Prince George Citizen July 13, 2023

THURSDAY, July 13, 2023

Worst wildfire season on pace

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

The province is fighting the third-worst fire season on record in terms of hectares burned, with most of the activity focused in the northeast corner of B.C.

B C surpassed one million hectares burned across the province last week, but the fire activity has been mostly focused in the Prince George Fire Centre, which stretches from Quesnel to the Yukon/N.W.T. border.

“Crossing over the 1 million hectares threshold this yearly in the season is quite significant,” said Cliff Chapman, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) director of wildfire operations, in a provincial update.

As of last week, 1,044,503 042 hectares have burned across B.C. in 634 wildfires, and the Prince George Fire Centre has been responsible for dealing with 1,030,978.275 hectares of those fires.

The worst fire year on record currently is 2018, with 1,354,284 hectares burned in 2,117 fires

“We are in early July, so we have the potential for the hot and dry months of July, August and into September to see even more fire in the landscape,” he said.

“Human-caused prevention is a critical piece as we move into warming and drying conditions that we’ve seen already two or three times this spring ” See WE ARE JUST ENTERING on page 3

Victim’s mom seeks mercy for drunk driver

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A sentencing hearing for a Prince George man behind the wheel during an alcohol-fueled rollover that claimed the life of his best friend ended with the victim’s mother making a plea for leniency.

Tyler Ian Curtis is facing anywhere from two years house arrest followed by three years probation to as much as two years in jail followed by two years probation as Crown and defence counsels presented differing positions during the hearing at the courthouse.

James Lindsay was killed on the evening of Jan 14, 2021, when Curtis lost control of his truck as he entered a curve while heading north on Foothills Boulevard

See I FEEL LESS THAN A HUMAN on page 5

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Big Creek Wildfire in the Prince George Fire Centre.

Mexican firefighters arrive in Prince George

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Prince George Fire Centre information officer Sharon Nickel said 102 firefighters from Mexico arrived last Wednesday and more from the United States were expected to join them.

To date, the U.S. has sent 170 firefighters, including 100 smoke

‘We

jumpers, 40 ground crew workers, 16 agency representatives/officers and a 14-person incident team of management personnel.

BC WILDFIRE SERVICE

A group of 102 firefighters from Mexico gather for a briefing on the tarmac at the Prince George Airport last Wednesday before heading off to fight wildfires

are just entering into our core fire season’

Continued from page 1

“We need to expect that July and August could be hot and dry for the entire two months ”

He said the north and, in particular, the northeast has been slammed by wildfires this season, which started early in April. He said he encourages everyone to be extremely cautious as it’s anticipated that fire on the landscape will begin to spread from the north to the south with

anticipated lightning each day

When asked if this season has the potential to be the worst fire season on record, Chapman said he would be willing to say there is potential “that we will burn the most hectares ever recorded in B C ’s history this year given we are already over 1 million and we are just entering into our core fire season now.”

However, he noted that is from a hectares burned perspective.

Planning and paying for your life celebration in advance will give you and your family valuable peace of mind.

“But in terms of impacts from those fires, we really won’t know until we get through the next couple of months ”

Chapman also noted that earlier in the season, the northeast did see some significant impacts in terms of significant evacuation orders and alerts in rural and more populated communities in the north, whether that was Fort St. John, McBride or other rural, remote, and First Nations communities.

He said further impacts will be dependent on where the lightning tracks and making sure that the BCWS is detecting fires as quickly as possible

“That’s another call to the public to call in smoke as you see it, and we will respond to it,” said Chapman. He stressed that anyone who sees a potential wildfire should call *555 to report it, even if you think the fire may have already been called in.

Property Use Agreements for:

Beaverly Recreational Property

Miworth Community Hall & Miworth Community Park

Nukko Hall Community Hall

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George intends to enter into property use agreements for the use of Regional District properties as follows:

Beaverly Community Association for the Beaverly Recreational Property, legally described as Lot 16, District Lot 620, Cariboo District Plan 1210, located at 9890 South Heights Road, in Prince George, BC. (For a 3- year term)

Miworth Community Association for the Miworth Community Hall, legally described as Part of the Remainder of Block A of District Lot 2165, Cariboo District, located at 13510 Flint Road, in Prince George, BC, and Miworth Community Park, legally described as Lot B, District Lot 2165, Cariboo District Plan 19245, located at 1225 Lindsay Road, in Prince George, BC. (For a 5-year term)

Nukko Lake Recreation Commission for the Nukko Lake Community Hall, legally described as Lot B of District Lot 2497, Cariboo District Plan 6336, located at 23485 Chief Lake Road in Prince George, BC. (For a 5-year term)

In consideration of the entitlements given, the Regional District will receive a nominal sum of $1.00 each of the specified term of the agreements.

For more information please contact:

Cindy Paton Community services Leader cpaton@rdffg.bc.ca

City bylaw officers to carry ‘defensive tools,’ naloxone

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Prince George city bylaw officers will be trained to use defensive tools, as well as naloxone.

A report to city council written by the director of public safety Adam Davey said that the new training program and tools assist the city’s bylaw services division in conforming to industry ‘best practices’ with peer cities across the province

In the report, he explains that the role of bylaw officers in B C has evolved dramatically over the past three to five years and that most municipalities now experience substantial issues involving persons with addiction and mental health issues as well as those who are precariously housed.

“This situation has been apparent in the City of Prince George and led to the creation of a dedicated team to patrol the downtown core as well as civic facilities, through a service enhancement in 2020,” said Davey.

He said bylaw services in Prince George now has 21 officers that all have contact in their daily duties with individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, drug addiction and in some instances homelessness

“They also come into contact on a regular basis with individuals that are angered by this situation and attribute the situation to inaction on the part of the municipality.”

Bylaw officers will be trained to carry defensive

He said this is a precarious situation for bylaw officers on the street as they have limited legal authority and currently no tools that they can use to protect themselves should their interactions with the public turn hostile and potentially violent

Davey noted that bylaw staff do regularly take part in conflict de-escalation and other verbal training to de-escalate potentially volatile situations but this does not always work

“Therefore, like our peer municipalities, other self-defensive tools are required to be carried to ensure the safety of staff ”

He said decisions have been made across British Columbia to bolster employee safety by training and equipping all bylaw officers with defensive batons, OC spray (pepper spray) and handcuffs

Davey said the City of Prince

George bylaw officers will be carrying these defensive force options starting on August 1, to align with best practices of other comparable municipalities

There will also be an expansion of the naloxone pilot program, which was implemented in November 2022. Since that time, naloxone has been administered on 21 occasions with success every time This success translates into 21 lives not being lost.

“Requests have now come from other employees within Bylaw Services to also be trained so they can assist when required as they are also meeting individuals experiencing overdoses in their daily duties throughout Prince George,” said Davey.

He said staff appear to be very supportive of these initiatives and administration has included their feedback into the new program.

‘I

feel less than a human’

Continued from page 1

Moments before, the truck was seen passing on a double-solid line at high speed despite slippery winter conditions

Near Chief Lake Road, the truck slammed into a power pole on the passenger side before coming to rest on its roof Downed powerlines complicated the rescue effort but Curtis was able to make it up to the roadside Lindsay, who was 29 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple blunt force trauma

Bottles and cans of alcohol, empty and full, were found at the scene and blood samples collected from Curtis at the hospital showed levels of 167 and 179

An RCMP officer who arrived on the crash scene recognized Curtis from a few weeks before when he was issued a 90-day roadside suspension following a rollover of an all-terrain vehicle that also involved alcohol And earlier on the day of the fatal crash, RCMP had received a report of the pickup being driven erratically along Foothills, weaving in and out of traffic at a high speed

Curtis and Lindsay were life-long friends who grew up together in New Brunswick In pursuit of job prospects, Curtis moved to Prince George where he lived for eight years and where he and his common-law spouse are the parents of two boys

Curtis has had a history of substance abuse He had stopped drinking heavily once he met his spouse but that changed when Lindsay moved to Prince George and began living with the family a few weeks before the fatality

Given a chance to speak, Curtis said Lindsay was “more than a friend, he was like a brother,” as he apologized to Lindsay’s family and went on to say he will accept any punishment he is given.

“I feel less than a human, I have a hard time even looking at myself anymore, I don’t like leaving my house, I can’t even think about driving ever again, I don’t even want to be near a vehicle let alone

drive one,” Curtis said, his voice shaking.

