NATIONAL CHAMP Prince George speed skater Carolina Hiller won her second straight national title last week in the women’s 500m at the Canadian Long Track Championships in Calgary.
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
When the province introduced the Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act in 2012 to crack down on illegal metal sales, Mike Morris was still working as an RCMP officer and he was encouraged the new law might have the desired effect.
Eleven years later, metal theft continues to be an ongoing problem that plagues B.C. cities.
The potential to cash in on their crime motivated thieves a few weeks ago to break into the former Achillion restaurant in downtown Prince George, which led to a natural gas explosion that seriously injured a city worker.
The problem with the law is it is not being
enforced, says Morris, the B.C. United MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie.
“It’s obviously not, because we wouldn’t be having this problem if it was,” said Morris. “It’s an issue.
“The legislation’s got some teeth to it but it’s still been happening here and I think there’s too many loopholes in it.”
The law’s intent is to regulate how dealers buy metal products and discourage thieves from stealing high-value metal, especially from utilities and municipalities.
The act falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (a ministry Morris oversaw when the B.C. Liberals formed government), which is responsible for ensuring dealers and recyclers register and comply with the rules. See ‘SIGNIFICANT COMPLIANCE, page 12
Sobering centre opens downtown
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
A new sobering centre in Prince George, operated by Carrier Sekani Family Services in partnership with the province and Northern Health, has now opened at 1133 Second Ave.
“There is a vital need for people to have access to sobering and assessment services close to home,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Together with our partners at Carrier Sekani and Northern Health, we’re bringing these critical services to Prince George to save more lives and keep people safe.”
The centre is a 10-bed facility that provides a safe space for people 18 and older who are intoxicated from alcohol and/ or other substances and unable to safely care for themselves.
People can refer themselves or they can be referred by a family member, supportive care person, health-care providers, emergency services or other community partners.
“Carrier Sekani Family Services is happy to provide the services of the new Prince George Sobering Centre,” said
The centre is currently supporting clients overnight, four nights a week from Thursday to Sunday.
Various support services, such as referral to community resources, laundry facilities, snacks and a safe place to sleep, will gradually be added until the centre is able to support clients seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
“The sobering centre is an important addition to the continuum of services in the North where people with substance-use challenges can access care and connection to additional supports and services,” said Ciro Panessa, president and CEO, Northern Health.
Travis Holyk, executive director of health with Carrier Sekani Family Services.
“We see this as a required part of the care continuum for vulnerable community members in Prince George.”
“We appreciate the Province’s investment in mental-health and substance-use services and the collaboration with Carrier Sekani Family Services that have brought the sobering and assessment centre to fruition.”
The province is providing $1.8 million over three years in funding for the facility as part of its investments in substance-use and treatment services.
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Prince George Sobering Centre on Second Avenue.
Moccasin Flats residents shares her story
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Carol Joan Chingee has been living in the Lower Patricia encampment, known
as Moccasin Flats, for about four years.
Chingee said she chooses to live in Moccasin Flats, but describes a series of struggles in her life which led her to living in the encampment.
pit for a three-year period
Next Steps: the Regional District Board will consider issuing TUP No. 281 during the Board Meeting on Thursday October 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm at 155 George Street, Prince George
She’s 58-years-old and a survivor of Lejac Residential School which operated from 1922 to 1976 near Fraser Lake.
Chingee said she attended the school for five years, where she was sexually abused. She then moved to Prince George College where she also remembers being picked on by the principal.
Years later, she was working in Fort McMurray as a first aid attendant, which she said was a good job but she was struggling with alcoholism.
“I just drank too much and had too much fun. I started turning yellow, and my eyes were bright yellow. That’s how yellow my jaundice got.”
She said she had to quit drinking because she also had been diagnosed with stage three stomach cancer.
Throughout her cancer struggle, she had the support of her fiancé Craig.
“We were engaged to be married and he stayed with me right through my cancer treatments and my cirrhosis,” said Chingee. “He stayed with me. He stuck it out and he gave me everything. He knew everything about me.”
She said they had just finished building a log house in McLeod Lake, when he suddenly died in a motorcycle accident.
“We set our wedding for a year away and then I had Thanksgiving coming up and I made it home and he was on his way and then ‘boom’ his bike hit the meridian and he smashed his head,” she said. “That killed me almost because I loved him so much.”
Chingee said in the same two-month time period she had lost her fiancé, her mother, two of her friends, and her young daughter to foster care.
Life in Moccasin Flats has been difficult.
“I think I slept three weeks out of the time I’ve been here,” said Chingee, adding that she mostly spends her time worrying about her son who is also unhoused.
“I’m trying to quit. I don’t like it anymore, there’s too much stuff on my mind. If I use, I’m weak. If I don’t, I’m stronger.”
This is the first instalment in a series chronicling the stories of unhoused local individuals. If you know someone who would like to share their story please contact hpetersen@pgcitizen.ca
For more on this story and related stories, go to pgcitizen.ca
Rustad defends linking SOGI to residential schools
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
The leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. is facing scrutiny over a social media post, which appeared to compare teaching students about sexual orientation and gender identity to harm caused by residential schools.
John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes, made the comments on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in a Sept. 30 post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Today we remember what happens when the Canadian government thinks it’s better at raising children than parents.
I will always stand with parents,” read Rustad’s post.
In an interview with the Citizen, Rustad said generations of Indigenous people were a significantly impacted by residential schools, and he did not want to take away from that.
“But what I did want to highlight was the mechanism that was used to create that, which was, the government believed they knew better how to raise children,” he said. “I wanted to highlight, not to take away from what happened, but highlight the tool that government actually used.”
Rustad said as a minister he was part of the implementing the changes to
curriculum so that students across this province would learn about the true and full history of residential schools and that he’s very proud of the work he’s done with Indigenous peoples.
“I also think it’s important to recognize that the trauma that created this pain, and this suffering by Indigenous people was government thinking they knew best and taking away the rights of parents to be able to raise your children.”
Rustad also earned a stern rebuke from Premier David Eby, who accused him of picking on children and families.
Rustad, whose Conservatives gained official party status last month after
former Opposition BC United member Bruce Banman crossed the floor to join him, zeroed in on the government’s Sexual Orientation Gender Identity program in provincial schools, saying it is divisive and concerning to parents.
“Will the minister admit this SOGI 123 has been divisive and an assault on parents’ rights and a distraction to student education?” said Rustad, who called on the government to replace the program.
B.C.’s SOGI program was introduced by the province to help make schools inclusive and safe for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities, says the government’s website.
Union boss urges school board chair to resign
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
The president of the Prince George District Teachers Association (PGDTA) is calling on the School District No. 57 chair to resign.
In a social media post, PGDTA President Daryl Beauregard said Rachael Weber should resign after her statement regarding private education.
Weber was asked to clarify her position after she liked the Discovery Academy Homeschool Learning Centre in Prince George’s Facebook page, which describes itself as a “an amazing opportunity to rethink how we educate our children especially given the lack of choice and the corruption in our current system.”
Weber, who is also running as an MLA for the newly formed Conservative Party of British Columbia, said she addressed the topic on her social media and said she supports both private and public education.
“Private schools often offer specialized
programs and smaller class sizes providing personalized attention to students. However, public education ensures accessibility to education. Supporting both sectors can help create a balanced education system that meets a diverse needs of students,” said Weber.
“I also believe that parents should have every right to decide what type of education is best for their children. Our government and unions do not have the right to take that away.”
board’s own policy manual says board members should act as an advocate for public education and the school district in a non-partisan way.
