Prince George Citizen October 5, 2023

THURSDAY, October 5,

Stolen property recovered

The Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit has recovered nearly $500,000 in stolen property this summer.

An investigation in July led to the recovery of a boat, three motorcycles and four ATVs worth approximately $365,000.

During August and September, Prince George RCMP executed a search warrant on the local property of a

known offender and recovered a significant quantity of merchandise and tools that had been reported stolen worth more than $100,000.

Where possible, the items that have been recovered by investigators have been returned to the rightful owners or to the businesses where they were stolen from originally, Prince George RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said in a news release.

Some of the stolen property recovered this summer by the Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit.

Coyote attacks reported downtown

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Prince George RCMP is investigating the increase in coyote attacks in the city.

“Over the past week, we have received six different reports of coyotes attacking people within the city,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.

“We are currently working with the Conservation Officer Service on patrols and efforts to locate offending coyotes. We urge the public to avoid feeding coyotes, as it can habituate them to spending time around populated areas; they are not domestic animals and should not be treated as such.”

Police advise that to report coyote conflicts or the unlawful feeding of dangerous wildlife call the Conservation Officer Service’s Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

If the coyote is actively attacking you or someone nearby, call 9-1-1.

On July 18, local resident Cole Grant snapped this photo of a man sitting in car in a Second Avenue parking lot who he saw tossing food out the window to the coyote, now believed to have attacked seven people in Prince George.

After four people were bitten by a coyote near Victoria Street early Tuesday morning last week, the hostile canine went after a fifth victim, biting a man who had been waiting for a bus close to the Prince George Native Friendship Centre on Third Avenue.

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The bite caused minor injuries.

BC Conservation officer Eamon McArthur and his team worked through the night but were unsuccessful in their efforts to locate and trap it.

The same coyote is believed to have

bitten a man in front of Millennium Park at First Avenue and George Street on the morning of Aug. 13 and is also suspected in a human attack earlier in the summer at Aberdeen Glen Golf Course.

McArthur says he is 100 per cent certain the coyote has become habituated to human food and now associates close human contact with a free lunch. He said one of the four victims bitten early Tuesday confessed he had been feeding the animal before it attacked.

“They just don’t act like this unless they are being hand-fed,” said McArthur. “All the markers of how this coyote is behaving are indicative of a fed coyote.” He reminded people not to approach the coyote or encourage it to come close. Keep pets away and if you spot it, call the BC Conservation 24-hour line 1-877-9527277. Once it is trapped, McArthur said the coyote will be euthanized to prevent further attacks and he will request a necropsy of its stomach contents to learn more about the animal and why it has been hanging around the city.

The Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund Society (NEEF) is seeking a public member to join its Board of Directors for a two-year term.

As a public member on the NEEF three (3) member board, you will review funding applications for proposed projects against the NEEF criteria and objectives, and contribute to Board governance and implementation of NEEF goals.

Preference will be given to applicants that currently live in the Nechako watershed.

The public member will receive remuneration for Board meeting attendance. View the full posting including Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members and Selection Criteria at www neef ca/about/opportunities/

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the NEEF Background and Guiding Principles at www neef ca

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume via email to administrator@neef ca

For more information contact the NEEF Administrator at: Britta Boudreau via email administrator@neef ca or at 250-964-6334 The deadline to apply is October 31, 2023

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Cancer patient travel program expanded

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

The province last Wednesday revealed details of a $20 million plan to expand travel subsidy programs to benefit cancer patients living in rural and remote communities.

The Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air will each receive $10 million to launch their programs starting Oct. 3.

The funding will allow the Canadian Cancer Society to expand its three programs: the Travel Treatment Fund (TTF), which provides travel grants to patients; the Wheels of Hope program, which matches patients with volunteer drivers; and their four lodges in B.C., which provide accommodation and meals for patients and their caregivers near cancer treatment centres in Prince George, Kelowna, Victoria and Vancouver.

The expanded program will increase the increase the number of accommodation nights for patients and caregivers from 1,500 in 2023 to 3,300 by 2026. The

maximum stay for each of those trips will be increased from five nights this year to 14 nights in 2026.

Hope Air will initially provide about 1,000 flights this year and will have sufficient funding to increase flight frequency to 2,500 by 2026.

Daily in-hotel meal voucher which currently provide $40 per day will be boosted to $50 per day for up to 14 days, up from the previous two-day voucher limit at the lower value. The program also provides expanded ground transpartation options.

The limit on the number of caregivers accompanying patents of those flights has been raised. When patients travel on commercial airlines the program will give patients greater flexibility to make flight changes to accommodate medical appointments and related circumstances. Applications for the program will be accepted retroactively to April 1, 2023. New supports are in place for patients with blood cancers who require bone marrow transplants in Vancouver.

Childcare centres on way

School District 57 is building three new 62-space child care centres. Each centre will provide spaces for 12 children under 36 months of age, 25 children from 30 months to school age, and 25 school-aged children.

The first centre will be located at 32 Heather Crescent in Mackenzie, on the site of the former Mackenzie Elementary School, and has a planned completion date of summer 2025.

The second centre will be located at 4543 West Austin Road in Prince George on the site of the former Austin Road Elementary School in the Hart, It has a planned completion date of summer 2026.

The third site will be located at 2955 Third Avenue in Prince George next to the former Central Fort George Elementary School in the Bowl, and has a planned completion date of summer 2027.

FACEBOOK PHOTO

The BC

City

B.C. Bird Trail

Bird watchers are set to flock to Prince George, one of 11 new destinations added on the BC Bird Trail.

“This is welcome news at Tourism Prince George,” said Tourism Prince George CEO Colin Carson in a news release. “Being added to the BC Bird Trail gives the city more visibility as a place to visit for bird watchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers.”

B.C. is located on the Pacific Flyway, which extends from Alaska through South America, offering a flight path for rare and diverse migratory bird species. This means B.C. has the highest number of bird watchers in Canada, according to

an article from TravelLife.ca.

“We have so much to explore in Prince George, and bird watching is a year-round activity, especially going into tourism’s shoulder season,” added Carson.

The Prince George page on BCBirdTrail. ca outlines different bird species residents and visitors can find in the city and surrounding areas. It also provides a list of shops, accommodations and restaurants to make the most out of a bird-watching trip in Prince George.

The BC Bird Trail was developed in 2020 as the leading source of information on attractions, activities and accommodations related to birdwatching in B.C.

Birdwatchers take to Cottonwood Island Nature Park in Prince George, which is a great place to spot woodpeckers year round.

Deadly driver avoids jail time

MARK NIELSEN

Special to the Citizen

A mother’s plea for leniency played a role in a judge’s decision to sentence a Prince George man to house arrest rather than time in jail for an alcohol-fueled crash that led to the death of the woman’s son.

Tyler Ian Curtis, 32, was behind the wheel of his pickup truck on the evening of Jan. 14, 2021, when he lost control as it entered a curve while heading north on Foothills Boulevard. Moments before, the truck was seen passing on a double-solid line at a high speed despite the road’s slippery winter conditions.

A short distance from 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.

However his friend, James Lindsay, who was 29 years old at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene due to

multiple blunt force trauma.

During a hearing in July, Crown counsel argued Curtis deserved two years in jail followed by two years probation, noting his blood-alcohol level measured .179, he was roughly a month into a 90-day driving prohibition for a previous bout of driving while impaired, had been seen joyriding around the area earlier the same day and his sight limited to a single eye.

Defence lawyer Jason LeBlond contended a two-year conditional sentence order - in which the term is served at home with the convicted wearing an electronic monitor - followed by three years probation, was more appropriate.

Curtis had no previous criminal record, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death at the earliest opportunity, has not touched a drop of alcohol since then, and was deeply remorseful for his actions, LeBlond told the court. But perhaps the biggest turning point came at the end of the hearing when Lindsay’s mother, Donna Pike, who was taking in the hearing from her home in New

Brunswick via teleconferencing, asked to speak to 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 in part and described Curtis as a “good man” who did not commit the act deliberately.

Curtis and Lindsay were lifelong friends who grew up together in New Brunswick but with an apparent penchant for getting into trouble when they were together.

In pursuit of job prospects, Curtis eventually found himself in Prince George where he had 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.

In issuing a lengthy decision, Provincial Court Judge Peter McDermick had harsh words for Curtis’s behaviour, calling the circumstances “exceedingly grave” but also gave weight to Pike’s plea that he not be sentenced to jail.

“This court would have to be totally tone deaf to not earnestly weigh to consider that request,” McDermick said and went on to cite two other cases in which the culprit was sentenced to a conditional sentence order after the victim’s family sought leniency from the court.

McDermick also found Curtis’s remorse and grief are genuine and deep and made note of the emotional fallout that has included attempts at suicide, post-traumatic stress and a lack of appetite that has led to the loss of 120 pounds.

Curtis was sentenced to two years house arrest that keeps him on his property other than when working or in the case of a medical emergency, except for two hours twice a week. He must also complete 100 hours of community work service within the first six months.

WHL coach suspended, investigation underway

WAYNE MOORE

Glacier Media

When the Wenatchee Wild visit Prince George to play the Cougars over Thanksgiving weekend, they may be without their head coach.

