Prince George Citizen June 30, 2022 by Prince George Citizen

THURSDAY, June 30, 2022

7-Eleven closure welcomed

TED CLARKE

Citizen staff

The 7-Eleven convenience store at Queensway and 17th Avenue has closed its doors and Brian Gilliard was delighted to see it happen.

The property manager of two apartment buildings on Ingledew Avenue across the street, Gilliard has had nothing but headaches dealing with vagrants who frequented the area. Now that the store is closed he’s thinking the street people who shot drugs, burnt door signs, painted graffiti and used apartment entranceways as their toilets will no longer have a reason to be there.

“I’m glad it’s closed,” said Gilliard, who lives on the property. “They’d come to the store first thing in the morning and come over to my stairway and set fires. They tore my door apart. There was feces and sanitary napkins I had to pick up, it was pretty bad. My neighbour would dump a bucket a water on them (from an upper balcony) to get ‘em out and they still wouldn’t move.”

Chris Vigil, a 7-Eleven Canada district manager who oversees the company’s store operations in Prince George, said the Queensway store was a constant

Apartment property manager Brian Gilliard is happy about the closure of the Queensway 7-Eleven convenience store.

headache for staff and customers who felt threatened by people who stole from store shelves and loitered in the parking lot, where they consumed their drugs and alcohol. It got to the point where many his customers were afraid to go to the store and were avoiding it.

The Queensway store lease expires at the end of the month and Vigil said the company based its decision not to renew because of the problems caused by a small percentage of undesirables who frequented the store, which 7-Eleven Canada has operated ro more than 25 years.

He said the 7-Eleven store at 1588 20th Ave. faces similar problems with

drug/alcohol use, shoplifting and people threatening the security of employees and customers, but the company owns that store outright and is not considering closing it.

“The neighbourhood is really rough, I spent tons of money on infrastructure to keep the store running, and there was a huge decline in the customers coming to the store because of the outside issues that we were dealing with, with the homeless and the people staying outside,” said Vigil.

“We love our community and tried to maintain a clean image outside, but it’s painful every day you have to go through with it.”

Map shows city crime

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

An online map hosted by the City of Prince George (data-cityofpg.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/crime) shows the location of every property crime reported to the Prince George RCMP, starting in January 2021.

The data can be viewed in a timelapse video or in a month-by-month breakdown.

Between April 1 and June 11 (the most recent monthly data available), there were 1,032 property crimes reported in Prince George.

The city averaged more than 14 property crimes reported per day over the 72-day period.

The property crimes reported during that period include: 126 break-and-enters; 31 vehicles stolen (including 18 valued over $5,000); 34 bikes stolen (including two valued over $5,000); 200 thefts from vehicles (including three thefts greater than $5,000); 335 other thefts (including six valued over $5,000); and 306 reports of mischief, such as vandalism or otherwise damaging property or obstructing its lawful use (including three counts where the damages were over $5,000).

PUBLIC HEARINGS /CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF

WHAT:

City Council considerationof ﬁrst and second reading of:

1.“CityofPrinceGeorgeZoningBylawNo.7850,2007,AmendmentBylawNo.9288,2022”

2.“CityofPrinceGeorgeZoningBylawNo.7850,2007,AmendmentBylawNo.9318,2022”

3.“CityofPrinceGeorgeZoningBylawNo.7850,2007,AmendmentBylawNo.9321,2022”

CommentsontheabovenotedBylawsforCouncilConsiderationmayonlybeprovidedin writing.Fordetailsonhowtoprovidewrittencomments,referto“WrittenComments”under “HowCanIParticipate?”.

Public Hearings regarding:

4.“CityofPrinceGeorgeOﬃcialCommunityPlanBylawNo.8383,2011,AmendmentBylaw No.9252,2021”AND“CityofPrinceGeorgeZoningBylawNo.7850,2007,Amendment BylawNo.9253,2021”

5.“CityofPrinceGeorgeZoningBylawNo.7850,2007,AmendmentBylawNo.9273,2021”

CommentsontheabovenotedBylawsforPublicHearingmaybeprovidedinwriting,inperson orviatelephone.Fordetailsonhowtoprovidecomments,referto“HowCanIParticipate?”.

WHEN:

Monday,July 11,2022

WHERE:

CouncilChambersofCityHall,2ndFloor,1100PatriciaBoulevard,PrinceGeorge,BC

PROPOSALS:

1. “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9288, 2022”

Applicant: L&M Engineering Ltd. for Kidd Real Estate Holdings Ltd., Inc. No. BC821509

SubjectProperty: 7171 Hart Highway (The Northwest ¼ofDistrict Lot 4047, Cariboo District, Except Plan 9543, 11058, 10059, 11060, 11061,11088, H226,28664,and 31724)

Time: 6:00p.m.

BylawNo.9288,2022proposestorezoneportionsofthesubjectpropertyfrom C3:NeighbourhoodCommercialandC6:HighwayCommercialtoC2:RegionalCommercial andRM5:MultipleResidential.

Thepurposeofthisapplicationistofacilitatethedevelopmentofamixofcommercialand residentialbuildingsonthesubjectpropertyorotheruses,pursuanttotheC2:Regional CommercialandRM5:MultipleResidentialzoningdesignations.

InaccordancewithSection464(2)oftheLocalGovernmentAct,apublichearingregardingthis applicationwillnotbeheldastheproposedBylawisconsistentwiththe“CityofPrinceGeorge OﬃcialCommunityPlanBylawNo.8383,2011”thatisineﬀectforthesubjectarea.

Location Map #1 7171 HartHighway

2. “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No.7850,2007,AmendmentBylaw No. 9318, 2022”

Applicant: McWalter Consulting Ltd. for John Brink and 1189151 B.C. Ltd., Inc. No. BC1189151

SubjectProperties: 1077 Boundary Road(Lot 1, District Lot 749,Cariboo District, Plan BCP39874) and 8875 Willow Cale Road (Lot 2, District Lot749,Cariboo District, Plan BCP41575)

Time: 6:00 p.m.

BylawNo.9318,2022proposestorezonea0.63hectareportionofthesubjectpropertiesfrom U1:MinorUtilitiestoM5:HeavyIndustrial.

Thepurposeofthisapplicationistofacilitatethedevelopmentofa6,206m2(squaremetres) industrialwarehouseonthesubjectproperties,orotheruses,pursuanttotheM5:Heavy Industrialzoningdesignation.

LocationMap #2

1077 Boundary Road and 8875 WillowCaleRoad

3. “City of Prince George ZoningBylaw No.7850, 2007, AmendmentBylaw No. 9321, 2022”

Applicant: Gurpreet Kaila

Subject Property: 2783 VanceRoad(Lot 5, District Lot753, CaribooDistrict, Plan 8870)

Time: 6:00p.m.

BylawNo.9321,2022proposestorezonethesubjectpropertyfromRS2:SingleResidentialto RT1:Two-UnitResidential

Thepurposeofthisapplicationistofacilitatethedevelopmentofatwo-unithouse(duplex) onthesubjectproperty,orotheruses,pursuanttotheRT1:Two-UnitResidentialzoning designation.Thesingledetachedhousethatcurrentlyexistsonthepropertywillbedemolished tofacilitatethenewdevelopment.

TheapplicantwillregisteraSection219Covenantonthesubjectpropertyrestrictingsecondary suitesandtoensurethetwo-unithouseisasymmetricalandlooksliketwodistinctdwellings.

LocationMap #3

2783 Vance Road

4. “City of Prince George Oﬃcial Community Plan Bylaw No. 8383,2011,Amendment Bylaw No. 9252, 2021” AND “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No.9253, 2021”

Applicant: Narenderpal Johal andBaljinder Johal

SubjectProperty: 8191 Bunce Road (Lot 1, District Lot 1592, Cariboo District, Plan 10148)

Time: 7:00p.m.

ThepurposeoftheseapplicationsistoamendtheOﬃcialCommunityPlanandZoningBylaw tofacilitateatwo-lotsubdivisiononthesubjectproperty

•Oﬃcial Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Bylaw No.9252,2021

BylawNo.9252,2021proposestoamend“ScheduleB-6:FutureLandUse”ofthe“Cityof PrinceGeorgeOﬃcialCommunityPlanBylawNo.8383,2011”byre-designatingthesubject propertyfromRuralBtoNeighbourhoodResidential

•ZoningAmendmentBylaw No.9253,2021 BylawNo.9253,2021proposestoamend“CityofPrinceGeorgeZoningBylawNo.7850, 2007”byrezoningthesubjectpropertyfromAR3m:RuralResidentialtoRS1:Suburban Residential.

Location Map #4 8191 Bunce Road

5. “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No.7850,2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 9273, 2022”

Applicant: City of Prince George

SubjectProperty: City Wide

Time: 7:00 p.m.

BylawNo.9273,2021proposesseveraltextamendmentstothe“CityofPrinceGeorgeZoning BylawNo.7850,2007”byreplacingthedeﬁnitionofandreferenceto“Warehousingand Storage”withindependentdeﬁnitionsfor“Warehousing”and“Self-StorageFacility”. “Self-StorageFacility”usesareproposedtobepermittedintheC6:HighwayCommercialzone andindustrialzones.“Warehousing”willcontinuetobepermittedinindustrialzonesonly

HOW CAN IPARTICIPATE?

Membersofthepublicwhobelievetheirinterestinpropertyisaﬀectedbytheproposedbylaws areinvitedtoprovidecommentstoCouncilbythemethodsnotedbelow WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

Writtensubmissionswillbeacceptedforitems1,2,3,4,and5.

WrittencommentsreceivedbytheCorporateOﬃcerbefore 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 5, 2022 willbeavailableonthepublishedmeetingagendaforCouncil’sreviewinadvanceofthe meetingdate.Writtencommentsreceivedafterthenoteddeadlineandbefore 12:00 p.m., Monday,July 11,2022 willbeprovidedtoCouncilonthedayofthemeetingfortheir considerationduringdeliberationsontheapplication.

Writtencommentsmaybesentbyemailtocityclerk@princegeorge.ca,faxedto(250)561-0183, ormailedordeliveredtotheaddressnotedonthebottomofthisNotice.

ATTEND BY TELEPHONE

Telephoneparticipationisavailableforitems4and5.

ToparticipateinthePublicHearingbytelephone,membersofthepublicshoulddialintothe meetingatleast10minutesbeforethestartofthePublicHearingbycalling1-877-708-3350, AccessCode:1269574#.

ATTEND IN PERSON

Inpersonparticipationisavailableforitems4and5.

MembersofthepublicwhowishtospeaktoCouncilinpersoncandosoduringthePublic HearinginCouncilChambersonthe2ndFloorofCityHallat 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022.

FormoredetailedinformationonprovidingsubmissionstoCouncil,pleasevisit www.princegeorge.ca/publichearings.

Bysubmittingwrittencommentsorspeakingduringapublichearing,youareconsentingtothe disclosureofanypersonalinformationthatyouprovide.Allwrittenorspokencommentswill formpartoftheoﬃcialpublicrecordoftheCouncilmeetingandwillbepublishedontheCity’s website,televised,streamedlivebywebcast,recorded,andarchivedforpublicviewing.

Personalinformationiscollectedundertheauthorityofsection26(g)anddisclosedunderthe authorityofsection33.1(1)oftheFreedomofInformationandProtectionofPrivacyAct(FIPPA). Forinformationorquestions,contacttheCity’sFIPPACoordinatorat(250)561-7600or 1100PatriciaBoulevard,PrinceGeorge,BC,V2L3V9.

NEEDMORE INFORMATION?

AcopyoftheproposedBylawsandrelateddocumentswillbeavailableforreviewbythepublic ontheCity’swebsitewww.princegeorgeca/PublicNoticesbeginning Wednesday, June 29, 2022.ThesedocumentsmayalsobereviewedattheDevelopmentServicesoﬃceonthe 2ndFloorofCityHallon June 29 and 30, July 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11, 2022 betweenthehoursof 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m

WHO CAN ISPEAK TO?

