TRICK KICK The UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer team hosted a soccer tennis tournament Saturday at Northern Sport Centre For more photos, go to pgcitizen.ca.
The president of a gravel mining operation and concrete factory is now claiming more than $500,000 in damages
from the City of Prince George.
The figure is stated in an affidavit from John Paolucci, president of Rock’n’Roll Aggregates Ltd. and Rolling Mix Concrete (B.C.) Ltd., in relation to a long-running dispute with the city over the operation
City bylaw harming homeless, reports find
The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has released two reports which raise concerns regarding the enforcement of the City of Prince George’s Safe Streets Bylaw.
The reports conclude that the bylaw is endangering the lives of de-housed and precariously housed individuals in the city.
Both reports, one conducted by the BCAFN and the other by Prof. Joe Hermer, chair of the sociology department at the University of Toronto, conclude the use of informal tactics, such as verbal exchanges rather than formal tickets, fosters a systemic lack of accountability and transparency.
“The findings of these reports demonstrate a dire and unacceptable situation on the streets of Prince George,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee, adding that Prince George’s recent Point-in-Time homelessness report shows 70 per cent of de-housed people are Indigenous.
“To put it simply, this research has confirmed our assertions that the Safe Streets Bylaw would be harmful and discriminatory toward unhoused and housing
insecure individuals, most of whom are First Nations. As we have expressed from the onset, this bylaw is counterproductive, cruel, and inherently racist.”
The city adopted the controversial bylaw on August 30, 2021, despite opposition from First Nations leadership and local service providers.
The bylaw enables bylaw officers to ticket for a number of “nuisance” behaviours like panhandling, using drugs, or lying down and obstructing a doorway.
However, while discussing his report titled: “Move On: The First Ninety-Nine Days of the City of Prince George Safe Streets Bylaw” Hermer noted that no tickets were issued during the time period that was studied.
He said the bylaw is instead being applied informally in a crude and punitive way that increases the suffering of unsheltered people.
Hermer carried out a preliminary examination of 427 ‘workflow’ files or bylaw enforcement events identified by city staff as resulting from the new bylaw.
“When responding to complaints bylaw enforcement almost without exception move people on,” said Hermer.
southwest of Foothills Boulevard and North Nechako Road.
In mid-October 2020, bylaw enforcement officers issued a cease work order over an allegation that work setback limits set out in the city’s soil removal bylaw
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.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
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. 9286, 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.
‘Time to get rid of it’
Continued from page 1
“Bylaw officers almost never made any attempt to connect people they were moving on to any type of social services, any type of assistance or any type of way they could access services.”
Over 99 days, bylaw staff only called an outreach worker for assistance three times and bylaw officers referred to individuals as “squatters” in 36 per cent of the summaries of public complaints, he said.
“Not issuing tickets is not a humanitarian gesture in the application of this bylaw. It is not a social care way to apply the law,” said Hermer. “Informal regulation makes it invisible and unaccountable. There is no due process and no necessity of bylaw enforcement to have to establish that anything is illegal because there is no ticket being issued.”
He concluded that the Safe Streets bylaw enforcement is punitive in how it is disconnected from the life-threatening circumstances of the overdose crisis, the pandemic, and the immediate lack of
appropriate shelter, housing opportunities and medical assistance.
The BCAFN report comprises research documenting the experiences of de-housed and precariously housed residents under the Safe Streets Bylaw.
Between March 8-11, 2022, a team of six researchers (three Indigenous and three non-Indigenous) conducted 13 semi-structured interviews in bylaw “hotspots” to be recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.
“I want to share a quote from one of the people who were interviewed from our report; ‘It makes me feel like I am less useful. Less important member of society. It makes me feel disposable, dispensable, worthless, unwanted, unwelcomed and unheard’,” he said.
The report also stated that women are more likely to be impacted and included an account of a woman who experienced a bylaw officer making continual sexual advances towards her.
“It is now clear that the bylaw is failing everyone in the city of Prince George and it is time to get rid of it,” Teegee said.
‘Bad faith’ accusations
Continued from page 1
In a statement issued in December 2021, the city conceded the point and added it had reached an out-of-court settlement on the matter. But three days later, a revised notice of claim was filed on behalf of Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix claiming they had suffered damages related to the shutdown and face additional costs to resume the operation.
The step prompted the city to claim the plaintiffs agreed to no longer pursue damages and were now acting in “bad faith” and has not yet rescinded the cease work order. In responses, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Roy Stewart, has said the settlement agreement was limited to so-called “jurisdiction claims” and that his client is still entitled to “additional damages.”
Moreover, documents indicate that the plaintiffs are now seeking significantly less than the $6 million they would have pushed for if the City had maintained authority over the works.
On that note, Stewart argued the mine had been operating since 1995 when the city bylaw in effect at that time had no setback requirement and that the city’s cease work order was invoked under a bylaw passed in 2019.
As a result, Stewart maintained the city would have been liable for compensation equal to the roughly two million cubic metres of sand and gravel that would have been foregone due to the difference in setbacks between the city’s bylaw and the mining permit granted by the province.
Instead, documents show Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix are now seeking a considerably less - but growing - amount in damages from the city.
According to Paolucci’s affidavit, filed earlier this month at the courthouse, Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix have suffered a loss of more than $500,000 related to site clearing and the cost of securing material from a different and more costly source.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee and Prof. Joe Hermer of the University of Toronto deliver the results of research on the Safe Streets Bylaw.
by
Thompson
City ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees
that may be looking for a temporary or permanent home.
Multiple levels of government have come together to send a clear message that Prince George is ready and willing to welcome refugees from Ukraine.
“As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, we have come together as levels of government to send a letter off to the Prime Minister and Premier regarding Prince George and our entire region as a location for potential Ukrainian refugees to come into our community,” said Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall.
Hall along with Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan, Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty, MLAs Shirley Bond and Mike Morris, and Fraser-Fort George Regional District chair Art Kaehn gathered together to sign the letter on the steps of City Hall in an act of solidarity.
The letter outlines that Prince George and the region are doing the work necessary to welcome displaced Ukrainians
“We are really willing to do something for the people who are suffering the most today majority of those refugees have left their homes and now they have no place to go back because their cities and homes are completely destroyed,” said Father Andrii Chornenkyii, of the Ukrainian St. George’s Catholic Church.
“Their relatives are killed and some of them are imprisoned, so they have no way to go back, so they are looking for a place to find a new home. I appreciate that Prince George is opening its heart and homes to welcome those refugees and those who are suffering the most today.”
Chornenkyii said he had just found out that his family had to flee to Poland because of bombing in his home city.
The United Nations estimated that over three million Ukrainians have fled the country so far, mostly to Poland and other neighbouring countries.
Economy rebounding, jobs minister says
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s minister of jobs and economic recovery, says Prince George is leading the way as B.C. continues its economic recovery through the pandemic.
Kahlon stopped in Prince George last Wednesday on a tour of the interior of B.C. where he gave an update about the StrongerBC Economic Plan and the economy in northern B.C.
“We have a 103 per cent recovery rate. Three per cent more people are working today in B.C. than we had prior to the pandemic and Prince George is leading that way,” said Kahlon. “Prince George, with an unemployment rate of 3.2 per
cent, is leading the country in the economic recovery but we know there’s a lot more work to do.”
He said economic recovery in the years ahead will need to address not only the pandemic but also the damage caused by fires, floods, and heat domes.
Khalon also addressed the challenges in forestry that Prince George and the region have been facing, including the recent closure of the PacificBio Energy pellet after nearly 30 years in business resulting in the loss of 50 jobs.
Forestry sector industry groups have also raised concerns that jobs will be lost following the B.C. government’s announcement that it will place a moratorium on logging 2.6 million hectares of old growth or deemed at-risk forests.
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan signs a letter to Premier John Horgan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from area politicians offering to take in Ukrainian refugees.
Fox statue getting upgrade during move to pool
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
The iconic statue of Terry Fox located in Community Foundation Park will be recast in bronze before it is moved to its new home at the downtown pool currently under construction.
City council unanimously approved spending $24,250 from the city’s Festival/ Discovery Place Trust Fund to recast the statue.
The local Terry Fox Run Committee and the City of Prince George commissioned the original fibreglass statue from B.C. artist Nathan Scott in 2005. That original statue was located at ground level and was vandalized, prompting a new fibreglass statue to be cast and placed on a raised plinth in the park.
