Indigenous leaders welcome new B.C. graduation requirements
staff
B.C. high school students will soon have to complete four credits of Indigenous-focused coursework to graduate, a move local First Nations leaders are calling a good first step.
“I think it is a great start,” said Mel Aksidan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation’s acting education manager and member of the newly formed Indigenous Education Leadership Table.
“There’s a lack of understanding and without understanding, people can’t show empathy to Indigenous people and Indigenous issues and that lack of education is what is affecting where Indigenous people stand in our world.”
The Ministry of Education says the new requirement the first of its kind in Canada will be in effect for students graduating in the 2023-2024 school year.
The ministry says it collaborated with the First Nations Education Steering Committee on the graduation requirement and was guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It plans to consult with Indigenous communities this spring to address gaps in the K-12 curriculum.
The change is also in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report on the residential school system, which recommended that an age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, treaties and Aboriginal peoples’ contributions to Canada be mandatory for kindergarten to Grade 12 students.
Pam Spooner, director of Indigenous Education at School District 57, said the requirement builds upon work already underway within the district.
BIG AIR The Hart Ski Hill could not have asked for better conditions for its inaugural Big Air competition Saturday. Eleven snowboarders and skiers of all ages and skill levels took their turns hitting the jumps. For more photos from the event, go to pgcitizen.ca
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Saying there has been a lack of consultation on the idea, Downtown Prince George is calling on the B.C. government to reconsider moving the social assistance office to the old Spee-Dee Stationers building.
“The proposed new location is in very close proximity to a daycare, a senior centre, a church, service-based businesses, and other community retail,” the Downtown Prince George Business Improvement Association (Downtown Prince George) says.
The controversy dates back to at least February 2020 when the Prince George and District Senior Citizens Activity Centre, located across the street at 425 Brunswick St. from the 490 Brunswick St. location submitted a 68-signature petition to city council raising concerns about parking, foot traffic and safety.
But because the site is already zoned for the use, the proposal did not have to go through a public hearing and the best city council could do was to seek a meeting with ministry officials. As well, then social development and poverty reduction minister Shane Simpson made it clear the move was going ahead.
The provincial government has entered an agreement to purchase the building. The move was made because the lease for the office’s current location at 1445 10th Ave. will not be renewed. But the lease expires in early 2024 and DPG is hoping a petition will prompt Victoria to change its mind.
Signatures on the petition are being invited at www.downtownpg.com
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen
WHAT:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING /CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS
City Council consideration of thirdreading of:
•Proposed “City of Prince George 1595 Torpy Road Road ClosureBylaw No. 9285, 2022”
City Council consideration of first and second reading of:
•Proposed “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9274, 2021”
Public Hearing regarding:
•Proposed Discharge of Land Use Contract
WHEN: Monday,March 28, 2022
WHERE:
Council Chambers of City Hall, 2nd Floor,1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC PROPOSALS:
1. “City of Prince George 1595 Torpy Road Road ClosureBylaw No. 9286, 2022”
Applicant: City of Prince George
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Pursuant to section 40 of the Community Charter, the City of Prince George intends to close an approximate 0.56 hectares of road, as shown on Appendix “A” to Bylaw No. 9286, 2022, adjacent to the property legally described as Lot 1, District Lot 748, Cariboo District, Plan 11713, Except Parts in Plans EPP6474 and EPP59528 and remove the road dedication, as shown outlined in shaded gray on the Location Map #1 below
The purpose of the road closureistoenable the sale of the closed road area to the adjacent property owner Prince George Global Logistics Park Inc. No. 0743999. The proposed closureand sale provides the property owner the ability to consolidate the unconstructed road area with their adjacent property to allow for futuredevelopment.
Location Map #1 1595 Torpy Road
2. “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9274, 2021”
Applicant: L&M Engineering Ltd. on behalf of Kelly Zammit
Subject Property: 1613 5th Avenue
Time: 6:00 p.m
Bylaw No. 9274, 2021 proposes to rezone the subject property from RS4: Urban Residential to C8: Commercial Conversion, as shown on Appendix “A” to Bylaw No. 9274, 2021.
The purpose of this application is to facilitate the development of atattoo parlor utilizing the existing single detached dwelling on the subject property,orother uses, pursuant to the proposed C8: Commercial Conversion zoning designation.
The proposed bylaw applies to the property legally described as Lots 11 and 12, Block 160, District Lot 343, Cariboo District, Plan 1268, as shown outlined in bold black on the Location Map #2 below
In accordance with Section 464(2) of the Local Government Act,apublic hearing regarding Bylaw No. 9274, 2021 will not be held as the proposed Bylaw is consistent with the “City of Prince George Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383, 2011” that is in effect for the subject property
Location Map #2 1613 5th Avenue
3. “City of Prince George Authorization Issuance Land Use Contract No. LU 53-77 Bylaw No. 3109, 1977, Discharge Bylaw No. 9244, 2021”
Applicants: Ray Olson for Dale and Georgina Olson
Subject Property: 1312 BlackburnRoad North
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bylaw No. 9244, 2021 proposes to discharge the Land Use Contract registered on title of the subject property under the Land Title and Survey Authority registration number: N29251, as shown on Appendix “A” to Bylaw No. 9244, 2021.
The registered Land Use Contract restricts land use on the subject property to single family lots, futurepark, school site, and residential dwellings. This contract also has additional development regulations pertaining to utilities, subdivision, and other development infrastructure. The purpose of this application is to discharge the Land Use Contract thereby allowing the subject property to be regulated under the “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007” with current zoning as RS2m: Single Residential and AF: Agricultureand Forestry.The subject property is currently being used for residential purposes and undeveloped agricultural lands.
The Land Use Contract is located on six (6) separate properties and the Land Use Contract Discharge Application applies only to the subject property legally described as Lot 4, District Lot 633, Cariboo District, Plan 8698, as shown outlined in bold black on the Location Map #3 below
Location Map #3 1312 BlackburnRoad North
CLOSED ROAD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING / CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS
HOW CAN IPARTICIPATEAND PROVIDE COMMENT?
Residents who believe their interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws areinvited to provide comments to Council by the methods noted below
Residents wishing to provide comments to Council on the following Bylaws may only do so by submitting comments in writing:
•“City of Prince George 1595 Torpy Road Road ClosureBylaw No. 9286, 2022”; and
•“City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9274, 2021”.
Residents wishing to provide comments to Council on the following bylaw may do so by submitting comments in writing, via telephone, or in person during the Public Hearing:
•“City of Prince George Authorization Issuance Land Use Contract No. LU 53-77, Bylaw No. 3109, 1977, Discharge Bylaw No. 9244, 2021”.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS
For written comments to be included on the agenda for Council’sreviewinadvance of their consideration of the Bylaws, they must be received by the Corporate Officer no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday,March 22, 2022.Writtensubmissions received after the noted deadline and before 3:00 p.m., Monday,March 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
Public hearings arescheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday,March 28, 2022. To participate via telephone, residents arerecommended to dial into the meeting at least 10 minutes beforethe start time of the Public Hearing by dialing 1-877-708-3350, Access Code: 1269574#.
ATTEND IN PERSON
Residents who wish to speak to Council in person can do so during the Public Hearing in Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of City Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,March 28, 2022.
COVID-19 safety protocols have been put in place to support the health and safety of staffand members of the public attending City Council meetings.
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 Bylaws and other related documents will be available for review by the public on the City’swebsite www.princegeorge.ca under ‘News and Notices’ beginning Wednesday,March 16, 2022.These documents may also be reviewed at the Development Services office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on March 16, 17, 18, 21, 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 moreinformation on the Road Closure, please contact Real Estate Services in person, by telephone at (250)561-7611, or by email to realestate@princegeorge.ca.
For questions related to Council Meeting participation and procedures, please contact the Legislative Services Division by telephone (250)561-7793 or by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.
UNBC student raises thousands for Ukraine
Vova Pluzhnikov not only ran 44 kilometres in one day to raise awareness for the 44 million people affected by the war in Ukraine, but also smashed his fundraising goal of $44,000.
Upon completing his run at Prince George City Hall, to a crowd of waiting supporters, Pluzhnikov said he was left speechless – at that time he’d raised more than $45,000 through the Red Cross.
That number has since jumped to more than $60,000.
“This has been done on such short notice and it is just incredible what it has turned into,” the 26-year-old native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, told the crowd.
“I wanted to thank the City of Prince George and this whole community. You guys are incredible.”
It was only a week prior that Pluzhnikov, a senior guard for the UNBC Timberwolves basketball team, got the idea to run 44 kilometres for every one million Ukrainians now under siege in Russia’s military invasion.
He said the first time he was asked how much he wanted to raise he immediately thought $44,000 because it was symbolic for Ukraine, but knew it was a high goal.
“I wasn’t expecting to reach that $44,000 but it is incredible.”
Pluzhnikov started his run from city hall at 6 a.m. and headed to the base of Cranbrook Hill at University Way and Foothills Boulevard, before making the return trip to city hall. He started each successive segment from city hall at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., before ending the whole thing back where he started at city hall where the crowd was waiting to greet him around 4:15 p.m.
He also wore a meaningful t-shirt on his run, which he got during a basketball tournament in Ukraine back in 2013.
“I have so many memories and this T-shirt just brings out those memories,” he noted.
“I got this T-shirt nine years ago today now – and only today I realized that 2013 was the last year when Ukraine had peace – when Ukrainians had a peaceful life and unfortunately a year later it ended and it turned into an ongoing conflict with the Russian Federation.”
He said he is thankful the world has realized this is a problem and something needs to be done.
