Prince George city manager Walter Babicz was the lowest-paid chief administrative officer among nine similar-sized cities in B.C. in 2021, according to financial information released by the municipalities.
According to the city’s 2021 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI), Babicz made a base salary of $241,204.39 in 2021, and earned a total of $244,252.20 after vacation payouts were included.
City council appointed Babicz city manager in July 2021, after he served nine months as acting city manager following the departure of former city manager Kathleen Soltis in 2020.
In B.C., city managers (more commonly called chief administrative officers) are appointed by the elected city council or district board of directors.
All other municipal employees are hired by the city administration, which answers to the city manager or CAO
Babicz’s pay was lower than the city managers for Delta, North Vancouver, Kelowna, Kamloops, Naniamo, Saanich and Langley in 2021, according to those municipalities’ 2021 SOFIs.
The City of Victoria had not published its 2021 SOFI as of June 29, so the Citizen used data from Victoria’s 2020 SOFI.
Do young adults want to live downtown?
A UNBC researcher wants to find out if young adults want to live in downtown Prince George.
Rylan Graham, an assistant professor in the school of environmental planning, has launched a survey to try
and understand the attitudes of young adults (individuals born between 1980 and 2004, other referred to as millennials and Generation Z) toward living in downtown Prince George.
Graham’s research focuses on issues related to neighbourhood change and downtown revitalization with a particular focus on mid-sized Canadian cities
He said there is this idea across North America where millennials, and now Generation Z, reject the suburban lifestyle and are far more interested in living in a context that is more central and urban because of the easier proximity to amenities and the ability to use public transit.
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
CITIZEN PHOTO BY HANNA PETERSEN
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS An Indigenous dancer performs on stage at
Nine-year-old rides to top of B.C. circuit PAGE 10
PUBLIC HEARINGS /CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF
WHAT:
City Council considerationof first and second reading of:
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 Lot1592, Cariboo District, Plan 10148)
MembersofthepublicwhowishtospeaktoCouncilinpersoncandosoduringthePublic HearinginCouncilChambersonthe2ndFloorofCityHallat 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022
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
The University Hospital of Northern British Columbia is home to a new centre dedicated to clinical and biomedical research.
The Northern Centre for Clinical Research (NCCR) “will work closely with northern and Indigenous health practitioners, patients and researchers towards a goal of better health outcomes,” B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix said in a press release issued Tuesday.
The centre, which opened this spring, conducts clinical trials and observational studies, officials said in the release.
Clinical trials help find the best options
for patient care by studying the safety and effectiveness of new medical interventions, like a drug or medical device. In observational studies, researchers study participants receiving routine medical care to deepen understanding of health and disease and identify opportunities to improve health delivery.
The centre operates in collaboration
between UNBC, the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, and Northern Health. Satellite centres across northern B.C. could also be in the cards, officials said.
“We have a small but well-established group of health researchers in the north who are connected by rural interest and context, and this new centre will provide
immeasurable opportunities for collaboration, networking and idea development,” said Dr. Kathy Lewis, UNBC’s interim vice-president of research and innovation.
The centre also offers research training opportunities and mentoring for students, healthcare workers, and up-and-coming health investigators and help with research design, regulatory approvals, and project administration.
It also hosts a Rural Coordination Centre of B.C. research associate focused on real-time virtual support for clinicians working in rural communities.
Legal advisor appointed in murder verdict appeal
A former Quesnel man now serving a life sentence for a murder in Whitehorse, Yukon, has been appointed an amicus after refusing to follow through on an appeal of his conviction.
An amicus is an impartial legal advisor appointed to take part in a specific case before the court.
In September 2019, a jury found then 22-year-old Edward James Penner guilty
of first-degree murder in the July 2017 shooting death of Adam Cormack, 27. Cormack’s body was found on a dirt road near a gravel pit north of Whitehorse.
Sentenced to life without eligibility for parole for 25 years, Penner filed an appeal roughly a month later.
He was appointed legal counsel from the Yukon Legal Services Society who, in turn, filed transcripts and an appeal book with the court.
But Penner has since dismissed the
counsel and has not been attending case management proceedings.
The matter was then referred to the Yukon Court of Appeal for Justices to decide whether to dismiss the appeal.
In a decision issued May 17, a panel of three judges agreed to keep the matter before the court while appointing an amicus to review the merits of the appeal whether Penner “actively participates or not.”
“In my view, it is not yet appropriate to dismiss this appeal for want
of prosecution. Mr. Penner has been convicted of a most serious offence and faces the most significant sentence known to our law. In the circumstances I have outlined, at least one further accommodation must be afforded Mr. Penner,” Chief Justice Robert Bauman wrote in the decision.
According to a summary of the previous counsel’s submissions on the merits of Penner’s appeal, circumstances leading to Penner’s arrest “raised mental health concerns.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Prince George is considering an amendment to the City of Prince George Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 8383, 2011 to amend Schedule B-6: FutureLand Use from Neighbourhood Residential to Downtown to facilitate a “health service, minor” use on the subject property.This application to amend the OCP also includes arezoning application to rezone the subject property from RS4: Urban Residential to C8: Commercial Conversion (Bylaw 9258, 2022).
Please visit the City of Prince George website at www.princegeorge.ca for more detailed information. From the homepage of the City of Prince George website click on “Business and Development”; click on “Planning and Development”; click on “Land Use”; and scroll down to “Applications in Progress”.
The City requests written comment from any person, organization, or agencies
that may be affected by this amendment to the OCP.Please forwardany written submissions by 5:00 pm on July 22, 2022 to the Development Services Division at 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC V2L 3V9, Fax: 561-7721, Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provisions of Section 26(3) of the CommunityCharter that the City of Prince George intends to dispose of property located at 1980 5th Avenue, Prince George, BC, legally described as Parcel E(PG28140) Block 126 DistrictLot 343 Cariboo District Plan 1268, Except Plan PGP37328 to Prayfast Holdings Limitedfor $50,000.00.
Deanna Wasnik Director of Planning &Development
MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff
No wage increase in 2020, 2021
Those eight cities are the same used recently by the city’s independent Advisory Committee on Council Remuneration to compare the pay and benefits for Prince George’s mayor and city councillors.
The city managers and CAOs, in order of highest total pay to lowest total pay are:
City of Delta (city manager Sean McGill) – Base pay: unavailable, Total pay: $329,363.54, Expenses: $4,095.79, Population: 113,695
City of North Vancouver (chief administrative officer Leanne McCarthy) – Base pay: $306,305, Total pay: $311,853, Expenses: $45, Population: 91,790
City of Kelowna (city manager Doug Gilchrist) – Base pay: unavailable,
Total pay: $306,371, Expenses: $1,455, Population: 149,687
City of Kamloops (chief administrative officer David Trawin) – Base pay: $291,109, Total pay: $300,171, Expenses: $5,048, Population: 101,603
City of Nanaimo (chief administrative officer Jake Rudolph) – Base pay: unavailable, Total pay: $298,807.17, Expenses: $3,794.39, Population: 101,987
City of Victoria (city manager Jocelyn Jenkyns) – Base pay: $247,029.85, Total pay: $297,484.92, Expenses: $4,890.63, Population: 94,890 (2020 data, as 2021 was not available)
District of Saanich (former chief administration officer Paul Thorkelsson*) – Base pay: unavailable, Total pay: $276,092, Expenses: $2,072, Population: 124,639 (*Thorkelsson left the
District of Saanich in November 2021, according to reports by the Victoria Times-Colonist. In 2020, Thorkelsson earned a total income $288,176.)
