothing she did would ever be routine again. They were kindred spirits, if not a typical “match made in heaven”, in that neither of them appeared to give a single, solitary hoot what anyone thought, even each other. They were companions and partners in a series of fearless adventures and pursuits that would last nearly 50 years.
Roy (“Mr. Antonation” to Joyce’s students) was either the love of her life, or the bane of her existence, depending on the day.
It was an unconventional relationship, which seemed to suit Joyce just fine. She had given the conventional
route a go, and it clearly was not her cup of tea. Neither of them had any interest in getting remarried, and they never had any children of their own. Roy had children from a previous marriage; Joyce had more kids in her life than anyone would realistically need.
Joyce and Roy travelled extensively. Early on, they were frequent visitors to Las Vegas while it was still home to colourful (and questionable) characters, and you might just run into the Rat Pack or a mob boss at any random roulette table. They definitely enjoyed themselves some gamblin’. Even back in Prince George, their home was essentially a running card game, and they were regulars at bingo games and crib tournaments, and anywhere else they could dance with chance.
Later, they would cruise the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Alaska. Joyce made her pilgrimage to Graceland. They visited Hawaii. They took a long trip to New Zealand, just to see what the other end of the world was like, we suppose. If you were a lucky friend or family member, you were invited along for one of these adventures.
Roy was a phenomenal travel guide, and arranged every detail. It’s possible that Joyce chose to be with him for this reason alone.
Her nephews came to know her as their cool, adventurous aunt. Whenever Joyce and Roy came to visit, there would be irreverence, and laughter, and a packed agenda. There was always somewhere to go and something to do, and the boys knew they would be traveling in comfort and style, because Joyce and Roy always drove enormous, well-appointed vehicles. They never owned a big boat, but they sure owned their share of land yachts.
It must be mentioned they also built an impressive Amway empire, a venture to which Roy was particularly suited, and it eventually became his full-time gig. It is a testament to their gregarious and good-hearted nature that this only enlarged their circle of friends. Let’s face it. Multi-level marketing has killed many a friendship. But those two made it work, socially and financially.
Time and tide catches up to us all, usually in the most unexpected ways. Joyce was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at an impossible age. It took over a year, and a private-service MRI in Alberta, to convince her doctor that MS was responsible for her strange symptoms –numbness, tingling, pain and weakness that came and went without rhyme or reason. She was far too old to develop MS, and far too young-at-heart to be struck with a debilitating, incurable, unpredictable disease.
Such are the vagaries of this life, and Joyce accepted this news with her typical strength and aplomb. For many years, she continued travelling, carried on with her dayto-day affairs, and kept her busy social schedule. Even as the disease mercilessly attacked her body.
Eventually, it tried to take away her mobility. It failed miserably. When Joyce’s legs would no longer carry her, she motorized. Her maximum speed immediately tripled. When the going gets tough, the tough increase their horsepower. She seemed to get more active, if that’s possible. She even started visiting inmates at the Youth Detention Centre, and teaching them crib. She absolutely loved this return to teaching, and spoke admiringly of the kids she met, who treated her with respect and gratitude.
She smashed through every obstacle in her way, frequently by ramming into it with her scooter. She remained strong, independent, and lively as hell. Even after Roy passed away, she got up every damn morning, and filled the day with activity and purpose.
But MS is a determined foe, and continued its assault. The most challenging episode of her battle coincided with the onset of the Covid pandemic, which sucked in the most tragic ways. She was confined to her home for 18 months, deprived of her independence, and subjected
2021
to the uncertainties of a public health emergency. Cracks in the system were magnified, and she fell through almost all of them, as did many other seniors. It took many extra months to get her second vaccine dose, and she managed to squeeze in a couple lunches before the passport was instituted. She was once again confined, while the system took weeks to iron out problems with her vaccination record.
Her caregivers and friends provided all the comfort and companionship they could, but they could not fill a life as big as Joyce’s.
As a result, there was more pain and loneliness and frustration than anyone should have to bear. Joyce remained stoic and good-humoured through it all. She didn’t want us to worry. She always viewed worry as wasted energy that could be channelled into something fun and productive. But there is no doubt she felt more pain than those of us who watched the blazing and kindly light in her eyes slowly fade. And we were in agony.