Pluzhnikov recently saw videos and photos of the destroyed square in the centre of his city and the university where he used to go, including the basketball gym which was also destroyed.
“I am trying to be positive today, as much as I can, and it is because of you all,” Pluzhnikov told the crowd.
DeannaWasnik Director of Planning&Development
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Supporters cheer for Vova Pluzhnikov as he arrives at city hall at the end of his fundraising run for the Red Cross in support of victims of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Viatelephone conference call and in person attendance
The public hearing will be chaired by adelegate of the Regional District Board.
Applicant: Daron and Mechthild Miller
Proposal: Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, Amendment Bylaw No. 3226, 2021 is proposed to remove the minimum site area required for a Cannabis Production use on the subject property on asite-specific basis. Further,the bylaw will restrict the maximum site area of Cannabis Production use to 4.0 ha on the subject property.The property is legally described as Block AOfThe South West 1/4 Of District Lot 2200 Cariboo District. The property is located at 22415 and 22425 Blackwater Road.
How can Iparticipate and provide comment?
Anyone who believes that their interest in land is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded areasonable opportunity to be heardatthe public hearing or to present written comments prior to or at the public hearing regarding matters contained in the bylaws.
Attendance at public hearings must follow provincial health orders. Telephone attendance is encouraged due to limited room capacity Masks arerequired.
Attend through telephone conference call: Contact the Regional District at 250-960-4400 or developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca for the telephone conference number and instructions
Attend in person: Members of the public interested in participating in the public hearing in person may attend the public hearing at: Regional District BoardRoom 155 George Street, Prince George BC
Submit written comments: Written comments will be accepted by the Regional District in advance of the public hearing until 9:00 am on March 22, 2022 by: Email: developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca
Hand/Mail: 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Fax: 250-562-8676
Written comments received before9:00 am on March 22, 2022 (day of the public hearing) will be posted to the Regional District’s website.
Written comments will be accepted after 9:00 am on March 22, 2022 (day of the public hearing) and until the close of the public hearing by email only:developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca
Any material received beforeoratthe public hearing will become public information.
Need moreinfo?
Acopy of the proposed Bylaw and any relevant background materials areavailable for review by the public on the Regional District’swebsite at http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/services/ development/land-use-planning/current-applications/ or at the Regional District office, by appointment only,Monday through Friday,8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., between March 1and March 22, 2022. To make an appointment contact the Regional District at developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca or at 250-960-4400. Who can Ispeak to? Daniel Burke, Planner II, 250-960-4400
How to survive cancer in P.G.
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
A positive attitude goes a long way and a little luck doesn’t hurt either.
Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer doesn’t happen every day. But that is exactly what happened to Prince George resident Zebun Noorani at the beginning of 2021.
The day after getting a temporary tooth implant, Noorani got really ill, experiencing searing pain in her stomach and vomiting repeatedly.
“I said I didn’t want to go to the doctor, I would be OK,” Noorani said.
“Tuesday morning I told her we were going to the hospital,” Noorani’s daughter Aliya Jackson said. “She couldn’t eat, her skin had gone a little yellow – it was instantaneously bizarre symptoms.”
At the hospital, tests found a mass between her pancreatic duct and bile duct.
The pressure from the mass was interfering with her bile duct function which was causing the searing gut pain and vomiting.
A stent surgically placed in her bile duct alleviated the problem.
Further tests over a couple of weeks told a terrible tale of cancer cell numbers doubling at an alarming rate. The action plan was chemo first, surgery (whipple, a massively invasive procedure) second, with follow up chemo as the final round of combat.
The first part of the battle included 12 rounds of chemotherapy, once a week, three weeks on, one week break, three weeks on and so on.
Noorani usually weighs 125 pounds and through the worst of the treatment went down to a mere 98 pounds.
The next step after chemotherapy for Noorani was the whipple procedure, which took place in July and in a sixhour surgery experts removed a large portion of Noorani’s pancreas, repositioned her bile duct and pancreatic duct and removed 19 lymph nodes.
“It was brutal,” Noorani said.
“I call her the beast because she is such a tough cookie,” Jackson said about her mom. “We are so blessed here. We have some exceptionally skilled healthcare workers here.”
Jackson and husband Trevor, along with Noorani moved from Vancouver to Prince George in 2017. Jackson couldn’t help make a comparison of the care and attention Noorani received here where she said healthcare workers got to know her mom and her family and it seemed to make all the difference.
“Nurses and doctors here were all just amazing and they all really cared about my mom,” Jackson said.
Because one of the 19 lymph nodes that had been
removed during the whipple procedure was deemed ‘problematic’ the surgery was followed up by another 12 rounds of chemotherapy but this time it wasn’t so intense.
“It was a bit daunting because you’re finished with the surgery and you think you’re all done, right?” Jackson said.
“And it was hard. That’s when the emotions got high too because you think you’re at the end.”
But you’re not.
“And COVID didn’t help – I am a person who used to work out every day,” Noorani explained. “And I couldn’t get out and it was difficult – emotionally, mentally, physically.”
The last rounds of chemo treatment took place every second week and, after some adjustments, to the medication it was tolerable..
Throughout the whole process, Noorani decided she needed to gift those at the cancer clinic.
She made 50 bean bags to gift to the staff at the cancer clinic at Christmas time and she brought them treats so often staff told her she could come without making them cookies every time she came for treatment.
Tradition says that once a person has completed their cancer treatment they ring the bell in the foyer.
Staff asked Noorani to ring the bell on a Friday so that all of them could witness healthcare at its best – the bell rung by a cancer-free patient.
To applause and cheers, Noorani rang that bell so hard she almost knocked it right off its moorings.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Zebun Noorani, a pancreatic cancer survivor, is seen here with her daughter Aliya Jackson and dog Chips.
City saw nine toxic drug deaths in January
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service shows that nine people in Prince George died from illicit drug overdoses or toxic drug poisoning in the first month of the year.
In 2021, the city saw a total of 55 drug deaths.
Throughout the province, at least 207 British Columbians died from drugs in January 2022, according to the BC Coroners Service, the fourth consecutive month in which more than 200 lives were lost. The January total is the third highest recorded in a calendar month, an average of about 6.7 deaths per day.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the many families grieving the loss of a loved one in communities large and small,” Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner, said.
“As we near the six-year anniversary of the declaration of B.C.’s public health emergency into substance-related harms, it is clearer than ever that traditional approaches to substance use are hurting people and costing lives. I am hopeful that the recent recommendations made by the Coroners Service Drug Toxicity Death Review Panel will support the meaningful change underway in our province and an end to this tragic crisis.”
Illicit drug toxicity is also the leading cause of unnatural death in B.C., accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, motor vehicle incidents, drownings and fire-related deaths combined.
While illicit drug toxicity death rates remain high throughout the province, the B.C. Coroners Service says there have been notable increases in smaller and medium-sized communities.
The 11 recorded deaths in Kamloops in
January made it the third most affected city in B.C. behind only Vancouver and Surrey. And the 19 deaths recorded in Northern Health equates to a death rate of 74.5 per 100,000 residents, by far the highest rate of any health region.
Overall, the rate in B.C. is 47 deaths per 100,000 individuals.
Post-mortem toxicology results underscore the increased volatility and toxicity of the illicit drug supply.
Between November 2021 and January 2022, approximately 23 per cent of tests returned extreme levels of fentanyl (concentrations exceeding 50 micrograms per litre), compared to 13 per cent of results between April 2020 and October 2021.
Both Northern Health (29 per cent) and Vancouver Coastal Health (2 per cent) had results that exceeded the average for the province.
“We know that illicit substances in our
province are toxic and that those dependent on them are vulnerable to serious harms and death,” Lapointe said. “Ensuring access to safer supply, establishing a substance use system of care, and turning the focus away from punishing and stigmatizing are critical steps to resolving this public health emergency.”
Other key findings from the data show that 85 per cent of illicit drug toxicity deaths occurred inside (55 per cent in private residences, 30 per cent in other residences, including social and supportive housing, single room occupancy, shelters, and hotels and other indoor locations) and 14 per cent occurred outside in vehicles, on sidewalks, streets or parks.
No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption sites or drug overdose prevention sites and there is no indication that prescribed safe supply is contributing to illicit drug deaths.
Viatelephone conference call and in person attendance
The public hearing will be chaired by adelegate of the Regional District Board.
Owner: Kim and Stacey Forrest
Agent: Megan Hickey,BPI (L&M Engineering Ltd).
Proposal: Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, Amendment Bylaw No. 3238, 2021 is proposed to rezone the subject property from Rural 2(Ru2) to Rural Residential 1(RR1) to permit afour-lot subdivision or other uses pursuant to the RR1 zone. The property is legally described as The North ½ofthe North West ¼ofthe Fractional North East ¼of District Lot 2670 Cariboo District.
How can Iparticipate and provide comment?
Anyone who believes that their interest in land is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded areasonable opportunity to be heardatthe public hearing or to present written comments prior to or at the public hearing regarding matters contained in the bylaws.
Attendance at public hearings must follow provincial health orders. Telephone attendance is encouraged due to limited room capacity Masks arerequired.
Attend through telephone conference call: Contact the Regional District at 250-960-4400 or developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca for the telephone conference number and instructions
Attend in person: Members of the public interested in participating in the public hearing in person may attend the public hearing at: Regional District BoardRoom 155 George Street, Prince George BC
Submit written comments: Written comments will be accepted by the Regional District in advance of the public hearing until 9:00 am on March 24, 2022 by: Email: developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca
Hand/Mail: 155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Fax: 250-562-8676
Written comments received before9:00 am on March 24, 2022 (day of the public hearing) will be posted to the Regional District’s website.