Formoreinformation,pleasecontactDevelopmentServicesinperson,bytelephoneat (250)561-7611,orbyemailtodevserv@princegeorge.ca.

FOR EMAIL NOTICES

Subscribeandstayup-to-dateregardingupcomingpublichearings,councilandcommittee meetingupdates,elections,mediareleases,andsomuchmorebyregisteringat https://subscribe.princegeorge.ca/Subscribe.

Hart subdivision approved

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

City council voted in support of a proposed 20-home subdivision on Barr Road, in the area of Dawson Road and Glenview Elementary School, on Monday night. Council voted in favour of the first three readings of a rezoning bylaw to facilitate the development, following a public hearing. A vote on final reading will be held at a future date. Ellen Barr, the owner of 2989 Barr Road, is looking to extend Barr Road and build homes on a 1.79 hectare (4.4 acres) section of the undeveloped, 19.5 ha. (48 acre) property.

City council received nine emails and letters in opposition to the development from area residents, with raising concerns about increased traffic, the lack of sidewalks and streetlights on Dawson Road for students going to Glenview Elementary, and loss of animal habitat. In a report to city council, city director of planning and

development Deanna Wasnik wrote that the development is considered low-density and is not expected to have a significant impact on area traffic. As a result, the city did not require a traffic impact study.

No opponents of the project appeared during the public hearing. However, in a letter to city council, Dawson Road resident Patrick Stapleton said Dawson Road was a quiet street when he bought his home there in 1989, but isn’t anymore.

“The quality of the environment of (the) Dawson Road area has deteriorated rapidly since the City of Prince George approved multiple residential subdivisions at the north and south ends of Dawson Road,” Stapleton wrote. “Traffic from the north end of Dawson Road… speed daily along Dawson Road creating unnecessary noise and hazard to the school children travelling to and from Glenview Elementary School and other pedestrians.”

There are no curbs, sidewalks, gutters or storm drains on the road, Stapleton added.

“Dawson Road does not need another subdivision in our area to further create more residential noise and traffic to further destroy the privacy and quiet environment that we once enjoyed on Dawson Road,” he wrote.

“Unfortunately, I am too old to move away from this deteriorating area of Prince George so here I must stay.”

Long-time area resident Mavis Christie, the former chairperson of the Glenview Elementary parent advisory committee, said she’s concerned about additional traffic along Dawson Road as children walk to and from school. Christie said parents have advocated to the city to build sidewalks for students, with no result.

“You try to drive down Dawson Road at 8:00 am and see the congestion of vehicles and children walking on both sides of the road,” Christie wrote. “Does the city

plan to make it safe for children and put sidewalks in from Austin Road to Cluff Road? This should be part of the developers plans as there will be significantly more traffic to this area.”

In a letter, Dawson Road resident Deborah Kopp said she isn’t opposed to the development, but the area has outgrown its current infrastructure.

“Dawson Road is the one and only access to Glenview Elementary, it is a very narrow unlit road with no sidewalks with one corridor to walk or drive into the school with no additional gates or walkways for foot traffic, because of this it forces all children and vehicles travel Dawson (Road). Through out the winter months it is significantly narrower and at times reduced to single lane traffic and at times can be hazardous,” Koop said. “…(We) are desperately needing to improve the safety of the neighbourhood with the installation of sidewalks, crosswalks, signage and lighting and look at development as a whole rather than focusing on subdivision by subdivision.”

We want your feedback ParksCanadaisbeginningtoprepare anew Management Plan forthe FortSt. JamesNationalHistoricSite. Before we startdraftinga newplan, we want to hear from you. Consultation forPhase 1willbeopenuntil September 5, 2022

Votre avis nous importe

ParcsCanadaentamelapréparation d’un nouveauplan directeur pourlelieu historique national du Fort-St.James Avant de procéder àl’élaborationdunouveau plan,nous voulons connaîtrevotre avis

La phase 1des consultationsseterminerale5 septembre 2022

CITIZEN

The location of a planned 20-home subdivision on Barr Road, just off of Dawson Road in the Hart.

City council gives thumbs up to pay raises

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

A divided Prince George city council approved raises and increased benefits for mayor and council, starting in 2023.

City councillors will get a 3.5 per cent raise on Jan. 1, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024.

The 3.5 per cent increase translates to a $1,326.78 increase per year for councillors in 2023. The mayor will receive a one per cent raise in 2023 and 2024, equal to $1,294.61 in 2023.

The increases were based on the recommendations of the independent Advisory Committee on Council Remuneration, after a review of the compensation for mayors and councilors in eight similar-sized cities in B.C. (Langley, Delta, North Vancouver, Saanich, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna and Kamloops).

“This is a tough job,” Mayor Lyn Hall said. “None of us put up our hand because we wanted to increase our salaries year after year.”

Coun. Cori Ramsay, who chaired the last remuneration committee four years ago, said inflation hit 7.7 per cent in May. Serving on city council takes significant time, and increasing the remuneration for city council will make it more accessible for those considering to run in October.

“Pay equity is a huge issue here,” Ramsay said. “I have made sacrifices… 104 unpaid days off work, by the end of the term, will be what I’ve sacrificed.”

In addition, she’s used 20 weeks of paid holiday time to do council business, Ramsay added.

Coun. Susan Scott said being a city councillor can make it hard to find and maintain other work. When she was first

elected to city council, she lost her day job because “you can’t serve two masters,” she said.

“Not everyone who is on council is finding it easy to find work, other than council,” she said.

Coun. Frank Everitt said it is important for the public to understand that the raises approved will not come into effect until after the Oct. 15 election.

“It’s up to the citizens of Prince George to decide who will sit there,” Everitt said.

However, not all members of council agree the raise was necessary or fair.

“Are we playing catch up? Sure,” Coun. Brian Skakun said. “(But) we can’t go to the CUPE locals and say, ‘We think two per cent for you is fair, but 3.5 per cent is good for us.’”

Coun. Terri McConnachie said Prince George is smaller than the other B.C.

cities the committee compared. “I do think it is very important to attract people to this position,” she said. “(But) the stipend we receive is meant to offset those… days that affect our employment.”

Skakun, McConnachie and Coun. Garth Frizzell voted against the wage increase. In addition to the pay increase, city councillors who opt into the city’s extended health benefits will have half their premiums paid by the city, starting in 2023. That coverage is worth roughly $33 to $50 per month, depending on how many people are covered, council heard. Ramsay and Coun. Kyle Sampson opposed the benefit coverage. Also starting in 2023, the city will reimburse councillors up to $40 per day for babysitting or childminding costs incurred while conducting city business.

Lheidli T’enneh aﬃrm

‘Rights and Title’

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation made a public declaration on National Indigenous Peoples Day officially affirming its ‘Rights and Title’ to its territory.

Chief Dolleen Logan made the declaration before celebrations began at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

The declaration outlines Lheidli T’enneh’s history as a First Nation in Canada and it also states to the federal and provincial governments Lheidli T’enneh’s sovereignty over its unceded territory and any extraction of resources from its territory without free, prior and informed consent are in breach of the Nation’s inherent and inalienable rights as Indigenous people.

“For the past few years council and administration have been discussing our Nation’s future and what it will take to realize our vision for the future. Before we can more forward and build a brighter future for our members and everyone else, we need to reinstate our starting point on our journey,” said Logan. “What does this mean? In simple terms, we are and have always been owners of the territory. We have never signed away our rights or title to our territory.”

She said the declaration starting point for developing relationships with all governments and for conversations with industry and businesses proposing new projects in Lheidli T’enneh territory.

Nak’azdli ink wood deal

The Nak’azdli Whut’en and two major lumber producers who harvest timber in the First Nation’s traditional territory near Fort St. James have signed forest management agreements.

The two separate deals between the Nak’azdli Whut’en, Carrier Lumber and Dunkley Lumber establish the framework for a collaborative planning process that will protect and preserve vulnerable wildlife populations and ensure sustainable harvesting of forests.

The Nak’azdli Whut’en Development Corporation is heavily involved in forest-related industries, including the 40 megawatt BioNorth Energy power generating facility in Fort St. James, which converts wood waste to electricity.

Are youafriendly,helpful individual who is interestedinbecominginvolved with the airport and is excited to tell visitors about our region? The Prince George Airport Authority is searching forvolunteerstojoin our Airport Ambassador program.This positionincludes welcoming arrivingpassengers, assistingpeoplewithdirections and information, and keepingthe info desk stockedwith brochures fromTourism PG and other local tourism organizations. Trainingfor theSuperHost customer service certiﬁcation is available to all volunteers. Hours are ﬂexible and COVID safety measures areinplace. If youare ready to welcome visitors to Prince George, contact Chrisie Berry at 250-963-2431 or cberry@pgairport.ca

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Councillor Joshua Seymour reads the declaration as Chief Dolleen Logan looks on.

Forest Power Sports coming to College Heights

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

On Monday night, city council voted unanimously in favour of rezoning and removing a restrictive covenant on the undeveloped land located immediately west of the SmartCentres mall - which includes Wal-Mart, Visions Electronics, Canadian Tire and other retailers.

Council approved the first three readings of the bylaw, final approval will require a second vote at future council meeting.

Forest Power Sports is currently located at 120-988 Great St. in the BCR Industrial Site.

“The current owners would like to expand their business,” L&M Engineering community planner Ashley Thandi said, during a presentation to council on behalf of Forest Power Sports. “As the petition with more than 300 signatures shows, the Prince George community is also excited about this expansion.”

A restrictive covenant registered on the 4.4-hectare (10.9 acre) property in

2008, and modified in July 2011, restricted development on the site to a hotel/motel with no more than 145 rooms, according to a report to council.

“The applicant is proposing to develop a power-sports dealership entirely within the Service Commercial designation,” city director of planning and development Deanna Wasnik wrote in her report.

“Administration supports this application, as the proposed power-sports dealership is consistent with the Service Commercial designation and OCP Policy.”

A petition with 322 signatures in support of the development was submitted to city council, along with a letter of support from Visions Electronics manager Camron Mamic. Visions is the closest neighbour to the proposed site.

“I’m writing this letter to voice my strong support of the new location of

Forest Power Sports at 3191 Hwy 16, continued development of the upper college heights area will be a boon to all local businesses bringing more services, support and opportunities for everyone in the community,” Mamic wrote. “The power sports industry is wholly positive as it brings people together, is a great source of exercise and allows people to experience the beautiful local landscape and acquire appreciation for local wildlife.”

According to a traffic analysis report done by L&M Engineering on behalf of Forest Power Sports, the planned development calls for a 19,000 sq. foot power sports dealership and 27,000 sq. foot mini-storage facility. The study estimated the dealership would increased traffic by an additional 51 vehicles per hour at peak hours.

Canada Day for all Canadians

Canada always has been and always will be something worth celebrating.

Of course, it’s not perfect.

No political entity ever has been or ever will be

It’s the striving to be better that makes countries like Canada special.

For Prince George residents who choose to focus on Canada’s many shortcomings, such as the genocide of residential schools, colonial oppression, its racist legacy against Black and Asian Canadians, the whitewashed history and so on, you are ignoring the progress baked into the past 155 years.

For Prince George residents who don’t like name changes (or change in general), more immigration, more social, political, and financial power for First Nations, more Indigenous inclusivity, and a broader definition of what it means to be Canadian, you are ignoring the progress of the past 155 years in equal measure

Canada’s ongoing evolution has been either too fast or too slow, depending on one’s individual perspective, but no one can argue it has been steady and relentless.

Canada is unrecognizable from what it was 155 years ago, and it will be unrecognizable again 150 years from now Both of those realities are worth celebrating.

The only meaningful debate is what happens next. What’s special about Canada is we have the freedom to have those debates.