I also believe that parents should have every right to decide what type of education is best for their children.’
Beauregard responded that “SD57 board chair couldn’t be more contemptuous for the hard work staff do every day for public education. A trustee should have unquestioned support of public ed without being in deliberate conflict. Disgraceful. She should resign.”
Beauregard also pointed out that the
The Conservative Party of British Columbia’s website says the party advocates for parents choice and states that the “Government must provide fair and reasonable funding to families for the type of education they choose for their children. This includes public, private or homeschooling.”
The Conservative Party’s website also references schools as places of indoctrination stating, “Political bias and ideology have no place in B.C.’s education curriculum and must be removed immediately. Schools must be places of learning – not tools for activism and indoctrination.”
The party has also stated it wants to end SOGI 123 programming in favour of a
zero-tolerance anti-bullying approach.
During the previous board of education meeting on Sept. 26, which was attended by anti-SOGI protestors, Beauregard gave a presentation regarding the board’s policies, highlighting 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+. He asked the board to take ownership of their polices, and if unwilling to do so, to table some amendments.
Following that meeting the district posted a ‘letter to the community’ from Weber and Acting Superintendent Pam Spooner on its website.
“The Board of Education for School District No. 57 is responsible for providing an education system that is a safe, welcoming environment, free from racism, discrimination, harassment, and violence and that is inclusive and affirming for all students, staff and community members,” states the letter.
See related letter on page 9
Orphan bear rescued
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Peter and Angelika Langen from Northern Lights Wildlife Society in Smithers brought a rescue team to Prince George to capture as many orphaned bears as they could.
A video below shows Peter retrieving a sedated ‘Mickey’ from a tree at Elgin Place in the Hart last Thursday.
Neighbours had come together to continually keep track of Mickey and were able to offer his exact location to the baby bear rescuers.
“And by the time we got there, we
knew exactly where he was,” Angelika said Friday.
“It was really great how they worked together to help this little bear.”
In Quesnel, one orphan was caught in a trap and two others were captured after a report came in that mama bear had been killed on the highway.
The Northern Lights Wildlife Society team responded quickly and were able to capture the two babies right off the side of the highway before they wandered off.
The three orphans from Quesnel
and one from Prince George will be taken to the wildlife sanctuary in Smithers and traps set in Fort Fraser, Burns Lake and Houston will be checked on the return to trip to scoop up any more wayward orphan cubs.
The Northern Lights team came up for two days during the last week of September, too, and managed to save four cubs on that trip. All rescues have to be approved by the Conservation Officer Service, but don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or report a sighting by calling Angelika at 1-250-877-1181.
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Peter Langen from Northern Lights Wildlife Society brings a sedated Mickey down from a tree in the Hart.
Long history of Indigenous politicians in Canada
Last Tuesday (Oct. 3), the voters of Manitoba elected their first First Nations premier as journalist, author, activist, university administrator and musician Wab Kinew led his New Democratic Party to a majority government.
As a result, he should have a full term to try to implement their election promises. This opinion piece, however, is not about those election promises or whether I think the election results are good or bad. One can talk about subject matter and find it interesting without supporting it or agreeing with those who do.
Wabanakwut Kinew is the first First Nations premier of Manitoba. That is true, without a doubt. He is, however, not the first Indigenous premier of Manitoba. The noun Indigenous refers to three groups in Canada (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) and Manitoba has had one, if not two Métis premiers: Louis Riel and John Norquay.
Plenty has been written and said about Louis Riel and I am not going to try to capture it all here. What is important, however, is that he led the provisional government that led the Manitoba Act and the creation of the Province of Manitoba and is often considered to be Manitoba’s Father of Confederation. It has even been proposed that he be recognized as the province’s honourary first premier.
John Norquay, on the other hand, is less well known, at least until this election, but he was the fifth premier of the province from 1878 to 1887. Like many early provincial premiers, he was non-partisan as a politician,
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although it is known that he did support the Conservatives federally and vice versa. This support was part of his downfall as premier as he found himself in conflict with Prime Minister John A MacDonald over railway charters and the Canadian Pacific monopoly.
Manitoba was not the only province to have a Métis premier. Here in British Columbia for example, there was Simon Fraser Tolmie, who governed from 1928 to 1933. Given his name, it should come as no surprise that he came from an established fur trade family and through his mother he had Spokane ancestry.
Contrary to contemporary stereotypes about the political leanings of Indigenous individuals, he was also British Columbia’s last Conservative premier and firmly believed that the best way to govern was through established business practices. It was the Great Depression that ended his time as premier as his party split and failed to run a coordinated election in 1933.
If Tolmie was the last Conservative premier in British Columbia, then Peter Lougheed was the first conservative, or rather Progressive Conservative, premier of Alberta. Again, stereotypes are somewhat misleading. Alberta had Liberal premiers from 1905 to 1925, United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) premiers from 1925 to 1935, and Social Credit premiers from 1935 to 1971.
And while it could be argued the Socreds were conservative, it should be remembered that initially Alberta Social Credit tried to implement the rather radical economic policies of social credit as an economic theory, a
decision that led to conflict with the federal government.
Indeed, Lougheed, like many other Alberta premiers, often found himself in conflict with the federal government, and he is perhaps best known for fighting Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s National Energy Program. Again, stereotypes are misleading.
And then there are of course the territories, often overlooked and unlike the provinces not sovereign members of the Canadian federation.
That being said, the oldest of the territories, the Northwest Territories has had First Nations, Métis, and Inuit premiers and their current premier, Caroline Cochrane is Métis. This situation is the opposite in the Yukon, where all of the premiers have been non-Indigenous.
And then there is Nunavut, where all the premiers have been Inuit since its creation in 1999. Not that that is guaranteed per se. According to Elections Nunavut, anyone can be a candidate if they can vote in the territory and in order to vote you need to be a Canadian citizen, 18 years or older, and a resident of the territory for one year.
So, congratulations to Wab Kinew for being elected Manitoba’s first First Nations premier. The people have spoken and like every other politician he now gets the chance to try to make things better.
Daniel Sims is a member of the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation. He currently works as an associate professor at the University of Northern B.C. and is academic co-lead of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
UNION BOSS SHOULD RESIGN
Since I recently ran for school board trustee, it seems that we have had less co-operative dialogue and more hostility addressed towards trustees from the teachers’ union.
If the president, Darryl Beauregard, really believed in safety for all students, things would have calmed down, and the school board would have been able to focus on the job at hand.
Instead we have put children at risk and parents at risk.
What am I talking about?
How many LGBTQ2+ students are in elementary school?
Almost none.
How many Muslim, Sikh, and Christian students are there in elementary school?
A lot.
How many students in elementary school has he stood up for in his inclusive ideology?
Nobody.
Has Mr. Beauregard condemned the violent knife attack on an unarmed student on Sept. 20?
No. He has said nothing about their safety and protection.
I believe Mr. Beauregard has shown his bias.
He appears to be anti-God and religion-phobic.
That means he is not concerned at all of the safety of the majority of the students. It appears that he has lost touch with reality and therefore should resign.
David G. Low Prince George
‘WEIRD’ ATTACK AGAINST PATTISON
James Steidle‘s scathing rebuke of Jimmy Pattison for opening another store in Prince George was simply weird, especially coming from a person that ran for a city council position in Prince George.
City council has ran businesses out of town before though.
About 10 years ago, Woody’s RV bought the old golf property across the road from Polaris North to set up another RV dealer in town.