Written comments will be accepted after 9:00 am on March 24, 2022 (day of the public hearing) and until the close of the public hearing by email only: developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca
Any material received beforeoratthe public hearing will become public information.
Need moreinfo? Acopy of the proposed Bylaw and any relevant background materials areavailable for review by the public on the Regional District’swebsite at http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/services/ development/land-use-planning/current-applications/ or at the Regional District office, by appointment only,Monday through Friday,8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., between March 1and March 24, 2022. To make an appointment contact the Regional District at developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca or at 250-960-4400. Who can Ispeak to? RichardBuchan, Planner II, 250-960-4400
Canfor rakes in $1.5 billion
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
It was a banner year for the bottom line at Canfor.
The lumber and pulp producer reaped a record $1.5 billion in net income, or $12.16 US per share, over the course of 2021, according to year-end results issued March 1, more than 2 1/2 times the previous milestone of $556 million, or $4.44 US per share, the company took in during 2020.
The figures are in Canadian dollars, except for the per share amounts.
“Unprecedented strength in global lumber markets” that drove benchmark prices to new highs in the first half of the year were credited for much of the outcome. However, how much the company’s operations in B.C.
played into the success was put in doubt.
“This record pricing, coupled with higher production and shipment volumes in Europe and the U.S. South substantially outweighed the impacts of extreme weather and higher log costs in British Columbia, and operational challenges faced by the Company’s pulp business in the latter part of the year,” it said in the summary.
Canfor’s pulp operations contributed $25 million in adjusted net income, or 38 cents US per share, compared to a lost os $22.4 million or 34 cents per share over 2020.
Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter stood at $154.6 million or $1.24 US per share. The average price for random length western spruce, pine and fir #2 and better averaged $711 US per thousand board feet, up $217 US from the previous quarter.
Amanda Asay award unveiled
CITIZEN STAFF
The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) has announced the Dr. Amanda Asay Memorial Award to honour the Prince George baseball legend who tragically lost her life in a skiing accident in Nelson.
Asay was working in Nelson for the Ministry of Forests as a silvicultural system researcher at the time of her accident on Jan. 7. An annual award will be allocated to a student attending a post-secondary school from School District 57 in Prince George and a second award will go to a student from School District 8 in Nelson. Preference will be given to female students going on
to post-secondary education who participate in hockey, ringette, baseball or softball.
Born and raised in Prince George, Asay was the longest-serving member of the women’s national team program having joined the squad in 2005 and participated in the women’s national team showcase last summer.
She was part of national teams that captured five Women’s Baseball World Cup medals including bronze in 2006, 2012 and 2018 and silver in 2008 and 2016. She was also part of Canada’s historic silver medal performance at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto – the first time that women’s baseball was included in a major, multi-sport games.
WEHAVEA WINNER!! CongratulationsLoisSmith
Curtis Armstrong(Director of Advertising Prince George Citizen) presents Lois Smith with aPrince George Cougars’ jerseysignedbythe players. Lois also won tickets to the games as well as gift certificates to Montana’s restaurant. Thank youtoall those entered.
Read the complete version of many of these stories at pgcitizen.ca
APPENDIX B to OrderG-60-22
BC HYDRO’SAPPLICATION FORTHE PEACETOKELLY LAKE SUSTAINMENT PROJECT
On January 25,2022,the British Columbia Hydroand PowerAuthority (BCHydro)filed an application with the BritishColumbia Utilities Commission (BCUC),for acceptance of capitalexpendituresthatBCHydro anticipates making in respectofthe PeacetoKelly Lake Stations Sustainment Project(Project).
The Projectconsistsofthe replacement of equipmentand buildings at existing stations on thePeace to Kelly Lake portionofthe transmission system.BCHydro notesthatthisProject is needed to ensure thecontinued reliability of this portionofthe transmissionsystem, which connects BC Hydro generating facilitiesinthe Peace Region of northeastern BritishColumbiatothe KellyLakeSubstation in theKelly Lake/Nicolaregion.
HOWTOPARTICIPATE
Submit aletterofcomment
Register as an interested party
Request intervener status
IMPORTANTDATES
1. Thursday,April 7, 2022 –Deadlinetoregister as an intervener withthe BCUC
2. Thursday,April 21, 2022 –Deadlinefor intervener informationrequest No.1 to BC Hydro
Formoreinformation aboutthe Application,pleasevisit the Proceeding Webpage on bcuc.com under “Our Work –Proceedings”.Tolearn more aboutgetting involved,pleasevisit ourwebsiteat www.bcuc.com/get-involved or contactusatthe information below.
GET MORE INFORMATION
BritishColumbiaHydro andPower Authority
1600 –333 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver, BC,V6B 5R3
E:bchydroregulatorygroup@bchydro.com
P:604.623.4348
BritishColumbia UtilitiesCommission
Suite 410, 900 Howe Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z 2N3
E:Commission.Secretary@bcuc.com
P:604.660.4700
All nails, no coffin
For all the times in the past 25 years that some residents have proclaimed that this event or that event is “another nail in the coffin” for Prince George, it now seems clear that all of these claims are all nails and no coffin.
Put another way, rumours of Prince George’s pending death have been greatly exaggerated.
But every time something bad happens, somebody brings out the nails and goes looking for a coffin. Downtown Prince George has been dying for more than 40 years apparently yet new businesses keep opening, new development keeps happening Prince George’s downtown is more than just Northern Hardware, folks. Downtown is on life support this time for sure, the gloom and doomers say, with the growing street population and
the ongoing problems with homelessness, addictions, illicit drugs, crime and mental health. These issues are greater now than in the past but they are also not new and likely will always be with us in some form. Fortunately, more attention and resources are being applied to address these challenges than ever before. Those efforts take time, but as more supportive and affordable housing comes online, things should get better.
At The Citizen, we have some direct experience with predictions that we’re finished as a business because we’ve been hearing it for the past 20 years. Six days a week to five to weekly publication of the newspaper were all met with “another nail in the coffin” nods of confidence, often followed by “good riddance.” Yet here we remain in 2022, still in business, still making money, still reporting
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SORRY NOT NEEDED
I don’t feel Coun. Kyle Sampson has to apologize for calling criminals losers.
People that destroy other peoples property and have no respect for other people are dangerous losers
I think he had a lot of guts to speak out. Who do we consider to be our most vulnerable? It’s not criminal.
Our downtown is a mess. Just drive down to Third and George. The homeless problem is overwhelming Prince George can’t cope with the problems from other towns and we should not have to.
Helen Robertson, Prince George
SAMPSON CORRECT
The recent controversy surrounding Coun. Kyle Sampson’s statement is another nail in the coffin for Prince George.
The continuing degradation of the downtown and Prince George as a whole has been happening for decades. The taxpaying public have been pleading with city council, the City of Prince George and the RCMP to start cracking down on the
behaviour that has cost us what was once a vibrant downtown driven by entertainment, dining, retail, and business. Sampson was simply responding to complaints that started back in the eighties, and referred to those committing criminal acts as “losers.” As is the case with our new day and age, Sampson has been treated rather harshly on social media, in conversation, and in the pages of this publication.
Sampson’s comments were directed towards criminals yet in the age of the ‘Social Justice Warrior’, it was easy for PG’s usual suspects, to make it sound like he was directing his comments towards the homeless, the afflicted, and the addicted; he wasn’t.
How can we as a city ask our council and our authorities to fix local crime, when a council member is attacked for verbally attacking criminals? Crime is wrong, it is not a socially acceptable action, yet in Prince George, attacking criminals with words becomes a worse crime than the crimes themselves. One sad statistic is the lack of statistics
important stories, reaching 1.5 million page views from 300,000-plus unique visitors to our website per month and growing, according to Google Analytics.
Please don’t mistake this for a rose-coloured view of Prince George. Businesses are closing. Jobs are being lost. Pacific BioEnergy’s closure, the temporary and permanents shutdowns of mills across the forest sector and the relentless pressure on retail outlets and frontline workers hurt. People are suffering and are rightfully angry about many things.
Prince George’s resilience, however, comes from a willingness throughout this city’s history for residents to come together to do something about problems, to take control and take action, not just hold another meeting to air grievances and whine about how somebody else should fix it.
The inspiration is right in front of us. The two statues of individuals in Prince George are of Terry Fox and Bridget Morgan, two amazing people who were too busy working for change to complain much. They didn’t accomplish what they did without help. They had plenty of allies who backed their cause
Last week, UNBC student Vova Pluzhnikov ran 44 kilometres to raise money for the 44 million citizens of his home country Ukraine being invaded by Vladimir Putin’s Russian Army. Many friends and fellow students joined him. He hoped to bring in $44,000 but Prince George residents stepped up and he’s now raised more than $60,000.
Running towards the problem or running away from it.
The choice will always be ours.
Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout
We
Talk to any RCMP member and they will tell you that much of what happens in PG never sees publication or is ever mentioned in the news. Crime has become so prolific in Prince George, that certain types of crime are no longer responded to by the RCMP as there simply isn’t enough manpower. If they do act, the court system is so deluged with pending cases that many never see the inside of a courtroom or jail cell.
We want change. Business owners just want a fair shot at running their businesses but things have gotten so bad that the struggle for many has become impossible. As I have said in a previous letter, it is time to start helping the taxpayer in this town and stop allowing crime to continue.
Sampson should be commended for speaking the truth, not attacked. What hope does Prince George have, if a verbal attack against the criminal element is considered wrong? How can we ask the RCMP to react harshly to crime, if merely offending a criminal isn’t allowed?
