Prince George Citizen February 17, 2022

O’Dine’s mettle leads to

Prince George athlete

overcomes injuries, tragedy to bring home two bronze

Prince George snowboard cross racer Meryeta

O’Dine is no stranger to doing things the hard way. To win her second Olympic bronze medal last Friday,

medals

the 24-year-old got up after an Italian racer landed on top of her, did a “bear crawl” to the top of the berm in front of her and then finished her portion of the Olympic mixed team snowboarding event.

O’Dine’s individual bronze in women’s snowboard cross race last Tuesday made local sports history as she became the first athlete from Prince George to ever win an Olympic medal.

Those two bronze medals came after overcoming years of disappointment and hardship.

See ‘YOU TRAIN FOR THIS’, page 4

New research by Geoscience BC and UBC’s Mineral Deposit Research Unit has identified potential copper-gold host rocks in the Prince George region.

The report was published at the Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup 2022 conference.

The research was part of the New Porphyry Potential Under Cover in Central British Columbia project, and targeted the area between the Mount Milligan (Mackenzie), Mount Polley (Quesnel) and Gibraltar (Williams Lake) mines.

“These models and targets are the result of careful integration of public geological knowledge and geophysical data from central British Columbia,” UBC researcher Dianne Mitchinson said.

“We hope that the work will spur exploration activity within this prospective part of B.C., and that it will provide useful guidance for explorers to make decisions with more confidence.”

The research identified copper-gold porphyry host rock hidden beneath a layer of glacial till soil and rock left behind by receding glaciers in the region. In some places that layer of glacial till can be hundreds of metres thick.

The copper-gold host rock is part of the Quesnel terrane, which holds significant mineral deposits in other parts of the province.

Researchers created a model, mapping the thickness of the glacier till overburden, using a combination of drilling, groundwater well, magnetic and gravity data.

Geoscience BC vice-president Richard Truman said the project is a first step on a long road.

“It’s a long process to go from a project like this to an active mine. It can take 10, 20 or even 50 years,” Truman said.

“If we talk about finding a needle in a haystack, this is about maybe helping locate where the haystack is.”

The data will also help regional Indigenous groups as they conduct resource planning in their traditional territories, he added.

Copper, used extensively for electrical wiring and other applications, will be a key resource as the world moves to a greener economy, Truman added.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Meryeta O’Dine celebrates after winning the first of her two bronze Olympic medals in snowboard cross.

PUBLIC NOTICES

VOLUNTEER FOR THE CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE

The City is seeking residents interested in serving on the Advisory Committee on Council Remuneration.

The City is accepting applications to fill five (5) positions for aterm that begins upon Council appointment in April 2022 and ends upon presentation of final committee recommendations at a regular Council meeting beforeJune 30, 2022.

The primary purpose of the Committee is to review and make recommendations to City Council on remuneration and expenses outlined in the “City of Prince George Council Remuneration Bylaw No. 8414, 2012” for the Mayor and Councillors and to provide recommendations on a remuneration structurefor implementation in January 2023.

Eligibility Requirements and How to Apply

In addition to being available to attend committee meetings scheduled between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday,applicants should ensurethey meet the following eligibility requirements:

•Must live in the City of Prince George;

•Must be available to serve for the full term of the appointment; and

•May not be employees of the City of Prince George.

Application forms may be completed and submitted online (www.princegeorge.ca/committees), picked up from and delivered to the Legislative Services Division, 5th Floor,City Hall, or emailed to legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca.

Applicants arealso encouraged to submit astatement and/or resume detailing their interest and qualifications related to the purpose of the Committee.

Deadline for Applications: 5:00 p.m., Friday,March 18, 2022

For any questions, or to have an application form mailed to you, please contact the Legislative Services Department at (250) 561-7655 or legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca.

MAKE ADIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

The City is seeking residents interested in serving on the following Boards and Committees:

Tourism Prince George Society BoardofDirectors– One (1) Vacancy representing the Attractions Sector

The Boardmeets six (6) 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 atwo-year term beginning in April 2022 and ending in April 2024. Applications will be considered from individuals who clearly articulate on their application their proven expertise, experience, and representation in the Attractions Sector

Advisory Committee on Accessibility –Five (5) Vacancies

This Committee meets the first Thursday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is responsible for providing advice to City Council and soliciting feedback from the community on matters that affect persons with disabilities, seniors, and those with access challenges, including identification, removal and prevention of physical and social barriers. The Committee is actively involved in working with City Council to increase public awareness of the issues of accessibility and inclusion in the community

The City is accepting applications to fill five (5) vacancies for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2022 and ending March 31, 2024.

Advisory Committee on Development Design -Four (4)

Vacancies

This Committee meets Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (as needed) to provide advice to City Council on matters respecting policies and guidelines affecting the City’sphysical/built environment as well as applications for development permits in accordance with the Committee Terms of Reference. The Committee serves to encourage well-planned development in the city that considers the areas of public health, safety,convenience, climate, accessibility and aesthetics.

Applications will be considered from individuals who clearly articulate on their application their proven expertise, experience, certification and/or representation in the category to which they are applying:

•Registered professional planner;

•Landscape professional;

•Professional engineer,orprofessional engineering representative associated with building construction and site development;

•Architectural or design representative associated with building construction and site development in the City of Prince George;

•Representative with experience in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED);

•Appointed representative from the Canadian Homebuilders Association of NorthernBC or the BC NorthernReal Estate Board;

•Appointed representative from the Prince George Council of Seniors; or

•Public at Large.

Applicants representing the Canadian Homebuilders Association of NorthernBC, BC Northern Real Estate Board, or the Prince George Council of Seniors must submit, at the time of application, aletter from the organization verifying that you areaconfirmed representative of that organization.

The City is accepting applications to fill four (4) vacancies for two-year terms beginning April 1, 2022 and ending March 31, 2024.

How to Apply

Individuals interested in serving on these Boards or Committees must be available to attend regularly scheduled meetings and be willing to actively participate in projects that the respective board/committee undertakes throughout the year

Application forms may be completed and submitted online (www.princegeorge.ca/committees), picked up from and delivered to the Legislative Services Division, 5th Floor,City Hall, or emailed to legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca.

Deadline for Applications: 5:00 p.m., Friday,February 25, 2022

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.

NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 86 of the Community Charter, Prince George City Council is proposing to seek approval of the electors of the City of Prince George by Alternative Approval Process. The question beforethe electors is whether they are opposed to Prince George City Council adopting the proposed “City of Prince George Equipment Financing Bylaw No. 9277, 2022” at the regular Council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.inthe Council Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, without first obtaining assent of the electors by areferendum vote.

City of Prince George Equipment Financing Bylaw No. 9277, 2022

The annual replacement and addition of vehicles and capital equipment arefinanced through the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) Equipment Financing Program. The estimated cost of the projects associated with this Bylaw is the sum of one million seven hundred and seventy nine thousand eight hundred and thirty four dollars ($1,779,834.00).

The loan agreement with the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) will be for aterm no longer than fifteen (15) years to match the expected service life of the new mobile equipment. The annual debt servicing costs for borrowing the full amounts is estimated to be one hundred and eighty six thousand eight hundred and thirty three dollars ($186,833.00) and would result in 0.16% of future tax levy increases.

The approved projects from the 2022 -2026 Capital Financial Plan that will be part of the Equipment Financing Program request include:

•Project #0431 –Mobile Equipment Replacement -$1,687,834.00

•Project #3208 –Janitorial Equipment -Replace Floor Scrubbers -$41,000.00

•Project #3359 –2022 New Bylaw SUV -$51,000.00

Acopy of proposed Bylaw No. 9277, 2022, amoredetailed summary of the Equipment Financing, and acopy of the proposed loan agreements with the Municipal Finance Authority areavailable for public inspection at City Hall during each business day of the week between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

For any questions, please contact the Legislative Services Department at (250) 561-7793 or cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.

Instructions

PUBLIC NOTICE/ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

If you are not opposed to the adoption of Bylaw No. 9277, you need do nothing.

If you are opposed to the adoption of the Bylaw No. 9277 without the Bylaw first receiving assent of the electors by areferendum vote, you may sign and submit an Elector Response Form indicating your opposition.

Aperson may not sign morethan one Elector Response Form.

Applicable Area

The area to which the Alternative Approval Process applies is the entireareaofthe City of Prince George. The municipal Council may proceed with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9277, 2022 unless beforethe deadline of 5:00 p.m., Thursday,March 31, 2022,atleast 10% of electors submit a complete and signed Elector Response Form indicating that Council must obtain assent of the electors by areferendum vote beforeproceeding with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9277, 2022.

For the purpose of this Alternative Approval Process, Council has determined that thereare 55,703 electors in the City of Prince George. The municipal Council may thereforeproceed with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9277, 2022 unless at least 5,570 electors submit acompleted copy of an Elector Response Form to the City of Prince George beforethe deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday,March 31, 2022.

Resident and Non-Resident Property Electors:

In order to sign an Elector Response Form, aperson must either be aresident elector or a non-resident property elector of the City of Prince George. For the purposes of the Alternative Approval Process, an elector is aperson who would meet the qualifications referred to in section 65 or section 66 of the Local Government Act if assent of the electors weresought, either as aresident elector or non-resident property elector

To sign an Elector Response Form as a resident elector aperson must:

•beaCanadian citizen;

•beatleast 18 years of age;

•have lived in British Columbia for at least the last six (6) months beforesigning the Elector Response Form;

•live within the City of Prince George; and

•not be otherwise disqualified from voting by the Local Government Act or by other law

To sign an Elector Response Form as a non-resident property elector aperson must:

•beaCanadian citizen;

•beatleast 18 years of age;

•have lived in British Columbia for at least the last six (6) months beforesigning the Elector Response Form;

•have been aregistered owner of property within the City of Prince George for at least the last thirty (30) days; and

•not be otherwise disqualified from voting by the Local Government Act or by other law

Elector Response Form

An Elector Response Form must be in the form approved by the Council of the City of Prince George, or an accurate copy of the form such as aphotocopy.Elector Response Forms are available on the 1st Floor or the 5th Floor of Prince George City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., on Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Elector Response Forms arealso available on the City’swebsite: www.princegeorge.ca/aap.

The deadline for submitting an Elector Response Form to the City of Prince George is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday,March 31, 2022

An Elector Response Form must be fully completed and hand-signed. All three (3) pages of the completed Elector Response Form must be submitted in order to be considered

Elector Response Forms may be submitted by hand delivery,mail, facsimile (fax), or email as a PDF document attachment, as follows:

Address for delivery or mail: Attention: Corporate Officer City of Prince George Legislative Services Division 5th Floor -1100 Patricia Blvd. Prince George, BC V2L 3V9

Facsimile (fax) number: (250) 561-0183

PDF submission via email: cityclerk@princegeorge.ca

If submitting the Elector Response Form to the City of Prince George by facsimile (fax) or by email as aPDF document attachment, please ensurethat the transmission was completed.

This is the first of two (2) postings of this public notice.

DATED this 17th day of February,2022

Maureen Connelly,Corporate Officer City of Prince George

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

WHAT:

Public Hearing regarding:

•Proposed amendment to “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007”

WHEN:

7:00 p.m., Monday,February 28, 2022

WHERE:

Council Chambers of City Hall, 2nd Floor,1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC

PROPOSAL:

1. “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9248, 2021”

Applicant: McWalter Consulting Limited for Pahal Holdings Inc., Inc. No.

BC1106415

Subject Property: 2740 Recplace Drive

Bylaw No. 9248, 2021 proposes to rezone the subject property from Z8: Regional Shopping to C2: Regional Commercial, as shown on Appendix “A” to Bylaw No. 9248, 2021.

The purpose of this application is to facilitate the development of amixed-use, health service centrespecializing in health and dental on the subject property,orother uses, pursuant to the proposed C2: Regional Commercial zoning designation.