That freedom is neither unlimited or perfect but it is a freedom Canadians enjoy to a much greater degree than a majority of the world’s citizens.

That is worth celebrating.

The country, the flag, and the history mean different things to different people. That diversity of views is worth celebrating.

Individual Canadians are free to celebrate, mourn, protest, or ignore the significance of Canada Day because the day doesn’t belong to some Canadians more or less than others.

Then, now, and in the years to come, Canada Day is for all Canadians.

That is worth celebrating.

However you choose to spend this day, it is worth celebrating the ever-changing ideal of Canada and the good fortune to be a citizen of this country.

Happy Canada Day.

Dakelh words not hard to say

Dakelh words may seem hard to pronounce for two reasons.

One is spelling. If you aren’t familiar with the language and its writing system, you don’t know what sounds the letters spell. Our experience of English makes us think that the pronunciation of words of other languages may have to be learned word by word. Fortunately, reading and writing Dakelh is much easier than English. English has many sounds that are written more than one way, letters that can be pronounced more than one way, and silent letters. Dakelh does not. Once you know the system, you can almost always pronounce words you have never seen before correctly.

The other difficulty is that Dakelh has some sounds that English does not. The largest group of unfamiliar sounds are what linguists call ejectives or glottalized consonants. All of the speech sounds of English are made using air pressure from the lungs. When we make a /t/, for example, we press the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge, the bony ridge in back of the upper teeth This closes the front of the mouth. Then we build up pressure behind this closure with our lungs. When we pull the tongue back down, away from the alveolar ridge, the air rushes out. Sounds in which the air pressure originates from the lungs are called pulmonic.

and mouth now form a closed, bent, tube. If we raise our larynx about a centimetre, we raise the pressure in trapped air. If we now pull the tongue away from the alveolar ridge, the air rushes out, making a sound similar to an English /t/, but with more of a cracking or popping sound. Dakelh has a whole set of such glottalized sounds, written with an apostrophe following the letters for the pulmonic versions. Once you are aware of them and have listened to some examples, it isn’t hard to learn to make them and distinguish them from their pulmonic counterparts.

Perhaps the most unfamiliar sound is the one written “lh”, as in “Lheidli”. It is made much like an English /l/, but without vibration of the vocal chords, and with more turbulent flow of air. It sounds somewhat like the “th”of “thin” followed by an “l.” One European language has this sound: it is the sound written “ll” in Welsh. The reason that English has two versions of the same name, “Lloyd” and “Floyd”, is that English speakers did not know quite what to make of this Welsh sound.

Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.

To make the ejective counterpart, /t’/, we do the same thing with the tongue, but we also press our vocal chords together, closing the windpipe at the level of the Adam’s Apple The windpipe, back of the throat,

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The un-English sounds of Dakelh are found in most of the other aboriginal languages of our province as well as in languages from other parts of the world. For children to become familiar with a larger part of our human speech capacity will give them a leg up in dealing with languages in later life.

Bill Poser is a Prince George writer, a research consultant for the Yinka Dene Language Institute and the author of Carrier Language: A Brief Introduction.

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Social justice key component of Christianity

Awise person once wrote, “On their deathbed, no one ever said, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’”

Anger can be a powerful force for good. It can also be extremely destructive, both to ourselves and to the world around us. The key is to understand the anger within and to direct it in a way that will bring about positive change

Anger comes from a place of fear. We know deep inside that something is wrong, yet we are overcome with a sense of powerlessness. We often lash out violently in our words and actions, and as a result, we often make the situation worse.

Today, there is much anger directed

LESSONS IN LEARNING

GERRY CHIDIAC

toward Christianity. Since the time of Constantine, when Christianity became the official church of the Roman Empire, it has been used as a tool to manipulate and control people into conforming to the dominant political, social, and economic structure of the day. This has resulted in the Crusades, global colonization, child sexual abuse, the residential school

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

KEEP O’GRADY ROAD

I came from Ireland to Prince George in 1984 to work for and with Bishop Fergus O’Grady. In fact, over 4,000 men and women came from Ireland, England, the U.S.A. and Canada to volunteer for O’Grady to establish the church in Northern BC. I can speak firsthand about Fergus O’Grady and why the O’Grady Road should not be renamed.

First of all, what is Fergus O’Grady guilty of? As an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, he was under obedience to his superiors when assigned to Kamloops Residential School, as were all the priests, brothers and nuns who worked at residential schools. They also had a vow of poverty which meant they did not receive a salary and suffered the same hardships under a government who underfunded these schools and did not provide funding to mark the graves of the dead.

If we knew back then what we know now, as a church, we would never have been involved in these schools. Yes, it was a terrible tragedy to take little kids away from their families and yes, there was abuse, both physical and sexual. We acknowledge that and we are deeply sorry and, with God’s grace, Pope Francis will come to this country in a month’s time to formally apologize to our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

But knowing Fergus O’Grady, he would have cared deeply for the children at the Kamloops Residential School. I can say that because I know how much he cared for and loved the First Nations people. As bishop, he would have lunch every day in the cafeteria of Prince George College with the First Nations youth. They would flock around him and he would sit at the table eating with them.

When he could no longer drive, I drove him many times out west for a First Nations wedding or baptism and we wouldn’t just drive from here to there. He would always want to stop and visit along the way, and he was welcomed everywhere he went. When the First Nations elders would come into Prince George with their families, they would visit with Bishop O’Grady either in his office or his

home and they were always welcomed. They loved this man and he loved them.

O’Grady Road symbolizes care, compassion and love for the Indigenous people and for the Catholic Church’s continued work among, and for, our Indigenous brothers and sisters. It also symbolizes a pioneer who was part of the growth of this city.

Father Chris Lynchm, Prince George

TAX RELIEF NEEDED

The federal government should do more to ease Canadian struggles to maintain or improve its citizens’ lives.

The Liberals should understand the challenges and importance to be “pro-active” and not use tried and failed methods of reacting using short-term solutions. Didn’t COVID teach them anything? Instead we hear the rhetoric of building the middle class, working hard for Canadians while most Canadians wake up to the same old and growing problems.

Housing affordability is a decades-old problem; rental affordability is decades in the making while government ignores conglomerates making billions for shareholders while this human right teeters on the edge for many working-class, retirees, and low-income Canadians. The only answer from them is “we are making it easier for people to purchase their first home” while many are left behind. One in six homes in Canada is owned as an investment property, corporations are getting rich off the backs of working families and our most vulnerable. Unless government regulates ownership or change tax laws, the rich get richer. Homes should not be a commodity for investors, especially when politicians preach this as a human right. Corporations are using rental properties as a means to grow profits for shareholders while government promise to address housing by forcing the problem onto municipalities. Placing a moratorium on foreign ownership is only one piece of the solution. Target reno-evictions where rents double or quadruple for some paint and discounted appliances. Government is using democratic freedom to renege on regulating or taking real

system, the subjugation of women, and white Christian nationalism.

The purveyors of this philosophy often forget that Jesus of Nazareth, the one who gave witness to the message on which Christianity should be based, saved his harshest words for those who misused religion. “Wo to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You shut the door of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter.” (Matthew 23:13)

Do the actions of some Christians justify us in burning churches or dismissing anyone who is Christian as a pedophile and genocide denier? Do we have to be consumed with vengeance?

Can we take any comfort in knowing

action that works for everyone or at the very least treats everyone fairly or equitably. Not only do we have hidden taxes, we have massive wealthy tax evaders.

Stop subsidizing gas and oil, provide consumers relief at the pumps and stop the 21 per cent tax at the pump. What is the difference between people returning to work, when their social welfare ceases, yet oil companies can report record profits and still get billions in corporate welfare? The Liberals even gave Hockey Canada $14 million in COVID relief, but are demanding pensioners or fixed income citizens who automatically received relief to pay it back or lose benefits?

Stop taxing already taxed income. How many times should a vehicle be taxed? How many times is a tax collected on used good and taxes on tips when it was taxed after earnings? Canadians are sick to death of paying for taxes while government turns its head when their own contracted services go unchecked and unregulated until disaster hits. We see it with road infrastructure, transportation, hospitals, care homes, and the list goes on. When the Bank of Canada does a rate hike, banks increase interest within 24 hours but take months to do an increase on savings for customers. Who regulates this – the banks?

It’s hypocritical for the prime minister to brag about Canada on a world stage, when he can’t solve basic human rights at home. How can Canada possibly welcome 470,000 new citizens over the next five years with such a dismal record? Working hard to build the middle class is feeling more like a race to the bottom. Or is the mantra “even when Canada is bad, it’s good EH!”

Jo-Anne Berezanski, Victoria

PARTISAN PANDERING

One hundred and twenty years ago, the most popular stage act was that of vaudeville, a mix of the weird, comedic, tawdry, and kitsch, though those denizens of the stage could effortlessly hold a crowd. In an era where societies are growing more and more polarized, and the moderate centre is beginning to give way to the excesses of both right and left,

that these individuals are condemned by their own words and actions?

I too am enraged by the actions of violence, abuse, and corruption of those who, like me, call themselves Christian. I respond by consciously choosing to use that anger as a catalyst to build a more just society. Like many Christians who believe in social justice, I am hopeful that my words and actions are making a difference.

When we learn to listen to our anger and filter it through our chosen spiritual tradition, it becomes a powerful force for good. It is unlikely to make news headlines, but it will make the world better.

Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George writer.

it should be important for elected officials to attempt to hold themselves at a higher standard.

What has happened is frankly just the opposite. Politicians are more concerned with image and catering to/finding a loyal base, so in short acting like vaudevillian fools. Some politicians do this by holding rallies filled with vitriol, while others grow their support by building a social media following (hacky twitter wit does not constitute intelligence). Yet both have one thing in common - at the end of the day nothing ultimately gets done. It’s all a lot of talk, talk, talk, touching on points your supporters want to hear, yet when it comes time to deliver, those same raconteurs always seem to fall fifty metres short.

Instead of finding our leaders upon some rallied parapet, or in the wordings of empty social media posts, let’s ask ourselves how they might lead when they’re caught in endless meetings, in the midst of grave crisis, and to make change where it is desperately needed. If this is left unaddressed, we can expect the litany of inexperienced, poorly tempered, unskilled leaders to permeate through all strands of political life. Judging our leaders on how they make us feel alone, as opposed to their skill and ability will only lead to the ever worsening of government efficiency. It will also show the next generation of potential leaders that the road to success lies not with hard work sand principled action. Rather, it lies with putting on a face and dancing to whatever tune the audience asks of them.

It should be the responsibility of us, the community and the individual, to ensure that this does not continue to pollute the public life.

Sam McLaren, Prince George

LETTERS WELCOME: Send your submissions to: letters@pgcitizen.ca. Maximum length is 700 words and writers are limited to one submission every three weeks. We will edit letters only to ensure clarity, good taste, for legal reasons, and occasionally for length. Although we will not include your address and telephone number in the paper, we need both for verification purposes. Unsigned letters will not be published.

City suing insurer over COVID-19 costs

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

The City of Prince George has taken an insurer to court over a refusal to cover losses related to COVID-19.

In a notice of claim filed June 15 in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, the city contends Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance Company breached its contract by denying coverage, despite providing business interruption coverage.

The city is seeking indemnification

related to losses brought on by the closure of civic facilities, reduced bus services and a move to a “no fare” model by B.C. Transit, and closure of Treasure Cove Casino, from which the city receives a share of the revenue it generates.

According to the lawsuit, in August 2020, RSA denied coverage on the grounds that there had been no physical loss or damage to trigger the the coverage and because government orders were not made for that reason but rather to limit the spread of the disease.

But the city contends the policy covers losses caused by order of civil authority to prevent a “conflagration or other catastrophe.”

“There is no requirement for any physical damage in order for this general coverage provision to apply,” the city says in the lawsuit, adding it “suffered business interruption losses as a result of the government measures the orders of civil authorities.”