Kevin Constantine has been suspended pending an investigation.

The Western Hockey League says Constantine was suspended last week after the WHL’s “independent reporting channel received a complaint regarding his conduct.”

The league announced Constantine’s suspension last Monday.

In a statement, the league says Constantine is not permitted to have any contact with any member of the

The Wenatchee Wild are in Prince George this weekend to play the Cougars at CN Centre.

organization, including players, while the matter is being investigated.

The 64-year-old Constantine was named the first head coach of the Wild in July after the franchise was sold and relocated to the Washington State city from Winnipeg.

“The WHL’s independent player advisory council is conducting an investigation into the allegations. The independent investigation began Sunday when the complaint was received,” the statement said.

“Upon completion of the investigation, the player

advisory council will provide a report to the WHL commissioner who will then make a determination on any further disciplinary action.”

Wild management and the league’s security network met with players last Monday to address the situation and offer support.

Constantine was previously suspended four games and fined $5,000 while serving as head coach of the Everett Silvertips in 2006.

In that instance, following a pre season loss Constantine made his players make the bus trip from Kennewick, WA to Everett in their gear.

Details of these present allegations have not been made known.

The Wild are set to play the Cougars on Oct. 6 and 7 at CN Centre.

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Parents just one part of every child’s education

Parents rights around education is an old concept that has recently returned to the spotlight around Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum in B.C. public schools.

This has manifested itself in many ways over time, from parents angry about evolution being taught in biology classes because it contradicts religious texts to parents opposed to the sex, violence and suicide depicted in Romeo and Juliet.

The argument from parents is straightforward and, at first blush, perfectly reasonable. As a parent, I should be allowed to protect my child from the parts of the curriculum that contradict my family’s values.

The problem is it is impossible to create a curriculum that all parents can agree on. The very act of choosing what gets taught means deciding what doesn’t get taught.

The bigger problem are the parents who want ALL of

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SCHOOL BULLYING

As parents we strive to create loving, caring, nurturing sanctuaries within our homes where we can raise our children to be the best, they can be, so they can achieve their full potential in life. As parents we have full control over our home environments, but what happens when we send our children to public schools?

As a past chair for the District Parent Advisory Council of School District 57, I met so many parents who wanted the same thing that I wanted for my child who was attending public school at that

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

the children, not just their own, protected from aspects of the curriculum, be it SOGI or Shakespeare.

Other parents pull their children out of public school and send them to private school. The problem with that is private schools in B.C., including the religious ones, are still required to teach the B.C. curriculum, of which SOGI is a part.

Home schooling? The B.C. curriculum remains mandatory for those parents, too.

The home-schooling parents will have a different conversation with their children about SOGI, of course.

So why can’t the parents opposed to SOGI do the same thing?

Parents are not helpless. They remain free to provide any additional education to their children as they see fit, as they already do with everything from extracurricular activities to teaching them how to cook, clean and do their own laundry.

time. We all wanted our children to be in a learning environment where they could feel safe, valued, and respected, regardless of differences and diversity.

Bullying can have deadly serious consequences. Google “Reena Virk” and ask yourselves, what was it about this 14-year-old child that made her the subject of school bullying so severe that it ended in her murder by a group of students from her school in Saanich?

The answer to that question is “there was nothing about Reena Virk that should have attracted that kind of hatred and violence towards her, not in school

CURTIS ARMSTRONG PUBLISHER

NEIL GODBOUT EDITORIN-CHIEF

Children are not helpless, either. They are not robots easily programmed, whether by “woke indoctrination” or “outdated ideologies.” As every parent and teacher knows, children are hardwired to challenge authority and what they are being told.

Regardless of their worldview, every parent teaches their children the same thing when it comes to knowing the difference between right and wrong, standing up for their beliefs and making up their own mind with the facts at hand.

That’s a lifelong learning process, which starts for each of us during our childhood, in and out of school, and continues into adulthood and becoming parents ourselves.

No one teacher, no one curriculum, no one parent and no one person has a monopoly on a child’s education. And that’s a good thing.

Neil Godbout is the Citizen’s editor.

environments where all students are taught that they should feel safe, valued, and respected regardless of individual differences and diversity.”

Anti-bullying strategies are employed by school districts in the province, and across Canada, and SOGI 123 (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) is a component of anti-bullying programs that promote acceptance and inclusion in our schools for students who self-identify as being LGBTQ+. We need to build a more tolerant, accepting and inclusive environment for all students in our schools, free from hate and bullying.

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I would encourage parents who want to learn more about anti-bullying initiatives in our public schools, including the use of SOGI 123, contact or attend the Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) for the school their child is enrolled in. If there are sufficient interest, SOGI 123 workshops can be arranged for parents, or pamphlets explaining what SOGI 123 is all about can be provided. The important thing is that you use school district approved resources to get information, not rely on some “parents rights” group spreading misinformation and fear.

Don Sabo, Prince George

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Pattison comes to town and we lick his boots

Last week, Jimmy Pattison was in town to open the new Save-On Foods and city councillor Kyle Sampson showed up to pose with Jimmy and not only that, he wrote a nice little note about what an icon he is. Hundreds of people ‘liked’ it.

Yet if you criticize Jimmy and the failed economic model he represents, the air goes out of the room. Successful businesspeople are to be revered and respected, James. And by the way, is that all you ever do is complain?

Listen, I’m all for celebrating success in business. In the meantime, I’m just wondering what product Jimmy Pattison ever brought to the world?

As far as I can tell, his “product” is a cut-throat corporate model that thrives on eliminating competition and

compromising the health of the planet and our communities.

From his coal terminal investments to his community and forest-destroying forestry operations through Canfor, Pattison’s wealth comes at great cost to the rest of us.

Or take this Save-On deal. I was hoping we’d get a competing store in Parkwood to replace the Save-On.

But it turns out Pattison renewed his lease and will be slipping in one of his Buy-Low stores. So the Pattison monopoly on mid-size grocery stores in Prince George will actually just get worse, despite the illusion of choice.

It’s nice we will still have a grocery store downtown. It’s needed. But I have the feeling a lot of people are going to think this means we owe him, when in

reality the screws of market domination have been tightened.

Pattison ain’t dumb. You don’t just become a billionaire in a competitive marketplace. You become a billionaire when your competition tucks tail and runs. You become a billionaire when you dominate a regional economy, just like how Canfor dominates Prince George forestry. You become a billionaire when you dominate access to public resources, like how Pattison owns the rights to 75% of the West Coast salmon stocks through Canfisco.

I read an interesting statistic. Pattison is so rich that the $30 million donation he made to the Royal Columbian hospital in New Westminster last year is like someone with a $50,000 income donating $137 to charity.

The insane wealth Pattison has

accumulated, by means of offering us not a single novel product, is so far beyond our imagination, that we have no idea he isn’t really being generous at all. What I do know is he plays a sophisticated political game. He pilfers the wealth of the provincial hinterland to butter up the metropolitan, big-city elite with board chair positions and big donations and status. And it works. Not just in Vancouver. Even in a place like Prince George, where we feel the impacts of an economy rigged in Pattison’s favour with every mill shut down.

Even in a town as vulnerable to this unaccountable power as ours, our own politicians still put the billionaire first. And as the comments here will show, good luck being the critic.

James Steidle is a Prince George writer.

Policy on city notices violates Community Charter

On open letter to Prince George city council and City of Prince George administration:

In regards to the Mayor’s motion with respect to the publication of public notices in the local paper, I must point out that this is a legislated “requirement” under the provincial Community Charter, section 94.1.

This does not give a municipality the option to “opt out” of publication in a local paper if one exists, which in the case of Prince George, we have a local paper. This legislation is a legal requirement that must be followed by every municipality in the province.

Latitude was given by the province to communities that do not have a local paper under 94.1ss 3 to use an alternate means of posting public notices following very clear guidelines. The choice to use social media platforms is not an ideal choice as many community members

do not use these platforms. A majority of the community will seek out “news” via a physical newspaper or the newspapers website after all that’s where “news” is found and public notices are “news” and not “advertising” as was portrayed by some uniformed individuals.

With the current prohibition by many social media platforms from posting “news” from news outlets, the access to public notices online is at most difficult. The community should be able to access news in relation to the city and public notices via a respected local news outlet, not a subscription social media platform or a city-run website. The excuse has been offered that the public can “subscribe” to emails for the city’s public notices from the City’s website.

With the current security breaches to many large firm’s data centres, some folks would choose not to be “subscribed” to another service that may be breached by

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BAD BEHAVIOUR

The opinion by Todd Whitcombe that no one, especially the NDP/Liberal coalition in Ottawa, is responsible for Canada’s declining financial situation is amusing.

Well, about as amusing as that coyote that is now biting people because it has been habituated to human food. There are consequences for bad behaviour and bad fiscal management, no matter what

outside parties. Making the public hunt for city public notices is counter intuitive to the legislation currently in place. I feel I must remind council that it’s your responsibility to “uphold” any and all current legislation until it’s formally amended by the province.

Until such time, our local newspaper is the “legislated outlet” for public notices as per the Community Charter and the keeper of public record. It is council’s responsibility to uphold the existing legislation and continue posting public notices in the “local paper.”

