The City of Prince George has received 345 complaints since Sept. 1 under the controversial Safe Streets Bylaw, city manager of bylaw services Charlotte Peters told city council last week.
Bylaw officers could issue $100 tickets for a wide range of “nuisance” behaviour, including panhandling in many circumstances, graffiti, public drug use, open burning in public places and lying down or obstructing sidewalks and roads. The bylaw came into effect in September after a divided city council approved it in June.
“From Sept. 1 to now, we still have not written a ticket (under the Safe Streets Bylaw),” Peters said.
Mayor Lyn Hall said he’s pleased to hear that Bylaw Services has heard the concerns of city council and the public about how the bylaw should be rolled out.
“It is not heavy-handed, it’s an educational approach,” Hall said.
In addition to responding to complaints under the Safe Streets Bylaw, bylaw services responded to 876 calls for service in relation to discarded needles so far this year, up from 742 last year, she said. The city also received 3,293 calls in relation to “squatters and homeless encampments,” Peters said.
That is up from 2,261 such calls in 2020. They also received 24 calls
issued yet
regarding fires lit by unsheltered individuals, she said, which is “a drop in the bucket,” as most of those calls go directly to the fire department.
Over the course of their duties this year, bylaw officers seized more than a dozen weapons, including baseball bats, improvised clubs and knives. “Our guys downtown are doing work that is sometimes risky…” Peters said.
This year four additional bylaw officers were added to the department,doublingthesizeofthedowntown safety team, and expanding the hours of service from 10 hours per day to 16. “Since June we’ve found five missing persons… for the RCMP,” Peters said.
Bylaw officers have assisted multiple individuals suffering from drug overdoses and referred individuals to resources and housing through the Community Safety Hub working group, she said.
Coun. Brian Skakun said the city’s bylaw officers are responding to a huge number of calls – the equivalent of nine calls a day regarding homeless camps and two a day regarding discarded needles.
“The Safe Streets Bylaw has been a catalyst for a whole lot of things in the community,” Skakun said.
The city saw a “huge increase in calls” this year, Coun. Kyle Sampson said. But while progress is sometimes hard to see, “progress is being made.”
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
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.
O’Dine just misses World Cup podium
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Meryeta O’Dine’s Olympic dream is alive.
After a series of disappointments over the past year on the World Cup snowboard cross circuit, the 24-year-old came oh-so-close to a medal win this weekend on the slopes in Montafon, Austria.
O’Dine finished just 46/100ths of a second behind gold medalist Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain in Friday’s race. Belle Brockhoff of Australia (+0.09) and Chloe Trespeuch of France (+0.18) won silver and bronze respectively.
“Just missed the podium today! 4th place at the Montafon World Cup!” O’Dine posted on her Facebook site. “Afterqualifying3rd,atightracebetween 3 great women. I’m happy with how I’m performing.”
O’Dine is vying for a spot on Canada’s Olympic team for the competition in Beijing in February. She made the team for the2018OlympicinPyeongChang,South Korea but suffered a concussion in a training run and was unable to compete.
Two weeks ago, on the 2022 Olympic course in Secret Garden, China, O’Dine missed qualifying for the race by five/100thsofasecondandfinished17th.
Only the top 16 women in qualifying advance to the race and O’Dine has just missed the cut several times in recent memory on the World Cup tour. She was 17th in Bakuriani, Georgia, March 5; did not finish her qualifying run in Reiteralm, Austria, Feb. 16; was 13th in Idre Fjall, Sweden Feb. 12 after qualifying fourth quickest; and placed 17th at Chiesa in Valmalenco, Italy in January 2021.
In Saturday’s mixed team event, O’Dine teamed up with Eliot Grondin of St. Marie, Que., to finish fifth. Italians Lorenzo Sommariva and Michela Moioli won team gold ahead of the Czech Republic and France.
Two other Prince George athletes are competing on the men’s World Cup tour.
Colby Graham posted his best-ever qualifying result in the solo event on Friday when he placed 24th. He moved on the eighth-final round and was eliminated when he finished third. The top two in each heat advance. Evan Bichon of Prince George qualified 55th.
The next World Cup stop is Friday and Saturday in Cervenia, Italy.
In the leadup to the Olympics in Beijing, Feb 3-19, races are also scheduled for Krasnoyarsk, Russia (Jan. 7-9), Chiesa in Valmalenko, Italy (Jan. 21-22 and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Jan. 28-29).
PUBLIC NOTICE
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
Cedars wins bronze
‘They’ve been amazing all year long’
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
The Cedars Christian Eagles got in the habit of thinking that no matter what the score they were never out of it, and that mentality helped them forge a bronze medal with their names on it Saturday afternoon at the single-A boys provincial championship in Nanaimo.
Taking on the Nanaimo Christian Trail Blazers on their home court, the Eagles won the first two sets, 25-22, 25-23, lost the third one 25-17, and appeared to be heading for a fifth-and-deciding set with their opponents one point away from forcing it, leading 24-19.
Cedars head coach Frank Crosina called timeout and reminded his troops how they refused to go away quietly after losing the first two sets to Credo Christian Friday morning in the quarterfinals and rode the hot serving and dominant net play of backup middle blocker Dylan Buehler to win three straight sets.
“That went beyond our wildest dreams to play that well in those last three games after being down and the boys just kept rolling - we’d had one amazing comeback and this was our chance for another
amazing comeback,” said Crosina. With bronze on the line, they walked back out on the court and with Grade 12 middle blocker Jakob Oliver serving, the Eagles reeled off six unanswered points. Zach Wagner kept the Eagles alive with a difficult backcourt dig that kept the set alive. The teams traded points and Nanaimo had set point again after a missed pass on the Cedars’ side of the net, but Eagles captain Tony Kibonge hammered down a spike and senior setter John Jeong pounded another ball into the opposite court for a 27-26 Eagles’ lead. After a Nanaimo time-out, Jeong ended it with a block at the net.
“They’ve been amazing all year long, every game we play they never think they’re going to lose, even when we’re down quite a bit, they just have fun and that’s what I like about them most,” said Crosina.
Ranked No. 2 going in, the Eagles leaned heavily all tournament on power hitter Mitchell Crosina and as a tournament first team all-star he was a dominant force in the medal match and his consistency putting balls down in the backcourt never wavered. Kibonge was selected to the second all-star team.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Cedars Christian Eagles celebrate their bronze-medal win Saturday at the single-A boys provincial volleyball championship in Nanaimo.
Duchess Park boys capture provincial gold
First championship in 22 years for senior boys double-A volleyball team
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
For the first time since 1999, the Duchess Park Condors have done it.
They are the double-A boys volleyball provincial champions.
The Condors defeated the Langley Christian Lightning 3-1 (22-25, 25-10, 25-19, 25-21) to claim the B.C. banner Saturday evening in Victoria.
