She was 15 years old when she first started wielding a chainsaw.
Isabel Stratton, now 20, creates adorable woodland creatures like her latest called Luther by carving them from wood using her trusty Stihl saw.
Luther could be found at the Festival of Trees recently in the Great North Christmas movie display tucked beside the tree.
Stratton donated Luther to the very worthy cause of the Spirit of the North where donations go directly towards equipment needed at the University Hospital of Northern BC.
“I love the Festival of Trees and I love the initiative because it’s so community based,” Stratton said. “It was really special and I felt honoured to be able to give something to the community.”
Stratton’s favourite subject for her art is wildlife and earlier pieces she’s created include eagles, owls and bears. She grew up drawing, always striving to perfect her technique in getting the most realistic wildlife images for her depictions.
Her more playful side can be seen in her recent cartoon-like snowmen that she draws using pencil crayon on poplar discs taken from her backyard trees. She started selling ornaments featuring wildlife when she was about 12 years old at the school where her mom Sarah teaches Kindergarten.
Stratton got interested in chainsaw carving when she discovered a show on television called Carver Kings.
“I just thought it was so cool and I wanted to try,” Stratton said. “We ended up stopping during a family trip at a little carver shop between Quesnel and Williams Lake. It ended up belonging to one
of the Carver Kings so we went in and met him - it was Ken Sheen - I told him that I would love, love, love to try and I asked him ‘how do you start with something like this?’ and he ended up bringing us back to his shop and he showed us his saws.”
Drunk drivers nabbed
Within an hour of setting up their first roadchecks to launch their CounterAttack program to take impaired drivers off the road Saturday, Prince George RCMP found a driver who failed a breathalyzer test. That driver, and four other impaired motorists caught in the RCMP web during their eight-hour shift, are now living with the consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Their vehicles were towed away and will remain in the impound lot for 30 days and they’ll face a 90-day prohibition from driving, as well as fines and points off their driver’s licences. A driver’s risk premium will also be added to their insurance rate.
Saturday’s CounterAttack roadchecks were set up at 15 locations in the city and members of Prince George RCMP branch, North District and BC Highway Patrol participated. Two 24-hour suspensions were issued Saturday and 45 mandatory breath screening demands were made that night. Since 2020, B.C. drivers no longer have the right to refuse to provide a breath sample if requested to do so from a police officer. Drivers who refuse could face a $2,000 fine. Impaired drivers who cause an accident are likely in breach of their insurance policy and are liable for the cost of damage or personal injury.
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
FACEBOOK PHOTO
Isabel Stratton has been doing art like this since she was 15 years old.
WHAT:
Public Hearings regarding:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS
•Proposed amendments to “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011”
•Proposed amendments to “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007”
City Council consideration of Bylaws for 3rdReading:
•Proposed “City of Prince George 7920 Highway 97 Road ClosureBylaw No. 9245, 2021”
•Proposed “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9230, 2021”
WHEN:
Monday,December 20, 2021
WHERE:
Council Chambers of City Hall, 2nd Floor,1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC
PROPOSALS:
1. “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9230, 2021”
Applicant: L&M Engineering Ltd. for 1168315 B.C. Ltd., Inc. No. BC1168315
Subject Property: 4798 Martin Road
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bylaw No. 9230, 2021 proposes to rezone aportion of the subject property from AG: Greenbelt and P1: Parks and Recreation to RS2m: Single Residential, to facilitate afuturemulti-lot subdivision on the subject property,orother uses pursuant to the RS2m: Single Residential zoning designation.
The proposed bylaw applies to the property legally described as Lot 1, District Lot 2424, Cariboo District, Plan 27163 as shown outlined in bold black on the Location Map #1 below
Location Map #1
4798 Martin Road
2. Public Hearing regarding “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9235, 2021”
Applicant: P.W.R. Holdings Ltd., Inc. No. 65343
Subject Property: 3300 Massey Drive
Time: 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of this application is to rezone the subject property located at 3300 Massey Drive from AG: Greenbelt and Z3: Retail &Warehouse Sales to AG: Greenbelt and C2c: Regional
Commercial to allow the ‘service, personal’ and ‘retail, cannabis’ uses on the subject property
The subject property was approved for aTemporary Use Permit in 2019 to permit a“retail, cannabis” use on the subject property for three (3) years and further received City Council support for acannabis retail license issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch Approval of the proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 9235, 2021 would permit the use of a cannabis retail storeonthe site indefinitely
The subject bylaw applies to the property legally described as Lot B, District Lot 8170, Cariboo District, Plan 23659, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #2 below
Location Map #2 3300 Massey Drive
3. Public Hearing regarding “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, Amendment Bylaw No. 9218, 2021” AND “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9219, 2021”
Applicant: L&M Engineering Ltd. on behalf of Niho Land (1986) Ltd., Inc. No. 311471
Subject Property: 7920 Highway 97 S
Time: 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of these applications is to amend the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to facilitate development of light industrial uses on the subject property located at 7920 Highway 97 S.
3.1 Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 9218, 2021
Bylaw No. 9218, 2021 proposes to amend “Schedule B-6: FutureLand Use” of “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011” by re-designating the subject property from Rural Resource to Business District, Light Industrial, as shown on Appendix “A” to Bylaw No. 9218, 2021, and to amend “Schedule B-4: Growth Management” by re-designating the subject property from Rural Resource to Phase 1, as shown on Appendix “B” to Bylaw No. 9218, 2021.
3.2 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 9219, 2021
Bylaw No. 9219, 2021 proposes to amend “City of Prince Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007” by rezoning the subject property from AF: Agricultureand Forestry to M1: Light Industrial in order to facilitate development of light industrial uses and to remove the subject property from the Home Business Overlay (HBO) from Schedule “B” of the Zoning Bylaw,asshown on Appendix “A” and Appendix “B” to Bylaw No. 9219, 2021.
The subject bylaws apply to the property legally described as Lot 1, District Lot 750, Cariboo District, Plan 16725, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #3 on next page.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS
Location Map #3
7920 Highway 97 S
4. “City of Prince George 7920 Highway 97 Road ClosureBylaw No. 9245, 2021”
Applicant: City of Prince George
Subject Property: 7920 Highway 97 S
Time: 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of this application is to close an approximate 0.471 ha (hectares) portion of road dedicated on Plans EPP6471, EPP6473, and EPP99266, adjacent to the property legally described as Lot 1, District Lot 750, Cariboo District, Plan 16725 and remove the road dedication, as shown outlined in bold black on the Location Map #4 below.Closing the road area will enable afuturesale and consolidation by the adjacent property owner,Citra Logistics Ltd.
Location Map #4
7920 Highway 97 S
HOW CAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?
Residents areinvited to provide comments to Council by the methods noted below.
Pursuant to Section 464(2) of the Local Government Act,City Council has waived the requirements for aPublic Hearing to be held respecting proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 9230, 2021 during the Regular Council Meeting held Monday,November 8, 2021.
Residents wishing to provide comments to Council on the following bylaws may only do so by submitting written correspondence:
•Proposed “City of Prince George Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 9230, 2021”; and
•Proposed “City of Prince George 7920 Highway 97 Road ClosureBylaw No. 9245, 2021”.
Residents wishing to provide comments to Council on the following bylaws may do so by submitting comments in writing, via telephone or in-person during the Public Hearing:
•Proposed “City of Prince George Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 9235, 2021,”
•Proposed “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 9218, 2021”; and
•Proposed “City of Prince George Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 9219, 2021.”
Submissions in writing
For written comments to be included on the agenda for Council’sreview in advance of the public hearing date, they must be received by the Corporate Officer no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Written submissions received after the noted deadline and before 3:00 p.m., Monday,December 20, 2021, will be provided to Council on the day of the meeting for their consideration during deliberations on the application.
Written comments may be sent by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca, faxed to (250)561-0183, mailed or delivered to the address noted below
Written submissions will form part of the Council agenda, become public record, and areposted on the City’swebsite. By making awritten submission you areconsenting to the disclosureof any personal information that you provide.
Submissions by telephone
In an effort to provide the public with options to speak to Council on aPublic Hearing application(s), the City offers participation remotely via telephone during Public Hearings. Residents arerecommended to dial into the meeting at least 10 minutes beforethe start of the public hearing by calling 1-877-708-3350, Access Code: 1269574#.
Submissions in person
Members of the public areinvited to provide comments to Council in person at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,December 20, 2021 in Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall.
The City of Prince George follows the orders of the Provincial Health Officer and guidelines regarding the size of gatherings and physical distancing. WherePublic Hearings arerequired to be held, measures have been put in place to ensurethe safety of members of the public attending the Public Hearings to provide comments.
City of Prince George open Council meetings arepublic and may be televised, streamed live by webcast, recorded, and archived on the City’swebsite for viewing by the public. By attending an open Council meeting or making asubmission at apublic hearing 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 bylaws 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,December 8, 2021. These documents may also be reviewed at the Development Services office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on December 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 20, 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.
PUBLICNOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provisions of Section 26 of the Community Charter that the City of Prince George intends to lease land via direct offer,tothe Young Men’sChristian Association of NorthernBC(“YMCA BC”) for operation of adaycare.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provisions of Section 24 of the Community Charter that the City of Prince George intends to provide assistance to the YMCA BC in the form of disposing of land for less than market value.
The proposed lease area is at 1075 6th Avenue, legally described as Air Space Parcel 4District Lot 343 Cariboo District Air Space Plan EPP105972. The lease will be for aTerm of 15 years at $1,000.00 per year with an Option to Purchase in favour of YMCA BC for $10.00 after the 15 years.
The proposed development is funded by YMCA BC and the Province of British Columbia ChildcareBCNew Spaces Fund and will provide 85 new childcarespaces in the City of Prince George.
An operating agreement between the City of Prince George and YMCA BC is a requirement for the operation of the daycare. Apermitted and restricted use of land covenant will be registered against the land, providing for daycareuse only
Deanna Wasnik Director of Planning
&Development
your inbox. Visit news.princegeorge.ca/subscribetoselect the categories that matter to you.
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.
‘All my carvings turn out so different’
Continued from page 1
Sheen told Stratton he would like to teach her and give her some tips but because they lived so far away from each other he told her to look up Prince George chainsaw carver John Rogers and that’s who provided her with tips and a lesson, which was a gift from her parents for her 15th birthday.
Soon after she got all the safety gear and her first chainsaw and now she has two - an Echo with a 16-inch bar on it and the smaller one is a Stihl with a 12-inch bar on it. She’s hoping to get a bigger one soon.