This is a matter that should be handled in a pragmatic manner by everyone on council.

It’s not about you, it’s about what is right for the community as a whole. Ensuring the public is informed and have easy access to pertinent “information” is the duty of everyone on council.

It is every council member’s

Todd Whitcombe wishes was not so.

To put it in the context of a chemistry class, you do not light a Bunsen burner by dumping five gallons of gasoline on it and throwing in a lit match a minute later.

responsibility to address each and every issue on its own unique merits. The discussion around this piece of legislation has been anything but transparent, with opinions and misinformation from the city’s communications department to back this statement up. Facebook is not a “public platform,” you cannot access information on the site without a user account. Yet again, I repeat that not everyone in our community uses electronic devices or computers to stay informed.

So it’s with these points in mind that I encourage you to do the job you were elected to do, represent the people of the City of Prince George. Uphold the current legislation in place and return the “news of public notices” to the local newspaper. It is not advertising, it’s a public notification which is “news” and that is usually always found in newspapers.

John Zukowski is a Prince George writer.

E-mail: letters@pgcitizen.ca

The NDP/Liberal government is burning the country down with division, massive deficits and being an international embarrassment. It’s time for a change.

Lee Sexsmith, Prince George

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

CHAIR SHOULD RESIGN

As a parent I am asking the current School District 57 trustee and board chair Rachael Weber to resign from the board. I believe that trustee Weber’s actions over the last nine months coddling antiSOGI activists while lashing out at critics of her attempts to bring prayer into a public school setting is unacceptable. Last Tuesday, Weber yet again brought prayer into our public school board meetings saying “I pray” but this time leaving out amen when she was done. I wasn’t sure if I was watching a church service or a public school board meeting but no matter if the prayer is Christian or any other denomination it doesn’t belong at public school board meetings. We need more than prayers to fix the major holes in student learning and behavioural support that trustees are failing to understand and fix in this district.

I am also worried that Weber can’t separate her political aspirations and the inherent conflicts arising from being both chair and official candidate for the BC Conservatives. In Tuesday’s meeting, trustee Holland put a motion forward that asked trustee Weber during new business in the agenda to explain how she would manage the inherent conflict associated with being a trustee and a BC Conservative Candidate. Trustee Weber, Antrim and Brennan all voted against the motion and it was defeated. This is basic transparency that they voted against and didn’t even bother to explain why they were voting the way they did at the time of the vote.

After nine months in the position of chair, Weber seemed to struggle to know what to do to even get Holland’s motion

to a vote and needed help multiple times to follow proper procedure on requiring a seconder. It is baffling that the three trustees who voted against Holland’s motion think it’s ok for a chair of any elected board to not be accountable to the people that voted for them by refusing to answer important questions like if they have the ability to separate politics from their role as trustee.

Maybe Weber didn’t want to answer to that motion because she already crossed a line and doesn’t want to be held accountable for it.

I am concerned that a potential conflict of interest exists and was not managed correctly by Weber when she objected in September’s SD57 education committee meeting to having SOGI related days like Trans Awareness day mentioned in the district calendar, calling them “Sex Days’’ and complaining that it would cause parents to call her and be upset with her. It is really concerning that a group of anti-SOGI parents has so much sway with the board chair who should have had the awareness of conflict of interest to avoid offering her opinion based on what happened this summer with her party the BC Conservatives.

Weber was asked by the Citizen this summer how her running for office would not put her in conflict of interest with her role as chair and the Citizen specifically referenced as an example Conservative leader John Rustad and failed candidate Karin Litzcke’s support for two adults in Kelowna who thought it was ok to start screaming at a kid and questioning her gender at a sports event.

Both the BC NDP and Green party issued a joint statement calling their

support unacceptable and transphobic. Weber in response to the mention of this controversy by the Citizen said that she could act independently of her leader and party positions and stated that she supports inclusivity including gender identity.

As a keen observer of the actions of the board of trustees over the last nine months it is abundantly clear to me that Weber’s version of inclusion is to give power to anti-SOGI voices that has taken away all the attention from major issues like district literacy and numeracy assessment results that are not being released to the public by this board of education.

As a parent who cares deeply about the success of our students in the district I feel my ability to voice my concerns about district-wide problems at board meetings have been severely harmed by decisions made by the board of trustees in the last nine months to restrict public comments due to the chair’s inability to manage criticism and anti-SOGI protesters in meetings.

I am asking parents to join me in calling for the chair’s resignation to stop this board from fanning the flames of intolerance in this district and further restricting our ability to hold the board accountable for their actions.

Richard Parks

Prince George

GINTERS UNDER THREAT

Selene and I attended city council wearing green to show our support for making Ginters a real park. We’re calling it #showyourgreen. I learn something new every time I attend a council meeting. This time, I learned that there was a

heavy sadness as the parcel from 22nd Avenue at Ginters was discussed.

The neighbours spoke of the loss of the park that they visited daily and the trails that they had wandered for the last 30 years or more. The applicant Mr. Hayer of Hayer Homes spoke of his plans to densify the proposed development and council asked if it would be affordable housing.

I suggested from personal experience that a $400K unit is not affordable to a family on a single income and perhaps the applicant could consider cutting less profit to build something that families could actually afford.

None of us in council chambers felt good about the proposal that Mr. Hayer had before council as yet another amendment to the official community plan was put forth.

A Tree Protection Bylaw was discussed, which could limit which trees are removed from property within city limits but (director of planning and development) Deanna Wasnik suggested that it was something that would need to come out of the (fabled) OCP review process and this application was before us now. There is no legal way that the city can prevent the owner of this parcel from removing all the trees from the property he just scooped up to develop and it is already zoned RM1, so he can build on it just not as high as a RM5 zoning would allow.

I left feeling deflated.

Help us protect what so many of us value. Join me at the next council meeting and OCP Open House on October 17th. Susanne Weber Prince George

Hospice unveils new rec room

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society has unveiled its completed new rec room, which provides more opportunities for people to gather process their grief.

The new space was unveiled with a ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday morning.

“We’re just so grateful, and so excited for what this building might evolve into,” said community programs manager Denise Torgerson.

She explained that the rec room was inspired by instrumental grievers, which are people who process their grief through actions.

“They’re not going to want to sit at a table and talk about their feelings, and they’re certainly not necessarily going to want to cry in public.”

She told the story of a man named John who lost his wife at hospice number of years ago but came back as a volunteer

and painted every room in the Hospice House.

“And you just know that as he’s painting, every stroke is thinking about his wife and bringing her closer to him.”

The rec room is intended to serve as a dynamic space for local organizations

good hands.

where people will have the opportunity to participate in things like art and craft workshops, pottery, puzzles, painting, leatherworking, and more.

“I’m imagining that even in a grieving population, in this building there can be a lot laughter and a lot of just conversation

about daily life,” added Torgerson. The Rec Room will be accessible to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

“A number of years ago, my dad spent the last days of his life here at hospice long before there was an expansion and all of these amazing additional things that have been put in place,” MLA Shirley Bond told the crowd.

She said from that day forward, she recognized the absolute benefit the importance of hospice care.

“Sometimes we take for granted the amazing people and place that we have to care for our loved ones, our friends and our family here in Prince George. This hospice society literally leads our province with innovation, and with care with compassion.”

The rec room is also part of a larger backyard expansion, which includes the incorporation of a gardening area and a labyrinth situated within the property, allowing for future development and growth.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

An inside look at the new hospice rec room.

HOW THEY VOTED

Sept. 25, 2023

Establish a one-time emergency fund to help downtown businesses recover following the Aug. 22 explosion. PASSED

City council approves explosion relief fund

PETERSEN

A divided Prince George city council passed recommendations last Monday night to establish a one-time emergency fund to help downtown businesses recover following the Aug. 22 explosion and fire.

The idea was first brought forward at the Aug. 28 council meeting by Coun. Kyle Sampson following discussion of correspondence from the Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA) also known as Downtown PG.

The Downtown Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative would be a service administered and managed for the city by Downtown Prince George.

The program would be administered by Downtown Prince George based on a first-come, first-served basis, up to $1,000 per business, and the business would be required to provide receipts.

No part of the funds would be allocated towards administrative costs, and any of the funds remaining unspent at the end of the program term would be returned to the city.

“When this came to council it happened pretty fast,” said Coun. Brian Skakun, voicing concerns that this initiative is outside the norm of council contingency uses.

I think if we really truly want to look at compensating businesses that have suffered downtown that is a separate issue.”

The service would be established through a partnering agreement involving the allocation of $20,000, from the city’s Council Contingency Fund, towards a micro grant program to support any business repairing damage caused by the explosion at 4th Avenue and Dominion Street.

This would be known as the Downtown Vibrancy and Vitality Initiative funding program and it would be in place until December 31, 2023.

“A couple of years ago a beauty spot on Third Avenue was burnt to the ground – we have done nothing for the other businesses that have suffered through all of the garbage going on,” said Skakun.

“My concern is we are giving away money. This is a tragic, tragic, event where a city worker was seriously injured and I don’t want to lose sight of that. I’m not going to support this because I think if we really truly want to look at compensating businesses that have suffered downtown that is a separate issue,” he added.

Skakun said he appreciates the intent but was concerned with other groups coming forward requesting funding.