The proposed Bylaw applies to the property legally described as Lot 3, District Lot 8180, Cariboo District, Plan EPP76632 and an undivided 33/100 ShareinLot 2, District Lot 8180, Cariboo District, Plan EPP76632 (see Plan as to limited access).

HOW CAN IPARTICIPATEAND PROVIDE COMMENT?

Residents who believe their interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw will be provided an opportunity to be heardatthe Public Hearing or to present written submissions prior to or at the Public Hearing regarding matters contained in the Bylaw

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

For written comments to be included on the agenda for Council’sreview in advance of the Public Hearing, they must be received by the Corporate Officer no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Written submissions received after the noted deadline and before 3:00 p.m., Monday,February 28, 2022 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, or mailed or delivered to the address noted on the bottom of this notice.

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 disclosureofany personal information that you provide.

ATTEND BY TELEPHONE

In an effort to provide the public with options to speak to Council regarding aPublic Hearing application, the City offers remote participation via telephone during Public Hearings. Residents areencouraged to dial into the meeting at least 10 minutes beforethe start of the Public Hearing by calling 1-877-708-3350, Access Code: 1269574#.

ATTEND IN PERSON

Residents who wish to speak to Council in person regarding the proposed Bylaw can do so during the Public Hearing in Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,February 28, 2022.

The City of Prince George follows the orders of the Provincial Health Officer and guidelines regarding gatherings and events. When Public Hearings arerequired to be held, measures have been put in place to support the health and safety of members of the public attending the Public Hearing to provide comments.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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.

For moredetailed information on providing submissions to Council, please visit www.princegeorge.ca/publichearings.

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 Bylaw 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,February 16, 2022. These documents may also be reviewed at the Development Services office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on February 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 28, 2022, 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.

For questions related to Public Hearing participation and procedures, please contact the Legislative Services Division by telephone (250)561-7793 or by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE PARCEL TAXROLL REVIEW PANEL

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 94 and section 204 of the Community Charter,the sitting of the Parcel TaxRoll Review Panel will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers located at 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, B.C. to consider complaints and to authenticate the parcel tax roll in relation to the “Dunbar Place Sanitary Sewer Extension Local Area Service Bylaw No. 8910, 2017.”

The Parcel TaxRoll Review Panel will hear complaints and make corrections to the parcel tax roll only on the following grounds:

•Thereisanerror or omission respecting aname or address on the parcel tax roll;

•Thereisanerror or omission respecting the inclusion of aparcel;

•Thereisanerror or omission respecting the taxable frontage of aparcel; or

•Anexemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed.

If you wish to have acomplaint heardbythe Parcel TaxRoll Review Panel, you must give written notice of your complaint to the Corporate Officer at least forty-eight (48) hours beforethe time set for the sitting of the Parcel TaxRoll Review Panel at 12:00 p.m., March 4, 2022.Inother words, we must receive the written notice of your complaint by 12:00 p.m., March 2, 2022.Complaints may be submitted as follows:

Hand Delivery or Mail:

Attention: Corporate Officer City of Prince George 5th Floor -1100 Patricia Blvd. Prince George, BC V2L 3V9

Fax: (250) 561-0183 Email: cityclerk@princegeorge.ca

The Parcel TaxRoll may be inspected on the 1st and 5th Floor of Prince George City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, B.C., between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday,excluding statutory holidays.

For questions concerning the above information or to obtain acopy of Bylaw No. 8910 2017, please contact the Legislative Services Department at (250) 561-7793 or cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.

Note: Notices of assessment have been mailed only to owners that arebeing charged aparcel tax for the first time.

This is the first of two (2) postings of this public notice.

DATED this 17th day of February,2022. Maureen Connelly,Corporate Officer City of Prince George

‘You train for this...’

Continued from page 1

Four years ago at the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea, she suffered the fifth concussion of her career in a training run and did not get to race.

“I came in here with a pretty big mission. Of course, in this sport, anything can happen, it can be anyone’s day, and I honestly kept telling myself it was going to be my day today and I really worked everything that I could and I came in, definitely, with a lot of vengeance from the last Olympics.”

Her life didn’t get easier after the 2018 Olympics.

In 2019, a compression fracture in her spine ended her season. In 2020, her older brother Brandon died of cancer.

This season, O’Dine has struggled on the World Cup circuit, missing the cut in qualifying in four of the six races but she finished fourth in Montafon, Austria, on Dec. 10 and was fifth in the team event the following day. She was 10th in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Jan. 29, the last race leading up to the Olympics. O’Dine was ranked 12th in the World Cup standings heading to China.

O’Dine said she used psychology and tapped into her years of experience on the World Cup tour to prepare herself mentally and put aside the disappointments to focus on the reasons she was

racing at the Olympics.

She has distanced herself from the national team this season and has been training in Europe with the B.C. snowboard cross team.

“Friends and family from home, of course, were my number one supporters,” said O’Dine.

“I’m training and traveling with the B.C. team again and it has just been all time positive vibes and great training and it’s really set me up to bring me to where I am mentally today.

“You plan for this; you train for this for so many years. You want redemption from the last Olympics,” she explained. “Anything can happen in this sport, but I really wanted this today, and I’m really happy that I could make it happen.”

O’Dine first earned her racing stripes as an alpine skier on the slopes of Tabor Mountain, a resort owned by her father, Fern Thibault, and mother, Virginia O’Dine. Before devoting herself to snowboard cross, O’Dine raced canoe kayak and took part in the 2012 B.C. Summer Games in Surrey.

Racing on her home course during the 2015 Canada Winter Games, O’Dine took gold.

REQUEST FOR COMMENT

application (Bylaw 9255, 2021).

Please visit the City of Prince George website at www.princegeorge.ca/landuse for moredetailed information.

Subject Property –2989 Barr Road

The City of Prince George is proposing an amendment to Schedule B-6: Future Land Use of City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011, to facilitate afuture20lot, single residential subdivision on the subject property This application to amend the Official Community Plan also includes arezoning

The City requests written comment from any person, organization, or agencies that may be affected by this amendment. Please forwardany written submissions by 9:00 am, February 28, 2022 to the Development Services Division at 1100 Patricia Boulevard, PG V2L 3V9, Fax: 561-7721, Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca.

Read about O’Dine’s triumphant return to Prince George at pgcitizen.ca

NEIL GODBOUT Citizen staff

I’m not the parent of an Olympian, like my friend Virginia, but I was so nervous last Tuesday night.

A group of friends of Virginia and her daughter Meryeta took over the Westwood Pub to watch ‘Eta’ race in the women’s snowboard cross event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

As the Westwood crowd erupted in cheers, Virginia broke down in tears of pride and relief after Meryeta’s strong time trial run, where she recorded the third fastest time in the entire field of 32 women and the fastest time of the four Canadian women. A group of Meryeta’s friends at a nearby table squealed in delight when she Facetimed them from China a short time later.

Virginia took to the mic during the long break while the seeding order for the next races were being decided and explained what would happen next. The athletes went down the course alone during the time trials but in the races to come, they would go down in groups of four, with only the top two moving on to the next races. Virginia also kept everyone entertained (she is a stand-up comedian in her

spare time) with some trivia.

How many countries has 24-yearold Meryeta been to? 30. How old was Meryeta when she won her first sports trophy? Four (BMX racing).

Meryeta easily won both her first heat and the quarter-final heat, cranking up the tension in the room. The semifinal was a heartstopper, as she came from the back of the pack halfway through the heat to take first and book her spot in the Olympic final, where three of the four racers would take home a medal.

Everyone was nervous now, not just me. So when it was time for the final, I stood next to the big screen, so I could watch the race out of the corner of my eye while also taking some photos of my dear friend. She took a deep breath of anticipation as the finalists were introduced, willed Meryeta on as the race got underway, covered her face as it became clear that Meryeta was going to medal and then raised her arms in joy.

So much hard work and sacrifice and pain for so many years, all made worthwhile in a glorious moment.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Virginia O’Dine, centre, celebrates with friends at the Westwood Pub last Tuesday after her daughter Meryeta won the first of her two Olympic bronze medals.

NoticeofAnnualGeneral Meeting

TheAnnual General Meeting of theTNW TheatreNorth West Society willbeheld at TheatreNorthWest, #36-556 North Nechako Road. MondayMarch 72022, at 7pm.

Nominations to the boardmust bereceived,orpost marked by MondayFebruary28, 2022

In consideration of the entitlements given,

For moreinformation please contact: Elise Dougherty Service CentreRepresentative edougherty@rdffg.bc.ca

Parents struggling with childcare crisis

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Childcare is currently so limited that expecting couples in Prince George are often advised to get on waitlists before they even give birth to their child.

national problem,” said Lynette Mikalishen, director of childcare services at the YMCA of Northern B.C.

We want to hear from you

The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) is responsible for ensuring thatthe utilities we regulate are provided witha reasonable opportunity to earna fair returnontheir invested capital. Afair return is compensation for the service aregulated utilityprovides from investments and expenditures made, including infrastructure.A fairreturnisnecessary for utilities to attractcapital and maintainfinancial integrity in orderto provide continuous service and meet its obligations of providing safe and reliable service.

The BCUC has established an open and transparent GenericCost of Capital proceedingto determine the amount of returnregulatedutilitiesinBritish Columbia (BC) can earn on their investments. The proceeding willbeconducted in two stages. Stage 1willdetermine rate of return for the Benchmark and which utility/utilities will serve as the Benchmark for regulated public utilities.Stage 2will consider a fair returnfor all other public utilities. This couldimpact the earned return for all regulated utilities, including smalland new utilities, as well as Indigenous owned and operated utilities in BC.

In Stage 1, FortisBC Energy Inc., the Benchmark Utility from 2013 to presentthat

gas services, andFortisBC Inc., which provides electricity services, weredirected to submit evidence to support their proposed cost of capital. This evidencewillbereviewed to determine which entity, or both,will serve as the Benchmark and the Benchmark’s rate of return on invested capital.

Local mother Karen Muir experienced these challenges firsthand when her youngest daughter was six-months-old and she needed to return to work.

Muir said she went through everything from being waitlisted, to having to hire a private nanny, then finding group care but having that centre close on short notice.

Eventually, Muir lucked out and found a spot for her two children at a centre in College Heights.

“I laugh at a little bit because I’m looking at moving to College Heights and I’ve put my daughter in school in College Heights all because that’s where I have daycare. I’m planning my life around daycare because that’s what people do when daycare is so, so short supplied.”

Muir, who is an accountant, says having access to childcare is essential to keeping her in the workforce.

“I’m a single parent. I have my kids full time,” said Muir. “I have to work and there is so much benefit to me working –it makes no sense for me to not work but I also can’t really work without childcare.”

Muir says there’s not enough social infrastructure to support parents, primarily women in the workforce and that even though she’s found a spot for her children, daycare is still a constant concern.

“That stress is always there in the back of my mind ‘what if something happens to daycare’,” said Muir.

A long way to go to fill the gap

Although the provincial government is moving towards implementing a $10 per day childcare system by 2026 and opening new childcare spaces across the province to address this crisis, there’s currently a lack of early childhood educators (ECEs) across the country to fill these new positions.

“I would say that (the lack of ECEs) is a

The YMCA recently opened the Park House Child Care and Early Learning Centre in downtown Prince George with over 80 new spaces for kids of all ages, but those spots are currently being filled by the waitlist, and only gradually, depending on staffing capacity.

Mikalishen says there are a lot of contributing factors to the lack of ECEs but a common thread is lower wages in a challenging field.

As part of the province’s early care learning and recruitment and retention strategy, the province did announce that front line ECEs working in licensed childcare facilities will receive a $4 per hour wage enhancement by March 2022.