Following final comments from Crown, Lindsay’s mother, Donna Pike, who had been taking the proceeding in from her home in New Brunswick via videoconferencing, addressed the court

She went on to urge house arrest and put some of the blame on her son for getting into the truck with Curtis.

“I don’t think James would want him in jail. I don’t think it would serve him any good to tear his family apart,” Pike said and described Curtis as a “good man” who did not commit the act deliberately Provincial Court Judge Peter McDermick reserved his decision

BINGO

SATURDAY, JULY 29TH

‘It’s

not a criminal offence to be topless’

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

In response to a Prince George woman who says she was warned by police she could face charges for sunbathing topless in her yard next to a Hart elementary school, RCMP officials say being topless is not a criminal offence.

On June 26, after she confronted motorists she says were parking illegally in a no -parking zone that leads to an elementary school next to her home, Lynn Blatta received a visit from an RCMP officer who told her somebody had complained about her exposing her breasts while she was in her fenced yard

think of many examples, but that would be the first one that would come to mind, (if) you’re trying to elicit some kind of response that would endanger somebody.”

While he could not offer specific details about Blatta’s case, Clark said being topless in public view, whether it’s in a private yard, public beach or municipal swimming pool, is not an offence

Jennifer Cooper

“Let’s say someone is walking down the street topless - is that an offence, no,” said Clark. “But if they’re standing

“It is not an offence to be topless in public, unless the act of being topless is done with the intent to commit another offence,” said Prince George RCMP Cpl

in a position actively trying to distract a driver to cause an accident, could that be considered an offence? It’s more about the action and the intent as opposed to the fact that they’re topless. I can’t

“I don’t think there’s any charges coming out of this file,” said Clark, from his office in Surrey. “It would be different if charges were coming, then eventually we could get to a position where we could talk about it but I don’t think that’s the case Some businesses can refuse service at their discretion (for being topless) and that goes for guys too But it’s not a criminal offence to be topless.”

Suspect denies civil forfeiture allegations

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A man is denying the B.C.’s civil forfeiture director’s claim that his car is a proceed of crime.

In a response filed on June 23, counsel for Andrew James Schooley says he was wrongfully arrested and his vehicle wrongly and unjustly taken from him on Dec 22, 2022.

The director is seeking the forfeiture of Schooley’s 2019 Subaru WRX, alleging the vehicle was being used to run a dial-a-dope drug trafficking operation in Prince George.

In a notice of claim, the director goes on to itemize significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine RCMP allegedly uncovered from the car and from a home police also subsequently searched

A loaded handgun, stun gun, more than $5,000 in cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia were also uncovered, according to the director.

In the response, Schooley “specifically denies” being in possession of any of the items and states he was one of several occupants of the home Schooley has also “never been charged with any Criminal activity stemming from his unlawful arrest and unlawful search on December 22, 2022.”

Charge approval typically takes a year from the date of an arrest in such cases to give police time to have the substances tested and verified.

Court records show Schooley, who also goes by James Andrew Schooley, has a criminal record for drug and gun related offences and continues to face drug-related charges from alleged August 2020 and May 2022 incidents

For a conviction in a criminal matter, Crown must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt

In contrast. civil forfeitures are considered civil matters, and so the threshold is a less-stringent balance of probabilities.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

The corner of 18th Avenue and Foothills Boulevard

Subcontractor denies shoddy work allegation

MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff

A subcontractor hired to install cladding on the new fire hall in Mackenzie is firing back against allegations of faulty work.

In a legal response to a counterclaim, Terotech Solutions Inc. is laying the blame for the project problems entirely at the feet of the delay-plagued project’s main contractor, Southwest Design and Construction Ltd.

In part, Terotech alleges that Southwest insisted the cladding be installed prior to the roof of the fire hall being installed

despite being “repeatedly warned” against it

The misstep led to rainwater seeping into the cladding and resulting in “significant re-work,” Terotech alleges

Terotech also claims the canopy was lined incorrectly by Southwest, “as a result of which, the installed cladding had to be removed.”

The District of Mackenzie is also named as a defendent but the dispute appears to be between Southwest and Terrotech.

And Terotech alleges the cladding was destroyed when workers drove over the material while removing snow

Terotech also claims a mechanical crew engaged by Southwest damaged the cladding.

The response was filed June 16 at the B C Supreme Court registry in Prince George It is the latest in a series of filings by the two companies over the issue.

The District of Mackenzie is also named as a defendant but the dispute appears to be between Southwest and

Terotech.

Terotech is seeking more than $192,000 for the alleged “extra and excessive costs” incurred

Southwest, conversely, is claiming more than $130,000 in special damages

According to an update included in the June 26 District of Mackenzie council agenda package, the fire hall is on track for substantial completion by September 1, roughly 15 months later than originally intended

However, the delays have had no impact on the overall budget for the $6 5-million project, according to the report

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

INCREASE IN WILDFIRES HAS MULTIPLES CAUSES

Waking up to smoke for the last week or so in lovely Fraser Lake

With a couple of instant lightning-caused fires over the weekend, and my house being roared over by water bombers, my initial reaction was: are those climate guys and global warming experts really right? Is my province really burning up?

I do agree with the experts like Todd Whitcombe that say that the world is on a warming trend.

Just by observation, 2023 is turning into an unusually hot and dry summer that started early

But I read an interesting opinion piece by Tristin Hopper of the National Post this morning: “Forests used to catch fire like this all the time ”

He goes back 100 to 200 years and quotes oral histories of Indigenous people and other sources and talks about forest fire reality in Canada

The forests in B.C. and Canada used to burn more frequently, bigger areas used to burn and human ignitions were used to keep our forest in check

In the 1950s, the forest services across Canada started aggressively fighting fires and telling Indigenous peoples to not burn

According to Hopper, “a Canadian wildfire season of this size is pretty normal for the pre-industrial era.”

He goes on to talk about a fire deficit

There is too much debris on the forest floor.

The large fires of recent years are starting to clear up some of the excess fire load, but more needs to be burned

Yes, Todd Whitcombe is right.

The climate is changing and I would agree that a world population of eight billion that is burning fossil fuels is a factor in climate change

Yes, Tristin Hopper is right

A different type of forest management in the past 100 years has also changed things and that is a factor in the current wildfire season

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

There is no “adjacent development” to serve west or south of 18th and so there is no traffic flow to control

There has never been an unsafe incident at this location and while traffic circles promote intersection safety for vehicles, they increase the hazard for pedestrians, a concern when so many pedestrians use the Foothills walkway

The only reason there would be to warrant a traffic circle would be if Foothills Blvd. were extended to the south.

There are different opinions in the world and sometimes both can be right at the same time.

Get used to the smoke

Wayne Martineau, Fraser Lake

ROUNDABOUT ‘A WASTE OF PUBLIC MONEY’

The traffic circle at Foothills and 18th is a waste of public money

The verbiage the city put out in announcing the project talked about it as an “uncontrolled intersection.” Not sure if anybody from the city has visited the location, but it is in fact a corner (where Foothhills turns into 18th) Traffic around this corner is free flowing and there are no “network capacity” issues

NEIL GODBOUT EDITORIN-CHIEF CURTIS ARMSTRONG PUBLISHER

Is this a dishonest attempt to annnounce the extension of the Foothills Blvd to the south?

The city frequently uses the “city was projected to have a population of 120,000” card to justify the high cost of servicing the city now

The only reason there would be to warrant a traffic circle would be if Foothills Blvd. was extended to the south, which if done in the short-term and in light of the population not meeting projections, would be irresponsible

Citizens for Ginter’s Meadow, be afraid.

If it came, future development could fund the traffic circle, but until then, and when needed (definitely not now), a $1,000 dollar three-way stop would provide a safe mechanism to tide things over

There are just so many places in the city that the $1 6M could have been better spent.

Julian Haysom, Prince George

OFFICE HOURS 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday

GENERAL SWITCHBOARD 250-562-2441

info@pgcitizen.ca GENERAL NEWS news@pgcitizen.ca SPORTS INQUIRIES 250-960-2764 sports@pgcitizen.ca

PUNISHMENT NEEDED FOR BIRD CRUELTY

I can’t be the only one to notice the presence of not just adult seagulls, but baby seagulls at Parkwood Mall. These poor babies are vulnerable and struggle to fly.