While the city administration had no problem with the land use, city council
gave the man the boot and the property has sat empty as an example for other businesses thinking of investing in the Prince George market.
I don’t begrudge anyone that made their own way in the world and Prince George has quite a few families that have done well in the lumber and mining business.
Those families have also quietly invested heavily in Prince George.
Steidle’s monologue attacking business growth and investment, and the successful economic model that Pattison represents, is simply classic class warfare for socialism and bigger government.
Both socialism and the bigger government that Mr. Steidle champion as the final solution have never failed to leave the populace to starve to death. Steidle also seems to be unaware of the enormous costs involved in getting that permit to build anything these days. Investing in Prince George is not for the faint of heart or small-time businesses as the costs are brutal.
For example, I have a small lot on Queensway that I would like to hook up to water and sewer, but the price from the city is more than the property is worth, so it sits as an orphaned lot while people can’t afford starter homes.
Clearly, Steidle is wrong and I am pleased Pattison has invested, where others have decided against our town, and added another grocery store to Prince George.
Lucky for us.
Lee Sexsmith
Prince George
WILDFIRE OPINION ‘HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD’
Re: Wildfire Costs, by Chris and Marg Parfitt
Chris and Marg hit the nail on the head with their published opinion in the Citizen on September 28.
I recommend everyone to read the article.
The fires caused many thousands of hectares to burn, destroyed hundreds of structures (likely over $ 200 million as mentioned by the Parfitts) and badly impacted our economy on almost all levels!
I do not even want to list the very bad impacts on our health.
We should not accept the term “new normal”, because it is not the new normal and it is up to all of us to do something about it.
Yes, we are dealing with climate change, but that does not mean that we should have many more fires.
Any fire requires ignition, which can be caused by lightning, but by dry lightning mainly.
The recent number of fires is to a good percentage due to human causes, which includes arson.
Yes, how can we prevent that from happening and why is not every fire cause being investigated?
I understand that this is being asked for a lot, but a vast number of fires started near a lake, a river or creek, or other easy access via trail and off road.
What kind of human cause comes to mind?
Why do we allow a fire to expand and then cannot fight it anymore?
No doubt, we need more firefighters, firefighters who should have year-round employment, completely independent from a fire season, whatever that may be.
The cost would be only a fraction of the financial damage caused to our economy.
The impact on our health due to bad air high should not be tolerated!
Something serious must be done about it.
Different articles have been written about our fires and how to tackle them.
I think it is time to establish a working group NOW, consisting of some mayors, some regional district chairs and certainly private stakeholders.
Dr. Albert Koehler
Prince George
CITY GUILTY OF FACEBOOK FOLLY
In August, Mayor Simon Yu moved to amend Public Notice Bylaw No. 9329, and return to publishing public notices in the local newspaper. That was supported by Coun. Trudy Klassen and Coun. Brian Skakun. The other councillors defeated that motion.
According to BC Municipal Affairs, BC Community Charter, Chapter 26, Part 4, was changed to allow communities that no longer have access to local public
news outlets or lack access to public online news to use other information platforms. Just over a dozen of BC’s 167 municipalities have no local news source. None of that criterion fits Prince George. Today, citizens can receive information by either signing up to receive city e-mails or follow the city’s Facebook account. For the city’s online sign-up, a) the information is kept online for a short period of time, b) the city chooses what to tell citizens and, c) information is hard to find. Sure, you can simply read Facebook’s social media, but you cannot verify it, reply, or question it.
Egregiously, when city council defeated the attempt to reinstate use of local media outlets for citizen information, city council knew then that Facebook’s immediate intent was to remove Canadian news from its own platform. Easy sign-up for Facebook accounts is false. Check Facebook Help Centre to verify:
If you want a Facebook account, you must provide government issued ID, or non-government ID containing “Official certificates or licences that include your name or other physical items like a magazine prescription or piece of mail” … “in some cases there may be special ID requirements”.
Government issued ID must confirm your name and date of birth, or name and photo, “Drivers Licence, National Identity Card, Passport, Birth Certificate”. Non-government ID is “Student Card, Library card, Refugee Card, Employment verification, Diploma or Loyalty Card”. Facebook can accept or reject any ID sent, and ask for more, like government ID.
Facebook/Meta is gathering massive amounts of private (and government) data. That raises massive red flags. So, either way, the City of Prince George decides what we will and will not know, and how we get that.
Meanwhile, in June, the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) selected the City of Prince George as the municipal winner of the 2022 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy”.
Nothing could be less democratic than how city and city council provide engagement and vital two-way communication.
Jan Manning, Prince George
Book looks at city’s crime history
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
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UNBC history professor Jonathan Swainger’s new book, The Notorious Georges: Crime and Community Identity in Northern British Columbia, looks at how South Fort George, Fort George and Prince George got their bad reputations for crime.
Swainger combed through police and legal records, government publications, and media commentary to demonstrate that the reputation was not only exaggerated but also unfair. His research showed that the
community’s rough and tumble reputation not the work of bad lads who had spent too much time in the Northern Hotel bar.
Instead, the evidence suggests that this notoriety casts light on a much longer and deeper legacy of a region that feels ignored, misunderstood, and dismissed by decision-makers elsewhere in the province and nation.
Swainger joined UNBC in August 1992 and has lived and taught in Terrace, Fort St. John and Prince George.
His research centres on legal and crime history, in which he has
published numerous articles on topics including capital punishment, the politics of judicial appointments, free speech during the First World War, crime and community identity, and teen culture in northern B.C. during the 1950s.
One of his previous books is Aspiration: A History of the University of Northern British Columbia to 2015. It was published in 2016 and won the 2017 Jeanne Clarke Award for Publication, an award that recognizes works documenting local history.
His new book is available at http://www.ubcpress.ca/ the-notorious-georges.
Franklin author hosting talks
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Ken McGoogan, the award-winning author of 15 books, including five bestsellers on Arctic exploration, is offering two free public presentations at UNBC.
McGoogan will talk about his latest book Searching for Franklin: New Answer to the Great Arctic Mystery at Canfor Theatre on Oct. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. McGoogan will sign his book after the presentation.
McGoogan’s latest work takes a creative-nonfiction approach to
Notice of Consideration
Arctic exploration history.
On Thursday, Oct. 19, McGoogan will talk about how Searching for Franklin rejects old theories while incorporating recent discoveries, interweaving two main narratives.
McGoogan will first talk about the Royal Navy’s Arctic Overland Expedition of 1819, a misadventure during which Franklin rejected the advice of Dene and Metis leaders and lost 11 of his 20 men to exhaustion, starvation, and murder.
The second narrative discovers a startling new answer to the greatest of Arctic mysteries: why did
Temporary Use Permit No. 270
Subject Property: 9040 Tabor Glen Drive
Purpose: to allow Storage/Warehouse Facility use for a three-year period
Franklin’s 1845 expedition devolve into catastrophe?
On Friday, Oct. 20, McGoogan presents Nothing is More Fun than Chasing History: Adventures in Creative Nonfiction.
During this talk, McGoogan will relay how in the beginning, and like most writers, he dreamed of becoming a famous fiction writer and published three novels in the early 1990s.
Then he discovered history, more specifically the joys of chasing down and writing about real people caught up in big true stories.
Next Steps: the Regional District Board will consider issuing TUP No 270 during the Board Meeting on Thursday October 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm at 155 George Street, Prince George
For related stories, go to pgcitizen.ca
Coyote Hydrogen Projec t
For tescue Canada proposes to develop the Coyote H ydrogen Projec t, a H ydrogen and Ammonia produc tion facilit y, located 12.5k ms from Prince George.