“You have voiced what a great many

people have been saying however, this was an extraordinary circumstance, and on this occasion I have no issue standing behind this,” added Coun. Susan Scott. However, both Coun. Trudy Klassen and Mayor Simon Yu supported Skakun’s concerns.

“There are many people downtown especially in the last few years and their property has been damaged through no fault of their own, and if it is just one incident and we are doing this, that perhaps there will be some precedent set,” said Yu.

“It has been made clear in the initial intention referring this back to staff that this is a one-time thing,” noted Coun. Cori Ramsay.

“A significant number of businesses

were affected by an unanticipated event, and I understand that there have been a lot frustration over downtown but this is a way where we can direct some funds to the DBIA to really help a lot of businesses that were impacted from this explosion,” she said.

City manager Walter Babicz noted that the program would not legally set a precedent.

“I can’t predict how many more asks you will get as a result of this but there is nothing requiring council to repeat this type of programming in the future. It would be on a case-by-case basis on council’s discretion,” he said.

When it came to a vote, the initiative was passed with Coun. Skakun, Klassen and Mayor Simon Yu in opposition.

HANNA

Citizen staff

Mayor Simon Yu

Councillor Tim Bennett

Councillor Garth Frizzell

Councillor Trudy Klassen

Councillor Ron Polillo

Councillor Cori Ramsay

Councillor Kyle Sampson

Councillor Susan Scott

Councillor Brian Skakun

New roundabout open to drivers

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

The City of Prince George has finished constructing the single lane roundabout at the intersection of Foothills Boulevard and 18th Avenue, which is now open to drivers.

The project, which was delivered on time and under budget, was funded in part through city reserves, the Canada Community-Building Fund, and developer

contribution.

At the Aug. 16 meeting, council approved a proposed change in scope for the project to add the grading and paving of the adjacent UNBC Connector Trail Ginter’s Meadow parking lot.

The proposal was brought forward as the report showed the roundabout project was set to come in under budget.

The approved budget was for $1.6 million, with costs projected to be less than $1.4 million.

A portion of the remaining $200,000 budget has now been used to cover the cost of the parking lot improvements.

Chris Vliegenthart, transportation services supervisor, said this roundabout will improve pedestrian and vehicle safety at this intersection.

“It should hopefully reduce the number of errant vehicles we see at this intersection during the winter months. It will also provide access for new and future development in the area,” he said.

University Way reopens to traffic

The City of Prince George has announced the resurfacing of the Shane Creek Bridge deck is complete and University Way reopened to motorists last Wednesday. The project, which commenced on August 22, included replacement of the old bridge deck as it had reached the end of its useful life.

The project timeline was extended after further deficiencies in the concrete sub-structure were identified once work began. The city says the new deck is now expected to last at least 30 more years.

“We’re really happy with how the project progressed and the fact it was done within our estimated timelines,” city manager of roads and fleet Jordan Wiseman said.

“With public safety in mind, it was important we got this work completed before winter, and we are glad to

Mayor Simon Yu said he appreciates the funding assistance from the Canada Community-Building Fund which allows projects like this to be completed without a need to increase taxes.

“Anytime the provincial government and the federal government choose to invest in our capital projects we are appreciative. We’re also glad we’ve been able to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians for the area,” he said in a news release.

tick this project off as done. We like to get ahead of these things before they become unusable.”

During the road closure, imperfections in the University Way roadway were fixed.

Final costs are still being determined, however the project, which had an initial budget of $1.2 million, was funded by the City of Prince George’s General Infrastructure Reinvestment Fund and is set to come in significantly under budget.

Music conservatory adds composer-in-residence

The Prince George Conservatory of Music is celebrating its 40th anniversary this upcoming year with a composer-in-residence project.

Well-known Canadian composer Christine Donkin has been commissioned to write a piece for the conservatory faculty to perform at their May 26, 2024 chamber concert.

She will also be giving a series of free composing workshops to music students in the community.

“Christine Donkin is the perfect composer to write a piece commemorating 40 years of music education because her pieces are beloved by music students across Canada,” says Shoshanna Godber, artistic director of the Prince George Conservatory of Music in a news release.

“She also has extensive experience coaching students in their own composing journeys, and we are excited for the students in our community to have the

opportunity to work with her. We are thankful to the PG Community Foundation for supporting this project - not only to help the Conservatory celebrate our 40th anniversary, but also to encourage the development of local student composers.”

A further aspect of the project is a collaboration with the Prince George and District Music Festival Association.

Local composer Simon Cole will be adjudicating the composition class this year and will be choosing student compositions to be performed at the May 26 concert.

Students whose work is chosen will also receive a $100 award.

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Buchanan remembered for getting things done

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Craig Evanoff knew Keith Buchanan from the time they were 10-year-olds, ski racing together on the slopes of Purden Mountain.

Evanoff was devastated by the news that Buchanan died last Tuesday morning flying a helicopter that crashed near the ski hill 60 kilometres east of Prince George.

Evanoff and Buchanan were the same age, 63, and they shared a love of the outdoors that kept their tight bond intact. They started flying together for forestry work when Evanoff needed to work in places where there are no roads.

Evanoff and his wife Bonnie Hooge opened an adventure tourism business and during the time of year when Purden Ski Village was shut down for the season they relied on Buchanan’s piloting skills to fly in hikers and backcountry skiers to their base at Dezaiko Lodge in the McGregor Mountains.

And no matter what they did, when Evanoff and Buchanan got together there was never any shortage of laughter.

“Whenever I think about Keith, and I have so many pictures of him, he’s got a big smile on his face, I don’t recall ever seeing Keith unhappy,” said Evanoff.

“Every trip I did with Keith was fun. Not only did I work with him at the lodge but in forestry work, I spent a lot of time in the helicopter with Keith and it was just fun. I had lots of good times with him.”

Keith’s uncle Bob Buchanan (who died in May) and his aunt Lucy were part of the shareholder group with Lloyd Mear and Dean Knight that got the ski hill started in June 1968. Evanoff’s dad George was a ski patroller at Purden and they had a cabin on the lake.

From the time he was a young teenager, Keith was learning how to operate the chair lift and how to work on every piece of equipment needed to keep the alpine resort open.

“Keith set his mind to things and he got things done,” said Evanoff.

“He decided he wanted to fly helicopters and he took the training and went through everything that was required to get a job. Then he decided he wanted to own a ski hill and he just worked away at

it and bought up shares until he owned it. He just buckled down and did it, and I’ve never met anybody like that. The things that he did, it wasn’t a job, he enjoyed what he did.”

Flying was how Buchanan made his living, especially before the snow came, and he loved being a pilot, a job he held for 40 years.

“I thought he was one of the best pilots I’ve ever flown with and he was totally at home in a helicopter,” said Evanoff.

“Because he was so experienced he was always relaxed and he made whoever he was flying with feel relaxed because of that.”

Buchanan never owned a smart phone, relying instead on his low-tech flip phone. Quiet, friendly and unassuming, his strong suit wasn’t his administrative skills. But he was a natural-born mechanic

who knew how to fix practically anything and he enjoyed doing the practical hands-on outdoor work while his wife Michaela handled the office/kitchen/ housekeeping duties that went into running the ski hill and RV park and the helicopter company. They bought Purden Lake Resort with its log cabins and RV park as a couple after they got married and together they set a fine example for their kids, Blake and Cheyenne.

Keith started his own helicopter company, Buchanan & Son Aviation, and named it soon after Blake was born 22 years ago.

Evanson said the thought behind the name was inspired by Keith’s dad Frank, a logger and construction contractor, who ran F.O. Buchanan & Sons.

The Transportation Safey Board of Canada is still investigating what happened

just after 7:30 a.m. when Buchanan, Jerry Edwards and four other forestry workers contracted by Canfor took off in Buchanan’s Bell 206L helicopter from the base at Purden Lake Resort.

It went down in a forested area not far from the launch site.

The four other passengers were not seriously injured.

Evanoff worked with Edwards conducting silviculture surveys and has known him for several years.

“I don’t know any of the details but I’m thinking Keith and Jerry would have been in front because Jerry would have had all the maps out telling them where to go, and Keith was obviously flying,” said Evanoff. “The other four would have been in the back and obviously the back is the safer place to be in when the machine goes down.”

A smiling Keith Buchanan, right, relaxes with a group he flew into the Macgregor Mountains northeast of Prince George.

Edwards embraced challenging work

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Jerry Edwards poured his adventurous spirit, his love of the outdoors and his compassion for co-workers into his job as a self-employed forestry silviculture consultant.

By the time he started Grizzly Forest Management in Prince George in January 1999, he’d worked for several companies and had already begun to carve his reputation in the forest industry for delivering accurate and timely work.

It was Edwards’s job to survey cutblocks that had been harvested and reforested and compile reports about the health of the newly-forested areas. Often that meant travelling by helicopter or quad to areas without roads and bushwhacking in rough terrain through grizzly territory.

He loved his job and the people he worked with but it was often difficult and dangerous work.

Last Tuesday morning, the 56-year-old Edwards arrived with his crew of four at Purden Lake Resort, 62 kilometres east of Prince George, and they climbed into the Bell 206L helicopter owned and operated by pilot Keith Buchanan to start their day doing contract work for Canfor.

