SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH
Saturday Evening Bingo at 6pm
THURSDAY, November 9, 2023
Volunteers fuel food bank
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
The Salvation Army Food Bank in Prince George now serves more than 3,700 people every month, an increase of 25 per cent over last year.
“We go up about 25 per cent every year,” Terra Laflamme, Salvation Army community ministries supervisor, said. “And of those 3,700 people about 35 per cent are children.”
To serve that many people every month, there are between 10 and 15 volunteers that come into the Curt Garland Community Support Centre’s Food Bank at 3500 18th Ave. to help prepare for residents who walk through the doors every day in need of a food hamper.
The Salvation Army is also a food bank hub that sees as many as 25 local organizations access the food bank to provide for those they serve.
See ‘THESE ARE TOUGH TIMES’, page 3
Unexpectedly laid off from her job and now experiencing some medical issues, Tawny Vittner had to turn to the Salvation Army Food Bank for help.
“If it’s between my kid getting the glasses he needs and groceries, I know I can always turn to the food bank for help when those unexpected expenses pop up,” the single mom said.
She’s got four boys (one adopted)11, 12, 14 and 19 years old - to feed, she added.
“I don’t know how I do it,” Vittner said with a shake of her head.
‘I AM NOT EMBARRASSED TO BE HERE’, page 3
Salvation Army Food Bank volunteer Judy White sorts the dairy products that are part of the food recovery program.
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
‘I
am not embarrassed to be here’
Continued from page 1
She discovered the food bank service about four years ago and used it infrequently while she worked but once she got laid off a few months ago, now she relies on the food bank about twice a month.
“It helped me get through to the next pay day when I was working and now when I am really struggling I know I can come here and there’s always something for me,” Vittner said.
The process of gathering food for a hamper has changed recently.
There are stations now where residents can pick the food they prefer to eat.
“My kids are pretty picky but I’ve never had a problem here,” Vittner said. “It’s amazing.”
Vittner feels respected and welcome at the Salvation Army Food Bank that serves more than 3,700 people a month.
That’s a 25 per cent increase over last year, which is a typical increase year after year.
“I feel comfortable here,” Vittner said.
“I am not embarrassed to be here. And when I am
‘These are tough times’
Continued from page 1
The food recovery program at the Salvation Army Food Bank sees salvageable, perishable food not sellable at the grocery store donated to the food bank where it gets sorted between what’s good for human consumption and what’s best suited for farm animals. That keeps it out of the landfill as well, Laflamme explained.
Judy White is one of the dedicated volunteers who donates three hours of her time twice a week and she mainly organizes the milk and cheese and other perishable food items that are donated by
local stores.
White decided to give back to the community after she retired and started volunteering at the Salvation Army Food Bank in 2019.
“I wanted to keep busy while helping the community. It’s all about helping people and this is an important job,” White said. “These are tough times for people who don’t have much money to buy groceries and it’s important to sort the food so that makes it easier to give it out. The Salvation Army treats everyone with respect and they deserve good food.”
Hampers needed for seniors
The Prince George Council of Seniors is accepting donations of gift cards or cash so Christmas hampers can be offered to those seniors in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Prince George Council of Seniors office located at 1330 Fifth Ave., or etransfer a donation to ed@pgcos.ca. Deadline to donate is Dec. 8. as the amount of donations will determine how many hampers can be offered to those in need. For those in need, hamper applications will be accepted Nov. 30. Pick up and deliver the application between Nov. 2 and 30 at the Seniors Resource Centre.
having a conversation with someone here and telling them what’s going on in my life and they can’t help me they will send me in the direction where I can go to get those services. They are amazing here. I give them five stars.”
For more information about the Salvation Army Food Bank visit www.sapg.ca/services/food-bank/.
ICBC is working together with all British Columbians to help make our roads safer. Thanks for doing your part.
RCMP shoot bear at mall
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
McArthur said that bear most likely wondered in from Carrie Jane Gray Park or from a greenbelt corridor west of Westwood Drive.
SUPER BINGO
A Prince George RCMP officer shot and killed an adult black bear at Pine Centre Mall last Sunday afternoon and conservation officers are reminding city residents to remain vigilant about keeping their garbage containers locked up and secure to prevent bear encounters.
Police responding to another incident at the mall that day were told of a bear that had wandered into the east end of the parking lot near Save-On-Foods and was showing no fear of humans.
The RCMP officer used the police cruiser and its siren to try to scare off the bear but those actions failed to deter it.
“It was in the middle of the day in the parking lot and it was not reacting to attempts to haze and due to their public safety concern they made that decision to euthanize it,” said McArthur.
There’s always going to be problem bears that have issues that won’t hibernate and that’s something people need to be aware of.”
As a result, the officer shot it to end the threat it posed to public safety.
“It was a garbage-habituated bear just looking for those last few calories (before hibernation),” said BC Conservation officer Eamon McArthur. “We’re constantly butting heads with people to keep garbage and attractants managed.”
“It was very non-responsive to human presence and noise.”
Incidents of bear sightings in Prince George neighbourhoods reached an all-time high this summer and early fall, mostly due to extreme drought conditions that cut short the berry crop season in the forests that surround the city.
“The food sources are running even lower and people need to be cognizant to start managing attractant even harder this time of year,” said McArthur.
“Even when the snow flies there’s always a chance there might be one or two around because it’s all based around calorie content, they get the calories they need and that’s when they hibernate. There’s always going to be problem bears that have issues that won’t hibernate and that’s something people need to be aware of,” he explained.
Simon Fraser Bridge set for Dec. 1 opening
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
After a nearly two-year wait for completion of repairs to the Simon Fraser Bridge, the end is near.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says the bridge will reopen for four-lane traffic on Dec. 1, assuming winter weather doesn’t delay the project any further.
“The contractor (Ruskin Construction) is working to have the southbound Simon Fraser Bridge open to traffic by Dec. 1, weather depending, and work is underway at the site to prepare for opening,”
said a ministry spokesperson in an email.
“The project was originally scheduled for completion within one construction season. The construction schedule was affected (during the pandemic) by delay in the delivery of deck panels, a key component of the bridge rehabilitation.
“The construction schedule on a complex rehabilitation project such as this must follow a sequencing of construction activities to align with weather conditions. Delay in core construction components can negatively affect the sequencing and ultimately, the schedule of a project.”
Construction started in January 2022
when both southbound lanes were closed and the bridge traffic lanes were reconfigured for single-lane traffic. That closed southbound access to the bridge from Ferry Avenue and a detour has been in effect ever since.
The $20.5 million project remains on budget. Even when it does reopen next month, the bridge might still require finishing touches that will delay completion into next year.
“Most major construction work has been completed this season, and the ministry is working with the contractor to identify minor work items that may need to be completed next spring,” said
the ministry. “Full closures will not be required for any remaining work in spring 2024.”
