Prince George Citizen March 23, 2023

ON THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE LHEIDLI T’ENNEH

THURSDAY, March 23, 2023

Court delay frustrates family

The family of a man who died in police custody expressed frustration after learning court appearances for five Prince George RCMP officers facing charges from the incident have been delayed by almost two months. Arraignment hearings are now scheduled for May 2.

Cst Paul Ste-Marie and Cst Jean Francois Monette each face a count of manslaughter and Cst Arthur Dalman, Cst. Clarence (Alex) Alexander MacDonald, and Sgt Bayani (Jon) Eusebio Cruz have been charged with attempting to obstruct justice in relation to the July 18, 2017 death of Dale Culver

Debbie Pierre, a cousin of Culver’s, said the family only learned of the postponement on Saturday when a court worker contacted them

Other than to say it was in response to an application, no further reason was given.

There is a high hazard rating for two Prince George restaurants and seven others with a moderate hazard rating, according to Northern Health.

The restaurants currently rated high are Nelly’s Pub & Pizza on March 2, 2023 with critical violations of potential hazardous food storage, improper thawing and issues with sanitizing of equipment and utensils, as well as evidence of mice and overall lack of cleanliness

Salted Cracker #2 in the Hart rated high on March 2, 2023 for critical violations of potential food contamination, lack of sanitizing equipment and utensils and an employee lacked hygiene for clothing and hair control.

“It was quite shocking because I didn’t see the notification until we were here last night,” Pierre said during a press conference at the House of Ancestors

A spokesperson for the B C Prosecution Service declined to provide details on why the hearings were postponed.

“As the matters are before the court, the BCPS will not be commenting further on the reasons for the adjournment,”

Dan McLaughlin said.

The family and supporters still plan to hold a rally at the Prince George courthouse on Tuesday

Family members noted the time the

matter has taken They said it took RCMP three days to notify them of Culver’s death, three years for the Independent Investigations Office to forward its findings to the B.C. Prosecution Service and a further 2 1/2 years for charges to be approved.

“There’s something wrong here,” Culver’s mother Virginia Pierre said.

Culver died during a struggle with RCMP outside a liquor store near the corner of Central Street and 10th Avenue

Brizolla Grill rated moderate on Jan 17, with a previous rating of high on Jan. 13, 2023, for food not protected from contamination

Courtyard by Marriott rated moderate on Jan 24 for not cooling food safely, equipment and utensils not kept sanitized and no handwashing station for employees.

Famous Wok rated moderate on Jan 16 for hazardous food storage and evidence of mice and other sanitation violations in a follow up to two ratings of high hazard on Jan 6 and 9 for similar repeated offences

See EATERIES, page 3

$2.00

PRINCEGEORGECITIZEN

PGCITIZEN CA

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Virginia Pierre and Lillooet (Lily) Speed-Namox, an aunt and daughter respectively of Dale Culver, speak at a news media event at the House of Ancestors in Prince George

NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 86 of the Community Charter, Prince George City Council is proposing to seek approval of the electors of the City of Prince George by Alternative Approval Process. The question before the electors is whether they are opposed to Prince George City Council adopting the proposed “City of Prince George Equipment Financing Bylaw No. 9382, 2023” at the regular Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, without first obtaining assent of the electors by a referendum vote.

• “City of Prince George Equipment Financing Bylaw No. 9382, 2023”

The annual replacement and addition of vehicles and capital equipment are financed through the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) Equipment Financing Program. The estimated cost of the projects associated with this Bylaw is the sum of two million seven hundred and eleven thousand dollars ($2,711,000.00).

The loan agreement with the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) will be for a term no longer than fifteen (15) years to match the expected service life of the new mobile equipment. The annual debt servicing costs for borrowing the full amounts is estimated to be three hundred and forty one thousand four hundred and seven dollars ($341,407.00) and would result in 0.29% of future tax levy increases.

The approved projects from the 2023 - 2027 Capital Financial Plan that will be part of the Equipment Financing Program request include:

• #0431 – Mobile Equipment Replacement - $2,395,000

• #1283 – Drivable Hoist – Lube Bay - $65,000

• #3208 – Janitorial Equipment – Replace Floor Scrubbers - $30,000

• #3388 – Fire Srv – Rapid Deployment Tents - $51,000

• #3389 – Fire Srv – Emergency Program - New Light Fleet - $85,000

• #3390 – Fire Srv – Training Captain - New Light Fleet - $85,000

A copy of proposed Bylaw No. 9382, 2023, a more detailed summary of the Equipment Financing, and a copy of the proposed loan agreements with the Municipal Finance Authority are available for public inspection at City Hall during each business day of the week between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m

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

INSTRUCTIONS

If you are not opposed to the adoption of the above noted Bylaw, you need to do nothing.

If you are opposed to the adoption of the above noted Bylaw without the Bylaw first receiving assent of the electors by a referendum vote, you may sign and submit an Elector Response Form indicating your opposition.

A person may not sign more than one Elector Response Form.

APPLICABLE AREA

The area to which the Alternative Approval Process applies is the entire area of the City of Prince George. The municipal Council may proceed with the adoption of Bylaw No 9382, 2023 unless before the deadline of 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023, at least 10% of electors submit a complete and signed Elector Response Form indicating that Council must obtain assent of the electors by a referendum vote before proceeding with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9382, 2023.

For the purpose of this Alternative Approval Process, Council has determined that there are 55,941 registered electors in the City of Prince George. The municipal Council may therefore proceed with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9382, 2023 unless at least 5,594 electors submit a completed copy of an Elector Response Form to the City of Prince George before the deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023

RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS:

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

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

• be a Canadian citizen;

• be at least 18 years of age;

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

• live within the City of Prince George; and

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

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

• be a Canadian citizen;

• be at least 18 years of age;

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

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

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

ELECTOR RESPONSE FORM

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

The deadline for submitting an Elector Response Form is 5:00 p.m on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

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

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

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

Facsimile (fax) number: (250) 561-0183 PDF submission via email: cityclerk@princegeorge ca

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

This notice is published in accordance to section 86 and 94 of the Community Charter and City of Prince George Public Notice Bylaw No. 9329, 2022.

DATED this 10th day of February, 2023

Maureen Connelly, Corporate Officer City of Prince George

Morris stepping down as Prince George MLA

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

Prince George-Mackenzie will have a new voice in Victoria as Mike Morris is retiring as MLA.

First elected in 2013, following a 32-year career in the RCMP, the now 70-year-old Morris said it is time to “dial back” from what can be a demanding job “I don’t know if I’ve got the fire in my belly for another

four years,” he said “I think I just want to spend a little more time with family, be that granddad that I haven’t been as much as I want to be and get out in the wilderness and trap and fish and hunt and do some gardening ”

Morris said he will remain MLA until the next election is called but chose to announce his intention to step down now to give others a chance to consider whether they would like to run for the B C Liberals in his stead

“Whoever steps into the role - and I’ve had a few

people approach me already - really needs to understand exactly the demands of the job How much time is it going to take, what’s the travel like, what’s your home life like, what’s the workload like,” Morris said

The governing NDP has until October 2024 to call an election If they call a snap election, it will be up to B C Liberal leader Kevin Falcon to name a candidate but otherwise there will be a vetting process and, if more than one candidate emerges, there will be a nomination race.

Continued from page 1

Little Caesars on Central Street has a moderate rating from inspections on Feb. 13, 2023, Dec 15, 2022, Dec 3, 2022 and Nov. 4, 2022 and includes violations of hazardous food storage and evidence of mice.

Save On Foods Deli at Spruceland rated moderate on Feb 15, 2023 for potential hazardous food storage, improper equipment sanitization and overall lack of cleanliness.

Tim Horton’s on the Hart rated moderate on March 2, 2023, for potentially

hazardous food storage, improper equipment and utensil sanitization, overall lack of cleanliness and no one on site had

Foodsafe certification

White Spot rated moderate during a follow up on Feb 8, after an inspection on Feb. 6 ranked high for violations including

critical equipment and utensils not sanitized properly, a gap in the back door that may allow pests to enter, premises not maintained in sanitary condition, and premises not properly maintained with those repeated to a lesser degree during the follow up on Feb. 8.

Notice of Intent

Fort George District Road Closure

Notice is given, pursuant to Section 60(2) of the Transportation Act, that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has received an application to permanently close an unconstructed road right-of-way located approximately 14 kilometres south of Prince George, B C , near Highway 97, and consolidate it with the following adjacent lots:

• Lot 1, Block 3, District Lot 1567, Cariboo District Plan 941, except Plan PGP16630, and

• Lot 10, Block 1, District Lot 1567, Cariboo District Plan 941

A copy of the plan showing the proposed road closure can be emailed upon request.

Anyone supporting or objecting to this road closure should submit written comments to the ministry’s Fort George District office at 360 -1011 4th Avenue, Prince George, B.C., V2L 3H9, or by email to DA.FortGeorge@gov.bc.ca no later than April 9, 2023.

For more information, or to request a copy of the plan, please contact the ministry’s Fort George office at 250 565-4410 or at DA.FortGeorge@gov.bc.ca

Legal battle continues over gravel quarry

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A long-running dispute between the City of Prince George and the operator of a local gravel quarry could be nearing an end but some legal wrangling remains

A brief hearing is scheduled for April 10 at the Prince George courthouse to consider an order that would prevent the city from regulating the activities of Rock’n’Roll Aggregates Ltd and Rolling Mix Concrete (B C ) Ltd in relation to an operation southwest of the intersection of North Nechako Road and Foothills Boulevard.

If endorsed, the operation would remain subject to any restrictions imposed pursuant to a permit issued by the provincial government under the B.C. Mines Act

The sides have been at odds since October 2020, when the city issued a stop work order after finding the operation had allegedly encroached on a 100-metre setback from land zoned for residential

use as set out under the city’s soil removal bylaw.

A site plan submitted to the provincial government as part of securing the permit under the Mines Act shows a 50-metre buffer from residential areas along the west and north sides and a 10-metre setback along the south and southwest boundaries

The city is seeking some rewording of the order as proposed by Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix that remains within the spirit of what they are seeking but also a deletion of a declaration that the provincial government has “exclusive jurisdiction over all activities authorized by a mining permit.”

Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix have also been seeking more than $500,000 in alleged damages related to the shutdown and additional costs to resume the operation John Paolucci is president of both businesses.

Victoria lawyer Jeff Locke took over as counsel for the city on the matter in April 2022 Roy Stewart remains counsel for Rock’n’Roll and Rolling Mix.

Info change questioned

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

A change to the city’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw has Coun. Brian Skakun concerned about conflicts of interest.

City council has designated the city manager as the person in charge of managing freedom of information instead of the general manager of administrative services

In addition, the amended bylaw adds the manager of legislative services as a second coordinator, alongside the supervisor of information and privacy

“The challenge I have is a lot of

organizations have dedicated people (to administer the act) ” Skakun said “But I think having the city manager do it, he or she can be put in a very difficult position by having to serve two masters. If there is some politicaly-charged FOIs or documents that might come out, or if there is things that might come out in an FOI where their might be staffing issues… it is a very difficult position to be in ”

However, Skakun said he would support the bylaw because the update was “long overdue ” Coun Trudy Klassen said she would be supporting the change, “because I think it is essential our public is able to trust our FOI system ”

Struggle with police earns man more jailtime

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A man who was at the centre of a struggle with police at the Prince George RCMP detachment has been sentenced to a further 48 days in jail.