Stratton creates her chainsaw pieces in what she calls her Carver Corner in the backyard at her family’s home.
Mostly she’s been able to get her cedar pieces from family in the Kootenays and recently she invested in a load of cedar from the Pioneer Log Homes company in Williams Lake - like the Western Red Cedar with which four-foot-tall Luther was created. (Students of Pioneer Log Homes also donated carvings of woodland animals to the Festival of Trees that were located near the entrance/exit of the event.)
Stratton’s process to create her pieces starts out pretty much with the same steps and then the magic happens.
“All my carvings turn out so differentit’s so neat to see their personalities come through in the end,” Stratton said. “But it’s not really until he has the basic shape in his face - and it’s really interesting actually - some carvers say they see the piece hiding in the log and they are trying to bring it out - but in the beginning I do just see the log and it’s not until after a few cuts in that I am starting to bring him out and bring him to life.”
Stratton’s whole family is creative. Dad Len builds tables and helps with the benches Stratton makes, Mom Sarah comes up with creative activities for her family and Kindergarten students and younger sister Ella is a wonderful piano player, Stratton said.
“So everyone in my family is definitely creative in a different way,” she explained.
Stratton is not only creatively talented but also is a UNBC biomedical student in her third year of study with the ultimate goal of becoming a dentist, which will require another four years in schoolhopefully at UBC - after she completes here four-year undergraduate degree at the local university.
To get a glimpse of Isabel’s work visit her Instagram @isabels_carvings and Facebook page Isabel Stratton or email her at isabelstratton@outlook.com
FACEBOOK PHOTO
Here is Isabel Stratton’s latest chainsaw carving. Luther, who is made of Western Red Cedar and stands four feet tall, was on display at the Festival of Trees.
Police warn protesters at vaccination clinic
Utility late fees returning next year
The City of Prince George will start imposing late fees again on residents who pay their utility bills late in 2022, but at half the rate previously used.
In 2020, city council voted to waive the late penalties on utility bills as economic relief for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday night, city council voted to bring back the penalties for late payment next year.
Starting in January, residents who pay their municipal utility bills late will face a five per cent penalty. Prior to waiving the penalties in 2020, the city charged a 10 per cent late penalty. The reduction puts Prince George in line with other B.C. cities like Victoria, Saanich and Campbell River.
In a previous report, city administration had recommended the adoption of an interest payment system rather than a flat late penalty, where the city would charge interest on the unpaid utility bill balance until it was paid. Several cities in B.C., including Vernon, Kamloops and Chilliwack, use that approach.
While the city initially estimated the cost to develop software to calculate interest payments at $10,000 to $20,000, a software developer came back with a final estimate of $65,875 to develop software with the needed functionality.
In 2019, the city collected $392,778 in late penalties on utility bills. The city is expected to collect roughly half that much in 2022.
Prince George RCMP received reports of anti-vaccine protesters following and intimidating people accessing a vaccination clinic in Prince George on Monday, according to RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
RCMP received complaints from members of the public that protesters were following people from their vehicles and shouting intimidating, anti-vaccine slogans, Cooper said.
Under the Access to Services (COVID19) Act, which came into effect on Nov. 26, people blocking access to vaccination clinics could face $2,300 fines or arrest, Cooper said. However, arrests would be made only “as a last resort.”
No fines were issued and no arrests
were made on Monday, she said, but officers educated the protesters about the act. Under the legislation, it is illegal to protest within 20 metres of the entrance of a vaccination clinic in B.C.
So far, anti-vaccination protesters in Prince George have been peaceful, Cooper said. However, RCMP will be conducting patrols near vaccination clinics and if members of the public feel they are being blocked from accessing a clinic, they should call the police.
Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins said safety for the public and clinic staff is a top priority for the health authority.
“For children and families getting a vaccine, it can be intimidating enough without being followed or yelled at,” Collins said. “We are very appreciative of the presence of the RCMP.”
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Prince George RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper speaks to the media outside the Uda Dune Baiyoh House of Ancestors on Vancouver Street on Monday.
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
NoticeofAssistanceand Disposition of Interest in Property
This noticeispursuant to sections 272 and 286 of the Local Government Act that the Regional BoardofRegional District of Fraser-Fort George (the “RDFFG”), at its regular meeting to be held on December 16, 2021 at 1:30 p.m., will be considering resolutions to:
1. provide assistancetoPowder King Mountain Resort Inc. (“Powder King”) by:
(a) transferring to Powder Kingagrant in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) received from the Province of British Columbia under the Community Economic Recovery Program to be used for infrastructurecapital improvements and for atourism destination facility,tobe knownasthe “Pine Pass AdventureCentre” to serveasamulti-functioning year round centreasanamenity to support the region on behalf of the Regional District, and
(b) entering apartnering agreement with Powder King to provide the grant, which agreement will have aterm not exceeding five years; and
2. dispose of an interest in property by appointing Powder King as its nominee, agent and baretrustee to hold all legal interest as licencee and lessee,byway of alicence and ultimately alease agreement, in and to the area of land shown on the sketch plan forming part of this notice, for aterm not exceeding five years.
K. Jensen
GM of Legislative and Corporate Services
Email: corporateservices@rdffg.bc.ca
School washroom vandalism inspired by online video
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Washroom facilities at Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary School have been vandalized by students since the start of the school year in September and school officials say the problem is directly tied to a TikTok/YouTube social media challenge that has caused similar problems at schools across North America.
The so-called “devious licks challenge” encourages students to damage sinks, toilets, soap and hand sanitizer dispensers and steal school property. School District 57 assistant superintendent Lee Karpenko says Shas Ti Kelly Road is not alone in having to deal with it.
“All of our secondary schools are reporting increased vandalism in the toilets, as a result of this challenge,” said Karpenko. (The problem) has been equal at all the schools. It’s probably more known (at Shas Ti Kelly Road) because of the size of the washroom and it’s easy to see several locked doors because of the proximity.
“It’s appalling that a challenge that comes from an outside social media source would then affect our schools and our students at our schools and our ability to service and support our schools through maintenance.”
STKR opened in September 2020 and all of its toilet stalls are in the gender-neutral washrooms completely enclosed by ceiling-to-floor doors. It gives vandals privacy while they go about breaking the handles of the toilets, leaving them unusable for other students. The school responded by closing the damaged stalls until they could be repaired and that prompted an online petition from students whose access to the toilets was
compromised, resulting in lineups to use the few remaining operational toilets.
“They were having soap dispensers (removed), toilets busted and handles broken and, truly, they couldn’t keep up with the ability to keep the washrooms useable,” said Karpenko. “That’s why the stalls were locked; we were waiting for our facilities services department to come and fix them. Any time things were fixed, things became broken, and it was especially bad in the upstairs bathrooms at Shas Ti.”
Karpenko acknowledged the change.org petition launched earlier this week by STKR student Julia Elstad highlighted the problems associated with not having enough toilets to serve the students who attend the school and the school district acted on it.
“The petition was certainly an awareness for the principal to hear from the students how important it was to have access to washrooms and facilities services made it up Wednesday night and the washrooms were opened Thursday morning and so far (there’s been) no damage to the toilet facilities,” Karpenko said.
School staff have become more vigilant about monitoring washroom areas for suspicious activity but damage was still occurring as recently as this week. Karpenko is hoping increased awareness of the problem will result in students becoming more proactive in preventing acts of vandalism as a way of showing pride in their schools. He said nobody has yet been caught damaging washrooms.
Hallway surveillance cameras are in the schools in hallways next to washroom facilities. Karpenko said he wasn’t prepared to comment on how the cameras are used or where they are located.
Forestry report blasts ‘off
the
books’ credit scheme
worthless to lumber producers, more and more dead, damaged and otherwise low-value trees have been used to feed pellet mills.
As evidence mounts that more and more low-value trees are being harvested in B.C. to feed the growing wood pellet industry, B.C.’s forestry and environment ministers may have some explaining to do.
To date, the B.C. government has not done a very good job of explaining the environmental calculus that could very well justify the harvesting of trees to be burned to produce power in Europe.
It has therefore left the growing wood pellet industry in B.C. vulnerable to criticisms that cutting down trees in B.C. to produce power in the UK is environmentally regressive.
A new report out by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) raises questions about the increased harvesting of whole live trees to feed the growing wood pellet industry, which appears to be growing in proportion to the shrinkage of traditional sawmilling.
As the CCPA report points out, while B.C.’s conventional lumber sector has been in decline, the number of wood pellet producers has grown, from eight in 2006 to 13 today. And one new one is proposed for the Fort Nelson by Peak Renewables.
Now pellet producers are harvesting more and more live trees, says Conservation North. It points to publicly available data that shows “primary forests” in the central interior are being logged to feed pellet mills.
“Some people didn’t believe us when we told them that B.C. is allowing this because the B.C. government has said from the beginning that only residuals from logging go into pellet plants,” said Conservation North director Michelle Connolly. “Now we have proof that this isn’t true.”
In a video interview with Canadian Biomass, B.C.’s Chief Forester Diane Nicholls, defended the wood pellet industry, saying mostly wood waste and forestry “residuals” are used.
“It uses residuals from sawmill production that may not be used otherwise, and it also is starting to use harvest residuals that we know is not being used currently, and that is a win,” she said. “It fills a niche in our sector that we didn’t have before.”
It’s not clear, however, if “harvest residuals” includes whole live trees harvested specifically for wood pellet production.
Initially, like pulp mills, pellet producers mostly used wood waste from sawmills, though low value pulp logs have also traditionally been used.
But as sawmills have shuttered, reducing the amount of wood waste available, and as beetle infestations and fires have rendered large swaths of forest in B.C.
In the past, a lot of harvest waste, including whole but small low-value trees, were simply burned in slash piles. The government therefore created a credit program that incentivizes forestry companies to deliver that harvest waste to pulp mills and wood pellet plants, rather than simply burn it.
NELSON BENNETT Glacier Media
Know the job before seeking public office
We need candidates to run for important political positions in our community.
There is a Jan 15 byelection to elect a School District 57 trustee to represent Prince George (and a separate election for a trustee from Mackenzie).
Next fall, residents will head to the polls to elect a mayor and council, regional district representatives and school board trustees.
If you feel you have some good ideas and something to contribute, please, on behalf of your family, your friends, your neighbours and your community, campaign for a position best suited to your talents and interests.
But please also know what the job actually is before throwing your hat in the ring.
Every time there is a school board election, there are inevitably candidates who want to make curriculum changes or negotiate their own contracts with teachers and support staff.