If any of this sounds like a complaint, please note it comes from us. Joyce would not stand for it. We are venting exclusively for our own benefit, and in the hope that the system perhaps take some note, and make an effort to perform a little better in the future.
Her disease, and complications from it, finally did become unbearable, and Joyce accepted it with characteristic resolve and grace. She was at peace with her fate, and wanted nothing more than a painless and dignified passing. For a while, this seemed impossible. But, as they always do, the Rotary Hospice House stepped up, providing a loving environment and exceptional care in her final days. She was happier than we had seen her in many months. She was able to say goodbye to the ones she loved. Joyce left this world on her own terms, painfree, with the dignity she deserved. We will always love the Hospice care team for that.
As we will always love you, Joyce. Your relentless zest for life, your courage and resilience, your joy and optimism, inspired us. May your adventure continue forever. Roy, we imagine, has the itinerary arranged and scheduled.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Grace; adoring nephews Shawn, Jack (Brenda), and Doug (Linda); beloved grand-niece Talia (Chad) and great-grandnephew Jo Jo; and her extended family of cousins, friends, colleagues, former students, fellow travellers, irredeemable gamblers, and the fabulous Red Hat ladies.
This history has been cobbled together from the imperfect memories of many fallible human beings. Please overlook any omissions or errors. If Joyce were still with us, she would be the perfect fact checker and proof reader. Alas, she is not, and all we can do is hope that she would give us a gold star. Under the circumstances, we’re sure she would cut us some slack and give us a higher grade than we deserve.
We will make Joyce an excuse for a party at a future date, with a minimum of hoopla, when travelling to Prince George is less perilous, and our Covid restrictions are more predictable. We would like to make it possible for any of her friends and family members to be here, if they wish. If you cannot be here, or you just can’t wait, we invite you to share your memories, and the company of those who loved her, at legacy.com or dignitymemorial.com.
If you wish to make a donation in Joyce’s memory, please consider the BC SPCA, the MS Society of Canada, or the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society. Or just hug a teacher.
On a closing note, we suppose it’s finally safe to reveal that Joyce’s one true love was Elvis, and her favourite song, fittingly, was “My Way”. If Joyce were going to take this trip to heaven as an opportunity to dump Roy and finally hook up with Elvis, she’s done it by now.
William (Bill) F Rushton
January 14, 1924 - November 27, 2021
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bill Rushton, just shy of his 98th birthday. Dad passed away peacefully at home with family by his side.
Born January 14th, 1924 in Nakusp BC, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Remembered by son Bill (Kim), daughter Anne (Claude) and adored grandchildren Shea (Stephanie) and Kyla (Rayce). Also survived by sister Beth Carr-Hilton. Predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years Betty in August of 2020.
He always looked forward to Sunday breakfasts with the “crew” (Dave, Manfred and Suka) and family. Also the weekend “Union Meetings” at the farm with kids and grandkids and the daily morning coffee breaks at Timmies
His favorite was spending time in the shop, where mom would get a break. He was a handyman and avid woodworker and could fix or build pretty much anything.
He had a huge desire to travel and had a special bond with many countries in Africa.
The family would like to thank Dave Lea, Ken/Deb Yorston and Bill/Nancy Lynch for always being true and loyal friends. No service by request.
OPPORTUNITY
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.
Inquires Only
(250)997-9003
(250)997-5538
(250)990-0152
Date: Saturday December 4, 2021 Location: Virtually via Zoom
Art &
A LOT Of 45 & LPs. All kinds $5$40 each, 778-675-4716
COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS! BUYING OLD COINS, ROLLS OF COINS, BANK BAGS OF COINS, RARE COINS, COLLECTOR COINS, OLYMPIC COINS, OLD PAPER MONEY, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, US MINT, COLLECTIONS +. WANTED CANADA, USA &
Bedroom/Bedding
ETUDE-HC
head and
operated
includes:
and
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
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
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
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.
SHORT LO G TR UCKS NEEDED!