Invitation to Comment
Oc tober 16 to November 14, 2023
Oc tober to November 14,
The Environmental Assessment O ffice is holding a public comment period on the Initial Projec t Description, which outlines major components of the projec t and anticipated effec ts on the environment and human ac tivities.
In-Person Open House
Wednesday, Oc tober 25
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (PST )
Cour tyard by Marriott, Spruce Pine Room
900 Brunswick Street, Prince George
Online Information Session
Thursday, Oc tober 19
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm (PST )
To register, visit the link or QR code below.
‘Significant compliance issues are rare’
Continued from page 1
The Citizen contacted the ministry for comment and in an email reply received a point-form explanation of what the act entails and how it is being enforced.
The law requires the seller of regulated metals to provide information about themselves and the item they are selling to the metal dealer/recycler.
Dealers must record information about the seller and a description of the regulated metal.
If the listed items in a dealer’s/recycler’s report match the description of a property reported stolen, the police must then obtain a court order to see the recorded purchase information.
All dealers in B.C. who buy non-ferrous metal (not iron-based) such as copper, aluminum, brass, bronze, lead, magnesium, nickel and zinc are required to register with the ministry’s Security Programs Division (SPD).
The dealers are obligated to report transactions of regulated metals to police on the day of the transaction to help
police track illicit sellers and trace stolen items.
The 93 registered metal dealers in B.C. are subject to inspections from the Security Programs Division to ensure compliance with the law.
If a metal dealer or recycler or any of its employees have reasonable grounds to believe a metal dealer/recycler has regulated metal that is stolen property they must inform police immediately.
Failure to do so is an offence under the MDRA.
“The biggest thing is I don’t know who’s doing inspections on that, it’s not the RCMP’s responsibility,” said Morris, who contacted Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to try to find out who, if anyone, is providing enforcement of the MDRA in Prince George.
“It’s too loosely controlled, particularly when we see the amount of metal that‘s been stolen and now we’ve got this big example in town here where the building blew up because somebody cut a gas pipe.”
The act calls for fines of up to $5,000 for individuals who sell metal illegally. Dealers who contravene the law could be liable for fines up to $50,000 and/or suspension of their business licence.
According to the ministry, “Significant compliance issues are rare. In addition to inspections, SPD accepts and investigates complaints regarding non-compliant metal dealers and may pursue administrative sanctions if appropriate.”
Catalytic converters on vehicles contain platinum and thieves target them because of their high value. The ministry is aware of the problem and is considering future public engagement to address it. Morris says that’s long overdue.
“With the number of catalytic converters that have been stolen and the dollar value attached to that, you’d think there should be somebody looking after that,” said Morris.
The SPD and the police have the authority to ticket violators and can also refer violations to Crown Counsel for prosecution.
Catalytic converters continue to be targeted by thieves, leaving B.C. motorists with expensive repair bills.
Stolen catalytic converters sold out of B.C., RCMP say
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Catalytic converter theft is a problem in Prince George and across B.C.
But if you think the thieves are cashing in on the proceeds of their crimes by selling them to local scrap dealers and recyclers, police investigations have concluded that is not the case, says Prince George RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
“Many of our catalytic converters are taken out of province, so it’s not our metal recyclers that are the problem or that they are taking them in,” said Cooper.
“They get sent to another province or smuggled to the States, wherever they can find someone who isn’t above board who will trade them money for it. If a transient person comes in with three or four catalytic converters, chances are they will say, ‘I’m not taking that.’”
In Prince George, Cooper said there are “a few” catalytic converter thefts reported each month to police and that’s about the average for other cities of comparable sizes in the province.
withplatinum, palladium, and rhodium, all of which are worth more than gold.
If your catalytic converter is stolen, the cost to replace it in Canada ranges from $500 to $3,000. Cooper said it takes between five and 10 minutes for an experienced thief to use a portable power saw to cut through the two metal pipes and remove the catalytic converter on most passenger vehicles.
“It’s quick and it’s incredibly profitable,” Cooper said.
The Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act requires all scrap dealers in B.C.to register with the province and requires sellers of metal to provide information about themselves by producing government-issued identification and a description of what they are selling.
They get sent to another province or smuggled to the States, wherever they can find someone who isn’t above board who will trade them money for it.
The Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act requires buyers to immediately report to police if they have reason to believe an item is stolen property and failure to do so is considered an offence. Failure to follow the rules outlined in the act could result in a fine of up to $50,000 and suspension of the business licence.
“There’s absolutely nothing preventing a recycler from taking a catalytic converter from someone who’s willing to turn over their identification and write everything down” said Cooper. “We’re not going to investigate where every single person got their catalytic converter from. That’s resources we don’t have.”
Catalytic converters, used to reduce noxious emissions from internal combustion engine exhaust, are coated
Cooper said the Prince George RCMP’s Downtown Safety Unit met with four scrap metal dealers/recyclers in the city about a year-and-a-half ago and all four committed to filing a police report whenever they observe anything suspicious from a seller who wants them to buy an item that’s been brought to their business.
“They all provide us with regular reports on what they’re taking in, and that’s about as much as we can do,” said Cooper. “(The reports) are emailed daily by some and weekly by others.
“We could enforce something if we found something, but if a transient person is going to bring in a couple lengths of copper pipe, even if we ask them ‘where did you get it’ and prove where it came from, it’s not serialized. Copper theft is something that we would have to catch a person in the act of doing in order to prove they’ve stolen the copper and not just fished it out of a dumpster.
“There’s four metal recyclers in town and it doesn’t take a person very long to realize if they take a little here and a little there it’s not going to come up on anybody’s radar.”
City’s lifeguard duty roster well stocked
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Lifeguards are in short supply in many cities across Canada, but in Prince George that’s not the case.
That’s due to the fact that while other cities shut down training programs for lifeguards and swimming instructors during the two-year pandemic Prince George kept its instructional programs up and running, knowing it was about to open the Canfor Leisure Pool last November.
“We knew if we didn’t keep our courses going we’d have a brand new pool opening and wouldn’t be able to staff it,” said Jim Worthington, the city’s aquatics manager. “We spent a lot of time working with the Lifesaving Society on COVID procedures to keep those courses going.”
“So we’re not short lifeguards, but I can tell you one thing that has changed is we end up doing more hiring throughout the year than we used to five or 10 years ago. We used to only hire two times a year but now we’re hiring three and this year four times a year.”
They work at either the Canfor Leisure Pool or the Prince George Aquatic Centre. Hourly wages start at $24.43 for lifeguards not certified as swimming lesson instructors, climbing to $32.84 for a head instructor.
Worthington says many of its lifeguards are former competitive swimmers from the Prince George Pisces or Prince George Barracudas swim clubs. Job
applicants are first tested for their water skills and must advance past that test before they move on to the dry interview.
Barracudas head coach Jerzy Partyka says many of his swimmers moved on to lifeguarding after they’ve given up competing as swim racers and they need
a part-time job while they’re attending college or university.
“The city is paying very good money for those kids and it’s an excellent job for them when they go to school,” said Partyka. “It’s a city job and they are paid well, and they have good benefits.
“I know the city is struggling with the lifeguards too, like everybody else, trying to find people who want to work. Everybody wants to go on holidays but if it comes to work, not really. Every different profession has the same problem.”
Worthington says the newer generation of lifeguards has different pressures and needs in their lives, whether it’s school or sports activities, and they are less willing to commit to working more shifts or longer hours at their jobs, so more have to be recruited.
The city has 75 lifeguards on its duty roster.