In October of 2021, Council approved the relocation of the Terry Fox statue to the new downtown pool but at that time city staff inspected the statue and discovered that the fibreglass artwork was showing its age.
“The original artist was contacted to discuss some repair and refurbishment options,” explained Chris Bone, the city’s manager of social development.
“As a result of his advice administration is recommending the statue be recast in bronze as it is one of the most durable materials. It can withstand extreme weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and also withstand attempts of wilful damage.”
The bronze statue would be more durable and could also potentially be placed at ground level allowing people to take photos with it.
“I’ve seen statues of Terry Fox all across the country and they are typically ones of the agony, the pain, and the suffering. Prince George’s is all but unique for the moment when he realized he could do the Marathon of Hope and that statue is different from ones you see anywhere else,” noted Coun. Garth Frizzell.
Fox ran his first-ever marathon at the 1979 Labour Day Classic in Prince George.
“This is a bit of a treasure for Prince George and recasting it in bronze is suitable and is the right thing to do.”
The city has $35,373 remaining in the fund, which was created in 1986 as a legacy from hosting the BC Festival of the Arts, and city staff indicated the rest of the money is earmarked for repairing other public art projects downtown.
- See editorial on page 8
Judge orders nightspot to stay closed until April 8
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A B.C. Supreme Court Justice has ordered a Prince George nightspot to remain closed until next month.
Justice Sharon Matthews says Lambda Cabaret cannot open its doors until
April 8 - the same day the requirement that proof of vaccination be shown to enter restaurants, bars and other indoor venues is to be lifted. It appears Lambda is living up to the court order.
“Lambda Cabaret is excited to announce that we are re-opening Friday April 8th with ZERO MANDATES! We can
hardly wait to see you all again in April!,” club management says on social media. Northern Health applied for the order after the downtown club repeatedly violated health restrictions.
In early February, a sign at the doors made it clear it would not be enforcing the requirement for vaccine passports or
requiring patrons to wear masks.
A closure order issued on Feb. 9 was rescinded eight days later when liquor primary premises were allowed to reopen but another one was issued two days later after health inspectors observed security guards admitting patrons without requesting proof of vaccination.
The statue of Terry Fox in Community Foundation Park.
Murderer’s day parole extended six months
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A man serving a life sentence for the brutal stabbing death of his neighbour can remain on day parole for another six months, a Parole Board of Canada panel has decided.
In issuing the extension for Christopher Maurice Alexander, the panel said he must still return to his community residential facility each night.
In 2002, Alexander was found guilty of
second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without eligibility for parole for seven years for the December 1998 death of Linda LeFranc.
The two were neighbours in a townhouse complex in Terrace where, according to a parole board panel decision, after a night of drinking a then-17-year-old Alexander put on a balaclava, armed himself with a knife and broke into LeFranc’s home.
“The victim woke up and attempted to flee but you caught and stabbed her
approximately 83 times. The victim’s young daughter found her mother’s dead body the next day and ran for help,” the panel noted in its decision, dated February 24.
In August 2021, Alexander was released on day parole to a work camp in north-central B.C. Specifics were not provided in the related decision. But LeFranc’s sister, Anita Johnstone-LeFranc told the Citizen he was to reside at ‘Aghelh Nebun, a community residential facility 85 kilometres east of Prince
George and said residents should be “very fearful” as a result.
Alexander also had a sketchy history while out on previous day paroles. At one point, he was brought back in after being accused of sexually assaulting a now ex-girlfriend although the charge was later stayed.
But it appeared Alexander completed the most recent period of probation successfully, the panel found, as he has remained breach free and has been making progress in the community.
Killer gets second chance while on parole
day parole as intended and was showing improved behaviour and attitudes.
The Parole Board of Canada has given a Nadleh man serving a sentence for the manslaughter death of his common-law spouse a second chance after he got into a fight with a girlfriend while released on parole.
Garret Steven George, 33, is serving an 11-year term for the March 2013 death of Destiny Rae Tom.
He was granted limited day parole in July 2019, upgraded to day parole in June 2020. It was continued in December 2020 where the board found he was using
But, according to a parole board panel decision, in April 2021, day parole was suspended when his community residential facility withdrew support over concern about a “threatening presentation” to a female staff member and staff’s discomfort about dealing with him when he disagreed with a “rule or felt entitled to an exception.”
He had also been fully employed but began missing work to pursue a relationship, the panel also noted.
Parole was renewed when he was transferred to another community residential
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facility although George was cautioned in August 2021 over a concern he was communicating with incarcerated offenders.
In November 2021, George was brought back into custody after he reported to his parole officer that he got into a disagreement with his girlfriend that had turned physical when he grabbed her phone from her. The girlfriend decided not to pursue charges.
George’s case management team recommended his day parole be revoked, saying the incident “demonstrated highly reactive and aggressive behaviour,” on his part.
However, the two-member panel
MARK NIELSEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
decided to allow George to be released once more on day parole.
In doing so, they turned their minds to some “positive aspects” of his case and noted he had been on day parole for close to 18 months before this suspension and other than some conflicts with staff and his parole supervisor, there were no other indications of high-risk behaviours. George also took some responsibility for the incident and has ended the relationship. He is also open to further programming and counselling, the panel noted. When space permits, George was to be released to an Indigenous healing lodge.
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A former Prince George RCMP officer currently on trial on another matter used “unreasonable force” when arresting a suspected thief, the RCMP Civilian Complaints Commission says in a final report.
The suspect, identified only as A.B., suffered skull fractures, a broken jaw, puncture wounds, and other injuries when apprehended by Cst. Joshua Grafton in September 2015, according to the report.
Grafton was among six Prince George RCMP officers deployed to arrest suspects occupying a stolen Ford F-250 pickup truck. When the pickup was backed into a driveway, one of the officers, who was driving an unmarked vehicle, blocked the path back out and turned on his emergency lights.
The driver reversed the truck through a metal gate and onto a private property with a house. Grafton, in turn, rammed the pickup with his SUV to prevent it from crashing into the house.
The driver further reversed the pickup into a tree and the first officer rammed the pickup from the front. The impact was enough to knock the bandana off
another of the three, identified as C.D. in the report and recognized by police as a person “known to possess handguns and to commit violent crimes.”
A.B. and C.D. then got out of the pickup and fled in different directions.
Grafton followed A.B. through the bush for about a kilometre, then deployed his police service dog as A.B. was crawling under a fence near a highway. As to what happened next, the stories differ.
As A.B. continued to resist, Grafton said he initially used a “stun strike” to the side of A.B.’s head to stop him from resisting. When that didn’t work, Grafton said he applied two elbow strikes and at that point A.B. surrendered. Grafton instructed the dog to release its grip, “which it did immediately.”
A.B., in turn, maintained Grafton kicked him in the face at least four to six times after he relented, although he did not recall seeing the boot coming towards him and had trouble remembering the events that followed.
“A.B. could not recall whether he was arrested, whether he was handcuffed, or how he walked to the police car. A.B. believed that he lost consciousness when Constable Grafton kicked him in the face,” according to the report.
MARK NIELSEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
THEY’VE SEEN IT ALL.
WorkersacrossB.C.’spublic sectorhave been on the frontlines of apandemic, floods and fires, and the poisoned drug crisis.
They have kept our families safeand our provinceworking through challenging times. And theywill be critical to building astrong recovery thatwill protectour communities into the future.
But they’rebeing left behind.
As the cost of living skyrockets, these workersare seeing their paycheques shrink.
This year,almost400,000 workersacross thepublic sectorwho provide the services we all depend on will be at the bargaining table.Someofthem arealready there.
They deserveafair deal.
Adealthatprotectstheir wages against inflation and supports the strong public services we need to build astronger B.C. together
AFAIR DEAL forpublic sector workers protects us all.
Where’s the Rick Hansen statue?
Floated this idea in an editorial nearly 10 years ago but maybe it was too soon.
With news the Terry Fox statue will be moved to the new, yet-to-be-named downtown pool and bronzed to make it last much longer, now’s the time to double down and commission a Rick Hansen statue to join Fox.
Terry Fox completed his first marathon at the 1979 Labour Day Classic in Prince George.
In other words, the seed for the Marathon of Hope was first planted here.