Ryan Patrick Beaulieu was issued the term on a count of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon He was also sentenced to two years probation, issued a lifetime firearms prohibition and ordered to provide a DNA sample

Beaulieu had remained in custody since the July 11, 2022 incident - a total of 240 days

At the time, police said RCMP were called to a report of a theft in the area of 15th Avenue and Victoria Street Police located a suspect - Beaulieu’s name was not provided - a short distance away and arrested the man, who was found to be in possession of a firearm and had an outstanding arrest warrant

He was taken to the detachment cells where, while being booked in, “a physical altercation occurred during

Night club trial to be heard in

A judge has turned down a request to have a trial for a Prince George nightclub fighting two pandemic-era tickets heard in French.

Representing the owner of Lambda

Cabaret, now known as Club 1177, lawyer Saron Gebresellassi was seeking the step because an expert she plans to have testify speaks only French Provincial Court Judge Martin Nadon

which bear spray was discharged and a police officer discharged their service pistol ”

One officer received minor injuries and the suspect was also injured in the altercation and received medical attention, police said In a letter to the Citizen, Beaulieu said he suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and complained of poor medical treatment while in custody.

The Independent Investigations Office opened a file on the day of the incident. The investigation “remains open and in progress,” an IIO spokesperson said

English

found the proviso, as set out in the Criminal Code, applies only to the accused and only if that person can provide instruction to counsel in that language “The fact of the matter is, it’s an

organization of one,” Nadon said and went on to note that during submissions on the matter, Gebresellassi conceded that club owner Linda Allen does not speak French.

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City plans to centralize homeless campers

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

The City of Prince George is working on an implementation strategy to centralize homeless campers in the city at the Lower Patricia encampment – named Moccasin Flats by residents.

City council gave the first three readings to an amendment to the city’s Parks and Open Spaces to designate Moccasin Flats as the only public space in the city where overnight camping is allowed

“Until final reading and adoption, the city will not be taking any action,” a city spokesperson said in an email “Council directed staff through a resolution to return with a report on security and policing implications at the central site and around the Millar Addition Furthermore, a strategy is presently under development that will address many key topics associated with this centralization model. This strategy will be presented at a future council meeting ”

The city does not intend to provide any services to residents at the Moccasin Flats site

“At this time, there are no plans for the city to provide camp management services as this is outside of municipal government responsibility and expertise,” the spokesperson said

Reports on how the city plans to implement a strategy to centralize homeless campers in the city at the Lower Patricia encampment, called Moccasin Flats by residents, will be back before city council on April 12

If the bylaw receives final approval, it would functionally allow the site to prohibit camping in other locations around the city, including the encampment in Millennium Park at First Avenue and George Street, city

director of public safety Adam Davey said

“This will very much be a wack-a-mole situation, and bylaws are complaint driven,” Davey said “Cleaning up Millenium Park will be a massive undertaking.”

The Moccasin Flats site is protected by a court order, and must be allowed to remain until there is sufficient housing for every inhabitant, Davey said, a situation he considered unlikely.

The city intends to take a “passive management” approach to the camp, he said, and not provide services such as washrooms or attempt to manage where shelters are built within the site.

“Based on the experience of other cities If we start moving towards active management, we are likely going to be taking on an unmanageable problem,” Davey said “There probably will be lots of unintended consequences of a centralized model ”

Prince George RCMP Supt Shaun Wright said the RCMP have allocated some of the resources dedicated to downtown patrols to include the Millar Addition area as well.

“We spend a lot of time in that area, and can continue to do so,” Wright said. “We do have capacity to provide adequate policing to that area ”

‘IT’S

JUST NOT WORKING’

On July 11, 2022, the previous city council rejected a similar proposal. However, many councillors who voted against the centralized model last year spoke in favour of it this year.

“I supported decentralization I thought it would have a lower impact, but it didn’t,” Coun. Kyle Sampson said. “I don’t like the location It has a great impact on a residential neighbourhood, it has a great impact on a light industrial neighbourhood ”

The Lower Patricia encampment is also a bad location for the residents of the encampment, and is a long walk from services at places like the Prince George Native Friendship Centre and St. Vincent du Paul, he added.

“We know with the encampment there, it is going to stay there,” Coun. Brian Skakun said. “One way or another, it’s going to be there for a couple of years I don’t know if BC Housing is ever going to be able to provide enough housing ”

Coun. Ron Polillo said it is a difficult decision to make, but that’s what city council was elected to do

“This is the first step in a broader strategy,” Polillo said “I guess time will tell if this was the right decision ” Coun Susan Scott said she still holds out hope for a better solution, but “until we take this step, we can’t get to the next step ”

Coun Cori Ramsay said as a Millar Addition resident herself, she knows the fear and concerns this will bring for area residents.

“I had my mountain bike stolen just living in my neighbouhood. My heart goes out to the residents of the Millar Addition This proximity to the encampment takes a toll on them,” Ramsay said. “There is no perfect solution…. (But) I can’t, in good conscious, continue the status quo It’s just not working.”

Mayor Simon Yu said he is determined to ensure the situation is a temporary one, for all the residents of Prince George

He vowed to speak to neighbouring Millar Addition residents personally, as well as visit the encampment site to speak with residents.

“These are citizens of Prince George as well,” Yu said “These are our brothers and sisters This is a temporary measure ”

Advocate blasts city

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

Federal Housing Advocate MarieJosée Houle publicly condemned the City of Prince George’s plan to concentrate homeless campers in the city at the Lower Patricia encampment, named Moccasin Flats by residents.

In a series of tweets, Houle called on the city to abandon a plan to designate Moccasin Flats as the only public place overnight camping is allowed, allowing the city to remove people from other locations, including an encampment in Millennium Park.

“I am deeply concerned to hear about the city of Prince George’s dangerous plan to create a centralized, police-monitored homeless encampment at #MoccasinFlats The proposed plan will violate Indigenous rights and the human rights of people experiencing homelessness,” Houle tweeted “Forced, prison-like settings for people experiencing homelessness have no place in Canada ”

All levels of government have obligations to promote and protect the human rights of encampment residents, she added, as set out in the National Protocol for Homeless Encampments in Canada.

“When I visited Moccasin Flats in

August and spoke with residents, many of the conversations here were around the lack of promised amenities for the encampment, personal safety and the failures to follow up on the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. These concerns must be addressed,” Houle tweeted “The city and province must take urgent action to ensure that the basic needs of people experiencing homelessness are being met, including sanitation, drinking water, heat, cooling, electricity, harm reduction, health and community services, safety, and more.”

Solutions to the city’s encampment and social issues should come through meaningful consultation with the city’s homeless population, and the groups that advocate on their behalf, Houle added, not be unilaterally forced upon them by the city

Houle was named Canada’s first Federal Housing Advocate in February 2022, following the adoption of the National Housing Strategy Act in June 2019 Her office is part of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. In February this year, her office launched a national review of encampments and human rights violations of residents

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

The east end of the Lower Patricia encampment, called Moccasin Flats by residents, is seen on Thursday, March 9

Something doesn’t smell right at city hall

Canadians are a positive bunch. We tend to assure ourselves the gangrene-stricken beast of rotten government is nothing to worry about. Best to point out its coat of fur still looks good Its teeth are still sound

And so we give it the courage and confidence to stumble along in its wounded state of mediocrity, with no end to its misery in sight.

Take the parkade debacle, where city administration spent tens of millions of dollars to effectively subsidize a private development without city council or the public knowing about it

Or selling public land.

The city sold city-owned land at 4500 Ospika Blvd. to a Vancouver developer behind closed doors and with no notification until the sale was complete. We only found out about the below-market $500,000 sale price through a local

HE BACK TORY MES STEIDLE

resident’s Freedom of Information request That was against the law, it turns out, and the city chalked that up to “staff error ” We now advertise public land sales. But I think “simple error” is a slight understatement

In the same example, the city administration changed the contract without bringing it to city council, absolving us of the ability to buy this land back if things went wrong. Now the developer is saying they can’t build the student housing as they promised. Yet they still sit on a mud pit, formerly a sensitive bit of public forest. The difference being it is now

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THANK POLICE OFFICERS

Canadians are known for being fair and kind That reputation is generally deserved and reflected all across Canada. So when did so many start accepting opinions as facts? When people scroll their social media, reading only sensationalized headlines and accepting them as a truth without reading further, we lose both our fairness and kindness.

A too-common narrative right now, rather than waiting for a thorough and transparent investigation or facts, is to judge and vilify our Prince George RCMP officers in a court of public opinion This not only hurts these RCMP members and their families, but others unjustly lose respect for police as well and community safety is put at risk.

Last week, two police officers were murdered in Edmonton, doing exactly what Prince George members do every day: showing up where someone needs help, putting their life on the line for you In the last three months of 2022, we saw five police officers murdered They all showed

up for their shift that day; all went out to serve their community.

Prince George RCMP members leave their children, wives, husbands, showing up each day to protect people in your community. Their goal, a goal that no other profession faces, is to not be murdered on their shift and to come home to their family Yes, there are other dangerous jobs: firefighting, logging, underwater welders among many But they are not being purposefully murdered.

The brave and hardworking women and men of the Prince George RCMP understand these risks, and yet continue to show up for you ever day Recently, they’ve been the subject of presumptive headlines, irate phone calls, name-calling on the street, and other abuse. Police are people, too They have feelings, hearts, and care deeply about others. Deeply enough to keep showing up to serve in difficult circumstances.

I know that many who read this support the police as well as the importance of fairness and will agree with me If you do,

upzoned, assessed at $3.5 million dollars, and is no longer ours

Giving secretive freebees to developers works OK, but it works better if you also undercut local media and its ability to tell the story The city used to spend more than $100,000 a year buying newspaper ads that kept us informed and supported local journalism That funding, and the accountability it paid for, was eliminated last year

I don’t think I’m alone in thinking this wasn’t done to protect our democratic institutions, which depends on a functional free press

I could go on, but it seems this kind of stuff is not specific to Prince George This is a deep cultural issue caused by years of corporate and elite influence telling us we can’t trust government.

Margaret Thatcher popularized this concept and its greatest feat was to

gradually create a treacherous managerial class within parts of government that not only believes this, but which behaves in ways to increase our lack of trust

Ron Swanson, a TV character whose goal is to undermine and ultimately destroy the parks department he runs in Parks and Recreation, is not just a laughable fictional character His character resonates because it is disturbingly real. It is an entire philosophy of governance; cripple democratic collective action by negligence, incompetence, or active sabotage, to the point we give up on it.

We must not

The alternative is to one day be left with a public commons that is nothing but a carcass for unaccountable hedge fund and private equity scavengers to pick off and privatize, just like BC Rail, once and for all

James Steidle is a Prince George writer

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

please show your appreciation Thank your local RCMP members. Wave to them Even just a smile means a lot When dealing with people in crisis day in and day out some of whom are having the worst days of their lives a smile or kind word from a stranger can be the highlight of a police officer’s day. For those of you who don’t agree, and don’t appreciate police, these hard-working and highly trained women and men will still come and help you when you call 911.

I am an RCMP officer, currently serving as a board director for the National Police Federation I have spent years working frontline policing I have feared for my life at work on several occasions. I have kissed my daughters’ foreheads leaving for work thousands of days and nights, each time hoping it wouldn’t be the last time I got to do so. I have also received a smile from a stranger that kept me going

Please respect these brave men and women who serve your community wholeheartedly. I unequivocally stand behind the Members who are currently

serving your community, and you should too.

Chris Voller, Director, Pacific-North Region, National Police Federation

THANKS FOR GIVING UP

For the record, I live near the Lower Patricia encampment. Wrong decision, Prince George city council Again, you are just enabling, rather than dealing with the issue I hope you remember this come election time because I will remember every member of city council who voted in favour of this huge mistake and abdication of duties You have chosen homeless rights over taxpaying citizens I truly hope other residents of our area and great city remember city council’s absolute and complete failure and abdication of their duties and obligations to us and vote everyone who voted for this choice of enablement out

Thanks for giving up on us in the area and the city as a whole and allowing more decay in our once great city.