Wilson Bros Enterprises Ltd. and Edgewater Solutions Inc. are integrated logging, trucking, and road building companies based in central BC. We are looking for both on-highway and off-highway shor t log trucks to join our team and work for the winter in the Prince George and Houston areas. Accommodations will be provided, along with meals or LOA. The rates are good and the loadermen are nice. Give us a call and join our team today.
250-845-4181
Careers@WBEnterprises.ca
Dollar Saver Lumber has openings for the following positions: Please apply in person to:
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.
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
Management/Administration
Northern Savings Credit Union has an exciting career opportunity for you! Our current opening for a full-time Insurance Manager in Terrace may just be what you have been waiting for
Working with a team of dedicated professionals, this position offers comprehensive benefits, a competitive salary, work/ life balance, and the opportunity to travel. For more information and to apply, visit www.northsave.com/AboutUs/Careers or email us at info@northsave.com
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.
Management/Administration
COURT BAILIFF SALE
www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca
The Court Bailiff offers for sale by tender bid, interest in the following goods of the Judgement Debtor(s): 988 Transport Ltd., pursuant to a Writ of Seizure and Sale, Registry No. PRG-S-L-2160107.
2004 Cadillac CTS VIN# 1G6DM577840144636
2009 Mercedes CLS550 VIN# WDDDJ72X99A151773
Item(s) can be viewed at our 2706 Jasper St compound in Prince George. Go to www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca to view photographs. Closing date: To Be Determined Highest or any other bid not necessarily accepted. Bidders are solely responsible for determining the make, model, year of manufacture, condition, quantities, sets and or usefulness of all items for tender All items are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no warranty given or implied. As vehicles have not been inspected, we are declaring that they may not be suitable for transportation and may not be compliant with the motor vehicle act. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Terms of sale: Immediate payment in full by bank draft or cash only upon acceptance of successful bid. Call (250) 564-4900 for details.
OTHER MINTS. ALSO BUYING OLDMONEY, ALL GOLD &SILVERCOINS, COIN COLLECTIONS. +BUYING ALL THINGS MADE WITH GOLD OR SILVER. TODD’S COINS1-250-864-3521
WANTED
HOMES
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
DESIGN TRENDS • HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS • OUTDOOR LIVING
Refashion your cabinets for an AFFORDABLE KITCHEN FACELIFT
Dreamingofnewkitchencabinetsbutdon’t have the necessary funds? No worries!
Reface your existing cabinets for a budget-friendlystyleupgrade.
The idea is simple: modify the doors and other surface features of your current cabinets. Add some crown moulding, replace handles and knobs and switch up the lighting to complete the transformation. Your visitors or potential buyers will be delighted!
Thanks to refacing, you can easily create the illusion of brand-new cabinets.
Create a QUIETER LIVING SPACE
Are you a musician or a home-theatre enthusiast?
Do you work nights and need total silence to sleep during the day? Is your loud neighbour getting on your nerves? If, for whatever reason, you’re looking to improve your property’s soundproofing, you should know that there are different solutions available.
For walls and ceilings, consider putting in acoustic panels. These require some skill to install, so avoid making a mess by hiring a team of professionals to get the job done right.
Make your own PLAY SNOW
Are you looking for a fun way to keep your kids busy over the holiday break? Have them create their own decorations using homemade snow! Here’sthecheapandeasyrecipe.
YOU WILL NEED:
•1 box (500 grams) of baking soda •1 can of white shaving cream
PREPARATION
Pour3/4ofthebakingsodaand3/4ofthe shaving cream into a large bowl. Using a spoon or your hands, mix everything together until you obtain an even, pliable consistency (a bit like modelling clay). If themixtureistoodry,addabitofshaving cream; if it’s too wet, add baking soda. Psst! Add a few pinches of glitter to the mix to make it extra-magical!
Homemade modelling clay that mimics the look of snow is a low-cost craft project that the kids will love.
CREATION
Isthetextureofyourfakesnowconvincing? Perfect!Nowit’stimetoletyourkids’imagination take care of the rest. Pipe cleaners, coffeestirrers,fabricscraps,plasticfigurines andpineconesareallgreatbuildingmaterials foryoursnowycreations.