Michael Maslen, Prince George
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FIX THE OLYMPICS
Is it time yet? Another in an endless string of Russian Olympic doping scandals. Another IOC surrender.There should be two Olympic organizations. We can keep the old organization and call it the Dirty Olympics or the Russian Olympics or Putin’s Playground. In those Olympics there would be no need for an anti-doping sham. “Athletes” would be permitted to use any performance enhancing substances or mechanical devices they want. It would simply be a competition to see who can cheat the best and who has the biggest cheat budget
The New Olympics or Clean Olympics would employ actual anti-doping programs with actual consequences. I suggest that a doping violation would ban the individual for life and the country for three Olympics. A second violation for a country should be a permanent ban. I would love to see that. I know which Olympics I would watch. It would be interesting to see which version survives long term. Just sayin’.
Ray Masson, Prince George
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We all need to own our mistakes
Every year at Remembrance Day ceremonies we say “Lest we forget.”
Yet, here we are, in 2022, making the same mistakes over and over again. People are people and we don’t really change.
We are punishing ordinary Russians for the crimes of their government. Sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his oligarch allies are a good start to supporting Ukraine. Not allowing Russian teams to play in international tournaments may be justified, but Milan University cancelling a course on Dostoevsky, Montreal Symphony Orchestra cancelling shows by 20-year-old piano prodigy Alexander Malofeev, and vandalizing Russian businesses and churches cannot be justified.
This is happening while Western allies pretend that Putin can be “appeased,” into being satisfied with only killing
THINKING ALOUD
TRUDY KLASSEN
Ukrainians. NATO is still refusing to close Ukrainian airspace so that civilians and infrastructure aren’t smashed to pieces due to concerns about escalation.
The most magnificent thing humans can do is reverse themselves when they realize they made a mistake. It takes humility to admit we are wrong. Milan University reversed itself and have now reinstated the course on Dostoevsky. Also, there has been an outcry against the Russian church vandalism, so hopefully this won’t happen again.
Sometimes we can rise to the occasion. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky
was a comedian and actor prior to running for office but has risen to the occasion of uniting his country to put up a credible fight against Putin’s military. War is clarifying and Zelensky has proven to be much more substantial than he appeared previously.
Locally, without leaving the comfort of our cozy homes, we can support UNBC Timberwolves basketball player Vova Pluzhnikov’s campaign to raise funds for his homeland. You can donate to his campaign specifically by going to the Facebook page “Prince George for Ukraine” and clicking on his link to donate to the Red Cross.
Perhaps giving will reduce the guilt we will feel this Remembrance Day and make us a little less hypocritical as we repeat those immortal words.
Lest we forget.
Trudy Klassen is a Prince George writer.
Who turned losers into a bad word?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “loser” as a person who is defeated in a competition or a person who is regularly unsuccessful. According to the dictionary definition, loser is simply a statement of fact. After all, any game or competition is going to have winners and losers. That doesn’t make the losing team bad people. No one wins every game. No one. So, anyone entering any competition will likely end up being a loser at some point. We are all losers in one way or another. When loser is used in the way it is intended to be used, it is just part of life. You win some and you lose some. Losing shouldn’t and doesn’t define us. However, loser has been turned into a derogatory term An insult tossed out with little thought: Don’t be such a loser, you’re a real loser or a born loser.
AS I SEE IT TODD WHITCOMBE
This is reflected in the increasing use of the word over the past 20 years and particular during Trump’s administration. Indeed, it is an indication of just how little thought takes place in a politician’s mind when they start to describe their opponents as “losers.”
The political process is intended to be one where politicians of all stripes negotiate with each other in good faith for the betterment of our society and our country. Indeed, for the betterment of the world as a whole But when such discussions become about winning – winning at all costs – we all lose. Because winning
may not result in the best legislation, the best laws, the best results, or the best approach. When winning is more important than getting it right, then getting it wrong is a real possibility.
Increasingly, though, this is where our politics are headed. Not towards consensus or mutual understanding but towards winning regardless of how absurd or wrongheaded their view might be. And if you disagree with someone, well, they are just a loser. Even if they win.
I hold no illusions that the term will be banished from the political landscape. Most politicians want to win and win at all costs. Putin and Trump, for example, are leaders who put winning above doing what is right. But maybe a little bit of civility would be nice.
Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.
Pray for others, not yourself
Since the end of the Cold War, there has been almost endless war and genocide.
The only beneficiaries of these conflicts are the purveyors of the military-industrial complex. They carry undue influence in our governments and use the news media to convince us that what they are doing is necessary and even good. The rest of us send money to help the suffering through Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross, the UN High Commission for Refugees, and many other worthwhile organizations. But is that all we can do?
I grew up during the Cold War. Many of my peers thought the world would end and we came very close to proving them correct. I clung desperately to hope How could one look at the face of a child
LESSONS IN LEARNING
GERRY CHIDIAC
and still believe that omnicide was the destiny of humanity?
As a Catholic, I heard stories of the Mother of Jesus appearing in several parts of the world promising peace and asking people to pray. What did I have to lose by adopting the prayer she suggested, the rosary, into my daily routine?
A rosary is a circular string of prayer beads. One holds it while saying the Our Father and the Hail Mary multiple times, and this is how one prays the rosary. Perhaps I am being duped by
confirmation bias, but people all over the world followed this woman’s advice and global tensions eased by the end of the 1980s I don’t believe it matters what religious tradition one chooses to follow, or even if one chooses to follow any religion. When we embrace the sacred humanity of ourselves and of one another, borders no longer matter and sworn enemies become dear friends. The rosary is simply one means to this end. The powerful may try to convince us to hate and to kill. I have never known that to be an effective strategy for peace. The ultimate truth is that a divine being loves each of us and simply asks us to love and care for one another. Embracing this principle is the greatest hope for humanity.
Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George writer.
Are you in favour of the Indigenous credits required for B.C. high school graduates? Who would you like to see as the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada? Vote on our website.
RESULTS from last week:
Would you support removing the oil tanker ban off B.C.’s north coast and building more Canadian pipelines?
● Yes, it would create thousands of jobs that would last for decades.
388 votes, 41 per cent
● Yes, it could eliminate Eastern Canada’s dependency on foreign oil.
257 votes, 27 per cent
● No, Canada needs to transition faster to a green economy 113 votes, 11 per cent
● No, the risk of spills causing huge environmental damage is too high. 200 votes, 21 per cent
Should Coun. Kyle Sampson have apologized for calling criminals “a bunch of losers?”
● Yes, it might be true but name-calling doesn’t fix anything.
146 votes, 12 per cent
● Yes, he showed a lack of empathy to marginalized people. 219 votes, 18 per cent
● No, it’s the truth whether we like it or not.
532 votes, 45 per cent
● No, it’s harsh but he’s right to be frustrated.
302 votes, 25 per cent
Tickets now on salefor Miracle Theatre’s production of On Golden Pond
All proceeds formthe professional theatreproduction go towardsthe Prince GeorgeHospiceand Palliative CareSociety
Tickets are now on sale for Miracle Theatre’s production of the wellknown playbyErnest Thompson, On Golden Pond which will takeplace at the Prince George Playhouse later this month.
“It is abeautiful story and when it comes down to it –itisalove story. It hasso much warmth and humor and Ijust find it irresistible,”said director TedPrice.
Miracle Theatre brings professional actors from across Canada to perform in critically acclaimed productions to raise moneyfor local charities.
Funds raised from this year’s production of On Golden Pond will go to The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society through asustainable endowment fund managed by thePrinceGeorge CommunityFoundation.
“Itisagood choice for Hospice because alot of it is about aman who is worried that he’s hit the last part of his life and this is something he doesn’t handle very well,atfirst, but then he rises above it,” said Price.
“It is touching, and alot of the jokes and humor come from his anxiety about him becoming an old man. ”
The 1981 film adaptation of the playalso won an academyaward for Best Picture.
The hope is that Miracle Theatre can raise at least equal to its previous production, more than $106,000, which went to the Children of Prince George Fund.
“Weare hoping the boxoffice will be higher than ever and that people will support the Hospice. We arehoping the donation will break all records,”said Price.
Since the ticket sales will be contributed to an endowment fund, the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care
Society will be able to benefit from the investment income for years to come.
“Weare real bigbelievers in endowments,”said producer Anne Laughlin.
“The fact that youcan create afundthat will then provide an income in perpetuity makes awhole lotofsense for charities because theyare so busyjust paying the bills day-to-day. Forthe Hospicetohave an endowment, that is just something that is essential.”
Miracle Theatre productions are usually held at Art Space above Books &Company, but this year On Golden Pond had to be relocated to the Prince George Playhouse to accommodate for COVID-19 requirements.
“It was aCOVID necessity –itwas about safety so we could ensure social distancing and plenty of ventilation and be sure that people felt safe,”said Price.
“Everything is so much more spacious so we could makeany social distancing requirement.”
On Golden Pond will run from March 23 to April 17 at the Prince George Playhouse with showings nightly except Mondays with Sundaymaintees and evenings.
Tickets are $35 dollars and available starting March 1inpersonatBooks & Companyon1685 Third Avenueorby phone 250-563-6637.
Victim’s family upset by murder sentence
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A final loose end from a 2017 drug-related double murder and attempted murder was tied up last week when the last of three culprits was sentenced to life in prison with no chance for parole for 15 years.
Perry Andrew Charlie, 29, was issued the term for his role in the Jan. 25, 2017 shooting deaths of David Laurin Franks and Thomas Burt Reed 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.