And in noticing the baby seagulls being around Parkwood, I can’t help but notice the numerous birds being stuck to the road, dead after being run over This is unacceptable

We as humans need to do something to protect these poor innocent animals. They come here because it is engraved in them from generations before. They deserve a place to safely raise their young.

What really bothered me was a pair of young individuals that pulled in front of booster juice while I was picking up Pizza Hut at 1 a.m. Sunday.

They deliberately parked, waited for the giant herd of seagulls surrounded by an injured young to calm down, before they looped around and sped as fast as they could to run them over There needs to be a punishment for what they have done It is so cruel, and for what?

These are protected animals And the facs they have become so confused as to lay their young in the middle of our city is no excuse for the way these people are treating them

Courtney Knapton Prince George

250-562-2441

cls@pgcitizen.ca

PUBLISHER 250-960-2757

carmstrong@pgcitizen.ca

READER SALES AND SERVICES

250-562-3301

rss@pgcitizen.ca

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@pgcitizen.ca

WEBSITE FEEDBACK

digital@glaciermedia.ca

Firefighter recruitment becoming difficult

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

The Prince George Fire Rescue retirement ceremony in April at the Civic Centre - the first in four years due to the pandemic - saw 27 members gather to call it a career.

Those retirements put a dent in a firefighting suppression force that has 98 members.

“That’s nearly 30 people retired in four years so now we’re getting to a phase in our life cycle where the officers are younger and they’ve got five to 10 years left to put in,” said PGFR deputy chief Bryan Burleigh.

Firefighters are required at retire at age 60 To replace them with new members, the city keeps an eligibility list of candidates who have already met the required qualifications and passed the interview process That list is usually kept two years, but Burleigh says most often the

Retired

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

In 28 ½ years as a Prince George firefighter, with every fire he attended with his crew, every traffic accident and medical call they responded to, Fred Wilkinson knew there was someone who needed his help on what was likely one of the worst day of their lives.

Months or years later, he’d recognize them in the line at the supermarket or at a hockey game, knowing the last time they’d met, he or one of his colleagues has pulled them out of wrecked vehicle or provided CPR to restore a heart rhythm It was a reminder he made the right choice and that continues for the 55-yearold Wilkinson, two months into his retirement from Prince George Fire Rescue

“When you run into a person you’ve assisted and see them out and about walking and talking it gives you a little bit of satisfaction that you’ve helped that person,” said Wilkinson. “There are aspects of the job where you see sometimes pretty terrible things, but firefighting itself is a challenge and it’s fun It’s an adrenaline rush. I think lots of people who get into the profession will say when they get a fire, people maybe don’t understand it, but they get hyped up and excited because they get to do what they’re trained for ”

candidates on it are hired before that two years is up.

Because so many fire departments in other cities have older age demographics and are experiencing a slough of retirements, job opportunities in those cities are draining the pool of candidates and finding replacements for that eligibility list is becoming more of an issue in Prince George.

Just one of the 98 firefighters, out of a PGFR staff of 124, is female, and Burleigh is encouraging anybody, regardless of gender, to consider it as a career

“We’d like to have diversity throughout,” said Burleigh. “But with the lack of interest provincewide it’s hard to find qualified candidates, never mind diversity, but we’re open to it This is truly a competitive career and it’s the best of the best So I’d be happy to hire a whole group of females, if they’re the best of the best ” PGFR often draws new recruits with previous firefighting experience in volunteer fire departments or with the

BC Wildfire Service.

The minimum requirements are outlined on the city website.

Burleigh said the physical test is more a test of endurance than it is a show of strength.

“Most people fail it on technicalities, they touch a handrail or fall over, things like that,” he said. “It’s a series of tasks all relevant to the job of firefighting ”

In Prince George, firefighters work two 10-hour day shifts followed by two 14-hour nightshifts,with four days off in between.The four-days-on, four-days-off shifts during an eight-day cycle vary from 68 to 76 to 96 hours over that eight-day period and that averages out to 42 hours per week

Wages are comparable to the building trades The starting wage is $36 07 per hour ($6,059 per month) and three-year members make close to $100,000 annually, with pay increases after 10 and 15 years

looks back on career

Like a well-rehearsed team preparing for a championship, firefighters are often put to the test to save lives and Wilkinson worked his way up the ladder to become an assistant chief, which cast him into the role as coach of that team One call that stands out for him came on a day when he was the incident commander responding to a house fire where they saved two lives

“Just to see the staff that came and responded and how they performedthey did risk themselves a bit to try and save this family and unfortunately one person succumbed to their injuries - but they did a tremendous job switching from firefighting to their paramedic roles out on the lawn,” said Wilkinson

“Just sitting watching the whole thing, it was incredible It was the highlight of my

career to see how the training has come and to see how they performed that day to save those people was incredible. I was so proud of them ”

When Wilkinson joined the force in 1995 there were very few choices for firefighting schools and he went to Maple Ridge to get his basic certification When he applied with the city, there were two or three hundred aspiring recruits looking for the same job.

From that group, 80 wrote the test and only five were hired.

He was 26 when he joined and those five recruits allowed the city to double its fire suppression staff at the Ospika Fire Hall No. 2 staff to a four-person station to meet National Fire Protection Association standards.

He advanced up the seniority pole to

become and officer, which brought more responsibility and more stress which comes with job of being in charge of a crew

In a career that spanned nearly three decades, Wilkinson’s job changed significantly.

Ten years ago, under chief John Lane, all Prince George firefighters raised their first aid standards to become Emergency Medical Responders, equivalent to that of a basic paramedic Education of firefighting techniques and safety standards also took a leap forward to make the job less hazardous.

“We have much better personal protective equipment than we used to have, and we get much better training now on strategies and tactics to make good decisions on the safest way to attack a hazard,” said Wilkinson.

May 29 was Wilkinson’s last day on the job and that means more time with his wife Karen, who is retiring after 32 years teaching high school biology.

They plan to camp and fish and will be free to visit their sons in Saskatchewan and Victoria

“I really enjoyed working with my shift, it’s just so much fun, but I’m not going to miss the stress of the calls, or the night shifts Our call volume has gone up about 30 per cent over the last two years and it’s everything that’s gone up ”

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Fred Wilkinson drops by for a visit to Prince George Fire Rescue Fire Hall No 1, where he used to work until he retired in May.

Cops For Cancer cyclists training for long ride

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders had a busy long weekend throughout the region as they prepare for the September event.

Whether it was holding spin-a-thons, participating in friendly competitions or getting in a training ride, the riders were out in force.

Cops for Cancer Tour de North is an annual event where law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle seven days and 800 km across northern B.C., raising money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society

Riders Fraser Bjornson and Jamie MacPhersen were at the Williams Lake rodeo

They participated in a friendly competition between the Williams Lake RCMP and Williams Lake Fire Department to see who could set up fencing for the bull riding competition the quickest.

To raise money for Tour de North, Bjornson is also doing a “Flush Out Cancer” event where he’s putting a colourful toilet on people’s lawns in Williams Lake

In order to get the toilet removed from their lawn, people will need to donate to the cause and help “Flush Out Cancer.”

At the rodeo, Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty

nominated Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor to have the toilet on his lawn

In Prince Rupert, riders Kasper Green and Jordan Vendittelli held a spin-a-thon outside of the Prince Rupert Fire Department, while riders Sabrina Maaske and Leighton Johnston attended the Canada Day celebration in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, partnering with Prince George RCMP to raise awareness for the Tour de North fundraiser.

Rider Roland Dixon took on a lengthy training ride through Fort St. John.

Riders must complete three mandatory training rides in the months leading up to Tour de North’s launch in September

The rides gradually increase in distance, starting out at 80km, quickly increasing to 120km, and finally ending with a 140km long training ride

While this sounds intense, it is all in preparation for the week-long bike ride stretching from Prince George to Prince Rupert.

You can follow the riders journey’s and find out more about Cops for Cancer Tour de North on Facebook or Instagram, or check out their website

Online effort trying to help local boy

HANNA PETERSEN

“So it’d be just so nice if we could raise the money just from our community and from family and friends.”

The community is rallying together to give a local boy with cerebral palsy some independence this summer.