John Todoff, Prince George

PUBLISHER 250-960-2757 carmstrong@pgcitizen.ca

READER

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DEEPLY CONCERNED

Re: Prince George parents call for school board transparency School support workers in School District 57 join parents and our teacher colleagues in expressing concerns with the firing of superintendent Cindy Heitman and the departures of school trustees Gillian Burnett and Betty Bekkering Prince George will miss their leadership in our public education system Their departures have left school support workers deeply concerned and disappointed School support workers are proud of the work they do in and outside of Prince George classrooms. But the continuing instability of the school board and revolving door of superintendents are an unnecessary and troubling distraction from what matters most – delivering the services families depend on for our students to succeed.

We look forward to working with interim superintendent Pam Spooner to limit the impact these disruptions have on students But the greater issue remains – our community needs and deserves stable, transparent, and accountable leadership from our elected trustees working together to strengthen our public schools.

Paula Bass is president of CUPE 3742, representing inside school support workers

Brian Larsen is president of CUPE 4991, representing K-12 school maintenance and grounds workers

STUDENT SAFETY

To feel seen, to feel accepted, to feel safe and supported: These are the basic conditions that every student in Prince George deserves when they are at school

This is also what is at stake when debates about school resources that meet BC Human Rights Code standards and are explicitly supported by the Ministry of Education and Childcare devolve into derogatory misinformation

We understand that parents and guardians simply want the best for their children as teachers, that’s what we want too It’s okay to ask questions; it’s okay to express concern

However, public discourse must also be held to a certain standard of civility and centered in accurate information for it to be constructive Recently, a member of the public was thanked at a Prince George school board meeting for his “great courage” in making a comment that included inaccurate claims of rising abuse by teachers and “confusion” among children about their gender By failing to uphold that standard of civility and accuracy that we as teachers, employees, and parents expect, the board representative reinforced false narratives about inclusive sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) school resources and undermined the professionalism of educators the district’s own employees

SOGI-inclusive education is about treating everyone with dignity and

respect It’s a small step toward creating a kinder world by reflecting the natural diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity among us It is a recognition that all students deserve to see themselves and their families reflected in lessons, language, and practices not just those who fit within outdated stereotypes

Despite significant progress, discriminatory rhetoric has continued to echo in some school districts and in campaigns by some school trustees and trustee candidates across B.C. It’s our duty to stand up against it and show our LGBTQ2S+ community members they are valued.

No student should be excluded or bullied because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression

Homophobic and transphobic voices may be loud, but they are the minority The weight of the B.C. public education system, and the professionals within it, stands behind inclusive education.

In 2016, the BC Human Rights Code was amended to ensure gender identity and expression are protected under the code, and school districts have the duty to enforce that

In September, the Ministry of Education and Childcare and organizations representing trustees, superintendents, principals, support staff, parents, and First Nations issued a joint statement in support of SOGI resources. All 60 school districts, as well as independent and First Nations schools, have SOGI-inclusive codes of conduct and policies in place

Education is key. These situations can be difficult, and we believe that with training, school boards, trustees, and other leaders can better identify what qualifies as fair comment and what is misinformation that may harm their LGBTQ2S+ students and employees and should be interrupted and corrected

At the end of the day, we are all responsible for creating K–12 environments where students feel safe to be fully and completely themselves

Clint Johnston is president of the BC Teachers’ Federation Daryl Beauregard is president of the Prince George District Teachers’ Association

PARENTS OUT OF LINE

The District Parent Advisory Councils (DPAC) recent press release detailing their opposition to the removal of the former SD57 superintendent is disappointing as a parent who has been involved with DPAC in the past.

DPAC’s number one purpose according to their own bylaws is “to be the collective voice of parents in the district” yet their position on opposing the firing of the district superintendent was not one the DPAC executive officially talked to PACs in the district about, nor did they bother to ask parents for their input before issuing the press release

Instead, a seemingly political statement highlighting the resumes of the superintendent and 2 trustees, one of which was part of the DPAC executive last year, was

released claiming DPAC is speaking on behalf of the majority of parents in the district, when in reality DPAC’s position was made behind closed doors among a small handful of executive members

It is really unfortunate that the DPAC executive claims in their press release they want stability but seem to be doing the opposite by rushing to join the four former trustees in an attempt to seemingly create maximum instability in hopes that the Ministry of Education will intervene and dissolve the SD 57 Board of Trustees and save the former superintendent’s job. Even if it means potentially violating their own bylaws and taking away the district’s focus on important issues like reading levels

With such a close past working relationship with the former trustee Gillian Burnett, the current DPAC executive should have stopped to think that they may need to ensure they are acting as a collective voice to insulate DPAC from calls that they are playing politics which is also against their bylaws I guess they just weren’t experienced enough to realize they should actually ask parents what they thought before pretending that they were speaking as a collective voice. I am pretty sure former trustee Burnett did not take on the role of being the board rep at DPAC meetings so that she could have separation from her past role to avoid the perception of bias yet the DPAC actions in releasing this press release only serves to highlight that connection That is why organizations have bylaws!

Maybe since DPAC recently presented to the board of trustees that the silent majority of parents want the district to focus on a new logo and didn’t get much pushback from parents that the DPAC executive decided it was ok not speak to parents or PACs about the superintendent being fired. Instead, the DPAC exec pushes their own narrative of events surrounding the superintendent firing before parents and PACs could give input DPAC didn’t even bother to send the press release out to PACs and parents in School District 57 until well after the story was published in the Citizen DPAC 57 doesn’t historically endorse or criticize candidates when they are running for office so why are they picking sides and endorsing former trustees and superintendents when they are no longer in that position?

DPAC’s precedence for avoiding political interference in the past has been so strong that they did not release statements in opposition to trustee candidates when potential 2021 trustee candidate Stuart Parker invited anti-trans activist Chris Elston to a campaign launch event.

In that same election, 2021 trustee candidate Milton Mahoney also made hurtful remarks claiming “I do not believe reconciliation belongs within the district of schools” and DPAC yet again avoided making a statement before or even after Mahoney was elected to council condemning his comments to avoid a perception of political bias The current

board chair Rachael Weber, who is one of the trustees who seems to be given no room for making errors in learning the role as a chair as seen in the post reaction to her first public board meeting, which I hope is not related to her gender, was very vocal that Mahoney’s comments in 2021 were unacceptable and questioned publicly whether he even read the school act while DPAC said nothing because they were following their bylaws.

I voted for former trustees Burnett and Betty Beckering for their experience and still believe they are very knowledgeable and beneficial people to have on a board. Yet, when decisions were made by a vote that they disagreed with they decided to resign in a seemingly Hail Mary political power move to convince the BC Education Minister to dissolve the board I still see board members currently being thrown under the bus that have experience working within the district that seem to want to make changes but are being put down by DPAC and others because they want to do things differently At least the remaining trustees are willing to work through problems and not quit when the going gets tough

I agree former superintendent Cindy Heitmen was a very nice person to work with and she did some exceptionally good things, including most recently agreeing to start up District Literacy Nights to help parents teach their children to read when reading books to children as a result of feedback I provided at the last DPAC meeting. However, I think debating the personal qualities and accomplishments of any district employee related to a dismissal should not be done in public and I hope that it is a position the Northern Central Labor Council still holds and one that maybe the DPAC exec will come to see as important

Richard Parks, Prince George

STOP BYLAW MADNESS

City hall needs to stop enacting bylaws that won’t survive a court challenge

The proposed bylaw designating only one location for overnight “sheltering” is not well thought out The first time it is applied to someone tenting overnight in any park in town, an advocate/human rights group will go to court and win

Imagine forcing a homeless person from the Hart Highway area to make his/ her way downtown to an unsafe site to “shelter” overnight The semi-permanent encampment at Millennium Park can be removed with existing rules/bylaws/laws Giving “permission” to the persons at that encampment to move to Moccasin Flats will guarantee they never have to leave, even though the existing rules only allow “sheltering” overnight.

The city’s actions at Moccasin Flats have annoyed the courts/judges enough. Enforce the “overnight sheltering only” rule at Millennium Park Do not tell them where they can set up encampments Encampments are illegal

Mike Riemer, Prince George

Former trustee describes dysfunctional board

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Welcome to Mud Season

Former school board trustee Betty Bekkering said she is heartbroken to have stepped down from her role, but says she just couldn’t do it anymore.

Bekkering announced her resignation from the School District 57 board last week, following the resignation of fellow trustee Gillian Burnett and the departure of Superintendent Cindy Heitman

In a resignation letter, Burnett said, “this is a dysfunctional board that has no understanding of the role of trustees or good governance, and I cannot be associated with their actions ”

Bekkering explained the board has been divisive since its inaugural meeting in November, 2022. At that meeting, Bekkering was nominated for chair but was ultimately defeated by Rachael Weber, who at that time had only six months experience as a trustee.

Bekkering described the board as ideologically split between herself, Bob Thomson, Gillian Burnett on one side and Weber, Corey Antrim, Erica McLean and Craig Brennan, on the other

“It was just at the swearing in ceremony, you just don’t think it’s going to

continue,” said Bekkering. “But they didn’t seem interested in learning what the role of the trustee was. They really wanted to concentrate on operations of the school district, which is the jurisdiction of the superintendent They didn’t seem interested in governance.”

She said she thinks of herself as an ethical person and could not continue in her position

Bekkering said she could not comment on the departure of Superintendent Cindy Heitman, whose exit was announced following an in-camera meeting of the board, but added that Heitman was exemplary in her role.

She praised her leadership through the pandemic and in developing the districts new strategic plan

“She had a lot of responsibility, and she carries it off so well We were just so happy with her work.”

Although Weber has released a statement regarding Bekkering and Burnett’s departures, she had not accepted any requests for an interview from the Citizen since she was elected chair

Bekkering said she thinks that silence is unforgivable as policy states the superintendent or board chair must act as spokesperson for the district

Passenger recounts Flair Airlines frustrations

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Dale Kuhn knew there was some risk involved when he booked a trip from Prince George to Tucson on Flair Airlines.

With only one weekly flight offered by the discount airline he knew it was possible his winter escape to the warmth of Arizona in early February could mean trouble if anything happened to that jet and it was unable to make the return trip back to Canada.

Kuhn’s worst fears were confirmed on Feb. 10 when he arrived at Tucson Airport expecting to board that plane He and his wife were informed ahead of time the fight was delayed and they got to the airport about 10 a m that day By 10 p m when the terminal closed, the problem still wasn’t fixed and they would have to spend the rest of the night in a hotel room

“We got talking to the local people who work in the airport and that Flair plane had been sitting on the tarmac since Tuesday, not operational, and this was Friday, and of course they don’t tell you that,” said Kuhn. “A maintenance guy came in and said they were working on the plane and finally when the airport closed they said the flight’s cancelled and you have to go We’d been there for 12

hours ”

The Flair staff in Tucson were unable to determine when the next flight would happen and forwarded a phone number for Kuhn to call. He did that and the agent apologized but offered no solution other than to offer to book him and his wife on the next available flight He said Flair provided no guarantee that flight would be the following Friday, the next scheduled flight back to Prince George

The airline offered a list of hotels they could stay in and meal vouchers, but passengers were required to check out of their rooms each day at 11 a m and could not return until after they received another hotel voucher early that afternoon, and not necessarily in the same hotel

What maddened Kuhn was Flair failed to send another plane to pick up either the Prince George-bound passengers or

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those hoping to get back on the weekly flight to Fort McMurray that Sunday. He and his wife inquired about boarding a Flair flight from Tucson to Edmonton but were put on hold and got nowhere with that option and ultimately booked an Air Canada flight back to Prince George later that Sunday, which cost them $2,000

“We were travelling with a bunch of people we knew and this young couple with two kids had to both be at work Monday morning in Dawson Creek and they could not afford to spend $4,000 to fly home, so they rented a car,” said Kuhn. “Tucson is near the Mexican border and this was at 10 o’clock Friday night and they were going to drive all the way to Dawson Creek.”