Co-accused Joshua Steven West and Seaver Tye Miller were respectively sentenced in November 2020 to 15 and 13 years before they can apply for parole. All three were issued the terms on counts of second-degree murder.
In issuing her decision, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Marguerite Church said the trio went to the spot ostensibly for the purpose of robbing Franks, who had gone there to sell some cocaine. Armed with loaded shotguns, they opened fire.
“As noted in my reasons for judgment, it is clear from the evidence of the extensive damage to the car that no one was supposed to survive,” Church said. “This was extreme senseless violence and the moral blameworthiness of Mr. Charlie is therefore high.”
During submissions on sentencing in February, Crown prosecution argued for as much as 16 years without eligibility for parole while defence counsel sought a term in the range of 13 years.
Church agreed with counsel that Charlie’s involvement was more similar to West’s than Miller’s, who was found to be the leader of the scheme. But Church also found Charlie was “more entrenched in the criminal lifestyle” than West.
Charlie’s record of criminal offences began in 2010 and continued “virtually
unabated” until his arrest following the shootings, with convictions for break and enters, weapons and assaults and had been issued a life-time firearms prohibition. Moreover, West pleaded guilty and and turned to the families of the victims to apologize directly prior to sentencing, Church noted.
Church recounted a troubled upbringing for Charlie. A member of the Takla First Nation, Charlie’s formative years were filled with exposure to substance abuse, instability and sexual violence and trauma. At age four, the member of the Takla First Nation lost his father to a murder.
Expelled from high school in Vanderhoof for selling marijuana, at age 17 he moved to Prince George where he became involved in the city’s drug culture. Charlie has attributed his criminal involvement to “chronic substance abuse and negative associations” and has reported “unresolved grief and anger associated with the unsolved murder of his father and the impact of that loss on his family.”
Perry was found guilty in November 2019. Church attributed most of the morethan two-year delay on sentencing to pandemic-related restrictions but noted that Charlie consented to the delay so that family could attend the proceedings.
Two of Reed’s sisters also attended the hearings and expressed frustration with the postponements.
“We couldn’t change the date because we could not make it,” said Natalie Jones when she spoke to the Citizen following the decision.
Jones was also particularly upset that Charlie committed the crimes after he had been issued a lifetime firearms prohibition and questioned how much he will work towards rehabilitation.
As a result of the actions of Miller, Charlie and West, Reed has two grandchildren he will never see, Norine Reidy noted, because they were born after his death, “which is a shame because Tom loved his grandkids.”
Fines, point deductions handed out to drivers
CITIZEN STAFF
Enforcement officers gave distracted drivers extra attention last week.
They set up shop at the intersection of Highway 16 and 97 on March 3, and with the help of an official perched in a bucket truck on loan from the City of Prince George, they spotted 24 drivers using a cell phone or electronic device while behind the wheel.
Each were issued a ticket carrying a $368 fine and a four-point penalty plus a Driver Risk Premium assessed by ICBC.
and too many points assessed against one’s license may result in a prohibition from driving.
Distracted driving not only includes using electronic devices but also other distractions such as personal grooming, eating or drinking, reading, insecure pets, other passengers and not knowing your route.
Distracted driving is the second leading cause of fatal crashes in B.C.”
“When you are distracted, you react more slowly, putting yourself and those around you at risk. Distracted driving is the second leading cause of fatal crashes in B.C. and this behaviour is 100 per cent preventable - it starts with you, the driver,” Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said.
Vehicle insurance costs may be affected
Prince George RCMP’s municipal traffic services collaborated with B.C. Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Insurance Corporation of British Columbia and the Citizens on Patrol volunteers participated in the crackdown.
As well, nine tickets were issued for failing to wear a seatbelt, three were issued for too much window tint and 15 notice and order tickets were handed out for noted defects on the vehicle, three of which were for commercial vehicles.
Aluminum crutch attack earns jail term
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Prince George man has been sentenced to two years less a day followed by 30 months probation for hitting a neighbour in the forehead with an aluminum crutch.
In issuing the term to Charles MacFarland Williams, 35, Provincial Court Judge Judith Doulis endorsed Crown prosecution’s position on sentencing.
Two years less a day is the longest term that can be served in a provincial jail and the probation Williams received is six months short of the maximum. Sentences of two years or greater are served in federal institutions and do not include probation.
Defence counsel argued for either a short jail sentence or a suspended sentence, both with a lengthy period of probation. In doing so, counsel maintained the the victim was left with a “flesh wound” and noted that the victim himself light-heartedly described the resulting scar as a “war wound.”
Williams and the victim were neighbours in a fourplex in the 2100 block of Redwood Street. Williams and his partner lived on an upper unit, and had been the subject of complaints over noise late at night.
On the evening of April 21, 2019, Williams and his partner were standing on
the balcony having a drink and a cigarette when they got into an argument with the neighbour and his partner as they stood on the grounds below, also having a cigarette.
As tensions escalated, Williams threatened to put the neighbour in a coma. And when Williams was dared to come down and say it to his face, Williams emerged from the front door of his home and whacked the man in the forehead with the crutch.
The hit left the victim with a “serious laceration,” Doulis said in her decision, requiring 10 stitches and leaving a 2 1/2inch scar in the middle of his forehead.
Doulis found that Williams has longstanding anger management issues and has seven convictions for violent criminal offences and that he had consumed alcohol and marijuana at the time of the offence.
The judge described the attack as unprovoked and grave.
“The court must send a strong message that society will not tolerate violence of the sort involved in this case,” Doulis said.
“A suspended sentence which the defence proposes is unduly lenient and may well cause the victim and this community to lose faith in the criminal justice system,” the judge added.
The sentence was issued on February 24.
UNBC students win food security contest
CITIZEN STAFF
UNBC students have won a province-wide competition for their innovative Eco-Living Kitchen (ELK) project which aims to tackle food security and sustainability issues in the region.
The students formed ELK in response to a call from the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) for youth between the ages of 16 -30 to create climate solutions.
They began meeting and discussing solutions even as they attended online classes in the fall of 2020 due to the
coronavirus pandemic.
With the help of partners like Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS), the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society and Prince George Public Interest Research Group (PG PIRG), the students decided to put together meal kits and run a series of accompanying online workshops.
Launched in April 2021, ELK Kits provided locally-sourced, low-waste options for the kitchen to 75 Prince George residents free of charge, thanks to funding from FBC.
The follow-up workshop series, hosted in May and June of 2021, featured eight workshops designed to shift people’s behaviour toward waste management and reduction by providing hard and soft skills for around the home.
Each workshop focused on a different aspect of sustainability, including composting, sustainable shopping, gardening, canning, and cooking with scraps.
“We attracted people who had their own kitchen, as youth aren’t always the ones making decisions around food,” said UNBC student and co-organizer Helga Holler-Busch.
“We had adults, students, and elders who followed food through all steps of the process from northern B.C., Canada, the United States, and Australia. It was interesting to hear their different perspectives.”
Based on their success, ELK entered the Nourishing Innovation Initiative:
Campus Nutrition and Food Security Contest. They were among eight teams who each put forward a solution to address food security on one of four university campuses - British Columbia Institute of Technology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver Island University, and the University of Northern British Columbia.
ELK was the only team from UNBC and won the largest prize out of four finalists from across the province for the Community Cooking on Campus initiative.
One Friday a month, ELK also organizes Community Cooking on Campus events in the Agora Dining Hall in partnership with UNBC Food Services and PG PIRG’s Good Food Box initiative. These events focus on culturally diverse, sustainable, and economical meals.
More sessions are planned for March 18 featuring cuisine for the Persian new year and April 1 featuring a plant-based open fire meal.
City was facing huge bill in gravel mine dispute
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The City of Prince George could have been on the hook for as much as $6 million under a previous version of a legal action it is facing over a gravel mining operation.
In it, Stewart said the mine had been operating since 1995 and the city bylaw in effect at that time had no setback requirement.
The amount is how much Rock’n’Roll Aggregates Ltd. and Rolling Mix Concrete (B.C.) Ltd. would have been seeking had it turned out the city - not the provincial government - had authority over the operation southwest of corner of Foothills Boulevard and North Nechako Road, according to a document filed recently at the courthouse.
In mid-October 2020, bylaw enforcement officers issued a cease work order under the city’s soil removal bylaw after becoming aware that trees were being removed at the site and that a 100-metre setback from the sides bordering residential property may have been violated.
The two businesses took the issue to court in February 2021, arguing in a notice of claim that the operation is subject to the B.C. Mines Act and not the city’s soil removal bylaw. A permit under the act allowed for a 50-metre setback, the plaintiffs said.
Nine months later, the city relented and agreed that the Mines Act took precedence.
But had the outcome gone the other way, Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix would have been seeking a hefty payout, according to a letter included in an affidavit filed February 25 by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Roy Stewart, as part of a renewed action against the city.
The city’s cease work order was invoked under a bylaw passed in 2019 and, citing a section of the Community Charter, Stewart maintained the city would have been liable for compensation equal to sand and gravel foregone due to the difference in setbacks between the city’s bylaw and the mining permit granted by the province.
The potential loss of material was estimated at two million cubic metres and worth $6 million, Stewart said in the letter, which was sent to the city at the outset of the legal action.
The sides reached an out-of-court settlement in December 2021 in which the plaintiffs agreed not to pursue damages. But now Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix are seeking compensation for separate but related matters they say were not expressed in the original action.
When the October 2020 cease work order was issued, the plaintiffs were forced to pay the costs of mobilizing and demobilizing a contractor hired to create a berm along the perimeter of the site. Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix are seeking compensation for those costs, noting also that they have increased considerably since that time.