“There’s things happening, but there’s a long way to go in filling that gap. We were short prior to COVID across the province and honestly, it’s not gotten easier.”

An exciting time to enter the field

“It is really difficult for parents to find childcare in Prince George, particularity if you are looking for infant or toddler care,” said Cheryl Emerson an ECE instructor at the College of New Caledonia (CNC).

While some childcare centres keep a waitlist and others do not, it is still typically a two-year wait for someone to get an infant and toddler space in the city, and this is partly because of a lack of qualified staff needed for infant and toddler ratios.

“People may be coming into the field don’t realize that they can earn a living wage now and so it’s taking a while for people to understand that it’s a real viable job opportunity,” said Emerson.

“I think that there can be some more equity in terms of wages and wage scales which in the province is currently working and I think that there needs to be that societal shift around the value of providing quality accessible affordable childcare,” said Christine Jackson, another ECE instructor at CNC.

“It is a win for everybody regardless of whether you have children or not.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A lack of early childhood educators in Prince George has local parents in a bind.

City population up 4%

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

Prince George’s population grew by 3.7 per cent between 2016 and 2021, according to Statistics Canada.

The city’s population grew to 76,708, up from 74,003 in the 2016 census, with 33,643 private dwellings in the city.

The population in the Prince George census agglomeration area – a 17,651 sq. kilometre area around the city, including rural communities like Shelley and Ness Lake – grew 3.3 per cent between 2016 and 2021.

The area’s population rose to 89,490, up from 86,622 in 2016, with 39,207 private dwellings in the area, of which 5,564 were in the rural areas.

Prince George’s population grew slower than the national and provincial averages.

Canada’s population grew by 5.2 per cent to just short of 37 million. The province’s population grew by 7.6 per cent to just over five million people.

Prince George’s population growth falls far short of BC Statistics estimates.

BC Statistics estimated the city’s urban population – as defined by the Prince George City North, Central and Southwest community health service areas – at 82,290 in 2020.

Prior to the release of the census data, BC Statistics was projecting Prince George’s population to continue growing for the next two decades, adding roughly 1,000 new residents per year throughout the 2020s.

BC Stats estimated the population within city limits to reach approximately 87,500 people by 2025, 92,300 people by 2030 and 97,300 residents by 2040.

A 67-unit apartment building under construction at 1755 Foothills Blvd. was the highest-value building permit issued in Prince George in 2021, at $20.64 million.

Record building activity reported during 2021

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

The City of Prince George issued 467 building permits for projects worth a combined $247.6 million in 2021.

The estimated value of the completed buildings is up 6.3 per cent over those issued in 2019, which was the city’s previous best year for new building permits. In 2020 the city issued 532 permits worth $219 million, 611 permits worth $223.5 million in 2019 and 515 permits worth $186.7 million in 2018.

Between 2017 and 2021, the city issued a total of $985 million in building permits.

A surge in multi-family developments – primarily apartment buildings and condominium complexes – has led the boom. In 2021, the city issued permits for new multi-family developments worth a combined $115 million, up more than 60 per cent over the previous record of $70 million set in 2020. Of the 467 building permits issued by the city in 2021, 461 were for private-sector businesses.

According to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, there were a total of 484 residential housing starts in Prince George in 2021.

The ten largest developments permitted by the city in 2021 were:

• 1755 Foothills Blvd., 67-unit apartment building: $20.64 million

• 2604 Recplace Dr., 90-unit apartment building: $18 million

• 7180 Boundary Crt., 70,363 sq. foot warehouse, $12.17 million

• 855 First Ave., BC Housing project, $12 million

• Pine Centre Mall, Save-on-Foods store construction, $10.5 million

• 2918 Hopkins Rd., 55-unit multi-family building, $9.79 million

• 2604 Recplace Dr., 47-unit apartment building, $9.65 million

• 7411 Riggs Cres., Great West Equipment building, $9 million

• 1965 17th Ave., 35-unit townhouse complex, $8.01 million

• 605 Quebec St., 9,092 sq. foot multi-family building, $6.5 million.

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Blame Justin

For the last 50 years, encompassing father and son, even with six prime ministers between Pierre and Justin, the Trudeau name has been a lightning rod, especially in Western Canada.

Yet the disdain heaped on Pierre in the 1970s and 1980s is polite compared to the vitriol Justin has received since becoming prime minister in 2015, mostly due to social media and an increasingly wide political divide.

The participants in the recent “Freedom Convoy” and border blockades and community protests are mad about lots of things – public health orders, vaccinations, restrictions, masks, passports and so on – to varying degrees. But they all agree about Justin Trudeau and the loudest cheers and crowd chants go to “F*** TRUDEAU!”

The fixation on Trudeau runs from pickup drivers virtue signaling with their F*** Trudeau bumper stickers to the entire Conservative Party of Canada and its Parliamentary caucus. The CPC has fired its last two leaders – Erin O’Toole and Andrew Scheer – and forced Stephen Harper to retire for a single unforgiveable sin: not being able to beat Trudeau in a federal election. Yes, there were other contributing factors, but failing to do job #1 was the big one.

Moderate environmentalists who fight for change through government action and public support are often frustrated and embarrassed by radicals chaining themselves to trees, vandalizing logging equipment and demonizing the police for having the audacity to enforce the law. So too are Canadians sympathetic to peaceful protest and loudly expressing displeasure with government and public health orders but horrified by the illegal and disgusting behaviour of many of these protesters.

The same crowd raging two years ago against the Wet’suwet’en blockade and supporting protests blocking rail lines and urban intersections across Canada now see nothing wrong with shutting down the downtown core of the nation’s capital and blocking major international border crossings for days on end with no consequences. People who wanted law and order harshly enforced two years ago now justify lawlessness with childish deflections like “oh, yeah, what about those guys?” and “look at how bad Black Lives Matters supporters were in the States.”

Maybe one day, the F*** Trudeau crowd will realize the louder and longer they say it, the more they’re just screwing themselves. But they probably never will. Better blame Justin for that, too.

- Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Protests failed on all counts

On Jan. 28, protesters theoretically opposed to the mandate that all truck drivers need to be vaccinated to cross the US-Canada border arrived in Ottawa. More than two weeks later, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act to deal with the protest. This decision highlights one of the issues with protests. They can make things worse. For a group of people who wanted to fight what they claimed was a tyranny ushered in by the current pandemic, they gave the man they blame for so many things a reason to have even more power. Indeed, the way things played out, if I did not know better, I would think Justin Trudeau paid them to occupy Ottawa, block a few border crossings, and honk their horns so that he could invoke the Emergencies Act. After all he talked about using it earlier in the pandemic and the irony of the current protest is that it is taking place just as restrictions are being removed across the country

As someone who has organized a few events, though, I know that the key weakness of most, if not all, conspiracy theories, is that the level of organization needed for them to work is near impossible to achieve. The protesters do not represent all Canadians and there is nothing wrong with that. Most protests are organized by a vocal minority with varying levels of support among the public. The whole point of a protest is garnering public support. If anything, though, this protest has divided the country with families and friends at odds with each other over what to do. For people who claim to be speaking for everyone and fighting for our freedoms, the protesters seem to want to silence anyone who disagrees with them, and are hell bent on punishing salaried politicians by disrupting small businesses and preventing regular Canadians from doing their job.

Police inaction can also be seen as a defeat for the protesters. As much as having the police break up a

protest and arrest people appears to be evidence that the protest failed, it brings the matter to the courts where actual change can occur. As soon as the protesters blocked the border, they started hurting Bay Street. Shortly afterwards the Conservative Party started telling them to go home. Now Trudeau has enacted the Emergencies Act. Regardless of what he does with these new powers it is important to remember that Bay Street has another group in their pocket –lawyers. Already reports are coming in of vehicle insurance revoked, commercial licenses cancelled, and charges being laid after the fact. It is all perfectly legal and will not stop once the protest does.

And while certain law firms might defend Pat King, Tamara Lich, and other convoy leaders, much like the funds raised for the protest, I doubt their services will trickle down to everyone else.

Daniel Sims is a First Nations Studies professor at UNBC.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FREEDOM FRUSTRATION

COVID-19 has had an obvious impact on all of our lives and has helped to illustrate just how much we have changed as a society. It is almost scary to think that in our time of heightened self-preservation, past events such as a world war could be waged and not stopped due to our inability to preserve the whole as opposed to the individual. The recent pandemic is not a vehicle for politics, the pandemic is a virus, a virus that kills people and it has killed in the millions.

I whole-heartedly agree with freedom, it is not a human right, but a state that has been fought for and achieved through the sacrifices of many before us. As I have already alluded to, I find it difficult to believe that many in today’s society would do the same. Not to quote the Spiderman franchise, but with freedom comes responsibility. Freedom is not an absolute, as practicing freedom requires one to be lucid, and aware of how the individual freedoms impact others. Freedom does not exist when the wants and wishes, the actions of one, hinder another. When we exist in a world when our own personal freedoms trump those of another, we are denying the freedoms that our society and political structures have implemented and that is wrong.

The truckers convoy is something that I understand but cannot back. We spent the better part of two years backing first responders for their role in fighting COVID, but many largely ignored the plight of the retail workers, truckers and service workers that kept the groceries coming in and allowed us all to live our lives. Shopping through Amazon was not strictly online, as there were many who had to deliver those goods.

I find it almost insulting that in our third late winter since the rise of COVID, many are placing their own needs above the whole. It makes no sense that at university for instance, many of the necessary employees still work from home while students are expected to cram into the lecture halls, and while the employee ranks at supermarkets are full, many government workers hide at home.

E-mail: letters@pgcitizen.ca

Protests prove one thing, as Bill Maher has said, “get back to living, protect the vulnerable”, but you cannot take from others to suit yourself.

Stop protesting, get vaccinated, do your civic, humane duty as others have before us.

Michael Maslen, Prince George

STANDING UP FOR CANADA

In 1916, my father, an agricultural labourer facing his thirtieth birthday, enlisted with the Rocky Mountain Rangers and went to war. As the daughter of a veteran of the First World War, I am deeply offended by the rhetoric of the so-called freedom convoys. Let us be clear. When the crowds gathered in our capitals and at our borders liken themselves to the veterans of the last century they are deluded. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Soldiers did not whimper “I want my life back.” They voluntarily offered their lives to their country. Newly enlisted soldiers, and women serving in the hospitals and in ambulance crews, did not walk away from mandated vaccinations. They bared their shoulders for the jab and got on with the job their country needed them to do. They quarantined in cramped, miserable huts as waves of contagious diseases swept the training camps and recovered in isolation when the diseases struck them down. And some returned home years later suffering hearing loss and other disabilities from these infections and war’s wounds. As war drew to a close in 1918, soldiers fell to the scourge of influenza because then there was no vaccine to protect them. Far too many died. When returning veterans were discontent with government policies, they organized to petition the government peacefully and effectively won for themselves and their descendants some of the best veterans’ benefits in what is now the Commonwealth.

Our veterans understood and acted on their understanding that with freedom comes responsibility to others. Freedom was won not by hysterical mobs braying individualism and scorn for democracy, but by veterans committed to their fellow citizens.

Jo-Anne Fiske, Fraser Lake

Warmer winters new normal

February brings us Valentine’s Day with its over-indulgence in all things romantic. It also brings us one month closer to spring when we can again go outside without dressing in multiple layers.

This February has also presented us with the spectacle of the Winter Olympic Games. As of the day I am writing it, Canadian athletes have 12 medals (way to go, Meryeta O’Dine!) and likely many more to come. We can rally behind our hockey and curling teams, oooh and aaah at the daredevils antics of snowboarders and skiers, and for a brief period every four years, pretend we know something about luge, skeleton, and bobsleigh!

Actually, that last comment is perhaps a little unfair as Canadians know a great deal about sliding on ice.

Just ask anyone who has been driving over the past week because this February has brought us some unseasonably warm weather.