Some work full-time 40-hour work weeks, some work regular part-time shifts of at least 20 hours per week and some are on the casual list, available to work at least two weekday afternoons and one weekend shift per week – the busiest times for the pools.
At any time during public swimming hours there are three lifeguards on duty at the Leisure Pool and four at the Aquatic Centre and more are scheduled during peak hours on evenings and on weekends.
The usual ratio is one lifeguard for every 40 users, but if it gets busy an additional lifeguard is needed for every 100 swimmers beyond that threshold.
The city posts job openings for lifeguards usually three or four times per year, with the next posting scheduled for late October. Candidates chosen from the October batch will begin training in January.
Tim Hortons donut sales help Indigenous groups
Prince George Tim Hortons restaurants raised $4,223 during the third annual Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign, which contributed toward the $1 million raised for Indigenous organizations throughout Canada.
Tim Hortons raised $111,798 across B.C. throughout the two-day campaign, which ran from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. Over the past three years, Tim Hortons has raised over $3.6 million for the Orange Shirt Society, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, and New Pathways Foundation in Quebec.
These funds have helped provide support for the
organizations to do their important work in developing crucial supports, programming and educational opportunities in Indigenous communities across Canada. The idea for the Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign originated in 2021 after the discovery of unmarked graves on the grounds of the former residential school in Kamloops. Indigenous Tim Hortons restaurant owners Shane Gottfriedson and Joe Quewezance operate a Tims restaurant in Kamloops a short distance from the site of the former residential school, which became an impromptu gathering place for people who visited the site to pay their respects.
Gottfriedson, Quewezance and a number of other Indigenous Tim Hortons restaurant owners were part of
a working group that came up with the concept for the Orange Sprinkle Donut fundraising campaign.
“Every dollar raised through the Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Donations play a crucial role in supporting services that often receive limited funding, such as Resolution Health Support Workers, Cultural Support Providers and Elders Services and the Trauma Informed Cultural Support program,” says Angela White, executive director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. “By contributing to the campaign, you enable us to expand our reach and fulfill more requests, making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.”
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
The City of Prince George has a roster of 75 lifeguards available for duty. From left are Austin McKersie, Tomar Branco, Sidney Bazinet and Daniel Traore.
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
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Otway disc golf course challenges players
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Thinking about trying the newest disc golf course in Prince George?
You might want to take a felt pen to write down your name and phone number on each of your discs.
Built on narrow ski trails bordered by thick forests at Otway Nordic Centre, the 18-basket course is perfect for hiding discs that fail to find their intended target. If you make a wayward throw on one of the fairways, which are only about 10 metres wide, chances are you’re going have to go searching for your disc. But if you can’t find it there’s still hope it won’t be lost forever, even if you haven’t written your name on it.
“I found one the other day,” said course manager John Bowes. “People are good about taking discs they find to Stride and Glide (sporting goods store) and they’re pretty good at getting them back to people.”
Compared to Rainbow Park, the city’s other disc golf course, there are more obstacles on the Otway course, but it is still considered beginner-friendly.
“It’s very different from Rainbow Park, it’s a very wooded course with narrower pipes,” Bowes said. “It kind of forces people to play in a different way. They have to learn to throw through the trees and make sure they don’t go off, because if it goes off they’re hunting.”
The baskets used for the course were originally installed three years ago at Hart Highlands Ski Hill, but a project to reduce wildfire risk in the surrounding forest forced closure of that course last year.
Bowes, the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club’s
general manager and an avid disc golf player, suggested the trails at Otway would be perfect to make a challenging course.
Each of the baskets used for the Hart course was paid for by local sponsors who agreed to the move to the nordic centre.
The course, which takes between 1 ½ and two hours to complete, is featured on the U Disc website, which tracks usage and provides a course map.
It opened in late May and Bowes said there were 521 visits in July and it was the site of a two-day tournament, Sept. 9-10.
On Oct. 23, the Caledonia club is hosting the NightFlight To Venus Space Race tournament, a night-time single-player event using glow-in-the-dark discs.
Whether they’re thumbing through pages or swiping to the next article, 4 in 5 people in Canada read the news each week — by print, online or digitally.
Disc golf players in Prince George are discovering the new course set up at Otway Nordic Centre, above. This is one of the baskets for the 18-hole disc golf course set up at Otway Nordic Centre, left.
Runner conquers legendary Death Race again
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Larry Malmgren discovered his passion for long-distance running when he thought he needed to get in better shape at 52 years old.
Malmgren’s first goal was to run a 5k in 27 minutes and shortly after achieving that milestone he thought he would try a 10-mile run.
“For some reason that 10-mile run was really tough – I finished all bruised and my feet were sore but I seemed to think after that I could do pretty much anything,” Malmgren, who is now 61, said.
He went on to do a half-marathon and then a marathon and when he realized it was easier to run on trails rather than pavement.
“It’s easier on the body and it’s interesting and such a nice environment,” Malmgren explained. “So I started running
with the PG Road Runners.”
He worked his way up - literally, as he began alpine running - from a marathon
to a 50 k and then a 50 mile and then he took it to an extreme most runners would not attempt.
He first did the Death Race in 2019 and four years later and only 20 minutes slower he did it again.
Malmgren successfully completed the Canadian Death Race in Grand Cache, Alberta in August, which sees runners from all over the world take to the 118 km course that begins and ends on a 4,200foot plateau, passing over three mountain summits that offers a 17,000 foot elevation change.
What seemed to tickle him the most about the experience was that he inspired another 55+ man to finish the race at a run, not a walk and he heard a bunch of young men talk about him ‘kicking their asses’ with his finish of 19:50:44.
Malmgren placed 52nd out of 286 runners.
To see what alpine running looks like from Malmgren’s perspective, check out the Masters in Motion BC video on YouTube.
Curling legend Russ Howard hosting coaching clinic
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Canadian curling legend Russ Howard is coming to the Prince George Golf and Curling Club to share the tricks of the trade that took him to the top of the world three times.
The two-time world champion (1987, 1993) and 2006 Olympic gold medalist is bringing his Academy of Curling clinic to the city for the first time, Oct. 20-22, to give local curlers a chance to learn from one of the all-time greats.
“The word’s getting around that he’s coming into town,” said PGGCC curling coordinator Tennille Mohr.
“We’ve never had anyone like that here for a teaching clinic. People are pretty excited. I have a couple curlers who did their clinic in the Lower Mainland earlier this year and they’ve paid to be in this one up here so it must be popular for them to do it twice.”
Howard, a native of Midland, Ont., made 15 Brier appearances representing New Brunswick during the height of his competitive career.
The Academy instructional lineup also includes fivetime Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian champion Mary-Anne Arsenault, who won world titles in 2001 and 2004. Grant Odishaw, a two-time world medalist who played lead for his brother Terry’s Nova Scotia rink in nine Briers and also won the 1994 Canadian mixed title,
will also be there to share his expertise.
It starts Friday with the seniors stick clinic from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m, followed by a novice clinic from 5-9 p.m. Saturday’s intermediate clinic for individuals is an eighthour event from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and the academy wraps up Sunday with another all-day intermediate session for teams.
There are still a few spots open in the four sessions. A banquet that features Howard as the keynote speaker is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. Howard’s most recent official appearance in Prince George happened in March 2022 when he served as one of the curling analysts for TSN broadcasts during the Women’s World Curling Championship at CN Centre.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Larry Malmgren, 61, recently completed the Canadian Death Race.