The city also asserts that “viruses are insured perils” and that there is no

specific exclusion for “viral agents that render areas unusable.”

“The Virus caused physical changes to the air, surfaces and interior spaces of the Civic Facilities, casinos, BC TransLink vehicles, and other insured properties and rendered such properties physically unusable for their intended purpose,” the city says.

No dollar figure was provided for the amount of indemnity the city is seeking.

RSA has not yet filed a response and the claims have not been tested in court.

Woman alleges sexual battery at pipeline camp

MARK NIELSEN

A woman alleges her employer failed to properly deal with a complaint of “sexual battery” while employed at a work camp along the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.

In a lawsuit filed in May in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, the woman says an employee of CGL entered her private office, embraced her and then, without her consent, fondled then forcibly grabbed her buttocks while inappropriately commenting on her body.

A specific date and location for the alleged incident were not provided but

she had been working as a chef at two lodges southwest of Houston as an employee of Civeo Premium Services GP Ltd., according to the notice of claim.

In the aftermath, she claims the defendants, Civeo and CGL, failed to conduct a reasonably sufficient investigation and failed to provide safeguards against a similar event in the future. She also claims her supervisor disclosed information about the incident without her consent and made dismissive comments and that she received “retaliatory poor performance reviews and kitchen audits” after she complained to her employer.

The woman also alleges Civeo failed to ensure proper staffing levels, forcing

her and her team to work more than 20 hours a day, in rotations of 30 to 40 days straight in contravention of her contract, which allowed for 10 days off after 20 days onsite. And she claims the defendants failed to notify her about an imminent blockade by anti-pipeline protesters, denying her a chance to evacuate. On three separate occasions for about 10 days, she claims, she and her team endured restricted access to supplies, water and septic services and were not permitted to wash their clothes or leave their workstation to bathe.

She regards Civeo’s alleged misconduct as constructive dismissal and as of early April, no longer works for the company.

In responses filed this month, both Civeo and CGL deny the claims.

Civeo also noted the suspect was a CGL employee and not under the company’s control, that no prior complaint about the person had been raised and that the company has investigated all allegations of harassment raised by the plaintiff and had implemented appropriate discipline where warranted, including banning guests from the lodge in some cases.

CGL, in turn, said it was informed of the sexual battery allegation in April. Despite safety being Civeo’s responsibility, CGL says it launched an investigation and that it is ongoing. None of the allegations have been tested in court.

Prison term pondered

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A man found with a sawed-off rifle and nearly 50 rounds of ammunition in downtown Prince George should be sentenced to six years in prison, Crown prosecution says.

Myles Hunter Alec, 31, was arrested March 22, 2020, in the alley behind the needle exchange at Third Avenue and George Street where he was found in possession of a backpack containing the gun, along with a magazine holding seven rounds of .22-calibre bullets plus a box holding a further 40 rounds. Alec was also at large at the time after cutting off an electronic monitoring bracelet following his release from custody weeks before. He had been facing similar charges from an earlier alleged incident for which he was eventually found not guilty.

In arguing for the term, Crown stressed Alec’s lengthy criminal record. It adds up to 107 convictions, 29 of them for violent offences including one count each of assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and forcible confinement, as well as nine prior convictions for weapon-related offences.

Defence counsel argued for time served of about three years, once credit of 1 1/2 days for every day in custody prior to sentencing is taken into count. In doing so, counsel emphasized Alec’s health troubles. Alec took in the hearing via videoconferencing from Vancouver where he is to undergo surgery related to a heart ailment for which he had been fitted for a pacemaker. He has also been diagnosed with a form of bone cancer, the court was told.

A decision on sentencing will be issued at a later date.

A week-long project by the Prince George RCMP’s downtown safety unit has yielded a large haul of weapons.

Among the weapons seized were four bats, several axes and hatchets, over 15 knives, machetes and other edged weapons, bear spray, two pellet guns and an improvised firearm, bolt cutters and

several impact weapons, including a pipe and a large piece of steel.

“The intention of the weapons display is to make citizens aware of what is being possessed by some people in the downtown core, and to act accordingly in regard to their personal safety,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.

Citizen staff

WE DEPEND ON THEM

B.C.’s public sectorworkersare on the front lines of apandemic, ﬂoods and ﬁres, and the poisoned drug crisis.

They help keep our families safeand our provinceworking. Ensuring astrong recovery forour communities.

Nowrising costsare leaving them behind. And they’renot surehow much longer they can hold on.

As the cost of living skyrockets, their paycheques shrink. Staff shortages are causing burn out, and disrupting the services we depend on.

They deserveafair deal to protecttheir wages againstinﬂation and keep them on the frontlines. Forall of us.

THE TIME IS NOW

AFAIR DEAL forpublic sector workers protects us all.

Students not seeing improvement, study shows

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

A new report shows that School District No. 57 (SD57) is not making improvements in student learning, including literacy and numeracy.

The data for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years shows that SD57 has not been effective in intervention strategies for both struggling readers and students struggling with numeracy.

“We see many of our learners below expectations for grade level reading,” said superintendent Cindy Heitman, explaining that some of the data compared student performance in Grade 4 with their performance in Grade 7, three years later.

Heitman said in the 2017/18 school year, 65 per cent of Grade 4 students were meeting expectations for literacy

but when that group of students were in Grade 7, it only rose to 70 per cent and there was no change in 2018

“What that tells us is that when students are identified as having reading struggles in Grade 4, the interventions that were in place and the strategies we were using to help students haven’t made a large impact on those students when they reach Grade 7.”

The 2022 Benchmark Assessment for literacy also showed very low numbers, including that only 34 per cent of Grade 1 students are on track for numeracy and that number drops to 26 per cent for Indigenous students.

The same type of comparison data also showed early interventions are not making a difference for numeracy outcomes, either

The 2022 SNAP Numeracy Assessment found 59 per cent of Grade 1 pupils are on

track for numeracy, which drops to only 55 per cent of Indigenous students. The Grade 10 numeracy graduation assessment for 2020/21 showed less than 50 per cent of students were on track.

“We have some work to do as we develop the use of these assessments and how it can inform our instruction, this is the very beginning for us, but now we know,” said Heitman. “This data has created more questions for us and the work we want to do going forward is really looking at what schools have demonstrated promising practicing numeracy and how can we replicate it?”

Heitman said SD57 is working to shift mindsets from mathematics to numeracy, which focuses on understanding numbers and applying them.

The report was also required to look at human and social development and the data shows this is another area that SD57

is also not making any progress in. From 2016 to 2021, less than 70 per cent of students in SD57 reported feeling safe.

“We know that more than 30 per cent of our students don’t feel safe at school and I have talked about this – that is not okay. I don’t want that to be my child. You don’t want that to be your children,” said Heitman.

She said when students feel welcome safe and connected to the school, it’s an indicator of success and they are working on strategies to see this data improve

“I think our district is creating that sense of belonging through our commitments to truth and reconciliation and decolonizing our system. Through our commitments of increasing our mental health supports, and through our commitments of increasing our equity we should see students beginning to feel they belong.”

Name change suggested

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

expected to behave and its name should represent the actual practices of the school

Spruceland Traditional Elementary School will begin the process to remove the word traditional from its name.

Principal Shannon Daines told the board of education at its June 22 meeting that after conducting a review, they found the school’s practices no longer align with a traditional school structure.

“I’m going to say that the traditional school model feels very colonized and antiquated in some ways and so I don’t feel that it is inline ideologically with our strategic plan,” added Daines.

Daines explained the request to change the school’s name comes after a year of research and consultation with the school community. Traditional schools focus on an authoritarian teacher-centred delivery of instruction and individual success, and Daines explained you will not see this in any classroom in the building.

“Spruceland Traditional has a commitment to dealing with complex social issues, diversity that occurs in all Canadians schools, and there can’t be just a focus on individual success,” said Daines.

“We have a wider social obligation of bringing together diverse values and experiences and teaching children what it means to live in a contemporary society.”

She said Spruceland Traditional also strives towards student-centred learning that focuses holistically on the well-being of students.

Daines said Spruceland does not behave in the way a traditional school is

In her research, Daines said she found one study from 1998 which described traditional schooling as, allowing for greater cultural homogeneity that comes at the cost of pluralism and equity that are at the heart of public education.

“Children deserve equity in their education, and we need to move away from cultural homogeneity.”

She noted that of the 286 students in the school, 135 of them identify as Indigenous and the school’s population has students whose parents come from almost every continent on the planet except Oceania.

One of the surveys Daines conducted with the school population also found that only 14 per cent of families chose Spruceland because it is a traditional school, whereas 45 per cent chose the school because they live in the area, and 17 per cent chose the school because its an alternative for their catchment school.

“The population of the people valuing the traditional school is decreasing yearly,” said Daines.

Sexual interference conviction overturned

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

The B.C. Court of Appeal has ordered a new trial for a man convicted of confining and sexually interfering with a young boy in his care in Prince George.

A panel of three justices found the trial judge “committed reversible errors in principle” by applying uneven scrutiny to evidence presented by the Crown and defence and by misapprehending evidence related to the complainant’s lack of memory of the incident.

The defendant, whose name is shielded by a court-ordered publication ban against information that might identify the complainant, was living with the boy’s mother and effectively acting as a stepfather to the boy and his sister at the time of the alleged incident.

He was accused of not only locking the boy and his sister away in separate rooms in the home’s basement but of tying them up and then forcing the boy to

perform a sexual act on the him.

Upon returning at the end of the summer to live with his birth father, the boy told him he had been tied up and near the end of the same year said he had been sexually assaulted.

The boy’s birth father and mother then went to the RCMP.

The accused admitted to placing, but not locking, the boy and girl in the rooms to give them a “time out,” and denied the rest of the allegations.

In December 2020, a B.C. Supreme Court Justice found the man guilty of sexual interference and unlawful confinement and in March 2021, sentenced him to four years in prison.

B.C. Prosecution Service spokesperson Dan McLaughlin reserved comment on whether Crown counsel will take the matter to another trial.

“We will be reviewing the reasons from the BCCA which were handed down today. We will have no comment before the review is complete,” McLaughlin said.

Drug dealer convicted

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A woman was found guilty of selling heroin-fentanyl via a “dead drop” in downtown Prince George.

The outcome stems from a Sept. 12, 2019 arrest of Crystal Leah Arndt after RCMP officers in stationed an unmarked vehicle near St. Vincent DePaul saw a man give her some cash and, in response, her taking out something small from her bra and depositing it in a nearby flower container.

Police officers moved in and arrested the man.

On him, they found a pipe and what turned out to be 0.1 grams of heroin-fentanyl.

Arndt who had returned to her spot where she had “set up for the day” was also arrested and a variety of items were found on her, including pre-packaged methamphetamine and drug-related paraphernalia.

The officer also found a baggie holding nine flaps of heroin-fentanyl lying at Arndt’s feet.

The matter was taken to trial over concern that Arndt may actually have been the buyer, rather than the seller.

If found not guilty, Arndt would have then been guilty of simple possession instead.

Defence counsel worked to cast doubt on whether RCMP accurately witnessed what had happened and whether the amounts seized added up to more than personal possession.

However, in a decision, Prince George Provincial Court Judge Peter McDermick found Arndt guilty.

On whether the drugs found at Arndt’s feet were hers, RCMP had testified that Arndt had been sitting in the back of an RCMP vehicle with her hands cuffed behind her when they noticed her struggling.

An officer saw a baggy in her hands, removed her from the vehicle, then found a similar item on the ground.

While no one directly noticed the items on Arndt’s person, “the inference of her possession is a strong one,” McDermick said.

Moreover, McDermick found the substances found on the buyer were about the same in consistency as those found on Arndt.