Kuhn said he never received any meal vouchers after sending Flair his receipts but after initially refusing to refund any of their flight costs Kuhn said Flair agreed to give him back the $280 cost for each of their return flights. Flair travelers are eligible for $500 refunds due to a cancellation unless it is due to a maintenance/ safety issue, which Kuhn says gets them off the hook

“According to the maintenance staff, it was toilet that wasn’t working,” said Kuhn “We all promised to go to the bathroom before we got on but that wasn’t helping ”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Flair Airlines introduced its weekly flights from Prince George to Tucson on Dec 2 The flights run for the last time of the season this week.

Join our Foster Caregiver Community!

There are children and youth in your community who need temporary, nurturing homes. We have an urgent need for foster caregivers who are:

• First Nations, Metis, Inuit

• Interested in providing care for sibling groups

• Passionate about engaging and caring for youth

• Interested in supporting children and youth who identify as LGBTQ2S+

• Skilled in caring for children and youth with complex support needs

• Interested in providing weekend respite care for children and youth

If you are interested in becoming a foster caregiver, please call 1 250-785-6021, extension 221 or visit FosterNow.ca to learn more.

Mind Your Business

BRIDGE REPAIRS

Motorists and bus passengers who rely on city transit to get around town should be advised that Ferry Avenue will be closed on Saturday to allow for overhead construction on the Simon Fraser Bridge Ruskin Construction, the general contractor on the project to repair the bridge at Highway 97 where it crosses the Fraser River, has issued a notice to inform the public the closure will be in effect starting at 5:30 a m on March 25 and will last for 24 hours.

Two city bus routes, No 46 and No 47, will be rerouted to avoid the closure Ruskin has submitted the pending closure proposals, subject to review by the City of Prince George, PG Transit and BC Transit

Signage and traffic control devices will be in place to warn drivers of the closure

DOCTOR AWARD

Prince George’s Dr. Bill Clifford has won an award for leadership from the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council.

Dr Clifford is a retired chief medical information officer whose work is still impacting heath care across the province

He moved to Prince George in 1989, and in 1990 launched an electronic medical record system called the Medical Office Information System, a user-friendly technology that physicians across B C use to improve patient care

He’s been described by colleagues as a visionary leader, innovator, mentor, genius and one half physician, one half IT techie.

The BC Quality Awards, presented by the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council, recognizes the people and projects that have improved the quality of care in British Columbia

Winners are awarded a $2,500 sponsorship to help support and disseminate learning from their projects or to support ongoing learning and development

SOCIAL WORKER AWARD

Heather Lamb of Prince George is the winner of the 2023 Canadian Association of Social Workers Award (BC) for her exemplary service to others and her community

Lamb works for Spinal Cord Injury BC and has dedicated personal and professional time to fighting for a more accessible society for people with disabilities Her personal and family experience with disability, fuels her passion for addressing ableism in society. She provides case management and counselling services to individuals with spinal cord injury or related disabilities, and she addresses systemic inequalities through her advocacy efforts

“Heather Lamb is an exceptional and compassionate social worker who has made significant contributions improving the lives of British Columbians and it is our pleasure to recognize her with this awards,” Michael Crawford, President of the BC Association of Social Workers, said in a release.

SENIORS PROGRAM

If you’re an older adult looking for motivation to become more physically active there’s a program that could help make that happen.

Choose to Move Spring Session is at the Prince George YMCA on Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p m and it’s free

The science-based program can help get participants into the habit of including physical activity into their daily routine in ways that makes sense to them

Participants will work with a trained activity coach to develop and stick to a plan geared for them by allowing participants to choose the activities they know they will enjoy and are able to do There’s also the perk of joining the group to share successes and challenges

The Choose to Move program is an initiative created by the Active Aging Society developed by the Active Aging research team at the university of British Columbia, with funding by the province. Since its creation Choose to Move has been delivered in partnerships with many organizations in more than 65 BC communities that saw thousands of seniors participating Sessions take place every Thursday until June 1 Choose to Move participants in Prince George receive a complementary three-month YMCA membership and an abundance of great resources created by the Active Aging Research team To learn more about the program and to register contact Lisa at 778-281-0694.

TOY EXPO COMING

Prince George’s first ever toy expo is coming next month.

Owners of Collectoverse Toys Matt Walker and Berlynn MacPherson are planning the Northern B C Toy Expo which will take place on April 1 and 2.

“In Ontario, Victoria, Vancouver, they have toy fairs and I thought why don’t we have that? Nobody’s doing it So, we did,” said Walker.

The event will feature a variety of toys and collectibles including vintage, retro and modern toys as well as handmade wooden toys, games, comic books, video games and even food trucks

Walker and MacPherson had a physical location for their store for a year-and-ahalf but recently closed to move back to online only model, which allowed them the time of focus on planning the expo

“We wanted to plan this basically the whole time,” said MacPherson

“When we closed the storefront and went online, it was our main focus was to get this happening, so we’re super, super stoked that we’re doing it ”

Confirmed vendors, updates and more information will be shared through the Northern Toy Expo Facebook page. It will take place on April 1 and 2 from 11 a m until 5 p m at the Kinsmen Community Complex at 777 Kinsmen Place, with early entry beginning at 10:30 a m Entry is $5 cash but kids under 12 are free, and early bird entry for those who want first dibs is $10.

More time behind bars for driver

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

A Surrey man has been sentenced to a further 10 months and 20 days in jail for a high-speed rollover on the outskirts of Prince George that left his then-girlfriend with serious and long-lasting injuries and then attempting a pair of carjackings in an effort to get away from police.

Farbn Marvin Japow, 21, was also prohibited from driving for two years once out of custody for the Oct 15, 2022 escapade that began shortly after 3 p.m. at the Econo Lodge Motel at Victoria Street and Ninth Avenue in downtown Prince George where an onlooker called 911 to report a woman screaming for help and trying to get out of a car

However, she remained inside and the car took off

A second person at Quebec Street and First Avenue reported it heading east at a high speed with a woman screaming from the passenger seat

About 15 minutes after the initial call, the rollover was reported at a construction site on Boundary Road and just east of Highway 97 South

The woman was ejected from the car and found about 10 metres away

She was later airlifted to hospital in Vancouver with internal injuries and

several broken bones, including to her spine, the outcome of which is expected to be long-lasting

Data extracted from the vehicle’s onboard computer showed Japow had hit a speed of 177 km/h seconds before the crash

The crash scene was also littered with an estimated $4,000 in $20 and $50 bills and a scale and a small amount of cocaine were found inside the car, which had been rented under the name of another person

Japow initially attempted to steal a water truck at the scene, but the driver pulled him out of the cab

He then pulled a knife and attempted to take another vehicle at the scene before somehow ending up in the back seat of a third vehicle after its driver stopped to help.

Japow first asked the unwitting driver to take him to hospital but got out back at the motel

When RCMP showed up, he was found with his beard shaved off and head

partially shaved in an apparent attempt to hide his identity.

Japow has remained in custody since then

The court was told Japow hails from Surrey and had driven up to Prince George with the woman to “get away” following the recent deaths of his father and a grandmother

In a bad emotional state and addicted to opioids as the result of a back injury suffered during a collision when he was a boy, Japow was “high” at the time of the incident and had sought to get back to the motel to consume more drugs and prevent withdrawal symptoms, the court also heard

As for the cash, it was suggested a relative provided part of the amount to Japow to pay for the couple’s stay in Prince George

It was also suggested the cash was the result of the woman’s successful eye lash extension business

However, the money remains subject to a civil forfeiture proceeding, the court was told

Japow pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and assault

A count of unlawful confinement was dropped after the woman refused to testify against him and asserted she was screaming as a way to distract Japow and only after he had attempted to help her out of the vehicle before deciding to take off However, as a condition of a two-year probation also included in his sentence, Japow is prohibited from contacting the woman.

Prior to sentencing, Japow apologized for his actions and said he was sorry for what happened to the woman It also appears he has cleaned up during the time he has been in custody where he is taking suboxone to avoid withdrawal symptoms

In all, Japow was sentenced to 18 months in jail less credit of 7 months 10 days for time served prior to sentencing. The sentence came largely in the form of a joint submission from Crown and defence counsels

However, the length of the driving prohibition was contested with defence counsel seeking 18 months and Crown arguing for two years

In the end, Provincial Court Judge Michael Brecknell sided with two years, noting the high speed and the consequences for the woman

RV storage facility planned for Otway Road

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

An open-sided, cold storage facility with 100 bays for RVs is planned along Otway Road.

City council approved third reading of a bylaw to amend the Official Community Plan and rezone a 1 7-hectare (4 3 acre) section of 6172 Otway Rd. to facilitate the development A spokesperson for developer Western Star Ventures Ltd. said a berm is planned as part of development to help mitigate noise for residents on the other side of the Nechako River

During a public hearing, city council heard concerns about the impact of the project on the riparian area along the river and the city’s aquifer, which is located near the proposed site.

“These riparian areas are really critical for the city,”

lots right up to the river If anything, we should be rehabilitating where the city’s water comes from.”

I’m not comfortable moving ahead right now”

James Stiedle said. “It gets a little depressing when you hit Prince George and you have parking

In a letter, Riverview Road resident Kathleen Haines opposed the rezoning.

“We as residents have never supported light industrial or heavy industrial on the other side of the river,” Haines wrote “It is a shame to see such a lovely river

valley used for this purpose and residential zoning is our preferred use.”

Council was divided on the issue, with Coun. Trudy Klassen and Mayor Simon Yu opposing the rezoning

“One hundred RVs will take a pretty big site,” Yu said “I’m not comfortable moving ahead right now.”

Coun Brian Skakun said he feels comfortable that any issues regarding the site can be managed

“There is definitely a need for this,” he said “The closest place where you can store an RV is 15 km past Salmon Valley, and it is full ”

Seniors housing project going to public hearing

ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff

The public will have a chance to have their say to city council regarding a $90 million, six-storey, 114unit seniors housing facility proposed at the southwest corner of Freeman Park.

New Essence Health Care Management Services Ltd. is seeking an Official Community Plan amendment and rezoning to facilitate the highrise development at 2940 14th Ave

City council approved the first two readings of the bylaws last week, advancing the project to a public

consultation and public hearing, before council will make their final decision on the rezoning and OCP amendment

City administration recommended that council reject the project, because it doesn’t fit in with the character of the neighbourhood.

“I think it is a realistic ask of council for consideration,” Coun. Cori Ramsay said. “I don’t take any issue with it.”

Coun Susan Scott said council should give the project a chance to move to the next step in the process, to “consider the needs of housing, not just for seniors, but seniors in the area of Alzheimer’s and dementia care ” Coun Tim Bennett said the neighbourhood in that

Mental Health Month

area is already changing and residents will have a chance to express their thoughts on whether this project is a good fit

Mayor Simon Yu said there is a definite need for the building, but he’s not sure if it is the right area Yu voted in favour of the project moving ahead, saying “there is no harm in hearing more ” Coun. Ron Polillo voted against the project moving ahead to public hearing

“The scope is too large for this area,” Polillo said. “I don’t see it being close to any amenities I have concerns about traffic I can’t see how I can support this project in this area ”

Spruce Capital Seniors Centre is up and running and looking to expand.