They are also seeking compensation for the extra cost that came with buying material from other pit operators to keep Rolling Mix in operation.
No total for those costs has been disclosed in documents filed so far and the matter remains before the court.
Meet Northern Health’s Kidney Care director
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Dr. Anurag Singh is the medical director of Northern Health’s Kidney Care program based in Prince George.
The reason he’s here is he understands the challenges of continuity of care in rural areas and finds fulfillment in his practice where his relationship with his patients takes them through the long process of being diagnosed with kidney disease, dialysis if things deteriorate and then hopefully an extended better-quality life after transplant and beyond.
“I really liked this area of medicine because I felt we had a longitudinal relationship,” Singh explained. “It isn’t like a surgeon where you go and do the surgery and the problem is fixed and that is done. Once people have kidney disease and sometimes they are diagnosed at a relatively young age as a result of high blood pressure or diabetes, they would follow up with a nephrologist for a long time.”
People could still maintain a certain quality of life despite their failing kidneys because of science, modern medicine and organ transplantation, Singh added.
“So knowing people from early diagnosis, through dialysis and seeing them getting the gift of a transplant and maintaining their ongoing life – that relationship over many years is really something that I enjoy,” Singh said. “I really love it.”
services to the North and to expand those services I was asked to take up the role of medical director of the kidney program in Northern Health which had to be expanded to include many smaller communities and rural places in BC,” Singh said.
When they first moved to BC, Singh worked in Abbotsford while his wife worked at BC Children’s Hospital. They managed that for two years.
“Then a position came up in Prince George so we as a family took the plunge to come to the north in 2013,” Singh said.
“It’s been quite a journey for us as immigrants from India, to England for education and then to Canada and Northern B.C.”
Singh was born and raised in India and he left home for higher education on a scholarship to go to the U.K.
“I did my further studies at the University of Bristol where I trained first to become a general internist and then a kidney specialist,” Singh said.
It’s very important to Singh to work in an environment where he could raise awareness of kidney disease and that’s why he chose to speak to The Citizen now as March is Kidney Health Awareness Month.
“We don’t hear as much about kidney disease – we hear so much about cancer and heart disease – but we need to talk about kidney disease because there are a lot of consequences – and people who have high blood pressure and diabetes and heart disease often have kidney disease but it’s not often recognized,” Singh said.
Singh and his family had never lived outside an urban centre before making the move to Prince George in 2013. He was used to living among millions of people his entire life and enjoyed the support and resources available to him to practice medicine. Here in Prince George he is one of three kidney specialists that cover the entire Northern Health region, which is a huge geographical area, he noted.
“It was quite an eye opener for me to really understand what was necessary, what was needed to provide our
After graduating from medicine, which takes five years, Singh said, there’s another three to four years of training as an internal medicine specialist, which every nephrologist does.
“So when I was doing my general internal medicine training I did a six-month attachment in nephrology,” Singh explained. “I was in a big academic centre in Bristol and I had the opportunity to participate in research, looking at what makes the kidneys fail when people have diabetes and high blood pressure. So that was quite enlightening and it increased my interest and my commitment to this field of medicine.”
So on top of all the other years of study that was another three years of research he did.
After that he took another four years of additional training to be a nephrologist, he added.
This year’s Kidney Health Month theme is Bridging the Knowledge Gap. Right now kidney disease, in some form, will affect 1 in 10 Canadians at some point in their life.
There are many chronic diseases that are only diagnosed in late stages and early detection is the key, Singh said.
“I would say that people over the age of 40 should be checking their blood pressure and going for a health check with their family doctor and taking more interest in prevention is a good idea,” Singh said. “That is true for any chronic disease, including kidney and obviously focusing a lot more on their health – even if they are in good health, maintaining good health is essential.”
WAIT
DR. ANURAG SINGH
Local actor all set for On Golden Pond
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Miracle Theatre presents On Golden Pond as its sixth fundraising production March 23 to April 17 at the Prince George Playhouse.
The professional theatre production stars actors familiar to Prince George audiences - Billy Vickers and Linda Goranson as Norman and Ethel Thayer.
The Thayers spend their summers on Golden Pond and when daughter Chelsea comes to visit with her new love and his son, things take a turn.
There’s a familiar local face that will grace the stage as Gil Botelho will play Bill Ray, Chelsea Thayer’s boyfriend, who is quite nervous about meeting the often-cantankerous Norman.
Botelho is best known for his on-stage appearances in past productions like Grease, Oliver Twist, The Producers, Guys and Dolls, and as an extra in Reindeer Games, a major motion picture filmed in Prince George.
During the pandemic as everything came to a standstill, Botelho did some stage readings, was in some of the locally filmed movies and most recently did a speaking part in the currently
filming thriller Cold Meat. Botelho getting this role came by way of a phone call from Miracle Theatre’s Ted Price.
“I’ve known Ted for many, many years and about two years ago he called and asked if I would do some off-stage voice character work for him,” Botelho said. He worked on The Fabulous Lipitones and The Birds and The Bees, the last two Miracle Theatre productions.
“Late last fall Ted called and said he had a production in mind and there was a part in it and he wanted to see what my interest level was to actually get on stage,” Botelho recalled. “I was quite honoured but a little bit taken aback only because I know the rest of the actors – this is what they do – they are pros. And I’m thinking ‘can I really get on stage with the pros? What am I doing here?’ I was flattered that he would think of me and I told him yes, I was most definitely interested.”
Miracle Theatre’s production of On Golden Pond will see funds raised for the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society. Tickets are on sale now at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue, for $35 each in person or by phone at 250-563-6637.
Kym Gouchie wins local history award
CITIZEN STAFF
A prominent Prince George musician and a Victoria author born in Prince George are the latest recipients of the Jeanne Clarke Local History Award.
Kym Gouchie was honoured with the 2022 Jeanne Clarke Service Award for her ongoing work to preserve Lheidli T’enneh history, culture, Dakelh language, and music through her music and art. Her grandmother, Mary Gouchie, won the award in 2020.
“I feel that I am truly living in her footsteps and honouring her legacy,” Gouchie said in a release from the Prince George Public Library, the host of the annual award. “I am standing here because I am a cycle breaker and I want something different for my life, for my children, for
my grandchildren, for my great-grandchildren. And so, I believe that’s what inspires me to do the work that I am doing and to share these messages through music.”
The 2022 Publication Award went to Wendy Proverbs for her novel Aggie and Mudgy: The Journey of Two Kaska Dena Children. Proverbs’ novel focuses not on the sisters’ experience in residential school, but on the harrowing 1,600-kilometre expedition that took the sisters from their home in Daylu (Lower Post) to Lejac Residential School on the shores of Fraser Lake. The girls, aged eight and six, travel by riverboat, truck, paddle wheeler, steamship and train. Aggie and Mudgy offers a glimpse into the act of being physically uprooted and transported far away from loved ones.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Kym Gouchie performs on stage during the 2021 Coldsnap live-stream event.
Silver medalist Aliah Turner of Prince George, right, congratulates a breathless Molly Coldwell, who finished behind her to take bronze in the senior girls pursuit.
Silver for local teen at biathlon nationals
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Aliah Turner could not have picked a better time to have the race of her life.
She knew early on in the senior girls 7.5-kilometre pursuit at Monday’s Canadian biathlon championships that she wasn’t likely to catch Nadia Klafki of Calgary, whose sharpshooting prowess early in the race gave her healthy lead.
But the 15-year-old Turner, sporting her Caledonia Nordic Ski Club colours, was on home turf, and she used her knowledge of the course and a fine-tuned engine to hold off the rest of the 42-athlete field.
She turned on the jets sprinting through the flats and crossed the finish 24 seconds after Klafki ended her race and collapsed in exhaustion, struggling to catch her breath after pushing herself to her first national title. Sixth in the sprint, Turner left the gate 10 seconds after Klafki and the Otway crowd let her know right away they were behind her. She hit 16 of 20 targets, four in each bout, one of her best displays of marksmanship under the duress of a racing heart.
“I’m really grateful for everyone who came out to cheer me on and my coaches really helped,” said Turner. “All these girls are all so talented, so to come out
second is important to me and special.
“It just meant that much more to be at home. It’s a beautiful facility and for the rest of Canada to see it and share with us makes it that much more special because we love it here. Every practice is like a training session for these four days of racing and our coaches (Ali Cadell and Simon Lamarche) prepped us so well for this. Home-court advantage helped, for sure. This is the highest I’ve come and I can’t wait to go farther.”
Turner comes from athletic stock. Her father Pat Turner won Olympic gold in the rowing eights in 1988 and her mother Nadine Caron was a dual-sport athlete at Simon Fraser University, playing for the varsity basketball team from 1988-92 and for the soccer team in 1993.
“I always bug him about that (medal) and he’s so humble about it and that’s something I always look up to because it doesn’t define him,” said Turner. “It’s just the experience of it and less the medal, so that’s always what I strive to do, the experience and not the placing. And, of course, the placing helps with the experience. Both my parents love sports and always taught me to love sports, so being in biathlon, which I believe is one of the greatest sports, is something that just comes naturally for my family and most of our friends around town.”
Olympian Beaudry back racing on home course
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
She could have chosen to go back to Europe to race the IBU Cup circuit after helping Canada’s women’s relay team knock it out the park with a 10th-place finish at the Beijing Olympics.
But the lure of four days of racing in the Canadian biathlon championships on her home course at Otway Nordic Centre and week of home-cooked meals at her parents’ house in College Heights was too much for Beaudry to pass up.
The 27-year-old two-time Olympian brought along part of the senior national team contingent for the ride from their base in Canmore, Alta., and they raised the star quality of the 200-athlete field assembled this week in Prince George for biathlon nationals.