Healthy North
Mask requirements in NH Facilities
As of October 3, 2023, all visitors to NH health care facilities are required to wear a medical mask. Masks are also required in long-term care and assisted living facilities in all common spaces and when participating in common indoor events.
Let’s keep our patients, residents, and staff safe and healthy this respiratory illness season.
Hospital Experience Improvements
As of September 25, patients at UHNBC now have more control over what they eat during their stay, by downloading the CBORD patient app on their mobile devices. CBORD is the food service technology used by the hospital to manage menus and patient meal assignment. By using this app patients will be able to choose what they want to eat for the next day’s meals, right from their phone or tablet. This change will offer patients more choice over their meals, helping to improve the patient experience, reduce food waste, and help combat malnutrition during hospital stays.
Read the full story here stories.northernhealth.ca/stories/improving-hospital-experience-throughpatient-choice
Respiratory Illness Season
Get vaccinated! It’s respiratory illness season again!
The province is encouraging everyone age six months and older to register to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines this fall. Protect yourself, those around you, and the health care system. Vaccines are free and available at pharmacies, health authority clinics and some primary-care providers’ offices.
Invitations to book your appointment will start to roll out October 10, 2023. To register with the get vaccinated system visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register
If you need help scheduling your vaccines call:1-833-838-2323 for assistance
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
You’ll feel on edge, and a particular event will encourage you to consider making life changes. In your career, a competing business will tempt you with an offer for better working conditions and opportunities for advancement.
TAURUS
You’ll take time to pamper yourself and indulge in a few small pleasures. You’ll negotiate rates to achieve a settlement that wil improve both your work and personal well-being.
GEMINI
At work, you’ll have to face numerous urgent and complex situations. These experiences may turn out to be beneficial, as they’ll give you skills that will serve you throughout your career
CANCER
Your pride will be tested. Fortunately, you’ll have an opportunity to show yourself in a positive light. If you act for the right reasons, you can’t go wrong. Share accurate, useful information.
LEO
You’ll have some small family chores to handle. You may also have to stay at home for part of the week, perhaps to keep an eye on some work or to wait for a late delivery
VIRGO
You may need to start multitasking. The telephone may ring incessantly Maintain harmony by avoiding criticism when you’re with your significant other or anyone else, in fact.
LIBRA
Be prudent with money and try to stick to your budget. Additiona expenses related to home or family may arise You’ll need to exercise discipline with your young children.
SCORPIO
As the cold, gloomy weather sets in, you’ll feel the need to take care of your body It would be wise to join a gym to incentivize you to exercise regularly
SAGITTARIUS
Rather than rushing into a decision, think twice. If you let yourself be carried by the current, it’ll take you to your destination. Trust your instincts over the next few days.
CAPRICORN
Take care when speaking, as you could appear foolish to more than one person. Fortunately, only your pride wi l be affected, and it’ l help ighten a heavy atmosphere.
AQUARIUS
Time is valuable. Try not to schedule too many ppointments on the same day and run the risk of overlap. A vacation would be beneficial
PISCES
As the days get shorter, you’ll ook for an activity that will bring you intense joy You’ll find yourself infused with an energy that moves you to entertain yourself more often.
cl assi fi eds
Obituaries
Birgit Daniella Wagner
December 22, 1964 to September 22, 2023
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Birgit Daniella Wagner on September 22. 2023. Survived by her son Jurgen Wagner, mother Ursula Klausmeier, brother Bjorn (Donna) Klausmeier, numerous aunts, uncles,nieces and nephews as well friends in Germany and Canada. Predeceased by husband Wayne Griese (2005), husband Craig Chadwick (2015) and father Hans Jürgen Klausmeier (2019).
You are now in Heaven with your Papa Birgit. Rest in Peace mein Schatz. We will miss you dearly!
QUIRING; TINA
1928-2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Tina Quiring. Tina was born January 5, 1928 and passed away October 3, 2023.
She was predeceased by her husband Johnnie in 2007. Also by her children Eldon, Lorne, Marlene and three sons-in-law Joe, Tom and Wayne. She will be so missed by her family, Norma, Melva (Rick), Verna (Dave) and Harvey. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren will miss her wonderful sense of humour and her warm hugs. She was an amazing lady.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday October 21, 2023 at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church. First Memorial Funeral Services Lakewood Chapel in care of arrangements.
Love you “dearly” Mom.
REMEMBRANCES
Obituaries
1942 - 2023
Anthony (Tony) William Cue of Prince George, BC passed away on September 25, 2023 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Tony is survived by his sister Maureen, his brother Howard, sister-in-law Sue, children Michael (Megan), Benjamin (Jennie) and Elaine, grandchildren Xander, Jack, Owen, Olivia, Isabelle and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents William and Mae, Muriel - his wife of 51 years, and his granddaughter Sage.
Tony was born in Colnbrook, England and immigrated to Canada in the 1960s. He met Muriel in New Westminster and moved to Prince George a few years later to begin a teaching career that would span four decades.
Tony will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He will forever be remembered for his kind heart, love of photography, running, puns, and for his involvement with his church and community.
Prayers will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at St. Mary’s Parish. A memorial mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at St. Mary’s Parish. A reception will follow (location TBD).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or to a charity of your choice.
As
OTHERS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE
Others who have gone before
Hold up my trembling hand.
They comfort me in the blind despair I cannot understand.
They suffer with me when I hurt, Weep with me in my pain, Remind me that we are not lost ...
Though I must now remain.
Those who’ve gone before me, Hear me when I cry.
Sing softly with me soothing chords Of unsung lullabies.
Mourn anniversaries never marked, A future I cannot keep.
They gently kiss the pain away, And love my heart to sleep.
The ones who’ve gone before me Hold me in my dreams.
They gently stroke my furrowed brow, And calm my silent screams.
They love me in my heartache, Wait quietly nearby.,
Hold patiently, one to another Till I join them by and by.
By Joanetta Hendel, Indianapolis, Indiana
Anthony (Tony) William Cue
Jan Bertil Ullstrom
March 31, 1931 - October 1, 2023
In loving memory of Jan Ullstrom, who passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Dad was born on March 31, 1931 in Saffle, Sweden. After finishing top of his class in army officers training, Canada beckoned, so in March 1957 he arrived in Vancouver, BC. He stayed with a cousin, who convinced Dad to article as a Chartered Accountant. Dad met the first love of his life, Barbara, while on a youth hostel hike up Black Tusk in Garibaldi Park. Always a gentleman, he offered to carry her sleeping bag. They were married in London, England, in December 1958. After qualifying as a CA, in 1963 he accepted a ‘six month’ posting with A.P. Gardner & Co. to Prince George and never left. Four children arrived - David (Ruth), Garry (Catherine), Mary (Colin) and Louise (Dave). In his patient, quiet way he instilled in us the importance of hard work, education, and respect for others. Dad loved cross-country skiing, hiking, and canoeing, including whitewater river paddling with the Northwest Brigade Canoe Club. He was actively involved in Scouts for decades and served as a Rotarian. In 1969, as a family project, he built a cabin at Berman Lake, where, over the years we forged epic memories and strengthened family ties.
Dad’s faith was a huge part of his life. He was a member of St. Michael’s Church, and then a founding member of Grace Anglican Church, where he served as Treasurer, Lay Minister, teacher, Canon and friend. Always adventurous, retirement saw Mum and Dad serve in Kenya for two life-changing years with SIM Canada.