We aren’t breaking any records but we have been several degrees above average

Typically, at this time of year, our daily highs are still below freezing but progressing towards the beginning of March when temperatures start hitting positive numbers. This year, we are well above freezing. However, like so many things we are learning to tolerate, this appears to be the new normal. The global impact of increased levels greenhouse gases is changing weather patterns and resulting in warmer winters.

This past week, scientists sounded a new alarm. The global methane concentrations in the atmosphere have nearly tripled relative to

Was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau correct to invoke the Emergencies Act?

Should fireworks be allowed in city limits? Vote by pointing your phone’s camera at the QR code below

RESULTS from last week’s polls:

Are teachers overworked and underpaid?

● Yes, they deserve better.

354 votes, 42 per cent

● Not sure.

70 votes, 8 per cent

● No, they already receive a fair wage.

431 votes, 50 per cent

Do you believe in ghosts?

● Yes, no question in my mind. 143 votes, 24 per cent

● Mostly yes but I have an open mind. 82 votes, 14 per cent

● Not sure.

pre-industrial times.

Data released by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tell us methane has now climbed to over 1,900 parts per billion or, put differently, to 1.9 parts per million.

Not a lot but consider the fluoride in drinking water so many people were concerned about was less than 1.0 part per million.

Methane is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. A spike in levels beginning around 2007 has scientists worried we have passed a tipping point. Warmer climates are releasing more methane from permafrost and other sources which is resulting in warmer climates and more methane released.

Positive feedback loops quickly spiral out of control. Perhaps we really should be doing something about climate change. Or learning to live with warmer Februarys. Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.

41 votes, 6 per cent

● Mostly no but I have an open mind. 128 votes, 22 per cent

● No, no question in my mind. 201 votes, 34 per cent

LETTERS WELCOME: The Prince George Citizen welcomes letters to the editor from our readers. Send your submissions by e-mail to: letters@pgcitizen.ca. Handwritten letters will not be published. Maximum length is about 400 words and writers are limited to one submission every three weeks. We will edit letters only to ensure clarity, good taste, for legal reasons, and occasionally for length. Although we will not include your address and telephone number in the paper, we need both for verification purposes. Unsigned letters will not be published.

Read the full, unabrdged version of many of these articles and other interesting local stories

Local boy battling back from leukemia

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

Eli is eight years old and lives in Prince George.

He’s a going concern, full of love and energy and spunk, just like any other Northern BC kid. He loves cars, super heroes and Paw Patrol.

Eli was born with Down Syndrome and because of that his health is always closely monitored for potential issues.

The day after his eighth birthday the world stopped turning for parents Michael and Dana Daykin and sister Katie when Eli’s routine bloodwork brought alarming results and the order came over the phone to immediately take him to hospital.

Eli had leukemia. And that’s when the world sped up in a hurry. Within hours of being rushed to UHNBC, Eli was flown to BC Children’s Hospital to start immediate life-saving treatment.

Dana went with Eli, Michael stayed home with Katie.

It’s been like that for the last year and just the other day Eli underwent his last treatment for leukemia that specifically targets those with Down Syndrome.

The protocols were all in place, the battle would be won, but a battle it was.

“Watching anybody go through chemotherapy is heart wrenching, watching

your child go through it is... yeah,” Michael said.

The first attack against leukemia using chemotherapy is extreme and that’s the knock-it-down phase, Michael added. Once that is done the process gets a bit easier but the child is still very ill.

“The analogy that was given to me is that the first phase of treatment against

this type of leukemia is cutting down the tree, the second is digging up the roots, the third phase is preparing the soil for the roots to grow back and the final phase is making sure just the good roots are growing back.” Michael said.

It’s not been easy during the process as Eli had to deal with many side effects of treatment, Michael added.

“Eli has done really well and he’s been such a trooper,” Michael said. “He’s gone through - I don’t even know how many rounds of pokes and biopsies and everything - it’s been quite the journey.”

Eli spent a year at BC Children’s Hospital and this week he finally gets to come home. But he’s not done with it yet or perhaps it’s better to say leukemia isn’t done with him yet and it won’t be for a while.

There’s a less-intense treatment protocol of what’s called ‘maintenance’ with routine trips back to the hospital down south for the next two years. But that comes with a lot of hope.

Through it all, Mom Dana lived at Ronald McDonald House for 350 days of the last 365.

Michael and Katie went to visit as much as they could but because of the pandemic it wasn’t easy as the priority was to keep Eli safe.

Michael was only able to visit eight times.

There were a lot of phone calls, video chats and the like to keep connected.

Michael kept working during that time to pay the bills, Katie spent a lot of time with her grandparents.

And the community has supported the family through this terrible time in their lives.

BC Childrens’ Hospital has saved Eli’s life and Michael shared their story in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCCHF), which is the only hospital in BC devoted just to the care of children. It is one of the few pediatric medical centres in North America with a world-class acute care centre, research institute, mental health facility and rehabilitation centre, all on a single campus.

Leading experts at BC Children’s Hospital provide a specialized level of expertise, innovative therapies and kid-focused care that can’t be found anywhere else in the province, including the sickest and most seriously injured.

The Choices Lottery that supports the BC Children’s Hospital has recently launched its fundraising efforts for 2022.

Ticket sales for the Choices Lottery run until April 7.

Individuals can purchase their tickets by phone at 604-692-2333, toll-free at 1-888-887-8771, in-person at London Drugs and Save-On Foods. For more information visit www.bcchildren.com

Security cams sought

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

The City of Prince George and Prince George RCMP are asking residents and businesses to register their surveillance cameras in an online database.

The registry will be managed by the city and accessible to RCMP members, to allow them to quickly identify the locations and owners of potential video evidence to support their investigations.

“We spend a tremendous amount of time” canvassing areas for potential video

camera evidence when crimes happen, RCMP Supt. Shaun Wright said.

“Obviously it is voluntary in nature,” Wright said. “(But) it is a tool that I think is going to be quite valuable to us.”

The availability of cheap security systems – like doorbell cameras - means there has been a significant increase in the number of homes and businesses which have cameras, he added.

The data will only be shared with law enforcement for the purpose of identifying potential video footage related to law enforcement investigations.

ELI DAYKIN

Megan Simmons and Eric Simmons of McDonalds in Prince George flank Darrell Roze, executive director of the Child Development Centre of Prince George & District, as they present the CDC with $15,836.47 raised during a recent McHappy Day.

Child centre gets boost

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Citizen staff

The Child Development Centre of Prince George & District got a boost Wednesday when Executive Director Darrell Roze accepted a generous donation of $15,836.47 from Eric Simmons, McDonald’s operations manager.

The money represents half of what was raised during a recent McHappy Day fundraising effort. The other half of the funds raised at all area McDonalds franchises will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House that serves Northern BC families who need to take their children to Vancouver for treatment at BC Children’s Hospital.

“McDonald’s has always been fantastic supporters of us and have been long-time supporters with the McHappy Day funds that are shared between us and Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver that is another fantastic charity that helps northern families,” Roze said.

The Child Development Centre of Prince George & District (CDC) helps children overcome unique challenges. The local centre offers specialized services that lead to greater independence and more freedom for children with special needs.

“Almost all the funds we received from

the province goes to wages and benefits for our program staff so these funds really help when we go to purchase equipment for children with special needs,” Roze said.

He gave an example of equipment purchased with these donated funds like a training wheelchair that’s part of the early mobility program where children learn how to operate a wheelchair by using one that’s slower. The slow-moving wheelchairs offer children a safe way to learn how to navigate what’s probably their first big piece of motorized equipment.

“For a lot of children it just allows them to get used to propelling themselves,” Roze explained. “A lot of children don’t understand the freedom they will get from the use of a motorized wheelchair and for the first time in their lives they can experience mobility and increased independence.”

For Simmons, it’s important to support the children of the north.

“It’s something we’ve always done, gone 50/50 with Ronald McDonald House that is right beside BC Children’s Hospital as more than 50 per cent of the house is filled with families from the north, so it still supports local and it’s a McDonalds charity and we do like to focus on that but we also like to give locally so the Child Development Centre is a perfect fit.”

Drugs caused 55 deaths

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Citizen staff

Illicit drugs killed 55 people in Prince George in 2021, according to data released by the BC Coroners Service. Last year had the second-highest number of overdose drug deaths than in 2020. It was the deadliest year on record, with 2,224 deaths across the province.

A record 146 deaths were reported in the Northern Health region in 2021. The number of deaths was up 8.2 per cent compared to 2020, and more than double the 67 deaths reported in 2019. According to the report, 63.2 per cent of drug deaths in the Northern Health region between 2018 and 2021 took place inside a private home. Only 14.1 per cent of deaths in Northern Health happened outside.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

‘The connections I have here are deep’

School district’s new superintendent is a longtime resident eager to lead through challenges ahead

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Newly appointed School District No. 57 (SD57) Superintendent Cindy Heitman says she has a deep connection to the community and is honoured to be able to step into the role permanently.

Heitman takes over as superintendent after a year in the role of acting superintendent.

She took over as acting superintendent in January 2021 when Anita Richardson went on leave after just one year as superintendent. Prior to that, the board hired Rod Allen as interim superintendent in May 2019 after Marilyn Marquis-Forster resigned less than three years after she was hired in 2016 to replace long-time superintendent Brian Pepper.

“I am a long-time resident of Prince George and I have been a member of this learning community as a student, teacher, school based leader, and senior leader,” said Heitman. “The connections I have here are deep and I know many people who work in our schools and I believe that will be a focus to create stability and reassurance to the community that I am here to support learning and lead the district through the transformations that we are currently going through. “

Heitman says one of her goals is to oversee the implementation of the fiveyear strategic plan she had the opportunity to help develop throughout last year.

“Now we are in year one of the implementation so knowing that I will be able to continue leading the work of the strategic plan through and to the end of the five years is something I am really looking forward to and also the implementation of the recommendations from the special advisors.”

In February 2021, Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside had appointed special

advisors Kory Wilson and Catherine McGregor to review governance practices at the SD57. A special advisor’s report was then released in August and was based on 56 interviews and a review of documents and found systemic anti-Indigenous racism and a “substantial culture of fear” within the district.

It then outlined 45 recommendations for improvement and the district is currently working on a draft plan for implementing the recommendations.

Heitman said she is looking forward to dig in and see those recommendations through and to support Indigenous learners and close achievement gaps.

“I think the commitment this district is making in terms of Truth and Reconciliation and acknowledging Canada’s true history is really important so that we can move forward and help close those gaps,” said Heitman. “I think there are so many members of our community who can help guide us with this work and accessing our knowledge holders and Elders to be able to teach us is super important.”

The special advisors also recommend that the province commission a broader probe into B.C. schools similar to “In Plain Sight,” a report on anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care system by retired judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.

They said since SD57 has a particularly high number of Indigenous learners and the post-report response could be a model for other jurisdictions.

“With work we need to do towards truth and reconciliation there are some big shifts that need to be changed structurally and systematically and that is tough to do so I see that as being our biggest hurdle,” said Heitman.

“How do we do this work in a very colonial system or do we need to re-evaluate that system but do our work in a way that is more inclusive to the community we live in and the lands we reside on?”

As the new superintendent, Heitman said she is most looking forward to seeing an increase in graduation rates and an increase in students feeling like they belong and are welcomed in schools.

“Education really takes an entire community, and I am looking forward to working not only with our staff and students but also the broader community and including parents in the work we need to do,” said Heitman. “It’s all of our work. It’s everybody’s work and being able to see our kids through pre-K and some of our early learning programs and all the way through to where they want to be in life is something I am really looking forward to do in Prince George.”

Impaired driver’s getaway shortlived

Just before 9 p.m. last Thursday, police received a report of a dangerous driver in the College Heights area. The witness said they saw the vehicle swerving in its lane and nearly caused a collision while passing.