Afteraclosethree-pointlossinthefirstset,theCondors dominated their opponents with a decisive second-set onslaught directed by their court general, tournament MVP setter Chris Zimmerman.
The 17-year-old Queen’s University recruit was right on the mark with his passes, setting up the Condors’ frontline killers – Jeremy Weaver, Esme Long, Raiden Aimetz, Isaak Lank and Jacob Hoskins – for point after point.
“Chris is amazing, he delivers the ball in the right spots every time and he puts up a great block and he’s amazing at defence,” said Weaver. “He really kept us together and when we were down he pulled us back up and he kept us up and together.
“Once we cleaned up our errors after the first set we showed them that we could beat them and I think they got in their own heads a bit with that (second-set loss). We knew we could compete with the guys going into the tournament, we just had to play our game.”
Weaver, a Grade 11 outside hitter, said the Condors were confident they could bring home the title after a strong third-place performance at the TRU tournament in Kamloops in mid-November.
In the semifinal round of their only major tournament of the season, the Condors put up a significant fight against this year’s provincial triple-A champions, Kelowna Secondary, and they knew then their double-A potential was limitless.
“It’s pretty special, these guys deserve it, they put in a
The Duchess Park Condors show off the hardware after winning the B.C. double-A boys volleyball championship Saturday in Victoria, where they beat the Langley Christian Lightning three sets to one.
lot of hard work and believed in each other and it was quite the performance this week they put in -every game they got better, even in the final,” said Condors head coach Jason Weaver. “We definitely peaked at the right time. Right from Day 1 of the tournament we had the belief we were the Number 1 team in the province and we just had to prove it.”
As good as they were at putting the ball down, it was defence and passing that won the match for Duchess. Libero Ryan Danbrook, among five senior Condors, doesn’t get the glory the guys do when they finish off points, but his contributions to the championship were obvious on the court Saturday and his teammates backed him admirably with their own commitment to keeping balls alive in the Duchess side of the court.
They also did a good job blocking the powerful swats that kept coming from Langley’s all-star setter/outside hitter Silas Van Huizen, a six-foot-four force at the net who
Cats, Kings and charity all weekend winners
A sellout crowd of 1,000, the maximum allowed in the building came to Rolling Mix Concrete Arena armed with bags of warm winter clothing for charity to see the Prince George Spruce Kings defeat the Cranbrook Bucks 4-3 on Friday. It was 80s theme night for the Spruce Kings, who came out sporting similar jerseys to that of Kings teams that played in the Peace-Cariboo Junior Hockey League.
A group of about 25 former Kings players, including Stew Malgunas, Rick Kooses, Al
Loring, Lyle Rose, Brad Camozzi, Logan Lampert, Russ Allen and Jim Ewert, attended the game and were introduced to the crowd during the first intermission.
On Saturday, Taylor Gauthier made 48 saves, leading the Prince George Cougars over the Kamloops Blazers 3-2 at CN Centre. Ethan Samson scored both the game-winning goal in the third period and the first goal of the game to bring down hundreds of donated toys and clothes onto the ice from the 2,984 fans on hand.
was a constant threat to the Condors.
“We’re not a huge team and so we have to do everything well as a unit and the never-let-the-ball-touch-thefloor attitude, it frustrates other teams when you play like that,” said coach Weaver.
“It’s deflating, especially when you win those long rallies. We don’t have a huge block and have to make up for it in other areas and we were definitely the best team out there passing and it shows.”
The Condors carried the momentum of their 15-point win into the third set and took advantage of some clutch serving from Aimetz to build a 15-14 lead.
Long and Weaver had their hammers working for them and a deceptive backset to Weaver from Zimmerman made it a 23-19 game.
Aimetz landed a block after Weaver extended himself to preserve a prolonged point and the set ended with a Langley miss at the net.
In the fourth and final set, the Condors jumped out to an early 8-3 lead. After a Langley time-out, Lank and Hoskins both landed aces, Zimmerman surprised the Lightning with a quick volley and Long put up a block that put Duchess ahead 17-9. The Lightning got within striking range, but couldn’t reel the Condors in.
Zimmerman’s block put Duchess up 23-18 and Weaver tipped to set up match point and it ended when the Lightning was unable to get the ball back over, and the Condors’ 22-year championship drought was over.
Hoskins and Weaver were selected to the tournament all-star team, along with College Heights Cougars outside hitter Eli Woldringh.
The graduating Condors are Zimmerman, Aimetz, Hoskins, Danbrook and Judah Keryluik. Brett Kester, Ashton Pigeau and Owen McKee also played for the team. Tim Flannigan is the assistant coach.
Earlier Saturday at the double-A tournament, the CollegeHeightsCougarslosttheirfifth-placeplayofftoPacific Academy and finished sixth.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Notice of Assistance andDisposition of Interest in Property
This noticeispursuant to sections 272and 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,tobeknown as the “Pine Pass AdventureCentre” to serve as amulti-functioning year round centreasanamenitytosupport 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
Local senior still strong at 100
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Beth Coates celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 6. She only really started to slow down when she was well past her 97th birthday
There is a strong line of long lives lived in Beth’s family and Don Masson, her devoted nephew, joined the interview when The Citizen spoke with her at her residence at Rainbow Lodge. Don said they had one great grandmother who lived to be 102, and most everyone else has lived well into their 90s.
“So I’m cheering for this girl to beat the record of 102,” Don laughed, as he affectionately patted Beth’s hand. Don’s father Hugh was Beth’s brother. Beth’s other siblings were Marjorie and Harold Beth’s mother Edith raised four children alone after Beth’s father Charles died in 1928. They never had much, Don said, but they always had enough.
Beth is thriving in her new residence at the senior facility and as it was for everyone those few months where the pandemic restrictions saw no in-person visits were a challenge.
Don and Beth are happy to once again resume their frequent visits and outings to enjoy each other’s company and keep that family connection strong.
Beth grew up in Manitoba and married her husband Fred in Portage La Prairie on Nov. 7, 1940 when he was 28 and she was 19. They travelled all over the country for Fred’s work and spent many happy years together
“They lived in every shack from Nova Scotia to BC,” Don said “Fred built highways in the 40s and 50s so they followed the work.”
“When that stretch of the highway was built we moved on,” said Beth.
There are some fond members of time spent in Ontario.
“Oh, Kakabeka Falls,” Beth recalled the scenic site west of Thunder Bay with a big smile. “It was so beautiful there.”
In B.C., the couple spent time in Osoyoos, Chilliwack, Dawson Creek and Pouce Coupe, and Fred even helped build the Hart Highway. Don said he had an unusual gauge to check Beth’s health and well being Beth was a long time subscriber to The Citizen and Don believes she’d had it since 1959 when they first moved here
“This was our secret way of monitoring Auntie Beth,” Don said. “The paper used to come at 6 o’clock in the morning and if Auntie Beth had the crossword done by the time we came by for morning coffee we knew she was good.”