Voters should park their votes elsewhere because these candidates are obviously unaware that school trustees do not have the authority to do either of those things
Every time there is an election for mayor and council, there are candidates who want to “clean house” at city hall, slash wages of senior bureaucrats and reduce taxes and spending. Voters should park their votes elsewhere as these candidates are unaware it’s impossible for mayors and city councillors to do these things without a majority vote, never mind the contracts, labour law, the Community Charter and the cost of maintaining essential services
If candidates say they are going to reduce taxes and spending, the more they say they can cut, the more likely they’re wrong Ask them to be specific on what their plan is, how they’re going to accomplish it and how much it would save in the long run. The less specific they are, the more they don’t have a clue
So if you’re planning to run for local public office in the next year, please bring more than your outrage, your good intentions, your smooth talking and your best “trust me, I can fix this mess” smile. Bring a plan, produce the fine print when asked, and, most importantly, know the job and what you can and can’t do before making promises you can’t keep.
Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.
Shaking off the colonial chains
In his book Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl discusses the internal character which allowed people to survive the Holocaust. He speaks of an “inner greatness,” where despite the horrendous circumstance, one can choose their own attitude, their own way This is the ultimate human freedom.
We recently saw this inner greatness displayed by an entire nation.
The world’s newest republic, Barbados, has broken the last official chain of centuries of brutal oppression.
Once the blood-soaked jewel of the British Empire, slave plantations in Barbados produced the sugar which paid for the great houses and opulent lifestyle of the British aristocracy for generations. Life expectancy of the people who worked on these plantations was short, so a continual supply of humans had to be kidnapped from Africa, and on
LESSONS IN LEARNING
GERRY CHIDIAC
the way to Barbados and other colonies many died in the putrid holds of British ships.
As Barbados Senator, Reverend John Rogers stated at a National Service of Thanksgiving: “Our seed is one that survived a journey that many should not have survived. Survived 300 years of a plantation system that many should not have survived. Every child born in this country is a gift of God, specially preserved, specially protected.”
There are only certain things wealth and power can do. They can build temporary walls of protection around people who want to exploit other human beings They can pay
for propaganda that will fool people for a time. They cannot, however, make what is wrong right. They cannot make the truth disappear and they cannot stop great people and their descendants from living their greatness.
Today, members of the British aristocracy stumble around like fools, reminiscent of the contestants in Monty Python’s Upper-Class Twit of the Year sketch, trying to minimize their culpability for crimes against humanity.
At the same time, the people of Barbados stand before the entire world and demonstrate the potential of the human spirit. They have been beaten down by cruelty and greed, yet they have maintained their dignity, walking tall with their broken chains lying far behind them.
Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George teacher.
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Ancestral connections to land at the core of Wet’suwet’en law
The Wetsuwet’en have repeatedly occupied Canadian headlines in recent weeks, months, and even years. The news stories typically focus on the events of the recent past. However, these events fit within a much larger set of histories that extend back into the past far beyond the blockades.
Wet’suwet’en hereditary nobles carry names that are weighted by historical responsibilities. Current title holders must not simply act for themselves, but with a deep and abiding respect to maintaining the links between their lineage and the land. In this sense, they are only the most recent incarnation of a genealogical chain stretching across millennia.
A century ago, Diamond Jenness, an anthropologist at the National Museum of Canada, travelled to Wet’suwet’en territories to document their traditions.
The Wet’suwet’en he met governed themselves through matrilineal clans, each with responsibilities for particular territories. As one unnamed Elder told him:
The white man has been only a short time in this country and knows very little about animals; we have lived here thousands of years and were taught long ago by the animals themselves. The white man writes
everything down in a book so that it will not be forgotten; but our ancestors married the animals, learned their ways, and passed on the knowledge from one generation to another.
In the 1980s, in a court case known as Delgamuukw-Gisdaywa, the Wet’suwet’en went to court alongside their Gitxsan neighbours, asserting that they still maintained territorial jurisdiction and ownership over their traditional territory. They based this authority on governance practices enacted through community feasts that anthropologists refer to as potlatch. Through the feast, they continually renew hereditary connections to the land across the generations.
As proof, during the case hereditary chiefs took the stand and shared their oral histories. Their testimony stressed the long-standing connections between their clans and territories, the importance of respecting the animals, and the deadly repercussions of failing to do so. For instance, Chief Hattakumex, Bazil Johnson, shared with the court a story of the impacts when a group of children disrespected the salmon. “During that time the salmon never came back and a lot of the people starved.”
Despite being dismissed by the initial trial judge, ultimately oral
TO THE EDITOR
PINEVIEW’S VOICE
I live in Pineview and am writing this letter to air my thoughts on West Coast Olefins Ltd.’s proposal to put a natural gas extraction plant on agricultural land in Pineview. On Nov 18, the board of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George (RDFFG) did not choose to deny the use of farmland for this purpose in spite of the residents adamant and clear opposition. Our voice is not being heard. In spite of all the input from the public in Pineview and area D of the RDFFG, four councillors from the City of Prince George and three from elsewhere in the Regional District think more public input is needed. I believe the real agenda is to somehow move the decision on this horrible industry to “Yes” while trying to maintain the illusion that the desires of the local residents are not being ignored. The reasons to deny the application are many and obvious: Farmland - we must preserve and protect our limited agricultural land base. It is finite at less than five per cent of B.C.’s land base and has been in constant decline due to losses
histories played a central role in the Delgamuukw-Gisdaywa decision. The landmark decision in 1997 not only helped define Aboriginal title in Canadian law, but also affirmed that these histories provided solid evidence of Indigenous connections to the land.
Moreover, the court recognized that these oral histories outline principles to guide how the land should continue to be used today. Hattakumex’s story shows how fragile human relationships to the environment can be. There are natural forces far beyond human control. Failing to respect our relationships to the natural world can have disastrous consequences.
Maintaining ancestral connections to the land has enabled Indigenous nations to live sustainably for thousands of years. This is the foundation of Wet’suwet’en law. This was knowledge that the hereditary chiefs brought to court.
Canadian is a young country and still has a lot to learn. We would do well to listen far more carefully to the Elders of the nations who were here first
Tyler McCreary is an adjunct professor of First Nations Studies at UNBC and assistant professor of geography at Florida State University He is author of Shared Histories. Daniel
COMMUNITY POLL
Should B.C School Sports make exceptions for rural students transferring to out-of-town high schools to further their athletic careers?
Should the RCMP start arresting anti-vaccine protesters in violation of the law?
Vote by pointing your phone’s camera at the QR code below.
RESULTS
from last week’s polls: Do you support the protests against the Coast GasLink pipeline?
● Yes, I support the Wet’suwet’en people asserting their rights 181 votes, 14 per cent
● No, the pipeline was already approved by the Wet’suwet’en chief and council 627 votes, 49 per cent
● Yes, people should always be allowed to peacefully protest 103 votes, 8 per cent
from urban development and other non-farm uses such as industrial plants. If we wish to have more food security, we have to keep our farmland. The site we are talking about has been farmed for decades and its value for food production is proven. Health - the negative effects from the petrochemical Industry is well documented and I did not anticipate living out my retirement next to a natural gas plant.
Global warming - in the last five years we have experienced record fire seasons, rainfall, floods and crop failures. This installation will increase inputs to greenhouse gases. This goes against the commitments from all levels of our governments to limit the warming of our planet. Our infrastructure is beginning to crumble under the onslaught.
Safety and security - the potential for a life-threatening incident from this proposed NGL extraction plant is not zero. Within the blast radius are many homes, two schools, one preschool, farms full of animals and a major high volume, high pressure natural gas pipeline. To have this
type of risk in the middle of our neighborhood is unacceptable.
The official Pineview community plan does not allow this.
Brian Marlow, Prince George
SAVE OLD GROWTH
We nearly killed off the whales. That non-sustainable enterprise ended in the 1970s. The cod fishery ended 30 years ago because the endless bounty of the sea was abused.
We are showing the same respect for the old growth forest as we did for the whales and cod, only now the well-paying jobs use chainsaws and helicopters, not explosive harpoons and factory ships. We’ve been here before. Today’s focal point is the ecosystem known as Ada’itsx or Fairy Creek. Do we have enough yet or do we keep pushing on to the brink? The whalers are extinct and the cod fishers will be soon. Will we step back and spare the sadness we are about to leave for our grandchildren and their grandchildren and the shame of being a part of this betrayal?
Mel McLachlan, Comox
● No, the protests are illegal and putting pipeline workers in danger 368 votes, 29 per cent
Just for fun, what would you like the new downtown pool to be called?
● Ryan Reynolds Pool (we’d call it Deadpool) 124 votes, 13 per cent
● Dirty Pool - 26 votes, 3 per cent
● Parkade Pool - 41 votes, 4 per cent
● The Outhouse - 48 votes, 5 per cent
● What A Dive - 27 votes, 3 per cent
● The Deep End 113 votes, 12 per cent
● 4.1 Seasons Pool 117 votes, 13 per cent
● Drowning In Debt 424 votes, 47 per cent
Marvelous Wonderettes ‘a musical tour de force’
SEAN FARRELL
Special to The Citizen
Wow – what a superb return to live theatre! Theatre NorthWest has really hit one out of the park with its production of Roger Bean’s jukebox musical comedy The Marvelous Wonderettes, which runs until Dec. 19.
Entering the world of live entertainment once again felt a bit unfamiliar after such a long time and I wondered if the ensuing months during the pandemic might fuel some impatience with the untold number of variables involved with a live show. I’m typically not a fan of pop music shows and I was curious whether there would be enough substance beyond the fluffy frills of 50s girl bands to appeal to me.
But this play is nothing short of a musical and comedic tour de force. Non-stop, top-quality singing against a bopping and hopping live band, with dancing and humour packing a punch that had me sitting up on the edge of my seat within minutes of the opening.
The four cast members, Ali Watson (Suzy), Shelby Meaney (Cindy Lou), Maggie Trepanier (Betty Jean) and Becca Thackray (Missy), are all powerhouses on stage – forming an amazingly talented
ensemble, with stunning musical prowess. Great physical comedic actors as well - I must admit I had a smile on my face and was toe tapping and seat dancing throughout. I’d rate the stage energy and song list up there with such musical classics such as Grease or Hairspray.
The plot is light: basically a comingof-age story covering a 10-year span of a four-way friendship. But the razzle dazzle of the stage design, the singing, and top-quality live band (lead by Peter Stevenson) makes for some of the most fun and delightful musical theatre this city has seen in years.
The song list in this show is impressive and virtuosic – upwards of 25 classic hits by female soloists and groups from the 1950s and 1960s, all beautifully interpreted in four-part harmony by the cast.