Officers arrived in the area and spotted the vehicle a short time later, stunting and doing doughnuts in a parking lot.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated away

at high speed and ran a red light to get away. However, just before midnight police caught up with the vehicle as it pulled into a residential driveway in College Heights.

Police arrested the driver for impaired operation of a motor vehicle and impounded the vehicle.

In addition to the impaired driving charge, the driver is facing multiple violation tickets.

SUPERINTENDENT CINDY HEITMAN

Study delves into living with dementia

UNBC researchers are collaborating on a study to find out what is needed to create neighbourhoods that are more friendly for people living with dementia.

In partnership with Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia, the UNBC team is trying to figure out how to create dementia-friendly neighbourhoods and make it easier for people living with dementia and their caregivers to take part fully and be active in their community.

“To support people living with dementia so they can age with dignity and grace, we need to make it possible for them to continue to participate in activities they find meaningful,” said UNBC nursing professor Shannon Freeman.

“For instance, if they always enjoyed taking their dog for a walk, we want to make sure it’s still possible for them to do so safely.”

The researchers will identify features of neighbourhoods that affect the mobility and participation of people living with dementia and develop an easy-to-use tool to assess environments supportive of people living with dementia. They will also develop guidelines for dementia-inclusive communities that can be used by policymakers and decision-makers.

UNBC School of Planning and Sustainability professor Mark Groulx is leading the northern component of the research

Creating accessible pathways, trails

and sidewalks are an important part of making communities livable for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

project along with Freeman and project manager Emma Rossnagel. They will engage with people living with dementia in Prince George and their caregivers to discover what barriers exist in the built environment and what improvements can be made.

“We know it is important for people to be able to enjoy time outdoors, whether it’s exercising or socializing with others,” Groulx says.

“To ensure neighbourhoods are

Researchers seek input on rural communities

those factors, too and we pivoted a little bit to look at rural resilience in a more general scope,” Styffe said.

walkable for people living with dementia, we will learn with persons living with dementia and their family or friend care partners here in the northern community what aspects of their neighbourhoods shape use and enjoyment. This could include everything from the presence and condition of sidewalks and benches to the colour and font used in signage.”

As future aspects of the project move toward developing guidelines, Freeman, Groulx, and Rossnagel will

be contributing the experience of the northern context. They will consider how winter weather, existing community supports, and even the presence of wildlife can affect how inclusive a neighbourhood is for people living with dementia.

“Working in partnership with persons living with dementia and their care partners here in the north is critical to ensure the guidelines are relevant to those living and aging in our northern communities,” adds Rossnagel.

As a social gerontologist, Freeman brings expertise in what supports are needed for ageing adults to continue to live at home.

Groulx, a planner, researches inclusive, barrier-free design.

“This is community-based research that will have a direct impact on the lives of people in northern British Columbia,” Freeman said.

Simon Fraser University gerontology professor Habib Chaudhury is the principal investigator for the project which is titled Developing Supportive Neighbourhood-Built Environment to Foster Mobility, Engagement and Social Participation among Community-Dwelling Adults Living with Dementia (DemSCAPE).

The Public Health Agency of Canada is also providing $715,801 through the Dementia Strategic Fund to support the research.

Prince George residents can reflect back on the wildfires of 2017 when more than 10,000 evacuees took refuge here and be very proud of how the community rose to that challenge.

Around the province recently, not only were there fires, but floods that cut the top half of the province off from the bottom half when roads were washed away and the recent snow storms throughout the province presented great challenges to those who weren’t used to all the extreme weather. So how resilient are rural communities when put to the test?

Claire Styffe, research coordinator with the Rural Community Resilience Project out of the Centre for Rural Health Research at UBC, wants to know and is asking people to take part in a survey.

At first, research was focused on how rural communities were doing during the pandemic but as time passed and community consultations were conducted the research team realized not only were the communities responding well to COVID19 but so much more, Styffe added.

“We were doing this at the same time as the wildfires were going on and then the floods came so we started looking at all

So they did some ground research and some academic research to figure out what could be associated with community resilience and then put together an advisory committee to find out what members of a community felt was important to look at and include in the survey.

Researchers built the survey with their input because there is no replacement for on-the-ground voices, Styffe said.

“So working with the committee and our background research we came up with a few things that we wanted to investigate just a little further to see if they’re associated with resilience,” she added.

The survey asks what people think about their community, if it can bounce back from tough times, is it a good place to live, and other baseline questions.

“Then we ask specific questions about their perceptions about their community on different themes, including things like emergency preparedness, trust in leadership, adequate healthcare resources but then there were other things that were included specifically as a result of the conversations with rural community members, so housing was a big one,” Styffe said.

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

Prison terms pondered for double murder

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Crown prosecution is seeking additional time for the last of three men facing sentencing for a drug-related double murder and attempted murder.

Perry Andrew Charlie could find himself serving at least 16 years before becoming eligible for parole if B.C. Supreme Court Justice Marguerite Church agrees with the position taken by Crown counsel Marie Louise Ahrens during a hearing at the Prince George courthouse.

Co-accused Seaver Tye Miller and Joshua Steven West were respectively sentenced to serve 15 and 12 years before they can apply for parole for the Jan. 25, 2017 incident in which David Laurin Franks and Thomas Burt Reed were shot to death in their car at a pullout alongside Foothills Boulevard.

Bradley William Knight, who dove onto the back seat floor of the car, was badly injured but survived the attack. Reed’s Shih Tzu dog, Molly, was also killed in the shooting.

They had driven to the spot to sell some cocaine but only to see the trio pile out of a minivan and open fire with shotguns.

Miller and West each pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while a fourth man, Aaron Ryan Moore,

pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal negligence causing death and was sentenced to five years less time served. Evidence indicated Moore had also stepped out of the van but was not armed.

As for Charlie, he was found guilty of two counts of second degree murder and one count of attempted murder following a trial that centred on whether he was properly identified as one of the culprits.

Church determined that Charlie was among the shooters but in reaching the verdict of second-degree murder also found Crown failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that it was a planned

Prairie

act, noting evidence suggesting Franks may have flashed a knife before retreating back into the car as the slugs began to fly.

In seeking an extra year for Charlie above the time Miller received, Ahrens noted Miller and West pleaded guilty, negating a trial. Ahrens also suggested it was Charlie’s idea to bring the guns.

“On the evidence accepted by the court, firearms were taken in and out of this offender’s residence on the night in question, the inference being that he supplied or perfected some or all of the guns or ammunition used in the commission of the offences,” Ahrens said.

Conversely, defence counsel Jason LeBlond, who argued the term should be 13 years, noted that there was no indication that Charlie participated in a conversation via text messaging between Miller and West that occurred shortly before the shooting. It’s possible all three could remain behind bars for the rest of their lives, LeBlond said. Whether they will be released on parole will depend on whether they have convinced a parole board panel that they can be safely released back into the community, he told the court.

Church will issue a decision March 9.

Gunman gets eight years

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

embedded in the window frame of the home, but nobody was injured.

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One of three Prince George men charged in connection to a brazen daylight drive-by shooting and highspeed police chase on Oct. 8, 2020, was sentenced to a total of eight years in jail, less two years for time served.

As the car drove away, an RCMP officer spotted them, because they seemed suspicious and turned his cruiser around to follow them, the Crown lawyer said. The driver of the Malibu took off “at a high rate of speed” down Fifth Avenue.

A police chase ensued, as the Malibu dodged around traffic and turned onto Highway 97, the Crown lawyer told the court. A second officer took over the pursuit, which turned down 10th Avenue.

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Bradley Andre Ouelette plead guilty to two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm, obstructing a police office and a number of offences related to the unauthorized possession of a firearm. Ouelette has a criminal record and was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the attack. In addition to the jail time, he received a lifetime prohibition on owning firearms and other weapons.

“Mr. Ouelette engaged in a planned drive-by shooting. He then shot at an occupied police vehicle,” the Crown prosecutor said. “It is difficult to overstate how serious these offences are.”

The Malibu hit the curb and crashed through the front yard fence of a home on McBride Crescent. Ouelette, Munroe and West bailed out of the vehicle as a police cruiser pulled up.

Ouelette fired his shotgun at the police cruiser, and birdshot pellets were found embedded in the cruiser’s windshield. The officer wasn’t injured.

According to an agreed statement of facts read into the record by the Crown, Ouelette and his two co-accused - Eric Vern West and Kenneth Ricardo Munroe – set out in a silver Chevrolet Malibu to shoot at the home of a rival gang member in the 200-block of Bellos Street.

At around 11:37 a.m. the trio pulled up by the home and Ouelette fired two shots at the house. Shotgun pellets were found

“I am very sorry for what I did,” Ouellette told the court. “I understand it endangered a lot of people, other than the intended people.”

Ouelette has been in custody since his arrest and spent 484 days in jail before being sentenced.

He is the first of three men accused in the incident to be sentenced. Munroe is scheduled to be sentenced later this month, and a trial for West is scheduled later this year.

Investigators on the scene of the January 2017 double murder of David Laurin Franks and Thomas Burt Reed and attempted murder of Bradley William Knight.

Student

up

for top award

Katherine Li, a 2018 D.P. Todd Secondary School graduate currently studying civil engineering at Duke University in North Carolina, is one of 50 finalists for a prestigious Canadian scholarship.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is for aspiring community leaders to attend McGill University. In March, Li will advance to final interviews in Montréal for the program’s second cohort.

If selected as one of only 20 McCall MacBain Scholars, the award will cover her

master’s program tuition and fees, plus a living stipend of $2,000 per month and a relocation grant. For a two-year master’s degree, the tuition, fees, and living stipend could be approximately $70,000. Li was nominated by her university and shortlisted from nearly 700 Canadian applicants.

She recently co-founded and leads Operation Climate, a non-profit organization that has taught 40 high school students about climate communication.

Leane Holmes of Houston won $500,000 on the Extra on New Year’s Day.

New year starts bright for northern resident

Leane Holmes of Houston started 2022 off with an ‘Extra’ big bang after she scored $500,000 on the New Year’s Day Lotto 6/49 draw.

She said “yes” to the Extra when she purchased her ticket at the 7-Eleven on Highway 16 in Smithers.

She says she put the ticket in her pocket and kept it there until she pulled

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Katherine Li of Prince George is currently studying at Duke University.

‘Painless Jones’

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

British Columbia’s history includes the stories of many Black pioneers who came to this province seeking a life full of opportunity and promise.

One of those pioneers was Barkerville’s William Allen Jones who was also the first dentist in B.C. to be granted a license under the British Columbia Dental Act.

Visitors walking the streets of Barkerville Historic Town and Park will find a sign that reads: “Painless Tooth Extraction: Dr. Jones will extract teeth and perform short operations without pain.”

Dubbed “Painless Jones” in advertisements at the time, he performed dentistry services for people in the bustling town of Barkerville which was booming during the Cariboo Gold Rush.

“Well, unfortunately, we don’t actually know a whole lot about him. The information we do have about him is sparse,” said Mandy Kilsby, a curator at Barkerville.

“We know he was a dentist here. We know he was the first person in B.C. to officially practice as a registered dentist when they started licensing.”

Kilsby said that dentistry at the time was practiced more like a trade before the Dental Act was passed in 1886.

“He had been practicing previously but when they introduced a new dental act, he went and got his license and continued to practice.”

Jones was granted a license on June 26, 1886, although he may have been practicing dentistry as early as 1865.

He was born in North Carolina in 1831 to his parents Allen and Temperance Jones.

It is reported that Allen bought his family’s freedom from slavery for $5,000 and eventually moved the family to Ohio.

Jones and three of his brothers then attended and graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio.