Other items found on Arndt included a three-pouch belt slung through her jacket, a Tupperware container holding six Ziplock packages of what was determined to be methamphetamine, two syringes containing an unknown substance and later destroyed, a total of $530 in cash and, in her purse, a digital scale, unused Ziploc bags, a lighter, a glass pipe, a spoon and cotton balls.

It was enough for McDermick to come to the conclusion that Arndt was selling.

“It all points powerfully and inexorably to one conclusion: That on the date in question Ms. Arndt possessed the heroin and fentanyl and methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking. I am sure of this and I have no doubt,” McDermick said.

Arndt will be sentenced at a later date.

Stunning acts shine in Cirque du Soleil’s OVO

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO is an immersive experience that transports the audience into the world of insects. I had the privilege of seeing the show in Kelowna before it made its way up to Prince George.

OVO was the first Cirque du Soleil show that I had ever seen and I was impressed by how seemingly effortlessly the performers flew through the air.

Through movement, dance, acrobatics, contortion and awe-inspiring feats of the human body, it was as if the performers had transformed themselves into insects.

The show also follows the story of a mysterious egg that appears and inspires awe and intense curiosity in the insects, while symbolizing the cycle of their lives.

But the heart of OVO focuses on a sweet love story of a gawky blue fly who catches the eye of a ladybug.

The story is told through a lot of different acrobatics, both in the air and on the ground including trampolinists, tumblers, hand balancers, contortionists, jugglers and even clowns. There’s lots of variety in the show and a lot of colour, the set design and as each character’s costume and makeup work together to create the immersive world of OVO.

The music also helps set the emotions creating comical, uplifting, and joyful moments but also some tender scenes between characters like the butterflies or the loves story between the fly and the ladybug. The set features giant props that evoke nature including a 30ft mechanical flower that blooms and moves. These giant objects create a minuscule world and take the audience to the insects’ point of view.

The largest set element is a curved

stunning aerial act called Russian Cradle where they soar through the air catching each other separated by six metres.

Another stunning act is the crickets who run, jump, and walk across the vertical wall without artificial support.

Being in the audience during the premiere night in Kelowna, I could feel the excitement in the air as Prospera Place filled with people. It had been a long time since I had gone to a large event and it was so lovely to have that shared experience again where you could hear everyone in unison laugh and gasp at the same moments.

wall, which is set against the rear of the stage where the performers climb on it, disappear into it and use it as a stage, a platform and a launching pad.

We see a silk contortionist cocoon as a soon-to-be butterfly, a dragonfly performing hand balancing, a diablo juggler firefly and butterflies who merge hand-to-hand aerial contortion in a high flying act.

One of the most impressive moments of the show is the scarab beetles who soar high above the stage performing a

OVO was created by Deborah Colker, who is Brazilian, which is why there are so many Portuguese influences throughout the production and it was inspired by her fascination with insects. The name OVO actually means egg in Portuguese, and it is a symbol of the life cycle of numerous insects and represents the underlying thread of the show.

OVO first premiered in Montréal in April 2009 and has visited more than 30 cities in six different countries as a Big Top show before transforming in an arena show in 2016.

The show was slightly revamped following a two-year pause for the COVID-19 pandemic but is now touring in cities across western Canada.

Sewing camps set

Sewing Camp is being offered againthis summer, at Theatre NorthWest with courses for various skill levels running from July 4 to Aug. 5.

middle. The only class that is age-based is Sewing for Young Children, which is a beginner class specifically for kids aged seven to 10 years old.

Three entirely new courses are being introduced, this summer.

They are upcycling neckties, upcycling old clothes, and dressmaking, which are geared towards experienced/advancedlevel sewers.

This year, though, to better-serve students, registrants are strongly encouraged to select the class that best aligns with their level of sewing experience. Beginners is for anyone with very little to no sewing experience; advanced is for those comfortable with sewing and who are ready for more difficult techniques and complicated projects; and intermediate is for those who fall somewhere in the

Visit tickets.theatrenorthwest.com for additional information and to register.

Any questions can be directed to admin@theatrenorthwest.com

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PHOTO

A dragonfly performs orvalho (hand balancing) during Cirque du Soleil’s OVO.

Youth baseball players want their ﬁeld back

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

There’s an empty field sitting next to the new Fire Hall No. 1 in Carrie Jane Gray Park that used to be a baseball diamond.

It was known as Carrie Jane Gray Ball Field and used by the Prince George Youth Baseball Association (PGYBA) for the 15U division. The field was dismantled to make way for the construction of the fire hall.

“When it came time to build the new fire hall the city of Prince George told us they would need a large part of the footprint here so they had to take the ball field down and who can argue with that nothing is more important than the fire department,” said Frank Peebles, PGYBA president.

“But we were delighted to see at the end of the construction of the fire hall, that the footprint left over was still well within our measurements for putting in a proper 15U ball field.”

PGYBA’s board of directors formally sent a letter to mayor and council as well as staff and administration at the city on Dec. 31, 2021, requesting that Carrie Jane Gray Baseball Field be re-established in the spot it occupied.

It also requested that this be done in consultation with the PGYBA organization

regarding orientation and measurements of the playing area.

However, Peebles noted that since that letter was sent PGYBA is still waiting for an answer from the city.

He said the field is particularly needed because there isn’t a single 15U field in town and that age group is currently playing on ill-fitting ball fields that don’t allow for proper skills development.

Having a 15U-sized field at that location, with dimensions that conform to Baseball Canada regulations, would also allow

Fundraising underway to help injured teen

Bulkley Valley Rodeo in Smithers.

Tyson Roberts, 16, was seriously injured when he competed at a rodeo in Prince George on June 18.

With the permission of the Roberts family, Rodeo PG is announcing a support fund for Tyson and his family, Kevin Cunin, president of the Prince George Western Heritage Society that hosted the rodeo in Prince George, said.

“During the Saturday performance at our rodeo Tyson was bucked off of his bronc and sustained a serious and life-changing spinal cord injury,” he said. “Rodeo PG (RPG) has set up an account and 100 per cent of all monies raised will be sent to the Roberts family to support their long and growing list of financial requirements due to this unfortunate injury. Tyson was a young and rising star in the rodeo world. One week prior to his injury he won the provincial High School Rodeo saddle bronc title in Quesnel. Rodeo PG and the community will support Tyson and the Roberts family as they go through this life-altering situation.”

Cunin knows what Roberts is going through since he sustained a similar injury seven years ago at the BCRA

Even though the medical system is great, the additional costs that come with this sort of injury quickly add up.

“People don’t understand that the wheelchair alone that Tyson needs is upwards of $8,000 because they are fully custom and for hand controls in his pick up that will be $6,000 plus, and that’s just a bit of the expenses the family is looking at,” Cunin said.

Rodeo PG is trying to ease the financial burden as the family gets used to the new reality that comes with this type of life-altering event that Tyson went through, Cunin added.

The family made a statement on Facebook.

“We would like to express our gratitude to everyone for their love and support during this trying time. Thank you to both Prince George and Quesnel Rodeo Associations for your continued generosity. Trust that you are all making a positive difference in our lives at the moment,”

Sincerely, Stew, Jen and Tyson Roberts

Donations can be sent via e-transfer to rodeopg@outlook.com or be made at any Integris Credit Union - Membership # 10018779 and funds will go towards the Tyson Roberts Benefit Fund.

PGYBA to host tournaments and training events for that age group.

“We would like to do more than just hold our own, we would like to host provincials here,” said Peebles. “We would like to host northern B.C. training camps, we would like to host all kinds of things, but we can’t do it without the facilities, and since this was a facility that was used for that purpose, we don’t see another reason why it shouldn’t be used as that kind of facility again.”

The field in question is located directly

across from Rotary Field, which is built for 18U but has provisions built into it so it can be used by 15U players, despite its size.

“If you have two side-by-side, now we can host major events here, we can host the provincials, we can host the nationals there’s nothing we couldn’t do with two 15U fields side by side sharing the same amenities and the same parking lot.”

He noted having a 15U field once again would not only help local players learn how to play outfield properly, but the potential of hosting events would also mean a positive economic impact for the city.

“We can’t host events here because they won’t come to a place that doesn’t have the facilities and that is just kissing away hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in local economic injection.”

Peebles noted that despite the silence on this issue, PGYBA is still optimistic about the return of the 15U filed and is looking forward to having further discussions with the city.

“We know there are a lot of priorities all the time and we would like to get our voice in there and be heard that’s all,” added Peebles.

When asked for comment, the City of Prince George stated there are no plans for the future of the old field site.

PGYBA PHOTO

Prince George Youth Baseball Association players stand in the spot where the Carrie Jane Gray ball field used to be located.

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

Farm veternarian embraces dangerous work

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Jody Green has been practicing medicine for 16 years on sick and injured patients and some of them have left an indelible impression on her.

One patient kicked her hard enough to break her leg, another smashed her foot and yet another unruly subject made a wild head swing that pushed a metal gate into Green’s face hard enough to break a few of her teeth. She also had her nose broken and was forced to have an operation to have her worn-out back fused.

For Green, that just comes with the territory as a mixed-animal veterinarian and co-owner of Green Mobile Veterinary Services. Working in the Prince George region with cows, horses, pigs, sheep and goats, as well as the odd cat or dog, her job is stressful, physically-demanding and sometimes dangerous. Despite being tied to her practice virtually any time of the day or night on most days of the year, working outdoors in all weather conditions, it is a dream occupation for Green.

“I wouldn’t be practicing veterinary medicine anymore if I got a dollar for every time I’ve been kicked, I’d be a millionaire already,” said Green. “I do have a size advantage for sure. I’m five-foot-11 and I’m strong. It is extremely physically demanding and even with the best preparation and facilities, injuries happen. You’re one injury away from not being a large-animal veterinarian, but you could also be one injury away from being dead. It’s part of the reality of the situation. But you can’t live with that fear.”

Green never did want to focus exclusively on helping just cats and dogs stay healthy. Her farming background taught her the importance of humans dedicated to sustaining food-producing industries, which are under increasing pressure to survive the rising costs of day-to-day operations. For her as a veterinarian, it’s a labour of love.

“We eat the cows that are my patients and it doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate that animal or have love for that animal,” she said. “You just have to look in a producer’s eyes and you can tell how much they respect their animals and they would do anything for them. Just because they’re going to eventually be slaughtered and become food doesn’t mean they love their animals less than they love their dog. They treat them well.”

During her career, Green has witnessed some miraculous recoveries, like the cow whose calf was born inside-out with its intestines on the outside of its body. The calf, of course, did not survive. Green performed a C-section and the cow laid down in the mud four times on her exposed abdomen before Green could clean and disinfect her.

“As I was stitching her up I said to the owner, ‘there’s no way this cow is going to live, she’s just contaminated her abdomen too much,” said Green. “But I saw (the rancher) about 12 months later and

he said to me, ‘You know that cow you told me was going to die, she’s alive and she just calved last week.’ Sometimes we get lucky. Cows are amazing creatures, things that would kill a horse in a heartbeat, a cow will survive and go on to have a calf next year - they’re just so much hardier than a horse in every respect, not just giving birth.”

Two other veterinary clinics in Prince George provide medical care for horses but Green and her associate, Dr. Hannah Vesper, are the only practice in the city that treats all farm animals. Most large animal practices in Canada are based in rural areas, which creates challenges attracting professional veterinary staff. For the first four years of practice Green worked on call 50 per cent of the time and that on-call work jumped to 24/7 for the next 11 years, until Vesper arrived a year ago to provide some relief. Green struggles to get a good night’s sleep when she is on call but knows it comes with the territory. She admits there’s been a generational change and younger vets are less likely to put their personal lives on the

back burner constantly to answer patient calls outside of normal working hours.