A couple of additional shout-outs go to lighting designer Garry Harris (the lighting itself was a character in the play which lovingly interplayed with the audience), to Director Sarah Rodgers and Assistant Director Anna Russell (who gifted the show with high energy choreography), to Barb Parker for her exceptional music directing, and to the full-time artistic and technical staff at Theatre Northwest who really pulled out all the
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The Marvelous Wonderettes are, from left, Ali Watson, Maggie Trepanier, Becca Thackray, and Shelby Meaney. The show has been extended until Dec. 19.
stops for this show.
Tickets for The Marvelous Wonderettes are on sale at theatrenorthwest.com
Seating is limited to 50% capacity so get your tickets soon for what could be one of your most favourite Christmas outings with family or friends in years.
Also a reminder that Judy Russell’s The Nutcracker with the PGSO is a much-welcomed return after a pandemic induced hiatus. There are five performances, at 50% capacity of Vanier Hall, opening Dec. 17. Tickets are also available at theatrenorthwest.com
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
KINDER CONCERT
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra presented a Kinder Concert titled Winter Wonderland on Sunday afternoon at
‘I thought he was a bit of a weirdo’
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Bill and Jean Neilson celebrated 50 years of marriage last week.
And don’t think it was an easy feat. It takes a lot of patience to be married that long to the same person, both Bill and Jean agreed.
They met in 1969 in Richmond and Jean didn’t think she’d made much of a first impression. She had just fallen down the Legislature stairs in Victoria as a result of an epileptic seizure and had broken both cheekbones and nose from the nasty fall.
“I was a real sight,” Jean recalled, rolling her eyes.
Jean went home to Richmond and her brother decided to have a get together that night and Bill was one of the guests. Their first meeting brought mixed results.
“I thought he was a bit of a weirdo,” Jean said. “The next day Bill called the house to apologize for staring at me so much - impressed the hell out of my mother - didn’t impress me particularlybut that’s how we met.”
Bill admits he’d had a few drinks that night.
“I didn’t really see her injuries,” Bill said. “I just thought she was one of the prettiest people I had seen in quite a while.”
Their first date was to see the movie
The Graduate and for the next date they attempted to do a trip to Bellingham but as they approached the border Jean had a seizure and they turned back.
Bill used to be a medic in the army and was working in the medical field when he met Jean so her seizures didn’t faze him.
“It was just one of those things that happened,” Bill said. “Her parents thought that would’ve scared me off but I called the next day to make sure she was OK.”
Back then it was difficult to control the seizures, not like today where medication is a good way to manage the condition.
“You have to remember the times we lived in back then - we didn’t have the medications we do now - back then it wasn’t considered a medical condition - it was considered a mental illness.”
But that wasn’t how Bill saw it.
“It didn’t mean anything to me,” he said.
It was just part of life.
“We courted for a couple years and decided to get married.”
Bill started to laugh as he saw the look on Jean’s face.
“It was quite a courtship - we were forever breaking up,” Jean recalled fondly.
Bill chuckled.
“And we never wanted to see the other person ever again!” Jean said with exaggerated drama in her voice.
Bill even wrote her a letter from Gibraltar Mines that said he never wanted to see her again.
They can both laugh about it now.
The marriage proposal wasn’t very romantic either.
“Aw, let’s put ‘em out of their miserywill you marry me?” Bill recalled.
The pair moved around a bit to follow Bill’s career in construction. First in Prince Rupert then at Gibraltar Mine in the Cariboo and they lived in a travel
trailer to make it easier to follow the construction jobs.
When Bill became a first aid instructor they went to Granisle, then Equity Silver in Houston, then the couple made their home in Prince George as Bill went up to Tumbler Ridge for work.
Bill said he’s what he calls a mobile worker - going where ever he was required, often working at logging camps and then in his later years he became a safety person and still traveled the province for work.
“That took me to retirement and I did quite well at it,” Bill said.
The couple never had any children and in Prince George moved from the travel trailer, to a mobile home, a home in South Fort George and then settled into their current home in the neighbourhood near Ron Brent school.
There’s some perspective that comes 50 years later.
“You have to be patient with each other and of course there’s love there and that’s a big word,” Jean said.
“We still have arguments just like every other couple - but they pass - that’s the big thing people have to understand - you can get into disruptive behaviour and it passes,” Bill said. “Hopefully you let it go and you don’t –”
“dwell on it,” Jean finished the thought.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Jean and Bill Neilson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday.
Bylaw bans high school wrestler from competing
HANNA
PETERSEN Citizen staff
A 16-year-old girl from northern B.C. has been denied access to playing high school sports, simply because she transferred schools to better her educational and athletic opportunities.
Fiona Sullivan is from the rural village of Hazelton, which has a population of about 300 people and is about an hour’s drive to Smithers.
In her Grade 10 year, she started taking classes online through Smithers Secondary School as she needed the courses to apply to post-secondary but they were unavailable in her home community.
That’s when she discovered Smithers Sports School, a program run by Engage Sport North with School District 54 that allows student-athletes to blend academic studies with high-performance training.
Sullivan is an elite-level wrestler, who qualified for nationals in February 2020 before the pandemic shut down all sports competition and as an all-around athlete, she is also very involved in other sports like volleyball, soccer and snowboarding.
Sullivan was accepted into this program but had to move in with a billet family in Smithers as her parents were willing but unable to relocate from Hazelton.
“That was a big deal and we had to find a place to stay and figure everything out over the course of like a couple of
months,” said Sullivan, who explained how much this opportunity meant to her.
“There are tons of different athletes in this program and we all train together and it helps to keep us focused and it’s just a lot better motivation, I find, to be in a group of kids your own age who are supporting you.”
A FLAW IN THE SYSTEM
However, due to the timing of her move, a bylaw with BC School Sports has now disqualified her from competing in high school sports in the 2021-2022 school year.
Not only in her sport of wrestling but also in soccer and volleyball.
BC School Sports is responsible for governing high school sports in the province and has a bylaw that does not allow a student to transfer to another school after Grade 9 and compete in school sports in that year for a full 12 months.
She then applied again based on educational circumstances, since she also needed to move schools for academic requirements, but that was also denied as she was mistakenly still registered in Hazelton as a student despite having taken classes in Smithers.
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“This rule is in place to keep the sport system fair in the transferring of students from one school to another, but it doesn’t really pertain to the system that we have in northern BC and the fact that students need to move for those opportunities because they’re not on their doorsteps or at their fingertips,” said Mandi Graham, Executive Director of Engage Sport North.
Sullivan has big plans to go to SFU as a wrestler and compete at the university level, but now she is unable to wrestle in any school-sanctioned events.
Not being able to compete with her teammates has also left Sullivan feeling frustrated as she tries to settle into a new community.
“Being away from your parents at 16 is really hard,” said Sullivan. “I resort to sports and exercising when I’m stressed, but now I have this stress revolving around my sports, so then it is just piling up and piling up and taking away things that I loved, and it just feels unnecessary.”
APPEALS DENIED
“We decided we would put in an appeal and hope that they would look at Fiona’s situation of being from a very small community and that she needed to move to receive some services that were not available to her in her home community,” said Graham, adding that they have not yet been able to connect with BC School Sports to further explain some of the barriers facing northern students.
“We understand the need for this bylaw in urban centres to keep the sports system fair, however it does not take into consideration the inequity of sport opportunities in the north,” said Matthew Monkman, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for SD54, in a news release.
There is no competitive edge to gain in Fiona’s transfer.
The programs she needs access to aren’t available in her home community.
“There is no competitive edge to gain in Fiona’s transfer. The programs she needs access to aren’t available in her home community.” As for Sullivan she just wants to be able to play her sports as soon as possible.
Sullivan’s family, with support from both her departing and new secondary school, local sports advocates and the local MP, Taylor Bachrach, filed a number of appeals, all of which have been denied.
“If this doesn’t reach them in time and if they don’t fix this problem for me, hopefully, it’ll be fixed for future kids,” she added.
“It felt like it just got denied without a second look,” said Sullivan. “It felt like it was all for nothing.”
Graham explained that because Sullivan’s parents were unable to find housing upon her needing to start school and could not move with her, the application for a transfer through BC School Sports was denied.
“Like my little sister, she’s my best friend, and if she ever wanted to move for sports, I would love for her to have that opportunity – and for every kid in the north who is going through the difficulty of not having enough opportunities – to have the ability to move and get the sports they need and want.”
Hazelton is no stranger to elite wrestling, as the village is the hometown of Carol Huynh, who captured Canada’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist in women’s wrestling in 2008.
A flaw in the BC School Sports bylaws is preventing elite-level wrestler Fiona Sullivan from participating in high shcool sports.
Logo DESiGN
THE NEWLYFORMED PRINCEGEORGEURBAN INDIGENOUSCOALITION IS IN NEEDOFA VISUALIDENTITYAND NEEDS YOUR HELP! The logo should be recognizable and help supportour mission, “Toenhancethe qualityof life of the urbanIndigenouscommunity in PrinceGeorge by:strengthening collaborative relationships among its participating organizations; and working collaborativelyand enhancing communication –internallyand with the broader community– to ensure thatIndigenous voices are heard.” OFFICIAL CONTESTRULESAND DETAILS AVAILABLE AT: www.pgnaeta.bc.ca/events
Forfurther information,ortosubmit your entry, email: princegeorgecoalition@outlook.com Submission Deadline: January 8, 2022
FAST BREAK
PGSS Polars player Gage Cooke looks to make a play with the ball against Duchess Park Condors defender Josh Tamblyn on Saturday afternoon at the Shas Ti Kelly Road gymnasium in the final game of the Junior A Boys Megabowl basketball tournament. The Polars won 58-40.
Lank takes B.C. award
Duchess Park Condors player Noah Lank runs the ball against the College Heights Cougars during an October game at Masich Place Stadium.
Noah Lank didn’t get to end his high school football career as a provincial champion but there was some consolation in store for the Duchess Park Condors running back/linebacker.
The B.C. Secondary Schools Football Association announced last week that Lank had been selected as the offensive player of the year in the double-A varsity division.
In six games, the six-foot-two, 215pound Lank carried the ball 118 times and
gained 981 yards, averaging 8.31 yards per carry and 163.5 yards per game. He also scored five touchdowns. The Condors defeated the Prince George Polars 35-12 in the P.G. Bowl North Division championship game and Lank played a big role in making that happen, rushing for 197 yards on 31 carries.