City of Langley (chief administrative officer Francis Cheung) – Base Pay: unavailable, Total Pay: $255,525, Expenses: $3,461, Population: 137,399
City of Prince George (city manager Walter Babicz) – Base Pay: $241,204.39, Total Pay: $244,252.20, Expenses: $3,929.59, Population: 82,326
Base pay, where listed, is the regular annual salary and other benefits. Total pay includes vacation payouts, overtime pay or other one-time payments.
The City of Prince George’s nonunion exempt staff, including Babicz, received no cost-of-living wage increases in 2020 and 2021, and a two per cent increase in 2022.
Continued from page 1
“Lots of places have had a resurgence in their downtowns not only as places to be, but places to live as well,” said Graham. “We just look at downtown Prince George and it is pretty easy to see that it hasn’t really occurred here.”
He said while there has been development over the past couple of years, including the Park House condos and the VEDA student residences, there hasn’t been a lot of residential development and this research is trying to understand why.
The questions in the survey are meant to get a sense of how young adults view the downtown overall and as a place to live.
The survey has already garnered about 1,000 responses and will be open for several more weeks. The survey is available online at https://t.co/XY2KHbNWIf#ThisIsUNBC.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER REGIONAL BOARD PROCEDURE BYLAWNO. 3267, 2022
In accordance withthe Local Government Act,notice is hereby giventhat the RegionalBoardoftheRegionalDistrictof Fraser-FortGeorgeintendstoconsider repealingitsRegionalBoardProcedure BylawNo.2372,2007andreplacingitwith RegionalBoardProcedureBylawNo.3267, 2022attheregularmeetingscheduled for1:30p.m.onJuly21,2022inthe Boardroom,2ndFloor,155GeorgeStreet, PrinceGeorge,B.C.
The Prince George Community Foundation is looking for nominations for the Citizen of the Year Awards.
The foundation has announced it has refreshed the awards with three new categories to honour and recognize Prince George Citizens.
They are the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Annual Difference Maker, and the Youth Achievement Award.
Nominations will be accepted until July 27 and finalists will be announced in the fall.
Complete category guidelines and the
nomination forms can be found on the Prince George Community Foundation’s website.
The awards were last held preCOIVD-19 in 2019 where local photographer Chuck Chin, former city councillor Albert Koehler and philanthropist Noreen Rustad were all honoured.
The awards are meant to honour those who have gone above and beyond in community volunteering and philanthropy whether it be giving time giving of their time, talent, expertise, or just being a good advocate.
Office building approved
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
City council voted unanimously in support of a development variance permit for a new 21,170 sq. foot office building at 700 Kinsmen Pl.
area for any a single office tenancy is 280 sq. metres (3.014 sq. feet). City council approved increasing both those areas to 1,967 sq. metres for this development.
In a report, city director of planning and development Deanna Wasnik recommended city council deny the development variance permit. The site is currently a vacant lot at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Stuart Drive, next to the offices of Skyline Dental and TC Energy.
Coun. Frank Everitt said he understands the concerns raised by city staff about the proposed development, but “I look forward to it moving forward as quickly as it can.”
Coun. Brian Skakun said normally he agrees with city administration’s rationale for denying an application, but in this case he supports the development.
“Administration does not support the applicant’s proposed variances, as the proposed increase is not consistent with the C4 zoning regulations intended to encourage office uses downtown,” Wasnik wrote. “The proposed variance will set precedent for larger office tenants to sprawl outside of the downtown.”
The proposed development is out of line with both the zoning and official community plan, she added.
Under the C4 zoning on the property, the maximum floor area allowed for office use is normally 560 sq. metres (6,028 sq. feet), and the maximum allowable floor
“If they don’t want to go downtown… then I am happy to see that investment on Fifth Avenue,” Skakun said. “I want to see this investment developed and happen.”
Coun. Terri McConnachie said the land has been sitting vacant for years, and the proposed development is infill along a main transportation corridor.
The proposed development fits in with the office building, located next door, Coun. Cori Ramsay said.
“I don’t think we’re building a skyscraper here,” Coun. Kyle Sampson said. “There is plenty of office space in our community… not just in the downtown.”
BC Hydro upgrading
2,675
streetlights
BC Hydro will begin upgrading roughly 2,675 streetlights in Prince George to energy-efficient LED bulbs on July 18, according to information released by the City of Prince George.
BC Hydro operates street lights on wooden power poles throughout the city. The city has already upgraded more than 4,700 of the streetlights it operates, which are located on metal poles.
light pollution,” a statement released by BC Hydro says. “LEDs also last longer and require less maintenance.”
“These new street lights will help improve public safety in your community by increasing the visibility of sidewalks and roads at night, as well as help reduce
The federal government has set new regulations, requiring all street light ballasts containing poly-chlorinated biphenyles (PCBs) to be removed by the end of 2025. BC Hydro operates more than 90,000 street lights throughout B.C. and will be upgrading them to LED bulbs over the next few years.
LED bulbs produce a whiter light than the old high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs, BC Hydro’s statement said.
Caterpillar researcher at UNBC needs your help
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
About 10 years ago during the last forest tent caterpillar outbreak in Prince George, Dezene Huber’s four-year-old son was playing outside.
Huber, who is an insect ecologist at UNBC, saw his son tossing the caterpillars into puddles and to his surprise, Huber noticed the caterpillars could swim.
“The little hairs on their body kept them afloat, and then they did a little nice kick and moved along like Olympic swimmers which surprised us,” said Huber.
He took a video of the swimming caterpillars and posted it on a research site hoping to investigate the phenomenon further one day, but it ended up on the back burner as he carried on in other research areas that seemed more serious.
However, the subject came up during a recent conversation with his colleague Amanda Roe, who works with the Canadian Forest Service Agency in Sault Ste. Marie and raises caterpillars to use in research.
“She said maybe we should think about doing this with other caterpillars as well and I thought that is a great idea,” explained Huber.
He then put out a call on social media asking for anyone who has videos of caterpillars swimming to send them in with a description of where and when the video was taken, as well as what kind of plant the caterpillar was found on so they could try and identify what species it is and begin to figure out what, why and how caterpillars can swim.
The two researchers also paired up Akito Kawahara from the University of
Florida, who was investigating the same thing with his students but had also moved on to other things.
“The reality, of course, is that there’s no real practical reason for doing this type of thing,” noted Huber. “There are some interesting evolutionary questions there and just overall interesting natural history. We saw this as an opportunity to explore and see if there are interesting trends we might notice which could spur on other research in other areas.”
He said he doesn’t expect there to be any particular practical pest management application to finding out why and how caterpillars can swim. “You never know and if there is something to be learned and if we have the opportunity to learn it that’s great and if social media can help us to get some interesting data to analyze then that is great too.”
Huber said that although caterpillars are terrestrial, they still encounter water, and would need the ability to swim.
“It seems a bit esoteric, but when you think about it some caterpillars especially some living on trees could fall off and could fall into water,” said Huber.
“So having this ability to maneuver in the water, in one way or another, and survive that incident means they would pass that ability onto their progeny and then you end up with swimming caterpillars.”
Anyone who sends in video will be listed as a co-author if it is ever published. Huber is asking anyone who has videos of caterpillars or other larva swimming or sinking to email huber@unbc.ca and include where the video was taken, the date it was taken, and who made the video as well as the species or what kind of plant it was found on.
BINGO
Horgan, Clark much alike
Watching John Horgan last week as he announced his plan to step down as premier this fall reminded me of Christy Clark.
The last two B.C. premiers couldn’t be any more different from each other politically but as individuals, Horgan is Clark’s brother from another mother, Clark is Horgan’s sister from another mister.
During their visits to The Citizen over the years, both Clark and Horgan displayed the charisma combined with the common touch that made them the leader of their respective parties and then premier. The conversations before and after the formal interviews were fast-moving chats sprinkled with smiles and laughs Their curiosity and deep interest in people were no act because it can’t be faked.