Shortly after takeoff the helicopter crashed not far from the launch site and Edwards and the 63-year-old Buchanan were killed. The four other passengers were treated for minor injuries and later released from hospital.

“Work was who he was, that’s what defined him,” said Keri Edwards, Jerry’s wife.

“His job was his life, he was everything in the company. Yes he did have employees but it all funnelled through him. He did his own accounting, everything.”

As one of the other six employees working for Grizzly, Carolyn Thorp said Edwards treated his staff well beyond their expectations. He would reward their loyalty and hard work with gifts, bonuses and company parties.

“It is a testimony to an employer when your people hang in year after year - he was a kind, generous and very fair boss who put his employees first,” said Thorp. “The company was small, but we did good work. Bottom line, though, it was

Above, Jerry Edwards and his wife Keri on one of their trips to Jasper National Park. Right, a clean-shaven Jerry Edwards with his oldest son Brayden last March, just before Jerry underwent heart surgery.

Jerry who put in the time, thought and detail into the quality work that was handed in to the varying forest companies we worked for. I know that the licensees had great respect for Jerry.”

Thorp first met Edwards in 1989 when they were working for the same forestry company and she was a data entry clerk and before long they and their spouses and kids had become good friends.In 2010 he hired her to join him in the bush conducting surveys. Thorp’s favourite days on the job were working with Edwards and driving with him to remote jobsites.

page 17

‘Work was who he was, that’s what defined him’

Continued from page 16

She felt safe with him and his Australian shepherds, Jasmine and Kona, keeping watch for wild animals and other hazards while they worked.

Edwards, a native of Brandon, Man., had originally planned to pursue a career in fish and wildlife management but instead studied at BCIT to become a registered forest technologist, where he discovered his niche in survey work.

The job kept him physically fit and in shape to play tennis (in his sandals) and go cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Just two months after an operation in March to replace a heart valve, he was back in the bush working.

“When I think of Jerry I think of how happy he was outside, how happy he was walking through the block,” said Thorp. “Even if it was gruelling terrain or pouring rain or unbelievable bugs or devil’s club up over your head, it was what he loved.”

He collected rocks, mostly agates, liked woodworking and was into fishing, hiking, canoeing, camping and snowshoeing.

Big hikes in the mountains, paddling the Bowron Lakes circuit and holidays to the big island in Hawaii with his family were how Edwards rewarded himself for the long days he put into his business.

As much as he enjoyed his work, family came first and his wife Keri, sons Brayden and Tanner, and the rest of the clan were his highest priorities.

“He wore his emotions on his sleeve and he was never shy about showing his emotions, which left an impression on me,” said Brayden.

“He was a real perfectionist in his work. Not only was it physically demanding but he put such high standards on himself, higher than anybody else, and he was really the only one who could do what he did in terms of his work because he was such a perfectionist. His job really was rife with danger, but it was the love of his life doing that work.”

As the hub of the family, he helped his mom and step-father, Judy and Gord Ashcroft, move to Prince George from Manitoba three years ago, where they could be close to his brother Mike, and they got together regularly for family dinners at Jerry and Keri’s log home in Salmon Valley to indulge in Jerry’s love for cooking and baking.

Jerry rode a Harley and he and Mike and Tanner made the pilgrimage several times to the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota. He loved playing pool and Wednesday night at Black Diamond Bowl and Billiards was ‘guys night’ where he would meet up with his sons and stepfather. His sense of humour provided comic relief on Friday mornings when he was usually the only guy at Keri’s gatherings with friends at Second Cup.

“He was so giving, he kind of put everybody else ahead of himself,” said Keri.

“He taught me how to treat people. If you had his

respect you were golden. He was a wonderful husband, partner, teammate, father and friend, it’s just a huge loss.”

Keri doesn’t know what led to the crash and said the Transportation Safety Board of Canada report will likely take a year to complete. She said her husband and Buchanan flew together often and he always felt safe.

“He thought of him as an excellent pilot, people who have known him in the past fully respected him as a pilot all around,” she said.

Jerry is also survived by his ex-wife Wendy Edwards, Tanner and Brayden’s mother. A celebration of his life is being planned for Saturday, Oct. 14 at a yet-to-be-determined time and location.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

For Jerry Edwards, the big island of Hawaii was the go-to vacation spot.

Protesters picket school board meeting

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

Anti SOGI protesters lined Ferry Avenue ahead of School District 57 (SD57)’s first public board meeting of the new school year last Tuesday afternoon. This was following an anti-SOGI protest and counter-protest that took place at Prince George City Hall last month. A security guard stood outside the school board office doors, limiting the number of attendees to just 20.

While there was no particular item on the agenda specifically pertaining to SOGI programming in schools, the issue permeated the meeting with both union representatives and the acting superintendent addressing the topic.

During her presentation, CUPE 3742 president Paula Bass, who represents support staff workers, specifically took issue with comments made by school board chair Rachael Weber at a Sept. 5 education committee meeting regarding an inclusive calendar. The calendar identifies dates of significance for school communities like international literacy day, but also includes days like bi visibility day, gender equity week, and the transgender day of remembrance.

“This weekend I was sent a link to your curriculum hub pinboard and was shocked to find out that there are about six months’ worth of ‘sex days’ and again parents were calling me irate,” Weber had said at that meeting.

“This is not inclusion. This is not involving everyone, you are leaving people out who do not agree with this work.”

She also said the calendar was creating divisiveness and it was something parents should be teaching their children at home.

“Your beliefs are not something that every single person in this district is okay with,” Bass then told Weber during the board meeting. “Perpetuating misinformation and calling inclusive days on a calendar ‘six months worth of sex days’ only spreads fuel to an already burning fire. The board should be the voice of reason and should be there to protect and defend students and staff.”

Bass noted that SOGI is just one strategy implemented to help create safe spaces for students and a positive learning environment.

“Our teacher partners are being vilified, our administrators are being called

heinous names, and support staff are being verbally attacked by parents, and our students are at an increased danger and where are you?,” asked Bass.

“I am sorry the good old days where women and Indigenous folks knew their places and queer was a dirty secret that we didn’t talk about, are over. Welcome to the 21 century.”

Following those remarks, Daryl Beauregard, president of the Prince George District Teachers’ Association (PGDTA), gave a presentation where he went over various school district policies.

He highlighted policy 4117, which outlines the board’s commitment to maintaining a safe positive environment for all students, families and employees including those who self-identify as LGBTQ+.

“Us teachers, and myself as a union president, we have been trying to uphold the values of the policy for about a year now and it has gotten quite ugly,” said

Beauregard. “Frankly, teachers have been taking it on the chin for a long time now defending this policy and trying to enforce the policy and to do the work that you entrust us to do.”

He asked the board to take ownership of their polices and if unwilling to do so, to table some amendments.

“But you can’t ignore them, and you can’t shove them aside, or worse, let teachers get attacked for it when we are just doing our jobs as outlined by policy.”

Later in the meeting, acting superintendent Pam Spooner, took a moment to speak in favour of SOGI and inclusion.

“When you are not seen in those schools, or you feel like you don’t belong in those schools, learning can’t happen and so we have a lot of work to do in our district,” she said. “Being able to walk proud into a school and be able to say’ hey, ‘I’m Gitxsan, I’m First Nations, or I’m lesbian or Identify as this’ - so again it is really important that our staff feels supported, so that our kids can feel supported and safe in our buildings.”

Following the meeting, Weber declined to specifically address Bass’ comments regarding the Inclusive calendar but said the district is currently focused on its superintendent search, balancing the budget, and strategic plan.

“I think that’s more important to focus on at this point in time, starting a new school year, and getting everybody situated so that they’re comfortable with moving forward and learning.”

Rural parents want Salmon Valley school reopened

moving to the area.

Parents and community members are advocating for the re-opening of Salmon Valley Elementary school. The school was closed in 2010 along with five other rural schools as the School District No. 57 (SD57) was faced with budget shortfalls at the time.

Samantha Ludvigson sent a letter to SD57’s board of education explaining the need for the school to reopen. She said the community of Salmon Valley consists of four rural areas in addition to Salmon Valley itself including Bear Lake, Summit Lake, Wright Creek Road and Old Summit Lake Road and all five of these communities have been growing consistently with young families

“There has been recent discussion within our communities as to how strenuous it is on our families that there is not a servicing school for our children.”

She said families are struggling with long bus rides or students missing school because of bad weather, and some students are not even able to get into the nearest catchment school - Springwood Elementary - forcing parents to make the difficult decision to home school.

“Our community is directly impacted by no longer having a facility that could not only provide an education for our growing population but also act as a centre for daycare services, strong start programming and community events.”

In her correspondence to the district, she included a

survey from community members as well as letters of support from the Salmon Valley Community Association.

“I strongly encourage SD57 to get the ball rolling and communicate with our community. Salmon Valley and all surrounding rural areas have a right to be heard not only as taxpayers but as parents of children who have a basic human right to education in our community,” said Ludvigson.

“The community members are here and ready to work with SD57 to do what we need to and get our Salmon Valley school reopened.”