Williams Lake’s Rick Hansen also took part in the 1979 Labour Day Classic. Hansen, inspired by Fox, would go on to do the Man In Motion world tour.
Those two B.C. men showed Canadians and citizens around the world what amputees and people in wheelchairs were capable of when pursuing a dream.
Prince George has a unique place in Canadian history with its connection to both Fox and Hansen, yet it’s not a widely known fact in this city, never mind the rest of B.C. and Canada.
A statue of both Fox and Hansen at the
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RACIST NAME
It makes me so sad each time I read “Moccasin Flats” in the Citizen and I ask that you please take a moment to reconsider.
The first few times I saw this phrase used to discuss and/or describe our local outdoor encampment, I thought it was a mistake that would be corrected very quickly. I had faith no one would find it appropriate or amusing. I remember, in 2001, when Hedy Fry stood in Parliament and referenced the racism in Prince George and even mentioned burning crosses in her comments. The city lit up with outrage, accused the MP of many things and claimed that Prince George did not have any problems with racism
Yet at every turn, when this city has an opportunity to prove their claims of inclusivity instead we see educated adults pretending not to be able to remember or pronounce Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park even though little children have been able to say it for hundreds of years. Who will be able to forget the more recent racist rampage that took place here when someone thought it would be nice to give the new high school up the Hart an Aboriginal name? How many schools in School District 57 have an Aboriginal name? The result is two main entrance doors, one for Non-Aboriginal (highlighting the Warner Bros. connection) and a
second door for Aboriginals (Shas Ti).
Now to me, it seems that the Citizen is actively promoting the idea that the residents of Prince George’s outdoor encampment are all Aboriginal?
Is it true that homelessness, alcoholism, drug addiction, poverty, disability (mental and physical) and mental illness are endemic of only Aboriginal people and therefore it is reasonable for you to refer to the encampment as Moccasin Flats?
Morgan Jamieson, Prince George Editor’s Note: We use Moccasin Flats in our reporting to describe the encampment on Lower Patricia because that is what the people who have lived there, regardless of their race or ancestry, call it.
FIRE QUESTION
This letter is not really an opinion but is more of a question as to whether anyone can tell me what the attached photo represents. While driving up 17th Avenue, I noticed a large cross bolted to an aspen tree right on the corner of the Ron Brent school playground. It was burned as though someone had thrown gasoline on it and it looked like there was some other material at the base of it burned as well.
I’m not a religious person so not concerned that it was a cross but I wonder why they thought it was the thing to do and the place to do it. Regardless of who did this or why, did they really need to do it at an elementary school? Right now,
new pool would not only inform multiple generations of young people learning to swim at the new pool (and their accompanying adults) not just who they are and what they did but also inspire future greatness still unimagined.
Yes, these things cost money but there are various private and public sector grants available for such things Fox and Hansen didn’t settle for excuses when trying to reach their lofty goals.
Neither should we.
Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout
there are a lot of angry people out there, in some cases for good reason, but that is no excuse to do something like this in public place where kids play. We all need to slow down, take a breath, and think about the things we say and do because in the end we all have to live here together
Deanna Rogers, Prince George
FIRE ANSWER
I live in the immediate neighborhood and am disappointed with the third destruction of the last couple of years with our neighborhood little library. I cannot understand what is the problem with a friendly exchange of books. There are a number of these facilities throughout the city. I find it imperative to defuse the thought of a burnt cross on a school yard Even though the charred remains may look like a cross, they are simply remains of a little book case and its contents. I am sure it will be rebuilt as before to continue such a neighborly exchange of books.
Bruce Holst, Prince George
POLITICS TOUGH JOB
I would like to offer my thanks to all those people who have let their names stand for elected office. I would like to acknowledge the spouses and families of those who get elected. I know the sacrifice you make for the betterment of our country, province and communities.
Special thanks to those mayors, regional district chairs, ministers (provincial and federal), and the prime minister and premier who have had to make difficult decisions over the last couple of years. With forest fires, extreme heat, extreme cold, floods, COVID, and illegal occupations/road blocks, no matter what actions you have taken the majority support your actions I know many actions you have had to undertake were not easy.
Most people who have been helped never say thank you but they should.
A friend told me of a case where the municipality hired a helicopter to evacuate a couple dozen people but only two of those evacuated thanked them. Then there are those who threaten our elected officials. Think before you undertake such a cowardly act. Just think what we would not have if no one ran for public office!
For those who don’t like the actions of any level of our governments, why don’t you let your name stand for office? Municipal elections in B.C. are this fall.
Brian Northup, Quesnel
PUBLISHER 250-960-2757 carmstrong@pgcitizen.ca
READER SALES AND SERVICES 250-562-3301 rss@pgcitizen.ca
WEBSITE FEEDBACK digital@glaciermedia.ca
SUBMITTED
Terry Fox and Rick Hansen at the 1979 Labour Day Classic in Prince George.
Canada’s great lifesaver turns 100
In early January 1922, 14-year-old Leonard Thompson lay dying in a hospital bed. He had diabetes mellitus.
The disease had been killing people, mostly children, for centuries. In the 1800s, with advances in chemistry, it was realized that it was connected with sugar in the body. For a number of decades, doctors believed it was an ailment of the stomach or liver.
However, in 1889, Oskar Minkowski and Josef von Mehring discovered that removing a dog’s pancreas immediately induced diabetic symptoms Something within the pancreas seemed to be related to preventing the disease.
Researchers tried feeding pancreas to patients to no avail. Injections of pancreas and pancreas extract were similarly unsuccessful. But research into human physiology and metabolism was producing new results and in particular recognizing the role of hormones in regulating body chemistry. A German research,
AS I SEE IT TODD WHITCOMBE
Paul Langerhans, discovered separate islets of cells within the pancreas and it was thought they might contain the long sought-after compound. The question became how to isolate the compound
Thirty years later, a young Dr. Frederick Banting, a Canadian surgeon and physician, came up with a novel approach. Working during the summer of 1921 with Charles Best in John J.R. Macleod’s lab at the University of Toronto, the team came up with increasingly positive, if somewhat erratic, results. By mid-fall, Banting felt that he needed the help of a skilled biochemist and Dr. James B. Collip joined the team to work on stabilizing and purifying the extracted hormone.
Despite skepticism from colleagues
treating diabetes, on January 11th, the team injected Thompson with their pancreatic extract. Everyone was disappointed when the test failed. However, over the next 12 days, the team worked to further purify the extracted hormone, removing contaminants from the medicine. On January 23rd, Thompson received another dose and this time it was successful. His blood and urinary sugars dropped to normal and his diabetic symptoms were alleviated. Over the next few months, major advances were achieved. Other patients were treated. It was discovered that the frozen pancreas of a cow or pig would be a better source for the compound. Patents were filed. On March 22, 1922, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Banting, Best, MacLeod, and Collip, announced their discovery of insulin and millions of lives have since been saved. Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.
We have more power than we think
The mantra of American meditation expert Bill Harris is, “Let whatever happens be okay.”
Harris was specifically talking about the process of meditation, which can at times lead to tremendous inner peace. It can also put a person to sleep or even result in temporary discomfort. When meditating, any outcome is fine, though we may need some guidance in understanding our experiences.
“Letting whatever happens be okay” can also bring peace to other aspects of our lives. There is so much that we have no control over. Two years ago, who would have expected the changes that have resulted from COVID-19? Today, we are experiencing global conflict, inflation, climate disruption and mass migration. Watching the daily news, regardless of who is reporting, tends to
PROPER ANGER
I read Michael Maslen’s recent letter defending Coun. Kyle Sampson and I was prepared to criticize both of them once again for callousness and cruelty. But I’m exhausted. I’m so tired of getting down on my knees and begging for compassion and decency, because the truth is I have no doubt that Coun. Sampson and Mr. Maslen have compassion and decency in every cell of their bodies already.
So we could keep this up, and go round after round in this fight over the moral high ground. But what will that get us, except another few months, then another few generations, of hurt and indignation?
I know we can do better, Michael. You can do better at understanding that crime is a product of poverty and
LESSONS IN LEARNING GERRY CHIDIAC
be a disheartening experience.
I don’t believe that “Let whatever happens be okay” means that we should not care about these problems or that we shouldn’t do what we can to resolve them. We never control the outcomes of our efforts; we only influence them.