While Horgan downplays the pleasure he takes in partisan sparring, he has relished it as much as Clark did, whether it was on the floor of the Legislature, in a scrum with reporters or during election debates Their sharp tongues, quick minds and self-confidence made them both formidable politicians and premiers. Most voters don’t pay much attention to political parties or their platforms. Horgan and Clark are living proof of the collective wisdom of voters who cast their ballot based on who they like, who speaks to them and their concerns, who sounds sincere and who will work hard Neither of them was given much of a chance to succeed when they took over their parties and both proved the pundits wrong with heaping doses of effort, energy, and political savviness.
Although they each earned their chair in the premier’s office on the strength of their personal brand, they governed by committee, allowing their top cabinet members to shine when they delivered results while stepping forward when somebody had to publicly take the blame. That’s in stark contrast to the spotlight hogging of Gordon Campbell, the premier before them, and the last several prime ministers, especially the current one.
Seen in that light, B.C. has been blessed during the past decade with two premiers who were so much alike in their love of this province and its citizens, their burning desire to make things better for everyone and their optimism that they could make it happen. It’s uncertain whether the next premier will share those traits but at least voters will have two good gauges to measure them.
Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.
Bishop would have approved changing name of road
The City of Prince George recently decided to change the name of O’Grady Road to Dakelh Ti, meaning First Nation Road in the language of the Lheidli T’enneh.
I knew Bishop Fergus O’Grady fairly well, and I don’t think anything would have made him happier
The decisions to change the name of College Road to O’Grady Road and the name of Prince George College to O’Grady Catholic High School in the late 1980s were made after he’d retired as bishop and largely against his will
I remember joking with him at a basketball game saying: “Bishop, all those people down there have your name on their shirts.”
He surprised me when he replied in a serious voice: “That was not my idea.”
Fergus O’Grady was a humble man. He recognized the giftedness in others and encouraged them
LESSONS IN LEARNING GERRY CHIDIAC
to use their gifts to do good in the world.
O’Grady told me that when he first became bishop in 1956, he asked the people of the diocese what they wanted. They told him they wanted schools, so he found a way to build and staff them
Dakelh Elder Mary John points out in her biography Stoney Creek Woman, that while church-run residential schools tried to take away her language and culture when she was a child, she was hired to teach Carrier language and culture at St. Joseph’s School in Vanderhoof (a school established and run by O’Grady) in the 1970s, decades before this was done elsewhere.
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Despite this, the words of Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan ring true. “…Bishop O’Grady… played a key role in the administration of residential schools in B.C while deaths and abuse of children occurred.” This was also true for the Canadian government and all purveyors of the Indian Act
What lesson does this provide for us in 2022? Though many lauded the actions of Fergus O’Grady, doing a little is not good enough, especially when we knowingly ignore abuses that are taking place. Any violation of human rights, especially the rights of a child, is a crime against humanity.
We are right to critique the actions of O’Grady, but it is even more important that we hold ourselves to the same high standard. Each of us is responsible for establishing our legacy.
Gerry Chidiac is a Prince George writer.
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Prince George city council recently voted to change the name of O’Grady Road to Dakelh Ti.
Canada still has plenty of work to do
This past weekend, we celebrated Canada Day. Or maybe we didn’t. Whether it is with a party, a barbecue by the lake, a family get together, an escape to the cottage for three days of solitude, or a chance to visit Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and take in the crowds at the multicultural festival that is our country, we all celebrated a day off.
For some people, they chose to spend the day protesting against government abuses.
Or, at least, government abuses as they see it. “How dare a government try to keep its citizens safe by ordering everyone to get vaccinated? Who do they
AS I SEE IT TODD WHITCOMBE
think they are? How dare a government legislate public safety? They can’t tell me what to do!”
In their own way, even the protesters celebrated Canada Day and the freedom this country affords its citizens to peacefully assemble and speak. It is a rare thing throughout human history for a people to be able to openly criticize their own government.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
EDUCATOR QUITTING
In preface of reading this, please know my story comes from a lens of knowing what it means to be an Indigenous girl, growing up on the Rez, of knowing what it means to be vulnerable and feel like I have no voice.
In June 2021, I was interviewed for a special report for the BC Education Minister. In my interview, I mentioned I will probably get emotional because I truly care about this work. It is who I am. I’ve been an educator for 10 years. Tearing up, I said: “I don’t think we have a systemic racism problem. I think we have a trauma and poverty problem.”
The report was released in early fall. It felt like a storm had blown in and poured over a canvas I was painting on. The painting wasn’t complete but this storm so quickly destroyed the work I had done. I read this report and I sank. First, I want to fully honor and acknowledge racism is real and felt here and in every corner of the world. I will never challenge the real and felt experiences of others. But in this report, it was all communities were talking about. Racism became what we are known for. I’ve worked in over 30 schools (some for days or weeks and others for years) and racism is not the system I know. It is not the colleagues I work alongside and honor for their resilience during such heavy times.
My intention in re-examining this experience is to invite all to consider the implications of allowing the term “systemic racism” to rule the narrative. What happens to our children when we allow them to believe the system is against them or another group? What happens to those relationships with those allies we’ve already begun reconciliation actions alongside? Good work is happening. People do care.
And we cannot let a report or a narrative undermine that. Malcolm Gladwell said his intention in writing is never to change peoples’ minds. Rather, the goal is to leave people with a thought or something to reflect on. My intention isn’t to change anyone’s mind. I respect and honour where we are in our journeys.
will help me use my voice and do the work I care so greatly about.
Erica McLean, Prince George CARE HOMES NEEDED
Premier Horgan recently rescinded the proposed allocation of $789 million to replace the Royal Museum in Victoria. Action for Reform of Residential Care (ARRC) in B.C is asking that these funds be applied to begin the reform of our longterm care system, specifically to build small scale residences that are home-like, support quality of care and promote quality of life. Given the cost of building longterm care homes, the $789 million could finance almost 20 such public facilities, each for 100 people.
Nursing homes have suffered from years of systemic neglect and repeated investigations have warned of grave safety problems. COVID-19 has made the public aware of these serious and long-standing issues that contributed to the death of too many care home residents. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported in March of 2021 that “the proportion of COVID-19 deaths in LTC and retirement home residents in Canada (69 per cent) has remained significantly higher than the international average (41 per cent).” Old buildings have contributed to this through overcrowding and poor ventilation, along with lack of PPE.
Many care homes labour under an “institutional” philosophy of care and design, andmany resemble old acute care hospitals. Many residents who lived their adult lives independently at home now reside in a four-bedded room with one shared bathroom. These accommodations offer little room for family to visit, even at the end of life. There may be limited access to outdoor space. There is often little choice about when and what one eats, and many food items are pre-packaged rather than fresh. There is significant research indicating that small-scale homes, with 10–12
Indeed, it is a rare thing in the world today.
Something worth celebrating. We live in a very special country at a very special time in human history. We are more affluent than any generation before us.
We have inalienable human rights. We have food, water, and air which is, for the most part, clean and healthy. We live longer lives on average. But we often forget this. Things are not perfect here.
Far from it. We maybe focus too much on the imperfections instead of being thankful for all that we have. People around the world move to Canada because it is a country with a better
standard of living than many, many other countries.
Yet with all the wealth we have, there is still much to be done. In a country with so much, how do we still have people who go hungry? Who do not have access to clean water? Who work long hours with no hope of getting ahead? Who cannot access medical aid or do not have a family doctor?
On a per capita basis, Canada is among the richest countries in the world. But there is still much work to be done before we can all fully participate in and celebrate our country.
Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.
private bedrooms, offer a viable solution for persons living with dementia who need care. Research shows smaller homes had less incidence of COVID than larger, more institutional ones. In the fall of 2020, researchers in Ontario and Quebec conducted a survey of over 3,000 people aged 50–69 years in their provinces to learn how the pandemic had affected their views on long-term care. Most respondents wanted to avoid nursing homes. (The Conversation, November 16, 2021.)
Inertia and inaction are our biggest impediments to reform of long term care. B.C.’s long-term care system is failing its elder population. Our current situation is too serious and complex to justify continuing with piece-meal approaches to change. The money is available. We respectfully ask that the Ministry of Health consider championing this proposal.
Penny MacCourt, Nanaimo
BAD LOGGING
Re: Nak’azdli Whut’en signs deal with lumber giants.
The elephant in the room is bad clearcut logging. Even if Indigenous led, industrial logging is ruining B.C.’s 13 unique ecosystems, natural services and essential benefits. Under B.C.’s Forest and Range Practices Act’s pathetically low bar, who stewards the land is inconsequential. Even First Nations cannot clearcut sustainably under this profits-first regime.
B.C.’s environment issues remain in jeopardy if NDP and industry only make deals with the pro-commercial clearcut Indigenous communities over the conservationists or Indigenous protected conservation area crowd. There are plenty of jobs in the forest that do not require a feller buncher. Why aren’t these communities at the table?
Is there any traditional wisdom or First Nations cultural practices we could draw from that addresses the industrial removal of the entire forest cover? Is there any historical or traditional knowledge that can come to terms with colonial clearcutting? How will local communities
accept the burning of trees abandoned as waste, drained wetlands and berry patches sprayed by toxic Roundup and the other common forestry practices?
The article’s statement that beetle infestations and a changing climate that leaves forests more susceptible to insect attacks and wildfires have led to conditions that resulted in a 75 per cent drop in moose populations in some parts of the Nak’azdli Whut’en territory was embarrassing. Shame on playing the blame game with habitat loss. Clearcut logging is the major culprit of all that ails our forests. By reducing a forest’s resiliency, loggers have increased B.C.’s climate change factors - floods, fires, droughts, disease, pests and, as the Forestry Practices Board has declared, biodiversity loss. The upside may be at least the profits from moose habitat loss in the Fort St. James territory will stay in the local community, not creep to the U.S. like Canfor’s. But the moose are gone, for good, and they cannot wait in the wings in the adjoining cutblock for a forest to regrow. They never do.
Taryn
Skalbania, Peachland
RIGHT THING TO DO
One has to admire the city council of Fort St. John for turning down a pay raise at this particular time. Taxes have gone up as COVID did a number on every city. So Prince George city council votes for the raise comes to mind as greedy to me. Most councillors have a day job and if it doesn’t pay enough, go get a different job - very simple. The lame excuse of paying more money attracts more people is their defense.
Again hats off to the Fort St. John council.
Roland Hill, 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.
These are my final words as an employee of public education. I resign from my position and work towards another path that
Nine-year-old rides to top of B.C. rodeo circuit
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
She’s nine years old and she rides a palomino so fast she could give the lady barrel racers a run for their money.
Ainslee Meise competes in the peewee rodeo barrel racing category and is ranked first on the BC Rodeo Association’s list of competitors.
Ainslee’s most recent competition took place June 17-19 at an event hosted by The Prince George Western Heritage Society at the exhibition grounds where she won her event with a time of 16.242 seconds.
“I mostly started just riding at first and mom was barrel racing,” Ainslee said about how she got started.
Her mom is Kim Meise and she was racing with Ainslee’s palomino, Speedle, but made the switch to another horse when it became apparent that Ainslee and Speedle were the perfect match.
“They take care of each other,” Kim said.
Kim said Ainslee’s been in the saddle since she could hold onto the horn and that was at a year old. Ainslee rode her first solo barrel race at three years old. Speedle came into the family when he was five years old through Kim’s mom but it quickly became clear he was too much horse, Kim said.
“They just weren’t the right fit,” Kim said. “So I rode him for a year and fell in love with him and I knew he was meant to be ours so I bought him from my mom when Ainslee was six weeks old and he’s been with us ever since and he will be with us ’til the day he dies.”
Speedle is 16 years old now and Kim
said he’s still in his prime as is proven with the success Ainslee and Speedle are enjoying during this competition season.
Ainslee has won about $2,000 as a result of her competitions so far this year and the money goes mostly to entry fees and vet bills, she said.
“Ainslee has a bank account and we
put some of it in her own account and when she gets older she can decide what she wants to do with that,” Kim said. “Then she puts some back in the entry fee envelope because it costs money to enter and it costs money to take care of a horse really well. We take Speedle out to a vet in Alberta who is probably one of the top performance horse vets in western Canada and his name is Chad Hewlett.”
Ainslee rides Speedle five or six times a week to keep him fit. Pre and post ride care is also of the utmost importance, Kim said.
“Every animal at a rodeo is treated like an athlete - they eat better than I do most days,” Kim laughed.
So what’s next for Ainslee?
“I’m just going to keep rodeoing,” she said.
The next competitions are in Pritchard and Williams Lake.
“Ainslee is aiming for the BC Rodeo Association’s finals,” Kim said. That event is held in Barriere over the Labour Day weekend.
For Ainslee it’s not just about the competition.
“It’s mostly about getting to socialize with my friends, getting to watch other racers, and getting to spend time with my horse,” Ainslee said.
“They’re just a bunch of horse-crazy kids,” Kim laughed.
55+ Games bid planned
Prince George and Quesnel are bidding to co-host the 2026 55+ B.C. Summer Games.
If the bid is successful, the event is expected to draw 4,000-plus athletes and coaches competing in 20 to 32 different sports, city supervisor of event services Debbie Heywood said. Between 65 and 85 per cent of the events would be in Prince George, with the remainder in Quesnel.
The city’s contribution is expected to be $52,000, plus about $48,000 on in-kind services. Funding would come from the city’s Major Events Reserve Fund.
“The potential economic impact of the 55+ BC Games is significantly higher than hosting other BC Games as participants are responsible for their own accommodation, meals and transportation,” Heywood wrote. “Close to 4,000 participants and supporters will utilize approximately 2,000 spaces for accommodation through hotel rooms and RV sites, frequenting numerous community businesses, and visiting a variety of facilities. The estimated economic return to Prince George based on two-thirds of the events and visitors in our city, is over ($3.5 million).”
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 for more details or to apply
BRUCE MCFAYDEN PHOTO, LEFT; SUBMITTED PHOTO, RIGHT
Left, Ainslee Meise, 9, takes on another barrel with her horse Speedle. Ainslee won her race. The Prince George girl is ranked No. 1 in B.C. in the peewee rodeo barrel racing category.
to Order G-146-22
We want to hear fromyou
FortisBC Energy Inc.2022 Long Term Gas Resource Plan
On May 9, 2022, FortisBC EnergyInc. (FEI) filed its 2022 LongTerm GasResource Plan (LTGRP) for acceptancebythe British Columbia UtilitiesCommission in accordance with section 44.1(2) of the UtilitiesCommission Act
FEI’s2022 LTGRPpresents FEI’slong-term view of the demand-side and supply-side resourcesidentified to meet expected future gas demand, reliability requirements, and Provincialgreenhouse gas reduction requirements,takinginto consideration the cost to FEI’scustomers overthe 20-year planning horizon (2022–2041).The 2022LTGRPincludes a20-yearvisionfor FEI and culminates in anAction Plan that identifies the activities that FEI intends to pursue over the next fouryears
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
•Submit aletterofcomment
•Register as an interested party
•Request intervener status
IMPORTANT DATES
•Wednesday,August 10, 2022–Deadline to register as an intervener with the BCUC.