There’s a new chef preparing the most amazing and nutritious lunches and sweets for those who are so inclined

There’s activities, games, special events and projects and most importantly, there’s the friendships and acceptance everyone needs in this world and it can all be found at 3701 Rainbow Drive

The seniors group offers activities including carpet bowling, fun crib – for beginners, a monthly crib tournament, tai chi with Tom Hinds, senior fit chair

yoga with Myeracle Morin for those with limited mobility, canasta, bingo, TOPS (take off pounds sensibly) and there’s an invitation for bridge players to gather as well All the programs are only $2 to drop in and for lunch there’s always two kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of soup on offer and the menu changes every day.

Spruce Capital Seniors Centre is open Monday to Thursday 9 a m to 3 p m

Membership fees per year are $25 each, $40 per couple and if you’re 80+ it’s $10 For more information, email Shirley Morin at shirleymorin63@gmail com

Playhouse safety questioned

ARTHUR WILLIAMS

Citizen staff

The Prince George Playhouse is unsafe to host performances, according to the Prince George Folkfest Society.

Society treasurer and marketing manager Aidyl Jago and communications manager and assistant executive director Katherine Benny gave city council an update on the Coldsnap Music Festival.

“I have to say, the Prince George Playhouse was not a safe place to put on a show,” Jago said “At soundcheck with one of our artists at Coldsnap there was a baffle, a wall, that almost fell on our artist, and that was kind of depressing.”

A baffle wall is a “false wall” used in theatres to mount sound equipment and for other purposes

On Dec. 4, 2020, a portion of the stucco siding fell off and an inspection found significant rot in the building On June 14, 2021, city council approved $501,500 in repairs to allow the Playhouse to reopen, but city staff estimated $5 17 million in repairs are still needed

“When we did the fall show with William Prince there was wind blowing into the back stage, because it was very, very windy night and there was snow blowing into the theatre,” Jago added. “So, we need an alternative to the Playhouse ” The society has been creative and is

willing to try putting on a show at any venue available in the city, Jago added

The city needs a new, dedicated performing arts centre, she said

“We have the capacity to bring in bigname artists and we want to show them that we can put on really great concert with great sound and a great audience experience, and that doesn’t always

happen in the venues we have right now,”

Jago said

The Prince George Playhouse is safe to use, according to a statement released by the city.

“No structural walls at the Prince George Playhouse collapsed during a Coldsnap festival Proscenium ‘walls’ (actually panels measuring three feet

wide by 20 feet high) were installed several years ago to address stage sightline issues,” a city spokesperson said in an email “One of these panels came loose and has since been securely reattached

“The City has not been informed of any specific snow issues but notes there was heavy snowfall and strong winds during the event and when the stage door or load-in door opens, gusts of freezing wind may enter the building,” the city statement said “The City is aware the playhouse has some issues with the exterior building envelope Considerable repairs were completed in 2021 and staff are continuing to monitor the building and will take further action as needed.”

Coldsnap executive director Sue Judge said the purpose of Monday’s presentation was to promote the success of the festival.

“Presentation of live events has taken quite a beating the past few years, and we just wanted to report that Coldsnap, which was held between January 27 and February 4, was a great positive event for the City of Prince George,” Judge said in an email. “The remarks that were reported were not part of our presentation, but was an informal response to a question asked by one of the city councillors and part a broader conversation regarding available performance venues in the city.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Wooden hoarding covers the damaged western side of the Prince George Playhouse’s fly tower in this file photo

Past resident retiring from top curling post

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

When Gerry Peckham left his Prince George hometown to move to Ottawa and become Curling Canada’s high-performance director in 1990, international curling was on the cusp of becoming an Olympic sport.

After successive Olympics in Calgary and Albertville as a demonstration sport, curling got its medal status in 1998 in Nagano, Japan, a defining moment in a sport Canadians clearly identify as one of their own

Peckham was there in Nagano to see curling exposed to worldwide audiences like never before Seeing Sandra Schmirler and her team from Saskatchewan stand for the anthem and flag-raising atop the Olympic podium that year stands as the pinnacle of his 33-year career with Curling Canada.

“Our first Olympic experience was incredibly memorable because it had such a profound impact on the sport,” said Peckham. “It was a gamechanger because it impacted how we went about the business of high performance and how hard athletes began to train on and off the ice to improve their performance and it had a ripple effect ”

Canada no longer dominates curling internationally and Peckham says recent

results in world competition are not due to Canadians playing poorly It’s just that the rest of the world has caught up

“It’s irrefutable, the quality of play has

moved substantially and I think it’s a byproduct of really good coaching, wellrun programs, dedicated focused athletes and lots of opportunity that allows you to compete at a level that allows you to become world class,” said Peckham, who says Curling Canada has willingly contributed to making other countries stronger by sending coaches and program development program expertise to places like Japan, South Korea, China and the United States.

“In all honesty, it’s great for the game that so many countries put teams on podiums, whether its juniors or women’s or mixed doubles When you look back at the end of a season or a quadrennial at how many flags have been raised for some podium finish it’s truly impressive It’s truly international and there’s no second-guessing that.”

Sochi) with Joe Rea of Prince George as the national team head coach

Peckham is the son of Prince George curling legend Wilf Peckham and he owes his involvement in the sport to him

He played every sport he could as a kid and it became obvious late in his teen years he had teaching ability and began to apply those qualities as a curling/racquet sport coach.

In 1974, he started writing instructional coaching and training manuals on contract for Curling Canada, with his dad as his chief scrutineer, editor and proof-reader

It’s great for the game that so many countries put teams on podiums, whether it’s juniors or women’s or mixed doubles.”

He attended the Olympics in Albertville, Salt Lake City, Torino and Vancouver, and Canadian curlers did their part in Peckham’s return to his home province in 2010

The Kevin Martin rink claimed gold, the Cheryl Bernard rink won claimed silver in the women’s event and Jim Armstrong of Richmond went on to capture Paralympic gold.

“It was such a phenomenal overall experience, you felt so proud to be Canadian and British Columbian, just because of that Vancouver dynamic, it was unimaginable,” said Peckham

Canada won the first three Paralympic competitions (Torino, Vancouver and

By the time he assumed his duties as high-performance director at age 40 in 1990, Gerry’s grassroots background had him well prepared Once this season is over, Peckham will hand off his high-performance duties to 44-year-old David Murdoch of Scotland, a two-time world champion.

Peckham, 72, plans to remain in Ottawa with his wife, Joan Merrin, working as a consultant to help ease Murdoch into the position.

“I think he’s unquestionably the subject matter expert these days in high performance and producing elite teams and the fact we enticed him to come and take over is the best possible solution,” said Peckham “He’s really well-liked so he’ll fit into the curling culture here very easily ”

MICHAEL BURNS PHOTO

David Murdoch, left, and Gerry Peckham pose for a photo at the 2023 Brier Canadian men’s curling championship March 9 in London, Ont Murdoch has been hired to replace Peckham as Curling Canada’s high- performance director for next season

Former NHL coach in Cougars corner for playoffs

TED CLARKE

Citizen staff

Jim Playfair is not listed as an associate coach of the Prince George Cougars and that’s just the way he wants it.

After 25 seasons as a professional hockey coach, one year removed from teaching the game to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, Playfair is between jobs, taking a break from the NHL hot seat to help his friend, Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb, get the most out of a promising group of aspiring pros.

It’s a part-time gig for Playfair and the Fort St. James resident is never far away. He’s quite enjoying his return to the junior hockey scene for the first time since he left it as a graduating WHL defenceman 40 years ago.

Playfair got to know Lamb six years ago when they were both in Arizona coaching their respective teams in the Phoenix Coyotes’ organization Playfair started working with the Cougars in October, when he knew he wasn’t going to be coaching this season in the NHL.

“In watching them play you can consistently see good team structure,” said Playfair “This team is over the hump of being out of the playoffs for long consecutive blocks of time and now they expect to be a good team and they expect to win and they expect to be in the playoffs The team is moving in the right direction and the players that come here see the value of playing here.”

Playfair is confident hockey fans will return to fill CN Centre

“We’re all the same, we want to watch a winner,” he said “ Ownership made the decision to go and invest and spend the time and energy and resources to give the team a chance to win consistently

and once the fans see that it’s not a one and done, they’re going to come back because they love hockey and they’re going to support local sports ” He says the onus is on the players to give fans a reason to pay to see them play.

“These guys have to earn the right to get the people to come back and they have to do it through hard work and do it over and over, and I think they’re well into that mindset,” he said “They should be able to expect fans to come back when they win. You won’t see a team in this community, in my opinion, that’s going to win rounds in the playoffs and be top-10 in the league and not have people come and watch.”

Playfair, a former Portland Winterhawks defenceman, left his home in Fort St James in 1980 at age 15 to play junior A in Fort Saskatchewan and hockey has been his livelihood ever since He followed his older brother Larry to Portland, where he helped the ‘Hawks win the WHL championship in 1983, the year after he was drafted 20th overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

In eight seasons as a pro, his NHL playing career spanned 21 games with Edmonton and Chicago

He captained the Indianapolis Ice to the Turner Cup IHL championship in 1990 and retired two seasons later at age 29, slowed by degenerative discs in his back and an eye injury

At 30, he started coaching and bounced around the ECHL and IHL for six years until the Flames hired him in 2000 to take over their AHL club in Saint John, which led to the Calder Cup that season.

Darryl Sutter took him on as an assistant coach in 2003 and he was part of Calgary’s run to the Stanley Cup final in 2004.

Wheatcroft signs contract with Dallas Stars

Prince George Cougars forward Chase Wheatcroft has signed a three-year entry level contract with NHL’s Dallas Stars.

“I am grateful and honoured for the opportunity with the Dallas Stars and to get going with such a first-class organization,” Wheatcroft said Wheatcroft is 20 years old and grew up in Calgary. In 65 games he has scored 47 goals and 57 assists which see him earn a total of 104 points.

He is only the second Cougars hockey player to get past the 100-point mark.

“I want to thank my family, billet families, coaches, Universal Sports Management, my teammates, organization staff, and friends for all of their support and their help throughout my life,” Wheatcroft said.

“This is a dream come true ”

The Prince George Cougars got Wheatcroft in the off-season from the Winnipeg ICE in exchange for a fourth round selection

In 202 games in the WHL, Wheatcroft has scored 78 goals, 108 assists for 186 points

“What can you say, he’s come in and proven he’s one of the top players in the league,” Mark Lamb, general manager and head coach for the Cougars, said

“What a great story for him and our organization. The Prince George Cougars would like to congratulate Chase Wheatcroft on this magnificent accomplishment.”

Wheatcroft and the Cougars wrap up the regular season Saturday at CN Centre against the Kamloops Blazers.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Former NHL head coach Jim Playfair of Fort St. James has been helping coach the Prince George Cougars this season now that he’s between jobs in the NHL, after three years with the Edmonton Oilers.

Chase Wheatcroft of the Prince George Cougars

HOROSCOPES & PUZZLES

ARIES

You’ll have many things to take care of at home or with your family You’ll be a true hero in the eyes of your loved ones. With your great sense of initiative, you’ll set your priorities straight.

TAURUS

You’ll find the right words to make your point. Some subjects will require more heated debate. If you have the correct information, no one will dare contradict you.

GEMINI

You’ll take steps to buy a property or find a more suitable home. Shopping for the family will be a rewarding adventure.

CANCER

You’re a go-getter, ready to take on any challenge at work and in your personal life. No matter how old your children are, they’ll be a handful this week. If you’re single, many people will be attracted to you.

LEO

When you’re fatigued, you’re more vulnerable to germs. Take time to rest when you’re working overtime.

VIRGO

You may find that people feel lost or confused around you. You may need to withdraw and isolate yourself. You’ll also be inspired to start a spiritual practice.