To soundproof floors, you may want to install carpet lined with a noise-reducing underlay. Alternatively, you could add a layer of acoustic material or damping compound beneath a floating floor
Don’t forget that this type of home improvement project, when done correctly, can significantly increase the value of your property
Hire a local renovation contractor to take care of your home’s soundproofing for flawless results
Even when they’re closed and locked, windows made of low-grade glass often let noise in from the outside Replace old windows with higher-quality soundproof models
Three points to consider before buying a snowblower
No one’s going to argue the fact that shovelling snow is a great way to get some exercise. However, we don’t always have the time or the energy to shovel our driveways after a heavy snowfall. Fortunately, having a snowblower on hand can make this often-gruelling task a lot easier. Here are a few things to think about while shopping for a snowblower.
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE
Do your homework before making your way to the store. Start by measuring the surface you’ll be clearing to determine the size of the blower you’ll need. Don’t forget to measure the width of your shed door as well; it would be a shame to have to return your new purchase because it doesn’t fit through the doorway
2. DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
Depending on their features, snowblowers can cost aslittleas$200,orasmuchas$4,000.What’smore, certainmodelsonlyweigh5kilograms,whileothers can reach up to 100 kilograms. So to make a smart investment, establish your budget and determine your needs as realistically as possible. When in doubt, ask the advice of a specialist they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
3. FOCUS ON VALUE AND QUALITY
Ideally, you’ll want to go with a well-known brand, even if it means spending a bit more money You’ll have an easier time finding replacement parts and qualified mechanics should your snowblower break down.Anddon’tforget,popularbrandsusuallycome withbetterwarranties.
Choosing the right snow removal company
Hiring a snow removal service is a practical and convenient way to prepare for the upcoming winter season. No one really enjoys those long hours of shovelling that leave you tired, sore and soaked in sweat. Imagine, instead, being able to take your timewhilegettingreadyinthemorning,orcoming home from a long day’s work simply to relax and unwind even after a heavy snowfall. A snow removalcompanycangiveyouthatpeaceofmind.
Unfortunately, certain unscrupulous businesses havegiventhesnowremovalindustryabadname. Thetruthis,however,thatalargemajorityofsnow removal companies are honest and reliable organizations that take their clients’ satisfaction to heart.Tohelpyoudistinguish the goodcompanies from the bad, we’ve come up with a few things you should be on the lookout for when hiring someone to clear your driveway
1.They provide their full contact information not just a phone number
2.They explain their services in detail (is removal on demand, or only after five centimetres of
snow have accumulated? What about additional options like salting walkways and driveways?) and put theminwriting.
What you need to know about portable car shelters
Winter can be a hassle for motorists. The cold season involves installing snow tires, dealing with rough weather, and, for those who don’t have a garage, the irritating task of cleaning off the car each and every morning. Luckily, portable car shelters can make it all a bit more bearable.
MUNICIPAL BYLAWS
The bylaws governing temporary carports vary frommunicipalitytomunicipality.Someplacesban themoutright.Somerequireapermit,othersoutline specificmodelsthatcanbeused,andmostestablish strict timeframes as to when and for how long the shelter can be in place. To avoid potential complications, always check your town’s bylaws before purchasingandinstallingyourportablecarshelter.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Whether you’relookingtorentortobuy,consider the following features to get the most out of your money while shopping for a temporary carport.
•Ashelter with two doors (front and back)
•Large side windows for increased visibility
•Athick frame made from galvanized steel
3.They don’t require the total invoice to be paid upfront.
4.Theyhaveliabilityinsurance.
5.They use quality equipment that’s properly maintained.
Speakingwithyourneighboursandaskingforreferencesaresomegoodwaystofindasnowremovalcompanythatwon’tleaveyousnowedin.Dosomeresearch onlineaswell socialmediaandreviewwebsitesare excellentresources toreaduponthecommentsleft by other clients regarding the companies operating in your area. Finally, contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out if the companies that interest you havereceived a lot of complaints.