For more information about theApplication, please visit the Proceeding Webpage on bcuc.com under “RegulatoryActivities –Current Proceedings.”To learn more about getting involved, please visit our website at www.bcuc.com/get-involved or contact us at the information below
Energy Inc. RegulatoryAffairs 16705Fraser Highway Surrey,BCCanada V4N 0E8 E: gas.regulatory.affairs@fortisbc.com P: 604.592.7664
Columbia
Commission Suite 410, 900 Howe Street Vancouver,BCCanada V6Z 2N3 E: commission.secretary@bcuc.com P: 604.660.4700
Skin Care
Natural Factors,Biotin
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Organic Traditions,Vitality Blends
oat and wheat, and packed with chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Gold vitality blend is also immune supporting, contains 250% of your RDI of vitamin Cineach serving. It is also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, while containing dual extract, full spectrum organic ginger and turmeric
Three generations set for Summer Games
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
There are three generations of a Prince George family volunteering at the BC Summer Games coming to Prince George July 21 to 24, with more than 2,800 athletes participating in about 30 sports.
Sam Cramer, 14, is on the Zone 8 basketball team (5x5), that will take on the rest of the province, while sister Abigail, 11, and Dad Brad are volunteering along with the children’s grandmother Terry Cramer.
Mom Alyson Gourley-Cramer works as the marketing and communications chair for the BC Summer Games, so the whole family is involved.
Sam was picked for both the Zone 8 volleyball and basketball teams.
“I find basketball more active and quite fun,” Sam said about picking basketball.
“Practice has been awesome – I love my coach (Nick Novak).”
Terry is a career volunteer, who is a masters athlete herself competing in swimming and mountain biking.
She has given her time at the Kordyban Lodge, countless Terry Fox Runs, and the
2015 Canada Games and intake of wildfire evacuees, to name a few.
For Mom Alyson it was important for her that they came together as a family for the athletes, she said.
Children under the age of 14 can volunteer with a parent so that there’s an extra pair of hands helping get any job done.
Brad thought it was especially nice that he could bring daughter Abigail with him to volunteer at the games.
“It just made sense because Sam is going to be here the whole week and it gives us something to do with the games so the fact that I could be with Abigail volunteering is something I’m looking forward to.”
Abigail knows it’s going to be fun to volunteer at the games, she said.
“It’s also going to be fun to watch all the sports and stuff, too,” Abigail said, who is a sprinter herself and came first in her age group at the recent Spruce Capital Meet at Masich Place, an event hosted by the Prince George Track & Field Club.
The family knows several athletes who are participating in the BC Summer Games so not only will they volunteer but they will cheer on the athletes as well, Alyson said.
Alyson Gourley-Cramer, left, Abigail, Sam, Terry and Brad Cramer represent three generations of volunteers and participants at the BC Summer Games held in Prince George July 21 to 24.
Fishing hole
of the week
Cobb Lake
Cobb Lake is a popular spot about 70 km west of Prince George The lake supports a healthy population of stockedrainbow andbrook trout. In 2018Cobbwas stocked with20,000 brook troutand 10,000 rainbow trout.
CobbLake is areally goodspot year round.Inthe fall,there is little pressure on the lake,and thetrout are fattening up for winter.As the weather cools down afterthe heatofsummer,the fish are
beginning to be more active again.
In the springand summer thereare plenty of choices. Thelake is alwaysgood for small spinners. Anglers canalso try Chironomid patterns and Flatfish.
To learn more aboutfishing this lake, go to www.anglersatlas.com
LAKE ACCESS
From PrinceGeorge,follow Highway 16 west for about65km, andthen turn right(north) at Finnmore Road just before Cluculz Creek. Follow Finnmore Roadfor 6kmand you will seeanother road on the right(name unknown). This roadisnot plowedinthe winter and maynot be suitablefor driving. Continue alongthis road for ashort distanceand therecreationsite turn off
(right)isjustpast the creek. Youcan accessthe lake from there.
NECHAKOWHITE STURGEON RECOVERYINITIATIVE
The District of Vanderhoof is home to the Nechako White Sturgeon Hatchery,which is part of the initiativetorecoverhealthy sturgeon populations in the Nechako River.The hatchery offers toursand information, and is well worththe visit.You can seethe sturgeon in their pools, learn about how they grow, and watch them up close andpersonal. The Recovery Initiative alsooffers schooltours, as well as community projects designed to protect and enhance sturgeon habitat and recovery efforts. Stop by the hatchery,and visit their websiteat nechakowhitesturgeon.org.
Extreme heat –why it’s important to know the risks
block both extreme heat and extreme cold (as well as light).
•Use fans to help move cooler air around your home. It’simportant to remember, however,that fans can’teffectivelyreduce body temperatures or prevent heat-related illness inpeople at risk. Do not rely on fans as your primary cooling method during an Extreme Heat Emergency
•Ifyou feel yourself getting overheated, try taking acool or lukewarm shower or bath.
•Sleep in the coolest area of your home. If it’scooler outside, sleep outside, if possible. Drink plenty of water.Beaware that sugary or alcoholic drinks cause dehydration.
Outdoors:
•Ifyou can, install exterior covers or reflective films on your windows. No fancy supplies areneeded; this can be as simple as using cardboardorfoil on the outside of your windows.
Manypeople thinkofBritish Columbiaashavinga temperateclimate, meaning that during the summer months, we have milder temperatures on average.
However, overthe past few years,Extreme Heat Emergencies have become increasingly frequent.
Whilewecan’tcontrolthe weather,there aresteps each of us can take to help mitigate the risks of ExtremeHeatEmergencies
What’sextreme heat?
Extremeheat or an Extreme Heat Emergency is when temperatures arewell above seasonal averages and continuetoget hotter each day
Extremeheat is dangerous for the health and well-beingofour communities and is responsible for the highestnumberofweather-related deathsannually.
Who’smost at risk from extreme heat?
Preparingfor extreme heat is beneficialfor everyone; however, thereare somegroups of people who may be more at risk than others:
•Peopleaged 65 years and older
•Peoplewho live alone
•Peoplewith pre-existing health conditions suchasdiabetes, heart disease, or respiratory disease
•Peoplewith mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety
• People with substance use disorders
•Peoplewho aremarginally housed (for example, people whoare unhoused)
•Peoplewho work in hot environments
•Peoplewho arepregnant
•Infants and young children
•Peoplewith limitedmobility
Make plans to deal with extreme heat
If you know someone who may be at risk (see the list above), be sureto check in with them and seta plan forwhen temperatures are high.It’simportant to cometogetherasa community and to look out for thoseatgreatest risk.
If your home gets very hot, with sustained internal temperatures of 31 degrees or higher, and if you don’t have air conditioning,plan to go elsewhere during an Extreme Heat Emergency. Someplaces within your community may offer space for people to cool downand getrelief from extreme heat.Thesewill vary depending on the community you live in, so be sureto checkbefore the weather gets too hot.Here are some potential optionstoconsider:
•Libraries
•Community centres
•Shopping malls
•Movie theaters
•Religious centres
•Parks and other shadedgreen spaces
Prepareyour home for extreme heat
You can set up yourhome to help preparefor an Extreme Heat Emergency.While everyone’s needswill be different, thesesmall changes can help reduceyour home’s internal temperature.
Indoors:
•Ifyou can, installawindow-mounted air conditioner
•Use insulatingcurtains or window coverings.Blackoutcurtains and blindscan help
Getting too hot
Overheating can be harmful to your health and potentially deadly.Ifyou’reexperiencing rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, take immediate steps to cool down and seek emergency care:
•Get medicalattention or call 911
•Submerge yourself or the person you’rehelping in cool water
•Remove clothes and apply wet cloths
Heat stroke is an emergency Call 911 or your local emergency number if you’recaring forsomeone who displays symptoms, then take immediate action to cool them down while waiting for help to arrive.