The Simon Fraser Bridge crosses the Fraser River on the Highway 97 connector at the south end of the city. According to the ministry, there are no other bridges in the city that require major repairs.
“All structures are regularly inspected and receive routine maintenance activities as part of overall infrastructure asset management,” the spokesman said.
“There are currently no provincial structures in the Prince George area identified for major rehabilitation within the next five years.”
City buying downtown motel for housing
HANNA PETERSEN AND TED CLARKE Citizen staff
The City of Prince George has entered into an agreement to purchase the Knights Inn Motel, located at 650 Dominion Street, for $4.15 million.
The Knights Inn is currently being leased by BC Housing for supportive housing.
BC Housing intends to continue leasing
the building after the city purchases the building.
The city’s purchase agreement has a completion date of March 14, 2024.
BC Housing will then enter into a new two-year lease agreement in place from March 31, 2024 to March 30, 2026 and will pay tieh city $47,250 per month to lease 44 rooms of supportive housing for people living outside or in emergency shelters.
Men’s Health
The city says the decision to purchase the property was made in partnership with BC Housing, who agreed to pay for their 24-month lease fees upfront, contributing a total of $1,134,000 towards the purchase.
The remainder of the funds used to purchase this property come from the city’s Endowment Reserve Fund.
The city says the collaboration between BC Housing and the City of Prince George on this purchase is in line with the HEART and HEARTH Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the city and the province in June that formalizes their commitment to work together to better support people in the community who are unhoused.
BC Housing will have the option to extend the Knights Inn lease term for an additional six-month period beyond March of 2026 and it will be responsible for all capital and operational repairs to the property as well as be responsible for payment of all property taxes and utilities charges.
BC Housing has opted to contribute an extra fixed fee of $450,000 towards potential future demolition costs, subject to a future council decision, instead of covering the costly expenses of restoring the building to its original state, as per standard lease conditions.
“A third-party appraisal company came to the final value conclusion of a market value of $4,150,000.”
Mayor Simon Yu said having BC Housing provide incentives makes the purchase of 44-unit motel a wise investment, especially considering property values in the city have risen 20 per cent over the last year or two.
“We as a council looked at the numbers and made a decision and it seems to be a good deal in terms of the long-term benefit to the city,” said Yu.
“Based on the money we’re getting from the province to do this it doesn’t look like it’s out of line with the assessment. Normally the assessment value is substantially lower than what the purchase price is. As a mayor, I’m happy with what this deal consists of.”
City planners are currently seeking public input to help develop the Civic Core District Plan, which focuses on the area surrounding the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.
The Knights Inn property sits on an adjacent block east of the Civic Centre and north of Kopar Memorial Arena in an area the city is considering as the potential site of a new downtown arena and performing arts centre.
The City of Prince George defended the price it paid for the property, which had an assessed value in July 2023 of $1.211 million.
“BC property assessment values are not the basis of sale value for any property,” said city communications advisor Claire Thwaites in an email to the Citizen.
“It’s a piece of property we as a city need to have in order to develop the downtown core properly,” Yu explained.
“Right now, what it’s being used for temporarily is fine, but in the long term we can work this thing into a core design something more in line with arenas, symphony halls and conference centres as part of the development.”
Province buys properties for supportive housing
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
The B.C. government has bought two downtown Prince George motels to provide 123 units of housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The former North Star Inn and Suites at 1500 Victoria St. will have 96 new supportive homes in two separate buildings, one with 60 units and the other with 36.
Both North Star Inn buildings will require renovations, expected to be completed early next year for the larger building and by mid-2024 for the smaller one. With winter fast approaching,
essential repairs to both buildings will be completed first, with the remaining renovations to be done after tenants move in.
The other property, formerly known as the Lotus Hotel, is at 197 Quebec St., and it will have 27 units - 24 for single occupancy as well as two one-bedroom units and a single two-bedroom unit.
Once renovations begin later this fall, the 14 current tenants will be permanently relocated to another supportive housing building at 1107 Third Ave. When renovations are complete next spring, 27 new residents will be able to move in.
BC Housing began leasing the building for temporary housing during the
pandemic in 2020. Its operations are managed by the Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC), which will continue to temporarily operate the building until renovations begin. AWAC provides residents with 24/7 staffing, daily meals, employment support and referral to community services. A permanent operator will be selected by BC Housing through a request for proposals.
“The purchase of these former motel sites and the extension of our Knights Inn lease ensures ongoing access to much-needed shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness in Prince George,” said housing minister
Ravi Kahlon. “This is part of our work to improve everyone’s quality of life in Prince George and safely help people sheltering outdoors move indoors, where they can access the... housing and supports they need to stabilize their lives.”
The purchases are part of a deal between the province and the city to implement the new Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. It provides emergency housing, shelter options and immediate supports to help people living outdoors in encampments or public spaces move indoors and access temporary or permanent housing options.
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CBC talk shows scare away listeners... and moose
Occasionally I’ll tune in CBC News while driving, if I can pick up a local station.
And after the news it doesn’t take long to turn the CBC off in disgust.
Although sometimes I just have to listen a little bit longer.
Like the time where there was going to be an open line call in show on what do you think about the Freedom Convoy.
The first few calls that came in were ambivalent to supportive and the host was obviously getting annoyed with the direction the callers were going, so after a few minutes the host switched to a “guest” freelance reporter.
And for the last three-quarters of the “open line” show the host and the guest had a great time smearing the hundreds of millions of people around the world who supported the protest.
I thought the most humorous angle of the show was the conspiracy theory by the guest about a conspiracy theory to overthrow the government.
A conspiracy about a conspiracy, brought to you by your most trusted news provider.
Good for a laugh, anyway.
Before the complete collapse of CBC into irrelevance, I did take a story to the CBC that I thought was interesting.
Everyone knows that Tim Hortons used outside speakers to play the CBC opera station to discourage the nuisance people from affecting their business location.
Well, I had a similar problem on my new golf course, but it was with moose trampling the greens at night.
A moose walking on the greens cuts the surface to ribbons and is unplayable in the morning and I needed a solution.
Remembering the success of the other businesses that
played CBC to drive off unwanted traffic, I installed three radios in the far corners of the golf course that switched on at dark and played all night.
It was a little strange feeling to be out in the golf course at night and hear an opera singer belting out an opera boogie.
That should be the end of the story but it’s not. It didn’t work.
Since moose liked the opera, I decided they would hate hard rock and I blasted the moose with more music, but the moose didn’t seem to mind hard rock at all either.
Finally, I found what the moose hated was the CBC talk shows!
People get on CBC and talk all night about nothing. And the moose couldn’t stand listening to all the crabbing and complaining on CBC and left.