“Twenty-five years ago, most people who were in the veterinary profession, it was a calling for them and they eat, slept and breathed veterinary medicine, and I’m not saying that was the best thing but that’s how it was,” said Green. “Unfortunately there’s been a bit of shift to veterinary medicine becoming more of a job than a life calling. But I think the vast majority of people that end up doing large-animal medicine still believe that it’s a calling and they truly believe after-hours call is part of the job. You just have to live with it and try not to miss too many family events.”

Less than 30 per cent of Green’s graduating class in Saskatoon went into mixed-animal practice and the average longevity of vets working with large animals is five years. She would like to see more seats at veterinary colleges reserved from students from rural areas or small towns who are more likely to set up practices in rural areas once they gain their medical credentials. B.C. has committed to two years of doubling to 40 the number of subsidized students entering the vet college in Saskatoon, but it’s not nearly enough to fill the need. Most WCVM students come from urban areas and they have no interest in a rural practice. She suggests a more regional approach to designating seats in the college would result n more graduates willing to set up practices in the north and rural B.C.

“We’ve been confronted with a lot of angry people in frustration over the veterinary shortage and I think people think sometimes we’re just sitting in the office waiting for them to phone,” she said. “But the reality is we’re the ones working 24/7 and people don’t see the hours when you’re up at three o’clock in the morning doing a C-section. Then you come in the clinic at 8 in the morning to start your day of appointments and you’re dealing with the calamities and urgent cases that pop up in the day.”

To encourage more veterinary students to settle in smaller communities, Green said part of their required training should be to participate in an internship that involves regular case exposure in rural practices.

During her four years in Saskatoon, Green saw just one cow C-section and she was among four students that day vying for that hands-on experience.

That perpetuates unfamiliarity with rural practice and as a consequence very few students pursue careers in large-animal medicine.

“Right now, a student who is looking at the job postings can probably look at a list of 50 different jobs, so why are they going to pick Prince George or Vanderhoof, when they can pick Langley or Calgary or Red Deer,” said Green. “But if they’ve come out... (to) Prince George or Vanderhoof and they’ve spent the time and have seen what the community has to offer, they’re more apt to consider a job posting here.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

As a large-animal veterinarian, Jody Green of Green Mobile Veterinary Clinic has devoted her life to improving the health of farm animals in the Prince George area.

Veternarian shortage putting animals at risk

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Pet owners, farmers, ranchers and animal rescue groups are feeling the pinch of a provincewide shortage of veterinary services and the problem is expected to worsen in northern B.C. because Prince George lacks a 24-hour, 365-day-per-year emergency call facility to deal with afterhours animal medical situations.

Overworked vets are struggling to keep up to patient demand and the city has lost close to 25 per cent of its animal doctors just in the past year.

Ben Bauman set up his Victoria Street practice, Birchwood Veterinary Clinic, about a year-and-a-half ago and he is its only veterinarian, sharing the patient workload with three veterinary technicians. Trying to balance his work demands with his home life as the father of three young children, he’s feeling the strain from being understaffed.

“I don’t know how to fix it, I’ve been in it for 12 years now and it’s been getting progressively worse the entire time I’ve been a member of the profession,” said the 41-year-old Bauman. ”People are leaving Prince George because of that situation. The new grads don’t want to do after-hours service. There’s not an easy solution because you can’t just go and get more people. You can’t offer them more money to get them here because they don’t want to work without a facility. ”

In the absence of an after-hours veterinary medical centre similar to facilities run by corporate entities in Kelowna, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton, the number of veterinarians now serving the city, including part-timers, has dropped to about 15.

To meet demand for on-call services after hours, Prince George vets are having to take turns responding to calls. For pet owners who are already clients at a certain practice, after-hours services are available. But for patients without an association with a local veterinary clinic, their options are limited.

At Birchwood, similar to other clinics in the city, appointments are booked months ahead of time and no new patients are being accepted until the existing list of appointments are seen to.

“For pet owners, I can image how frustrating it is, so we always recommend if there is a waitlist to get themselves on the waitlist because that way we can actually draw from names if we’re ready to open,” said Birchwood manager Mel Bauman. “We’re a one-doctor practice and we’re closed to (new) clients because we’re just trying to catch up to everybody.

“We opened up last year with 650 on our waitlist. We need a facility and we need more vets. All of these people are in this position because they love animals and we want them to stay healthy so they can continue to practice. They’re all working so hard and so may extra hours, they’re just getting tired.”

In April the province announced it was providing $10.7 million to double the number of subsidized seats for students in the Western College for Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon from 20 to 40. A 2019 labour market survey conducted by the government’s advanced education, skills and training ministry projected there will be annual shortage of 100 veterinarians across the province to keep up with population growth and replace vets who have retired or have left their practices due to burnout.

Local vets cutting back after-hours service

TED CLARKE

Citizen staff

If you have a sick or injured pet and need the services of a veterinarian in Prince George, don’t expect to receive that care after 10 p.m.

The six animal health clinics in the city that offer after-hours patient care are cutting back their hours of availability to lighten the load for overworked veterinarians who are sometimes having to work two consecutive day shifts sandwiched around a night shift to meet their responsibilities.

Effective July 1, the Prince George Urgent Care Group will be available for emergency care weekdays until 10 p.m. and only from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. on weekends. Due to staff shortages there will be no urgent care available in the city on June 29, July 25 and 26, with more days of closure likely to be announced this summer.

For pet owners whose animals face life-threatening situations, the only resort during after-hours time periods will be to

24-hour emergency care centre. Kelowna, Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton are the closest options for Prince George residents. Kamloops is also without an emergency care clinic for animals.

“Vet Triage gives you a video conference with a veterinarian and they can judge more if it’s a true emergency or not,” said Ramona Veeken, office manager for Ospika Animal Hospital.

It’s important for pet owners to act quickly to seek veterinary care if a pet is in distress and not wait until after a clinic is closed, added Mel Bauman, manager of Birchwood Veterinary Clinic, who expects the strain of veterinary services will worsen before it improves.

“We’ve been able to see this coming for a number of years now,,” said Casey Bockus, owner/services manager of P.G. Veterinary Hospital. “It’s always been hard to get veterinarians and technicians in Prince George, but with the last two years since the COVID boom, burnout has been a true thing and our staff are working countless hours trying to keep up.

“As one of the larger practices in town, I would say we are turning 20 or 30 people away a day that are looking for a veterinary clinic. A lot of people have had to go out of town to Quesnel or further south to get veterinary care.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Prince George veterinarian Ben Bauman treats one of his canine clients.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Office managers from the five of the six veterinary clinics which make up the Prince George After-Hours Urgent Care Group at the Duchess Park dog run. From left: Kate Peebles, Murdoch Veterinary Clinic; Ramona Veeken, Ospika Animal Hospital; Casey Bockus, Prince George Veterinary Hospital; Leah Baker, Hart Family Veterinary Clinic; and Mel Bauman, Birchwood Veterinary Clinic.

HOROSCOPES &PUZZLES

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

Work will occupy your full attention. You’ll have ahost of details to consider.You’ll need to pay attention to the minutiae and take your time to get things right.

TAURUS

You’ll be offered an opportunity to oversee a project. Although the situation will be demanding, the experience will improve your self-esteem and build self-conﬁdence.

GEMINI

Whether or not you’reonvacation, you may spend agood part of the week at home. Some family stories will demand your special attention. Your health might also requireyou to get more rest.

CANCER

It won’talways be easy to reach some people. Be prepared to wait awhile for people to get back to you, even if you leave alot of messages. Emergency or not, you’ll have to be patient.

LEO

This week, the story is money.You may need to review your budget and redo some calculations. Check all your invoices: an error may have slipped in. Later,you’ll be able to scale up your ﬁnancials.

VIRGO

LIBRA

It’simperative to think beforeyou act. The more essential your projects are, the morethought you’ll need to devote to them. Once you get moving, the elements you need to move forward will fall into place.

SCORPIO

You’ll participate in aunifying event, possibly political in nature. At the very least, you’ll ﬁnd you get further faster when you’reonateam. A friend will be demanding, and you won’tbeable to refuse them anything.

CAPRICORN

If you haven’tplanned your summer vacation already,you’ll need to get amove on. The more time you spend planning, the better it’ll be. You’ll make some lovely discoveries and have lots of fun.

AQUARIUS

Youmay run the gamut of emotions and realize you need to make some signiﬁcant changes around you. Time for moving; if you’reprone to nostalgia, you may ﬁnd you have tears in your eyes.

You’ll need to act. You’ll ﬁnd the motivation you need to improve your situation and start again on afresh, morestimulating footing. You’ll experience some form of anew beginning when you’rebold enough to step out of your comfort zone.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll use the summer to undertake anew project or redeﬁne your career.You’ll ﬁnd yourself in an excellent position to start your own business. This is atime of considerable achievement.

PISCES

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every columnand every 3x3 box contains thenumbers1through 9only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with adarkerline. You already have afew numberstoget you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box

In some situations, possibly at work or in a morepersonal aspect of your life, you’ll ﬁnally manage to get along with the people concerned. Financially,you’reinanexcellent position to apply for aloan or ﬁnalize an agreement.

In loving memory of Eugene (GENE) Alonzo Clark

With deeply saddened hearts we announc the of our Gene, eldest Son, Dad, Poppa, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and Friend Gene peacefully at home after a long battle cancer.

Gene was born in Lacombe, AB to Joyce and Gene Clark Sr He was predeceased by his brothers Dave and Ken (Sheila).

Gene is sur vived by his loving parents Joyce and Gene Sr., Quesnel, BC, his beloved wife Patricia; his pride and joy: son Dylan of Calgary,AB, his daughters, Taleena of Port Moody, BC, Jennifer and Melinda of Prince George, BC; as well as his precious grandchildren: Jude, Dahlia, Brooklyn, Jace and Kali, and many wonder ful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins

November 4, 1960 to June 6, 2022

Gene was an industrious, hard-worker, after obtaining an industrial first aid certificate, he hung off the side of cliffs as a rock scaler, and worked long shifts at the Heffley Mill in Kamloops, BC. He Served apprenticeship with ministry of Highwa a mechanic Earned his Red Seal Certifica heavy-equipment mechanic then work years for industrial equipment dealers in both Kamloops and Prince George before his adventurous spirit took him to mining operations in Yukon Gene designed and built a house for his young family, and also owned and operated a motel for a few years while simultaneously working as a field ser vices mechanic Gene was very generous with his time and money He volunteered as a Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign for many years. Gene loved music and attended numerous concer ts in his life, the Eagles, Boston, Bob Seger, Foreigner, the Rolling Stones, were just a few. Gene enjoyed travel, visiting places, such as Hawaii, the Philippines, Curacao, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Turkey ; to mention only some Gene was an intelligent, caring, compassionate, wonderful man and was always there for his family and friends; whether to provide advice, support or just be someone to listen to their joys or woes He had an awesome, somewhat quirky, sense of humour and could

alw ke his friends and family smile, and laugh, even own pain

many stories would make the listener nder but they were all true!

good reason he was known by his iends as “hazardman” he was shot in the foot, his big toe was chopped off, has a chunk of metal permanently embedded above his knee and broke his nose 6 times (“mostly ” during his extensive training as an MMA fighter in the ARNIS discipline). The furthest Gene jumped a truck was 42’, he had 3 rollovers plus 1 lawnmower and, most recently, once in his wheelchair. Gene had 1 head on, hit 2 trees, 1 telephone pole, 1 stump, 1 truck, 5 deer and 1 pedestrian (actually a drunk pedestrian ran into the side of his vehicle when he was driving by) , but only 3 impounds (including 1 that required his daughter to retrieve him from the side of e road on her graduation day!)

family extends our deepest gratitude many treasured friends and neighbours isted him greatly since his health began We know that Gene is now at peace and is once again with his brothers, driving hazardly fast and wreaking havoc.

At Gene’s request no funeral will be held, instead, a Celebration of Life BBQ will be held at 7091 Creek Road, Kamloops, BC (Heffley Creek). Date and Time TBA

Donations in Gene’s memor y would be greatly welcomed by the Salvation Army and\or the Prince George Cancer Clinic.