After he graduated in 1859, Jones and his brothers moved to Salt Spring Island, B.C. and then Jones and his brother Elias headed north to Barkerville when gold

B.C.’s first licenced dentist was a Black miner from Barkerville

was discovered there.

Their brother John Craven remained on Salt Spring Island to establish a school.

In Barkerville, Jones worked as a miner and stayed, eventually becoming known as the Barkerville’s Dentist or “Painless Jones”.

“He advertised in the newspaper, the Cariboo Sentinel as painless Dentistry so he would have used the patent medicines at the time to help make the process less painful for his patients,” added Kilsby.

He returned to the United States after the Civil War ended in 1865 where he visited Oberlin to continue the dental studies that he had started earlier.

While his brother Elias opted to stay in the U.S. after returning, Jones instead decided to venture back to his life in Barkerville.

The B.C. Black History Awareness Society says he found a home and the kind of life he wanted in Western Canada.

The society says that most Black

settlers came from western states where they were facing restrictive government legislation, ambivalence towards slavery and beatings, insults, and legalized injustice.

At the time, B.C.’s first colonial Governor James Douglas, who was the son of a Creole woman, promised Black immigrants that they would be subject to the same laws as every other free citizen of B.C., as well as the same basic rights and liberties.

“Jones’ family had emigrated from the United States and at the time Barkerville and the gold rush was sold as an opportunity,” said Kilsby, adding that undoubtedly Jones would have still faced discrimination in Barkerville.

“But it was a chance for a new life, new opportunities - for lots of people that didn’t necessarily have them wherever home was - and kind of the same reasons that everyone came here.”

Other notable Black residents of

Barkerville included barber Wellington Delaney Moses, known for being a witness in the murder case against James Barry who was found guilty of killing Charles Morgan Blessing, and Rebecca Gibbs who worked as a laundress but had poetry published in the newspaper.

When Barkerville was restored as a gold rush town tourist attraction, the office of Dentist Jones, complete with chair and instruments became a feature on the main street.

“The exhibit itself is a reconstructed building and the exhibit was put together with the assistance of dentists and historical tools that they would have used at the time,” said Kilsby.

“So, it’s not necessarily anything that directly belonged to him, but it’s meant to represent what would have been available to him.”

Jones died of pneumonia in 1897 in Barkerville and is buried there in the Williams Creek Cemetery.

William Allen Jones was B.C.’s first dentist to be granted a license under the British Columbia Dental Act. The “Painless Tooth Extraction” sign located outside of his practice on the main street at Barkerville Historic Town and Park.

Basketball playoffs take to the courts

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

The sound of sneakers squeaking on polished hardwood will be prominent this week on the two basketball courts at Duchess Park Secondary School.

Duchess is hosting the North Central zone triple-A girls and junior girls zone championship tournaments, both starting Thursday.

In the three-team triple-A girls tournament, the marquee matchup gets started Thursday at 7 p.m. when the College Heights Cougars, ranked No. 5 in the province, take on the host Duchess Park Condors, who made the rankings in the honourable mention category.

The Cougars have dominated zone play all season and won the Prince George City League senior girls championship Wednesday at Duchess Park, defeating the Prince George Polars 114-47.

In other triple-A zone matchups this weekend, the Condors will be back on their home court Friday at 12:30 p.m. to play the Correlieu Clan of Quesnel. Then in the evening game at 7 p.m., College Heights faces Correlieu.

The North Central winner will advance to the 16-team B.C. triple-A girls championship in Langley, Feb. 28-March 3.

Two provincial berths are up for grabs this week in the eight-team junior girls tournament.

The Sir Alexander Mackenzie Grizzlies of Hagensborg are the top seed and they will play the No. 8 Cedars Christian Eagles at 4 p.m. Thursday, while on the other court at Duchess the No. 4 Nechako Valley Vikings play the No. 5 Westside Warriors. Then at 5:30 p.m., the No.2 Duchess Park Condors face the No. 7 Quesnel Junior Secondary Spartans, and

the No. 3 College Heights Cougars play the No. 6 North Peace Grizzlies.

Semifinals are scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m., with the zone championship game set for 5:30 p.m. The second final starts at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The two top North Central teams advance to the 32-team junior provincial tournament in Langley, March 2-5.

Three other Prince George teams are involved in zone playoffs this weekend.

The Shas Ti Kelly Road Grizzlies are matched with the Northside Christian Northstars in the best-of-three double-A championship which starts at 6 p.m. Friday in Vanderhoof. Game 2 is set for Shas Ti Kelly Road gym Saturday at 10 a.m., with a third game (if necessary) at 3 p.m.

The Prince George Polars senior girls and senior boys teams are in Fort St. John Friday and Saturday for zone playoffs against the North Peace Grizzlies.

Next week, the Cedars Christian Eagles will host an 11-team single-A boys zone championship, Feb 24-26. The Feb. 24 games are at the Roll-A-Dome, while games on the 25th and 26th will be played at the College of New Caledonia. The host Eagles are the top North Central seed and are ranked No. 3 in the province.

The Duchess Park Condors, ranked No. 3 in B.C., and the College Heights Cougars are entered in the triple-A boys zone championship at Correlieu in Quesnel, Feb. 24-26.

The Shas Ti Kelly Road Grizzlies are hosting the four-team double-A boys zone championship, Feb. 24-26. The D.P.Todd Trojans, Nechako Valley Vikings and Peter Skene Ogden Eagles of 100 Mile House are also entered.

All North Central zone boys champions advance to their respective provincial tournaments in Langley, March 9-12.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE

Singer-songwriter releases new material

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

As the pandemic sent people into isolation, others went a whole other way.

As things wound down Valemount singer songwriter Michael Peters’ creativity ramped up and with that came his debut EP Have I Lived a Good Life.

Peters collaborated with Prince George singer songwriter, Lego movie voice actor, actor, and Vinyl Deck recording studio owner William Kuklis to make the four-song extended play album a reality.

Songs in the EP include I’ll Still Be Here, Like You’re Still Five, You Can Never Go Home Again and Have I Lived A Good Life.

Each song holds a lot of meaning for Peters, who decided the city lights were not for him, prompting his move to Valemount from Vancouver nine years ago.

“I was tired of the city and knew I would never be able to afford a home there of any size so I was looking for a smaller place to purchase a home and deescalate my stress level,” Peters laughed.

“My work is in film and television and believe it or not they have a small TV station in Valemount and they were advertising for somebody.”

So he runs the station now, he added.

“It takes me three minutes to get to work and I have my own place and it’s a much nicer life,” Peters said.

Growing up in Winnipeg Peters said he started playing in rock bands when he was 13, moved out to Vancouver as an adult where he played professionally as a singer and guitar player for a number of years before he became disillusioned with the music industry.

“You’d get to a certain level as a band and then people would drop out and then you’d have to start again and then you’d start again and start again...,” Peters recalled. “So I gave up music for a long, long time and I didn’t pick it up again until

2012 so that would have been 32 years later. So I kind of gave it a 32-year break.”

He finally realized that he had given up something he’d always loved.

“When it was really the business that I really didn’t love so I had given it up for the wrong reason,” Peters said when he reflected on it.

“That’s when I realized age had given me something to write about and so I started writing and playing songs again.”

When he thought about doing recordings of his work he explored his Prince

George recording studio options and really connected with William Kuklis.

“I wanted a small recording studio with somebody who understood what it takes to bring out the best in a singer songwriter,” Peters explained.

Kuklis’ style resonated with Peters and when he did his research he knew he’d found the right fit.

“We had dinner together and I really liked the vibe and so we decided it would be great to work together,” Peters said.

“He’s so knowledgeable and so talented as a singer songwriter, producer and an engineer. He made it really easy.”

Finding the money during a pandemic did prove to be a bit of a challenge but Peters just got even more creative.

“I managed to secure a partial grant, I held a fundraising concert, I even did some busking,” said Peters. “I would have cleaned bathrooms to raise money if I needed to. Thankfully, lots of people who couldn’t come to the fundraiser still donated to this EP, as did family, so that was awesome. And I didn’t have to scrub toilets!”

(He really would’ve if he’d had to.)

“These are personal songs,” he said. “relatable songs about the power and need of relationships, family, nostalgia, and self-reflection. The title song poses the eternal question, have I lived a good life?”

This image of the Little Prince Steam Train can be found inside the In Colour, Around Prince George colouring book by local artist Vivian Martin.

Colouring books highlight local history

When foot surgery sidelined a local photographer that was looking for ways to occupy her time and calm her mind through the healing process, Vivian Martin decided a colouring book might be just the therapeutic respite she needed to give her the peace she needed.

As she was thinking about that a great idea started to tumble around in her brain.

Why not use her own photographs of local iconic images to create 24-page

colouring books?

In each colouring book about Prince George people will discover images that are half photograph, half drawn outlines so that the colourer gets the idea of what the subject really looks like.

Her colouring books are available for $20 each in nine different locations including Studio 2880, Two Rivers Gallery, the Railway Museum Gift Shop, and the UNBC book store or directly from Martin by emailing incolourvivianmartin@gmail.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Valemount singer songwriter Michael Peters has just released a four-song EP to showcase his music after a 32-year hiatus.

Healthy North y

Helping protect the health care system: My COVID-19 booster story

By Anne Scott

Six months had passed since my second dose of COVID-19 vaccine –time for my booster!As you probably know,COVID-19 vaccines get less effective over time. But Iknewthe booster would bring my COVID-19 immunity back to the strength Ihad after Igot my seconddose –oreven higher Right on schedule, theprovincialvaccine system sent me atext and email inviting me to book Booking online waseasy,and Igot aprompt confirmation by text (plus ahandy reminderthe daybefore the appointment).

There were two reasons Iwas especially motivated to get the booster

First, afriend who’sanurse and who’sbeen more than careful with masking,handwashing,sanitizing, and distancing,came down with COVID-19 –ironically,the week before she wassupposed to get her booster.She’shad aparticularlybad case: 11 days of high fevers, two visits to emergency, and now she’sonhome oxygen and worried about long-termeffects –anightmare!

Second, one of my sistersand her partner (he’s adoctor) gave me some timely remindersofwhy we’redoing this. Theylive in the Gulf Islands, but what theyhad to sayapplies to everyone. They reminded me that the reason we should do our parttoslow the spread–includinggetting our boosters–istohelp prevent our health care system from becoming overwhelmed:

• If all the ICU beds are filled with COVID-19 patients, whathappens when you get in acar accident?

• If allthe doctorsand nurses are treating COVID-19 patients, then what other important

treatments might be postponed?

• Plus, hospital staff can become unavailable due to burnout from treating massive numbersof COVID-19patients, or becausetheyget the illness themselves, or if they’re isolating –and if there are not enough staff membersavailable, then treatments and procedures maybecome limited.

In other words, it’snot just about you and your own immunity –weneed to look at the big picture and remember that vaccines and boosterscan help keep the health care system functioning as normally as possible for everyone in all those vital, non-COVID ways.

So –back to my booster! At the PrinceGeorge Civic Centre, it wasasmooth, pleasant, andseamless process. Everyone there wasverywelcoming,and highly expertattheir jobs. Youcheck in, you’re asked about COVID-19 symptoms, and then you wait afew minutes for your shot. Thanks to the expertise of nurse Esther Martens, the injection wasalmost completely painless.

“The majority that we’redoing now are boosters,” said Esther,who works two or three shifts aweek at the vaccine clinic, in addition to shifts at the University Hospital of NorthernBCininternal medicine, the family medicine unit, shortstay, and adult detox.

“There’s some relaxation on the partofthose that were unvaccinated,”she says,referring to the increased confidence in vaccines that she’s noticing.“Isee them now coming in for their first and second doses –it’sgreat to see.”

In the days after my vaccine, my armwas alittle bit sore, and Ifelt abit tired one day, but that’sa

small price to payfor protection against this nasty virus--and even more importantly,tohelp protect our health care system.