GAME NIGHT GIVEAWAY!
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Beth Coates, seen here with devoted nephew Don Masson, turned 100 years old on Dec. 6.
CanforCalls on BC Government to RethinkOld Growth Deferral Process
TogetherWeCan Protect OurForests AND WorkersAND Communities
DearBritish Columbians,
At Canfor,we’reproud to havebeen operatinginthe provincefor over80years.
We take our role very seriouslytohelp responsibly manageBC’sforests.Likeall British Columbians, we want our foreststobediverse,thriving ecosystems. We employ hundreds of professionals, likeforesters and biologists, who work hardevery daytoensureour activitiesare environmentallyresponsibleand will contributeto healthy forestsfor generations to come
Around theworldBCisrespected forour leading sustainableharvestingand forest management practices. We follow rigorous environmental standardsand get permitsfromthe government forall of our activities we undertake in the forest.BC’sChiefForestersetsthe volumeoftrees thatcan be harvested.Each year this amounts to less than 1% of the harvestablearea. We also plant three trees foreachone thatis harvested.
In addition, we greatlyrespect therights and title of First Nationsonwhose traditional territoriesweoperateand theirvalued rolesinstewardingthe forests.
That’swhy we’redeeplyconcernedthat the BC governmenthas decided to defer2.6 millionhectares of oldforests basedonthe adviceof only fivepeople. Governmenthas not engaged with abroad group of Indigenous leaders, labourleaders,forestprofessionals and communities. Manyimportant voices havebeen left out of this critical discussion.
“Many important voices havebeen left out of this critical discussion.”
Industry estimates that nearly18,000 workerscouldbe impacted. These aregood peoplefromcommunitiesacross the province who care about the futureand theenvironment in the place theycall home. Wedirectly employover4,000 peopleinBC. Themorethan 2,000contractors, suppliers
andIndigenous companieswepartner with also employ thousands of peoplewho work in the forest sectorand,along with theirfamilies,contributetoour localcommunities.
This shouldbea timefor unity.Wecan choose apath that brings First Nations, labour leaders, forestry professionals andcommunities together to developa sustainable old growth management plan thatprotectsour forestsand ensures sustainableemployment forour communities.We canbuildonthe 75% of oldgrowth foreststhat arealready protected or outside harvestingareas.
To developthatplan, we areasking government,onbehalf of ouremployees, Indigenous partners, contractorsand communities, to immediatelytakethe followingsteps:
1. Usethe facts, based on objectiveand transparent scienceand Indigenous traditional knowledge, to identify potentialold growth areas and deferrals.
As theworld comes together to fight climatechange,carbonstoring,renewableforestry productsfromBC’ssustainably managedforests areingrowingdemand.This is BC’s opportunity to help supportthe transitiontoa lowcarbon world. Nowmorethan ever, the worldneedsBC’sforestry products. And that’s somethingwecan each be proudof.
“Let’s work together.”
Don Kayne President &CEO Canfor
High school sports a treat
Congratulations to the Duchess Park senior boys volleyball team for winning the double-A provincial championship over the weekend in Victoria.
For these players, the B.C title is the pinnacle of a career that began in elementary school and playing club volleyball Thousands of hours of practice, games and travel, as well as the time and financial support of devoted parents, went into that successful deciding match.
All Prince George high school teams put in the same kind of effort but only the fortunate few get to celebrate a provincial championship and see a banner hoisted in their school gymnasium as a permanent record of that accomplishment. So equal congratulations go out to the College Heights senior boys team for finishing fifth in B.C. in the same tournament, the Cedars boys team for finishing third in the single-A senior boys provincial and all of the high school volleyball teams for another great season.
Champions or not, every player on every team is creating special memories and learning valuable lessons that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives going forward Some players will be fortunate enough to earn post-secondary athletic scholarships and continue to play and develop
Basketball now takes over the winter high school sports schedule.
If it’s been years or decades since you’ve stepped into a high school gym, treat yourself in the new year and go support a local team during an upcoming tournament. You’ll be impressed by the skills, speed, determination, and sportsmanship. And bring some earplugs. As the volume and the energy inside a gym hosting a tournament shows, the players, coaches, families and friends take these efforts seriously
You don’t even need to be a sports fan to get caught up in the excitement and to feel proud of Prince George’s young sports ambassadors
Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout
LETTERS WELCOME: Submissions should be sent by e-mail to: letters@pgcitizen.ca. No handwritten letters, please. Maximum length is 400 words and writers are limited to one submission every three weeks. We will edit letters to ensure clarity, good taste, for legal reasons, and occasionally for length. Although we will not include your address and telephone number in the paper, we need both for verification purposes. Unsigned letters will not be published.
Volunteer work is priceless
The value of unpaid work done by volunteers has inspired some economic justice-minded people to advocate that more of this unpaid work become paid work. But while paying volunteers may seem like a good idea, it ignores the priceless value of the gift of time for the giver and receiver. Whether we volunteer with an organization or do a kind deed for a friend, there is more going on in the “unpaid economy” than meets the eye.
Consider when a friend brings a pot of soup when you are sick. The monetary value of the pot of soup is maybe $20 or $30 retail. The value of seeing your friend’s face and chatting at the door when they drop it off? Priceless. Then there is the honour of knowing your friend took an hour of their time off work to cook the soup Also priceless. A pot of soup from The Salted Cracker, Than Vu or Timmy’s may be
just as tasty and received with thankfulness, but there is a little something missing that cannot be bought with cold hard cash.
The benefit of volunteering isn’t restricted to the receiver. Consider one of the many examples of giving that are happening in the flood zone in the Lower Mainland: a farmer took a boat to help his neighbours feed strandedanimals.Thereporterasked why, when he himself was evacuated, was he doing this? His reply was “I have to be able to do something to help out My animals are dead, but I can help my neighbours.” The ability to help others helped him feel
valuable despite being in a bad situation himself. He felt part of the solution to his community’s suffering. That is priceless.
That feeling of value, importance, and mattering to someone, cannot be replicated by a salary or purchased item. It’s an interesting quirk of human nature, really, when you consider that money equals time in a way as well, so the purchased pot of soup or a hired contractor has a gift of time attached to it, but somehow, it’s just not the same
When we make economic justice calculations, we must not forget the value of volunteering. Both the giver and the receiver benefit in a way that cannot be calculated in monetary terms. Just because something is not paid for doesn’t mean it isn’t valued; it may simply be that it’s priceless.
Trudy Klassen is a Prince George writer.
THINKING ALOUD TRUDY KLASSEN
Breathing smoke never good
One of the topics I talk about in my class is tobacco. Despite years of negative advertising, people still smoke.