In a letter of response to Ludvigson, board chair Rachael Weber said, “the information provided will also be considered as part of the Long Range facilities plan process to occur in the fall.”

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Protesters line Ferry Avenue ahead of SD57’s Sept. 26 board meeting.

Pattison attends new Save-On-Foods opening

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

In anticipation of last Thursday’s grand opening of the Save-On-Foods supermarket at Pine Centre Mall, the Langley-based company hosted a Friends and Family event the day beforen to showcase the 38,924 squarefoot store, which included a surprise guest.

Store owner Jim Pattison made the trip from his home in Vancouver, along with Maureen Chant, his personal secretary for 59 years, and Save-On CEO Darrell Jones.

The 94-year-old founder of the Jim Pattison Group said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be there for the opening of the newest store in the Save-On-Foods chain.

“Well I never get tired of dealing with anything Darrell wants,” laughed Pattison.

“We’re very pleased with the way things are going.”

While invited guests checked out the new store and sampled a few goodies, Jones offered details about the Parkwood Mall store, which closed on Wednesday.

“We are in the process of working out a plan for a new concept store for the Parkwood Mall and it will be open next year,” said Jones. “It won’t be Save-On-Foods, it will likely be another banner, perhaps a discount (store).

“We haven’t confirmed or made definite plans, we’re working on it. It will be some kind of excellent supermarket for that part of Prince George.”

The closure of the Parkwood location leaves the downtown core without a large food store and Jones said the new store

will not be ready until midway through 2024.

“We know the people in that community want to have a store nearby, and we’ll do that,” he said.

“We just want to make sure we do the right thing for the people there. It’s a

community that needs low prices and we will be there.”

Save-On has three other supermarkets in Prince George, at Hart Mall, Spruceland Mall and College Heights Shopping Centre. The company operates more than 300 food and drug stores in B.C., Alberta,

Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Yukon.

“When I started with the company in ’76, Prince George and Williams Lake were the keys to the company’s success at that particular stage, so this has always been a great town for us and we’re very proud to be here,” said Jones.

Save-On-Foods owner Jim Pattison and CEO Darrell Jones made the trip to Prince George to open the grocery chain’s Pine Centre Mall store.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

On an emotional level, your penchant for seduction will be amplified. You’ll attractthe attention of some interesting peo -ple. You’ll expand your clientele to the delight of your boss, who’ll see their profits double thanks to your charisma.

TAURUS

You’ll realize you’re of utmost importance to your employer, resulting in a higher salary and better prospects for your future. In romance, you’ll be able to achieve goals that meet your lover’s standards.

GEMINI

You’ll make your workdays more enjoyable by engaging in moments of pleasure. Expend your excess energy by giv -ing free rein to lively conversations with your loved ones. Express your ideas to stimulate discussion.

CANCER

If you need money for a difficult situation or an important purchase, you can negotiate a loan to improve your quality of life. In addition, romantic relationships could benefit from sustained attention.

LEO

Try to be more equitable in your love life. Avoid always making decisions in your own interests. Rather, seek solutions that promote compromise In your work life, don’t neglect the small details.

VIRGO

If you underestimate the importance of sleep, your ability to concentrate will be impacted, and you’ll weaken your im -mune system. If you take the time to get a good night’s sleep, you’ll enjoy beautiful creativity and create a new mas -terpiece.

LIBRA

You’ll be unable to pull yourself away from social media. Many of your friends will try to contact you. A family commitment will force you to come to your senses. You’ll fall in love with a new art form.

SCORPIO

At home, you’ll need to rely on others to handle the household chores. You’ll manage to reunite the family Your smile will create a warm, comforting atmosphere. At work, all the emergencies will come to you.

SAGITTARIUS

Before starting a new project, ensure you have all the necessary information. Even if you haven’t planned for a romantic weekend, you may want to indulge in this experience.

CAPRICORN

To have a successful career, you must have the courage to learn new things and adjust to change. These adaptations are necessary for you to achieve stability and experience professional growth. The adjustments wi l be beneficial

AQUARIUS

The devil is n the details. How you dress and present yourself wi l play a critical role n your career development. You’re at risk of excessive self-indulgence, and your friends will support your foolishness.

PISCES

You can expect to receive good news about your health. You may finally find the right treatment or medication for your needs, thus mproving your quality of life. At work, you’re always the one that deals with emergencies.

cl assi fi eds

Sharron Joan Dezell

June 7, 1939 to October 6, 2022

A daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a friend to many. Loved and missed greatly by her family. We try to live as she would have wished but her absence leaves a great gap in our lives.

To place an ad call: 250-562-6666

Barry Lawrence Beddome

1940-2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Lawrence Beddome. He passed away peacefully at Simon Fraser Lodge on August 27th at the age of 83. He was a loving husband to Gina Beddome and father to Crystal Beddome (son– in-law Dwayne Clayton) and to Barb Mohr (son-in-law Clint Mohr and granddaughter Mae Mohr). Barry will be greatly missed by all those who knew him but we can take comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace after a hard battle with Parkinson’s disease.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 4th at the Spruce Capital Seniors Rec Centre at 3701 Rainbow Drive. In memory of Barry kindly make donations to the Parkinson Society of BC.

The family thanks the staff at Simon Fraser Lodge for their caring and kindness·over these many years.

REMEMBRANCES

1960-2023

Dale Robert Parkyn was born February 14th, 1960 in Burnaby, B.C. and passed away peacefully surrounded by family members Friday, September 15th, 2023 in Prince George, B.C. Dale was an avid cyclist for most of his life until his struggles with Parkinson’s Disease made it too difficult for him to continue his favourite activity. Growing up in Vernon, B.C. he enjoyed cycling, skiing and other outdoor activities and even was an accomplished ski racer in his teen years.

He lived in Vancouver for many years and attended Simon Fraser University. He was an intelligent and kind person with a curious view and interest in science and the world around him. He eventually moved to Prince George in 2003 and was able to enjoy cycling and some skiing in the area for a time before things became too difficult to do anymore.

Dale is predeceased by his mother Edith (Berg) Parkyn in 2008 and his father Douglas Parkyn in 1989.

He is survived by two siblings Lyle Parkyn and nephews Colin and Sean of Vancouver and Luanne (Parkyn) Stadnyk and niece Elizabeth of Prince George, B.C.

By request, there is no service and arrangements are with Fraserview Crematorium and Assman’s Funeral Chapel of Prince George, B.C.

February 20, 1933 - September 14, 2023

Cliff passed away peacefully in Hospice with his family by his side.

He was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, he ran away with the circus, and roamed around for a few years before settling in Grande Prairie, Alberta, where he met and married the love of his life, June. They enjoyed 66 years together, raising a family in Prince George, retiring to spend over 30 winters in Arizona, where they made many friends.

Survived by June, sons Toby (Grace), Dirk (Arleen) daughter Tracy (Kevin) grandchildren Tyler and Julia.

Predeceased by grandson Travis, brothers Jim, Bob, and Grant, parents Sid and Julia.

Cliff was a sheet metal man with a penchant for business. His company operated in Prince George for over 25 years until retirement. He loved all sports, but as a true Canadian, hockey, CFL, and curling were his favourites. He enjoyed golf, and for most of his life was an excellent pool player. In his early single years he supported himself playing in pool halls.

Cliff will be missed by many.

No service by request.

In Loving Memory

In Memoriam

Dale Robert Parkyn

Clifford Baron Haiste

Obituaries

LYLE G. POLSOM

January 27, 1963 to September 16, 2023

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Lyle at a very young age. Lyle was born in Regina, Sask. to parents Stan and Elizabeth (Bett) Polsom.

He is predeceased by his brother Dougie (2021), his dad Stan (2022) and his grandparents on both sides. Leaving behind to mourn his loss is his brother Russ (Leslie), his mom Bett, as well as many friends, co-workers and extended family members.

Lyle enjoyed working with his hands. He was an excellent carpenter and could build or fix almost anything that needed repair. His foremost passion was cooking. He was an awesome chef and spent many years in oil camps in Northern Alberta. He enjoyed good music (Shania Twain), Clint Eastwood movies, muscle cars, nature documentaries and kept well aware of current world affairs.

He loved nature and was an avid hiker in his younger years. When he went fishing with friends, he never used a hook, instead he’d place a stone on his fish line so he wouldn’t catch any fish. He called this “rock fishing”.

Lyle was a caring, loving person. One day in late fall on his way to work, he noticed a person in need of some kindness. So he took off the sweat shirt he was wearing and gave it to the person in need.

Lyle will be missed by all the people who loved him and knew him for kindness, honesty, generosity and his sense of humour.

We will always remember the good times we had with you and will never forget the wonderful you!

At Lyle’s request, no service will be held.

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

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

Christopher Brian Hopwood

March 4, 1962 - September 16, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of an amazing husband, father, son, brother and grandpa. Chris passed away unexpectedly at age 61 while out on one of his daily walks. He will be so deeply missed by his family and those who knew him.

He was born in Vancouver, BC to Brian and Leone Hopwood. Chris enjoyed a close relationship with his siblings Monica, Leo, Sharon, and Greg. Starting from an early age, Chris had a passion for sports that was integral to his identity, playing on numerous sports teams throughout his life.