I was so excited I marched into the CBC office to tell them my great Canadian success story.
But CBC was not interested, and so my marvellous story, where I had found a CBC channel that did something useful, was ignored.
I was getting my money’s worth out of CBC and they didn’t care.
Apparently, the CBC local content had a no-humour rule as well.
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
NEIL GODBOUT EDITORIN-CHIEF CURTIS ARMSTRONG PUBLISHER
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Lee Sexsmith
Prince George
Carbon tax was a disaster from the beginning
Iknow this might come as a surprise to some readers but I have never favoured a carbon tax.
I have written about the futility of this tax boondoggle. I even debated the subject with a BC Liberal Minister on the CBC years ago.
When the BC Liberals brought in their tax in 2008, it was with the promise it would be “revenue neutral”. Not sure what everyone else thought that meant but I thought it was an absurd concept. Over the years, what happened was the government collected the tax from the people of the province and handed most
of the money to corporations to offset their costs.
Some money did go to low-income earners and seniors. But none of the money was put towards actually doing something about carbon emissions, such as building the once promised “hydrogen highway” or developing tidal, solar, wind, and geothermal power options for BC.
Yes, the increased cost of fuel did get a few people to switch fuels or think about alternatives to driving. But for the most part, it did not change our economy.
What it has mostly done is make everyone angry about another “government
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
MORE HOSPITAL SECURITY?
Has anyone else noticed the increased security at the hospital? Ever considered that this is the entirely predictable result of being unable to provide adequate care? Perhaps if the policy makers at Northern Health took a look at their treatment and communication practices, there would be fewer frustrated, angry people.
David Gall, Prince George
HOUSING RULES NEEDED
Prince George mayor and city council, I was overjoyed to hear the government bought the North Star motel as we live above it (see page 7).
We have a few concerns. We have learned it’s a waste of time to try to fight the government, so there has to be some rules. We don’t want to see a big free for all like what has happened with Moccasin Flats.
Four motels bought, two in residential areas, with schools and lots of seniors. We are taxpayers so we are landlords of these motels we will own.
Rule 1: No drugs or drug use in the Motels or in the residential areas. Rule 2: We want to know who is going to be living in the units. Safety is a big concern.
The North Star motel is huge and well built. The two top floors have nice views, so we should be able to charge more rent for those units. There is no reason why, seeing we are the landlords, all the units have to go to homeless people from who knows where, with who knows what.
Seniors need housing. The working poor need housing. Students need housing. Young people need housing. Prince George citizens have got to start to fight for our city. Enough is enough. I would like to know why the mayor and city council have not reached out the residents living in the Connaught and Millar Addition areas? The purchase of these motels could have a very negative on our residential areas.
While we are at it, our hospital needs looking into, as
tax” taking money out of the pockets of ordinary citizens. It has resulted in the false notion that doing something about climate change means more taxes.
Which is one of the reasons Pierre Poilievre jumped on the “ax the tax” bandwagon. And why Kevin Falcon – the leader of BC United and one of the BC Liberals who introduced the provincial carbon tax in the first place – is now musing about dumping the tax.
It is also why Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberals have made a complete mess of carbon pricing. Indeed, as one pundit in the National Post put it, “The
it has a homeless problem, with people hanging out and sleeping there. I feel so sorry for the staff. The hospital should be a safe place. If you have ever been there at night, you would not want to go back.
HOUSING HELPS ADDICTS
A recent letter to the editor (see above) shows that the government leaders need to do more work educating the public on why the purchase of these hotels are a good idea and why zero barrier housing is so important. There is a TV show called Undercover Billionaire where Glenn Sterns attempts to grow a million-dollar business in 90 days without people knowing who he is. What always stuck with me about the show was that Glenn’s first priority was always to secure housing and then he would proceed to build connections in the community. Now imagine if Glenn broke his ankle and was given a highly addicting opioid like oxycontin by his doctor. He then became addicted like so many Canadians have in the past couple of decades. Do you think if he had no money his first priority would be housing or getting Oxycontin?
For a lot of people, the pull of highly addictive drugs that have been given out by doctors around the world are so strong that rules, housing and support networks are secondary to keeping the opioid high going. You can read the experiences in Portugal from employees at treatment centres who say that people can’t be forced to quit drugs, they have to want to quit. Speaking to a drug addiction counselor in Edmonton years ago, he said that on average it takes a person eight tries to quit an addiction if they are lucky to have the right support in place. If a successful billionaire like Stearns recognizes the importance of securing shelter first then isn’t ensuring zero barrier housing providing the foundation for people with addictions to succeed? If we are going to tell people they magically need to stop doing drugs to have access to housing, are we not setting people with addiction up
carbon tax is dead. Trudeau did it in.”
After arguing in the Supreme Court of Canada the federal government had the authority to bring in a national pricing scheme for carbon because regions in this country could not be given special dispensation, he has gone ahead and done just that.
This will cost the Liberals the next election.
But the real tragedy is that not doing something about our carbon emissions will cost our children their future.
Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.
for failure? If people with drug addictions downtown could quit drugs that easily, society wouldn’t have a drug addiction problem in the first place.
My observation has been that BC Housing hasn’t made providing housing for people with drug addictions a priority up until the last five years and as a result people have had to live on the streets if they were not ready to quit drugs. Seeing the possibility of investments in zero barrier housing is encouraging and I think it can help people get back on their feet and off the street with the right support. Not everyone is going to beat drug addiction but at least if there is a warm place where they can rest their head with no requirement to be sober, we can keep people alive long enough to possibly help them.
Richard Parks, Prince George
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
The bencher election has implications for the rule of law in BC. I have been practicing law in Prince George since 2002. I am running as a candidate for the Cariboo County in the law society’s bencher election this month.
Benchers are lawyers who govern the regulation of lawyers in the province. Lawyers in BC are self-governing and have been for over 100 years. This model has served the public well and ensures a balance of power between the judicial and legislative branches of our constitutional democracy and has kept us all relatively free.
Last year, the government issued an “Intentions Paper,” declaring intention to take over the regulation and discipline of lawyers. The details of what it will look like are not clear. Given lawyers regularly and necessarily oppose the government on behalf of the public and individuals, the government’s plan threatens the rights and freedoms of all British Columbians and the rule of law more generally. While the general public is unable to vote in a bencher election, this critical issue has important public interest implications and a debate about it needs to be brought into the public square.
Benjamin Levine, Prince George
Helen Robertson, Prince George
Air Canada admits violating regulations
CANADIAN PRESS
Air Canada has acknowledged it violated Canadian disability regulations and apologized to a Prince George man who uses a wheelchair, after he was forced to drag himself off a flight in Las Vegas this summer.