Combustion of any plant-based material results in a wide variety of chemical compounds being generated, ranging from simple molecules such as carbon monoxide to complex polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Many of these are outright toxic, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia. Others are carcinogenic compounds, such as dimethylnitrosoamine and ortho-cresol
Understanding the chemistry of cigarette smoke, though, will not induce someone to quit. A nicotine addiction is a hard habit to break
Since 2018, the purchase and consumption of marijuana has been legalized in Canada. And the question I often get asked when talking about tobacco is whether marijuana smoke is equally harmful. The simple answer is “yes.”
The smoke generated by the
AS I SEE IT
combustion of marijuana leaves has the same outright toxic compounds – formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, andammonia–andthesamecarcinogenic compounds (nitrosoamines, cresols) as tobacco smoke. Indeed, the combustion of pretty much any dried plant leaves will result in the same sort of mix of chemical species. Literally thousands of compounds.
And as marijuana joints are not generally rolled with a filter, the amount of tar and oils which get into the lungs is significant. Further, the typical method of smoking marijuana results in holding the smoke in the lungs for a longer period, allowing for deeper penetration of particulate matter and a higher exposure. All of this increases the damage marijuana smoke can do.
But health effects resulting from the combustion of plant matter aren’t restricted to tobacco and marijuana. A recent report in The Lancet – Planetary Health by Gongbo Chen et al highlights the mortality risk associated with the production of PM 2.5 during wildfires.
While wildfires tend to burn hotter than a cigarette, the smoke they generate contains a similar wide assortment of chemical compounds. The distinctive odor we perceive from wildfires arise from the chemical constituents generated by the flames.
Chen’s analysis utilized the mortality data from 65 million deaths in 43 countries to calculate the impact of particulates. At 60 micrograms per cubic metre, mortality increases by about 13 per cent, predominantly because of cardiovascular disease.
Inhaling smoke – whether tobacco or marijuana or from wildfires – is bad for our health
Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.
Apply the mutual exchange law
There is a principle of life which many seem to have forgotten.
Broadcaster and writer Earl Nightingale called it “the law of mutual exchange.” He explains further: “We’ve got to be of service before we can expect money.”
Many powerful people over the last several centuries have acted as though this principle did not apply to them. Instead of providing good service to others, they have become rich by exploiting people. As the revolts and revolutions of the last several hundred years demonstrate, this always ends badly.
After the destruction of the Second World War, Europe and North America seemed to be taking steps to re-establish balance. We did not eliminate all social problems, but the children of those who survived the Great Depression and the war were able to buy homes and provide for their children.
LESSONS IN LEARNING
GERRY CHIDIAC
Then came the rise of neo-liberalism and the myth that big business needed more freedom to prosper.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, in the United States between 1978 and 2018, CEO compensation grew by 940 per cent, while the wages of a typical worker grew by only 12 per cent.
Changes to our laws in recent decades have also resulted in a significant drop in union membership and a situation where many ordinary people have to work several jobs just to make ends meet This too is unsustainable. The law of mutual exchange also implies that people who are providing service must be paid a just wage
WHO’S PAYING THE LAWYERS?
We have three lawyers trying to save Moccasin Flats. As far as I know, the property is owned by the city and these people are squatters. Now the question is who is paying the legal fees as the people living there have no money? Again I remind you all, we have people coming here with active drug addiction, no records , no application requirements, expecting food and housing.
How much is it costing the city for a lawyer to have to fight this problem that should never have been allowed?
Unless it’s legal aid lawyers or the lawyers are working
Today, many industries are facing a job vacancy problem.
RobertReich,whoservedaslabour secretary under U.S. President Bill Clinton, refers to what is happening as “an unofficial general strike.” Despite not being unionized, people are demanding higher wages and better working conditions, and they will get them.
In the past, great people have shown great leadership in difficult times. Franklin Roosevelt was no socialist, but he understood that hard working Americans deserved a decent life in exchange for their labour. His New Deal was one of the most progressive policies ever passedinhiscountryandlikelysaved the United States from disaster
You can’t get something for nothing. The law of mutual exchange applies to everyone.
Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George teacher.
pro bono, the taxpayers are on the hook.
We are in hard times - food is going up and the cost of housing keeps going up and people are dying from Covid-19. People have to face funeral costs they were not expecting. I would like to see my tax dollars going in the direction of the working poor and the seniors. I am so sad the way our downtown has deteriorated. We have lost the Northern Hardware and now the bakery on George Street. The Citizen did no coverage on the bakery closing. Why? Helen Robertson, Prince George
Should the City of Prince George be issuing tickets to offenders under the Safe Streets Bylaw?
Are you planning to attend or host more Christmas gatherings this year? Vote by pointing your phone’s camera at the QR code below.
RESULTS from last week’s polls:
Should B.C. School Sports make exceptions for rural students transferring to out-of-town high schools to further their athletic careers?
● Yes, if the school district approves it, B.C. School Sports should stay out of it
237 votes, 49 per cent
● Yes, the rule only applies in urban centres with larger high schools 139 votes, 29 per cent
● No, the rule has to be fairly applied across the province 79 votes, 16 per cent
● No, this erodes the ability of rural schools to keep students 29 votes, 6 per cent
Should the RCMP arrest anti-vaccine protesters in violation of the law?
● Yes, the protesters are intimidating people wanting to get their shot 632 votes, 57 per cent
● No, the protesters should be allowed to exercise free speech 236 votes, 21 per cent
● Yes, ignorance of the law is no excuse 236 votes, 21 per cent
● No, the law just passed 16 votes, 1 per cent
Rememberthe best gift foundunder theChristmas Tree is the presence of FAMILYwrapped in LOVE!
When the stress of theholidays starts to get to you, remembertolean on those youloveand takeamoment to takeintheir love and support! Andremember we have your backtoo,visit us if youneed alittle support de-stressing! From ourfamily at AveMaria Specialties andMother Maria’sMarket, to your family, We wish youall averyMerry Christmas!
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Valemount man guilty of driving fatality
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Valemount man has been found guilty of dangerous driving causing death.
Duane Glen Smith, 43, was behind the steering wheel on Sept. 19, 2019 when the car he was driving went off Highway 16 near the Penny Access Road, about 100 kilometres east of Prince George. Smith’s girlfriend, Dakota Shaw, 21, later died from injuries suffered in the crash.
Provincial court judge Judith Doulis issued the verdict on Thurs., Dec. 9. A count of impaired driving causing death was stayed.
aid at the scene while one drove toward where there was cell service and, at about 5:20 p.m., called 911.
Shaw, who was ejected from the vehicle, was flown by helicopter to University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George where she was declared deceased early the next morning.