LIBRA

Time is precious, and it’s not always easy to manage. You must pull out all the stops at work to get everything done on time.

SCORPIO

You’ll arrange to go on a trip abroad or explore your region with your partner or friends. You’ll make changes at home, even if it’s only rearranging furniture.

SAGITTARIUS

You may have to shake a few people up to achieve professional success. Abundance awaits after beating out the competition for the job you want.

CAPRICORN

You’ll have to make a few compromises to reach an amicable agreement. You’ll have justice on your side as you settle a dispute before it gets out of hand.

AQUARIUS

You’ll have a lot of work to do. A competitor will try to entice you with a more interesting position. Your significant other or someone who’s attracted to you will make you feel special.

PISCES

You’ll distinguish yourself when you succeed in lightening the mood at work or home by making people laugh. You’ll earn warm applause. You could also receive a reward.

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PUZZLE NO. 914

PUZZLE NO. 178

Your presence we miss Your memories we treasure Loving you always Forgetting you never. You are so so missed! Aurora and Landon

In Memoriam

Memorial Services

A Celebration of Life March 31, 2023, 1:00 pm

Donald E. Ford

March 24th 1933

Tisdale, SKOctober 16th 2022

Prince George, BC

As a young man, Don arrived in Prince George, BC in 1952 looking for work. After a number of years trying his hand at everything from the lumber industry, a gas station and warehousing, he settled in with Sun Life as a sales representative and retired after 34 years.

Don was very active in his community from being a coach for the Columbus Hotel Fastball team and a valuable member of The Third Avenue Bowling Team. Don was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 65 years and during that time served on many of their committees, one being the successful 1998 Track and Field Championships where he was the Chairman of the arrangements committee. Don has also been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion last Post Committee for over 45 years for memorial services for veterans and a member of the Elks for 26 years.

Don was predeceased by his parents, sister Dorothy, partner Lynda Buckingham, Donna (step-daughter) and Danny (step-son.)

Don is very sadly missed by his brother Herb, sisters; Ellen and Donalda, daughter, Debbie Bailey (Waine), sons; Tom Ford and David Ford (Rachel), stepdaughters Tammy Miller (Jerry) and Connie Buckingham, grandsons, granddaughters, great granddaughters, great grandsons, two great great granddaughters, nephews and a niece.

A Celebration of Life for this wonderful man will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion on March 31st at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to either the Legion or Hospice House would be greatly appreciated.

REMEMBRANCES

November 9, 1941March 2, 2023

Earl passed away peacefully and is

predeceased by his spouse Linda Blackburn, brothers; Roy, John and Wayne Rose. He is survived by his daughters; Jessica Blackburn, Samantha Fillion, Crystal Sieppert and Adeana Gould and his son Darren Blackburn. He will be remembered by sisters; Susan, Brenda and Grace Rose, brothers; Jim, Randy and Harvey Rose, grandsons; Damon Blackburn, Mathew Blackburn, Lucas Fillion, Alex Gould, Ryan & Adam Sieppert and granddaughters; Alyssa & Sydney Gould and Zef Fillion.

A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Jessica Kayla Lynn Goats

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing·of Jessica on March 13, 2023 at the age of 28 years.

Jessica was born in Prince George and attended school at Heritage Elementary, Ron Brent Elementary, and DP Todd Secondary. She graduated from DP Todd in 2013 and was very proud of the fact that she was the first high school graduate in her family.

As a child Jessica enjoyed taking ballet lessons and voice lessons, being a Brownie in Girl Guides and joining gymnastics for Special Olympics and playing soccer. Most of all she was the best big sister ever to Colleen.

Jessica is survived by her mother Shyann (Michael); sister Colleen and her family; grandmother Dorothy, grandfather Jimmy and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends in Prince George and Tache.

Also missing her are her foster family Sue and Lawrence and their extended family.

Services to be held in the chapel at Prince George Funeral Service 1014 Douglas St. Visitation Thursday, March 23 from 3:00pm to 5:00 pm.

Funeral Service Friday, March 24 at 1:00 pm with burial to follow in Prince George Cemetery.

DOCKRAY, Jan

It is with profound sadness that the family of Jan Dockray (born Yoshimi Jeanette Sugimoto) May 31, 1943 in Slocan City, BC, announce her peaceful passing on February 28, 2023 with family by her side in Richmond, BC. Predeceased by her parents Ty and Sumi Sugimoto (nee Nakamoto), brother Ken Sugimoto. Jan is survived by her spouse of 37 years Del Ridley, sisters Pat Endrizzi (Ray), Sharon Halliday, Kay Stolberg (Norm), sister in law Valerie Sugimoto (nee Neiser). Nieces and nephews Nicole Endrizzi, Tyson Stolberg (Alison; Kimiko), Dawn Stolberg (Thomas; Maya and Théa), Shawna Dolynny (nee Sugimoto), (Curtis; Bentley and Asher), Christopher Sugimoto (Tawnee; Logan and Emerson), Stepdaughter Meg Ridley (Jamie; Owen and Alexander). Jan’s favourite pastime was enjoying her grandsons and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Jan worked as accountant/office controller of Stolberg Construction Ltd. in Prince George, then Stolberg Engineering Ltd. in Richmond, BC for 48 years, retiring in 2020 at the age of 76. But Jan’s real talent was in connecting with people and making them feel special. Jan had many passions throughout her life including among others, Archery, Racquetball, Golf, Weight and Boxing training. Following her passion for golf she excelled as a member of Golf Fore Gals for 20+ years.

Jan loved Hawaii and made many trips with Del over the years including annual trips to Kihei, Maui starting in 2011.

Jan loved people and people loved her back - forever.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Richmond Funeral Home 8420 Cambie Rd., Richmond, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Union Gospel Mission (ugm.ca) or the SPCA (spca.bc.ca) in honour of Jan.

Online condolences may be left at www.richmond-funeral.ca

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Richmond Funeral Home • (604) 273-3748

EARL DAVID ROSE

Tim Zerr August 28, 1962 - March 25, 2021

Lisa Lynai Olsen

1968-2023

Lynai had an adventurous spirit, an effervescent personality, a generous heart, an infectious laugh and an incredible talent for linguistics. She was fascinated by rhythm, rhyme, syntax and pronunciation of languages.

Lynai earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree ( Spanish Literature) and a Diploma in Applied Linguistics from UBC. Lynai spent 8 years in Japan teaching English to Japanese business men and their families. During that time she became fluent in Japanese and was often employed to translate English documents. She then spent 9 years in Hawaii. The University of Hawaii offered her a scholarship and hired her to teach Spanish. She used that scholarship to earn a Masters Degree in Spanish and Linguistics.

Lynai was very athletic as evidenced by her play in Ringette and love of swimming and skiing at the lake in her youth, and by her Flamenco dancing in Hawaii. She loved the distinct sound, dramatic postures and elegant dress of Flamenco. As well, as an adult in Prince George, she ran 12-15 kilometers most early mornings with her running partner.

Lynai was born in Prince George May 14, 1968. She passed away in Prince George February 16, 2023. Lynai is survived by her parents Larry and Susan Olsen, her brother Steve and his family (wife Janet, children Matthew, Alyssa, Emmarie and Nathan), and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Lynai is also survived by the 2 beloved pets she rescued in Hawaii, Isabella and Sophia. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to SPCA. Lynai would love that.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. She will be missed by all who knew her. We have our memories.

In loving memory of

Ingrid Marianne LANG (nee Hermanski)

I id born in Celle, Germany in 1947. She, her brother Bernd, and nts immigrated to Canada in 1952 and took up residence nce George

ose who knew Ingrid would describe her as kind, giving, arm, selfless, loyal in friendship, intelligent, logical and one who possessed a spirited nature.

She became a Type 1 diabetic at the age of 12 and battled 63 years against this disease. At 65 years of age, Ingrid was a recipient of a kidney transplant Over the last 10 years of her life, Ingrid had many mountains to climb, a few nasty strokes and finally the last mountain which was her Everest, ‘aspiration pneumonia’

Ingrid passed on March 06, 2023 with her husband Rick by her bedside

Ingrid and Rick eloped and got married in Kyoto, Japan and had been married for 52 years They knew each other s children and lived in the same area in Prince George. They re the living example of ‘soulmates’ ho knew Ingrid will remember her with love and affection ith her beautiful smile

MCCLELLAND, John Gordon

March 9, 1936 - February 11, 2023

It is with saddened hearts we inform that John Gordon McClelland passed away on February 11, 2023, at age 86, in Prince George, BC.

Born in Richards Landing, Ontario in 1936, John made his way West at the age of 18 and stayed for the rest of his life. He worked for companies like the CN Telegraph before beginning a position with BC Hydro, where he worked for 37 years, retiring in 2002 as construction supervisor for the massive Northern BC region.

John was a devoted husband and loving father, who will now be reunited with his brother Robert; sister Mary; mother Clara Evelyn; and wife Gayle.

He leaves behind his two children Morris (wife Suzanne, son Khayman) and Johnell (husband Chris, son Aldous) as well as various nieces, nephews and their children throughout Canada and the US.

The family will arrange for a Celebration of Life later this year.

He is greatly loved and his presence and humour will be missed always.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

July 13th 1938 to February 6th 2023

Alice passed away after a valiant fight with cancer on February 6th 2023 at Prince George Rotary Hospice House in Prince George. She was pre–deceased by her husband Ray, and her sister-inlaw Anita Gustavson.

She leaves behind her brother, Steve Gustavson, daughters Corey {Ian) and Caron (Corey), sons Terry (Helene) and David. Also grandchildren Matt, Luke, Ryan, Greg, Zachary, and Jennifer.

She also leaves her furbaby Puddin’.

Alice and Ray were married in 1958, and moved around BC until they settled in Miworth BC in 1976. Their house was always an open door for family and friends, as entertaining was one of Alice’s favorite pastimes. Her and Ray were famous for their lobster bashes, barbecues and their open houses on Christmas Eve. Alice also loved to travel, and camping with family and friends were always fun times. They moved to town in 2018 due to failing health. She will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends. If you were her friend, you were a friend for life. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Alice Miller

Carol Ann Yvonne Bajkov

1958-2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Carol Ann Yvonne Bajkov who passed away peacefully on Friday March 10, 2023.

Carol was born on August 30th, 1958 in Calgary, Alberta. She grew up in Calgary, Penticton & Victoria with her brother John and her loving and adventurous parents Patricia & Paul Snickars. Carol met the love of her life, Phil Bajkov, while attending Mount Doug High School in Victoria, British Columbia. They were married on December 28th, 1977 at the young age of 19. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two children, Laralee and Matthew in Prince George.

Carol’s family was the center of her life, but she also had a deep love for her chosen families. She found joy and fulfillment in her Norman Lake community, the “Movement Fitness” Gym community, The Festival of Trees organization, her “Around & About” Family Daycare, and of course, her own family; Phil (Iris (late) & Alec), Matthew (Lisa), Lara (Kevin), Grandchildren; Claire, Mason, Jaden & Parker, brother John, Parents Pat & Paul, and all her extended family; Alan (Alena), Sandra (late), Joan (Gordon(late)), Ian (Christine), Andrew (Teri-Lynn) including all nieces and nephews. Her generous and loving nature made her a beloved member of each community, and her impact will be felt for years to come.