As soon as you’re eligible (six months after Dose 2), please book your booster! (Ifyou’re already registered, you’ll get atext or email when it’syour turntobook.) Youcan register here: www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca

Formore information on the Omicron variant and the importance of getting your booster, check out “Omicron Wave COVID-19”, apresentation by NorthernHealth’sMedical Health Officer Dr.Corneil. Youcan watch the video here: youtu.be/Dm_lvD2_wEg

When to get aCOVID-19 test: Updated guidelines

As COVID-19 activity increases across B.C., guidance for when to geta COVID-19test hasbeen updated.

ACOVID-19 test is not recommended if:

•You have no symptoms,even if you are aclose contact of someonewho has tested positive

•You are fully vaccinated (two doses), experiencing mild symptoms and can manage your illness at home. Selfisolate for five days. Notify your close contacts so theycan self-monitor for symptoms

ACOVID-19 test is recommended if:

•You have symptoms, and:

•You are at higher risk of severe illness

•You identify with ahigh risk setting -such as health care workers, first responders, residents of congregate settings, or live in aremote or rural community

•Ifyou feel unwell and are unsure about your symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.

More details and afull list of eligible symptoms and criteria is found here: bccdc. ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing/ when-to-get-a-covid-19-test

Still not sure? Use the B.C. COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to determine if you need to be tested: bc.thrive.health

Nurse Esther Martens giving Anne her COVID booster.Itdidn’t hurtatall! (Photo credit: Taran Giles, Emergency careworker from the Canadian Red Cross)

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Baby’s father

Small boy

Record

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Not deserved

Play practice

Hither and 26. Mowed

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Picks 31. Neither’s mate

Ruled

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Occupies

United Kingdom region

Air pollution

Get sleepy

Hang fire

Large scarf

Corn spike

Cain’s mother

Dawn moisture

Gather crops

Gosh!

Cooking vessel

Worth

Out of range

Midriffs

Undress

Ache

Tag incorrectly

Urgent want

Verbal

United

Roofline detail

Hair products

TV promos

Tease 20. Hazel and Alice 21. Ranch 24. Evergreen shrubs 25. Removers of weeds 26. Swindle 27. Duet number 30. Pale 31. “The Flying ____”

and on

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Rug style 22. Model

CROSSWORDPUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN

PUZZLE NO. 858

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line. You alreadyhave afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you mustnot repeatthe numbers 1through9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box

PUZZLE NO. 122

CL ASSIF IEDS

In memory of

June 1, 1950February 13, 2021

Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.

Love & miss you

Darlene, Mike & Kasey

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

REMEMBRANCES

It is with great sadness to tell everyone who knew and valued Mike that he is no longer with us. Mike passed February 2, 2022 and leaves behind his daughter Yuy, brothers Geoff and Ian and his sister Shelley and partner Joy as well as countless friends and additional family members.

Since retiring as a cofounder of his successful tree planting company Silvaram, Mike had split his time between Thailand and Canada, living out his passion for fitness and golf.

There will be a celebration of life for Mike on Easter weekend 2022.

Glenn Robinson 1950 2021

A special Thank You to all Glenn’s caregivers in Prince George

Manfred Beier

July 19, 1930 - January 19, 2022

Manfred was born in Schliesien, Germany. He grew up through some very tough wartime years. After escaping to West Germany he found a job in a mine, and worked hard to save up funds to immigrate to Canada. In 1956 he and his wife Adelgunde, came to Terrace, B.C.

He found his niche in the forest industry as a faller. He developed their home and acreage and helped raise their children Roland and Maureen.

After 30 years in Terrace, they decided to move to Prince George to enjoy a more relaxing life and be closer to their children, and grandchildren.

On Dec 14, 2021 Glenn Robinson passed away in his home in Prince George, BC. Glenn fought a courageous battle against cancer for the past year He will now rest peacefully with his parents John(1981) and Naida (2010) and his sister Vera (2002).

Glenn was born March 1950 in Victoria and grew up in Black Creek on Vancouver Island. He worked and moved throughout BC and Alber ta in various aspects of the pipeline industr y. He was well liked by his co-workers and befriended all After Glenn retired he enjoyed collecting antiques (esp. records and record players). He enjoyed sitting in his recliner watching TV ( esp. game shows).

Glenn will be missed by his family , numerous relatives and good friends that he made over the years.

Manfred loved the sun, and was often seen shirtless, in his garden or on his deck. He loved gardening, fishing and making wine. He also enjoyed shooting the breeze with whoever wanted to hear his stories, friends and strangers. He was rarely without a project, he taught himself wood carving in his 70’s, and produced several moose, elk and bear carvings.

His children know he was more than satisfied with the life he lived, content with his adventures, and proud of his children’s successes.

We applaud his courage to come to Canada, and mostly what that courage, his humour and hard work taught us.

Condolences may be offered at www.LakewoodFH.com

Mom & Grandma

Shirley Gervais

In Memoriam

Mike Rushant

SVEA ANCHIKOSKI

2x121.5

PGC002423

ANCHIKOSKI,Walter November11,1929-February4,2022

WalterAnchikoski,bornNovember11,1929,inEnderby, BC,diedinPrinceGeorge,BC,onFebruary4,2022.

DearWalter,

SayinggoodbyetoyouisthehardestthingI’veeverhad todo.However,Icannotwishyoubacktothelifethatyou wereforcedtolive.Thedementiayouexperienceddueto Lewybodydiseasetookyourindependencefromyou.It wasnotforthestrong,proudmanyouwere.Aswebuilt upourranch(thebestplaceever),ittookthetwoofus, workingtogether,tomakeonesuperworkerto accomplishourmanychoresandjobsoftheday.Our dancingdaysareover,andImissmypartner.Welooked greatonthedancefloor-again,ittooktwoofus.When youleft,apartofmeleftwithyou.

Iwillloveyoualways,

Svea

Walterleavesbehindandwillbemissedalwaysbyhis lovingwife,Svea,fivechildren(andspouses),eight grandchildrenandsixgreat-grandchildren.Hewas predeceasedbyhisparents,JosephandAnnie,three sistersandfivebrothers.Walterwasthelastofhis originalfamily.

WalterandSveaweremarriedin1951atMara,BC,and celebratedtheir70thanniversaryonDecember1,2021. Hewasagoodhorselogger,takingoutcedarpolesfor theBellPoleCompanyuntil1955.Walteralwayswanted togotoPrinceGeorge,sotheypackeduptheir belongingsandmovedtherewithtwosons.Two additionalsonsandadaughterwereborninPrince George.A160acrefarmwasboughtfromTaborCreek Sawmills,andafurther240acreswereaddedlater. Together,WalterandSveabuiltasuccessfulcattleranch, "acowboyatlast."Atthesametime,Walterwasfalling treesuptheWillowRivermainlyforCarrierLumber. Walterlivedouthislifeonthissameranch.

Walterwasawiserancherandlivedforandlovedhis family,hiscattle,horses,catsanddogs.Agoodcowboy neverdies,hejustridesaway.

AcknowledgmenttoallofthestaffonFMUattheUHNBC forthewonderfulcareWalterreceivedandthesupport giventohiswife.Also,aheartfeltthankstothestaffat SimonFraserLodge,inparticularMapleUnit.Yourcare andcompassiontoWaltermadehisandSvea’slivesthe besttheycouldbe.Walter’sspecialtimewastheOld TimedancemusiconThursdays.

AtWalter’srequest,therewillbenoservice.Inlieuof flowers,pleaseconsidermakingadonationtotheSpirit oftheNorthHealthcareFoundationat www.spiritofthenorth.ca.

Bernard William Neurauter

October 3, 1955January 11, 2022

Bernard was born in Burns Lake and attended school there. He worked for BC/CN Rail the majority of his life and enjoyed travelling. In 1988 he flew to Holland for a family reunion with his Dad and 2 siblings, also touring briefly to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Bernard remained single. He was known for his wry humor and will be missed by family and friends. Predeceased by his parents George and Edna (Maerz). Survived by siblings George, Helen (Ross), Brenda, Katherine, Bernadette (Wayne) and John. Also numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and relatives. He passed away peacefully at home in Burns Lake from heart failure. Many thanks to Dr. Tammy Williams of Burns Lake, Northern Health caregivers, family, Bertha and Ron Dearman for all their help. A Celebration of life is planned for summer 2022.

MCDOWELL, David Frederick

December 4, 1947January 30, 2022

David Frederick McDowell was born December 4th, 1947 in Windsor Ontario. He moved to Prince George in 1989 where he met the love of his life, Alice (Robinson). David passed away on January 30, 2022, at the age of 74, at home and surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife Alice; sons Chad (Zoe) and Sean (Terry); stepchildren Anita (Steve), Dione (Manley), Antonia, Peter (Deneve) and his brothers Harry and Edward. He loved his many grandchildren: Calysta, Aaron, Nicole, Gabby, Luc, Justina, Amy, Emma, Kerwin, Catrina and Sarah.

In Loving Memory Of

Susan Ruth Austin

1942-2022

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Susan (Ruth) on Feb 7, 2022. Prior to retirement she was employed as a housekeeper at UHNBC. Her job and involvement in the Nukko Lake and Prince George communities led to immense lifelong friendships. She was a wonderful loving mother and is dearly missed by all. Predeceased by parents Tom and Rebecca Pickering, siblings George & Esther Pickering, husband Stan Austin & son in law Terry Sweet. Survived by sister Sherran Pickering, daughters Bareilly Sweet, Susan Neidermayer (Jurgen), Charlotte Lebel (Paul), Sheila Baker (Graham), Colleen Austin & son Willet Austin and many grandchildren.

We will love and miss you forever! Rest In Peace Mom in your heavenly home.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

David spent 15 years as a Navy League Officer. He enjoyed fishing at the local lakes and was a proud Prince George Spruce Kings season ticket holder and fan. In the last five years he had also taken up beekeeping with his son Chad - it was a new hobby that he enjoyed exploring. David was happiest around his family and friends, doing what he loved. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Foundation.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held in the spring.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

It is with bittersweet sorrow that we announce the passing from death to eternal life with Jesus Christ, of our beloved Dorothy (Dora) Parenteau, on January 30, 2022, at the age of 84. She fought a long hard battle with strength, courage and dignity, and we would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of UHNBC who took good care of her.

Dora is predeceased by husband, Phil Parenteau, daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen (Kitty) and David Switzer, and her long time companion, Jim Cumpstone.

She is survived and deeply missed by Wendy, Margot (Elton), Caril, immediate grandchildren, Garett (Martine), Carmen (Chris), Brandon (Shelby) and Jeremy. She is also survived by many more grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews from hers, Phil’s and Jim’s families, who were very dear to her. There will be no funeral as per Dora’s wishes, but a small gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.

Dora Parenteau

John Brazil

September 25, 1946February 10, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.

John (John Dan) was born on Bell Island and grew up in North River, Newfoundland. John came to Prince George in 1967 where he worked six years in the hotel industry in Mackenzie and Prince George. John later began working at Prince George Pulp and Paper where he worked for 30 years and retired in 2002 as Fiber Line Manager. John took great pride in his work at the mill.

His family and friends were very important to him and his grandchildren were the light of his life. John enjoyed his well deserved years of retirement golfing, 20 years making memories with his family and friends at their François Lake cabin, and 12 years wintering in Yuma, Arizona enjoying the comradery of friends especially the Thursday afternoon 10 handed crib games.

We would like to extend a great appreciation to Dr. Lamb and all the wonderful staff at the BC Cancer Clinic, all the doctors with Pain and Symptom Management and the Homecare nurses for their continuous care and support for John and his family.

The family wishes that any memorial contributions be made to Prince George Hospice Society.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday.”