Rodney Hodgins says he used the strength of his upper body to pull himself down the airplane aisle in
August, while his wife, Deanna, held his legs, after no one from the airline’s third-party ground personnel was available to help.
The case has garnered national and international attention, with the federal minister of transport saying in the House of Commons lastweek that he was “horrified” with how Hodgins was treated.
Beenish Awan, a special assistance representative with Air Canada, sent a letter to Deanna Hodgins last week
saying the incident was a “was a very inconvenient and humiliating experience for both of you.”
Awan says based on the information currently available, the airline has to “regrettably admit” that it was in violation of the disability regulations.
Hodgins says she and her husband continue to push for improvements to how disabled travellers are treated, including faster support for people who need help on and off a plane.
Controlled burns planned
TOM SUMMER Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The B.C. Wildfire Service will be conduct burns at the 2018 Shovel Lake wildfire site in November and December. The burns are being conducted to complete hazard abatement requirements. Smoke is anticipated to be visible from the communities of Fraser Lake, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James and Burns Lake. Burning will proceed only if conditions
are suitable and will be completed intermittently up to December 17, with B.C. Wildfire Service staff carefully preparing and monitoring the scene.
These burns will be conducted along right-of-ways at the following sites: Duncan FSR (5 piles); Dipper FSR (4 piles); Sutherland North FSR (10 piles); Dog Creek FSR (20 piles); Nest Road (20 piles); 200 Road off the Cunningham FSR (5 piles); Tatin Lake R09194 (1 pile); and Bomberger FSR (30 piles).
New parkade for hospital
The B.C. government has announced plans to build a new parkade to serve visitors, patients and healthcare staff at University Hospital of Northern B.C. An early works agreement is in place and construction is slated to begin next year on the 471-space muti-level structure, which will be located adjacent to the BC Cancer Centre of the North. It will be built next to an existing parkade off Lethbridge Street.
Parkade construction will be followed by the demolition of the Northern Interior Health Unit on Edmonton Street to allow for the eventual construction of a new surgical tower for the hospital.
The parkade project is expected to be complete sometime in 2025.
Originally known as Prince George Regional Hospital when it opened in 1958, additions at UHNBC were completed in 1978 and 2003.
Missing Saik’uz First Nation woman found dead
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
The Vanderhoof RCMP said Monday that missing person Chelsey Quaw has been found dead.
She was found in a wooded area on the Saik’uz Reserve.
The BC Coroners Service is conducting a parallel investigation and is actively investigating the cause of her death.
“Chelsey had the most amazing spirit, beautiful strength and independence. Most importantly, she had an incredible impact on those in her life. We will not rest until we get answers,” said Pam Heron, Quaw’s mother in a statement released by the family.
“The RCMP has been in contact with the family. We offer our condolences to Chelsey’s family and friends,” said RCMP media spokesperson Madonna Saunderson in a news release.
Mounties say no further information will be provided at this time but more details may be released as they become available.
“Chelsey was a beautiful soul that was taken from us too soon,” said Mary Teegee, Carrier Sekani Family Services executive director of child and family
services in the emailed statement on Monday afternoon.
“We need to ensure that something like this never happens again. There are 33 Highway of Tears Recommendations and 231 Calls for Justice that need our action now.”
Saik’uz First Nation and Carrier Sekani Child and Family Services recently hosted a press conference in Vanderhoof on Friday, Nov. 3 asking for more information and action to find Quaw and another missing community member Jay Preston Raphael.
Saik’uz Chief Priscilla Mueller spoke at the conference, which was broadcast online.
“We’re calling on further response from the RCMP, and for additional community volunteers and resources to be deployed in the response for the search,” said Mueller at the conference.
“We also want to bring awareness, of course, to the murdered and missing indigenous women, girls, and men all across Highway 16.”
Chelsey was 29 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes, and had disappeared from Saik’uz in the early hours of October 11 and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a purple winter jacket.
The Heron-Quaw family said it would like to thank the Nechako Search and Rescue Team; Saik’uz Chief, Council and community; Stellat’en Chief, Council and community; Carrier Sekani Family Services; the RCMP; all the volunteers; and everyone who has provided their support during the search.
The family said they would also like remind everyone that Jay Raphael remains missing and supports all search efforts to bring him home.
JAY RAPHAEL
CHELSEY QUAW
Spruce Kings show home tickets on sale
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
The Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery tickets are on sale now and the house is ready for viewing.
This year’s home is valued at $890,000 and was built by Hopson Construction at 2974 Links Drive in the Aberdeen Glen subdivision.
The home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms in 1,575 square feet and comes fully furnished, including furniture, TV and appliances.
New ticket packages offer one ticket for $125 or three for $300. There are 11,000 tickets available at a price of $125 each. There are 3,000 tickets available at the three for $300 price (1,000 packages) for a total of 14,000 tickets available for sale.
Each week viewing hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket sales close for the show home
on April 17, 2024, at 10 p.m. and the draw date is April 19, 2024 at noon.
There are three early bird prizes. The first prize package is a Mega 50/50 prize pack worth $2,500 that includes 100 Mega
50/50 tickets for draw #1, sponsored by Interior Savings Credit Union. Ticket sales close Dec. 13 at 10 p.m. Draw date is Friday, Dec. 15 at noon.
Early bird prize #2 is a $2,000 gift card
to Central Builders. Tickets sales close Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. Draw date is Feb. 2 at noon.
Early bird #3 is a gift card package valued at $3,000 including $1,000 at Four Rivers Coop, $1,000 at Save-On Foods, $500 at Pine Centre Mall and $500 at Homesteader Meats. Ticket sales close March 20 at 10 p.m. Draw date is March 22 at noon.
There are also Mega 50/50 tickets that are sold one for $25 or five for $100.
For both Mega 50/50 jackpots 8,000 single tickets sold for $25 and 10,000 tickets sold in packs of 5 for $100.
Jackpot #1 ticket sales close Jan. 31 at 10 p.m. and draw date is Feb. 2 at 11:45 at 2974 Links Drive.
Jackpot #2 ticket sales start Feb. 3 at 12:01 a.m. Ticket sales close May 22 at 10 p.m. Draw date is May 24 at 11:45 a.m. For more information visit the website: www.sprucekingsshowhome.ca
Vandalism rebate offered
Victims of vandalism who operate a small business in B.C. will soon be able to apply for provincial funding to help cover the costs of the crime.
Starting Nov. 22, applicants for the $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate program can seek up to $2,000 per business for the cost of vandalism, including glass breakage and graffiti.
The program also provides as much as $1,000 for each commercial property to purchase and install preventative measures, such as security cameras.
“Small businesses are the foundation of B.C.’s economy, and we are taking action to maintain a thriving business community,” said jobs minister Brenda Bailey. “Supporting small businesses with this rebate helps provide some relief for the costs they’ve taken on through no fault of their own.”