Duchess Park receiver Aiden Lewis was selected to the provincial double-A varsity all-star team, along with Prince George Polars offensive lineman Connor Johnson; Polars defensive lineman Jason Kragt; Polars linebacker Nicholas Krawczyk; and Nechako Valley Vikings linebacker Brendan McKee.
SPRAY AND PLAY
The Cariboo Cougars faced the Thompson Blazers in Kin 1 during BCEHL U18AAA weekend hockey action. The Cougars won 5-4 on Saturday and 3-0 on Sunday.
Young off to winter ball
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Jared Young’s home-for-Christmas plans have been cancelled.
Instead of hunkering down with his family and friends in chilly Prince George for 18 days in December, the 26-year-old Chicago Cubs prospect is in the tropics to play winter professional baseball in the Dominican League.
Eight infielders, including Young, as well as 14 pitchers, three catchers, and six outfielders on the Tigres roster are affiliated with major league teams. The Tigres manager is Jose Offerman, a two-time all-star shortstop who played 15 years in the majors for the Dodgers Royals, Kansas City, Red Sox, Mariners, Twins, Phillies and Mets.
The Tigres (14-14, third place) face the first-place Estellas Orientales today in San Pedro de Marcoris, then finish off the week Friday with a road game in Santiago against Aguillas Cibaenas. The regular season for the six-team league wraps up Dec. 17 and playoffs begin Dec. 19.
Young finished his fourth professional season in September, playing for the Cubs triple-A affiliate in Iowa, after getting called up from the double-A Tennessee Smokies on Aug. 9. In 72 games combined with both teams, Young hit .290 with 41 hits in 255 at-bats, including 15 doubles, two triples and nine home runs. He batted in 40 runs and drew 28 walks.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
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Moccasin Flats residents speak out over city’s actions;
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
This is the first winter in five years that Darleen LaRose will be sleeping inside.
Although she’s thankful to now have a warm room at the Knights Inn and access to a hot shower, LaRose says she is heartbroken over what took place on Nov. 17.
That’s when the City of Prince George brought in machinery to remove structures at the Lower Patricia encampment, commonly called Moccasin Flats.
“None of us had any idea that this was going to happen and that they were going to start bulldozing everybody’s places down,” says LaRose.
She was one of the first people to move into Moccasin Flats when the encampment began to form in the summer.
“I was lucky enough to get some of my things out before people went through everything and took whatever they wanted.”
LaRose said once the bulldozing began, some people started picking through the debris and taking whatever they could, which meant a lot of people lost their possessions before they were able to come back and move everything.
“There are some people that weren’t so lucky, they didn’t get nothing. They had the clothes on their backs and that was it.”
LaRose says her brother Hank and his wife, who are also now staying at the Knights Inn, had their tent bulldozed down without them knowing.
“They never got no warning or nothing, so they lost absolutely everything that they owned,” explained LaRose. “My brother went back to check his things out and there was nothing there.”
She says outreach workers from Association Advocating For Women And Community (AWAC) were moving people in their vans and workers from B.C. Housing was also there giving out bins to the people who needed them.
BC Housing has confirmed it moved 14 people from the Lower Patricia encampment into supportive homes that week, but states that it was not involved with any machinery or removal of items from the camp.
“Whoever it was with the bulldozer, was there bulldozing down people’s tents while we were moving. They already had my brother’s tent taken down by the time I was leaving and this was before noon.”
She says she is not aware of anyone giving consent to have their tents dismantled.
“I don’t think anyone gave consent to that. I wouldn’t like why would you want something torn down when your stuff is still in it?”
LaRose says it was traumatic to see the machinery taking down the tents.
“It broke my heart. I actually cried, seeing all of that. After I was feeling a little
A City of Prince George crew disposed of items at Moccasin Flats on Nov. 17.
bit better, after I was here for a couple of days, I went back and literally started crying. It was heartbreaking to see all of that.”
LaRose’s friend Nicole, who was also living at Moccasin Flats, says her tent was also torn down.
“I didn’t get housing. My tent was the first to be torn down and they didn’t tell us that they were tearing it down and we were still living in it. We just weren’t there that day when they tore it down. But we went home and it was bulldozed up.”
Nicole says she lost everything she owned and has been staying with LaRose when she can but mostly living on the streets.
“There are some people that were supposed to be housed that aren’t yet,” added LaRose.
“There were some people staying down there for maybe a week or so and got housing, and the people that were there all the time never got any.”
around to get those warnings.
“But they didn’t say nothing about the City of Prince George coming in that day to do anything like that, though. That was one thing they never mentioned. It was pretty unfair that so many people lost a lot of stuff and they can’t get it back especially sentimental value things.”
LaRose says her biggest hope is that everybody gets housing and can have a home of their own.
“I also hope that something happens to the people that bulldozed down all the tents and that it has got to be something done about it because they can’t just get away with it,” she said.
BC Housing staff had regular, typically daily, conversations with occupants about housing for several weeks prior to the move.
LaRose says her room at the Knights Inn is “way better” and her dog likes it because it’s nice and warm.
“I wouldn’t want to be out in the cold. I know how it is it is hard,” she noted, adding that she is still getting adjusted to being inside. “It’s good but it’s different because, a lot of the time, I forget my keys because I’m not used to having a key anymore.”
LaRose says she wishes the City would have explained what was going to happen or given the residents a warning.
“I was talking with the guys from BC Housing and first they said a month, then a couple of weeks like they kept coming down and giving us warnings that they were coming,” said LaRose, although she noted that some people weren’t
“There’s still a lot of broken hearts out here because of what happened. There’s still a lot of lost people and I just hope something is done about this.”
CITY RESPONSE
The City of Prince George, however, has a conflicting description of what happened that day.
In a letter sent to the Prince George Citizen, in response to a guest editorial co-authored by a group of UNBC professors and students, the City asserts “occupants of the encampment left willingly to their new homes.”
“BC Housing staff had regular, typically daily, conversations with occupants about housing for several weeks prior to the move. Once appropriate supportive housing was available, the occupants were given totes for their belongings and, 24-48 hours later, taken by van to their new homes.”
The City also says the encampment occupants gave consent to remove their belongings and “with the permission of each of the relocated occupants, staff
taped off the tents and removed only those structures more than 24 hours after the occupants departed for housing.”
Furthermore, the City says claims that some of the tents were still occupied are incorrect, and given the close relationship city staff has with the occupants there was no confusion about who owned each tent.
The City is also asserting that after the last group of occupants moved into housing only one occupant who declined housing remained and that two more people have set up camp since then and now there are three occupants at Moccasin Flats.
HEARING DATE SET
The issue is also before the courts, as the City is applying for a court order to clear out what remains of Moccasin Flats. However, the initial hearing was delayed until Dec. 13 so opponents against the city have additional time to build a case against the move.
Court documents related to the action now include an affidavit from Michelle McGregor, a legal advocate for the B.C. First Nations Justice Council.
An initial B.C. Provincial Court ruling from Oct. 22, by Chief Justice Hinkson denied the City of Prince George’s request to remove the encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard and said it could remain until suitable housing is available. Hinkson ultimately found that there was inadequate shelter space available that the respondents could access, and they would also not be able to lawfully comply with the injunction without being in breach of the city’s Safe Streets Bylaw. Further to applying for an application to close the Lower Patricia encampment, the city also announced it will be appealing Hinkson’s ruling to the BC Court of Appeal, and will be seeking financial assistance on the cost of the appeal from the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) appeal fund and other local governments in B.C.
Police watchdog needs local office, top cop says
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Prince George RCMP Supt. Shaun Wright says the Independent Investigations Office needs an office in this city.
Wright raised the idea November 10 while addressing the province’s Select Committee on Reforming the Police Act.
As B.C.’s civilian-based police watchdog, the IIO investigates police-involved deaths and serious injuries to determine whether an officer may have committed an offence.
“I’m a strong proponent of civilian oversight. It’s effective in maintaining public trust and transparency,” Wright told the committee but added that in instances where the IIO is needed, their response times are delayed because investigators must travel up from Surrey.
“This strains the relationships between police officers and the IIO, unnecessarily complicating these investigations during stressful times. This also obliges the police to undertake some critical investigative tasks on behalf of the IIO in their absence,” Wright said.
“It’s my opinion that this undermines both the intent of a civilian oversight agency as well as public faith, particularly of the Indigenous community, in such an agency. I believe it’s critical that whatever oversight model is in place moving forward, there must be an office located in Prince George to serve the North in order to provide timely, effective and transparent oversight.”
Reached for comment, IIO Civilian Director Ron MacDonald said the organization has considered opening a satellite office elsewhere in B.C. but realizing that goal would be a long way off as it works to do more with less.
“Whether it would be in Prince George or perhaps Kamloops etcetera
is a question but the reality of life for us at this point in time is it’s impossible because in order to do that, it would require additional resourcing we simply do not have,” MacDonald said.
Despite the IIO’s caseload doubling over the last 2 1/2 years, funding from the provincial government actually
declined to $9.17 million for 2020-21 from $9.4 million the previous fiscal year. As a consequence, MacDonald said the IIO is in danger of losing the gains it has made in the time it takes to clear a case.
“We are in a serious resourcing crunch at the IIO and any discussion about opening a satellite office is purely theoretical at this point in time because of it,” MacDonald said.
He noted it has yet to reach its goal of having 30 investigators on staff due to the difficulty of finding people with the right qualifications and willing to do the work at the salaries being offered.
However, he said the IIO’s ability to respond to a call remains “timely enough.”
“In general, it’s not our view that the delay it invariably takes us to get to a scene is such that it negatively impacts the investigation,” MacDonald said. “It’s not uncommon in the investigative world, and that includes the police world, for specialized units to take time to get to scenes and there are ways to maintain a scene until that happens.”
Two IIO investigations of incidents in Prince George remain outstanding - an officer-involved shooting at a local motel in May and a complaint about injuries suffered during an arrest in October related to an incident of road rage in which a man allegedly pulled out a gun.
In May 2020, the IIO forwarded findings to the B.C. Prosecution Service from a July 2017 arrest in which a man died after he was pepper sprayed.
Wright has mixed reaction to policing report
Prince George RCMP Supt. Shaun Wright sees merit in some of the suggestions B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner is proposing to address racial disparities the province’s policing but is also preaching caution when it comes to reducing the role of law enforcement and the courts.
Data collected on behalf of Kasari Govender’s office from the five B.C. police services - including Prince George - found Indigenous, Black and other racialized people were over-represented in arrests and detentions, as well as in mental health or well-being checks and strip searches.