Angela Shymanski has started a fundraiser to give her 11-year-old neighbour, King, a specialized bicycle tailored to his unique needs

King was in the same class as Shymanski’s daughter at school, and then they realized that he also lived in the same neighbourhood, so the families have gotten to know each other well over the past year and a half

She said King originally had a small battery-operated bicycle that he could ride around the neighbourhood, but it was designed for much younger kids, and he has since outgrown it.

A new specialized bicycle for King would cost approximately $5,000.

She said some of the hoops they have to jump through to get funding is really frustrating

Shymanski said that’s why she decided to try a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over $3,000 of the $5,000 goal.

“Initially, we found a used bicycle that was $2,000, and that was our initial goal to fundraise for that But then, after looking at the bike closer, it was 10 years old, and they still wanted $2,000, which is considerable for an old bike,” said Shymanski.

“Then the fundraiser really took off, so we decided, well, maybe we can get him a brand new one, so now we’re on our way towards that.”

Shymanski noted that King has some medical appointments coming up in Vancouver, and the possibility of getting a new bike has been a big motivator for him

“He really wants to come bike ride to our house because we have a zipline and a trampoline that he really likes going on,” said Shymanski

Citizen staff

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Tour de North riders at events over the Canada Day long weekend

Groups collaborating on summer music program

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Three music organizations are coming together to bring music a community music program to northern B.C. this summer.

The Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO), Prince George Conservatory of Music (PGCM), and Orchestra North (Smithers) have announced their new collaboration Orchestra North Summer Program

The program will be hosted by the Prince George Symphony Youth Orchestra will be held from July 28Aug 1, 2023, followed by a short tour August 2-3 for select players

The program is modelled after Orchestra North summer programs of previous years, but will take place in Prince George, where it will be hosted at the Prince George Conservatory of Music

This intensive program is open to string players of all ages and skill levels, and the organizers hope to add some wind instruments to the mix as well.

“We’re focused on making this a truly great experience for the fiddlers and string players of northern B.C., but we’ll see how much interest there is from other musicians,” said Orchestra North Artistic Director and PGSYO

Music Director Roxi Dykstra.

“I’m encouraging interested wind players to also get in touch if they’re interested – it would be amazing to be able to play a whole symphony!”

Participants will join world-class instructors including Dykstra on violin and viola, Simon MacDonald on violin, and Yu Yu Liu who was recently appointed as the PGSO’s principal cello

“We’re very pleased to be able to expand our youth orchestra collaboration with the PGSO,” said Shoshanna Godber, Artistic Director of the PGCM.

“It’s so important to make these playing opportunities available to music students in Prince George.”

The organizers welcome players of all ages and experience levels.

“I’m thrilled to be able to offer this program in the community,” said Ken Hall, Executive Director of the PGSO. “Not only does it represent an amazing opportunity for the students of this city, but it should offer fantastic development opportunities for even our most advanced community musicians as well.”

The program is made possible by a grant to the PGSO from the BC Arts Council. Those interested can register online for the program which costs $180 plus GST Regular registration is open until July 15.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The featured performers in the Alex Mackenzie Hungry for Laughs Comedy Tour coming to Prince George in November

Show raising money for hospice

A comedy show benefiting the Prince George Hospice Society to coming to Prince George.

The CN Centre in Prince George is set to host the comedy show, “Alex Mackenzie’s Hungry for Laughs Tour,” on Nov 18

It will be an evening of non-stop amusement while benefiting the Prince George Hospice and Pallative Care Society.

“Alex Mackenzie’s Hungry for Laughs Tour” brings together three of the most prominent Canadian comedians, a world-class magician, and an international foot

archer, thus offering a diverse range of talent that will captivate audiences of all ages

The lineup of performers for “Alex Mackenzie’s Hungry for Laughs Tour” includes comedians Alex Mackenzie, Ivan Dekcer, Simon King as well as magician Wes Barker and archer Orissa Kelly

They have graced prestigious stages around the world

This is made possible because of the sponsorship from Selen Alpay, the owner of the Canadian Tire store in Prince George.

Tickets are available at the Hungry For Laughs website

SATURDAY, JULY 15TH

Kodiaks coach settling into new football home

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

From Day 1 of their inaugural season last year when they joined the BCFC as an expansion team, the Prince George Kodiaks have held firm to their desire to develop a football culture that leans on local talent.

That philosophy remains unchanged under head coach and director of football operations Jamie Boreham, hired in December to take over the team from Keon Raymond

Half the players who gathered on the field at Masich Place Stadium last week for the start of training camp have northern B.C. roots and most of that group are from Prince George

What has changed is Boreham has been a full-time Prince George resident ever since he started working with the team in January

The fact Boreham has remained in the city to oversee the junior program and the Kodiaks Football Academy is a radical switch from how the Kodiaks were run by Raymond, who kept his primary residence in Calgary

“It doesn’t work, you can’t be an in-andout coach, there’s too much going on and too much that has to happen,” said Boreham

“You’ve got to be in the area. Being here has allowed me to be at every practice, it’s allowed me to meet all the kids and their families

“With me here, our guys have been practicing three days a week since January 5th. We had to change who we were and we had to make them ready, and the off-season is your best catch-up time. Physically they weren’t ready, mentally they weren’t ready, they didn’t understand the process

he left to become head coach of the Okanagan Sun.

He coached the Sun for three seasons from 2019-21 and was named BCFC coach of the year in 2021 after reaching the conference final, then resigned to attend to family matters in his Burnaby hometown.

Last year, the Sun went undefeated to win their third Canadian Bowl national championship

Boreham and Kodiaks president Craig Briere have known each other for more 20 years, dating back to when Boreham played for the Saskatchewan Huskies and Briere suited up for the UBC Thunderbirds

They reconnected through the regional academy program a few years ago and last year Briere asked Boreham to attend the Kodiaks camp and returned in September as an off-field guest coach and advisor to the board

“There’s been a lot of growth and the biggest thing is the players trusted that what we’re doing is the right things and I think they are seeing the benefit of the things we’ve done.”

Boreham, who played nine seasons in the CFL as a kicker with Saskatchewan, Hamilton and Toronto, was a high school phys-ed teacher and athletic director at Notre Dame College in Vancouver when

Boreham jumped at the chance to be back at the helm of a junior team in a city where he can afford to a buy house. He and his wife Stacey, a legal assistant, are in the process of selling their house in Kelowna

They have two young sons, six-year-old Beau and four-year-old Bradie Coming off a 1-9 season, the Kodiaks open their 2023 schedule July 29 at home against Okanagan, the first of three games this year against the defending champs

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Prince George Kodiaks head coach and director of football operations Jamie Boreham started working with the junior team on Jan 5

You’re going to lose access to local news on Facebook and Google.

Dear readers,

Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram.

And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.

Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram

Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result.

This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.

Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard

We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:

1. Sign up for our free daily newsletter by scanning the QR code. (And encourage your family and friends to do the same.)

2. Follow us on Twitter.

3. Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.

4 Consider becoming a member if you aren’t already Your support will help us continue to cover local stories, by locals

5. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.

With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever

Thank you. We appreciate you.

Sincerely,

The Prince George Citizen team

Swim official picked for Pan-Am Games

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Larry Chrobot has never been to South America but he plans to be there in October sporting the maple leaf.

The 55-year-old from Prince George has been asked to join the ranks of the officials overseeing the swimming events at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

Chrobot’s persistence as a competitive swimming official that started 23 years ago as parent volunteer at local swim meets watching his son Andrew race for the Prince George Barracudas Swim Club paved his path to pursue officiating to the highest level.

What’s really exciting thing about this is it’s a multisport event, so it’s like the Olympics. There will be like 6,000 athletes, so you get the vibe ”

Chrobot’s goosebump moment came when Swim Canada directed him to a website to have him fill in his clothing sizes so he could be outfitted with Team Canada gear.

You can’t sit around and do nothing, so you grab a stopwatch and eventually you start doing more and it just keeps going from there.

The Pan Am Games will be his first global event as a rule enforcer.

“I got the call from Swim Canada a few months ago asking to have my name put forward for that and I said sure,” said Chrobot.

“All the countries put names forward and then the Pan Am committee goes through and selects the appropriate officials for the event.

“A few weeks ago I got the email from Pan Am to say I’d been selected and that was cool You never did it as an athlete, so now you’re doing it as an officials.