Chris and his wife Valerie met as teens while working at McDonalds together in 1979 and were married for 38 years. They had two kids together, Courtney and Shayne, who were Chris’ world. Chris was a committed family man whose every decision was guided by what would be best for his wife and kids. He was their personal cheerleader and would encourage them in all of their interests or pursuits, giving advice or silly fun whenever it was needed.

Chris will be remembered for his dedicated leadership in his roles as a manager at both McDonalds early on in his career and later at Real Canadian Superstore, where he worked for nearly three decades. This leadership commitment also extended to his community involvement, where he will be remembered as a passionate coach, referee and executive for the Prince George Minor Hockey Association as well as a volunteer with the College Heights Community Association.

With his retirement in 2020, Chris embraced his newfound free time with daily walks, disc golfing, detailing vehicles and most importantly spending time with his family. This included time spent with his new grandson, Ridley, who he adored.

We certainly weren’t ready to say goodbye, but we will treasure the time we had with him and honour his memory.

A Celebration of Life to honour Chris will take place at the Bon Voyage Restaurant & Banquet Hall on Saturday, October 7th at 1 pm. 4366 Highway 16 West, Prince George.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that if anyone wishes to make a donation in Chris’ memory to please do so to the Ronald McDonald House.

LOVE ALWAYS REMEMBERS

BY HELEN STEINER RICE

May tender memories soften your grief,

May fond recollection bring you relief,

And may you find comfort and peace in the thought

Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought

For time and space can never divide

Or keep your loved one from your side

When memory paints

In colors true The happy hours that Belonged to you.

CERMEL, Silvia

February 21, 1934September 21, 2023

“Hello SWEETHEART!”

The family of Silvia Cermel would like to share the passing of her on September 21, 2023.

She was quick with her jokes, friendly in her greetings, passionate about WWE wrestling and her dismay of the Royal family. Silvia lived many lives while here. Born in Trieste, Italy on February 21, 1934, she immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1970 with her then young son Robert--finally settling in Prince George, BC.

She cooked in remote camps, worked as a custodian at School District 57, owned a busy laundromat and over served sample sizes as a Costco demo lady before retiring in her late 70’s.

Silvia leaves behind her two children Erica and Robert (Sue), her sister Louise and grandson Kaylan.

The family would like to thank everyone who cared for her throughout the years. Her home care nursing, for your home visits so she could crack her jokes. The Gateway staff 2 floor nurses, care aids, OT, dietary, cleaners and pharmacy--all of you. Dr. Saif and the MOA’s--thank you for your kindness throughout the years.

May you rest in sweet power, Momma Mia.

Silvia’s Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at Assman’s Funeral Chapel.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

DAVISON, Leman Ian

July 3, 1927 - September 17, 2023

It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of Leman Ian Davison on September 17, 2023 in Prince George, BC. He was born on July 3, 1927 in Medford, Massachusetts, USA

Leman is survived by his wife Wilma Davison; children Brenda (Dave) Deans, Jean (Ray) Glebe, David Davison, Juanita (Randy) Davison, Dwayne Holmes, Jeanette (Marc) Holmes, Keith (Katharine) Holmes, Glen Holmes, Darren (Lauly) Holmes and Dennis (Cheryl) Holmes; eighteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his mother Jean Davison; father Merrite Davison; son Gene Holmes; brothers Ewen (Cece) Davison and Perley (Mildred) Davison.

Dad was raised on PEI and graduated in grade 7 from the Irishtown University. After graduation, he worked on his uncle’s farm. He also worked alongside his mother in the fields picking potatoes. He earned a child’s pay but did a man’s work! Leman learned a good work ethic at an early age--later in life he would teach his own children that same value. At the age of 20, he moved to Medford, Mass. to work for the Worchester Paper Co. In 1950, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed on an Aircraft Carrier during the Korean War. Leman was honorably discharged in 1954. He then moved to Alberta, Canada and worked on a farm and married Molly Steiner. They moved to BC to work and start his family Brenda, Jean, David and Juanita. He worked on the Bennett Dam, Northpeace Logging Sawmill, Northern Pipe Co. and Pacific Petroleum “Philup 66” in Taylor where he first trained as a pipe fitter.

He then moved to PG where he worked at Northwood Pulp and Union Pacific before starting at Husky Oil as a pipefitter. Dad had the respect of all his peers and bosses--they called him the Sergeant!!

As a Veteran, Leman joined the Prince George Legion Branch #43. This is where he met the love of his life, Wilma Holmes. It was a short courtship and the odds were stacked against them but their love was true and would carry on for over 49 years!! Filled with family and amazing adventures they enjoyed doing everything together. Both volunteered in the Legion and Dad was Vice President of the Executive Committee. They had many years of running the meat draws, organizing and playing Crib Tournaments, pancake breakfasts, etc. As a couple, they were avid cribbage players, real professionals, and taught all their kids and grandchildren to play too! As members of the GrassRoots Society they played crib all over America. Together they enjoyed over 30 years of retired life where they made it the best time of their lives-traveling the world, fishing and camping all over BC with family and friends! Yep, they were snow birds--setting up in Arizona with Willie and Ann Gorrill and loving those Happy Hours. They lived in their brand new home which dad was so proud to give to his Sweetie, at Christina Lake, before making the decision to move back to Prince George so the kids could help as they started to age. Dad fought a good fight, having to live alone after he and mom were separated. He spent 6 month at the University Hospital of Northern BC recovering from a broken sternum before finally rejoining mom at the Simon Fraser Lodge. We were lucky enough to bring Dad and Mom together one more time to watch the Old Time Fiddlers Concert. They both had a ‘Great One More Time’. Dad passed quietly and quickly a few short days later. He will be sadly missed by his big beautiful family!

There will be no Service as requested, so lift a glass to Lee or a donation to the Legion.

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES

by Norma Cornett Marek

If I knew it would be the last time That I’d see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly And pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss And call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute To stop and say “I love you,” Instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, Well I’m sure you’ll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

And certainly there’s another chance To say our “Anything I can do?”

But just in case I might be wrong, And today is all I get, I’d like to say how much I love you And I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, Young or old alike, And today may be the last chance You get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you’re waiting for tomorrow, Why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, You’ll surely regret the day,

That you didn’t take that extra time For a smile, a hug, or a kiss And you were too busy to grant someone, What turned out to be their one last wish.

For surely there’s always tomorrow To make up for an oversight, And we always get a second chance To make everything just right.

There will always be another day To say “I love you,”

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

So hold your loved ones close today, And whisper in their ear, Tell them how much you love them And that you’ll always hold them dear

Take time to say “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” or “It’s okay.” And if tomorrow never comes, You’ll have no regrets about today.

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort...

Established Franchise Photography Business

Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years

Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work

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

Serious Enquiries Only

Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000

Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.

Transition support available for the right buyer.

Serious Inquires Only Office (250)997-9003 Home (250)997-5538 Cell (250)990-0152

Toys/Games/Puzzles

Hay/Bales For Sale

Equipment

Tools

14” steel chop saw, used very little, $750. 250-963-8419

Horses & Tack

2011 8400 QUAD Lamtrac Mulcher. M11 Cummins engine, 4000 hrs. $165,000. 250-614-6667 or 250-568-2338 Registered 12 yr Morgan Gelding Sire: Blue Diamond Hawk, Dam Sun-West Omega Chestnut, tail flaxen, mane mixed red/flaxen. $4,500. Located in Hazelton, BC Calm, yet inquisitive, and enjoys both the arena and trail. 250-842-5560 email:dtahouney@gmail.com

Antiques

AVON COLLECTIBLES, Valued $3600, asking $1500. 250-6171934

Art & Collectibles

A LOT Of 45 & LPs. All kinds $5$40 each, 778-675-4716

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

Firewood

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250614-6667

Mills/Equipment

1998 KENWORTH with mixer trailer, white. $120,000. 617-3373

SAWMILL, 48” head rig, hand set, completely rebuilt, $8000 obo plus

Sheds/Outbuildings

250301.0221, 250-967-4268

Trucks & Vans

2006 DODGE Cummins diesel, 4x4, 4 dr, Lb, auto, 2 owner, receipts since new, no accidents, 107K, $27,900 obo. 596-5434

1998 FORD F250 Diesel w/ plow. Exc. cond. $10,000. 250-3980720

1977 FORD 1 ton, renovated, $2500. 250-306-2292

Tires

4 studded snow tires on wheels from a 2014 Kia Sportage. $350 (604) 864-5333

Legal/Public Notices

Between CHARLOTTE AUGER or anyone related, with the belief of abandonment of the storage UNIT 8-10 located at AAA Self Storage 6700 Pacific Street, Prince George, BC V2N 6Y2. Belongings of CHARLOTTE AUGER, 5 3755

JOHN HART HWY BC (250 552 6377) will be dispose the aforesaid property unless the person being notified takes possession and liability of the property within 14 days from the date of this publication, the Manager

2 Weeks Final Notice

2004, Ford F350 Pick-Up Truck 1FTSH31PX4ED19273

COURT BAILIFF SALE

NORTH CENTRAL BAILIFFS LTD.

www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

The Court Bailiff offers FOR SALE BY TENDER, the interests of Special D’s Collision, the Judgment Debtors, in the following goods:

Miscellaneous Chattels from Special D’s Collision

To View contact North Central Bailiffs LTD. Sales are subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Bids will be accepted on the unit until October 25th, 2023. Goods to be sold as is where is. Bids can be placed on our website, www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca 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.