As a human being, I believe that my purpose on Earth is to use the gifts that I have been given to make the world a better and kinder place. My best hope for building this kind of world is to embrace life-giving principles.
Among these principles is a love for
desperation, and that responding with harsh measures and violence just continues the cycle. I can do better at understanding that your concerns are real and justified, that businesses deserve to operate and prosper freely, that people should be prevented from hurting others and held accountable when they do. The city can do better at using its resources to solve the problems that create crime instead of harassing and abusing the people they assume are responsible. The world is in crisis right now. Climate change, wealth inequity, depressed wages, inflated costs of living, the housing catastrophe, the long legacy of colonial violence... It makes sense that we’re all worried and angry. But anger is a trickster, and the anger we feel at each other is a distraction from the anger we
all humanity, recognizing that I too am a significant and gifted part of that humanity. I accept that I don’t know the answers to all of life’s mysteries, but I constantly seek truth with humility. Of course, accomplishing anything takes hard work and persistent effort.
If my goal is to make the world better, I will achieve it, even if many my efforts do not turn out as I’d planned.
The challenges we are facing in the world today are not new. Selfish and cruel despots have always been present. The vast majority of people are very good, and as long as we remain true to our principles, we will make it through these difficult times.
We know what to do and we have the courage to persist. Whatever happens really will be okay.
Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George writer.
should be feeling at the systems that made things this way.
I have too much faith in the human imagination to believe that making things tolerable for most is the best we can aspire to. I believe a better world is possible, and I believe that name-calling and fighting and showing up to destroy people’s homes with bulldozers and then repeatedly appealing Supreme Court decisions asserting people’s right to be treated like human beings are not the way to get there.
Anger is a trickster, but it is also powerful. Imagine what we could accomplish if we used that power to remake the world together, instead of to ‘get tough’ on the people who’ve ended up with the fuzzy end of this particular lollipop.
Julian Legere, Prince George
What could the provincial government have done better with its COVID-19 response? What more would you like to see done to combat homelessness in Prince George? Vote on our website.
RESULTS
from last week:
Are you in favour of the Indigenous credits required for B.C. high school graduates?
● Yes, a necessary change and long overdue.
111 votes, 12 per cent
● Yes, Indigenous history and culture essential to Canada.
209 votes, 22 per cent
● No, stick to reading, writing and arithmetic.
370 votes, 40 per cent
● No, there is already enough Indigenous education.
239 votes, 26 per cent
Who would you like to see become the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada?
● Roman Baber. 16 votes, 2 per cent
● Patrick Brown.
41 votes, 6 per cent
● Jean Charest.
195 votes, 31 per cent
● Leslyn Lewis.
74 votes, 11 per cent
● Pierre Poilievre.
326 votes, 50 per cent
LETTERS WELCOME: Submission should be sent by e-mail to: letters@pgcitizen.ca. No handwritten letters, please. Writers are limited to one submission every three weeks. We will edit letters only to ensure clarity, good taste, for legal reasons, and occasionally for length. Although we will not include your address and telephone number in the paper, we need both for verification purposes. Unsigned letters will not be published.
Privacy no excuse to withhold public information
Last fall, the provincial government passed Bill 22, amending the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and allowing the government to charge fees for FOI requests.
This month, the B.C. Legislative Assembly of B.C.’s Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act was holding hearings, as they are required to do by law every five years.
With the amendment just passed, this committee was basically asked to study whether or not the barn door should be opened months after the horse had already busted right through it.
The group that represents this newspaper and more than 90 other ones like it across the province, the BC and Yukon Community NewsMedia Association,
have a combined print circulation of 1.5 million copies and adult readership of almost two million British Columbians every single week. Online, they draw more than 11 million unique visitors and more than 33 million pageviews to their websites every month.
These media outlets deliver more than the news. The information we deliver, in print or online, provides readers with a sense of connection, of identity and of belonging to their community.
Freedom of information requests are a critical tool for our members, who collectively file hundreds of requests per year for coverage which provides accountability for local institutions to our readers.
It isn’t easy work for community news media reporters, who don’t have single beats to cover, or the luxury of spending
weeks or even days on investigative work. Instead, stories like those come together in hundreds of stolen moments, pieces of downtime between attending council meetings, racing to take pictures or video at the local high school, covering minor hockey, laying out pages, editing copy and posting stories to websites and social media channels.
It becomes even more difficult when FOI requests required to do that work become more challenging to file, more expensive and less productive.
With regard to fees, it goes almost without saying that in an era where traditional news media outlets, funded primarily by local advertising revenue, are competing not against other local media outlets, but against global giants like Facebook and Google, for advertising, any increase
to costs is a damper on our ability to maintain the FOI requests we do make, let alone to make more.
Freedom of information and protection of privacy naturally go hand in hand like freedom of expression or public health restrictions, they must seek a perpetual balance.
But what we are seeing is that protection of privacy is increasingly used as an excuse to curtail freedom of information even when that balance is not at risk, and that cannot stand.
We think public information should be deemed to be public by default unless there is a compelling and truly privacy-based reason for it to be withheld.
Tim Shoults is vice-president of the BC and Yukon Community NewsMedia Association.
Timber rights not private
When Canfor closed the Mackenzie mill in 2019, it left a community in crisis. Yet Canfor went on to earn record profits in subsequent years, including $1.5 billion in 2021. Now they want to cash out on the timber harvesting rights that went with the mill. This must not be allowed to happen.
Timber harvesting rights in B.C. across much of the province were handed to the private sector for no payment and were instead provided on the condition of employment and wildlife and fisheries management.
The 1990 Review of Forest Tenures in British Columbia clearly states that the Forest Act granted tenures and harvesting rights in exchange for “employment opportunities and other social benefits,” along with “managing for water, fisheries and wildlife resources.”
We gave timber harvesting rights in exchange for jobs and good forestry practices. It follows, if there are no jobs, there are no timber harvesting rights. If we have a degraded landscape of declining wildlife populations, there are no timber harvesting rights.
I think it’s that simple. Harvesting rights to public forests are not some tradeable, stand-alone asset disconnected from these social and environmental obligations. They never were. Certainly not for these corporations already earning billion
dollar profits off the over-exploitation of our forests who recklessly spray forests with glyphosate.
Canfor has breached their contract on multiple fronts. Fair compensation for taking back those licences should be $0. If anything, they owe us. They must not profit by selling harvesting rights. Least of all to a First Nations who ultimately owns the very forest Canfor seeks to sell them their “rights” to.
We must never forget at no point did we ever pass a law saying or intending that we were to give timber rights away altogether with no expectation of employment, community, or environmental considerations in return.
We never elected a single politician or government who said they would do this. In other words, that we would allow private companies and oligarchs to completely monetize exclusive access to a public asset and exploit it with nothing for the public in exchange, like what we are seeing today.
If the stewards of the public interest in the Ministry of Forests don’t grow a backbone, their subservience to this false corporate entitlement will potentially cost us billions.
James Steidle grew up south of Prince George in the bush and worked as a treeplanter for 3 years and in Clear Lake Sawmills for 4 years. He is a founder of Stop the Spray B.C.
US GET IT RIGHT AND
MIGHT PAY YOU! Editor-in-Chief Neil Godbout rewards eagle-eyed Judy Feyer with two gift certificates to Original Joe’s for all her prompt efforts notifying The Prince George Citizen when we make spelling and grammatical mistakes by clicking on the “See a typo/mistake?” option on every story posted on the pgcitizen.ca website.
Armstrong named Citizen publisher
CITIZEN STAFF
The Prince George Citizen is pleased to announce Curtis Armstrong as its new publisher and general manager.
He joined The Citizen in November as director of advertising and will retain that role in addition to his new responsibilities.
Armstrong has extensive experience in newspapers, news websites, sales and online marketing. Prior to joining The Citizen, he held several positions overseeing newspapers and online
news outlets across southern Ontario. He replaces Peter Kvarnstrom, president of Glacier Media’s community media division, who had served as the Citizen’s interim publisher for the past two years.
“We are delighted to have Curtis join our exceptional team of professionals. Curtis brings strong experience and a deep knowledge of the emerging digital media opportunities that lie ahead. We remain strongly committed to serving the community of Prince George and northern BC with strong and engaging local journalism, in print and online.”