He received a box in the mail last month with his Pan Am Games poolside wardrobe and couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride trying it on Chrobot’s son Andrew was eight when he first got involved in swimming and he stuck with it well into his late-teen years to become a BC team member

Now 31, he’s best remembered around the Barracuda ranks for breaking Jim Fowlie’s 43-year-old club record in the 400 m individual medley

To get to that stage took hundreds of hours of practice and dozens of club meets at the Prince George Aquatic Centre and his dad Larry soon became a fixture at those meets.

“I’m a volleyball/basketball guy, I didn’t know anything about swimming, “ said Larry “You can’t sit around and do nothing, so you grab a stopwatch, and eventually you start doing more, and it just keeps going from there.

“Back in the day, when Andrew was progressing along, I jokingly said, ‘you know son, I’ll go as far in officiating and you go in swimming,’ Well I didn’t think he’d keep going,”

Larry kept upgrading his credentials while watching daughters Lauren and Kathryn race

“It never stopped because the girls kept swimming there until high school so we spent a lot of time at that pool,” said Larry

Now a Level 5 official, Chrobot has participated in national events for the last five years and has watched the ultra-competitive events that lead to the

Canadian team selections for international events

“You’re doing your job but you’re seeing people who are so committed to the sport at that level,” said Chrobot.

“It’s nice to be selected, it’s been a long journey.”

The Pan Am Games are set for Oct 20 to Nov. 5, with all swimming events happening during the first week

Chrobot plans to build a holiday around the trip with his wife Carolyn

He’s looking forward to seeing future Olympians in the pool and also will get time to take in some of the other events at the Games

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Larry Chrobot started officiating swim meets 23 years ago at Prince George Barracudas events and he’s never stopped In October, he will represent Canada as an official at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

Sprinter earns Team Canada spot

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Adam Sieben has been the jackrabbit measuring stick every runner in the Prince George Track and Field Club tries to emulate.

Last year, he shredded the competition in the 400-metre event at the B.C. High School Provincial Championships and this year the Duchess Park Secondary School Grade 11 student has taken his sprinter’s role to new heights.

The 17-year-old Sieben been selected to the 11-male, nine-female Canadian team to compete in the 100m and 200m events at the North American Central American and Caribbean under-18 Athletics Championships in Costa Rica, from July 21-23.

It will be his first time to fly the Canadian flag in an athletic event.

Sieben’s best time in the 100 m is 10.8 seconds and his 200m PB is 22.11 seconds

“He’s a quick boy,” said Ross Browne, head coach of the Prince George Track and Field Club.

“I think that hard work has paid off Even with the short season we have, Adam has proven you don’t have to do it all year.

“You don’t need the big-budget sports teams and we can make those types of athletes here in Prince George ”

Sieben becomes the first PGTFC member to represent Canada in an international track and field event since high jumper Alyx Treasure

The 2016 Olympian had a nine-year career competing against the best in the world from 2010-2018.

The northern B C climate and the timing of the outdoor track and field season, with most events during the summer months, puts Prince George athletes at a

competitive disadvantage compared to athletes from more temperate climates that allow them to train longer outdoors in snow-free conditions.

But that hasn’t stopped Sieben from climbing to the top of the heap in his home country, and his coach uses him as an example to other local athletes that anything is possible if the will to succeed is there

“The biggest thing I’ve been telling athletes is we can compete with the kids in the Lower Mainland and we can compete with the programs in Vancouver and Adam has been a shining example of that,” said Browne

“He’s a multisport athlete who does basketball in the winter (he played point guard for the Duchess Park Condors senior team), he’s a football enthusiast, but the thing that really sets him apart is when springtime comes and the snow is finally melted in late April he commits himself wholly to track and I think that’s what elevates him among his peers ”

Sieben was a surprise qualifier for the 100 and 200 events at this year’s B C High School meet in early June in Langley because he hadn’t focused on those distances in training.

A hip injury, however, forced him to pull out of the high school meet before he could race

He’s had time to recover and Browne expects him to be on top of his game in Costa Rica.

“He really has short speed and what some people would call long speed, he has it all, he’s a complete sprinter,” said Browne.

“He’s kind of a coach’s dream as far as sprinters go, there are no weaknesses.”

Sieben also plans to travel to Sherbrooke, Que., Aug. 11-13 for the Legion Youth National Track and Field Championships.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Prince George Track and Field Club sprinter Adam Sieben has been selected to compete in the U-18 North American Central American and Caribbean Athletics Championships in Costa Rica July 21-23

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

Self-esteem is essential for personal development. You’ll be recognized for your accomplishments, which will fill you with pride. If you’re single, having more selfconfidence will get you noticed by the right person.

TAURUS

You don’t have to go far to have an amazing summer vacation. Staying home and spending time with family s all you need. If you manage your time wisely, you’ll be able to see all the people you haven’t seen in a long time.

GEMINI

You’ll feel restless and strike up conversations with several people. You’ll spend hours discussing everything under the sun to get to know the people around you. You’re naturally curious and will read anything you can get hands

CANCER

Although you’re still unsure about something, you’ll look ahead and move forward with determination. You’ll find the means to start your own business or treat yourself to a dream holiday

LEO

A little excitement could do you good, as would maintaining dynamic relationships with your loved ones and developing new friendships. One activity won’t wait for another The New Moon could cause some confusion.

VIRGO

A little accumulated fatigue could slow you down. Try catching up on sleep. On the job, extra work combined with colleagues on vacation will force you to double your efforts.

LIBRA

Managing your social accounts will help you engage more effectively You could organize a spontaneous trip or getaway with your loved ones, from which you’ll bring back many unforgettable memories.

SCORPIO

You may take on a renovation or building project that will double the value of your home. The effort you put into improving your home will fill you with pride. Someone close to you will suggest an exciting outing.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll be given the opportunity to go on a getaway You’ll be inspired by a pilgrimage or spiritual activity You may spend more time practicing new meditation techniques.

reason or another You’ll be called on for your generosity At the very least, you’ll have to take care of a loved one. Fatigue and stress could affect your mood; take some time off.

AQUARIUS

The new moon is the perfect time to create more harmony in your life. You could come across a new job opportunity, even in the middle of summer You’ll have to choose between two offers from people close to you.

PISCES

The summer holidays are fast approaching! However, you won’t take any time off until you’ve finished all your chores. At home, a deep cleaning or renovation project will bring you much satisfaction. Someone close to you will need you.

CAPRICORN

You’ll have to get a handle on your emotions for one

FayeHelen Terrion

February22,1938July4,2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Faye Helen Terrion, 85, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at Gateway Lodge in Prince George Faye was born in Superior Junction, Ontario, on February 22, 1938; the daughter of the lateJosephandLydiaTrudeau Faye was predeceased by her husband James Terrion and leaves behind Donna Fraser (Rod), James Terrion Jr., Michael Terrion (Sherryl), grandchildren Patricia (Ryan), Tyler (Delany), Robyn (Luke), Isayha, James, Avery, greatgrandchildren Bryson, Korbin, several nieces and nephews, her cherished sister-in-law Betty Shipley, brothers Clyde (Kathy) and Maurice Trudeau.

Faye had a long and great career at the Bank of Montreal in Prince Rupert and when she retired she moved to Prince George to be closer to her family Faye was dedicated to her husband Jim andtheirsharedpassionforhuntingandfishing.

Faye supported her son Jimmy’s work with the Terry Fox Foundation to help him reach his goal For those that wish to donate in Faye’s memory maydosotoacharityofyourchoice

In honor of Faye’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a laterdate

Sharing of memories or condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Assman’s Dignity Memorialonlineobituarysite

In loving memory of Arlette Conceicao Santos, who passed away on June 29, 2023 at the age of 77 years She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Carlos; her daughter Lori lee (Dave); her son Kelsey; and her grandchildren David and Evangeline. Arlette is also survived by her four siblings Louie (Ginny), Evalyn, Anita (Victor) and Kerry (Anna) Arlette was also loved and cherished by many more family and friends The familywishestoexpresstheirsinceregratitude to Drs Nevill, Ferreira and Lamb, and the numerousnurseswhoshowedkindnessandcare throughout her illness. Prayer service will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:30amatSt Mary’sCatholicChurch.

MARIAADELINASANTOS

BruceJardine

June28/1949June26/2023

Bruce Jardine passed away after a long struggle with Health issues in High River Alberta He was born in Nipawin Saskatchewan to RalphandMyraJardine(predeceased)

Survived by his wife Isabel of almost 47 years and his children Cindy (Marc) and Dale (Angeline) and many brothers and Sisters-Allan (Georgia), Joan (Joe), Donna (Gary), Debbie (Rick), Dean (Leanne) and five Grand Children and five Great GrandChildren.