For moretips and information, visit the Government of BC’swebsite on preparing for extremeheat (www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ safety/emergency-management/ preparedbc/ know-your-hazards/ severe-weather/extreme-heat ), and download their Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide (www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/ gov/ public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergencypreparedness-response-recovery/embc/preparedbc/ preparedbc-guides/preparedbc_extreme_heat_guide. pdf).
COVID-19boosters
Looking to get your COVID-19 booster? It may take afew weeksand that’sok. As NorthernHealthand our pharmacy partners work through high demand, please be patient and keep checking back if thereare no appointments available online. Thereare enough boosters for everyone.
For moreinformation on boosters, see: gov.bc.ca/ booster
Reminder: Rapid tests available at local pharmacies
Did you know that rapid antigen testing kits arefreefor residents of BC? Anyone can ask for akit –you don’teven have to show ID!
This means that the next time you run out of shampoo, toilet paper,ortoothpaste, you can also pick up your free kit at participating pharmacies across the province!
Get your kit today! Find apharmacy near you. bcpharmacy.ca/rapid-tests/list
HOROSCOPES &PUZZLES
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
Areyou going through aprofessional change?
Training will suit you perfectly and guide you towards amoreprestigious career.It’ll help you realize abig dream; you won’tmiss out on this opportunity
TAURUS
It’sa goodweek for vacation. Youneed to get away and enjoy achange of scenery.You may even learnanew language, especially if you intend to travel or live elsewhere.
GEMINI
You’ll need to clear out some strong emotions. Youmay be inclined to isolate yourself. Luckily, your friends will know how to cheer you up when you’redown.
CANCER
WEEK OF JULY10TOJULY162022
LIBRA
If you feel any slight discomfort, consult adoctor Your ability to read people will enable you to create asense of harmony around you. The atmosphereatwork will significantly improve thanks to your protective or nurturing side.
LEO
There’ll be many details to attend to on the job or aconfusing situation needing your urgent attention beforeyou go on vacation. Be on the lookout for swimming-related infections. If you’re single, you’ll be preoccupied with dating.
VIRGO
You’ll get some pleasurefrommovies and shows and may even find yourself in astarring role. You’ll demonstrate your creativity by highlighting yourself in this way
You’ll need to make some trips for various reasons, even if you’d prefer to relax at home. Your family will need your help, and you can’t refuse them anything.
SCORPIO
If you must speak about something, you’ll need to prepare. An improvised speech won’tlive up to your expectations. Delicacy and diplomacy will enable you to resolve aconflict.
SAGITTARIUS
You’ll feel like you’rewalking on eggshells with some people. You’ll need tact and sensitivity to avoid offending someone. Youmay also face an unexpected expense.
CAPRICORN
Youmay need the help of afew good vitamins to marshal your energy.You’ll have alot of ideas and won’tknow wheretostart. Luckily,this state of confusion won’tlast long.
AQUARIUS
You’ll show astrong tendency to burnthe candle at both ends. Afew people aresuretoneed you; you’ll give body and soul for them, even if your energy is lacking.
PISCES
Responsibilities will impose themselves upon you, and it won’talways be clear what you should do. To avoid confusion and discord, even at home, you’ll need to determine who does what. Be patient with your loved ones.
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so thatevery row, every column and every3x3 boxcontains the numbers1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlinedwith a darkerline You already have afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat thenumbers 1through 9in thesame line,column or 3x3 box.
cl assi fi eds
REMEMBRANCES
Obituaries
1947-2022
With heavy hearts we have to announce the peaceful passing of Carol Eva Lessard on June 24, 2022, with her family and friends by her side. Carol was born December 9, 1947 in The Pas, Manitoba, but lived most of her life in Prince George.
She spent many years working for the Federal and Provincial Government, while taking time away to stay home during the early years of her children being born. Carol finished her career working for the Ministry of Environment and retired at the age of 56. She made many close bonds and connections with those she worked with. She was a hardworking, loyal, kind, forgiving, humorous and fun- loving woman. Carol enjoyed the outdoors (especially being out in nature and hiking with her husband) and spending time with her two children. Another pastime of Carol’s was watching her grandson play hockey and baseball, they would cook together, played mini-sticks and celebrated milestones such as birthdays and graduations. Carol valued relationships and spending quality time with family and friends was a primary source of joy for her. Carol was a woman of great character with quick wit, a warm smile, a kind heart, and gentle ways that touched many people’s lives. Carol selflessly put others needs ahead of her own, admired or her ability to listen, understand and provide unconditional love and support. Carol was admired by many, and we have so many wonderful memories of all the adventures we had throughout the years. Thank you, Carol for being the amazing woman you were, for teaching us all life lessons on how to make every moment count. Thank you for the gift of time and years spent together. Today and always, we feel blessed to have been invited into your life and we will always cherish the time and love you have given all of us.
Carol will be loved and never forgotten by her husband, Joseph of almost 53 years; son Ryan; daughter Carmen; Mitchel (dad Cory); brother-in-law Paul; sister-in-law Frances; nieces, Debbie, Karin, Candy, Wendy, Brenda, Stephanie; nephews, Miles, Brent, Brock, Keith, and many more nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Clara Viney and Joe Strachan; step-father Joe Strachan; father-in-law Armand and mother-in-law Jean; three sisters, Sharon, Irene and Bonnie; two brothers, Earl and halfbrother Ray.
May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here. Your life was our blessing, and you shall never be forgotten.
A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please give a donation to Red Cross Heart and Stroke Foundation; a charity mom contributed to monthly.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
Obituaries
BLACK PRESS - CLASSIFIEDS
R0011910011
4.00x103.0-4C
PG11 / 615595 Our dear sister Eileen Agnes Pierce passed away suddenly on the morning of Januar y 25, 2022 in a tragic automobile accident near Willow River B.C. Eileen was born in Lloydminster Saskatchewan April 24, 1961. She was the fifth of seven children born to Jack and Pauline Pierce When Eileen was five years old the family moved to the acreage on West Fraser Road in Quesnel Eileen spent her youth nestled up in the Caribou Hills and calmed on the cooling banks of the Fraser River. Eileen was well known for her candor always on the lookout for fun, action and justice. Her social ease, non-judgemental, genuine interest in people meant she was always meeting new people, forming deep personal relationships along the way. Eileen was also the one child in the family who was capable of epic tantrums if she did not get her way. Mom always gave in! Eileen was aptly named after our Scottish Grandmother Agnes Pierce they shared many of the same personality traits
As a teenager Eileen transformed into a stunningly beautiful woman, she really turned people’s heads It was at this point she quit school and star ted waitressing, first at the A&W Drive Inn and then later at the Green Leaf Restaurant. She had a dedicated group of customers for many years until the diner closed Eileen returned to school completing her grade 12 diploma. She applied and was accepted into the registered nursing program in Prince George Mid way through her studies she was unable to complete that program and opted into the Licensed Practical Nursing Program. Eileen was hired by Prince George Association for Community Living after her studies were complete It was from this work that she was returning home from at the time of her death. Eileen stood for justice and loved her work suppor ting vulnerable adults
Eileen leaves to mourn; her Mother, Pauline Siblings; Heather (David), Myrna (Terry), Rhonda (Gar y), Janet (Patrick), Guy (Charlene).
Along with thir teen nieces and nephews who she dearly loved: Amy, Andrew, April, Dylan, Eldon, Gaelen, Jessica, Miranda, Riley, Ryan, Terr y-Lynn, Thomas, and Travis
Eileen was pre deceased by her father John Henry Pierce and Brother Ritchie Ross Pierce and par tners Lorne Anderson and Don Ball.