Applications are retroactive to incidents of vandalism that occur from Jan. 1, 2023 through Jan. 31, 2024.
Rebates will be administered on a firstcome, first-served basis.
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.
The Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery is open for viewing and tickets are on sale.
Area MLAs blast federal home heating tax plan
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
BC United leader Kevin Falcon has promised to eliminate the carbon tax on all fuels for British Columbians if his party is elected in next year’s provincial election.
Falcon said last Tuesday in Victoria that a BC United government would scrap carbon pricing on gasoline/ diesel and home heating oil and would also remove the carbon tax for on-farm fuels to reduce operational costs for farmers..
“Effectively, the things that are in our control when we form government in 2024 would be that fifteen-cent-alitre provincial fuel tax that everybody pays, so they will see immediate relief at the pumps when they fill up their vehicles,” said BC United Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris.
“The other issue is eliminating the carbon tax on home heating fuel and eliminating the tax on fuels for farm tractors and farm use and hopefully provide some relief in the food chain so that we’ll see lower prices at the end of the day in supermarkets.”
The provincial response comes in the wake of the federal Liberal government’s proposed three-year carbon tax pause on home heating oil, used primarily in the Atlantic provinces, and an offer of rebates to cover the
BC United leader Kevin Falcon and area MLAs and candidates at an event in Prince George this fall.
cost of replacing oil furnaces with heat pumps.
Falcon’s proposed reforms would cost the province an estimated $5 billion in lost revenue over three years. Morris said his party still supports having a carbon tax which he says has led to lower emissions, but he said it should be frozen at $30 per tonne of CO2 equivalent emissions, the rate set by Falcon in 2012 when he was B.C.’s finance minister.
“It’s going to go to $170 a tonne within five to seven years, which is unsustainable for people’s pocket books.”
Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad says he’s
not surprised the federal government has left Western provinces out in the cold and supports Saskatchewan’s threat to withhold the tax.
“I’m very pleased to see the pushback on this, British Columbians, quite frankly, are taxed to death,” said Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. “It’s the usual approach I’ve seen from Ottawa, which is to shaft the people of Western Canada, we’ve seen this time and time again and unfortunately it’s happening now.”
Rustad is critical of Eby’s support for carbon pricing on fuel and natural gas heat and has no intention of scrapping it, as the two opposition parties would.
“Clearly, the premier is not willing to stand up and do what’s right for the people of this province when it comes to the cost of living and the carbon tax on an essential thing we need to live which is our heating and our energy,” Rustad said.
Rustad finds it ironic BC United now opposes the carbon tax, referring to the fact that in 2008, the party formerly known as the BC Liberals, under premier Gordon Campbell, became the first jurisdiction in North America to institute a carbon tax.
“It’s a complete flip-flop, it’s nice to see other people are finally coming to their senses” said Rustad. “Although what I really have to chuckle about - is this the reason they kicked me out of the Liberal party?”
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Miracle Theatre unveils fundraising play
Miracle Theatre’s next fundraising play for the Prince George Community Foundation will be A Comedy of Tenors, with proceeds from the show to buy a structural protection unit for the City of Prince George for wildfire mitigation.
Ted Price and Anne Laughlin, the driving forces behind Miracle Theatre, hope tickets, along with sponsorships and donations, will cover the $175,000 cost for the structural protection unit, which is a mobile trailer packed with pumps, hoses,
sprinklers and other tools local firefighters can use to help protect residential area from approaching wildfires.
“Our wish is to have it here for the 2024 fire season,” Price said, adding that there has already been $17,300 raised in advance donations.
Money raised above the structural protection unit’s cost will go into the community foundation’s emergency response fund, added the foundation’s director of development Mindy Stroet.
The City of Prince George has applied for funding to buy another structural protection unit, said Tanya Spooner, the city’s manager of emergency programs, but the grant application process takes about four years “so we’re hoping to have two units in the next five years.”
Tickets go on sale Jan. 2 for A Comedy of Tenors, which runs from March 13 to April 3 at Art Space above Books & Company. Tickets are $37.50 each and Price and Laughlin will be at Studio Fair at
CN Centre this weekend selling advance tickets.
There are also opportunities for private and corporate performances of the show during its run, they added.
“It’s not a musical, it’s just one big comedy,” Price said.
“This play is so funny that we’re going to offer a money-back guarantee that this play is hilarious and if it isn’t, Mayor Simon Yu will give you a refund,” he joked.
In memory: Prince George poet Barry McKinnon
Acclaimed Prince George poet Barry McKinnon, a longtime English instructor at CNC, has passed away.
McKinnon was the author of more than 20 books over his career of more than 40 years. His 1980 book, the the, was a Governor General’s Literary Award finalist in 1981. A later book, pulplog, won the 1992 Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize for best B.C.
poetry book in B.C.
“McKinnon favoured the long poem for the form’s ability to allow him to “articulate the poem’s central truth from various & variable angles & perspectives,’’’ his publisher Talonbooks wrote on its website.
McKinnon was born in 1944 in Calgary, the biography on his personal website
states He graduated in 1967 with a B.A. and in 1969 with an M.A. from UBC and was hired that same year to teach English at CNC, one of the original 19 members of the college’s faculty.
In The Caledonia Writing Series: A Chronicle, McKinnon wrote: “I remember my wife, Joy, crying as we crossed the Fraser River bridge into a hot stinky
Prince George, and later that day, my own compounded anxiety after visiting the so-called college which consisted of two portable trailers and an office in an unused gym storage room at the local high school.”
He taught his first English class in the welding shop at PGSS, he recalled in a 1987 story in the Prince George Citizen.
Donors step up for Legion
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
The generosity of local residents has put Prince George’s Remembrance Day ceremonies on solid financial ground. At last Monday’s city council meeting, Sheldon Clare, Eric Callaghan and John Scott made a request for $18,000 in funding on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 to cover the costs of putting on the services this Saturday.
That request was answered with an overwhelming public response. One single donor, who chose to remain anonymous, provided the full amount of $18,000 – and several other donors also contributed.
“It’s pretty heartening there are people out there who are prepared to make donations,” said Clare, Legion Branch 43 chairman. “We had one donation that was quite large and some other donations that were quite significant and they will more than be sufficient to operate all of our need for the ceremony this year.”
Clare said a longer-term solution that
would help ensure the Legion’s ability to orchestrate the annual Remembrance Day celebrations and cover the organization’s annual operating costs would be to increase its membership.
“We need more of the younger veterans to join the Legion and get involved,” said Clare. “I know they’re raising families. I know there are issues about things like the Veterans Charter (which in 2011 changed disability awards to veterans from monthly lifetime payments to lump sums) and other aspects of the Legion that some veterans have been critical about. But I think it’s important that veterans do join the Legion and make it the organization they want it to be.”