Sadly, Mum passed away in 2009. In 2011, Dad wed his second love, Carol, with whom he shared many memorable travels. She brought him much joy and happiness and she faithfully cared for him, when in 2021 a stroke and Parkinsons led to his eventual care at Gateway Lodge. The family wishes to thank the staff at Gateway and Doctors Textor, MacNicol and Kelly for their exceptional care. Dad is survived by his loving wife, Carol, his four children, twelve grand-children, three great-grandchildren and his brother Sten (Gunvor) and our Swedish family, whom he loved deeply.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm at Grace Anglican Church on Saturday, October 14, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Anglican Church or through the Prince George Community Foundation to the Barbara and Jan Ullstrom Bursary Fund. The annual bursary is given to a financially marginalized student who has graduated from an alternate education program and is pursuing further education.
Obituaries
JUVONEN, Seppo Pertti Tauno
July 24, 1942 – September 11, 2023.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Seppo Juvonen at the age of 81. He was born in Finland and immigrated to Canada in 1964 and again in 1978.
Seppo was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He competed in the PG Iceman and marathons including Helsinki and Vancouver. Seppo enjoyed skiing, golfing, dancing and chess. He will be dearly missed by all family and friends.
Seppo is predeceased by his wife Maire, survived by his son Jari Juvonen (Judy), daughter Jaana Lawyer (Darin), grandchildren Kimberly Lawyer, Jennifer Doering (Matthew), Jason Lawyer (Marina), great grandchild Maria Doering, and good friend and partner Janice Newman.
Special thanks to Dr. Pettersen and Dr. Grose who were such caring professionals and to the wonderful Parkinson’s support group in Prince George.
Seppo has requested that there be no service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Parkinson Society BC in Seppo’s honour.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
REMEMBRANCES
Obituaries
Jerry Edwards 1967 - 2023
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Jerry Edwards in a tragic helicopter accident on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023. Jerry was 56.
Jerry was born on July 8th, 1967, in Brandon, Manitoba. He began his working life at the age of 13 when he got a job at a local restaurant. Not long after he became a cook, further developing his love of creating delicious meals.
After graduating high school, Jerry moved to BC and pursued a career in the forest industry, becoming a Registered Forest Technologist. He married his first wife in 1989 and they had two sons together. Jerry worked for various forest companies in Prince George, branching out in 1999 to create his own silviculture company, Grizzly Forest Management Ltd.
Despite being miles away, Jerry maintained a close relationship with his Mom, which meant frequent and sometimes long phone calls and family trips between BC & Manitoba. In 2013, Jerry met the Love of his Life, Keri, who shared his passion for outdoor adventure. They established a beautiful Home together and hosted many gatherings for Family & Friends over the years.
The competitive nature of Jerry and both his sons emerged when they snowboarded, played tennis or played billiards together. Along with his brother and youngest son, Jerry also had a passion for motorcycles. He completed a total of 11 “I Rode Mine” 6000km round-trips to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota!
Jerry is survived by his:
-Wife Keri and their two Fur-kids Kona & Jasmine; -Mother Judy & Step-Father Gord; -Brother Mike (Karen); -Sons Brayden (Lauren) & Tanner; -Former Wife Wendy; -Father-in-Law Doug & Mother-in-Law Arleen; -Brother-in-Law Trent (Tammy); -Grizzly Crew & Families: Rob, Marge, Bob, Carolyn, Scott, Nigel & Sydney; and, -numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and dear Friends.
Jerry was pre-deceased by his Father Garry Edwards (1979) and his Grandparents.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Jerry at 11am on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, at Kristian Winther Park (north of Prince George in Salmon Valley).
For more information please contact Keri at: edwardskeri43@gmail.com.
Obituaries
JOAN DOUCETTE
1934-2023
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Doucette (Roney) of Kamloops, BC, on September 15th, 2023, at 89 years of age.
Mom, fondly known as Joany, sadly passed away from a short battle with cancer. Born in Saskatchewan, Mom moved to Prince George where she met and married Vern Doucette (61 years) and raised their 3 children in Peden Hill. Mom was all about family and friends - pictures all around her house showed that. When friends were sick or widowed, she was there with baking and meals. Her kitchen table held card games, turkey dinners, coffee, and cake; no one was left out. Mom was happiest with the house full. Time for change came in 2018 when Mom and Dad moved to Kamloops at Riverbend, where they continued to enjoy new friends and activities; of course, family pictures filled that home too! This summer Mom made a special trip to her 1st grandson’s wedding, Carter & Nicole in Trenton, ON.
Mom is survived by her children Kelly (Kim) Doucette of Kamloops, BC, Tami Aspinall (Dennis Gall) of Kamloops, BC, and Shannon (Roxy) Doucette of Prince George, BC, as well as grandchildren Carter (Nicole) Aspinall, Landon Aspinall, Nic (Colten) Doucette, Gavin (Amanda) Doucette, and Maggie (Kurtis) Huston, and greatgrandchild Olive. Also left to cherish her memory is brother Wesley (Anne) Roney, other relatives Pat & Roy Doucette, Shirley Doucette, Ed & Isabel Dobry, and Mom’s nieces, who were very special to her, Carol Sue Doyle, Karen Rommel, Pati Boal and many more friends and family.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Vern Doucette in 2019, and her best friend (sister) Audrey Brady in 2018.
A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed to the family from www.cypressfuneral.ca
REMEMBRANCES
Obituaries
MCLEAN, JAMES HUGH
DEC.31, 1945 - SEPT.27, 2023
It is with heavy hearts the family of Jim McLean announces his peaceful passing at the Simon Fraser Lodge in Prince George, B.C. on Sept.27, 2023 with his family by his side.
Jim is predeceased by his parents Hugh and Jean, siblings Anne, Patti, Doug and grandson Marcus James.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bella Marie, sister Dexine, children Tina (Aaron), Tammy (Stan), Victoria (Brad Pitt), Raymond (also Brad Pitt) and Annette. Grandchildren Tiffany (Dan), Gwen, Kaylee (Dan), Thomas (Tori), Rebecca (Cody) and great grandchildren Daxton, Everleigh, Lily and Evelyn.
Jim was born in Alert Bay, BC and as a young boy moved to Lac la Hache, B.C. where he grew into a young man and met and fell in love with his “belle”. Years later they would move to Prince George, B.C. and start their family. Jim worked the majority of his life in the logging/construction industry and in his down time loved spending time with his family, watching endless amounts of sports, poker with his buddies and hiking /exploring the Yukon with his beloved dog Juno.
In his final days he never lost his sense of humor and as many tears were shed there was also a lot of laughter. He would never admit to which child was his favorite so they will forever have to agree to disagree. The memories and stories will live on in all of our hearts forever and always.
The family would like to thank his doctors and the staff at Simon Fraser Lodge for all the wonderful care and support.
As per Jim’s wishes there will be no service.
In loving memory of Nancy
Nancy Veronica Solonas passed away peacefully on September 27th 2023 with her family by her side, and is now rejoicing in the spirit world with her husband Wilfred
Nancy is sur vived by her brother, three sisters, four children, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Our family would like to thank the nurses at Royal Inland Hospital Surger y Nor th for their care of mom during these last two months.
Funeral Ser vices took place at Sacred Hear t Cathedral, Prince George. Condolences may be expressed at SchoeningFuneralService.com
Janet Ann Bachand
July 28, 1946 - October 1, 2023
Janet Ann Bachand passed away at the age of 77. The family is deeply saddened by her sudden passing. She will never be forgotten.
Janet was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was always willing to lend a helping hand with her caring heart and warm hands. Touching many people throughout her life has left a piece of her in all of us.
She was the second oldest of three siblings. Preceded by her father Mike, mother Sophie, brother Martin and son Richard.