CURTIS ARMSTRONG
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Girls Rock aims to draw new influx of curlers
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Last Friday afternoon, 32 local girls and young women who had little to no experience in curling came together during the Curling Canada Women in Curling Leadership event called Girls Rock at the Prince George Curling Club.
Jasmin Schlick, Kiersten Mikkelsen, Abigail Yoder and Alexis Seely, all second year UNBC students, came together to have a little fun and see what curling was all about.
Schlick never even touched a rock before she stepped on the ice for the first time Friday.
The rest of the girls all had a bit of knowledge about the sport of curling but nothing that came close to this level of instruction offered by Curling Canada.
And after the first half of instruction Friday afternoon?
“Now we’re talking about joining the league next year,” Mikkelsen said. “So if that’s any indication…”
“Yeah, after an hour and a half we’re already joining,” Schlick added with a grin.
And how did it go for newbie Schlick?
“Honestly? The first time I put the wrong leg forward,” the six-foot-three
student laughed. “I didn’t even notice the difference. Once I figured it out it was good.”
“There are more moving parts to this game than I realized,” Yoder said. “It’s a lot more work than I thought it was. The communication between all the teammates is so important.”
Indicating to go light or heavy when it comes to sweeping ahead of the rock and helping each other by offering advice on where to aim their rock is all critical to a successful game of curling, the girls agreed.
“And the camaraderie between the girls is on a different level than I expected,” Seely said.
“It’s so fun and engaging.”
The Women in Curling events presented by Curling Canada during the World Women’s Curling Championship held here in Prince George gathered together coaches from across the country who are Scotties Tournament of Hearts champions, youth coaches who are provincial champions and Olympic champions like Jill Officer who took gold in 2014, Cori Morris, who took silver in 2010 and Joan McCusker who took gold in 1998.
Kiersten Mikkelsen, left, Abigail Yoder, Jasmin Schlick and Alexis Seely, all second year UNBC students, came together during the Girls Rock event presented by Curling Canada for those with little to no experience in curling to have a little fun and see what curling is all about.
Karen Watson is from Nanaimo, a Women in Curling coach for Curl BC, and an organizer of the Girls Rock event said Curling Canada is trying to get more girls and women in the very Canadian sport of curling.
“This was such an awesome event,” Watson said.
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“The girls are all very energetic and not afraid to try out a new skill and a new sport. I’m really impressed with how they’ve been engaged and have followed through and are not afraid to just come out and try something new.”
Making curling inclusive focus of diversity forum
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Both on and off the ice, there are serious conversations going on about the future of curling and how the game needs to be more inclusive.
Erin Flowers, president of Goldline Curling in Ontario, which was established by her family in 1967 to serve the curling community, spoke at a forum about Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity in Curling.
Flowers talked about her personal experience of working at a U.S. inner-city homeless shelter where she gained a whole lot of insight into the inequity of race from her view as a privileged white woman from Canada.
Eventually, from that experience she made the ultimate decision to adopt a boy from that environment after making the transition back into her family’s business.
She quickly fell in love with the sport of curling as she embraced her new career path.
After she adopted her son, it became obvious that her son’s experience at the curling rink was completely different from her own, she recounted.
“One day I was dropping him off at
the curling rink and he was walking away from the car only to turn back and indicate to me to roll down my window,” Flowers recalled. “He said ‘you know that I am the only Black person in the entire building?’”
It took her a while to process that information and what it meant in the curling world, she said.
“And it needs to change,” Flowers said.
“The curling rink – right at the club level –needs to be a safe place for everyone.”
The death of George Floyd in 2020, had a profound effect on Flowers’ household. Her partner is a police inspector, and her son is now a young Black man.
“During the conversation we had on the anniversary of George Floyd’s death we listened to each other in a way I will never forget,” Flowers said. “It was heavy and it was loving and it’s been a year of healing.”
Flowers said the world of curling at the club level needs to be more inclusive.
“We must live up to curling’s reputation and make it a truly inclusive and safe place,” she added. “We have such a great reputation. We feel safe when people who already belong go out of their way to make us feel like we belong. We need to have conversations, we can’t stay quiet.”
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Northern Capitals advance to provincial final
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
For two lost seasons, playoffs were a dream that evaporated in a pandemic fog for Ella Boon and the Northern Capitals.
Not so this year.
The Northern Capitals have one of the strongest teams they’ve had in years and they’re getting a chance to prove it in the B.C. Elite Hockey League U-18 female triple-A playoffs.
They capped off a two-game sweep of the Vancouver Island Seals with a 4-1 victory Saturday morning at Kin 2, picking up where they left Friday when they beat the Seals by the same score.
The series-clincher was much closer than score would indicate and Boon, the captain of the Capitals, was relieved a third game Sunday wasn’t needed.
“It’s pretty exciting, I haven’t got to play in a playoff series (before this year), so I’m really excited,” said Boon, 18, a thirdyear Capital from Vanderhoof and one of the stalwarts on defence.
“It was a good battle and we stuck with it and I’m really proud of our girls for finishing strong and sealing the deal.”
Capitals defender Keagan Goulet, a Calgary Dinos’ university recruit, filled in at centre for Maria Ayre, who was serving a suspension this weekend, and put the
The Northern Capitals are off to the B.C. Elite Hockey league Female U18AAA final after eliminating the Vancouver Island Seals over the weekend at Kin 2.
Capitals ahead 17 seconds into the game Saturday, scoring on the first shot of the game on a setup from Camryn Ward.
The injury-depleted Seals, however, didn’t let that early deficit get them down and they matched the intensity of their opponents and were rewarded midway through the period when their mega-talented first-year forward Morgan Jackson tied the game.
Ontario sharpshooter joining Timberwolves
RICH ABNEY UNBC
The UNBC women’s basketball team has looked east for a massive addition, announcing the commitment of Amrit Manak for the 2022-2023 Canada West season and beyond.
The product of Toronto has been working towards this moment for years, competing at the prep level and club level to prepare to play basketball at the highest university tier in the country.
“It’s everything. It has been my goal since I was seven years old, so for it to come true and to be here right now, it just feels surreal. It felt like my hard work is paying off. There is a lot more work to be done to succeed from here on, but it’s a pat on the back that everything I have been doing is paying off.”
Manak, who stands five-foot-eleven, garnered interest from schools across the country, thanks to her unique combination of size and shooting ability. The 18-year-old identified B.C. as her ideal landing spot, and her conversations with UNBC coach Sergey Shchepotkin convinced her UNBC would be where she took the next step in her athletic and academic journey.
Shchepotkin’s team has a good mix of veteran mainstays and young talent, and the Timberwolves coach believes Manak can contribute in a major way. Adding an athlete with length and athleticism, to go along with ball skills and shooting, was an opportunity he jumped at.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Amrit to our program. She has a great blend of size and skill, and her work ethic has put her in a position to be a very strong contributor at the U SPORTS level. Amrit shoots the ball well from the outside, but has the size and grit to help us on the inside as well. I am really looking forward to working with her and watching her grow as a player and a person with the Timberwolves.”
However, her numbers in the classroom are the most eye-popping. In Grade 11 at Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School, Manak had a 98% average, and she has bumped that to 99% in her Grade 12 year.
“Academics is going to be a lot harder. The practice schedule, although mine has been pretty extensive, this is going to be a lot more grueling because there will be a lot more pressure to perform. Just being able to balance it and not get frustrated with myself is a big thing.”
Brooklyn Hutchings of Prince George gave the Caps the go-ahead goal with a shot from the face-off circle 2:19 into the second period. The Seals made it difficult for the Caps defenders and came close to netting the tying goal 12 minutes into the second when Jackson let go a one-timer from close range while on a 5-on-3 power play.
But Sierra Eagles stuck out her glove
and blocked the shot – her best save of the game – to keep her team ahead.
“It was a good game, we played hard,” said the 18-year-old Goulet, a native of Fort St. John. “The other team played really well too, but in the end I think we deserved it. (Eagles) stood on her head, she stepped up when we needed her most, when we were letting her down and that just proves she’s ready for playoffs. It’s just a good group of girls and we’re hard-working.”
Capitals head coach Mario Desjardins knew from their regular-season meetings his team would get tested and the Seals, looking to extend their season, certainly did that.
“They came out battling because they knew they had to win today and I think our team responded quite well, especially in the last period,” said Desjardins.