Upon arrival at the crash scene, RCMP found open cans of alcohol and the smell of liquor on Smith’s breath, the court heard. He was arrested and transported to the Prince George RCMP detachment where he provided a breath sample that measured just 30 milligrams per litre of blood, or 0.03 per cent, well below the 0.08 per cent level at which a driver is considered criminally impaired.
At the start of a three-day trial in November, Crown prosecution alleged that in the lead up to the crash several civilians saw the car travelling at a high rate of speed and that an RCMP collision reconstructionist later determined a speed of between 141 and 149 km/h at the time of the crash.
Several civilians came to the couple’s
But police also noticed some “stabbings on his arms” and, combined with some other observations, that led them to believe he may have been impaired by drugs and a drug recognition expert demand was read to him.
Sentencing will occur once a pre-sentence report has been completed.
River flows from hydro benefit fish, study
Hydroelectric generation in North Americaisproducingsteadierriverflows which benefit aquatic species, according to a new paper authored by University of Northern British Columbia environmental science professor Stephen Déry.
Déry and his collaborators studied the phenomenon of hydropeaking, when water levels in managed rivers rise or fall sharply due to increases or decreases in electricity demand. Their paper, Vanishing weekly hydropeaking cycles in American and Canadian rivers, published this week in Nature Communications, details the decline of hydropeaking in recent years.
“There is a very consistent, overall decreasing pattern in the index values we’ve formulated for hydropeaking in this study, and the pattern crosses various jurisdictions, watersheds, and power grid interconnections,” Déry said. “A reduction in ramping up and ramping down in river flows benefits aquatic species and improves their habitat.”
Déry.
Déry, along with researchers at the University of Calgary and the University of Victoria, looked at 100 years of data from 500 sites across Canada and the United States.
They found instances of hydropeaking increasing in the mid-20th century and then decreasing in the 21st century.
Other reasons that could be contributing to the decrease in hydropeaking, according to the researchers, are the addition of more wind and solar energy to the grid, improved regulatory oversight, an increasingly interconnected grid that helps balance out the load and lifestyle changes that have resulted in more even electrical demand.
The findings can help hydroelectric companies refine their operations to further reduce the impact on aquatic life.
“Hydroelectric companies are all keen to understand how their operations are evolving with the goal of reducing their impacts on the environment,” Déry said.
“The results suggest that hydroelectricity demand and generation is changing, with less reliance on hydropower to support peak demand during daytime and weekdays,” Déry said.
“Recent reductions of the weekly hydropeaking cycle provide evidence that hydropower operations are indeed being modified to improve ecosystem health and well-being.”
UNBC environmental science professor Stephen
Lheidli T’enneh plan to raise updated flag
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Lheidli T’enneh’s 215 day official mourning period, in honour of the children found at the former Kamloops Residential School and those found at other residential schools across the country this year, is soon coming to an end.
In early June, Lheidli T’enneh Chief and Council asked all of its partners who fly the Lheidli T’enneh flag to lower them to half-mast for a period of 215 days.
An emotion-filled flag-lowering event was held at Prince George City Hall and a similar event was held the following day at the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George office.
On Tuesday, Jan. 4. Lheidli T’enneh will host a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall at 2:15 p.m.
Lheidli T’enneh will raise a new flag that features an orange ribbon in the lower right corner which will serve to honour the children found in Kamloops and all who died at residential schools.
“There were many tears shed during the flag-lowering ceremony at City Hall in early June. While the journey of Indigenous kids at residential schools in Canada will never end, the 215 day memorial period for the kids found at Kamloops will conclude January 4,” said Chief Dolleen Logan.
“Having an orange ribbon on our new memorial flag is a reminder that we will never forget the kids that didn’t make it home from residential schools and their families. We also believe it sends the right messageaswelltoresidentialschoolsurvivors that they too will never be forgotten.”
The orange ribbon has become a national symbol of remembrance for children who died while attending church-run residential schools.
“When we first heard about the 215 students, it was very impactful for me because the very first job I had was working at an elementary school and we had 215 students, so I know what 215 faces looks like,” said Lheidli T’enneh Councillor Joshua Seymour.
“This really brought a call to action not for just Indigenous people but Canadians, as a whole, to come together and understand the dark legacy of residential schools and to understand we are still experiencing it, although the last residential school closed down in 1996.”
Seymour noted that Indigenous people are still feeling the after-effects of residential schools.
“Recently the number of graves that have been found within the schools is in the high 7,000s and we’ve only searched 10 schools of the 139,” said Seymour.
He noted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has estimated there may be between six and seven thousand graves at residential schools and that number has already been surpassed with only a few schools searched.
“It is important to understand that a lot of people who attended the schools are still with us today,” said Seymour.
“This isn’t ancient history. This is our history and we are actually living this legacy currently and people need to remember this is only 10 schools. There are still 129 schools that need to be searched. The number we have now will increase and I think we need to prepare for that, not just as Indigenous people who have suffered through the legacy of residential schools, but as Canadians and just as human beings.”
Many Lheidli T’enneh members attended Lejac Residential School, which is near Fraser Lake. However, Logan noted she is not aware of a timeline in terms of searching that site for any unmarked graves.
“There should be no graveyards at schools at all,” said Seymour. “People will try to brush that off as something that happened in the past and something that is ancient history but they need to understand the last school closed down in 1996 and that is in my lifetime.”
Logan said Lheidli T’enneh has asked all of its partners to fly the new memorial flag which includes the orange ribbon following the ceremony on Jan. 4.
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CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Chief Dolleen Logan and Councillor Joshua Seymour hold the new flag, which will be raised on Jan. 4.at City Hall at 2:15 p.m.
Event to mark end of mourning period
Ice oval prep underway
Organizers hope to open before Christmas
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Don’t complain too much about the arrival of chilly winter temperatures in Prince George this week.
With daily highs not expected to exceed minus-12 C for the next five or six days and lows dipping to minus-18 or -20 and no snow in the immediate forecast, conditions are ideal to make ice at the Exhibition Park outdoor ice oval.
That’s good news for skaters hoping to take advantage of the 400-metre oval over the Christmas break. Above-freezing temperatures and very little snowfall the past month delayed flooding by the volunteer crews and they finally got their hoses out on Sunday to begin the process of making that ice thick enough to skate on.
“It’s looking good this week so we’re out there four times a day doing four floods as much as we can,” said ice oval volunteer Neil Bilodeau. ”In this temperature, about minus-12 or -15, you usually allow four hours between floods. You start at eight in the morning and do two more at noon and 4 o’clock and back at 8 o’clock.”
A group of about 15 or 20 volunteers are on the list to help with the oval maintenance and in the initial stages, until the ice is thick enough to allow use of the water truck, a crew of eight is needed for each
School
flood. There are four water stations, one in each corner, and two people are needed for each hose to make it a smooth operation. Bilodeau says it takes about 45 minutes or an hour to complete each flood. Once the water truck is in operation, just three people are needed. The truck holds enough water to cover the entire ice surface on one pass. Crews also have use of Zamboni ice resurfacer to do light floods and scrapes and two bobcat loaders to clean off the snow.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers because we try not to put too much onus on the ones who do volunteer,” said Bilodeau, now in his fourth year of making oval ice.