North Central Bailiffs Ltd. Court Bailiff Division Chris Nevison

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ASSIGNMENT OF A DISPOSITION OF CROWN LAND

Take notice that the Hart Community Centre Society, located at 4900 Austin Road West, Prince George, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands Division, Omineca Region, for an assignment of their Lease for Community Hall purposes to the Kodiaks Football Club, from Prince George BC, situated on Provincial Crown land located in Prince George, described as Lot A, District Lot 4048 Cariboo District Plan 28355.

The Lands File for this application is 7400736. Written comments concerning this assignment application should be directed to Susan Spears, Authorizations Specialist, Ministry of Forests, Lands Division, Omineca Region at 5th Floor 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1R5, or Susan.Spears@gov.bc.ca Comments will be received by Ministry of Forests, Lands Division, Omineca Region up to November 4, 2023. Ministry of Forests, Lands Division, Omineca Region may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Application No. 419479 (Authorization Number: 111475)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE

Application for a permit Under the Provisions of the Environmental Management Act

We, Canadian Forest Products Ltd., intend to submit an application to the Director for a new authorization to discharge treated stormwater into the Fraser River. The source of the discharge will be stormwater runoff that has come into contact with residual biomass from the associated sawmill facility on the property.

The facility is located at 6988 Landooz Road, Prince George, BC (PIDs 010-694-986 and 014- 967-804), approximately 13 km northeast of the city of Prince George. Stormwater runoff from throughout the facility, which has historically been discharged without microbial treatment, will now be collected and treated via a stormwater management system before its release into the Fraser River.

The new stormwater management system is a proposed upgrade which includes improved ditching, aerobic stormwater lagoons, and controlled discharge. It will include:

• Ditching and drainage collection improvements,

• Installation of three oil/water and grit separators,

• Pumping lift stations to convey runoff to the lagoons,

• Installation of two aerated lagoons and one facultative lagoon,

• Mechanical and electrical components to support aeration, and

• Discharge flow control for larger drainage areas.

The anticipated total annual discharge of treated effluent to the Fraser River will be proportional to precipitation. All discharged effluent from the facility must conform to applicable BC Water Quality Guidelines outside of a dilution zone that will be proposed within the Fraser River.

Discharge locations will be from the three treatment and retention ponds that will be constructed beyond the riparian offset from the shoreline at the east of the site. Discharges will be controlled releases from the ponds via outfalls or rock lined swales, with rates contingent upon the amount of precipitation. As the facility itself does not produce process effluent, the effluent is stormwater only and therefore a single continuous discharge rate is not applicable.

A summary of potential contaminants that require treatment before discharge include natural wood residues (resin and fatty acids, polyphenols, etc.), total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), metals, and potential hydrocarbons from mobile equipment. Technologies for treatment will be designed to remove these contaminants to concentrations conforming to guidelines in the dilution zone, as described above. For example, adding aeration to the lagoons will promote oxidation of dissolved metals which then become utilized as micronutrients for the biota in the treatment system. In-pond structures may also be employed to offer a surface for biota to accumulate as a final treatment regimen, followed by a calm zone. This final phase would allow for further removal of solids and additional contaminant breakdown by the system’s biota.

Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed discharges of treated stormwater runoff and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant’s agent, with a copy to the Director, Environmental Management Act at Industrial.Waste.Authorizations@gov.bc.ca, or by mail to #325 - 1011 Fourth Avenue, Prince George B.C. V2L 3H9. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.

Dated this 25th day of September 2023.

Signature:

Irene Dahl, Environment Manager - Wood Products, Canadian Forest Products Ltd.

For any inquiries, please contact:

• Ministry of Environment. Email: Industrial.Waste.Authorizations@gov.bc.ca. Mail: #325- 1011 Fourth Avenue, Prince George B.C. V2L 3H9.

• Applicant’s Agent, Tim Weaver. Phone: (778) 233-3009. Email: tim@weavertechnical.com.

• Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Rep., Irene Dahl. Phone: 250-962-3277. Email: irene.dahl@canfor.com.

Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

A hard copy MAP showing the location and extent of the application area may be acquired by calling the Authorizations Specialist named above at 250-561-3479.

7 signs your home’s insulation needs to be replaced

Insulation is essential for keeping your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer and dry all year long. Here are seven signs it’s time to replace yours.

1. SOUNDS TRAVEL

The insulation in your walls, floors and ceilings should muffle all but the loudest noises in your home. If you can hear ambient sounds like the clicking of a keyboard or the dripping of a tap from another room, the insulation isn’t doing its job.

2. HIGH ENERGY BILLS

Inadequate insulation forces you to turn up the heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. A higher-than-usual energy bill is often the first sign that you need to replace your insulation.

3. UNEVEN TEMPERATURES

The temperature in your home should be consistent from room to room. If you have areas that are cooler or warmer than others, it’s an indication that there’s a problem with the insulation.

4. COLD SURFACES

Walls, floors and ceilings shouldn’t be cold to the touch. If yours are, it’s a sign that there isn’t enough insulation.

5. CONDENSATION AND MOULD

If you have mould on your ceiling, condensation on your windows or damp walls and floors, it’s a sign that there’s too much humidity in your home. This may be due to poor insulation.

6. PEST INFESTATIONS

Animals and insects can get into your home through gaps in your insulation. Additionally, they’re often attracted by mould and damage caused by water infiltration.

7. FREEZING AND ICE

It isn’t normal for pipes to freeze or for icicles to hang from the edge of your roof. Both are signs that your insulation isn’t doing its job. While it may seem like a big undertaking, replacing your insulation is a surefire way to make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills.

Why you need a combi-boiler in your home

If you need to replace your boiler, you should consider upgrading to a modern combi-boiler system. A combination boiler heats your home and gives you hot water on demand. Here are some of the benefits.

• Increased efficiency. More efficient than a conventional water heater that heats a full tank of water whether you need it or not, a combi-boiler can reduce your energy consumption by up to 40 per cent.

• Save valuable space. You don’t need a lot of room for a combi-boiler because they’re compact. For example, you can install a combi-boiler in an apartment or condo or in the space under the stairs.

• Save money. Modern combi-boilers are less complex than conventional boilers and have fewer pipes to install. Moreover, combi-boilers are less expensive to install and repair than traditional ones.

• Enjoy unlimited hot water. You’ll never run out of hot water because a combi-boiler doesn’t have a water tank. Therefore, you can enjoy leisurely showers and hot baths without worrying about having enough water in the tank.

• There’s less maintenance. A combi-boiler doesn’t have a water tank to flush and clean.

Consequently, you don’t have to worry about scheduling maintenance every six months.

If you’re moving into a new house or making extensive renovations, it’s a perfect time to upgrade your home’s heating system. Talk to an expert at your local home renovation centre.

3 fun ways to use shiplap in your home

Traditionally used for barns and sheds, shiplap has made its way into the interior design world over the past decade. On top of being used for accent walls, you can also use shiplap in the following three ways around your home:

1. Headboard. You can easily create a rustic, Cape Cod-style headboard with shiplap.

2. Fireplace. Instead of brick, use shiplap around your fireplace. You can find shiplap made of fire-resistant fibre cement.

3. Door. You don’t have to buy an expensive pre-made barn-style door for your home when you can make your own using shiplap.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL

Wood shiplap has natural knots, which offers an authentic farmhouse look. However, it can be pricey. Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) shiplap, on the other hand, is inexpensive and smooth, making it ideal for painting. Moreover, PVC shiplap is waterproof and mould resistant. It’s also light and pre-finished, making it extremely easy to install.

Visit your local hardware store to pick up everything you need for your shiplap project.

Should you choose an open plan?

Open concept designs have been on trend for many years. However, the recent move towards working from home has led many to rethink their living spaces. This guide will help you decide which style best suits your needs.

OPEN CONCEPT DESIGN

Open floor plans allow you to make the most of a small space, enabling less-restricted movement and optimal light. Choose this design if you:

• Have small children. If you need to manage several tasks while keeping an eye on your little ones, an open concept keeps everyone in your line of sight.

• Enjoy entertaining. This floor plan allows large groups of people to mingle and move around with ease.

• Have accessibility needs. If you have household members or guests who need help with accessibility, an open concept affords adaptability.

• Plan to resell. Your resale value may be higher with

an open floor plan. Potential buyers appreciate the freedom to adapt a space to their needs.

CLOSED CONCEPT DESIGN

Closed floor plans provide more individual solitude and give you more control over noise and air quality. Choose this design if you:

• Need quiet or privacy. If your household has multiple people studying or working at home, separate spaces are essential for privacy.

• Are eco-conscious. A closed concept design lets you heat rooms selectively to minimize energy consumption.

• Love to cook. Although home cooking creates a cozy atmosphere, the scents of aromatic cuisines may be unwelcome if they invade every corner of your open concept home.

If you’re considering an interior remodel, a local architect or contractor can help you find the ideal solution for your family.