•Atarp with heat-welded seams that provides UVprotection
•Amodel equipped with vents for better air circulation
MAINTENANCE
Regularly maintaining and inspecting your shelter will keep it and your car safe from potential damage. Alternating between sections on each side, remove snow from the shelter with a broom. Avoid fully clearing off one side before the other because this could unbalance your shelter and cause it to collapse. You’ll also want to regularly test the structure’s nuts to make sure that they’re good and tight. Finally, don’t leave your shelter up for too long. A temporary carport that’s set up too early or taken down too late will undergo prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays, which can significantly reduce its life expectancy.
Kaycie
Janine
Do you need a standby generator for your home?
In the event of a blackout, a standby generator can power your home. If the electricity cuts out, this appliance can keep yourhome’sentireelectricalsystemrunning.
A standby generator needs to be installed outside your home, much like an air conditioning unit, and runs on propane or natural gas. Among other things, this appliance will:
•Ensure your sump pump continues to work so your basement doesn’t flood
•Provide power to your fridge and freezer to prevent your food from spoiling
Additionally, standby generators don’t release fumes, such as carbon monoxide, which is a common issue with portable generators. This makes them safer and better for your overall health.
Keep in mind, however, that a standby generator needs to be installed by a licensed professional to ensure it works when you need it most.
•Incorporate
•Pair
wood panels or slats.
•Create an open space that allows in plenty of natural light, and add an array of indoor plants.
WhendesigningaJapandi-inspiredspace, alwaysremembertokeep things simple and opt for quality over quantity
GO FOR GOLD.
4 things to consider when buying a hot tub
Hottubsareperfectforrelaxing and unwinding after a busy day They can also help soothe sore muscles and joints. If you want to purchase a hot tub for your backyard, here are four things to think about.
1. INSULATION
Look for a hot tub with fullfoam or multi-density foam insulation. The higher quality the insulation, the more efficiently your hot tub will be at heating and keeping the water hot. This is especially important if you plan on using your hot tub in the winter
2.
SEATS
ming with jets, as this could lead to a decrease in water pressure.
4. PUMPS
To determine the right number of seats for your hot tub, think about how many people will regularly use it, as well as how often you plan to invite friends over for a soak. Justkeepinmindthatthemoreseatsthehot tub has, the more expensive it will be.
3. JETS
Ideally, you want a hot tub with powerful jets that mix the correct amount of water and air You may also want to think about the size of the jets. For example, jets with smallopenings generally feel more powerful, however, they target less surface area than those with large openings. Keep in mind, you don’t want a tub that’s brim-
Look for a hot tub that uses several high-pressure pumps to power the jets. However, keep in mind that more horsepowerandmorepumpsaren’talwaysbestas they’ll consume enormous amounts of energy The ideal hot tub will have a good jet to horsepower ratio for ideal efficiency and jet strength.
Lastly, although your hot tub doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, you can ask your dealer about additional options such as Bluetooth audio, interior and exterior LED lights and various water features. These little extras might just seal the deal.
4 benefits of radiant heating
Radiantfloorheatingisamodernheating solution that provides unmatched comfort. Here are four reasons why you may want to consider this upgrade for your home.
1. IT’S QUIET
Unlike traditional heating systems, radiant heating systems don’t make any noise. Consequently, you won’t have to listentoclankingradiatorsorloudvents.
2. IT HEATS EVENLY
Traditional forced-air heating systems employ vents to distribute warm air throughoutaspace.Therefore,depending on the location of the vents,theareaheated may have hot and cold spots. Radiant heatingsystems,however, provide consistent, even heat throughout an entire space.
3. IT DOESN’T EMIT DUST
Since radiant heating systemsdon’trequire vents or ductwork, you won’t have extra dust circulating through your home while you heat it. This is especially helpful for individu-
als who suffer from allergies.
4. IT’S ENERGY EFFICIENT
Radiant heating is more energy-efficient than other methods. This is because there’s no heat loss through the ductwork like there would be with a forced-air system Consequently, the cost of heating a home with this type of system can be more affordable.
If you’re thinking about installing a radiant floor heating system, make sure to research your options, then contact a certified professional to complete the job.