Bruce will be lovingly missed and I want to Thank all of the Doctors who helped him with all ofhisHealthissues

A Private Family celebration of

alaterdate.

In lieu of flowers, donations

to Canadian Diabetes assoc., or Kidney Foundation ortheHeartandStoke

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

Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps them near.

Maria Adelina Santos passed away in Calgary Alberta on June 26, 2023. She is survived by her daughter Marilia (Wayne) Simard, son, Leonard (Robin Manning) Santos; granddaughter; Andrea Simard (Troy Clark), grandson; Louis Simard (Shaye Brezniak) granddaughter Iliana Santos and grandsons Nikolas and Matteo Santos; great grandchildren; Zyler, Stryker, and Ryzen. Maria is predeceased by her husband Vasco, and sisters; Maria Regina, Maria Celeste, Cesaltina and Claudina Funeral Services for Maria will be held on Friday, July 14th 2023 at 10:00am at Assman’s Funeral Chapel Interment will follow inPrinceGeorgeMemorialParkCemetery

ArletteConceicaoSantos

FrederickDouglasHallman(Doug)

October20,1936-June19,2023

Doug was born in Chilliwack, B.C. to parents: Dr.Clayton and Eva Hallman. He was raised and attended schools in Vancouver but spent the majority of his childhood, youth and formative years at his beloved Cultus Lake There, he enjoyed camping in the wild, roller skating,swimming,boating,fishingandhunting

At the age of 12, Doug developed a love for motorcycles...it all started when he bolted an old, used motor to his bicycle Many and varied (always modified) motorcycles followed over the years including, celebratinghis86thbirthdayonhishighlymodifiedHarley Doug attended Kerrisdale, St Georges, Magee and Surpas Pacific College to complete high school It was at Magee Secondary where he started dating Betty Gammer Their good friendship and dating continued for many years leading to marriage in 1960. Later, they had two beloved children...Gordon and Vicki Doug received a Bachelor of Education (P.E.) at UBC, then after several years of teaching Physical Education and Junior Secondary Mathematics in the Chilliwack School District, he went on to achieve his Masters degree inLeadership/Pedagogy-graduatingfromSFUin1978.

Attracted to Prince George because he felt the district had a commitment to pedagogy, curriculum leadership and decentralized budgeting, Doug moved his family here in 1981 - taking the position of principal at Duchess Park Secondary School Betty was able to continuehernursingcareerhere.

Doug Hallman was a dedicated educator who believed the ‘learning for life’ slogan applied to all students and teachers He realized that student learning needs varied and he worked hard with staff to try and ensure special needs were being met -including for gifted students He, with staff, worked tirelessly to ensure that all students had safe, varied opportunities to learn and to succeed As principal, he encouraged teaching colleagues to pursue opportunities which would broaden and enrich their understanding of student learning differences, and their own teaching skills In these endeavours, Doug led by example In 1987, Doug was appointed Principal of Prince George Secondary School where he continued this modelling until retirement in 1996.Hundreds of staff...thousands of students benefited from Doug’sdedicationandleadership

Following retirement, Doug pursued a new career as a full time Alpine ski instructor He began skiing on Grouse Mountain in 1958- on wooden skis with bear-trap bindings In 1989 he took the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance Level 1 course He delved into the technical aspects of skiing and his students were the beneficiaries of his passion. He subsequently took the Level 2 course and earned his Level 1 Coaching certification. He became involved with the Canadian Ski Instructor Association (CSIA)– later chairing the BC Ski Instructor’s Committee of the National Association Doug was put in charge of running the ski school at Tabor Mountain (1996 - 2001) His passion for good teaching/quality instruction continued He worked hard at getting higher level certification courses in the north for CSIA members In March of 2009, Doug had knee replacement surgery By Christmas of that year he was back on the slopes He continued to work for the ski school until 2015. Doug’s passion for skiing, ski teaching, volunteerism, Board leadership was an inspiration to many In 2020, the CSIA-BC board created the Doug Hallman scholarships for ski professionals in the, North, 2 at $1000 each; a perfect way tohonourhislife-longloveofteachingandhispassionforskiing!

Doug’svolunteeringextendedtoRotarywherehisexpertiseanddedicationresultedinhimbeingawardedaPaulHarrisFellowship.

Doug Hallman loved teaching, loved his careers, loved his sports, loved volunteering and friendships...most of all, he loved his precious Bettyandtheirtwochildren

Doug is survived by Betty, his daughter Vicki Schmeisser (Alex), grandchildren Lee and Ashley, his son Gordon (Tracy), grandchildren Kirsten,Brody,Rileyandhislast“best”dog,Tilly ThefamilywouldliketogivespecialthankstoDr.GrahamLloydandthestaffatHospiceHouse Byrequest,therewillbenofuneral

Dornbierer, Harold August

November 2, 1931 - June 8, 2023

Stu and Les sadly announce the passing of their father, Harold Dornbierer, on June 8, 2023. A true pioneer of Prince George, Harold is predeceased by his wife Betty and daughter Lynn Logan. He is survived by his two sons, Stu (Barb) and Les (Ursula), in addition to eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He is also survived by his brother Mike (Peggy) and sister-in-law Diane Dornbierer. Harold spent 35 years in the Fire Service and 20 years as Fire Chief of Prince George, succeeding his father, August. His brother Mike also spent a term as Fire Chief in Prince George. The "Chief" was a prominent figure throughout his career in the community and was deeply committed to serving the citizens of Prince George. Harold and Betty loved camping at Fraser Lake and travelling to Yuma for several winters before retiring in their community of Desert Cove in Vernon. They returned to Prince George 12 years ago to be closer to their daughter Lynn and family, who provided them with loving care. Harold maintained his strong independence, living in his home until his passing and will now join his beloved Betty.

A memorial will be announced in the future.

My dear wife, and wonderful companion throughout my life, Sharon Louise Nundal, died on July 5, 2023, at the Spring Valley Care Center, in Kelowna Sharon was born on February 25, 1944, at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster,andwasraisedinLangley,BC

She is survived by her husband Konrad, her two sons, René Jarosch, her daughter-in-law Ariane, grand stepsons Felix and Zephyr and their siblings of Prince George, BC, and Kai Jarosch, her daughter-in-law Judith, and her granddaughter Ada of Corning, NY She was predeceased by her grandsonMarcus

On behalf of myself and my family, I extend thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Spring Valley Care Center for all the care and compassion shown to Sharon over the past two andahalfyears

There will be no funeral service by request In lieu of flowers, a donation in Sharon’s name can be made to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia

REMEMBRANCES

ROBERTJ.BUCHANAN

December26,1932-May24,2023

ROBERT (BOB) BUCHANAN, age 90, passed away May 24, 2023 at Simon Fraser Lodge in Prince George Bob was the third eldest childofparentsElsie&Ed(Buck)Buchanan.

Bob’s early years were spent in the beautiful wilds of northern British Columbia with summers at Summit Lake and winters on the family trap line on the Wicked River in the Peace River watershed. His love of nature and the quiet beauty of the province stayed with him throughout his life No matter how far he traveled to exotic places,healwayslongedforSummitLakeandtheCrookedRiver

Bob attended school in Prince George and stayed in dormitory while attending High School, working at the family Buck’s Store at SummitLakeonweekendsandholidays

Bob was a winning member of the early Simon Fraser Canoe Races between Ft. St. James and South Ft. George in the 1960’s He took his competitive spirit to races as far away as Michigan in the United States Hewasalsoacurlerandinthe‘50’shisteamwontheKellyCup.