Survived by her husband Rene of 57 years of marriage; sons Michael (Crystal), Alain (Tanya); grandchildren Meagan, Sean, Chantel, Ryan, Kyle; brother Bob (Darlene); many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Thanks to all the staff at UHNBC and others that helped with her care.
Celebration of life to be held October 14, 2023 from 1 pm - 4 pm at St. Mary’s hall - 1088 Gillett St.
SUDOKU
DoddsAUCTION AUC TION
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30. In a way, struck 31. It’s there in the morning
32. County in the S. Pacific
33. Central Florida city
38. Numbers cruncher
Mexican beers
Lawyers say you can indict one 45. Capital of South Australia
47. Wings 49. Drug used to treat HIV/AIDS 50. Fencing sword 55. Capital of Qatar
Portable bed
Afflicted
Lying down
Midway between northeast and east
Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation
Inflamed
Soviet Socialist Republic
Impudence 1. A way to fish
Greek mythological
12. Human gene
Bucket 19. Make full
Dirt
Person cited as ideal example
25. A part of (abbr.)
Unwelcome picnic
26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet 27. Very long period of time 28. Gas usage measurement
29. North American native people
It says “moo”
Folk singer Di Franco 36. Resinlike substance of certain insects 37. Residue
Grand homes 40. Popinjays
Man who behaves dishonorably
Figures
44. One who watches over children
Expressed pleasure
No longer living
Hebrew calendar month 48. Part of the ear
Swiss river
Prejudice
Italian Island
Resist authority (slang)
Criticize
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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
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REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
FREE ESTIMATES
When should you contact a contractor?
Are you planning a significant home improvement project, like a home addition, exterior siding replacement or French drain installation? Do you know the best time of year to complete the work? Here are some helpful tips to help you start planning.
TIME FRAME
Most renovation projects require a long lead-up time before a hammer hits a nail. Planning could include securing permits and arranging design plans. Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation or masonry repairs, you should reach out to a contractor several months ahead of your desired start date as these professionals tend to be in high demand.
IDEAL SEASON
All renovation projects can take place from spring to
fall, including doors, windows and foundations. That said, some tasks are ideal for winter, when construction professionals have more availability. Take advantage of the winter season to tackle jobs like kitchen remodels, basement finishing, flooring or interior renovations.
TYPICAL DURATION
Work timelines vary. However, most jobs have average timelines that can help you make a reasonable estimate of when your project will be completed. Roof repairs typically take one to three days, while siding installation often requires one to three weeks. If you want to build an addition, be prepared for two to three months of work.
Be sure to take all these elements into account as you decide when to contact a contractor.
4 things to remember when closing your cabin for the winter
Do you have a summer cottage that’s not suitable for winter use? If you want to keep it in good condition for next spring, it’s essential to close it properly at the end of the season. Here are four things to remember.
1. Insurance. Notify your insurer of your extended absence and take plenty of photos. They’ll come in handy if you have to make a claim.
2. Roof. Inspect the roof to ensure it’s secure against the elements. If it needs repairs, do them now to prevent leaks or more severe structural problems.
3. Water supply. Shut off the water supply and drain the pipes so they don’t freeze over the winter. Consider pouring antifreeze in the sinks, bathtub, shower and toilet. Set the heating to keep the temperature between 7 and 10 C.
4. Security. Lock the doors
and windows, lower the blinds and close the curtains. Use programmable lights to create a lived-in appearance to help deter intruders. Keep critters out by removing food from the pantry and closing the fireplace damper and vents.
Do you need help getting your cottage closed for the season? Hire a local contractor to secure your property.
Missing
Renovation planning: make it a habit
Home maintenance requires significant time and money. Keeping your roof in top condition, refreshing your paint and making occasional repairs — staying on top of all these tasks can feel like a full-time job. Here are some ways to keep track of various renovation tasks.
WHY DO IT?
Keeping track of your renovation projects helps you stay organized. Your roof, to name one component, has a limited lifespan. Knowing when it's due for replacement can help you plan your budget and arrange to hire a roofer in a timely manner. The renovation information you record in your planner can help you when the time comes to sell your property. If a potential buyer asks when your water heater was last replaced, you’ll have a detailed record and know exactly where to look for the answer to their questions.
HOW TO DO IT?
ments in a filing cabinet or briefcase. If you’re digitally inclined, save it in a computer file or an app on your smartphone. Collect your invoices and keep a list of essential home maintenance tasks. Include the dates for upcoming jobs, including routine chores like cleaning the vents and changing the furnace filters.
You can record the details of your renovation projects on paper and keep the docu-
Trust the certified contractors in your area for all your renovation projects.
3 common bathroom problems
Many structural issues can occur in your bathroom, and some can be serious. Unfortunately, many of these problems remain invisible until sudden damage occurs, requiring costly repairs. Watch for these warning signs of various bathroom problems to save yourself time and money.
1.
BAD CAULKING
Inadequate sealing can lead to water seepage and eventually mould growth. That’s why it's important to periodically inspect your caulking. Examine your showerhead flange, toilet base, shower, bathtub and vanity.
2. OLD PLUMBING
Modern plumbing is made of copper, a long-lasting material. If you have older pipes, it may be best to have them upgraded. Cast iron and steel are more prone to corrosion. If you have lead pipes, replace them as soon as possible because they're harmful to your health.
3. INADEQUATE DRAINAGE
Drains can easily get blocked with hair and other particles. Blockages in your drainage system can cause backups and standing water.
Excessive humidity, faulty wiring, unsafe flooring and unsuitable materials are other common issues that can occur in the bathroom. For reliable repairs and renovations, entrust the job to a local contractor.
How to live a long and healthy life
If you want to increase your lifespan, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent illness and injury. Here’s what you should do to live a long life.
EAT WELL
An abundance of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish packed with omega-3 fatty acids are vital components of a healthy, balanced diet. You should also limit your consumption of trans fat, salt and refined sugar.
STAY HYDRATED
Drink at least two litres of water every day to help your body absorb nutrients, regulate your temperature and eliminate waste. You can supplement your liquid intake with broth, milk and juice that’s low in sugar.
WATCH YOUR WEIGHT
If you’re overweight, you risk developing a range of health problems such as cancer, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. You’re also more likely to experience joint pain and reduced mobility.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Adults should sleep between seven and nine hours every night. To optimize your rest, establish a consistent sleep schedule and invest in a quality mattress and pillow. You should also avoid eating and limit your use of electronic devices before bed.
REMAIN ACTIVE
Health experts recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week. In addition to providing physical benefits, an active lifestyle helps boost your mood, improve your memory and reduce stress. Choose an activity you enjoy to ensure you stay motivated.
EXERCISE YOUR MIND
To delay or prevent cognitive decline, you should challenge your brain on a regular basis. Reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles and playing games are all great ways to stimulate your brain.
MAINTAIN YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE
Regularly visiting friends and family helps decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Social connections can also strengthen your immune system and lower your risk of developing dementia. Plus, group activities are often a great source of entertainment and laughter.
LEARN TO MANAGE STRESS
From ulcers and irritability to migraines and high blood pressure, stress can have serious consequences on your health. Explore various ways to relax and reduce stress such as breathing deeply, listening to music and practising yoga.
CONSULT HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Depending on your age and health, you should visit your doctor, dentist, optometrist and other health-care specialists every few months or years. If you experience any concerning or persistent symptoms, schedule a consultation right away.
In addition to adopting these healthy habits, you should avoid smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.