If the weather holds, he expects to have the ice ready for skaters in about 10 days.
Last year was a record year for oval visitors who skated there, an average of 275 skaters per day, but the season was short due to fluctuations in the weather when it got too warm to keep the ice from melting.
Regular users can buy season memberships at $25 for individuals or $60 for families at pgoval.ca. Drop-in users can take advantage of daily rates - $2 (individuals) or $5 (families). When it is in operation, the oval is open to the public most days from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. It’s located on the west side of Exhibition Park, adjacent to Kin 3 arena.
board candidates set for Jan. 15 byelection
Eight candidates are running in the Jan. 15 byelection to fill two seats on the district board of education. The seats were left vacant by the resignations of former chairperson Trent Derrick and vice-chairperson Shuirose Valimohamed in September.
Derrick was one of five Prince George trustees elected to the board, while Valimohamed was the Mackenzie-area representative on the board. The School
District 57 board is made up of trustees from Prince George, plus one trustee from the Mackenzie area and one from the McBride area.
Andrew Burton, Lance Forsberg, Shannon Freeman, Milton Manhoney, Audrey McKinnon and Brian Trotter are running to fill the seat left vacant by Derrick, while David Szucsko and Rachael Weber are running to fill the Mackenzie seat left vacant by Valimohamed.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
Volunteer Gerry Van Caeseele uses a hose on Sunday morning during the building of the ice surface at the Prince George Outdoor Ice Oval.
Tree cutting in park worries area resident
Residents can obtain a free permit to cut up to three trees per household from vacant
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
A Salmon Valley resident is raising the alarm about people illegally cutting down Christmas trees in a regional park near Prince George.
Barb Pethich said during a five-minute span last week she saw four vehicles leaving Kristian Winther Regional Park, located 30 kilometres north of the city, with Christmas trees in the back.
“It’s a lovely park. I skied there yesterday, and it was gorgeous,” Pethich said.
“At the rate I saw trees coming out of that park, it is going to be bare by next year.”
Pethich said there is no need to cut trees illegally in parks, because area residents can obtain a free permit to cut up to three trees per household from vacant Crown lands.
FreepermitstocutChristmastreesinthePrinceGeorge Natural Resource District can be downloaded on the B.C. government website.
“There are lots of places to harvest (Christmas) trees,” she said. “I care immensely about our parks.”
Regional District of Fraser-Fort George spokesperson Renee McCloskey said in an email that the district’s parks staff are investigating the situation.
“This appears to be the first time we have received this type of complaint so it is not a common concern to say the least,” McCloskey said.
“We will monitor in the event this is not an isolated incident and will investigate enforcement options to deter those damaging or removing park property, including trees.”
SUV pulling a trailer with a Christmas tree loaded on it is seen leaving
truck with a tree in the back can be seen further down the road. The Citizen has blurred the licence plate of the SUV in this image, so it cannot be identified.
The district’s 11 regional parks are open for day use from May to October, but the district knows residents continue using them during the winter months.
“We also know that 99 (per cent) of the people respect and treat our parks with care so others can enjoy them as they do,” McCloskey said. “It’s disheartening when in that rare instance someone does not show care and respect for our parks.”
Probe clears RCMP in pedestrian’s death
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into a death in Prince George following a fatal collision on Highway 97.
Although the pedestrian who was killed had been the subject of an unsuccessful traffic stop hours earlier, the IIO found the actions of police did not contribute to his death.
On Dec. 7 at about 11:30 p.m. officers conducting an ongoing investigation observed a red Dodge Caravan leaving a residence.
When police attempted to stop the Caravan, the male driver of the van fled onto Highway 97 southbound.
The officer did not pursue but tried to follow the tracks in the fresh snow for about 30 minutes before the trail was lost.
An hour later, at about 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 8, police received a call from a civilian who reported speaking to a man in a red Caravan that was pulled off the side of the road at McKelvie Road near Highway 97 in Hixon.
The civilian said the man told him he was hiding from police before departing. The civilian then drove around to look for the vehicle and spotted it on Sleepy Hollow Road but later lost sight of it.
The vehicle matched the description of the van police had attempted to stop
earlier that evening.
Then between 1:55 a.m. and 2:35 a.m., the RCMP received several calls about a male pedestrian in the southbound lane of Highway 97, south of Widdis Road.
Police attended around 2:45 a.m. and reported locating a deceased male and a red Caravan a short distance away from where the male was found.
The road was closed to traffic in both directions for several hours to allow police to gather evidence.
The Chief Civilian Director has now reviewed the evidence including information from the BC Coroners Service and police records and determined the actions of police did not contribute to the man’s death.
After the unsuccessful traffic stop before midnight on Dec. 7, police had no contact with the driver of the Caravan before his death.
The IIO has concluded its investigation but the BC Coroners Service’s investigation into the manner and cause of death continues.
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
An
Kristian Winther Regional Park. A pickup
Christmas lights around the city
There are some great Christmas light displays up around Prince George. Scan the QR code to the right with your phone’s camera to see more pictures, videos and a map of where you can find them.
Serenity in Winter photo exhibit at Studio 2880
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Dennis Webster of LightSong Images is in the Feature Gallery at Studio 2880 with his black and white photography through mid-January for his Serenity in Winter exhibit.
His father-in-law gave him a camera more than 30 years ago and Webster soon realized photography was an art form worth exploring.
Nature is his most popular subject.
His Serenity of Winter exhibition consists of 10 black andwhiteimagesandthereisintentionbehindthetheme.
“When you go out in winter it’s pretty serene, it’s pretty relaxing and calming and there is a contrast,” Webster said. “The leaves are gone for the most part on deciduous trees so there’s black and white there and for the evergreens the darkness comes out and I see the serenity and I see the starkness - the contrast between the stark snow and the backgrounds - so I thought let’s try it all in black and white and see what happens. And they turned out pretty good.”
Putting the exhibit together has been a bit of a stressful time for Webster as he sent the prints down to Chilliwack for plaque-mounting but despite the flooding damage to roads, the prints made it back to Prince George in time for the show.
“I think the appreciation for Prince George winter, appreciation for my creativity as a photographer and that photography can be black and white and be really good and I want people to look at the images and say ‘yeah, I do like winter - there is beauty there,’” Webster said.
Naturally! 17. Pens’ contents 19. Mistreat 22. French soup
24. Like some tea 25. Angered
Slalom competitor
Important age
Squabble
Solemn lyric poem
Society girl
Drip
Convent inhabitant
Out of operation
Coffee server 31. Neck scarf
Contact the office: 2wds.