Later he was a feller for area sawmills, enjoying the opportunity to explore more of the wilds of BC beforeattendingUBCstudyingforestry

Interested in how this north country was growing and being settled, he later studied and worked in real estateestablishingBuchananBensonRealEstateandInsurance

In1958Bobmetatravelingnurse,LucyBaker,andtheyquicklydecidedsheshouldmakeBChome. In1959theymarried. Theyenjoyedthatunionfor61yearsuntilLucy’sdeathin2021. Theyhadoneson,Ian,whojoinedBobinhisloveoftheoutdoorsandsharedhisfishingpassion. It was through his work in real estate that Bob was able to partner in the development of Purden Ski Village in the 1960s This was a great adventure and he and his family enjoyed time skiing and in building friendshipswiththecommunitythatdevelopedattheskihill Boblovedtoread,fish,ski,run/bikeandRV Allofwhichtookhimtobeautiful,wildplaces

He loved to read about places then go explore them During his retirement years he and Lucy would take their camper to escape the long winters, spending time in Palm Springs visiting sister Anna and then traveling south through Baja Mexico for months at a time He and Lucy loved to travel north in search of arcticgraylingandjade

HealwaysreturnedtoBCandreveledinspendingquiettimeonthewater

Bob is preceded in death by Lucy, his wife, son Ian ,also parents, (Buck), Ed and Elsie Buchanan, brothersFrank,Arthur(Art),sistersJeanOwenandAnnaPellum

He is survived by his sister Pat, Patricia (Buchanan) Miller, many nephews, and nieces who fondly recall hisgenerosityinsharingthefamily’sspecialconnectiontoSummitLake

The family wishes to thank the caring staff of the Simon Fraser Lodge, and Dr. McCoy for the care and concerntheyshowedBoboverthepast9years

A memorial/Celebration at the Buchanan Community Hall at Summit Lake is being planned in remembranceofBob,LucyandIan 1-4pmSaturday,August26, 2023.

Donations: Buchanan Memorial Hall, c/o Summit Lake Community Association, PO Box 1280, Summit Lake,BCV0J2S0

LOGAN (TINGLEY), Frances Mary

November 27, 1941 - June 26, 2023

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She passed away peacefully after a nearly 3-year battle with cancer.

She is survived by Weldon, her loving husband of 60 years; children Jim (Renee), Lorna (Conrad) and Ron (Brandi); grandchildren Ryley (Kayla), Devin (Courtney), Brody (Nicole), Zach, Mitchell (Nicole), Skyler (Riley), Jordan (Chance), Jacob (Ateya) and Joshua (Kylee); and great-grandchildren Addison, Emmett, Liam, Ellie and Astryn. She will also be missed by some very special cousins who were so much more to her than just cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Susan Tingley, as well as her brother Ken.

A very special thank-you goes out to doctors McCoy, King, Martin, Wilson and Hunter, as well as the wonderful nurses and staff at the cancer clinic and hospice house. Mom always had such kind things to say about all of you.

We will be having a celebration of life on Monday, July 10th, at The Hart Pioneer Center starting at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Cancer Center for The North or the Rotary Hospice House.

HOLMES, Deborah K.

February 12, 1957 - May 7, 2023

The Family of Debbie Holmes regretfully announces her passing on May 7th, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Debbie will be forever missed by her loving husband of 46 years, Steve Holmes; her children Jeremy (Sharon) and Nikole (Jamie); grandchildren Jordan and Jaxon and Deanna (Steve); and great-granddaughters Ellie and Lacey; Debbie was also survived by her motherin-law June Holmes and sister-in-law Holly Holmes. For Debbie, family was always everything - the second you walked through her front door, you became a lifelong part of her family. No matter your age, you were one of her ’kids,’ someone that she was always willing to look out for and care for. She could always be counted on to lend a hand to those that needed it, and Debbie could often be found cooking huge family meals where everyone was invited - even if she did not yet know your name, you were welcome at her table. Debbie found her way into many of our hearts as a loving Wife, Mom, and Amma. She was an Aunt, a Granny, a Friend, and so much more.

She will be missed by so many, Always and Forever. There will be no memorial service as per her wishes.

REMEMBRANCES

DonnaGaleMcCully

May29,1946-May13,2023

DONNA GALE McCULLY predeceased by her parents Margaret and Robert Mccully, her brother John McCully She is survived by her loving son and daughter in law Darren and Tuyen McCully and the joy of her life her loving grandson Declan McCully She is also survived by her sister Roberta Monkley, brother Ron McCully and by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and cousins, as well, her lastremainingAuntJuneNygaard.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Sunday July 16th 2023 from 1:00-3:00 at Elders Citizens Recreation Association 1692 10th Avenue In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charityofyourchoice

KimThompson

It is with sadness we announce that on June 1st 2023, Kim passed away Born in Moose Jaw, SK Kim grew up playing in Lovering Lake throughout her childhood before eventually moving to Prince George with her family A highly respected surgical nurse in UHNBC for 30 years she never failed to make those around her smile and offerahugwhenneeded.

Her Celebration of Life is being held on July 22nd, 1230 hr at the Hart Pioneer Centre, 6986 HART HWY, Prince George, food and non-alcoholicbeverageswillbeprovided.

We’re asking for any donations to be sent to Prince George Animal rescue, pganimalrescue@gmail Our family is grateful to know that Kim is finally at peace She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

GaryDavidMotz “Dave”

September29,1966-June5,2023

Gary David Motz passed away suddenly June 5, 2023. Beloved son of Renate Motz. Survived by siblings Cathy, Julie, Sue, Chris, MikeandMark.

AYERS (PEARSON), Amy Marie

November 3, 1971 - June 29, 2023

Far too soon, we say goodbye to our beloved Amy. The strength, determination, and passion Amy showed in all things were not enough to overcome the health setbacks of her final months, and she left us peacefully at Prince George Hospice House, attended by her loving family. Amy’s genuine personality, huge heart, and easy laugh will be remembered by all that knew her.

Amy is survived by her husband Pat; children Jesse Labillois, Jade (Sam) Daignault, and Zakk Ayers; parents Tom and Sharon Helson, and sister Corie (Rob) Glavina; Pat’s parents Ruth Ayers ("Mudder") and Raymond (Bunny) Ayers and brother Steve (Diane) Ayers. Amy was a proud grandmother to Norah and Miriam Daignault and a favourite Auntie to Hayden and Cole Glavina; Brenna, Owen and Ryenne Ayers; Elliott and Kathryn Buttrey. Niece of Don (Ellie) Pearson, Mike (Connie) Pearson, Tim (Shauna) Helson, Carol (Bryan) Turner. Also sadly missed by many friends and extended family and faithful companion Punky.

Amy was predeceased by grandparents Harvie and Eileen Helson, Al and Marie ("Muggs") Pearson; special uncle Tom Pearson; and Pat’s Grama Kay ("G.G.") Brick.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 1:00 pm Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at Beaverly Fire/Rescue Hall, 12615 Hwy 16 West in Prince George, BC, with a small luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, Amy would have preferred that donations be made to either Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the Prince George Multiple Sclerosis Peer Support Group (PGMSPSG c/o sstibrany@shaw.ca).

Gerrit(Gerry) Visser

March22,1930June30,2023

Gerry was born in Holland and immigrated to Canada as a young man. He came to Prince George where he held jobs from sawmill worker, taxi driver, liquor store clerk, department of highways to cattle ranching and finally as a vegetable farmer inMudRiverformanyyears.

He was predeceased by his wife Gre No service byrequest

One Final Gift

Scattermenotto restlesswinds, Nortossmyashes tothesea. Remembernow thoseyearsgoneby Whenlovinggifts Igavetothee

Remembernowthe happytimes Thefamilyties weshared. Don’tleavemyresting placeunmarked Asthoughyou nevercared.

Denymenot onefinalgift Forallwho cometosee Asinglelasting proofthatsays Iloved...&you lovedme. byDJKramer

Obituaries

Obituaries

TheresaMariaGoudreau (neeForsberg)

1962-2023

Theresa Maria Goudreau (nee Forsberg), passed away peacefully on July 7, 2023, at the age of 60 years after a lengthy and courageous battle with health issues She breathed her last surrounded by the love and gratitude of family and friends at Hospice House as they sang, ‘Hail Mary, Gentle Woman’. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was known for lighting candles for people and praying for their intentions She had a deep reverence for the Mass, as well as devotion to Our Lady andhernamesake,St ThereseofLisieux.

Theresa was born October 16, 1962, in Seattle, WA, USA Her parents moved to Canada in April of 1968, to work as Frontier Apostles. She attended St. Mary’s School as a child and was involved in the PG Gymnastics Club, volleyball, softball, and basketball in her growing years She graduated from Prince George College in 1980, and received the Bishop O’Grady Award for academic, co-curricular, and personal excellence Theresa was loved by many in the Catholic community She continued to be an active member of St Mary’s Parish her whole life and was a cherished member of the Schola music ministry group. Her beautiful harmonies and love of singing will be deeply missed.