2 January 1930 - 17 June 2022

Tom was predeceased by beloved wife Annie, father William, mother Gertrude, siblings Francis, William and Mary. Survived by Rhett (Wendy) and grandson Zachary.

Tom was born in Lindsay, Ontario and joined the Canadian Armed Forces during his younger years before marrying Annie in 1951. They later moved to Chilliwack, BC where their son Rhett was born in 1955. While there he continued his career for a few years with the Armed Forces. Once he left that, he started his own motorcycle shop. His love of motorcycles continued as a hobby for the rest of his life.

In 1964 the family relocated in Prince Rupert where he ran a rental equipment business. Then in 1969 they moved to Prince George until they moved to Wells, BC for 11 years. Then moved back to Prince George after their only grandson Zachary was born.

He worked many different jobs but retired with what was called Canada Manpower. Since then, he devoted his time to his many hobbies, he loved to go gold mining which he and Annie did together. He had learned how to play the banjo and played in various bluegrass events.

He was a very private man and wanted to leave this world without much fuss, he spent his last years living at the Prince George Chateau. He succumbed to his failing health in the hospital in his final days and was reunited with his wife Annie.

Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date for those that wish to say farewell.

THOMAS GARDINER COLE (TOM)

Djuro (George) Mihaljevic

April 11, 1952 to May 30, 2022

George is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Anya (Brad) and grandsons Archer and Maverick. Also survived by those that were there for us Susan, Richard, Kelly, Steven, Julie, Jay; and our our amazing friend Laura who spent countless hours with us. Many friends in Canada and family in Croatia and Bosnia. No service by request. Thank you to Dr. Marco, Dr. Zhang and the wonderful nurses in the IMU Pod B, and the nurses and Care Aides at Hospice House. These are truly amazing people.

2x86.5

PGC002495

Pritchard(neeKent),MarjorieKathleen May2,1932-January15,2022

Wearesaddenedtoannouncethepassingofourbeloved wifeandmother,MarjorieKathleenPritchard(neeKent), onJanuary15th,2022.Shewaspredeceasedbyher parents,CharlesandJulianaKent,andhersonGlen.She issurvivedbyherhusbandof66years,Jim;herchildren Neil(Sherri),Tim(Elaine)andAlison(Ken);grandchildren Joel(Selina),Jennifer,Brock,Marco,Connor,Bryn, CooperandMadelyn;great-grandchildrenBradyand Dylan;andbrotherArthur(Dolly).Marjoriewasbornand raisedinMedicineHat,AB,andmovedtoEdmonton whenshewastwelveyearsold.In1955,shegraduated fromUofAwithaBScinGeologyandmarriedJimafew monthslater.In1957theymovedtoCalgary,whereshe workedasageologist.Eventually,thefamilymovedtoBC andlivedinCastlegar,Tsawwassen,andPrinceGeorge, whereshereturnedtoschooltobecomeakindergarten teacher.In1985,sheandJimmovedbacktoEdmonton, wheresheenjoyedgettingreacquaintedwitholdfriends, takinglongwalksintherivervalley,playingbridge, gardening,andtakinguppaintingagain.Shealso continuedtoreinventherselfandstudiedtobecomea stockbrokerandthenarealestateagentbeforeofficially retiring.Overtheyears,Marjorieenjoyedtravellingwithin ABandBC,spendingtimeinthesummeratWabamum LakeandSkahaLakeandintheRockyMountainsaround BanffandFairmont.ShealsotraveledtoPhoenix, California,Hawaii,Australia,andEngland.In2014, MarjorieandJimmovedtoMapleRidge,BC,tobenear familyaftershewasdiagnosedwithAlzheimer’sDisease. Marjorieisrememberedforherkind,supportivenature, herloveofbaking,playingthepianoandsinging,taking careofhermanypets,andfeedingthelocalwildlife.We areallsogratefultohavehadherasamother,sister, daughter,andwife.Youwerealwaysthereforuswhen weneededyou,Mom.Thankyou,wemissyoudearly.

Peter Richard Ballett

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Richard Ballett, 76, of Prince George BC, on June 22, 2022 from a very brief battle with Lymphoma. Predeceased by both his mother Mable, father Richard, sister Mary and grandson, Kail Alexander. He is survived by his wife Susan of 55 years, son Conrad, daughter Anita (Lars) as well as his grandchildren Ryan (Sarah), Kelsey (Ryan), Donovan and Evan, great grandchildren Michaela and Emily and lastly his brother Paul (Gloria). Thank you to close friends Marie, Lorraine and Henry as well as Anita Noftall for the support they have provided at this difficult time.

He was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed and will be waiting for the rest of us with a board game or deck of cards in his hands.

It is never goodbye, simply, see you later. We love you.

Nellie Blanche Glass lived 101 charismatic years, in which she was usually the best dressed person in the room She died peacefully in her sleep on May 26, 2022 at the home of her daughter, in Prince George BC Nellie Blanche Dafoe was born on a cold Nov. 13 1920 in Hemaruka Alberta and lived out her childhood with her 5 siblings on the bald-headed prairies. She became Nell Glass when she married Andrew Glass in 1942 and lived her happiest years as a snowbird in Phoenix Arizona She has 3 children, 6 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. She is predeceased by all her siblings, her husband Andrew and son Norman Her daughter Sharon Kell and husband Ron live in Prince George BC and her son Andrew Glass and wife Dianne live in Richmond Hill Ontario. A service will be held Tuesday July 12 at Assman’s funeral home at 2pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Prince George Hospice house.

MONS AASE SR

September 30, 1934 - June 21, 2022

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mons Aase Sr. on June 21, 2022. Mons was born September 30, 1934 in Sandnes, Norway on the Aase farm. When he was 2 years old, the family moved to Nordstrand, near Oslo, Norway. When he was 20, he boarded the ship Stavangerfjord and immigrated to Canada. The first day on the ship he met Elsa Lovaas, they really hit it off and were married a year later.

In November 1959, Mons, Elsa and their infant daughter Christine in a laundry basket in the backseat, moved to Prince George. Mons had accepted a job as the Manager of W.M Tire where he worked for 9 years. Then he started his own accounting practice working side by side with his wife Elsa which he continued until his retirement in his 80’s.

Mons and Elsa were active volunteers in the Prince George community their whole life. They were both very active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Norway, and Mons was the president of the Yellowhead Rotary Club. He was recognized by Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow.

They enjoyed all types of travel, from camping, ocean fishing, flying to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Iceland. Their last big trip was to take their trailer and 2 poodles from Prince George to the northern tip of Newfoundland to see the Leif Eiriksson statue in L’Anse Aux Meadows.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 66 years Elsa, daughter Christine Sullivan (Bill) children Haakon, Erik & Sonja, son Mons Jr. (Charlene) Mons’ children Heidi, Mons III (Melissa), Indianna, Emily & Isabella, honorary Bestefar to Charlene’s children, Kristenna, Connor & Desi and son Erik (Heather) daughter Vanessa. Also 3 great-grandchildren Jordan, Nicholas and Chloe. One brother JohnArnt Aase in Oslo and numerous relatives in Norway.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Assman’s Funeral Chapel Monday, July 11 @ 2:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Prince George SPCA.

Following the service there will be afternoon coffee at MA Ranch.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

“Til vi treffes igjen”

JAMES PRITCHARD

Nellie Blanche Glass

KEITH LEVASSEUR

2x51.5

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LEVASSEUR,LAURENT

May17,2022

Itiswithgreatsadnessthatweannouncethepassingof LaurentLevasseur,alovinghusband,father,grandfather, great-grandfather,uncleandfriend.

Predeceasedbyhisfather,Williamandmother,Lucienne. SurvivedbyhiswifeLaurette,sonGreg(Veronica),son Keith(Debra),grandchildrenStephanieandJordan,greatgranddaughterAmelia,sisterRhea(Orazio),twinsister Lorraine,brotherEdmond(Alice)andnumerousrelatives andfriends.

Noservicebyrequest.Inlieuofflowers,donationstothe PrinceGeorgeHospiceSociety,1506FerryAvenue, PrinceGeorge,BC,V2L5H2,inLaurent’snamewouldbe appreciated.

Robert (Bob) Thomas Payne

August 1947 - Jun 2022

It is with deep sadness we share the news that Bob passed away at home on June 13, 2022. He is survived by his wife Lil, sons Collin and Rodney (Natalie).

He was predeceased by his son Andrew (Marjorie), parents Bill and Sam (Evelyn) Payne and his brother Gary Payne.

He was very much a part of his grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Arianna, Zach, Emmett and Ella’s lives. Giving advice, sometimes appreciated, sometimes not. This was extended to nieces, nephews and others as well. Bob will be missed by his brothers Jamie and Billie and sisters Bonnie and Debbie. This void will also be felt by his brother in laws and sister in laws.

A celebration of life will be held on August 20th, 2022 from 1 pm - 5 pm at 14460 Frankford Rd, Prince George. Come share your Bob “Pains” stories.

Celebrate A Life Lived

PATRICIA MACAHONIC 2x31.2 PGC002491

Lingenfelter,GregoryL. June23,1954-June23,1988

Youareoftenthoughtofandalwaysmissed.Wheneagles flyoverus,westillfeelyourpresenceandknowyou continuetowatchoverus.

-Patti,Chris,JennaandMelodie.

In loving memory of Carole Anita Lawrence 1939-2019

My darling Carole, not a day has passed in the last 3 years that I have not thought of you. I miss you so very much and yearn for the moment we will be together again. You will forever hold the key to my heart.

Your loving husband Grenville

ASSMAN’S

Don’t

Just

Think

That

How

And

Don Young

Jean-Guy Roux

1929 – 2021

A soul so pure and kind deserves to be celebrated!

The family invites you to join in the celebration of Jean’s life on Sunday, July 3, 2022 from 1 – 3 pm at the Eagles Hall located at 6742 Dagg Road, Prince George, BC. Bring your memories, your stories and your happiness for a life that was truly treasured.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

Saturday, July 2, 2022 - 11 am at the Evangelical Free Church 4590-5th Avenue, Prince George

Celebration of Life

Romeo Joseph Parent 1925-2022

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Please join us for a celebration of Mom’s life on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association (ECRA), 1692 - 10th Avenue, Prince George, BC Celebration

Immaculate Conception Church

3285 Cathedral Ave at 11:00 am followed by a drop in reception at the home of Darrell & Diane Hubbell 1429 Paxton Ave - 1 pm - 5 pm

Helena Wlasitz

1927 - 2022

“Celebration of Life”

Celebration of Life

Diane Rogers

Saturday, July 2, 2022 - 11 am at the Evangelical Free Church 4590-5th Avenue, Prince George

Because I Love You So

Bobby

LEAH BROWN 2x9.2 PGC002494 DONCHAMBERLAINISTURNING80ONJULY6TH! HappyBirthday!YOUWEAR80WELL!Congratulations onyourmovetothesunnySouthOkanagan! -Love,thefamilyXOXO

Business Opportunities

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work

Lots of opportunity to expand the business. Transition support available to the right buyer

Serious Enquiries Only

Office 250-596-9199

Cell 250-981-1472

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.

Transition support available for the right buyer.

Serious Inquires Only

Office (250)997-9003

Home (250)997-5538

Cell (250)990-0152

Toys/Games/Puzzles

Alot of used & new puzzles. $5-$15 each. 778-675-4716

Notices / Nominations

EMERGENCY MEETING of the membership regarding the direction of the Alano Club and election of officers- July 10, 2022 at 2pm. Prince George Alano Society, 725 Alward Street, Prince George, BC

Personal Messages

SWF, young 65 would like to meet male with same interests. I am petite, young looking, active, love the outdoors, going for dinner, travel, adventures, all kinds of music & having fun. If interested please reply to Box 3001 - 505 4th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3H2

Help wanted for local financial services location - an Office Assistant, 3-4 days per week, top wages plus benefits Some experience in this field would be helpful. Reply to Box 1001 c/o 505 4th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3H2

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.