Robert Paul Gagne

August 21, 1953 - January 20, 2022

With great sadness we announce the passing of our dear Robert Paul Gagne who passed comfortably at the hospice house on January 20, 2022.

Predeceased by parents Annette and Albert, brothers Henry, Omar, sister Yvonne, child by choice Theresa and grandson Matthew. Robert is survived by his wife Jackie, brothers Morris (Elaine), Lenard (Theresa), Raymond, Ronnie, Dwayne (Diane); sister Debbie (Brad) and his children by choice Olie, Mark, Danny, Kelly (Dottie), James (Penny) as well as many grandkids, nieces and nephews. He will be missed dearly by us all. A big thanks to the hospice house for making him comfortable in his last days. A gathering to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date.

Thank you for choosing to become a father 47 years ago; never to be forgotten, you will be in our hearts forever.

Announcements

Toys/Games/Puzzles

Alot

Personal Messages

ANYONE with a drinking problem? Alcoholics Anonymous, www.princegeorgeaa.ca 250-564-7550

Business Opportunities

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

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

Serious Enquiries Only

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy. Transition support available for the right buyer.

Serious Inquires Only

Office (250)997-9003

Home (250)997-5538

Cell (250)990-0152

VanKam has anew and improvedpay structure forour linehaul drivers. This increase makes Van Kamwages one of the top5%Linehaul driver mileage ratesinWestern Canada.

We arecurrently hiring:

SIGNING BONUS: CLASS 1HIGHWAY LINEHAUL COMPANY DRIVERS

SIGNING BONUS: CLASS 1HIGHWAY LINEHAUL OWNER OPERATORS

Applicants forlinehaul should have aminimum of three years class1highway/mountain experience: winter driving experienceamust. In addition, we have an excellent benefits package, and we areoffering asigning bonus (conditions apply).

To join our team of Professional Drivers, please send your current resume and drivers abstract to:careers@vankam.com

If youhaveany questions regarding the position, please contact Bevat604-968-5488

We thank youfor your interestinVan Kam; however,only those being considered will be contacted regarding an interview “Van KamisanEqual

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.

Accounting &Payroll

varietyofO ffice settings utilizing the latest industr ystandardaccounting and payroll softwareand principles

Accepting applications now. Limited Seats–Call today!

tDateFebruar y28th, 2022 forPrinceGeorge Residents.

HELP WANTED

Help Wanted

Dolphin Timber Trading - Primary Sawmill Prince George

Dolphin Timber Trading - Primary Sawmill

Prince George

In association with Longhouse Forest Products, Parksville BC since 1982

In association with Longhouse Forest Products, Parksville BC since 1982

Labourers Required full time

Labourers Required full time

Skilled Labour – Wage negotiable

Skilled Labour – Wage negotiable

4 Sawyers Required

4 Sawyers Required

Unskilled Labour starts at $22.00 per hour will train.

Unskilled Labour starts at $22.00 per hour will train.

• Experience working in a lumber mill an Asset

• Experience working in a lumber mill an Asset

• Identify species of lumber an asset

• Identify species of lumber an asset

• Attention to detail

• Attention to detail

• Able to tally accurately and package lifts of lumber

• Able to tally accurately and package lifts of lumber

• First Aid ticket as asset

• First Aid ticket an asset

• Grading Ticket as asset

• Grading Ticket an asset

• Forklift Certification an asset

• Forklift Certification an asset

• Must have own steel toe boots

• Must have own steel toe boots

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds required

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds required

• Must be able to speak and write English fluently. Apply to: Brian@longhousecedar.com

• Must be able to speak and write English fluently Apply to: Brian@longhousecedar.com

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.

Collectibles & Classic Cars

WANTED COIN COLLECTIONS, old money, all gold & silver coins, Royal Canadian Mint coins. Also BUYING 999 BULLION bars & coins. ENGELHARD, JOHNSON MATTHEY, RCM, MAPLE LEAFS + ALL OTHER MINTS. + BUYING all things GOLD or SILVER! Todd’s Coins 1-250-864-3521

Motorcycles

SUZUKI Bandit 1200, great shape, recent tune-up and brakes. (250)613-5981

2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON Wide Glide. Low mileage. 250-6170443

2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY Anniversary Edition. 22,000 km $14,500 613-8567

$3000 now $2500 1999

Lots of recent work, have receipts. 1.8 L 5 Spd standard. Momo rims w/

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

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

Mills/Equipment

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

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

Sheds/Outbuildings

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

Wanted

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

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

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

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

2002 BMW 1150 RT motorcycle, excellent cond. $5500. (250)5643152 (250)640-8267

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

treat

Area units

Artificial intelligence

Marten valued for its fur

Forms of matter

Home of the Dodgers 25. Bordering

Part of the eye 27. It might be nervous

Visualizes

31. Tears in a garment (Br. Eng.)

33. Not easily explained

34 Song in short stanzas

38. Detonations

39. Intestinal

40. EU cofounder Paul-Henri __

43. Balmy

44. New Mexico mountain town

Crest of a hill 30. Measures engine speed (abbr.)

45. Gobblers

49. Insecticide

50. Golf scores

51. Has its own altar

53. “Pollock” actor Harris

54. Being livable

56. NHL play-by-play man

58. “The Great Lakes State” (abbr.)

59. Unpainted

60. Swam underwater

63. Native American people

64. Containing

Exam

WL 654 2022-2032 Woodlot Licence Plan

Brad and Nancy Johnson have prepared a Woodlot Licence Plan (WLP) covering the ten year period from 2022 to 2032 for WL654. This WLP is in accordance with the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation. The woodlot includes Schedule A & B Lands east of Eaglet Lake.

The WLP is available for public review and comment for 30 days. Written comments should be received by Mar 18, 2022. The WLP including maps is available for public viewing at SBS Forestry Inc.

Submit written comments to:

Ron Parker, RPF

SBS Forestry Inc. 1541 Ogilvie St Prince George, B.C. V2N 1W7 Ph 250-561-1140

Notice of Proposed Rogers Communication Inc. Telecommunications Facility

Description: As part of the public consultation process required by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), formerly Industry Canada, Rogers Communication Inc. is inviting the public to comment on a proposed telecommunications facility consisting of a 31.0 metre monopole tower and ancillary radio equipment in order to provide dependable wireless data and voice communication services to Prince George.

Location: Address: 100 TABOR BLVD, PRINCE GEORGE, BC (PID: 008-197-067)

Coordinates: 53.925718380° N, 122.802323935° W

For More Information:

Contact Rogers Communications Inc. at: Tawny Verigin

c/o Cypress Land Services

Agents to Rogers Communications Inc. Suite 1051, 409 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2

Tel: 1.855.301.1520

Email: publicconsultation@cypresslandservices.com

The public is welcome to comment on the proposal by the end of the business day on March 21, 2022, respect to this matter.

Rogers File: W3536 Heritage

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

COLLECTOR PURCHASING COINS &COINCOLLECTIONS

CollectorPurchasing Coins &Coin Collections! Buying OldCoins,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

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 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 BUYING COINS

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

4 hacks for your at-home office

Working from home can be challenging.

Here are some helpful tips to make your office a productive, comfortable and functionalplacetowork

1. INVEST IN A GOOD CHAIR

Considering the number of hours you’ll likelyspendsittingatyourdeskperweek, it’s worth taking the time to select a chair that’s a good fit. Pay attention to back, thighandarmsupport.Ontheotherhand, you may want to consider investing in a standingdesk

2. USE ERGONOMICS TO STAY COMFORTABLE

Whether you sit or stand while you work, keep your back and neck straight and ensure your computer screen is at eye level. Choose a mouse and keyboard that are a good size and effortless to operate. Also, use ergonomic pads to protect your

wrists. Avoid slouching or keeping your armsatoddangles

3. SET UP A SECOND MONITOR

An additional screen can make coding, designing, writing, researching and other tasks easier This small upgrade can seriously enhance your productivity and allowyoutobetterjugglemultipletasks.

4. PERSONALIZE THE SPACE

Use art, paint, wallpaper and office accessoriestodecorateyourspaceinaway that’s cohesive and energizing Consider addingtoucheslikeafragranceyoulove,a quotethatinspiresyouoranoveltyvaseto holdfreshflowers

Lastly,investinqualityelectricallighting Bright overhead illumination and a good desk lamp will help reduce eyestrain and increaseproductivity.

How to style your curtains

Are you considering updating your curtains?Ifso,here’swhat’sfashionable whenitcomestothiswindowtreatment.

HANG HIGH

Installingcurtainrodsclosertotheceiling will make the room feel larger The extra height visually increases the vertical space occupied by the windows and creates the illusion of a higher ceiling. If possible, hang your curtains 10 to 15 centimetres above the windows to maximizetheirimpact.

GO LOW

Contemporarycurtainsarelong and should hit the floor or even puddle onto it. However, puddling curtains are best reserved for drapes that stay open since they need to be restyled every time they’re opened or closed. Curtains that skim the floor shouldn’t hang more than 1.5 centimetresaboveit.

GET WIDE

Add visual width to your windows by opting to go broad withyourcurtains. Mountrods thatextend7.5to15centimetres past the window frame on either side Although you can go even wider, the curtain rod shouldn’tbemorethanone-and-

one-thirdthewidthofthewindow

GO FULL

Curtains look best when they’re full, so make sure you have enough fabric to adequately cover the intended area. The ruleof thumb is that the combined width of thepanelsshouldbetwototwo-and-ahalftimesthewidthofthewindow

To find curtains you love or the fabric to makethem,shopatstoresinyourarea.

SNOW REMOVAL:

Residential•Apartments• Commercial •Industrial No siteistoo bigortoo small. We have the equipment to getthe jobdone! Snowplowing• Haul Away •Hand Shoveling•Sanding

GO FOR GOLD.

What is grandmillennial style?

Grandmillennial style, also known as granny chic, offers a new take on an old tradition. In opposition to minimalist whitespaces,thiseclecticstyleembraces patterns, ruffles and heirloom furniture butjuxtaposesthemwithabstractartand modernaccents.

GET THE LOOK

Raid your parents’ or grandparents’ basement or head to local flea markets, thrift stores and furniture shops to stock uponthefollowing:

• Patterned everything. Curtains, rugs andfurnitureinclassic printsliketoile, floralandplaidareamust

• Embellished items. Look for accessories,lampsandotherdecorwith ruffles, pleats, fringe and scalloped edges. Extravagant chandeliers and ornatemirrorsarealsoontheme.

• Traditional collections. Unearth that old collection of decorative china, antique figurines or bohemian crystal andproudlydisplayit.

• Needlepoint pillows. Without a doubt, no grandmillennial bedroom or living room would be complete without at least one of these. Bonus points if it’s inscribed with a sassysaying

5 DIY painting projects to refresh your home

It’s amazing what a little paint can do. Here are five fun and easy projects that can have a major impact on the look and feelofyourhome.

1.Garage.Elevateyourhome’scurbappealbygivingthegaragedoorsafacelift. Choose a colour that matches the trimandshuttersandcomplementsthe house’sotherexteriorfeatures.

2.Dresser.Ifyouhaveadingyoldsetof drawersorwanttogiveaboringroom a boost, consider refurbishing your wooden dresser. Use a punchy colour if you want to create interest,butoptforaneutral if you prefer the pieceblendin

3.Front door. First impressions matter Make a great one by choosing a bright, welcoming colour for yourfrontdoor

4.Cabinets.Inakitchen, painting the cabinets can completely redefine the look and feel

of the space. When choosing a colour, consider the hues in your backsplash, countertop,floorandwalls.

5.Shelves. If you have built-in shelves, consider painting them a bold colour to draw attention to your collections, photographsandbooks.

To find paint and brushes, visit your localhardwareandpaintstores.Forbigger painting projects in your home, consider hiringaprofessional.

Kaycie

Janine

Donna Badowski***