The Capitals will move on to the bestof-three league championship series in Langley next weekend against the Fraser Valley Rush. The Rush eliminated the Thompson-Okanagan Blazers Saturday with a 4-1 win, after taking Game 1 on Friday 7-1.
The Capitals and Rush have played each other eight times this season and Fraser Valley has won five of those games but they’ve been close matches. Ayre will return to the Cougar lineup for Friday’s game.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY JAMES DOYLE
HOROSCOPES &PUZZLES
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
You’ll reflect deeply on your personal aspirations. You’ll take up healthy habits to eliminate stress in your life. You’remaking plans to start fresh this spring.
TAURUS
You’ll be asocial butterfly this week. You’ll constantly be surrounded by friends and enjoy going out on many occasions. Your laughter will be contagious.
GEMINI
You’ll be inspired to start anew project. Yousecureanice retirement by making the right decisions. Start building the futureyou want today
CANCER
WEEK OF MARCH 27 TO APRIL 2, 2022
You’ll go on aspontaneous getaway with friends. However,your trip may lead to headaches and disagreements. Don’tbe stubborn, and learntolet go.
LEO
If you need to finance aproject, simply visit the bank. Your determination will help you meet the right people. Youmay feel a romantic spark with someone, which could lead to jealousy
VIRGO
Youmay have to compromise with those around you to reach afair agreement. You’ll be tasked with planning an event, which won’tbeeasy.Your work calls won’tbe answered quickly,even if they’reurgent.
THE LUCKIEST SIGNSTHIS WEEK: TAURUS, GEMINIAND CANCER
LIBRA
At work, some clients will be impossible to please. Don’ttake it personally,and do your best. In your relationship, don’thold back your feelings.
SCORPIO
If you’resingle, you’ll catch the eye of several suitors and fall in love at first sight. Take the time to get to know this person beforedeclaring your love. You’ll be very productive at work.
SAGITTARIUS
You’ll finally sell your house or find your dream home. If you’ve been living in the same place for many years, you may feel nostalgic. You’ll be promoted to a management position at work.
CAPRICORN
Your ideas and opinions will bring people together.Others will listen to what you have to say.You’ll have alot of fun this week.
AQUARIUS
Your finances could complicate your relationship. It’simportant to be affectionate with your partner,even if you have other things on your mind.
PISCES
This week is all about new beginnings and challenges. Some people may upset you. However,it’sbest to ignore them because you have better things to do. You’ll enjoy spending time with others and feel creative.
Focal
Fictional work
Trendy
over (studied) 36. Exchange
Chose
Surfaced
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.
REMEMBRANCES
John(Jack)Braun
SCOBLE,Reginald(Reg)
BornMay17,1952-SwiftCurrent,Sask Passed away suddenly - March 6, 2022 Prince George,BC Willbegreatlymissed.
On February 21, 2022, after dedicating his life to the Lord, Papa passed away peacefully and went home to live with Jesus at the age of 94.
Papa will be dearly missed by his wife and best friend of 73 years, Irene "Baba"; their six children Sharrol (Steve), Shelley (Len), Orrin (Colleen), Cal (Jan), Shar (George) and Bernie (Joan); eleven grandchildren; and fifteen great -grandchildren.
Acelebration of his life will be held later this year, and Papa will be laid to rest in Wetaskawin, Alberta.
OurPreciousDaughter
Scoble, Reginald (Reg) lost his battle with cancer on March 17, 2022. He is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Julie, sons Russell (Melanie) and Brad (Christina). He has 8 grandchildren, Hailey, Hannah, Ariadne (Ryan), Eve, Ryley, Mya, Conner and Mason and great grandson Carson. After moving to Prince George from Victoria in 1974, he spent most of his working life at NCP and was able to retire early He moved to Salmon Arm, Victoria, and then settled in Devon, Alberta. The 15 years of retirement were spent travelling in both summers and winters going north to Dawson City, south to Mexico, east to St. John’s Newfoundland and west to Vancouver Island. All this was done on the road in motor homes. While snow birding, he enjoyed golfing, his favorite sport. His battle wasn’t too long which was a blessing. Wearegoingtomisshimterribly
JamieMarie(Thors)Peil
January10,1979-March3,2022
Words are not enough to convey my grief at having lost you. You were my treasure. Now you aregone,myheartisbrokenbeyondrepair
Left to mourn her loss are her mom & dad; Louise and John, husband Mark, sister Julie (Tim), many aunts,uncles,cousins,nieceandnephew
Service of Remembrance to be held on March 26, 2022 at 2:30 pm at Prince George Funeral Service -1014DouglasSt.
Obituaries
Obituaries In Memoriam
Saunders, Mary Ida (nee Haws)
1931-2022
Born on March 1,1931 passed away peacefully March 8, 2022 in University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. Mary; as everyone knew her, is survived by her children, David (Pat) Caron and William (Marie) Caron of Prince George, BC and predeceased by her son, Greg; brother, Joseph Haws and great granddaughter Hannah. She leaves behind one brother, Charles Haws (Joan), 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. The funeral service was held March 18, 2022 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Prince George, BC.
MARGARET (MARY-ANN) SWEDER
January 25, 1921March 05, 2022
Margaret (affectionately known as ‘Nana” by many) and loved by many more is survived by her daughters, Donalda Jones, Marilyn Pond, Dolores Sweder, Debbie Dumonceaux, Natalie Hall-Pratt, Tamie Antoine, and son, Douglas Sweder, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
In 1948, at the tender age of 27, she left her family home in Saskatchewan searching for a place with trees and trained her way to parts unknown, Prince George, which for many years, has been home.
Her accomplishments, to name a few included raising 9 children, completing Grade 12 at 51 years of age, and many family members have a piece of her handiwork, an afghan!
Passions? God, The Bible, her faith insurmountable. Loves? Walter (husband, deceased), family, reading, Young & The Restless and a cup of decaffinated coffee at McDonalds.
She had an unquenchable thirst for politics, news, weather and sports-related events such as finals and Olympics.
She was a fashion statement due to her loyal support of the local thrift shops and gave generously to the City’s Food Banks.
Mother, a lady of distinction, a woman of substance, a legacy. You leave a giant imprint on the countless lives you have touched.
We wish to thank Gateway for the many kindnesses extended throughout her stay of 7.5 years.
A Time of Remembrance will be held 10:00 a.m. 30 April 2022 at Assman’s Funeral Chapel, 1908 Queensway Street. Masks and passports not required. Maximum capacity 85 persons.
Prince George Cemetery Burial 11:00 a.m., 30 April .
Celebration of Life 12:00 p.m. 30 April Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Royal Room, 2601 RecPlace Drive.
No flowers please, although she loved the hundreds she had received throughout her life. Donations to the Prince George Hospice House -1506 Ferry Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 5H2 will be gratefully appreciated.
Jacqueline Lois Gagne
July 17, 1941 - March 9, 2022
With great sadness we announce the passing of Jacqueline Lois Gagne. She passed away at her home, pain free and surrounded by some of her children whom were lucky enough to be holding her hand.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert whom passed away 48 days prior. She was also pre deceased by her parents Lois and Lorne, sisters Pat, Joan, Iris, daughter Theresa and grandson Matthew.
Jacqueline is survived by sister -Judy (Ken), sonsLee-Roy, Daniel, Mark, Kelly (Dottie) and Ben James (Penny) as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many good friends.
Jackie will be missed very much and has left a very large void in many hearts.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Doris Marie Schock
Jan 19, 1936Mar 6, 2022
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Doris Schock.
Doris was predeceased by her daughter Karen and her parents Earl and Gertrude Gerber. Left to mourn her passing are husband Adolph; son Ervin (Lori); daughters Gwen (Lorne); Charlotte (Paul); Sandra (Gary); son-in-law Roy; ten grand children; fifteen great grandchildren; brothers Stan (Elaine); Calvin (Nancy); Lorne (Jan); sisters Fran; Gloria (Gerard); Bev and numerous nephews and nieces.
Doris was born in St Walburg, SK on Jan 19, 1936. She met and then married Adolph on Aug 3, 1955. They lived together in Lloydminster, SK where they had 5 children. In 1967, they moved their family to Fort St John, BC, where they lived until 1973, when they moved to Prince George, BC.