The findings do not come as a surprise to Wright who acknowledged as much in both comments provided to the Citizen and in his recent submission to a special committee of the legislature tasked with examining potential changes to the province’s Police Act.
“Prince George, like most communities in the North, has a high proportion of the population that’s Indigenous,” Wright told the committee. “Additionally, Indigenous persons are over-represented in the marginalized community as well as in the criminal justice system.”
Among the commissioner’s recommendations, which have also been forwarded to the committee, is toensure police respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis only as a last resort. In doing so, Govender says such calls to 911 should be rerouted to civilian-led mental health crisis response teams.
Wright, in turn, says mental health professionals should be stationed within the operational communication centres to provide an assessment once a call has been determined to be non-criminal.
heads up on the mental health history of a person prior to their arrival on scene.
He said the system, known as HealthIM, has been show to reduce mental health apprehensions by up to 61 percent, “thereby reducing the number of incidents where physical force by police may be used on emotionally disturbed persons.”
Indigenous persons are over-represented in the marginalized community as well as in the criminal justice system.
“This would reduce the calls for service where police are dispatched to attend for persons experiencing a mental health crisis with no overt criminal act,” Wright told the committee. “I think this would be particularly effective in smaller remote communities, as they lack any types of resources except for police to attend those incidents.”
Wright also called for a rollout of a system similar to one up and running elsewhere in Canada that gives police a
Wright said efforts to raise awareness of Indigenous history and cultural on national or provincial scales has been insufficient and called for funding targeted at the community level to develop training based upon local history and demographics.
Wright also said that while there is an Indigenous court in Prince George, it has limited capacity.
“Really, there needs to be continued support and resources dedicated to initiatives such as this, to drive them forward and keep them going, if we’re going to see any real change in this area,” Wright told the committee.
The report’s author, Scott Wortley, a
professor at the University of Toronto, found serious violent offences accounted for less than five per cent of the charges recorded by all five B.C. police departments. By contrast, between 30 and 40 per cent of the charges related to public disorder or the administration of justice, such as failing to appear in court or to comply with the conditions of a release.
The over-representation of Indigenous and Black people was higher for such charges, which are more likely to involve police discretion, Wortley said. It also was highest among cases that were either dropped by Crown prosecutors or closed if police decided not to pursue charges, he said.
Some would argue that provides “evidence of arrests of low quality or arrests that were based on limited evidence and have very little chance of prosecution,” he said.
In contrast, Wright told the committee that over the last several years, he has seen changes to the Criminal Code, provincial policies and developments in case law that have effectively decriminalized “low-level crimes” such as breaches of probation and bail, minor theft and minor property damage and yet has noticed a concurrent increase in crime rates and calls for service in Prince George. with files from The Canadian Press
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Prince George RCMP Supt. Shaun Wright at an announcement in 2020.
Healthy North
NH Regional Public Health Orders
are allowing for some increased capacity at gathering and events, for those who are fully vaccinated.
The updated orderswill be in effect until at least January31, 2022, and allow for:
·Upto10fully-vaccinated people gathering inside personal residences, and up to 25 outside (increased from 5, and 15)
·Increasing capacity for indoor seated events, including weddings, funerals and theatre and performing arts events, to 50% of capacity venue (increased from 50-person cap) with proof of vaccination
NorthernHealth’sregional Public Health Order on Gatherings and Events has been updated. Effective midnight, November 30, 2021, measures went into effect for the entire NorthernHealth region.
Changes to the order reflect the ongoing risk of COVID-19, rates of transmission, and the impact theycontinue to have on health care resources. But gradual improvement in case counts and hospitalizations
5-11 year old COVID-19 clinic information for Prince George
Who: Prince George -Clinics are for 5-11 year olds only
Where: “Uda Dune Baiyoh” House of AncestorsConference Centre When: Dec 6, 7, 13, 14 (9am-4pm)
Where: NorthernInterior Health Unit When: Dec 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 (9am-3:30pm)
·Increasing outdoor event capacity to 50% (increase from 100-person cap) with proof of vaccination
·Allowing drive-in worship services in addition to virtual services
These clinics are by appointment only.Toget your invitation, you must be registered with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system.
Please have your Personal Health Number (PHN) with you. Foradditional info, please visit: northernhealth.ca/health-topics/covid-19-immunization-clinics
Use the Flu Finderpagetolocate apharmacy offering flu shots nearyou! immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu
HORO SC OPES &P UZ ZLES
Strays
In adead heat
Wander
Fight site
Disintegrate
Make a choice
Clip
Garbage
By means of
Jars
Neighborhood
Train parts
Pimples
Messy fellow
Take up askirt
Display
Lose interest
PUZZLE NO. 848
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line You already have afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you mustnot repeatthe numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.
45. Igloo material 46. Embroiders 48. Still sleeping 51. Mislead
53. Period of time
54. Grown boys
CLASSIFIEDS
BRIANAUSTIN PRIESTON
December 11, 1970 March 28, 2002
Another Birthday has arrived,today youwould be 51. HappyBirthday Brian.
Loving and missing you always, Your loving family
Boudreau,OlgaElizabethMay
It is with great sadness that the family of Olga Boudreau announces her passing at the age of 89, aftersufferingadebilitatingstroke.
Olga was born in Vancouver,and raised in Kelowna, BC. She moved to Penny,BCin1950 to teach school, and there she met the love of her life, Clarence Boudreau. They were married for over 70 years and remained in Penny until 2011 when amotor vehicle accident required them to live closer to medical care. They moved into their current home in North Nechako, and she often said that she would be happy if she could live long enough to experience all 4seasons in the new home. It turned out to be 10 years, and she loved the home and all the new friends they made there.
REMEMBRANCES
WILLIAMSON, ARNOLD JAMES passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday December lst, 2021 at the age of 76 years. He is survived by his; two daughters, two stepdaughters and one step-son. He will be remembered by his three grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two brothers. No service by request.
July2,1967November20,2021
Louise Irene Riemer (Carbert), 54, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2021, with her daughters andhusbandbyherside.
Louise was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan on July 2, 1967, to Lorne and Irene Carbert. In 1970, Louise and her parents moved to Prince George. It was there that she eventually met the love of her life, Don Riemer,who she was happily married to for 35 years. Together Don and Louise were blessed with two daughters, Ashley and Brettany.Her daughters were her greatest joy in life.
AVERILL, Gro K. April 18, 1971 -November 23, 2021
Gro lived ablessed life, surrounded by her loving families, father Tim Averill, mother Eloise Yaxley. Gro had 6 siblings, Edward, Linda, Emily and John Averill, Carla and Meridy Yaxley. She was aVice Principal for one year in Prince George. In lieu of flowers, please consider making adonation in Gro’s memory to the scholarship fund at www.surreyschools.ca ,click on the donate button and make atribute gift in honour of Gro Averill, or donate to the Canadian Cancer Agency. There will be afamily celebration of Gro’s life at alater date. Value Your Family. Carpe Diem
Olga was predeceased by her parents, Olga and Jack Horn, her siblings John, Ina, and Jim, her daughter Diane Louise, son-in-law Peter Koppe, andgranddaughterTheaPalmer
Louise spent the majority of her working career as an executive assistant at Spruce Credit Union. It was there that she made many memories and lifelong friendships that she cherished until the day of her passing. Louise was always striving to better herself. She was enrolled in adouble major in business and marketing at UNBC, while working full time and raising two daughters. Her work ethic was undeniable, as well as her passion for life.
She is survived by her beloved husband Clarence, children Dan (Britta), Larry (Donna), Maxine (Dave), and Jenny (Trevor), 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 5great-greatgrandchildren who were her pride and joy.She will be forever rememberedbyher many nieces, nephews,extendedfamilyandspecialfriends.
Louise courageously fought MS for many years. She took every opportunity to overcome this disease. Regardless of her situation and what her illness threw her way,she always maintained a positiveoutlookonlife.Louisenevergaveup.
It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of VicRussman on November 30, 2021attheageof85.
Her family would like to extend aheartfelt thank you to Milly Saville who sang to Mom in her final moments, all the nurses and care aides at hospice, Dr.BarendGrobbelaar,Dr. Syal, and Dr.Marko, and to all those who have supported her and made herlifeeasierduringthepastfewyears.
An outdoor celebration of Olga’slife will be held onMay21st,2022.Detailstofollow
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society or the Salvation Army in Prince George.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband Don, her two daughters Ashley (Arlo Hadland) and Brettany (Dane Makuch) and three grandchildren Jack, Walker and Rose. She is also survived by her parents Lorne and Irene (Carbert), as well as hersisterTrudy(Baker).
The family extends aspecial thanks to her incredible family Doctor,Dr. Denise Mcleod, as well as all of her girls who cared for her over the years. To the girlswho were with her at the end, Janna, Lindsay,Maleen, Caprice, Monika, Renee and Mylene, we are forever grateful for the care youprovided.
Louise will be forever loved, forever missed and never forgotten.
Vichad along career in the automotive industry and enjoyed hunting, fishing and the lake with family and friends. His early years were spent at P.G.A.R.A. on the track with his cars #88 an then hissupermodified#65.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Pat, his son Britt (Judie), daughter Dena (Darren), granddaughters Kyra and Kayla, his sisters Eva andRoseandmanyniecesandnephews.
Special thank you to Dr.Khan, the home care nurses and the home care Rapid Mobilization Team.
With heavy hearts, we announce that Wayne Allan Wilson, 64, of Prince George, BC, passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2021. He passed away in his home from natural causes.
Wayne was born and raised in Prince George, and grew up with his two brothers Chris and Morry. As a young man he loved snowmobiling, cars and being part of a pit crew at PGARA. As he got older, he continued his passion for fixing mechanical things at Normag Equipment Rentals. One of his proudest accomplishments was running his own company, North West Compressed Air Repair from 2002 to 2021.
At 17, Wayne met his wife Laurel. They fell in love and started a family with two daughters Angela and Crystal. Wayne was always an avid outdoors man, who enjoyed hunting and fishing. As a family, they spent vacations camping. He taught the girls to fish as soon as they could hold up a fishing rod. Wayne also enjoyed regular hunting trips with his buddies and work on his trapline from 1988 to 2013. He was well known among family and friends for his BBQ and cooking talents.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Laurel, daughters Angela and Crystal (Tom Anderson-Van Luven) and beloved grandchildren Ethan and Aidan. Wayne also leaves behind his mother, Beatrice Anderson, his brother Morry (Gail, nephews Troy and Blake), and a large extended family of sisters and brother-in-laws ,nieces and nephews. He was preceded in his passing by his brother Chris and father Grant.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the family is holding a small private celebration of life. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Wayne’s honor is asked to direct it to Diabetes Canada or the Northern Lights Wildlife Society.