Fresh from her World Cup and Olympic racing experiences, Beaudry had only a couple misses on the shooting range in Sunday’s women’s 7.5-kilometre sprint. For Beaudry, it spoiled the promise of a Mars bar reward from Heather Tandy, the mother for former Olympian Megan Tandy, who years ago used to reward kids in the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club with chocolate if they shot clean.
Beaudry took part in the Western
Canadian Championships in 2014, the year before Prince George hosted the Canada Winter Games, her only prior experience on the revamped biathlon course.
“I definitely heard the cheers all along the course and it was so nice,” said
Beaudry. “I’m just catching up with people I haven’t seen in awhile. It’s nice to be at home and obviously there’s not much pressure riding on this race, it’s more for fun and more to just be here. I wasn’t feeling great skiing but it’s just fun to be out in front of the home crowd.”
Although she hasn’t been happy with her ski speeds this season, Beaudry’s shooting has been consistent and she went 10-for-10 in the Olympic relay in Beijing to keep the Canadian women (Beaudry, Banks, Emma Lunder and Emily Dickson) in the top 10.
“Definitely my individual races I was disappointed, and there were up and down races for the women’s team, not as strong as the men’s team was doing, so it was nice we all had a good day together on the last day we were all racing,” she said. “It was nice to end on high note.”
After two years of racing in tight bubbles, sequestered from the outside world and avoiding their racing peers from other countries to try to avoid COVID infections, the lid has been lifted on pandemic restrictions, especially for the national team racers in their race Sunday. They were enjoying the freedom of racing out of the pressure-cooker for the first time in a long time.
“It’s been hard being isolated the last two years, even in training in the summer in Canada and you want to be cautious because if you catch it (the virus), that’s along time out of training and it obviously has some serious health implications too,” she said. “It’s nice to be here and relaxed and see the kids all together.”
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
Sarah Beaudry makes her way around the course while racing in the Women’s 7.5km Sprint on Sunday afternoon at Otway Nordic Centre.
First-time ski racer learns valuable lesson
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
After struggling in his first-ever ski race, Raphael Palerme admitted he probably should have spent more time practicing for it.
He finished 15th out of 17 in the BC Teck Cross-Country Championships under-10 boys two-kilometre classic race, crossing the finish three minutes 44 seconds behind race-winner Ryker Ulansky of West Kelowna. It was a harsh and humbling lesson learned for the nine-year-old Caledonia Nordic Ski Club member.
“I was really tired, I haven’t been training,” said Raphael. “It was really nice to race but I thought I’d do better. They’re just so fast, I don’t understand how fast there are.”
Given his family bloodline, it’s understandable why he thought it might be easier to keep up with the fastest of his age-group peers.
Raphael’s mom, Nikki Kassel, is a world-class racer who won two gold and two silver medals in 2019 at the World Masters Championships in Norway and she handily won her two races last weekend inn the master women 40-49-year-old class.
“She did really good, but then again I wasn’t surprised,” said Raphael, who proudly wore his mom’s gold medals while they toured the trails on a leisurely ski together during Sunday’s relays. “I just
like that she races really hard.”
For Kassel, just seeing her boy line up for the start of his race was all that mattered.
“All I care is that he’s out there having fun and trying his best,” said Kassel. “He wanted to race and it’s a big event, having the B.C. champs in Prince George, the best across the province, so I was superproud of him for being out there.”
The 48-year-old Kassel works as an operating room nurse at University Hospital of Northern B.C. and on Feb. 4, a month before the races, she got infected with the COVID virus, which limited her training. Before she got sick, Kassel had thought about entering the World Masters Championships that started last week in Canmore but decided against it, just to try to avoid getting COVID.
The Chemtrade Capitals took on the North East District Predators on Friday afternoon in Kin 1 on the first day of the U18 Capitals tournament, above. The Predators won 5-1. Northland Water and Sewer Services players were celebrating, right, after a thrilling 5-4 overtime win over the PG Kings in the U18 Prince George Minor Hockey Association rec division final. In the U13 division, the Tigers defeated the Gators 9-2 in the Tier 1 final. In the Tier 2 final, the Panthers defeated the Blackhawks 3-1. In the U15 division, the Yetis defeated the Gators 3-2 in the shootout for the Tier 1 title. The Black Panthers defeated the Grey Rhinos 7-4 in the Tier 2 final. For more hockey photos, go to pgcitizen.ca
“I got really sick and it went directly to my lungs - I’m still coughing,” she said. “I had a really tight chest and my lungs just felt raw and I took about a week off the trails. It’s scary. They warn you, you can’t train hard coming back from recovery. I lost my sense of taste and smell and had the worst headache I’ve ever felt.
“I’m not the same, for sure. I’m probably at about 80 per cent.”
Still good enough, however, to claim provincial bragging rights.
In Friday’s 10 km classic event, Kassel clocked 36:42.4, 4:36 faster than silver medalist Megan Brooks of Salmon Arm. She won her five km freestyle race Saturday in 14:52.6, two minutes ahead of second-place Lesley Clements of Whistler. She likes longer freestyle races, preferably 30 km, and said the sprints are tough.
Kassel comes from a skiing family and got started when she was 10, racing the B.C. Cup circuit with her two brothers.
“My parents didn’t push me and I think that’s why I love the sport; I’ll never stop skiing,” said Kassel.
“The objective is to keep (Raphael) skiing and loving the sport and I’m really into not pushing the racing part at this age, I just want to get him on skis and get him moving. We expect so much out of our kids and we just want to teach them everything we know, all the skills. But they just want to have fun. When I was nine, I wasn’t thinking of perfect technique, I just wanted to have fun.”
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Raphael Palerme holds up the gold medals his mom Nikki Kassel won last weekend at the BC Teck Cross-Country Ski Championships at Otway Nordic Centre.
CITIZEN PHOTOS BY JAMES DOYLE
HOCKEY HEROICS
Healthy North y
With so manyBritish Columbians stepping up to get vaccinated, we can now safely lift more COVID-19 restrictions, starting March 11. The BC Vaccine Card requirement will remain in place until April 8. Thanks to the incredible efforts of British Columbians, we can now safely get back to even more of the things we love.
• Masks no longer required in public indoor settings under apublic health order
• Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required
• Individual businesses and event organizerscan choose to continue requiring masks on their premises
• Masks are still required for federally regulated travel, likeair travel
• No restrictions on worship service capacity
• Overnight camps for children and youth allowed
Full details available on the Province of BC website: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions
Rapid tests are available for specificage groups at BC Pharmacies
Rapid tests are available for those 50+ at BC Pharmacies. If you’re under the age of 50, kits will be available soon. Formore information on eligibility and availability near you please visitthe Government of BC website: www2.gov. bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/testing
Foralist of participating pharmacies in Prince George please visit the BC Pharmacies website: bcpharmacy.ca/rapid-tests/list
Atest should only be used by people who develop symptoms of COVID-19 and want to confirm a positive or negative result. The tests are not suitable for international travel requirements. You are allowed 1kit every28days. This makes sure that everyone who wants akit can get one. You can pick up akit for someone else, likeaparent or grandparent. Makesure you know their full name, date of birth and PHN, as the pharmacist will ask you for that information.
Don’tforget to book your booster dose!
Has it been 6months since your second COVID-19 vaccine? Don’tforget to book your booster dose! Booster appointments are available in Prince George. Follow the instructions from your invitation and please book now
Even if you’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered, you should still get your booster dose. Why? Studies show the strength and length of protection from having COVID-19 varies greatly and will leave manypeople vulnerable to getting COVID-19 again.
If you were recently infected, you can get your booster once your symptoms have passed. Appointments are available in your community
Learnmore about boostersand book yourstoday! www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster
HOROSCOPES &PUZZLES
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
You’ll decide to make abig change in your life on awhim. Youmay go back to school or change your career path to follow your dreams.
TAURUS
The heart has its reasons, which reason knows not. In otherwords, your heart knows better than your head. Sometimes you must step out of your comfort zone to move in the right direction.
GEMINI
In your professional and personal life, you must be willing to negotiate. Youmust compromise to improve your relationships.
CANCER
WEEK OF MARCH 20 TO MARCH 26, 2022
Confusion or conflict will inspireyou to start anew career.Take the time to weighthe pros and cons, and talk to your loved ones before deciding.
LEO
You’ll be admired by many,which could change your life. You’ll be recognized for your achievements,which will boost your self-esteem and confidence.
VIRGO
Youmay decide to move soon. Maybe it’s time to sell the family homenow that your childrenhave left the nest. Don’tbeafraid of changes in your love life.
THE LUCKIEST SIGNSTHIS WEEK: ARIES,AQUARIUSAND PISCES
LIBRA
You’ll be outspoken and express what others areonly thinking. You’ll be told a secret that keeps you guessing for along time.
SCORPIO
You’ll be offered an interesting solution to improve your financial situation. You’ll finally have the freedom to redecorate your home or invest in aproject you’re passionate about.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
Your mind is in overdrive. This allows you to deepenyour spirituality.You’ll start to see things from amoreenlightened perspective and have greater empathyfor others.
AQUARIUS
You’ll be inspiredbyasocial media post. Afriend will help you become the person you’ve always wanted to be and show you how to becomehappier
PISCES
You’rebusy this week. Make sureyou space out your appointments to avoid feeling pressured. Time is precious
You’ve got alot going on this week. Youmay have to tell people how you really feel. Even if you usually avoid conflict, you may need to be confrontational to set things right.