Doris loved spending time in both her flower and vegetable gardens. Doris was at her happiest when everyone was eating, which is why you could always find her in the kitchen. She was a member of the Royal Purple, the I.O.F., and she worked for PGI Foods for several years. Most of all Doris enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her family. We will all miss her beautiful smile.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Patrick Joseph Guignard
October 26, 1944 - March 16, 2022
Patrick Joseph Guignard passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 16, 2022, at the age of 77.
Patrick was born on October 26, 1944, in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Patrick married l’amour de son vie, Lucie Marie David in St. Catharines, Ontario on December 30, 1965. Patrick, Lucie and newborn son, Sylvain, moved out west to Prince George, British Columbia in 1970. Patrick and Lucie were blessed with two more children, Bernie in 1972 and Nancy in 1976.
Pat spent 52 years building his logging company, Guignard and Sons Contracting. Pat loved the bush almost as much as his family.
Pat was well known for his infinite work ethic, big sense of humour (often inappropriate jokes) and his generous and kind heart.
Pat will be greatly missed by his wife, Lucie, sons Sylvain (Jaci) and Bernie (Barb) and daughter, Nancy (Shawn) and grandchildren Sheldon, Austin, Hailey, Kaden, Amélie and Jolie.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the home care nurse, Sarah and Dr. McLeod who made daily home visits to check on her patient.
As per Pat’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Moose Hall, where Pat spent many Monday nights playing crib.
“It’s my turn to buy lunch, you bunch of dummies!”
Giordano Storti
Sep 18, 1940 -Mar 15, 2022
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Giordano Storti on March 15, 2022 at the age of 81. Giordano passed away in his home after a short battle with cancer.
Giordano was born in Fie`, Italy and came to Canada as a skilled bricklayer. He then worked at Northwood pulp where he retired. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, dancing and traveling. He was also very accomplished in the cycling community which would be his favorite passion.
Giordano is one of four children. He is predeceased by his father Giuseppe, mother Ida and brother Giovanni. Giordano is survived by his children Gerardo, Claudio, Nadia and Susanna; granddaughters Isabella, Gianna, and Sara; brother Bruno; sister Anna, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Giordano will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts and never forgotten.
A viewing will be held at Assman’s Funeral Chapel on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 3pm.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
Because I Love You So
Time will not dim the face I love,
The voice I heard each day,
The many things you did for me, In your own special way. All my life I’ll miss you, As the years come and go, But in my heart I’ll keep you, Because I love you so.
Established Franchise Photography Business
Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years
Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work
Lots of opportunity to expand the business. Transition support available to the right buyer
Serious Enquiries Only
Office
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business Mackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years.
Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.
Transition support available for the right buyer. Serious Inquires Only
Toys/Games/Puzzles
Personal Messages
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
KENWORTH with mixer
Excavating
Hay/Bales For Sale
Health Services
Heavy Equipment
Sheds/Outbuildings
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
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
Skilled Help
Millwright welder required for sawmill construction project in Richmond, BC. Call Brian (250-897-6609)
The Prince George Citizen is looking for a freelance photographer. Interested candidates please email lsmith@glaciermedia.ca along with some samples of your best photos.
& Transport
(250) 614-6667 Services for Hire
REMOVAL of unwant-
(250) 614-8915
How to write a classified ad that works.
Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.
Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Limit abbreviations. Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Limit abbreviations. Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
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.!
career? Experience the Northern Way.
VICE PRESIDENT, OPER ATIONS
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-27
Application Deadline: March 17, 2022 by 4 pm
AN ME CH ANIC
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-05A
Application Deadline: Open until filled
ENGINEE RING TECHNOLOG I ST
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-24
Application Deadline: March 15, 2022 by 4 pm
CIVIL AND UT ILI TIES
Job Type: Full-time
Competition Number: 22-25
Application Deadline: March 15, 2022 by 4 pm
I ST
Northern Savings Credit Union is currently seek ing a dynamic and forward-think ing candidate to join the Nor thern Savings Executive Team in the role of Vice President, Operations
This exciting oppor tunity exhibits leadership in developing a culture of engagement and provides accountability to our members, employees, and communities in suppor t of the Credit Union’s vision of, “Neighbours helping neighbours to build sustainable communities.” Northern Savings operates four branch locations, insurance and wealth management divisions and a corporate office located in Prince Ruper t, BC.
Repor ting directly to the President & CEO, this exciting role provides strategic leadership to the organization, translating business strategy into action that stewards Nor thern Savings
financial health. An advanced post-secondar y degree along with related management experience is required
We are seek ing a candidate with previous experience in a financial institution at a senior level, with extensive background in sales and service, products, credit, accounting, and regulatory requirements.
The right candidate would be located in Prince Rupert –a spec tacular Nor thern location that offers some of the best outdoor playgrounds in BC.
When you grow here at Tolko, you'll developyour skills and pursue new opportunities. Our Lakeview and Soda Creek Divisions are looking to hire multiple permanent positions.
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
To advertise, call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
Both divisions are located in Williams Lake, BC, which hasa distinct rural charm and is ajumping off point for many year-round outdoor activities. This city of 25,000 people has all the servicesofanurbancentre with the cozy feeling of asmall town. Tolko.com/careers –Learn more and apply today! Looking for an exciting
Skilled Help
Skilled Help
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Dollar Saver lumber operates a lumber re-manufacturing operation in Prince George We currently have an opportunity in our management group for a Sales Production coordinator.
This position is responsible to perform the following functions:
• Co-ordinate purchase of raw material to meet mill requirements
• Co-ordinate Shipments of finished products to existing customers.
• Work with Mill Management to ensure optimal inventories are maintained.
• Communicate with customers to ensure their needs are being met
Preference will be given for persons
• Good computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
The successful candidate will possess the following qualities
• The ability to deal with customer needs in a calm constructive manner
• The ability to adjust to rapidly changing conditions and developments
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good analytical skills
The position offers:
• A competitive salary and benefit package
• Opportunity to work in friendly non- bureaucratic environment
Please submit your resume to Frank Skerlak, General Sales Manager at fskerlak@lumber.ca or Bev at: gobbi1@telus.net Only those persons chosen for an interview will be contacted.
When you grow here at Tolko, you will further develop your skills and pursue diverse opportunities. Cariboo Woodlands in Williams Lake is looking to hire aWoodlands Operations Supervisor
PERSONALS
Apartments / Condos-For
Property For
Houses for Sale
for
LEGALS
Legal/Public Notices
Sorine Winther Holdings Ltd has prepared a Woodlot Licence Plan for the ten-year period commencing in the spring of 2022. The plan is in accordance with the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation. The woodlot consists of Schedule B lands in the vicinity of Pilot Mountain and Schedule A lands near Breeze Creek. In accordance with legislation this plan is available for public review and comment. The plan and detailed maps can be reviewed by appointment by calling 250-981-6430. Written comments should be received by April 30th, 2022.
1. One who regrets 5. Time zone 8. Subway dweller 11. Bend in a river
Alias
Isodor __, American Nobel physicist
Very (music)
Zero 17. Phil __, former CIA
Competitions
Unwell
Puts in place
1. Computer memory
2. “Et __”: “And wife” (Latin)
Capital of Estonia
22. Gets rid of 25. Allows light to pass through
30. Climbed quickly
31. We all have it
32. There’s a North & South
33. Emaciation
38. Supervises flying
41. Very dark colors
43. Unwanted
45. Grants
48. Three visited Jesus 49. Wife of Amun
24. Stationary portion of a generator 25. Expression of disappointment 26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet
Where birds fly 28. Midway between north and northeast
Chaotic states
34. Comedic actress Gasteyer
35. Kids’ dining accessory 36. Snakelike fish
37. Midway between south and southeast 39. Assign lifelike qualities to
50. Broadway actress Daisy 55. A Spanish river
56. I (German)
57. French opera composer
59. Six (Spanish)
60. Last letter
61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation
62. Noah had one
63. Make a mistake
64. Tall plant
40. One who cites
Midway between east and southeast
North wind
One or the other
Cavalry sword
Of the Hungarian language
Life stories
Flat tableland with steep edges
Swiss river
Plant that makes gum
French cleric
One point east of northeast
(250) 983-2294
HOMES
LISTINGS
6 tips for setting up a small kitchen
Do you need more room in your cramped kitchen? Here are six smart ideas to make the most of a small space.
1. Mount a rail to the wall. Use a support bar and hooks to hang utensils, measuring cups, pots, pans, oven mitts, cutting boards and anything else you want to keep handy.