Legion Branch 43 membership has dropped to between 500 and 600 members, of which about 120 are veterans, and Clare knows not everybody who served in the armed forces or the RCMP is taking advantage of the services it provides. The Legion administers the poppy campaign, which directly provides funds to programs to support veterans and their families.
BC ’s nurses join all B ritish Columbians in honouring your ser vice and sacrifice in the name of our freedom .
‘A field of headstones as far as you can see’
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Row upon row of graves marked by white marble headstones that stretch for hundreds of metres over the flat Belgian landscape at the Tine Cot Cemetery, they serve as reminders of the First World War sacrifices of 11,956 Commonwealth residents who gave their lives for freedom. During his tours of historic
battlegrounds in Belgium and France in 2017 and 2019, Eric Depenau visited those graves as part of a team of Rocky Mountain Rangers that placed a wreath at each cemetery where a Ranger lies buried.
It forever changed his perspective on war and those who died.
“When you go to the battlefields and if you stand in some of the cemeteries and it’s a field of headstones as far as you can see in every direction, sometimes
representing more than one individual per plot, the scale of the loss and sacrifice suddenly comes home,” said Depenau, officer in command of the Rocky Mountain Rangers Bravo Company Army Reserve light infantry unit. “I think it helps drive home the gravity of what service means. It’s hard to fathom, the scale of what happened in past decades of the previous generations. What previous folks faced is something that, thankfully, we haven’t seen since, although conflicts certainly continue. It’s a complicated world and I’m glad we’re able to wear the uniform and play a small part in that even locally as part of the Rangers.”
Originally from Quesnel, Depenau moved to Prince George 10 years ago and he represented the Rangers in a 2021 deployment to Kuwait, where he supported Canada’s efforts in Operation AEGIS to relocate people fleeing the transition to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. He served as a diplomatic and administration officer in Kuwait from May-December 2021.
“It was a really good experience in that I felt like I was where I could have an impact,” said Depenau,. “During my deployment to Kuwait, Afghanistan experienced their evacuation and Kuwait became a hub for a lot of folks being evacuated. It certainly left an impact on myself, personally and professionally.”
Remembrance Day is a time to honour the 2.3 million men and women who have served, and currently serve Canada during times of war and peace and to pay their respects to the 118,000 Canadians who lost their lives making that commitment to their country.
Depenau says we are losing our ties to the Second World War and Korean War as veterans of those wars pass away and it’s important, especially for younger generations, to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies to see those soldiers in uniform in the parade and at the cenotaph, so their contributions are not forgotten.
“Hopefully folks will come out and take part in the day; we’ll spend some time at the Legion thereafter (the ceremony at
Veteran’s Plaza), the doors will open to everyone,” said Depenau. “We’ll spend some time with those who have donned the uniform and were willing to do what the nation asked them to do.
“Everyone’s service looks very different. We don’t know what we might be asked to do. I often reflect that those who
were in basic training in the summer of 2001 didn’t know what was going to happen in September (with the 9/11 attacks) and that’s the same for those before World War 1 or World War 2 or any other conflict. We don’t know the conditions we might serve in, but just thank you to everybody who decides to serve.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Eric Depenau, officer in command of the Rocky Mountain Rangers Bravo Company Army Reserve light infantry unit in Prince George, holds a wreath he placed at the grave of a Rocky Mountain Ranger soldier killed during the First World War, who lies in the Canadian National Vimy Memorial Park in France.
Remembrance Day ceremonies schedule
The Prince George Civic Centre ceremony starts at 9:15 a.m. (public to be seated by 8:30 a.m.)
Reserved seating at the ceremony is available by contacting the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 - admin@ legion43pg.ca - with group name and approximate numbers attending (rows reserved in blocks of 10).
For the parade, assemble along Canada Games Way outside of the Civic Centre from 10:15-10:45 a.m.
If you would like to march in the parade contact admin@legion43pg.ca with group name and approximate numbers attending.
If you are only participating in the parade only, be prepared to line up by 10:30 a.m.
The ceremony, moment of silence and laying of wreaths is at the Veterans Plaza cenotaph in front of city hall at 11 a.m.
A limited number of wreaths will be
placed during the ceremony.
A flyover by the Prince George Flying Club is scheduled for 11:05 a.m.
City hall cenotaph visitors can place personal poppies/group wreaths after official ceremony.
A refreshment gathering is scheduled afterwards at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 Prince George, Juno Lounge, 101-1116 Sixth Ave.
All are welcome, with limited seating available immediately after the ceremonies.
Local bands will be playing at the Legion throughout the day, with Kenny Mad Dog Maddox appearing from 2-5 p.m. and The Wranglers perfomring from8 p.m. to closing.
At the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served afterwards to youth and parents who participated in the ceremonies.
Lest We Forget
Healthy North
COVID-19 and Flu vaccines
Northern Health COVID-19 and influenza (flu) immunization clinics have begun in Prince George. Vaccines are free and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. For a full list of upcoming clinics near you, visit: northernhealth.ca/ health-topics/covid-19-and-flu-immunization-clinics. Vaccine appointments may also be available at a nearby participating pharmacy Register and book through the Get Vaccinated system online at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca, or call 1-833-838-2323 to schedule an appointment. Learn more about how to get vaccinated at gov.bc.ca/respiratory-illness.
UHNBC Parkade
Patients, their loved ones, and health-care staff at the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) will soon benefit from improved, secure parking options as construction on a new parkade is planned for the hospital site.
An early works agreement has been approved to start construction on a 471-space parkade next to the BC Cancer Centre for the North. This will be followed by demolition of the Northern Interior Health Unit (NIHU) to support future site master plans. Work on this initial step is expected to begin in 2024 and be complete in 2025.
For more information: stories.northernhealth.ca/news/changes-horizon-university-hospital-northern-bc
The Vision Zero BC grant program provides up to $20,000 in funding per project to local communities to make road safety improvements. This program has allowed organizations to make infrastructure changes and launch educational campaigns that help keep Northerners safe on our roads. Read more here: stories.northernhealth ca/stories/vision-zero-grants-support-safer-streets-north
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
Even if you haven’t planned anything, it’s not too late to organize a romantic getaway If you’re currently taking a training course, don’t lose concentration until it’s over At work, analyze every detail, even if it’s difficult and time-consuming.
TAURUS
Your emotions may get the better of you this week. In this situation, it’s important to learn to let go and deepen your spiritual knowledge. If you’re in a relationship, it’s essential to make the time to have fun together now and again.
GEMINI
Don’t let impatience get the better of you Break up the monotony in your relationship by going on new and exciting adventures with your loved one. In your professional life, you’ll have the courage to make big decisions.