In her free time, Carol focused all her energy on her four grandchildren; they all adored their Nanna. Every holiday, weekend, and adventure was based around creating memories with them. She always showed up with a thoughtful craft or a plan in hand on making the day exciting. She will be deeply missed by all those she impacted; her smile, hugs, sense of humor and her devotion to helping others will be cherished memories of Carol that will never be forgotten. A Celebration of Life to honor Carol’s life will be held on April 22, 2023 at The Columbus Community Centre (7201 St. Lawrence Ave. Prince George B.C.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spirit of the North Health Care Foundation. If you have memories, pictures, or any notes or letters you would like to share please send them to: RememberingCarolBajkov@gmail.com

Christian Halvard Kasa

August 6, 1927 - February 25, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Chris Kasa on February 25, 2023 at the age of 95. Widowed in 2015 by his wife Esther. He is survived by his son Dean (wife Lisa, sons Nolan and Bryant); daughter Renda (husband Nick, sons James and Tyler); family on the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and Europe.

PETER (PETE) CARON

May 16, 1949 - March 9, 2023

Pete Caron born in Port Moody, BC and passed away in Edmonton Alberta. He is survived by his sons; Richard (Richie) Caron and Wilfred (Willy) Caron. Pete will be remembered by his grandsons; Austin and Lewis, Brothers: Pat and Victor and Sisters: Linda and Diane. He was predeceased by his parents Wilfred and Agnes Caron, Brothers: Ricky, Philip and Jerry and Sister Carol. A funeral service for Pete was held on Saturday March 18th 2023 at 11:00am at Assman’s Funeral Chapel. Interment followed at Prince George Memorial Park Cemetery.

William (Willie) Joseph Slater

1942-2023

Willie was born on March 13, 1942 and passed away on March 5, 2023 in Prince George, BC. He will be greatly missed.

Murray Douglas Swanson

March 18, 1931 - March 7, 2023

Chris will always be remembered for his hard work, smile, quick wit, and sense of humour. His door was always open and he loved to have conversations over a coffee. His passion was fishing. His younger years were spent fishing on the Vedder River where he won the Boxing Day Steelhead Derby in 1956 and 1957. After moving North, his spare time was spent fishing on Stuart Lake and on the rivers out West. His favourites were the Kitimat and Lakelse River.

A special thanks to Dr. Laurie McCoy and all the staff at UHNBC who were involved in his care.

No Funeral or Memorial Service as per his request.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Because I Love You So

Time will not dim the face I love, The voice I heard each day, The many things you did for me, In your own special way. All my life I’ll miss you, As the years come and go, But in my heart I’ll keep you, Because I love you so.

Murray Douglas Swanson passed away peacefully on March 7, 2023 just missing his 92nd birthday by 11 days. He was known as Murray, Dad and PAPA.

Murray is loved and remembered by his children Lynne (Bob) Martin, Judy (John) Glass, Debbie (Lorne) Lloyd, Tracey (Bill) Martin, Murray (Kathy) Swanson as well as 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife Evelyn--so loved and missed since her passing in 2015, as well as his father Melvin, his mother Winnifred and brother-in-law Don. Also gone too soon was his special companion, Libby.

Murray leaves behind his sister Dolores Wallin and brothers Dale (Brenda) and Brian (Cindy) Swanson. He is survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Dad loved his family, home and neighborhood. He always had a wave. Most often it was from his front window, his ride-on, or on his morning walk with his dog. The family asks that one morning you give a wave in memory of Murray, Papa - our Dad.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation.

A Celebration of Dad’s Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 1:00pm at his home.

One Final Gift

Scatter me not to restless winds, Nor toss my ashes to the sea. Remember now those years gone by When loving gifts I gave to thee. Remember now the happy times The family ties we shared. Don’t leave my resting place unmarked As though you never cared. Deny me not one final gift For all who come to see A single lasting proof that says I loved... & you loved me.

by DJ Kramer

Anna Cuerida Purych

August 11, 1938 - March 10, 2023

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Anna Cuerida Purych. Cuerida was born in Peers, Alberta on August 11, 1938. She passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Home - Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on March 10, 2023, at the age of 84. Cuerida was the eldest of five children. Growing up on the family farm kept them busy with hard work and lots of good times, many good stories were told. Cuerida was blessed with a daughter, Carol, at the age of 16. She was young and knew she had to provide for her daughter and help with the farm, so she went to Edmonton to find work while her mom cared for Carol. In 1956, she met and married the love of her life, Metro (Matt) Purych, and they brought four beautiful children into the world. Heartbreakingly, Matt passed away before their fourth child was born. Things were never the same for Cuerida, but she had children to raise and life moved on. Cuerida was blessed with two more children when she met Michael Yasinchuk and they lived on the Yasinchuk family farm for a few years before they relocated to Prince George, B.C. Her life’s journey took her up north to Fort. St. John, B.C. in the early 1970’s and finally to Medicine Hat in 2015. Cuerida loved a party and would dance the night away if she could! She spent much of her spare time listening to music, reading, crocheting, sewing, and most of all she loved to go for walks with her fur babies. She always had two “or more” dogs, plenty of cats, and two cockatiels throughout her lifetime. She loved them all, they were her babies and her companions. Cuerida was always a hard worker. She started out in the hotel/restaurant industry waitressing and eventually went on to cooking, which she had a talent for and loved to do. She worked in the parts department of a car dealership and loved it! Her most favorite job of all was cooking in oilfield and highway camps. She was over the moon because she could take her fur babies to camp with her. She embraced the peacefulness of the wilderness and would go for long walks with her dogs every day. She even had some encounters with the wild critters that lived there. She was so proud of her career and built a prestigious reputation for her cooking. She had many great memories to talk about! We will miss her very much! Cuerida is predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Carole and Art Boles; husband, Metro Purych; brother, Bud Bryant; sons, Rocky and Randy Purych; daughter, Pam Purych; grandson, Matthew Yasinchuk; granddaughter, Jodi Roberts; daughter-in-law, Kathy Purych; sonin-laws, Gord Herbst and Kenneth (Dino) Okimaw. Cuerida is survived by her siblings, Mary Bryant (Harvey), Shirley Olson (Larry), and May Eisert; her daughters, Carol Bespoyasny (Ernie), Lynn Purych, Twyla and Deneen Yasinchuk; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She will be forever in our hearts and memories. A Celebration of Life will take place in Prince George, BC this Summer. We would like to extend our thanks to Cuerida’s home care and palliative staff, Dr. Malmberg, the staff at Sandstone Pharmacy, the staff at St. Josephs’s Home - Carmel Hospice, and the staff at Saamis Memorial for the care and compassion they showed towards Cuerida and our family. Memorial gifts in Cuerida Purych’s memory may be made to S.P.C.A., 55 Southview Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Cuerida Purych. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-3172647.

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

In Loving Memory of Sandra Florence Daniel

July 31, 1947 - March 16, 2023

Predeceased by her husband James Graham Daniel. Survived by her children; Leanza, Adrianne and Eric, granddaughter Ashley-Marie, as well as her chosen daughter and grandchildren. May she rest in peace and fly with the angels. Huge thank you to all those that aided in her peaceful passing.

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

With the opportunity for great personalization, the funeral service can truly reflect the uniqueness of the life it honours. Contact us to find out more.

A Vanished Friend

Around the corner I have a friend

In this great city that has no end; Yet days go by, and weeks rush on, And before I know it a year has gone, And I never see my old friend’s face, For life is a swift and terrible race. He knows I like him just as well As in the days when I rang his bell, And he rang mine. We were younger then, And now we are busy, tired men, Tired of playing a foolish game, Tired with trying to make a name.

“Tomorrow, I will call on Jim, Just to show that I am thinking of him.”

But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes, And the distance between us grows and grows, Around the corner, yet miles away

“Here’s a telegram, sir,”

“Jim died today!”

And that’s what we get, and deserve in the end, Around the corner a vanished friend! by Anders Lim

Toys/Games/Puzzles

Alot of used & new puzzles.

$5-$15 each. 778-675-4716

Camping Equipment

Arctic sleeping bag, good for -40. Never used, Chinook -” The BEAST”,Paid $360.00, open to offers. 250-962-2365

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 BusinessMackenzieservicing 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

Notices / Nominations

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Location: 1919 17th Avenue- in

Grow your career on the East

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.

Trucking & Transport

· Assistant Mill Managers

· Harvesting Supervisors

· Operations Managers

· Transportation & Logistics

· Maintenance Managers

· Construction & Road Operations … and

Stump to Dump Contrac tor

Timber Inc. in Mackenzie, B.C. seeks a on a multi-year contrac t. This work will involve C TL off-highway deliveries to dumpsites on Williston Lake while staying in camps 6-7 months of the year. Provisions for low bedding to Mackenzie is included.

ACCOUNTANT

Prince Ruper t BC

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and experience preparing financial statements

• Full c ycle accounting including but not limited to A/R, A/P,payroll, costing, general ledger, bank reconciliations, month end in-house financial statements for multiple companies. Responsible for the filing of required government (GST,PST,EHT,T5018,source deduc tions, WCB) and union remits, T4 issuance, administration of company Group Benefits Plan. O ffice duties include bank ing, purchase of office supplies and office forms, ICBC fleet renewals

• Minimum of a Diploma in Accounting & Finance or equivalent required and 5 years experience in full c ycle accounting

• Experience with computerized accounting system - work ing k nowledge of Sage 300 an asset

• Experience with creating and managing schedules such as prepaid expense, fixed asset depreciation and accruals

• Proficient in microsoft office including excel, word, outlook

• Valid drivers license and vehicle

• Ability to read, write, speak English

• Ver y organized with excellent attention to detail

Long term training in ever y aspec t of our accounting and office administration will be provided

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salar y: $60,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits: Ex tended Health, Dental, Week ly Indemnity, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance and AD & D Apply by email to bw@bwindustries.ca

Dunk ley Lumber Ltd operates a modern and efficient sawmill and planermill facility at Strathnaver, 75 k m south of Prince George, BC. We produce high quality lumber produc ts that are sold across Nor th America and in overseas markets. Please visit our website at www.dunk leylumber.com for more information about our company.

We currently have an opening for a Maintenance Super visor.

Fi n a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i v e A s s i s t a n t

H u m a n R e s o u r c e a n d O p e r a t i o n s D i r e c t o r

O c c u p a t i o n a l T h e r a p i s t

P r o g r a m A d m i n i s t r a t i v e A s s i s t a n t

Po s i t i o n s Av a

Fa m i l y S e r v i c e C o o r d i n a t o r

GENERAL LABOURER / GRAIN HANDLER

$44.29/hr. star ting

Prince Ruper t Grain Ltd (PRG) operates a state - of-the -ar t grain shipping facility on Ridley Island in Prince Ruper t The terminal receives grain by rail and processes, sor ts and stores grain for loading onto ships bound for markets worldwide

Qualifications:

•Minimum Grade 12 Diploma, GED or equivalent industrial experience

• Must be capable of lifting and stack ing, 50lbs, without assistance

• Class 5 Driver ’s License

Assets:

• Experienced Locomotive Operators / Conductors

• Four th Class Power Engineers Cer tification.

• Grain Terminal Operations Experience

• Completion of OH&S training courses such as OFA, fork lift, confined space, WHMIS, fall arrest.

PRG provides an excellent compensation pack age Currently, this position is paid $44.29/hr in addition pension, benefits plan, training, and career development oppor tunities are available Prince Ruper t Grain Ltd is an equal oppor tunity employer

Submit your resume electronically to: hrops@prgrain.bc.ca Only applicants under consideration will be contacted to proceed through the hiring process

Key responsibilities include providing super vision and technical training for shift personnel, identifying oppor tunities for improvement and ensuring the highest standard of work place safety at all times

The ideal candidate will possess the following technical sk ills and experience:

• Journeyperson cer tification as a Red Seal Millwright or relevant experience

• super visor y experience in a sawmill environment

• strong analytical troubleshooting sk ills with the ability to multitask under time constraints

• effec tive leadership sk ills with the ability to manage a team

• strong ability to coach and train others

• exceptional interpersonal and communication sk ills

• a strong commitment to safety

This position offers a highly competitive wage and benefits program and rewarding oppor tunities to grow along with an industr y-leading company

If you possess the noted qualifications and are interested in joining our company, please submit your resume via fax or email to the attention of :

HR Coordinator

Email: hr@dunkleylumber.com

All applications will be treated in stric t confidence

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an inter view will be contacted

Hay/Bales For Sale

Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.

Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles. How to write a classified ad that

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

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

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

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

To advertise, call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

Job Title: Lead Researcher

NADLEH WHUT ’ EN FIRST NATION JOB POSTING

Department: Lejac Indian Residential School (LIRS) project

Position Status: full-time, term position, 35.0 hours per week

Remuneration: commensurate with relevant education and experience

Competition Close: Friday March 31st 2023 11:59 pm PST

Competition Instructions: Email resume, a cover letter including remuneration expectations, and a maximum of three (03) letters of reference, in one (01) pdf document to the attention of Terr y Luggi, Indian Residential School Project Manager at tluggi@nadleh.ca

Only those selected for an inter view will be contacted

JOB SUMMARY

This position:

• Works closely with the IRS Project Manager and the Lejac IRS Guiding Team;

• Creates and/or maintains relationships with Lejac Indian Residential School Sur vivors and/or intergenerational sur vivors from up to 70 Indigenous First Nation communities, Elders, Tribal Councils, groups and organizations, allied communities and as appropriate related religious, archival institutions, government and not-for-profit organizations;

• Is essential to a documented Witness’ statement gathering process for the purpose of naming and locating children who

did not return home from the Lejac IRS

• Responds to research inquiries relating to the Lejac IRS project.

• Is instrumental in the collection, collation, analysis, documentation, storage, protection, care and preser vation of Lejac IRS student records, information and research.

• Collaborates with staff to plan and coordinate events as appropriate;

• May also be called upon to undertake special assignments.

Working Conditions

• Physical Effort Required (minimal)

• Sitting (extended periods), standing (while presenting), walking (minimal), bending, lifting (15 lbs), keyboarding (considerable time).

• Physical Environment (moderate)

• Minimal exposure to noise and odours, travel in/to a variety of environments and locations.

• Sensor y Attention (considerable)

• Attention to detail, multi-tasking, can be sporadically highpaced, work efficiently with distractions and interruptions.

• Mental Stress (considerable)

• High paced, people centered and people driven, high level of responsibility for accuracy of work, high level of stress for nature of work and sensitivity to trauma impacted people, irregular work hours, working collaboratively, inter-departmentally and between Nations and organizations.

Full Job description can be viewed at: www.nadleh.com

BUYING ALL SILVER! WANTED 9999 BULLION, BARS, COINS, ROUNDS, ALL SILVER COINS, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, FRANKLIN MINT SETS, OLD STERLING SILVER, COIN COLLECTIONS +++ ALSO BUYING GOLD!!! TODD 25O 864 3521

COLLECTOR PURCHASING COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS! BUYING OLD COINS, ROLLS OF COINS, BANK BAGS OF COINS, RARE COINS, COLLECTOR COINS, OLYMPIC COINS, OLD PAPER MONEY, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, US MINT, COLLECTIONS +. WANTED CANADA, USA & WORLD COLLECTIONS! Todd’s Coins 1-250-8643521

Collectibles & Classic Cars

QUICK PAY

COINS, OLD PAPER MONEY, GOLD COINS, SILVER COINS, COIN SETS, COLLECTOR COINS, WORLD MONEY COLLECTIONS, FRANKLIN MINT SETS, ALL 9999 BULLION, COINS, BARS,

PERSONALS

Out Of Town

Woodlot Licence Plan

Woodlot Licence 267

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 #267 held by Grandtrees Farm Ltd. This Woodlot Licence is located north and southwest of Hixon, BC. If approved by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, 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 March 20, 2023 to April 28, 2023. 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/or discuss the plan.

COURT BAILIFF SALE NORTH CENTRAL BAILIFFS LTD. www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

The Court Bailiff offers FOR SALE BY TENDER, the interest of Shawn Joseph Chipman DBA S.S.C. Logging, the Judgment Debtors, in the following goods: 2004 Hyundai R210LC-7 S/N N60612309

To View contact Woodland

Bidder takes responsibility to ensure they are satisfied with the description of unit/goods being sold. North Central Bailiffs Ltd. is not responsible for determining the correct description. Terms of sale: Immediate full payment upon successful bid, plus sales tax.

ESTATE LISTINGS

5 things to consider when buying a garage door

Needtopurchaseanewgaragedoor?To make an informed decision, consider the followingfiveelements:

1 Colour Match your garage door to your door and window frames, taking intoaccountthecolourofyourhome’s exteriorcladdingormotar

2 Style. Your garage door, from the shapeofthepanelsandwindowstothe styleofthehandlesandhinges,should harmonizewiththeoverallarchitecture of your house For example, choose a simple,structuredmodelifyourhome hasamoderndesign

3 Insulation Having a properly insulateddoormeansthatyourgarage willgetlesscoldinthewinterandless hot during the summer. Check its R-value a measure of thermal resistance; the higher the R-value, the

better the insulation and U-value, a measure of heat loss; the lower the U-value,thebetter

4 Hardware. For a door that’s silent, durable and easy to open, choose a model equipped with high-quality tracks,springsandbearings,andmake sure that they’re adequately calibrated accordingtotheweightofthedoor

5 Material. Various materials are available be sure to research the characteristicsofeachone Forexample, steel is more resistant to impact than aluminumbutalsosubjecttorustwood isdurablebuthigh-maintenance

Finally, to ensure your garage door’s durability, safety and performance, alwaysleavetheinstallationtothepros.

FREE ESTIMATES

HOMES

Should moulding be the same colour as the walls?

When it comes time to paint a room, the moulding (or trim) presents an interesting conundrum: should it be the same colour asthewalls?

Theanswer:italldependsonthedesired effect and the look of the moulding. Plain doorframes without any particular aesthetic features, for example, are usually best left to blend in with the surrounding wall. The same goes for a door that’spoorlyframed drawingattentionto crooked trim is sure to disrupt the visual flow of the room.

If your moulding is quite plain, you might still choose to make it subtlystandoutbypainting it the same shade as the walls, but in a glossier, light-catching finish.

If your moulding is ornate, don’t hesitate to make it pop! Create contrast by using white, grey or black. If you decide to go with white, make sure you choose a shade that

matches the rest of the room’s colour palette in other words, don’t use a crisp, coolwhitetotrimawallthat’spaintedina rich,warmhue

Finally, remember that if your moulding is of a different colour than your walls, it’s a good idea to paint all the moulding in your homethesamecolour.Thisisespeciallytrue when it comes to creating a harmonious overalllookinanopen-conceptspace.

Blockeddrain?Camera

Experiencingsomedrain-relateddrama?

Camera inspection is a safe and effective way to assess the state of your foundationdrain.Here’showitworks: a camera is inserted inside the drain andrecordsallvisibledetails,allowing a professional to precisely determine the origin of the problem. This makes

inspection tothe rescue!

iteasytoproceedwithtargetedrepairs while keeping damage to the rest of yourpropertytoaminimum

Backed-up sewers, punctured pipes, sluggish flushing… to wash away all yourdrainageproblems,callyourlocal expertswithoutdelay.

HOMES

Four clever ways to use under-the-stair space

Thinkthespacebeneathyourstaircase is lost? Think again! There are 1,001 smart ways to turn it into a useful part of your home, regardless of the configuration of the space Here are a few ideastogetyouinspired

1. STORAGE SPACE

Take advantage of the space beneath the stairs to create storage you can neverhavetoomuchstorage!Between kitchencabinets,alcoves,modularstorage units, baskets, bookshelves and beyond, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to neatly tucking away items of all kinds out of sight. You could even turn each individual stair into its own practicaldrawer

2. EXHIBITION SPACE

Have enough storage?Thenwhynot put in a glass display cabinet or some shelves to display souvenirsfromyour

travels,familyphotos,artwork,orwhateverelseyou’dliketoshowcase?

3. COZY SPACE

Awell-defined space like the one under your stairs is ideal for a home office, a reading nook, a minibar or a cloakroom (with a cubby for each family member, forexample),amongmanyotherpotentialuses

4. SECRET SPACE

Hidingapowderroomunderthestairs is without a doubt an ingenious use of space A secret playroom is another option that’s sure to stir up your little ones’imagination

While we mainly use them to look at perhaps even admire our own reflections, mirrors can serve a number of other purposes They can increase the amount of light in a room, create the illusionofspaceintightareas,orsimplyembellishyouroveralldecor Needsometips on how to navigate the multitude of models available on the market? Keep reading

FUNCTION

First off, know that the shape and size of the mirror will depend on how you intend to use it For example, if you want to be able to see yourself from head to toe, the mirror has to be at least half as tall as you are. To visually enlarge a space, opt for a wide,oversizedmodel Inaplayroom,one or more mirrors cut in fun shapes animals, clouds, etc will add a unique touch. An atypical mirror can even serve inlieuofaworkofart

FORM

Just like any other decorative element, a mirror should match the style and palette of aroomaswellasthesurroundingfurniture.Forexample,a golden-framed mirror would look great in a glamorous setting; simple square mirrors workwondersinmoderninteriors; and a series of small mirrors would be perfect for a hallway Obviously, the size

of your mirrors should make sense compared to the overall amount of space you’re working with A word of advice: always leave a strip of empty wall space aroundmirrorstopreventacrampedlook

To find the

browse your

GO FOR GOLD.

Plain, glass, bulletproof; made of wood, PVCorfibreglass;neutralorvivid;square, mosaic or half-moon windows when it comes to picking the right door for your main entrance, you have virtually endless possibilities to choose from So what shouldyoulookfor?

Of course, the style of your front door should harmonize well with the architectureofyourhome Whetherclassicorcutting-edge, your door can be used as its own decor element to add personality to your façade. When you shop, bring along a photo of your house and the measurements of the space your door has to fit into. You may also choose to have a door custom made to your specifications for a

final product that matches your exact visionandneeds

Fromapracticalstandpoint,chooseadoor with good insulation properties and a low air leak rate A good rule of thumb is to shop for Energy Star certified models Make sure the weatherstripping is effectiveanddurable

Youridealfrontdoorshouldbesufficiently soundproof,resistanttoshocksandeasyto maintain. It also needs to be secure: the lock and glass components should be strongenoughtostaveoffanintruder’sattempts to enter your home Finally, the bestwaytoensurethatyourdoorplaysits partflawlesslyistoleaveitsinstallationto theexperts

Whether you’re planning to renovate or simply buy a home that is fashionforward, here are four trends to know aboutthisyear

1. MULTIPLE MASTER BEDROOMS

With more and more children living at home forlonger,oneofthenewesttrendsis tohavemultiplemasterbedrooms.Thiscan alsogive you twice the opportunity to decorate.

2. RECYCLED MATERIALS

Going green has also been a style revolutionlately Expecttoseemorehomesbuilt usingrecycledandorganicmaterials

3. OPEN CONCEPT

Open concept floor plans dominate not just the office, but the home as well Ex-

pect this trend to continue, though it may reachitspeaksoonerratherthanlater

4. LAUNDRY ROOMS CAN BE SO MUCH MORE

We’ve seen kitchens and bathrooms dominate people’s attention for a few years now Combining style and function will onlycontinue Thenextroomthatpeople will start to pay attention to will be the laundryroom,typicallyanundeveloped place in homes

Whateverthecurrentfashionis,yourlocal realestateagentcanhelpyounavigatebetween what’s going to look good for now and whatwilllookgoodforthenext decade.