REMEMBRANCES
Edith Mohns (Zimmerman)
Edith Mohns (Zimmerman) passed November 29, 2021 at age 98. Born Dec 30, 1922 in Torquay, Sask, she was the last of her 10 siblings.
Edith married Gavin Mohns Feb 9, 1946. Predeceased by husband Gavin and her son Lorne (Marlene). Survived by son Garry (Penny) and daughter Penny as well as 4 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Edith will be dearly missed by all.
Ryan Michael Allen Bennett
1976-2021
Gone too soon…
Ryan Michael Allen Bennett born September 13, 1976 was tragically taken from us November 24, 2021.
Ryan was an amazing human, an incredible husband, a supportive daddy, a much beloved son, brother, friend, nephew, uncle, cousin, and so much more.
He built so many beautiful relationships with everyone he met. His positive outlook on life was contagious. He always offered a smile and wanted to make sure you laughed with him, even if his humour was corny.
He adored his wife Jodi and always made sure she was looked after. They were a dynamic team navigating together all that life threw at them. His kids meant the world to him, he taught them so much, was always there to support them and showed them his unconditional love.
He was a real family man. He always looked out for his family first, whether he was helping out with his parents, lending a hand to his brothers or just being there while they needed a critical thinker to think things through and offer his advice.
He was so proud with the friends he grew up with, the past years they all lived in different areas of the province, so they didn’t see each other often, but he always spoke so fondly of them and the memories they shared.
The past 8 years of his career he built amazing relationships with his colleagues, everybody adored and respected him. Amongst the thousands of staff that he worked with, he developed relationships with most of them, it was a passion of his to build these beautiful relationships. To them he was a celebrity. He loved his job and was such a natural at it.
Left to mourn are his wife Jodi, son Ashton, daughter Alexus, father Eric, brothers Rick and Rob and their families, father in law Gerald, mother in law Helen, brother in law Brad and his family, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and of course his beloved friends. Predeceased by his mother Donna and his grandparents.
The family will say their goodbyes together and would like to hold a memorial celebration of Ryan in the spring at which time they would like to give everyone the opportunity to talk about him, share their memories of him and laugh.
We will miss him every single day.
Rest In Peace my love, until we meet again. May you fly high with the angels and watch over us. Love you to the moon and back.
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.
January 2, 1953 - December 1, 2021
Guido was born in Switzerland and came to Canada in 1969. He attended Duchess Park high school. Early in his career, he became a carpenter and worked on many large construction projects. He later went on to be a floorlayer, working in both the commercial and residential sectors. He also spent many years in the guide outfitting industry. He was well known to have good workmanship in all jobs that he did.
Guido had some memorable vehicles over the years, including a 1967 Oldsmobile convertible, a 4x4 van and a jetboat. He really liked his “sweets”, Oberlander bread and “whacky-tabacky”. His favorite drink was Crown Royal.
His greatest passions were hunting and fishing. He worked hard and played hard throughout his life. He will be forever missed by many friends and family. Those that knew Guido are asked to raise a glass for him, as that is all he would have wanted.
July 29, 1932 - November 30, 2021
It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mother, Granny and Great-Granny.
Hilda was born in Hines Creek, Alberta. She was predeceased by her husband Bill, daughter Vicky, grandson Jody, her parents and her siblings. Hilda is survived by her children Gary (Stephanie), Cindy (Ian), and Sandy (Jim), her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by them all.
She loved her family and her beautiful flower gardens. Hilda liked to play bingo with her dear friend Karla. We are all so thankful to have had her in our lives. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home just the way she wanted.
At Hilda’s request, there will be no service.
If you wish to make a donation in Hilda’s memory please donate to the Hospice House.
We will love you forever.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
Hilda Cunningham nee Janke
Guido Gremaud
Verna Grace Smith
LILLEY, Carolyn
October 2, 1942 - November 25, 2021
It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish.
With great sadness, we must say goodbye to our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, Carolyn Lilley (Port Coquitlam, British Columbia), who passed away at the age of 79, on November 25, 2021.
She was predeceased by her parents, Anton and Helena Loewen and her brothers, Wayne (Elsie) Loewen and Allen Loewen, her sister Gloria Loewen, brother in law Bob Van Somer, and nephew Tony Loewen, as well as her ex-husband Tony Lilley and her son Lee Lilley
She is survived by her daughter Camilla Lilley, her sisters and brothers; Shirley Van Somer, Brian (Dulcie) Loewen, Laura Loewen, Ron (Laurie) Loewen, and Murray (Heather) Loewen. As well as many nieces and nephews.
She had a long battle with cancer and was strong until the end.
She went peacefully She had her sense of humor until the end and went completely on her own terms.
She will be missed by many and will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
It is with great sadness that we share with everyone that Tony quietly passed away on November 27, 2021. Tony was born in Poland and immigrated with his parents and two brothers to Prince George in 1964. He was employed as a custodian and worked for the School District, CFB Baldy Hughes, but would be best remembered for his 17+ years at the Prince GeorgeYMCA.
Tony loved to ride the City bus which would take him around town, stopping at Tim Horton’s for his coffee and the Seniors Centre for lunch. He enjoyed family time and the dinners prepared for him. Another favourite were the fishing trips to Prince Rupert where he just enjoyed being on the boat.
Tony was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Maria Wilczek. He is survived by brothers Andrew (Danuta) and Richard (Joanne) and his nieces Jennifer and Michelle (Mikolaj) and their childrenEryk,OskarandLena.
We are grateful to AIMHI for the services and care they provided to Tony for many years. We thank all his caregivers and support workers for alltheydidforTony
A small family gathering and burial service was held on December 4th, 2021 at the Prince George Memorial Park Cemetery Donations to AIMHI in memory of Tony would be gratefully appreciated.
MurrayReid 1964-2021
Life has given us a sad corner to turn when Murray Reid departed this life on November 19th atCluculzLake,BritishColumbia.
Murray was born on September 4th, 1964, in Rimbey, Alberta, and passed away at the age of 57. He grew up in Rimbey where he was a competitive hockey and baseball player and friend to many He attained his Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Finance from the University of Calgary in 1988, which fostered his interest in financialinvestingandthestockmarket.
Murray married his high school sweetheart, Mary, in 1989, and they welcomed their son, Cameron, in1990inRedDeer,Alberta.
In 1992, he was given the opportunity to start the RBC Dominion Securities branch in Prince George, British Columbia, and moved to pursue his career as a stockbroker Shortly after, their youngestdaughter,Morgan,wasbornin1993.
Over the years, Murray worked hard and built a rich life. He made many wonderful friends through the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Ceda Blues Hockey team. Murray always stayed closely connected to his family and friends from his hometown with annual ski trips to Jasper, and frequent visits to his cherished family cabin at Pigeon Lake. He loved to explore the many lakes in British Columbia on family camping trips, and eventuallypurchasedacabinonCluculzLake.
Murray was passionate about politics, history, business, and current events. He was a lifelong learner who loved to read the National Geographic and analyze financial reports. Murray’s sense of humor was legendary, and his memory unmatched. He loved to garden and enjoyed the splendours of nature. Murray expressed his creativity through innovative woodworking and thoughtful design. His creations are now treasured memories of his love andgenerosity
Murray loved his family dearly He is survived and will be forever missed by his wife Mary, son Cameron Reid of Prince George, daughter Morgan (Darin) Dunphy of Grande Prairie, granddaughter April Dunphy, two sisters Bonnie (Julian) Annicchiarico, Arlene (Dave) Reid, brother Barry (Catherine) Reid, and nieces and nephews Michael (Katherine) Annicchiarico, Jenni (Scott) Herndier, Krista (Stefan) Taylor, TylerReid,KarlynnReid,andDerekReid.
Murray is predeceased by his parents James and BettyReid.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, December 5th at Assman’s Funeral Chapel and is availableonlivestreamat https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/41932
REMEMBRANCES
Elizabeth(Betty)Colville
Betty passed away peacefully at home with herlovinghusbandKenbyherside. She will be deeply missed by her family; husband Ken, son Jason, daughter Alicia, mother Kay, sister Lynn, brothers Ken and Tim, father in law Charles, mother in law Janet,andsisterinlawsMargeandVera. Remembered always as a courageous and lovingherotousall.
Now at peace
MarianElliot
LESAHAMILTON
2x39.3
PGC002375
Bowman, Paul
On Thursday December 2nd, we bid AU REVOIR to Marian Elliot, aged 74. Marian is survived by her loving husband Ray Nagai, daughters Marie Elliot (Stephen Miller) of Burlington, ON, and Michelle Elliot of Edinburgh, Scotland, the father of her children Pirie Elliot, and siblings Jim Wischoff, NancyMooreandLindaWischoff.
Marian loved being outside and her garden was her happy place. She was always game to try new adventures –e.g. she took up karate in her 50’s where she met her husband Ray Together they explored the world, enjoyingdiverseculturesandcuisines.
There will be no service, as per Marian’s request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, and enjoy a good bookinhermemory
November 11, 1924 -November 13, 2021
Former longtime resident of Prince George (Summit Lake). Paul served in the Navy during WWII and the Korean War. Some of you may remember him from the Lone Tree Guide Service between Summit and Bear Lakes. He spent his life in the outdoors and always had a story to tell. He is survived by his daughters Lesa Hamilton (Bowman) of 108 Mile Ranch, BC and Michelle Kyle (Bowman) of Mission, BC.
KATHRINE MOORE 2x41.0
PGC002370
Moore, Glen
May 15, 1935 -November 26, 2021
Its with great sadness that we announce the passing of Glen after ashort battle with cancer. Predeceased by his first wife Edna, his parents George and Valda Moore, brothers Alan, Clarence and Royce. He is survived by his brother Roy (Francis), wife Kathrine, and his children Nola-Jean (Bruce) Stairs and Dennis (Peggy) Moore; grandchildren Sean (Lisa) and Ryan Stairs and Erin (Ryan) Plante and Tyler Moore, and his two greatgranddaughters.