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1through9only once Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarker line. You already have afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO. 862
PUZZLE
HOURS: Monday-Friday8:30am -3:00pm
CL ASSIF IEDS
Remembering Mom & Grandma Love All the family
In loving memory of Jeanette Boner
February 7, 1951March 20, 2021
A life that touched others goes on forever.
November 22, 1945March 11, 2021
In Loving Memory. Never Forgotten. Always Loved.
We miss you so much mom! Vichnaya Pamyat. Corrina, Alan, Barry and families.
REMEMBRANCES
Obituaries
Shane Michael Ryan
Born on September 24, 1985 who left us too soon on March 3rd, 2022.
He was survived by his loving wife Ashley and his 2 children Madden and Azlynn, his parents Cheryl & Mike Ryan, in-law’s Hellen and Glen McFadden, sister-in-law Channing (Shane) along with his little nephew Shane Jr. Also, numerous aunties, uncle’s, cousins as well as countless friends. Shaner was predeceased by his grandparents Carl & Mary Bjorklund, Pat & Wynn Ryan and his uncle Karl Bjorklund. He will be greatly missed.
As a child Shane was also known as Shaner. Shane was born and raised in Prince George. Shane worked at Canfor. Shaner love to play baseball throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting with family and friends, tinkering on vehicles in his shop and loved to just hang out with his friends. Shane also enjoyed snowmobiling and quadding with his family.
We’re going to miss you.
Mom & Dad, Ash, Madden and ZZ
Celebration of life to be announced.
1969-2022
In 1969 Gordon Petrie joined the world. Gordon lost his battle to ALS on Tuesday, March 1. He was able to have those he loved and loved him in those final moments and it was a beautiful ending to a somewhat challenging life. His life consisted of many challenges, but right up to the end he had such a sense of humor and was always there with a big “thank you” along with a huge smile to those that were around him. He just appreciated all the little things, it was very easy to make him happy, just the simple and little things of life that we can all take for granted. He was always grateful for whatever came his way. He had wonderful and true friends (Bruce and Kathryn Hitchen) who were very important to Gordon. In the last few years, they helped Gordon find housing, helped him with whatever he needed and were always on the other end of the phone. Bruce helped Gordon and his sister become reconnected after over 20 years. Many of us can say, with a smile, that we learned so much from him. His last days were in the hospital and you could see the relationships that he had made with the nurses and doctors. There were many advocating for him , many people in his corner with many tears being shed. He left a footprint.
Gordon did not try and be someone he wasn’t. He spoke whatever was on his mind and spoke like he felt it! not all of us can do that. To see some of his life story, you can find his interviews and Youtube videos if you google his name. At times, Gordon lived a life of chaos, but, he always made sure that he asked how others were. He sincerely cared for those in his life. He would give you the last coin in his pocket or his freshly purchased coffee. He was a generous soul, even though he had very little, he would find some money to buy cat food for a stray cat and not eat himself. In recent years, he did work around the church, which he called home and bought sheers to help trim shrubs and gas to cut the lawn. He was proud of his work as a brick layer and always told us about the Dominion Construction projects he had worked on. He was a great story teller and could talk for hours! His life stories make one appreciate the blessings and love life brings.
Late last year, he was diagnosed with ALS and his journey to depart began immediately. He had been sick for some time, but the diagnosis came and we knew his end was coming. It was a quick journey and I believe he chose his time to leave and “called it!” His time with us was short and he is now looking down at us with that big smile and eating all the sweets he can have. So, grab yourself a big piece of cheesecake and help us celebrate his life.
Rest in peace my brother (AKA “googly eyes”). We love you and will see you again.
Gordon Petrie
KRUGER nee Borgula, Annie Angeline
Vivian Freeman ( Naef) Oct 9, 1918 Mar 10, 2016
Thomas Jason Adams
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Thomas Jason Adams on February 23, 2022 in Prince George.
Service will be officiated by Pastor Dave Drieger on March 18, 2022 at 1 pm at Assman’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at PG Cemetery, with luncheon to follow at Lakewood Alliance Church -4001 5th Avenue, Prince George.
CHERYL MARIE PARNELL
Cheryl Marie Parnell, passed away on February 25, 2022 at the age of 54 years after a short bout with cancer. Cheryl is survived by her husband, Fenton and mother Dianne (Dave). She is also survived by her two brothers, Brian & Robin, sisters in law; Terrilyn, Maureen, Becky, brother in law Darryl and their families. A graveside service for Cheryl will be held on Saturday May 7th 2022 at Prince George Memorial Park Cemetery. Annual Birthday Celebration for Cheryl at the Golf Course this summer.
Remember Cheryl, the lady with the smile, cutting grass at the Pine Valley Golf Course.
Toys/Games/Puzzles
Personal Messages
ANYONE with a drinking problem? Alcoholics Anonymous, www.princegeorgeaa.ca 250-564-7550
Notices / Nominations
ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
4:30pm-6:30pm
4:30pm-6:30pm
Please join us for the presentation of the 2021 Annual Report and Operational Review This meeting will also include a Community Consultation Committee meeting. Due to ongoing updates to Public Health recommendations on physical distancing and restrictions on gatherings, the location of this meeting is TBD and will be announced in early April.
This year the Annual Public Meeting will be held virtually to comply with Public Health Agency of Canada recommendations on physical distancing. The 2020 Annual Report and Operational Review will be presented via zoom. Questions from the public will be taken in advance via email. Please send them to info@pgairport.ca before May 5, 2021 Meeting log in details can be found on our website: www.pgairport.ca
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
When
MINDS IN MOTION® COORDINATOR
PRINCE GEORGE –PT28hr/wk
Minds in Motion® is a fitness &social program forpeople experiencing early-stage memor yloss.Coordinator oversees sessions,facilitates socialinteraction, encourages involvementinactivities to engage people with dementia and their care partners, guidedbytheir needs,abilities and interests.Connects participants to Society&community resources. Understanding of Indigenous communities is asset. Volunteer mgt experiencerequired.Rec Therapydiploma asset.www. alzheimerbc.org forfull posting.Resume &cover letter to humanresources@alzheimerbc.org Join our team and suppor tusinour vision of adementiafriendly B.C.!
CLASS 1DRIVERS NEEDED PRINCE GEORGE
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:
$5000 SIGNING BONUS: CLASS 1HIGHWAY LINEHAUL COMPANY DRIVERS
$5000 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
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
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-27
Application Deadline: March 17, 2022 by 4 pm
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-05A
Application Deadline: Open until filled
RING TECHNOLOG I ST GE OM AT IC S
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-24
Application Deadline: March 15, 2022 by 4 pm
GINEE RING TECHNOLOG I ST CIVIL AND UT ILI TIES
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-25
Application Deadline: March 15, 2022 by 4 pm
www.quesnel.ca/careers
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 Opportunity Employer Committed to Environmental Responsibility”
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
QUICK PAY For all gold, Estate jewelry,
Sheds/Outbuildings
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
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
FRONT ST,QUESNEL, (250) 983-2294
MAPLE LEAFS +ALL OTHER MINTS. +BUYING all things GOLD OR SILVER! TODD’S COINS 1-250-864-3521
Necklaces,Earrings,Brooches, Coins,All OldJewelr yWanted, Quality, Estate,EvenUgly &Broken Jewelr y, AllThe Bits AndPieces You No Longer Want!Call Or Text Todd’s Coins 1.250.864 3521
4 tips for lighting a room
1. COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING STYLE
First and foremost, you should choose light fixtures that match the style of the room. For example, recessed lightingandpendantlightsaregreatformodernandcontemporary homes
2. ANALYZE THE ROOM
It’s important to think about how you use the room. You should also take into account the furniture arrangement and amount of natural light to determine if the space needs bright, general or directional lighting
3. USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHTS
Every room should have a variety of light sources. It’s a good idea to have one main light source like a ceiling light, a secondary light source like a table lamp and a decorative lighting feature like string lights
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask a lighting specialist for advice or hire an interior decorator to help brighten your space.
FREE ESTIMATES
4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT BULBS
GO FOR GOLD.
What you should do before buying new furniture
Do you want to refresh a room in your home? If so, consider buying new furniture Here are a few tips for choosing the right pieces for your space.
PREPARE
Start by choosing a style of furniture like Scandinavian, contemporary or farmhouse. Then, pick out upholstery and other features that complement the room Finally, set a budget to narrow down your options.
space, measure both the furniture and room. Use graph paper to draw the room, and then cut out scale models of the furniture to test out different configurations.
Alternatively, you can purchase an interior design app or software to create a three-dimensional replica of your space, and use it to experiment with different layouts.
If you need professional help to create the room of your dreams, look for an interior designer or decorator in your area.
What you should know about paint and wallpaper
Painting and wallpapering are two effective ways to transform the look of a room. Here’s some information to help you decide which products to use in your home.
PAINT
The finish of your paint is just as important as its colour A matte finish is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and ceilings However, satin and gloss finishes are stain resistant and easy to clean, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms It’s a good idea to take home several paint samples to see how each colour looks in the room.
WALLPAPER
Choose a wallpaper that’s suitable for your space. For example, if you’re remodelling your kitchen, choose a wallpaper that’s durable and easy to clean. Moreover, make certain the pattern complements the space and will line up well when installed Additionally, ensure each roll of wallpaper has the same batch number.
PAINT AND WALLPAPER
If you want to combine paint and wallpaper, stick to a maximum of three colours; select a dominant, secondary and accent colour Additionally, you should choose paint and wallpaper that share a common hue Make sure you base your colour scheme on a shade in the background or foreground of the wallpaper For inspiration and personalized advice, visit your local shops