White House staffer
Earring’s location
Golf pegs
Television company
Chopper
Not 8. Bullets, for short 9. Kind of plane
PUZZLE NO. 849
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the gridso thatevery row, every column and every3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line You already have afew numberstoget you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9 in the sameline, column or 3x3 box.
Teach 37. “When You Wish a Star” 43. Hazes 44. Dog’s pest
Water body
Queue 48. Hero
Some
Attempt 27. Woeful expression 28. Be bold enough 29. Rim 31. Sporting facility
Information 50. Unruly crowd
Wow! 53. Roadside lodging
CL ASSIF IEDS
ILA MAY CARLTON
May 31, 1939Dec 17, 2020
It has been a hard year, many tears have been shed. We could no longer keep you, but treasure the moments to keep you alive in our hearts.
“ Stay Strong & Look after each other”
Merry Christmas Mom, Dad & John, together forever.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
ACROSS
You fry food in it
Gets older
__ Dern, actress
Uncouth man
One who sulks 13. Napoleon’s king of Naples 15. One who swims underwater
Make amends
Expressions
1. Town in central Brazil
2. Large burrowing rodent
3. Nerve cell
4. Estimating
5. Bakers use it
6. Regions
7. Small lake
9. Environmentalist nun
10. More kookie
12. Announce officially 14. Israeli city __ Aviv 15. Title given to friar
18. Document format 21. What a beaver makes
Limb 23. Photograph 24. Golf score 25. Moroccan mountain range
26. Wrinkled dog breed: Shar __
27. 20th century sex symbol
34. Remedy for all diseases
35. Bluish greens
36. Moved swiftly
37. Type of units
38. Madames
39. Indian religious god
40. Potentially hazardous asteroids
41. Leak slowly through
42. An association of criminals
43. A way to push content (abbr.)
17. Inches per minute (abbr.)
19. Buildings
20. Pouch
23. They steal on the high seas
24. It’s mightier than the sword
25. Going off on a tangent
26. Monetary unit
27. Young woman
28. Type of bulb
29. Type of drug (abbr.)
30. City opposite Dusseldorf
31. Animal disease
32. Martini necessities
33. Elude
34. La __: Buenos Aires capital
36. An oft-enduring symbol
Skilled Help
The Prince George Citizen is looking for a freelance photographer. Interested candidates please email lsmith@glaciermedia.ca along with some samples of your best photos.
Dollar Saver Lumber has openings for the following positions:
• La bourers
• PL aNer FeeDer ( FT)
• Gr aDers ( FT or PT )
for 1x4, 1x3 in 8’, 7’ 6’ & 5’ lengths) Will pay competitive wages steady Work
Please apply in person to: Dollar Saver Lumber Attn: Ken 9359 Nor thern Cres Prince George, BC or email keyles@lumber.ca or gobbi1@telus.net Fax: 250.561.2111
PGMHA is seeking an Administrative Lead to work full time,
with summers off! If you are computer
enjoy a
environment while still being able to complete your assigned tasks, apply to resume@pgmha.com and view the full description at pgmha.com/job-posting/
Lakelse Dental Centre
DENTIST
Lakelse Dental Centre is seek ing a full time associate/locum dentist for our busy, modern, patient centered general dentist practice in Terrace, BC. Applicants must enjoy all disciplines of dentistr y. Potential is there for a buy out/mentorship with the principal in the future (but not essential for applicants consideration).
Terrace has a thriving economy and is a nature lovers dream. Fishing, hunting, hik ing, bik ing, camping, golfing, sk iing…it is a true four-season playground.
All ser vices exist with reasonable/reliable air travel daily to Vancouver and Prince George available
We are look ing for someone seek ing a long-term role and is look ing to escape the rat race/expense of city life. Accommodations for the Dentist position are available at a reasonable price.
We are also look ing for a full-time Certified Dental Assistant and a par t time/possible full time Registered Dental Hygienist. If these positions are of interest to you please contact us at
or
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.
Legal/Public Notices
REPAIRER’S LIEN UNDER THE REPAIRER’S LIEN ACT As TYLER ALLEN deposited a 2007 Kenworth Tractor bearing VIN 1NKCXBEX47R933625 with 0870989 BC LTD dba JUST
DIESEL on June 14, 2021 on behalf of registered owner TFG FINANCIAL CORPORATION Lessor and WG DAVIS & SONS
TRUCKING Lessee and $100,446.50 for agreed upon repairs remains due and unpaid, we will offer the vehicle for sale to the public by bid after December 23, 2021. Please contact Jeff at 250-565-1811 in order to view or place a bid.
PUBLIC NOTICE
December 3, 2021
TAKE NOTICE THAT; anyone with an equal, prior or superior equitable or legal right or interest in/to/for/of the Title:
NEHRING, TIMOTHY, LESLIE in any style variation thereof capable to confuse, suspend or clog said Title, right or interest in/to/for Title is HEREBY REQUESTED to present their claim to witness:
Tim Nehring, Box 982 Oliver BC V0H 1T0, before expiration of thirty days of this publication.
How to write a classified ad that works.
Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.
Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Limit abbreviations
• Limit abbreviations
Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN ACT
COURT BAILIFF SALE
www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca
The Court Bailiff offers for sale by tender bid, interest in the following goods of the Judgement Debtor(s):
BARKER MINERALS LTD., pursuant to a Writ of Seizure and Sale, Registry No. H2058117
Mineral Title Number – 1070163, Mineral Title Number – 1066788,
Mineral Title Number - 1066787, Mineral Title Number – 1066789, Mineral Title Number – 1038869, Mineral Title Number – 1066778, Mineral Title Number – 1066779, Mineral Title Number – 1066780, Mineral Title Number – 1066781, Mineral Title Number – 066782, Mineral Title Number – 1066783, Mineral Title Number – 1066784, Mineral Title Number – 1066785, Mineral Title Number – 1066786, Mineral Title Number – 1066790, Mineral Title Number – 1066791,
Mineral Title Number – 1066792, Mineral Title Number – 1068238, Mineral Title Number – 1068239, Mineral Title Number – 1068240, Mineral Title Number – 1068253, Mineral Title Number – 1070161, Mineral Title Number – 1070162, Mineral Title Number – 1070172, Mineral Title Number – 1070173
Item(s) can be viewed on our website. Go to www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca to view photographs. Closing date: 30 December 2021 Highest or any other bid not necessarily accepted. Bidders are solely responsible for determining the make, model, year of manufacture, condition, quantities, sets and or usefulness of all items for tender All items are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no warranty given or implied. As vehicles have not been inspected, we are declaring that they may not be suitable for transportation and may not be compliant with the motor vehicle act. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Terms of sale: Immediate payment in full by bank draft or cash only upon acceptance of successful bid. Call (250) 564-4900 for details.