The Prince George Citizen is looking for a freelance photographer. Interested candidates please email lsmith@glaciermedia.ca along with some samples of your
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• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Limit abbreviations
Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
To advertise, call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
Opportunities
Will pay competitive wages steady Work Career
Dollar Saver Lumber has openings for the following positions:
• La bourers
• PL aNer FeeDer ( FT)
• Gr aDers ( FT or PT ) for 1x4, 1x3 in 8’, 7’ 6’ & 5’ lengths)
Please apply in person to: Dollar Saver Lumber Attn: Ken 9359 Nor thern Cres Prince George, BC or email keyles@lumber.ca or gobbi1@telus.net Fax: 250.561.2111
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Dollar Saver lumber operates a lumber re-manufacturing operation in Prince George We currently have an opportunity in our management group for a Sales Production coordinator.
This position is responsible to perform the following functions:
• Co-ordinate purchase of raw material to meet mill requirements
• Co-ordinate Shipments of finished products to existing customers.
• Work with Mill Management to ensure optimal inventories are maintained.
• Communicate with customers to ensure their needs are being met
Preference will be given for persons
• Good computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
The successful candidate will possess the following qualities
• The ability to deal with customer needs in a calm constructive manner
• The ability to adjust to rapidly changing conditions and developments
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good analytical skills
The position offers:
• A competitive salary and benefit package
• Opportunity to work in friendly non- bureaucratic environment
Please submit your resume to Frank Skerlak, General Sales Manager at fskerlak@lumber.ca or Bev at: gobbi1@telus.net Only those persons chosen for an interview will be contacted.
Sheds/Outbuildings
EVEN UGLY & BROKEN JEWELRY, ALL THE BITS AND PIECES YOU NO LONGER WANT! CALL OR TEXT Todd’s Coins 1-250-864-3521
Frontier Traders 168 Front St, Quesnel, BC (250) 983-2294
Will purchase estate items; antler mounts, bear rugs, live mounts, hides.
WANTED 999 BULLION bars & coins!ENGELHARD, JOHNSON MATTHEY, RCM, Maple leafs + All other mints. Also Buying old money, all gold & silver coins, coin collections. + BUYING all things made with gold or silver. Todd’s Coins 1-250-864-3521
1-250-864-3521 QUICK PAY For all gold, Estate jewelry, scrap or unwanted, coins & currency, antiques, Rolex. Unbeatable pricing, privacy assured. (250) 612-1808 24/7
Motorcycles
SUZUKI Bandit 1200, great shape, recent tune-up and brakes. (250)613-5981
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY Anniversary Edition. 22,000 km $14,500 613-8567
2002 BMW 1150 RT motorcycle, excellent cond. $5500. (250)5643152 (250)640-8267
Sports Utilities & 4X4s
2012 RAM 1500 4X4 short box, loaded, maroon. Extended 7 yr 160k warranty. 21,000 kms, too much to list. Equity. $39,000 owing. Take over payments. 250301.0221, 250-967-4268
Trucks & Vans
2006 DODGE Cummins diesel, 4x4, 4 dr, Lb, auto, 2 owner, receipts since new, no accidents, 107K, $27,900 obo. 596-5434
1998 FORD F250 Diesel w/ plow. Exc. cond. $10,000. 250-3980720 1977 FORD 1 ton, renovated, $2500. 250-306-2292
Parts Trucks
Chrome tailgate, fits 3/4 ton GMC, cover top fits GMC 6 1/2 ft box, chrome rails. Shop vac250-963-6898
puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3
9 must fill each row, column and
and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PROPOSED STRUCTURE: As par t of the public consultation process required by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), TELUS is inviting the public to comment on a proposed telecommunications facility consisting of a 63.1-meter tall self-suppor t tower and ancillar y radio equipment situated on Ministr y of Transpor tation and Infrastructure (MOTI)-managed proper ty near Ness Lake in the Regional District of Fraser-For t George.
COORDINATES: 54.013334, -123.098857
ANY PERSON may comment by close of business day on Januar y 31st, 2022 with respec t to this matter
TELUS CONTACT: Further information can be obtained by contacting:
Brian Gregg, SitePath Consulting Ltd.
2528 Alber ta Street, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3L1
Email: briangregg@sitepathconsulting.com
1. Polish city
6. Very eager
10. Identifies a specific person or thing
14. Tennis great Naomi
15. One concerned by professional advancement
17. PGA Championship reward
19. A fashionable hotel
20. Norse mythology afterlife location
21. Stood up
22. Car mechanics group
ACROSS DOWN
23. Weather forecasters use it (abbr.)
24. Broken branch
26. Astronomy unit
29. East Asian nursemaid
31. “Airplane!” actor
32. Exclamation that denotes disgust
34. “Batman” villain
35. Downfalls
37. Philippine province
38. Once-vital TV part
39. Valley
40. Tax
41. Classic Scorcese film
43. Subway dwellers
45. Book part
46. Taxi
49. Swiss river
50. Founder of Babism 53. Have surgery 57. Withdrawal from a larger entity 58. Lot’s father 59. Greek war god 60. 2,000 lbs. 61. Lemur 1. Quarrels
Right away
Comedian Carvey
Egyptian unit of weight
A Brit’s mother
Tropical tree
One who speaks Gaelic
NHL legend Bobby
Vacation spots
Military personnel
Shakira’s don’t lie
Wimbledon champ
Teletypewriter
Mistakes
Whale ship captain
22. Thus
From end to end
Kids love him 25. One and only 27. Fencing swords 28. Taxis
29. Basics 30. Refuse of grapes 31. Go quickly 33. French ballet dynasty
Most open 36. Popular soap ingredient 37. US time zone (abbr.)
Items of food
Backbones 43. Infrequent
Blood type
“Let It Snow!” songwriter
Dutch colonist
Pike
Egyptian sun god
A cardinal is one
From a distance
Bolivian river
N. American student organization (abbr.)
River (Spanish)
Chinese life force
Chinese surname
Sudoku
boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through
box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column
47. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
CollectorPurchasing Coins &Coin Collections! Buying Old Coins,Rolls Of Coins,BankBags Of Coins,Rare Coins,CollectorCoins,Olympic Coins,Old Paper Money, Pre1968 Coins,Royal Canadian Mint Coins, Us Mint,Collections +. Wanted Canada, Usa& WorldCollections! Todd’s Coins 1.250.864.3521
COLLECTOR PURCHASING COINS &COINCOLLECTIONS CASH CASH CASH Forall Gold,Estate Jewelr y Scrap or unwanted Coins &Currenc y, Antiques &Rolex. Unbeatable pricing, privac yassured. (250) 612-1808 24/7
FIREWOOD
BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load.$900. or bucked to length $1050 per load delivered 250-614-6667
BUYING COINS
WANTED COIN COLLECTIONS, old money,all gold &silvercoins,Royal Canadian Mint coins. Also BUYING 999 BULLION bars &coins ENGELHARD,JOHNSONMAT THEY, RCM, MAPLE LEAFS +ALL OTHER MINTS. +BUYING all things
CASH FOR GOLD &SILVER WANTED 999 BULLION BARS &COINS! ENGELHARD,JOHNSON MATTHEY, RCM, MAPLE LEAFS +ALL OTHER MINTS. ALSO BUYING OLDMONEY, ALL GOLD &SILVERCOINS, COIN COLLECTIONS. +BUYING ALL THINGS MADE WITH GOLD OR SILVER. TODD’S COINS1-250-864-3521
YOUR BUSINESS
Foronly $50 +TAX, youget 4DisplayAds in Thursday’s Business Directory plus aClassified Ad for 4Issues Call 250.562.6666 to book your space now.
HOMES
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
DESIGN TRENDS • HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS • OUTDOOR LIVING
How to spruce up your porch for the holidays
One of the simple joys of the holiday season isseeinghowpeopledecoratetheirhomesfor Christmas. Do you want your own house to
5.Serve dishes that you’re familiar with to avoid the stress of following a new recipe andeliminatetheriskthatitwon’tturnout.
6.Prepare as many dishes as possible in advance so you simply have to defrost or reheatthemthedayoftheparty.
7.Greet each guest at the door, and have a designated spot where they can put their coats.Makeintroductionsifnecessary.
8.Consider using place cards to separate couples at the dinner table to encourage minglingandconversations.
9.Leave out glasses and a pitcher of iced water that guests can help themselves to throughouttheevening
Finally,don’tforgettorelaxandenjoytheparty.
SNOW REMOVAL:
Residential• Apartments• Commercial• Industrial No siteistoo bigortoo small. We have the equipment to getthe jobdone! Snowplowing•HaulAway •Hand Shoveling• Sanding
GO FOR GOLD.
How can I spruce up my kitchen?
As the saying goes, the kitchen is the heart of the home. If yours is damaged, poorly organized or simply out of style, you should investinitstransformation!
Here are a few add-ons that will go a long wayincreatingamore functionalandstylish kitchen.
• Ultra-modern appliances (such as a gas stoveoranenergy-efficientdishwasher)
• Classy, practical flooring (top picks include ceramic tiles, vinyl, laminate and natural stone)
If you want your kitchen remodel to be a success, hire a local contractor with a good reputation.
An experienced crew led by the right contractorwillcompletetheworkinatimely fashion without going over your budget. For akitchenyoucanbeproudof,trustthepros!
Should I add a basement to my home?
Is your beloved home too small for your needs, yet there’s nothing in the world that could make you leave it? Undertaking major renovationscouldsolveyourdilemma.There areanumberofwaystoincreaseyourhome’s liveable space; digging down is one of them If you’re thinking of adding a basement, be suretoconsiderthefollowing points.
1. Contact your municipality to find out what permits are necessary and what rules you needtofollowtoperformthis type of work Renovating legallyisanabsolutemust!
2 Establish a budget and create a schedule. Consider the different steps of the project, from excavation and concretepouringtoplumbing andelectricalwork.
3. Underground building techniques are complex, and digging a basement for an existing home comes with a high risk of collapse. Make sure you hire an experienced contractor to get the job done, and ask for referencesbeforeyousignacontract
Why and how should I tear down a wall?
If your home’s current floor plan comprises multiple cramped, narrow rooms, you probably long for some extra space. To make your current living area feel larger, you could either build an add-on or tear down some walls to create an open-plan layout
If you choose the latter option, here are three things to keep in mind
1. Ask a contractor to single out the load-bearing walls,whichsupportyourhome’sframeandfloors. Taking down a load-bearing wall involves structural work that should be done by a professional
2. Even non-load-bearing walls can hide supporting beams Whenever possible, it really is preferable to leave these intact. Knocking them out could damage the structure of your building
3. During the demolition process, don’t go crazy with the sledgehammer plumbing, wiring and HVAC components could be hiding behind the drywall Instead, proceed methodically and gently (even though it’s not as satisfying.)
If you’re looking to transform a series of closed rooms into a pleasant open-plan space, get in touch with a qualified contractor.