CANCER
You’ll be handling emergencies this week This will benefit you at work. In love, it’s the little touches that express the intensity of the feelings you and your partner have for each other
LEO
When tensions arise in your relationship, you tend to want to resolve the situation too quickly At the office or elsewhere, you’ll be able to impose respect in chaotic situations, which will give you a measure of pride.
VIRGO
You’ll have to be patient with a family member this week. You may already be getting out the Christmas decorations and sprucing up your home. On the other hand, the idea of moving could arise spontaneously
LIBRA
You’ll have to make several trips for work or personal reasons. Express your feelings to resolve a conflict that’s dragging on. Avoid being overly critical of your significant other for a simple little mistake.
SCORPIO
If you’re in a difficult financial situation, you’ll know what to do to get out of it successfully Don’t be shy Show off your skills to win over the support of your employer
SAGITTARIUS
Your mind may be flooded with ideas this week You’ll start many projects without completing them and suggest many activities to your friends. At work, a certain task will take longer than expected to complete.
CAPRICORN
Excessive stress could bring down your energy It’s essential to get some rest and make changes to your daily routine. You could turn to spiritual practices to relax.
AQUARIUS
Your social life will be particularly active this week. Even if you’re craving solitude, someone will bring you out of your shell and put a smile on your face. Rather than pushing back, let yourself be guided by the change.
PISCES
At work, you’ll be responsible for organizing an event that brings many people together, such as an important meeting. When you combine business with pleasure, you’ll have more fun at work. You’ll be more productive in a relaxed environment
cl assi fi eds
In Loving Memory of Blake McDonald Shaw
Dec 8, 1917Sept 15, 2003
Maxine Rubena Shaw
Dec 19,1927Nov 5, 2022
Together Again
Mom and Dad, you are both forever in our hearts
You are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure
Love, Linda, Gary, Marilyn and Susan, grandchildren Melanie and Travis, great grandchildren Hudson, Shya, Yarah and Maverick.
In
loving memory
Hedwig Mashohn
It is with sadness that we announce the first anniversary of the passing of Hedwig Mashohn on Oct. 22, 2022 at Prince George, BC. Hedwig was an avid reader and enjoyed needlepoint work.
Hedwig is survived by her son Richard, daughters Adrienne and Jennifer Fortsch and granddaughters Madison and Alexis.
Desma Maureen Romanin
June 6, 1963 - October 9, 2023
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Friday, November 24, 2023 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sandman Signature Hotel 2990 Recreation Place Prince George, BC
CAROLE ANNE PUTMAN
It is with great sadness and heartache we announce the passing of our mother Carole Anne Putman on September 20, 2023. She was predeceased by daughters; Linda Marie Eddey, Cindy Lou Vankounett, and Cheryl Anne Hamel. Carole is survived by son Lester David Sewell (Cheryl), daughter Evelyn Marie Fox (Dale) and Sharlene Rose lnyallie (Allan). She will be remembered by her 14 grandchildren and sons in law Tim Eddey and Blain Vankounett. A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday November 18th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Assman’s Funeral Chapel.
Raymond Fern Goulet
1936-2023
Born in St Camille
Quebec on May 15, 1936
With heavy hearts we announce that Ray passed away 87 years old on Sept 21, 2023 at home with his family
Leaving behind his wife
Marie of 62 Years
Their children
Gille (Sherry) Chantel, Kristen and predeceased grandson Ryland
Saline (Gary) Devin, Alicia , Tyrone and Nolan
Guy (Michelle ) Keaton and Stephanie Colette (Jason) Jordan, Joshua and Taya
Julie (Dwain) Shaye, Toryne and Davie Ray 15 Great grandchildren !
Ray and Marie have been residents in PG since 1965
No words can express ...We love you Dad
Ian passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023 at the age of 85. He was born in London, England and immigrated to Montreal in 1964. He moved to Prince George in 1974 where he and Geri built their log home at West Lake. Ian worked as a mechanical engineer at Canfor until his retirement in 1993--after which he worked as an engineering consultant including two years in Indonesia. Ian was a gentle and kind man with a wonderful sense of humour, many talents, a love of skiing, jazz and travel--he adored his family and friends.
Ian is survived by his wife Geri Fletcher (Williams); children Lara and Brett; grandchildren Ayden and Kai; brothers Hugh (Barbara) and Malcolm (Shelley).
There will not be a service.
Many thanks to Dr. McCoy, Dr. Israt and all the staff at Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society.
Condolences
In Memoriam
Memorial Services
In Memoriam
Ian Robertson Fletcher
October 5, 1938 - October 25, 2023
Andreas Julius Erich Ehlbeck (Andy)
April the 23, 1963 to September 28, 2023
Andy was born in Bavaria, Germany, a son to Charlotte and Karl-Heinz Ehlbeck of Gilching. He is predeceased by his brother Heinz who was 20 years older than him and sister Renate who was 15 years older than him. Andy is survived by his partner Cathy Watts, sister Ulrike (Uli) Wittal and husband Tom, sister-in-law Pat Ehlbeck (Heinz’s wife), stepdaughter Jennifer Avery and nieces and nephews Beverly and Mark Ehlbeck, Florian Schropp, Brittany Mulvahill and their families.
Andy’s passion for animals and his caring for people in need filled his heart with joy. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the local SPCA or Food Bank.
A gathering to celebrate Andy’s life will be held at the Alpine Pub on Sunday, November 12th at 2 pm to say goodbye and celebrate the happy moments we shared with him.
MICHELL, Kathryn “Kim”
July 22, 1946 –October 27, 2023
As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort...
It is with great sadness and a deep love that we announce the loss of Kim Michell who passed away surrounded by family at the age of 77 on October 27, 2023. Kim goes to join her sister Alix who went before her. Those left to treasure her memory are her husband of 54 years, Eric; their children Geoff (Tina) and Ted (Louise); grandchildren Eva, Cara, Alex, and Susanna; and her sisters Bari (Tony) and Fran (Rod); as well as cousins, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. On July 22, 1946, Kim was born in Victoria, BC to her parents Alexander and Dorothy Kellington. At the age of 9, Kim moved to Salmon Arm, BC, where she spent her elementary and secondary school years until moving on to post-secondary in Victoria, BC, and Vancouver, BC. In Kim’s adult years, she made a meaningful career as an elementary school teacher and grew a beautiful family of her own with her beloved husband, Eric. Kim was an exceptional mother who cherished her family and was devoted to making their house a home. Kim loved her walking, cross stitch, and her book club and also enjoyed exploring the countryside by going for drives with her husband, Eric. She is remembered by her kind, thoughtful, and caring attitude towards life, and she truly made an impact on those who were blessed to know her. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in honour of Kim. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society, www.bccancer.bc.ca/donate. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
CONNAGHAN, Florence Isabel
January 5, 1939October 27, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Isabel Connaghan who passed away on October 27, 2023.