North Central Bailiffs Ltd.
Prince George Branch
Court Bailiff Division
Brandon Jacobsen / Civil Enforcement Officer
COURT BAILIFF SALE
www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca
The Court Bailiff offers for sale by tender bid, interest in the following goods of the Judgement Debtor(s): Carri Babichuk, pursuant to a Writ of Possession, Registry No 2159037 Generac XG8000E Generator SIN#: 6189863
Item(s) can be viewed at our 2706 Jasper St. & Ottawa St and 3rd Ave compound(s) in Prince George. Go to www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca to view photographs. Closing date January 11th, 2022 Highest or any other bid not necessarily accepted. Bidders are solely responsible for determining the make, model, year of manufacture, condition, quantities, sets and or usefulness of all items for tender All items are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no warranty given or implied. As vehicles have not been inspected, we are declaring that they may not be suitable for transportation and may not be compliant with the motor vehicle act. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Terms of sale: Immediate payment in full by bank draft or cash only upon acceptance of successful bid. Call (250) 564-4900 for details.
North Central Bailiffs Ltd.
Prince George Branch Court Bailiff Division
Christopher Nevison / Court Bailiff
PUBLIC NOTICE
PROPOSED TELUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILIT Y 63.1-METER TALL
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
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
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
GROW 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.
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
HOMES
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
DESIGN TRENDS • HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS • OUTDOOR
15 sweet treats to serve this holiday season
Doyouwanttoofferyourguestsaselection of mouth-watering desserts?
Or perhaps you want to serve up a different treat at each holiday event?
In either case, here’s some inspiration:
1. Mashedpotatodonuts
2. Buttercookieswithredandgreen sprinkles
3. Icecreamyulelog
4. Fruitcupswithwhippedcream
5. Brownsugarpie
6. Saltedcaramelpretzelbark
7. Candycanefudge
8. Gingerbreadtrifle
9. Chocolatemousse
10.Maplecupcakes withbuttercreamfrosting
11 Poorman’spudding
12.Shortbreadcookies
13.Eggnogcheesecake
3 ways to decorate your tree
can opt for soft pastels or bold shades like fuchsia and orange. For a more traditional look, stick with red and white. Blue and silver is also a festive combination.
WITH ELEMENTS OF NATURE
Ifyouwanttostyleyourtreetohave an old-world look, select materials that evoke the great outdoors. Pinecones, birds, holly, deer and feathers, for example, all make lovely ornaments. If you want to try something more daring, consider using slices of dried citrus fruit or paper flowers to addapopofcolour.
WITH A NOD TO YOUR INTERESTS
14.Cranberrypecanpie
15.Chocolaterumtruffles
Keepinmindthatyoucan pare these desserts yourself or pick them up at a local bakery or pastry shop.Enjoy! There
Choosing a theme based on one of your passions can make for a one-ofa-kindtree. For example, if you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you could hang figurines of the characters from branches and top the tree with your ownSortingHat.Areyou a golf fanatic?Lookforornamentsthatresemble balls and clubs, and make snowflakes by gluingtogetherwhitetees.
SNOW REMOVAL:
Residential•Apartments• Commercial •Industrial No siteistoo bigortoo small. We have the equipment to getthe jobdone! Snowplowing•HaulAway •Hand Shoveling•Sanding
Depen-
Remember, your Christmas tree will be the focal point of your home throughout the holidays. Don’t be afraid to make it standout.
How to install a vapour barrier
If you’re constructing a wall, building an additionorfinishingyourbasement,installingavapourbarrierisamust.Thisthin layer of impermeable material, typically polyethylenesheeting,isdesignedtokeep your home dry Here are a few installationtips.
•Alwaysinstallthevapourbarrieronthe inner side of the wall (the surface facing your living area) as it experiences hotter, moister conditions than the outside wall.Avapour barrier for the ceilingisalsoamust.
•Start in one corner and work your way around the room allowing the vapour
barrier to hang down from the top framing sill. Once you’ve made it across the wall or around the room, allow for a fair amount of overlap in the corner whereyoustartedtocreateatightseal.
•Makesureyousealcracksandholesin the wall. This will block any air gaps. Also,useanacousticspray-foamorsealant tape to waterproof spaces around windows, doors, electrical outlets and lightfixtures.
Keepinmindthatincorrectlyinstallinga vapour barrier can lead to moisture problems and the need for costly to repairs. For this reason, it may be best to leave thisjobtoaprofessional.
Kaycie
Janine
Finding Homesfor Families
How to paint vinyl siding
One
If you have vinyl siding, however, there are specific steps you’ll need to follow Here’swhatyou’llneedtodo.
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINT. Usea100%acrylic paint. It offers superior adhesion, is easy to apply and provides long-lasting results.
cloth or a hose to remove any dirt and debris. To avoid damaging the siding, make sure you don’t use steel wool, a wire brush or anything abrasive.
3. PREPARE THE AREA. Remove shutters and exterior decorations, cut back bushes and trees that might get in the way and cover up anything you don’t want to get paint on (doors, windows, trim,hardware,etc.).
2. CLEAN THE SIDING. Beforepaintingit,make sure the surface is extremely clean. This will improve adhesion and help provide an even finish. Use a damp
4. APPLY THE PAINT. Using a roller or brush, begin by painting inside corners and aroundtrim. Next, move onto the walls. For best results, allow the paint to dry as directed by the manufacturer, and then apply a secondcoat.
Depending on the colour and condition of your siding, you may need to apply a primer before painting. Don’t hesitate to ask your local paint specialist for advice.
4 affordable alternatives to hardwood floors
If you want the high-end look of hardwood floors without the hefty price tag, therearemoreaffordableoptions.Here’s anoverview
1. VINYL
This type of flooring can be designed to looklikewoodbuthasallthebenefitsof vinyl. It’s scuff, dent and scratch resistant and will stand up to everyday wear and tear. Furthermore, certain types of vinylplanksfeatureclick-locktechnology,whichmakesthemeasytoinstall.
2. CORK
Cork is sustainably harvested and environmentally friendly.This renewable resource is resistant to insects, mould and mildewandnaturallyanti-microbial.Inaddition, cork flooring provides a comfortablecushionunderfoot,makingitideal
forpeoplewithbackandjointissues.
3. LAMINATE
Durable and available in a wide variety of styles and colours, laminate flooring is stain and moisture resistant This type of flooring offers a shine that lasts year afteryearandisidealforbathroomsand kitchens.
4. ENGINEERED BAMBOO
Madebybondingathinlayerofbamboo onto a plywood or fibreboard core, this type of flooring has a plasticated top for added protection. It’s stylish, robust and easy to maintain, and since bamboo is a wholly renewable resource, this product is an attractive option for environmentallyconsciousconsumers