Our family mourns the loss of Eileen. She was a daughter, sister and aunty in a family who treasured her
The best things in life are not things they are family
We love you and we miss you Pookie. Afterglow
I’d like the memor y of me
To be a happy one
I’d like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when life is done
I’d like to leave and echo
Whispering softly down the ways
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright sunny days
Carol Eva Lessard
PIERCE, Eileen Agnes
Irene Donzella (Lutes) Smith
January 26, 1951June 13, 2022
After a long struggle with health problems, Irene Donzella Smith went to be with the Lord on June 13th, 2022.
Irene was born in Moncton, New Brunswick to Fred and Lorraine Lutes. She was raised in Turtle Creek by her parents and later stepfather, Alex Elliott who have all passed on.
She will be remembered as a hard working, caring, stubborn woman, with an infectious laugh. She always wore a smile even on the hardest days, she was the type who wanted to cheer up those around her.
Irene leaves behind her beloved dog, Angel. She is survived by he son Andrew (Cathy) and children and her daughter Linda and her children as well as her grandchildren, great grandchildren and a very large extended family.
Irene requested to have her ashes laid to rest at Winter creek in Sinclair Mills.
Your pain is gone And your memory will last forever
Karen (Kari) Lee Gaddy
Karen passed away at home on June 3, 2022 after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer.
She was predeceased by her mother and father Joy & Ron Anderson.
Karen was a very strong willed person. She was passionate about softball and pool, but her main passion was helping others. She organized and ran Elves For Elders for several years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Coast Inn of the North on July 23, 2022 from 3:00 pm - 6 pm.
Yvonne Evelyn (Riggs) Eadie
1936-2022
EADIE - Yvonne Evelyn (Riggs) born November 9, 1936 in Prince George, BC, passed away June 16, 2022. Survived by her children
Chris (Jen) Standeven, James (Himeno) Standeven, Jeremy Cote, Michael (Kim) Eadie, Samantha (Justin) Hannon, Brad Cote, Jasmine Eadie; great grandchildren
Rebecca and Zachary Standeven, Shunri and Luna Standeven, Elliot and Aiden Eadie. Sisters, Maxine (Bill) Cowley, Penny (Ron) Foxcroft and Shannon (Roger) Fiset.
There will be a celebration of life, September 17, 2022 from 12pm to 4pm at the Hart Pioneer Centre - 6986 Hart Highway, Prince George BC. Yvonne loved shoes...wear your favorite pair!!
In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.
William Edward Burdett
July 25, 1939 - May 14, 2022
On May 14th, 2022 William Burdett passed away in Prince George at the age of 82 years. A memorial Service will be held at 10 AM on July 25, 2022 at Prince George Funeral Chapel, 1014 Douglas Street, Prince George, B.C. He is survived by two sisters Lila Burdett (John Butler) of Vancouver and Ellen Bateman (Ted Bateman) of Saskatchewan and by his aunt Ruby and many cousins, nieces and nephews. William is predeceased by his father Edward Burdett in 1970, his mother Edith Burdett Humphrey in 2005, and his sister Rita Burdett in 2018.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of AiMHi for their warm and loving care of William over the years. They extend a special thank you to the staff at the Prince George hospital. They also wish to thank all those who gave support, time, cards and food while William was in the hospital.
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.
It is with great sadness that her family announces the passing of Elizabeth (Betsy) Lerum. Betsy passed away suddenly at the age of 82 on June 27th, 2022 in her home. She is survived by her daughter Linda (Bernie) Pighin, son Darryl (Pam) Lerum, brothers Peter (Marg) Neukomm and Rick (Jan) Neukomm, sister-in-law Dee Neukomm, brother-in-law Hugh Readman, 5 grandchildren Shay, Brittany, Spencer, Bryhanna and Dalton, and 6 greatgrandchildren. Betsy was predeceased by her husband Dave Lerum, sisters Sue (Walter) Cummins and Heidi Readman, brother Ron Neukomm and parents Gertrude and Herman Neukomm. A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at Trinity United Church at 3555 – 5th Avenue on Monday, July 4th at 1 PM. A light lunch will be served after the celebration. The service will be live-streamed online and will be available at https://www.trinitypg.ca/pages/live-stream
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The guidance your spirit imparted to us all in your life lives on today as you continue to guide us on our journey through life.
Loved and missed each and every day and forever remembered.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
Please join our family in celebrating the life of
Joyce
Louise Nystrom
Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association, 1692-10th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3S4
“Celebration of Life”
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 of Life
Romeo Joseph Parent 1925-2022
Saturday, July 9, 2022
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
Celebration of Life
The family of Glen Richard Horning and Beatrice Leonora Horning
Welcome you to join them in sharing memories while celebrating their lives. Saturday August 13, 2022 1-5pm. Hart Pioneer Centre 6886 Hart Hwy, Prince George, British Columbia Lights snacks and beverages will be served.
photographs
TERRY PHILLIPS
Love always Mum,Dad, Chris, Luke, Andy, Julia and Elizabeth Norman.
Helena Wlasitz
1927 - 2022
Memorial Services
Memorial Services
Toys/Games/Puzzles
Notices / Nominations
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,
Business Opportunities
Established Franchise Photography Business Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years
Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work Lots of opportunity to expand the business. Transition support available to the right buyer
Serious Enquiries Only
Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business Mackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years.
Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.
Transition support available for the right buyer.
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Office (250)997-9003
Home (250)997-5538 Cell (250)990-0152
Financial Oversight Accountant
We are seek ing an experienced and highly responsible certified accountant as our Financial Oversight Accountant (FOA) to strategically oversee our organization's financial processes, business viability, oppor tunities for advancement, financial resources, and assets on a full-time basis The FOA, with keen financial oversight, shall provide professional advice on our most impor tant financial business decisions, investments, and accounting records through the application of good financial management practices Provide assistance in interpretation of finance related polices and assist with the development of depar tmental work plans
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Provide complete financial oversight and an in- depth analysis of financial positions
• Develop strategies for future growth.
• Develop, plan, design and implement processes and procedures for more efficient accounting and record-keeping as and where needed
• Examine supplier costs and overhead expenses
• Identify where cash is coming from, where it ’s being spent, and how to best manage it
• Develop replacement reser ve practices and a five -year capital projection
• Aid in developing annual budgets for each depar tment
• Work closely with the Finance Manager to implement change and monitor efficiencies.
• Assess investments and ways to manage resources more effectively.
• Examine regulations, policies, and procedures to manage daily operations
• identify root causes of problem areas, offer options to rectify them while simultaneously putting necessar y plans in place to deal with the immediate issues facing the organization.
• Evaluate financial risks and prepare financial forecasts, financing scenarios and other documents concerning capital management.
• Assess current and plan shor t and long-term cash flow forecasts and financial per formance.
• Develop monthly/annual plans for revenues and expenses
• Conduct strategic analysis and create detailed financial models
• Identify the risks and devise a plan to avoid, transfer and/or reduce such risks.
• Train and cross-train accounting staff.
• Prepare for annual audits and all works leading up to the audit.
• Provide repor ts, analysis and recommendations to the COO and Finance Manager.
Preferred Qualifications:
• CPA, MBA, CGA, CMA, or CA professional Designation.
• 10+ years’ experience in executive level financial management and fund accounting
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals and stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of Indigenous governance systems and accounting systems
• Possess a valid BC Class 5 Drivers License and acceptable Criminal Record check
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
Decker Lake Forest Products Ltd, Burns Lake BC
Heavy-Duty Equipment Technici
Job duties:
The Technician performs some or all of th following duties:
• Check wheel loaders, Forklifts and oth Heavy duty equipment for proper perf and inspect equipment to detect faults malfunctions.
• Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipme determine extent of repair required
• Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems hand and power tools
• Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work manufacturers’ specifications
• Clean, lubricate and perform other rou maintenance work on equipment
• Service attachments and working tool harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms
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
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Decker Lake Forest Products Ltd, Burns Lake BC
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
• May perform repair work on heavy trucks
• May attach components and adjust new acquired equipment.
• The Technician may also specialize in types of machinery, or in engine T
Responsibilities:
• Test repairs for proper performance and the work meets manufacturer’s specifi and legislated regulations
Sales Associates Positions Available!
• Perform daily routine maintenance on machinery and equipment including cl and lubrication
• Complete all duties in accordance with Company health and safety regulations.
• Work independently and collaboratively other members to achieve common obje
Requirements:
• Experience working with all brands of heavy-duty equipment
• Valid class 5 driver’s license
• Must have a Red Seal certification.
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At the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) our vision of ‘Service. Relationships. is all about providing a valued service, building strong relationships stakeholders, and achieving greater results for the province.
The LDB is one of two branches of government responsible for the cannabis liquor industry of B.C. We operate the wholesale distribution of beverage within the province, as well as the household retail brand of BC Liquor
We employ nearly 5,000 people in over 200 communities and have been of BC’s Top Employers 14 times over for offering exceptional places to work values of fairness and respect, work-life balance, and inclusion and diversity. believe that our people are our greatest asset. Being a reputable employer programs of skills training and professional development are what attract to BC Liquor Stores, while our progressive, forward- thinking culture employees with a growth mindset thrive.
• Repair and replace defective parts and components on all machinery, equipment, tools, and power tools.
• Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints and drawings.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Auxiliary positions are on-call, meaning hours of work are not guaranteed subject to availability. Some auxiliary employees may not initially work a week, but with more hours worked and more seniority gained, more opp more hours of work will follow.
Auxiliary positions are not permanent full-time but can lead to permanent opportunities with a very competitive total compensation package, including comprehensive pension plan, medical and dental coverage (including massage physiotherapy), tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs, and public service employee benefits including career support services, financial services, and employee and family counselling.
• 5 years’ experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical, and air brake systems.
• Must be able to take direction from super and work with minimal supervision.
• Good command of oral and written English. To apply to this position please con Justin Dechamplain Resumes can be dropped off to Decker Lake Forest Products offi 10345 Lewis Road Or emailed to
• Be at least 19 years of age
• Be able to legally work in Canada
• Be able to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects: minimum 50 lbs.
We are dedicated to the highest quality of customer service, delivered friendliness, individual pride, initiative, and retail passion! If you fit this and you are prepared to work in a fast -paced environment, we encourage apply to become a part of the Prince George area BC Liquor Stores
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following qualification requirements:
• Be able to communicate effectively and professionally with
• Be able to demonstrate aptitude for cashier and related duties, including calculations
• Have a valid Serving It Right Certificate™
• A Criminal Record Check is required.
• Be able to perform physically demanding work, including lifting 20- 25 kg boxes
BC Liquor Store Sales Associates may be required to operate a variety of and hand-operated equipment, in addition to handling large volumes of part of the LDB's recycling program.
Skilled Help
Spruce Capital Seniors is looking for a part-time cook. Please email resume to sprucecapitalseniors@shaw.ca or bring to 3701 Rainbow Dr (Basement) Monday-Thursday between 9 am - 3 pm. For more info call 250-563-6450
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.
Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with
code) and/or street and email address.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
Legal/Public Notices
WOODLOT 671
Woodlot Licence Plan
Number 150 Holdings Ltd has prepared a Woodlot Licence Plan for the tenyear period commencing in the summer of 2022. The plan is in accordance with the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation. The woodlot consists of Schedule B lands in the vicinity of Ahbau Creek and Stone Creek and Schedule A lands on Tsadestsa Creek.
In accordance with legislation this plan is available for public review and comment. The plan and detailed maps can be reviewed by appointment by calling 250-981-6430.
Writte comments should be received by July 31st, 2022.
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 17 of the Woodlot Planning and Practices Regulation, that a Woodlot Licence Plan has been prepared for Woodlot Licence #696 held by Quatro Resources Ltd. This Woodlot Licence is located west and northwest of Prince George; and west and south of Summit Lake. If approved by the Ministry of Forests, this plan may apply for a term of 10 years from the date of approval.
This Woodlot Licence Plan is available for public review and comment by from July 7, 2022 to August 15, 2022.
Any written comments on the plan should be mailed to: S. M. Forrest & Associates Ltd. , #100-466 2nd Avenue, Prince George, B.C., V2L 2Z7.
Please contact Scott Forrest, RPF, at 250-961-4880, or at sforrest@pgonline.com, to book an appointment to review and/discuss the plan.
Buying Coin Collections!
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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.
Studio or storage: tips for building a shed in your backyard
Need a place to store your gardening supplies?
Or perhaps you’d like to create a studio or office that’s separate from the rest of your home? In either case, building a shed in your backyard could be the solution. Here’s what you should do before you begin.
EVALUATE YOUR
NEEDS
If you intend to use your shed for storage, start by figuring out how big it should be. Place all the items you want to store in it on the ground and then measure the amount of space they take up. Be sure to add a few extra feet to give yourself room to move.
Will you need to store large items like a riding lawn mower or snowblower? Then choose a design with double doors. Also, be sure to include a strong floor and to install shelves and racks to help keep the space tidy.
DECIDE WHERE YOU’LL PUT IT
How you intend to use your shed should dictate where you place it. If you’ll use it to store gardening supplies, place it at the back of your yard close to your garden. But if you intend to use it every day, make sure the entrance is easy to access in all seasons.
In all cases, make sure you position your shed on flat ground and in an area that won’t flood.
GET THE NECESSARY PERMITS
Before you start building your shed, check your municipal bylaws. You may need a permit to build one on your property. Additionally, there may be stipulations regarding where you can place it.
If you’re planning to use your shed as a home office, studio or playhouse, there are other considerations to take into account. You’ll probably want windows to let in natural light and you’ll need insulation to seal the space off from the elements. An electrician will be required to safely connect your shed to a power supply.
Siding is one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior Not only does it protect the structure from the elements, it also showcases your house’s style. While you may wish your siding would last forever, it will eventuallyneedtobereplaced
Here are a few signs you need newsiding
1.Visible damage. Numerous thingscandamagesidingincludingdirt,theweatherandmoisture. If only a few panels are affected, you might be able to replacethem.Butifthedamage iswidespread,you’llneedtoreplace thewholething.
2.Peeling paint indoors. If you have water damage on your interior walls, it might mean that your siding is no longer effectively keeping moisture out of yourhome.
3.Your bills have increased. Siding plays a big part in insulating your home. If you notice a
drastic change in your bills, your siding may have an air leak. In this scenario, your heating and cooling system works extra hard to regulate your home’stemperature,whichultimately results in costlier utility bills.
4.Mould or mildew. Fungus or mould in or near the seams of your siding may indicate water infiltration.
5.It looks faded and old. Replacing your siding can drastically increase your home’s curb appeal.Amonghomerenovations, new siding has one of the highestreturnsoninvestment.
When it’s time to replace your siding,besuretotakeactionsooner rather than later The longer you wait, the more likely it becomes that other parts of your home will get damaged as a result of having deteriorated siding.
Design the perfect outdoor lounge area!
Oh,howgreatitfeelstorelaxarounda cozyfire.Doyouownanoutdoor fireplace?Perhapsyou’rethinkingof investinginone?Firstofall,makesure thatyourfireplacecomplies with your local bylaws.All set?Hereareseveral tipsfordesigningtheperfectoutdoor loungearea.
Finally,hanggarlandsoftwinklinglights inyourtrees,andlinethepathbetween yourhouseandyourloungeareawith decorativelanterns. This way, you’ll create a space that’s not only warm but also