2. Hang shelves. Install them above the stove, fridge, countertop and doorway. Shelves provide an easy storage solution for spices, bins of pasta, candy containers, fresh herbs and more.
3. Opt for integrated design features. Built-in appliances or a trash chute incorporated into the countertop can help you make the most of a small space. Similarly, a slide-out shelf can extend your countertop surface.
4. Get two-in-one appliances. A combination oven, which acts as both an oven and a microwave, allows
you to have a single appliance that can bake, grill and reheat food A microwave with a built-in hood is also a great option.
5. Installcabinetsclosetotheceiling.Buildthemhigh tomaximizestoragespace,andusethetopshelvesfor items you rely on less frequently. Just be sure to keep a folding step ladder nearby so you can easily reach any item.
6. Invest in a portable cooktop. Some electric cook-
tops are as powerful as a standard stove, which makes them the perfect solution to save on counter space.
Additionally, considering brightening up the room with targeted lighting. Install strip lights and other fixtures near the prep space, sink and cooking area.
FREE ESTIMATES
FEATURED HOME
Unique opportunity in the Crescents with 3income suites! Liveonthe main floor and collect rental income from the other twosuites, or rent all three.Top floor =1bedroom. Main floor =2bedroom. Basement = 2bedroom. Fully renovatedbasement suite. Main and topsuites have newkitchens &other updates. Newboiler system, fresh air system and HWT.Close to all amenities and transit. Call Rebecca formoredetails.
A space dedicated to your well-being is a must
Calm and inspiring spaces are becoming increasingly popular. To design your own little wellness retreat, choose a spot in your home that’s as removed as possible from all noise and activity.
Once you’ve selected a location, surround yourself with colours that evoke nature such as sky blue,forestgreenand stone grey. Be sure to have at least one live plant nearby
Additionally, consider including a
comfortable chair, a soft mat and decorative or meditation cushions. A lamp emitting a soft glow or a light fixture with a dimmer switch can be useful for lighting the space according to your preferences.
Once the space is set up, use it for meditating, daydreaming, reading, breathing deeply, writing in a diary or listening to music In 2021, a respite from the stresses of everyday life may be exactly what you need
4 factors to consider when selecting flooring
When it comes to flooring, homeowners have a range of options Popular choices include hardwood, vinyl, terrazzo, laminate, ceramic, cork, natural stone and bamboo Here are four factors to consider if you need to update your floors
1. FUNCTION
Do you have kids or pets? Do you like to exercise in a particular part of the house? Opt for flooring that’s practical and suits your lifestyle. For instance, while blonde hardwood and white marble floors are stylish, they may not be the best choice if you have a cat or dog with dark fur. Additionally, you may want to avoid flooring that’s excessively hard in rooms where you spend a lot of time on your feet.
2. ATMOSPHERE
Flooring is an integral part of your home’s appearance, so make sure you choose a type that contributes to the style you want to create. For example, natural stone generally provides a Zen-like ambiance, whereas blonde hardwood will add warmth to a space. If you want a retro vibe, consider pastel terrazzo. For a more sophisticated look, opt for dark laminate flooring.
When you visit your local stores and suppliers, make sure to compare different flooring samples and seek advice from a qualified salesperson. It’s a good idea to bring along photos of the rooms you’re renovating
3. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Before you install new flooring, you may need to update the subfloor. This could be the case if you have heavy flooring that requires extra support. It will also be necessary if you choose to install electrical wiring, plumbing or radiant heating in the subfloor A qualified professional is always the best person to install new flooring.
4. UPKEEP
Some types of floors require maintenance that goes beyond simply sweeping and mopping. For example, you need to periodically apply a sealant to porous flooring such as unglazed tile, limestone and concrete. In the case of hardwood, you need to sand and varnish it every so often. Before you settle on a particular type of flooring, make sure you know what sort of upkeep it requires.
Keep in mind there are professionals who can provide expert advice. Contractors, interior designers and the staff at your local home improvement and furniture stores will be able to recommend specific solutions for your home.
Kaycie
Janine
Donna Badowski***
3 tips for savvier furniture shopping
When furnishing a room, a little planning goes a long way. Most importantly, it helps you avoid making impulse purchases and selecting furniture that’s the wrong size.
Here are some tips to help you make the right home decor choices
1. IDENTIFY YOUR PRIORITIES
Before you start furniture shopping, list everything you need in order of importance. This will help you determine how much of your budget to put toward each item. For instance, if you have trouble sleeping, you may decide to splurge on your mattress rather than on a dresser or vanity. Or, if you work from home, you may want to spend a little extra on an ergonomic office chair
2. LOOK FOR DEALS
Once you’ve planned your purchases, it’s
How to get the cottagecore look at home
If you love wildflowers, crafting, embroidery, plants and a fairy tale-like esthetic, the cottagecore look may be right for you. This trendy style evokes the atmosphere, lifestyle and romanticism of English country houses. Fortunately, you don’t have to live in a literal cottage to get the look. Here’s how to bring this design style into your home.
THE WALLS
To create a dreamy and poetic atmosphere, paint the walls in pastel tones Alternatively, apply a flowery wallpaper. Just make sure the print isn’t too busy, as this can overwhelm the space.
THE FLOOR
time to bargain hunt. Be on the lookout for sales and promotions, but keep in mind that sometimes you need to be patient to take advantage of the best discounts If the item you’ve set your sights on is unlikely to drop in price, see if your local retailers can suggest solutions. For example, you may be able to get a deal on display models or pieces that have slight imperfections
3. THINK LONG-TERM
Make smart investments by choosing styles that have a timeless look and don’t merely reflect the current fad. If you want to indulge in a few trendy pieces, opt for inexpensive items that you can sell or donate in a few years
Finally, consider making an effort to buy locally. You don’t have to go far to find talented furniture makers and well-curated furniture stores
Whether it’s wood or ceramic, light flooring is a good fit for the cottagecore look If you add a rug, consider choosing a white or beige macramé model
THE FURNITURE
Wood, wicker, rattan and other natural materials contribute to a country esthetic. Look for chairs, tables, beds and other furniture made of these materials Vintage and antique pieces are also on theme
THE ACCENTS
Floral prints and botanical fabrics will set the right tone. Plants are a must, but consider incorporating dried or fresh flowers into the space as well Handmade items, vintage dishware and folk art pieces are also a good fit.
To create the cottagecore look in your home, visit shops and antique dealers in your area.
GO FOR GOLD.
What to consider when designing built-in shelving
Built-in shelving units provide extra storage that’s perfectly suited to your home’s layout and decor Here are some things to consider when designing your own.
YOUR NEEDS
What you plan to put on your built-in shelving unit will impact its design. For example, if you’re displaying a collection, you may choose to build specialized shelves
If you’re planning to store things you want to keep hidden, you can add some doors to conceal the bottom shelves.
THE LOCATION
There are likely a number of places in your home that could accommodate built-in shelving Your living room may be a great spot for a custom bookcase, your kitchen may need the extra storage space and your fireplace might look better when flanked with shelving
How often should my air ducts be cleaned?
Regularly cleaning your air ducts can improve indoor air quality, reduce the amount of allergens in the air and lower your heating and cooling bills.
In general, homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years. However, it may need to be done more often if people smoke in the home, you have pets that shed or someone in your family suffers from allergies or a respiratory illness.
The following signs could indicate that your ventilation system is dirty:
THE SHELVES
Most books will fit on a standard eight-inch shelf, but you may require more space. If this is the case, make the bottom few shelves deeper than the top ones
Finally,keepyourhome’sesthetic in mind when designing your shelving unit If the room has mouldings or other decorative accents, mimicking them in your design will help tie the room together.
• Visible dust in the ducts
• Dirt buildup around the registers
• Worsening allergy symptoms
• Respiratory distress
It’s also important to have your air ducts cleaned after any home renovation. Dust and debris from the project can clog your ventilation system and render it inefficient. You should also clean them if water has infiltrated your ducts, as inhaling mould spores
can seriously impact your health.
In addition, many new homeowners choose to have their ventilation system inspected and cleaned prior to moving into a new home.
Air duct cleaning isn’t something that the average homeowner can do on their own. A proper cleaning requires specialized vacuums with filters that can trap even the smallest particles of dust and dirt. For this reason, it’s best to hire a pro.