Certified Millwright

Decker Lake Forest Products is currently searching for a Certified Millwright to join our Burns Lake operation.

The successful candidate will have substantial knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, use, repair and maintenance. You will have experience installing equipment, machines, wiring or programs to meet specifications You will be confident in determining the appropriate tools or equipment needed to complete a job and must be able to troubleshoot efficiently and be proficient with mathematics

The demands of this position require that you; are in good physical condition, are able to visualize how something will look after it has been moved or rearranged, have the ability to see details at close range, have excellent manual dexterity and coordination.

Preferred qualifications would be a minimum of 5 years in an in a sawmill environment and certification from a recognized institution. Good verbal and written communication is also necessary for this position

Decker Lake Forest Products offers competitive compensation, benefits and the potential for career advancement.

Resumes will be accepted until July 12, 2022 We wish to thank all those who apply; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To apply to this position please contact: Justin Dechamplain Resumes can be dropped off at the Decker Lake Forest Products office 10345 Lewis Road Or emailed to justindechamplain@hamptonlumber.com

Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician

Job duties:

The Technician performs some or all of the following duties:

• Check wheel loaders, Forklifts and other Heavy duty equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions.

• Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required

• Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools

• Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers’ specifications

• Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment

• Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms

• May perform repair work on heavy trucks

• May attach components and adjust new acquired equipment.

• The Technician may also specialize in specific types of machinery, or in engine T

Responsibilities:

• Test repairs for proper performance and ensure the work meets manufacturer’s specifications and legislated regulations

• Repair and replace defective parts and components on all machinery, equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

• Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints and drawings.

• Perform daily routine maintenance on machinery and equipment including cleaning and lubrication

• Complete all duties in accordance with Company health and safety regulations.

• Work independently and collaboratively with other members to achieve common objectives.

Requirements:

• Experience working with all brands of heavy-duty equipment

• Valid class 5 driver’s license

• 5 years’ experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical, and air brake systems.

• Must have a Red Seal certification.

• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects: minimum 50 lbs.

• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.

• Must be able to take direction from supervisors and work with minimal supervision.

• Good command of oral and written English. To apply to this position please contact: Justin Dechamplain Resumes can be dropped off to the Decker Lake Forest Products office

Decker Lake Forest Products Ltd, Burns Lake BC

Decker Lake Forest Products Ltd, Burns Lake

Skilled Help

General Employment

Skilled Help

Services for Hire

CARPENTERS REQUIRED

Full time positions available to start immediately.

Currently building in the new Creekside Properties Subdivision in Prince George, BC. Job Duties:

Reading blue prints, building foundations, installing floor beams, walls and floor systems. Preparing layouts in conformance with building code. Laying subfloor, installing windows, doors, moulding and hardware when required. Repair and maintain residences as required. Measuring, cut and shape and assemble materials made of wood, etc.

Skill Requirements:

5 years carpentry experience. Must have knowledge of how to operate tools and power equipment. Must have English as a ﬁrst or second language.

Applicant must have their own hand tools, hard hat, safety goggles and steel-toed boots.

Work conditions are physically demanding. A typical day may require handling of heavy loads, bending, crouching, kneeling and a combination of sitting, standing and walking.

Wage will depend on experience $31 - $35/hr Extended beneﬁts are available.

To apply:

Email the ofﬁce at fortwoodreception@telus.net or drop of your resume at 2255 Quinn St S Contact info: Fortwood Homes 250-563-5291

Antique Superb Dutch drop front Secretary, 140 years old, in excellent condition, $6500.

250-964-3794

Digital SalesSpecialist

The Prince George Citizen is growing our team and looking to add aDigital Sales Specialist.

The ideal candidate is someone who is comfortable meeting with business owners, managers and decision makers and discussing their marketing and communications needs. Prior media experience is an asset, but not required. We’relooking to onboardsomeone with agreat attitude

• Use a keyword. Start your ad with

or the

• 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.

• Limit abbreviations. Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.

• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.

by May 27, 2022

• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.

place your ad call: 604-630-3300

Sports & Imports

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

16. Dissimilar

18. Promote

22. Gives a boost 23. Lawmaker

24. Orthodox Jews 26. Actor Harris

27. Wild cherry

1. St. Francis of __ 2. Supported 3. United in working 4. It cools your home

5. Predicting

6. Irritated

7. Popular talk show host

8. Fabric edge

9. A resource for employees

12. Broadway’s Jackman

13. Small water buffalo

17. City of Angels: __ Angeles

19. Asteroids

20. Tailless amphibians

28. Participate in democracy

30. Opposite of begins

31. A Brit’s mother 34. Set of moral principles

36. Very fast airplane

37. Czech river

39. Private school in New York 40. Israeli dance 41. Electron volt 42. Adjusting 48. Duct by the bladder

50. Small burger 51. Begin again 52. Unstuck 53. Jai __, sport

21. German expressionist painter

25. What drives you

29. N. Vietnamese ethnic group

31. Gold coin used in British India

32. Have deep affection for

33. Ponds

35. Breaks between words

38. Hairstyle

41. Print errors

43. Family of iron alloys

44. Sidelined in bed

45. Many couples say it

Get free of 55. For instance 56. Hotel chain

58. A team’s best pitcher

59. Extracts from various sources

60. Indefinite period of time

46. Brazilian hoopster

47. Allman Brothers late frontman

49. German city

56. One hundred grams (abbr.)

57. One billionth of a second (abbr.)

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Forall Gold,Estate Jewelr y Scrap or unwanted Coins &Currenc y, Antiques &Rolex. Unbeatable pricing, privac yassured. (250) 612-1808 24/7 BUYING ALL GOLD!! WANTED 9999 BULLION!!! BARS, COINS, WAFERS,ALL JEWELRY, WATCHES, CHARM BRACELETS, SCRAP,DENTAL GOLD,ALL GOLD COINS, COIN COLLECTIONS, SILVER COINS, ALSO BUYING SILVER! TODD’S COINS 1-250-864-3521

Buying

Foronly $50 +TAX, youget 4DisplayAds in Thursday’s Business Directory plus a Classiﬁed Ad for 4Issues Call 250.562.6666 to book your space now.

HOMES

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Insuringyourhomegivesyoupeaceofmind and may be required by your mortgage lender However, sometimes insurance companies are reluctant to cover your property. Hereareﬁveofthemostcommonreasons.

1. Claims history. Your personal claims historyhasamajorimpactonyourhome’s insurability Forinstance,themoreclaims you’ve made in any of your homes, the less likely an insurance company will wanttotakeontheriskofinsuringyou.

2. Criminal record. Didyouknowthathaving a criminal record can jeopardize your eligibility for home insurance?This isespeciallytrueifthecrimeisrelatively recentandinvolvespropertydamage.

3. Poor home condition. Theconditionof yourhomecanimpactitsinsurability For example,insurersdon’tliketotakearisk

on homes that have foundation issues, bad plumbing, old electrical systems or inadequate insulation. You may also be deniedhomeinsuranceifyourpropertyis inanareawithalotofcrime.

4. Old home. Older homes are often more diﬃculttoinsure.Thisisespeciallytrueif the house is over 25 years old and hasn’t beenupdated.

5. Vacant home. Homesthatsitvacantfor anextendedperiodareatagreaterriskfor theft, vandalism and water inﬁltration. Therefore, some insurance companies don’t oﬀer coverage for these properties.

If you’re having trouble insuring your property, contact an insurance broker They can analyze your situation and recommend solutions.

3 golden rules for painting your house before

selling it

Repainting your home can increase its sellingprice.However,beforeyougetoutthe rollers and brushes, here are three rules to keepinmindtooptimizeyourinvestment.

1.Consider the entire property. Don’t forgettoredotheoutsideofyourhomeif the paint is peeling or faded. After all, thisiswhatpotentialbuyerswillseeﬁrst.

You may also want to touch up the paint onyourpatio,fenceandshed.

2.Use neutral shades. Although you mayloveyouryellowkitchenbecauseit gives your home a Tuscan feel, remem-

ber that everyone has diﬀerent tastes. Play it safe and stick to neutral shades thatappealtomostpeople.

3.Be prepared. Don’t rush your paint job.Makesureyouhaveenoughtimeto complete the work before your house goes on the market. A sloppy paint job could deter potential buyers instead of drawingthemin.

If you’re considering hiring painting professionals, do some research to gauge the qualityoftheirworkandconsiderhowthe additional cost could aﬀect the return on yourinvestment.

Building a treehouse with your child

A beautiful wooden treehouse instantly adds whimsy and fun to your backyard. While you can purchase many pre-made models, most people will agree that nothing beats a treehouse built by your ownhands.

AN ACTIVITY THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Instead of assembling a mass-produced treehouseinafewminutes,youcaninvest manyhourswithyourchild.Youwon’tregret this opportunity to spend quality time together

A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

You can make your treehouse look like a cozy cabin or a tiny replica of your home. No matter what style you decide to build, youcanteachyourchildabouttools,technology and the construction process. They’llalsolearnhowtoplanandexecute a project, providing them with valuable lifelessons.

A GREAT ENVIRONMENTAL OPTION

Your custom-built treehouse will easily outperformitscommercialrivalsifyouchoose the right materials. Whether you buy wood at a hardware store or gather it in a nearby forest, your treehouse will be unique and ecologically sustainable.

A PLEASURE TO REDISCOVER

If your child is usually glued to their video games, it may take some eﬀort to convince them to get their hands dirty building a treehouse. You may be able to persuade them to participate by implementing screen-free days or rewardingthemwithsmallprizes for spendingtimeoutside.

Buildingatreehouseisasatisfying project that could turnintooneofyourchild’s fondestmemories.

Bring your office to the backyard

Do you work from home? Whether you wanttoescapedistractionsorenjoysome freshair,movingyouroﬃceoutsidecould boostcreativityandproductivity

Depending on your needs and the availablespace,youcancreateanopenoﬃce by installing an overhang on your deck to protect you from the weather and the sun’s powerful rays. This option is ideal for summer However, it may not work whenmakingcallsinthemiddleofarainstorm.Therefore,youmaywanttobuilda complete room, similar to a converted shed,whichcanbeusedyear-round.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Above all, your workspace must be functionaltoensureyou’reasproductiveasyou usually are in a traditional oﬃce setting. You must also have access to electricity and a stable internet connection.You may also need to consider investing in an air conditioning,ventilationorheatingunit.

If a backyard oﬃce appeals to you, work with local businesses and contractors to makeithappen.

4 annuals that will add height to your flowerbeds

Annuals often feature abundant blooms that are positively eye-catching. While it’s relatively easy to find low, medium-sized flowers, it can be difficult to getyourhandsonlarge,majesticones.

Here are four annuals that stand tall and proud.

1.Dahlia. Some varieties of this beautifulﬂowercangrowuptotwometresin height. However, it’s best to stick to a single colour and ﬁnd a type that doesn’t grow taller than one-and-ahalfmetres.

2. Cosmos. This thin and delicate ﬂower is available in beautiful pastels like white and pink. It’ll wow your neighbours and attract butterﬂiesandbirdstoyouryard.

3. Cleome. This beautiful ballshapedﬂowerisoftenoverlookedat greenhousesandnurseriesbecauseit rarely blooms at the start of spring. Giveitachanceyouwon’tregretit.

4. Canna. This bulbous plant tends to bloom late in the season. Therefore, it’s best to plant it indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. Better yet, you can buy dwarf varietiesthatﬁlloutquickly.

Horticulturists and landscapers generallyrecommendlimitingyourself to two or three colours and three or fourspeciestomaximizetheirvisual impact.