Theresa married the love of her life, Mark Goudreau, on November 14, 1981. A devoted wife and mother, she and Mark built a wonderful life together with their two children. Theresa is survived by her husband Mark, daughter Rachelle, son Matthew (Celina) and beloved grand-daughters Tallulah and Minuette, her mother Patricia Finn, sister Erica, brothers Gordon (Sheila), & Charles (Rasa), nephews Jaron (Elise), Joey, and Keith, and nieces Kirsten, Mary, and Patricija, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws in the Goudreau family and many dear friends who were a significant part of her life She was predeceased by her mother-in-law,ErleenGoudreau,andgrandparentsCarl&BelleForsbergandCarl&TeresaKerin.

Theresa dedicated her life to her family and service to many charities and volunteer organizations including St. Vincent De Paul, Northern Uganda Development Foundation, Catholic Women’s League, Hospice House, St Mary’s Youth Group, Camp Morice, and music ministry We would like to express our sincere thanks for the care she received from Drs Wankling, Hogan, and Larsen, as well as the medical staff in ICU and Palliative Care nurses at UHNBC and Hospice House Prayers will take place at St Mary’s Church on Friday, July 14, at 4pm The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 15, at 2pm, reception tofollow ArrangementsincareofGraceMemorial

RosalieBirdie Froment

March13,1956June29,2023

In the early morning hours of June 29th, 2023 Birdie was gently released from the pains and suffering she had enduredandnowbelongstotheages

Birdie was a matriarch and a woman of courage and resolve She always fought back at whatever cancer threw at her and battled it for 5 years beforeiteventuallyworeherdown.

Nothing was more important to Birdie than family--her family, extended family and community family The last of her strength was expound to show her love She passed the baton of life to carry on to Louis, her loving husband of 47 years; children Tammy (Rick), Anthony (Danita), Amanda (David) and eight grandchildren Brett, Joshua, Hailey, Sydney, Kaden,Brinley,BraydenandShyla

Birdie devoted her life to children from her own, her grandchildren and to those she had in her daycare and worked with as an educational assistant with School District 57. She was a natural mother with all the instincts for caring for children.

Rosalie Birdie Froment will be missed by those she knew and whose lives she touched but will never be forgotten. She left us a world a little betterthanshefoundit

A Celebration of Life will be held at Assman’s FuneralChapelonJuly13that1:00pm.

The more you give,

The more you get, The more you laugh, The less you fret.

The more you do unselfishly.

The more you live abundantly

The more of everything you share,

The more you’ll always have to spare

The more you love, the more you’ll find, That life is good and friends are kind. For only what we give away, Enriches us from day to day Teresa Piercey-Gates the more you

BuildResults

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Please recycle this newspaper.

EMPLOYMENT

The Prince George Citizen is currently recruiting for full-time Local Journalism Initiative Reporter. In this position, the successful candidate will explore indigenous and rural issues throughout the region. Previous journalism experience/education is preferred. This role will run until March 31, 2024, with an opportunity to be extended.

Interested parties may send their CV to Neil Godbout, Editor-in-Chief ngodbout@pgcitizen.ca

your ad with the item for

• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale,service offered or the job title.

• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond.Advertisers have found that the more information you provide,the better the response.

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

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

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

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

To place your ad call: 604-630-3300

Houses for Sale

Property For Sale

6 decorating themes for an elegant bedroom

Do you want to change the decor of your bedroom to give it a more elegant atmosphere? Here are six themes to inspire you.

1. Romantic. Combine shades of white and pale pink to add softness to the room Install mouldings along the walls to create a sense of grandeur Complete the space with a faux fur rug and a fourposter bed.

2. Adventurer. Play around with earth tones and decorate the room with elements that evoke images of worldwide travel Want to make an impression? Display a large map of the

ancient world on the wall

3. Bohemian. Install long, sheer curtains on the windows or hang them directly from the ceiling with soft backlighting Add a pop of colour to the room by filling the bed with cozy cushions.

4. Urban. Create a brick accent wall – real or faux – and adorn it with metallic accessories. Choose dark tones like black and grey for an extra touch of chic

5. Scandinavian. Combine elements like natural wood, rope and wool Keep things simple in white and black to

create a clean, warm atmosphere. Focus on a few decorative, functional objects

6. Zen. Paint the walls a soft colour and fill the space with plants, simple furniture and varied light sources Your serene space will surely be conducive to relaxation

Are you short on creativity or confidence? Team up with an interior designer to help you create the space of your dreams

5 areas to modernize in

Does your kitchen look like it’s from another decade? Unless you’re going for a vintage esthetic, it’s time to bring the space into the 21st century Here are five ways you can modernize the appearance of your kitchen.

1. FLOORING

As a gathering place in your home, the kitchen’s floor gets a lot of wear. If yours is faded, scratched or stained, you have two options Either you can repair it swap out cracked tiles or sand and varnish hardwood or replace the entire surface To help you make a decision that suits your needs and budget, seek advice from a professional.

2. PAINT

Whether the colours in your kitchen are out-dated or the walls have faded over time, a fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to breathe new life into a space. Consider repainting the cabinets as well as the walls You can easily add a modern flair to your kitchen by choosing a second, bolder colour for the island or lower cabinets.

3. COUNTERTOPS

Even if the material is timeless, years of preparing meals on them can leave kitchen countertops looking a little worse for wear. Replacing them with a pristine

your

kitchen

surface can instantly change the look of the room. Visit specialized stores in your area to discover the wide range of materials, colours and textures available

4. APPLIANCES

The stovetop, oven and range hood, along with the fridge, microwave and dishwasher, are focal points in a kitchen. If yours are scratched, mismatched or outdated, consider selling or donating them so you can invest in newer models To get the most out of your purchase, be sure to select Energy Star certified appliances or smart devices

5. DECOR

A variety of accessories can be used to transform the look of your kitchen in the blink of an eye. Visit local home decor shops to find curtains, blinds, mirrors, light fixtures and more to provide the wow effect you want. Smaller items such as island centrepieces and plants can be rotated with the seasons to freshen up the space every few months

From upgrading the sink and faucet to replacing cabinet hardware and installing a new backsplash, there are plenty of ways to modernize your kitchen. For best results, enlist the help of an interior designer

Is your dishwasher giving you trouble? Are you wondering whether it’s worth repairing or if it would be better to buy a new one? Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM

Consult your dishwasher’s user guide to conduct a few standard checks that might help you find the cause of the defect. If you can’t get to the root of the problem or don’t feel comfortable investigating the issue on your own, contact a qualified professional They can tell you whether a repair is possible and give you an idea of what it’ll cost

KNOW WHEN TO REPAIR

Over time, certain parts may need to be replaced to extend the life of your dishwasher. This is especially true of the drain pump, seals and electronic control board The best guide to help you decide whether a repair is worth doing is to consider the resale value of your machine and the cost of parts and labour to repair it Repairing makes sense if the repair costs don’t exceed the unit’s resale value

Reach

person and ask for a quote to make your decision easier

Insulation protects your residence against both heat and cold, depending on the season. It also creates an acoustic barrier. Whether you’re planning major renovations or constructing a new home, don’t let your insulation become an afterthought. Here are three types of insulation materials to consider for your home

1. Synthetic. While economical and efficient, this type of insulation is harmful to the environment and isn’t recyclable. It won’t decay naturally and can be flammable Therefore, it must be installed with fire-resistant materials. Polystyrene and polyurethane are among the most common synthetic insulations

2. Mineral-based. Made with raw and partially recycled materials, this type of insulation is incombustible and won’t decay. It can, however, attract insects that may nest within your walls For this reason, you must replace this type of insulation every ten years. Rock wool, fibreglass and cellular glass are wellknown mineral insulators

3. Natural insulators. Plant-based insulations are recyclable and don’t require much energy to produce They also help

keep your home cooler for longer during the summer months However, since natural insulators aren’t great at managing humidity, they require careful installation Cellulose, hemp and cotton are some of the most popular natural insulators you can use.

Depending on the type of insulation you choose, you may be able to install it with a spray applicator or in pre-cut sections Moreover, some insulation comes in large rolls or foam cubes. Some methods are more advisable than others, depending on the accessibility and size of the area to be insulated. Avoid mistakes by relying on a contractor specializing in insulation to handle your installation.