Florence was born in South Hampton, Ontario. She grew up in a musical family and learned to play the piano, the accordion and the guitar all without a single lesson. Her father played the fiddle and violin and her mother played the organ. She’s been a resident in Prince George since the 60’s. She loved bowling and won more trophies and medals than she knew what to do with. Flo could often be found at the senior’s centre playing music, a card game, and socializing with friends.
At home, she always had a puzzle on the table ready for people to come over, join in, and help get that thing finished. She loved her senior cat, Luna, who always slept close by. Wednesday’s were soup night, where 3 generations would come together, cook, share and laugh. She had a great sense of humor, except when it came to the Blue Jay’s losing a game. No pitcher was safe from her disapproval. Florence was unapologetically herself in every situation and we loved her for it. There will forever be a grandma sized hole in our lives that no one can fill.
She is survived by her sister Grace; children Pat (Diane), Debbie, Paul; grandchildren, Deanna (Ray) Amanda (Kelly), Julie (Brendon), Shaileen (Lance), Patricia (Andy); seven great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
As per her wishes, there will be no service.
As Florence said “When the tune is gone, the music’s finished.”
Although the music is finished, we will never forget your songs.
Thank you to all the people who supported Florence in her final years, the kidney clinic, the primary care team and family.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
The more you give,
The more you get,
The more you laugh, The less you fret.
The more you do unselfishly.
The more you live abundantly.
The more of everything you share,
The more you’ll always have to spare.
The more you love, the more you’ll find,
That life is good and friends are kind. For only what we give away, Enriches us from day to day.
Teresa Piercey-Gates the
Look Who's Celebrating
building , camping , fishing and traveling.
To capture his life in a nutshell is almost impossible He is a man of many talents and interests. He was born in 1928 on a homestead near Oakburn Manitoba and was only a boy when his family moved to High Hill Saskatchewan There, they farmed and survived on what he often describes as a “rock pile “! He met and married Naomi Salmond in 1951 and for a few years continued to farm the “rock pile “. During this time he also worked as a fire patrol man for the Parks service, fought fires and did some trapping.
In 1960 he moved his family to the nearby town of Kelvington. At this time he continued his previous jobs in addition to carpentry which he was very good at , especially finishing work in houses. To this day people comment on cupboards he built In 1973, Steve and family moved to Prince George, BC , where he continued to do carpentry work , first for construction and before long at Prince George pulp mill, where he retired in 1994. Steve and Naomi were married for 64 years up until Naomi’s
His many interests included hunting , birdwatching , radio mber 9, 2023, Steve Waycheshen,
passing in March 2015.
Together, they had 3 children, 6 grandchildren and now 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild! Always, his family came first!
Members of his family will be taking him for lunch November 9 at the Elder Recreation Association on 10th Avenue, Prince George Come by and say hello He would Love that!
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Property
DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN
The purpose of Pest Management Plan (PMP) No. 233-0025-24/29 is to reduce overall mosquito annoyance within the District of Mackenzie by using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control The PMP focuses on lar val mosquito control initiatives and uses public education, physical site modification and biological controls to reduce lar val mosquito populations, and to conser ve or enhance natural mosquito predators wherever possible This includes the use of non-persistent, bacterial lar vicides. This Pest Management Plan is a renewal of the expiring (April 2024) 5-year PMP for this program The proposed duration of this PMP is from 15 April 2024 to 15 April 2029 Mosquito lar vae require stagnant or non-flowing waters, temporar y or permanent, to develop Development habitats include river or lake level influenced floodwaters, marshes, ponds, ditches and catch basins When physical alterations (drainage, filling) are neither practical nor desirable, developing lar vae will be treated using VectoBac or VectoLex lar vicides. VectoBac 200G (PCP # 18158) contains the natural-occurring soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis and VectoLex CG (PCP # 28008) which is made with the related bacterium Bacillus sphaericus Both of these products are classified as bio-rational products, they do not accumulate in the environment and provide species-specific control of mosquito lar vae. They are non-toxic to other organisms including fish, birds, wildlife, man and domestic animals. Applications of VectoBac 200G and VectoLex CG will be made using aerial (helicopter) and ground-based, hand-broadcast methods Total lar vicide treatment area is not to exceed 400 hectares of public lands in each year of the PMP All applications will be conducted within the municipal boundaries of the District of Mackenzie. Included are all crown, provincial, municipal, regional district, First Nation and private lands, with permission of the applicable landowners, authority or agency
This Pest Management Plan for mosquito control is being prepared for the District of Mackenzie by Duka Environmental Services Ltd , a biological sciences firm, with extensive experience in integrated pest management plan development and local mosquito control operations Information on proposed treatment areas, annual mosquito control program operations and this PMP are available to the public by request from Duka Environmental Ser vices Ltd 19732 - 68th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 1H6 (604) 881-4565, Facsimile (866) 759-5902, or email; duka@telus.net For VectoBac or VectoLex product information please see the manufacturers website www.valentbiosciences.com
A person wishing to contribute information regarding a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of this Pest Management Plan, may send copies of the information to Duka Environmental Services Ltd. (agents for the District of Mackenzie) at the contact addresses above within 30 days of the publication of this notice The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in response to this notice and application will become par t
Cabins
Compost toilet for 2 - brand new never used $1200.00 obo (250-967-4215)
Duplexes for Rent
1/2 DUPLEX- 2bdrmAvail immediately in Prince George, BC. 4 Appls, quiet area, responsible adults only. N/S, Ref’s req’d. Call Theresa 250-962-5570
Out Of Town
Amenities Next to Eagle Point Golf (Kamloops) 985K Will carry mortgage View Realtor.ca 250-573-3346 e-mail biffsbenson@yahoo.ca
Clark(e) Elias Kumpula is indebted to Victoria Lynn Kumpula for unpaid rent and storage on 1996 FORD 350 Flat Deck-.VIN #2FDKF38F1TCA19330, 1995 FORD 150 Pickup.-VIN #1FTEF15Y5SLB14537 and a NORTH AMERICAN CARGO TRAILER VIN#5SMCL162X61000728. There is presently an amount due and owing of $18,921.96 plus any additional costs of storage, seizure and sale that may accrue. Notice is hereby given that on November 24, 2023, or thereafter, the said vehicle will be sold. The vehicle is currently stored at 269 Harper Street, Prince George, BC, V2M 2W1.
PGYSA IMPACT SC
(Prince George Youth Soccer Association)
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Date: Sunday December 3, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: PGYSA’s Indoor Facility, 965 Winnipeg St www pgysa.bc.ca
For New Board Member Nomination Forms please email: impact@pgysa.bc.ca
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTIFICATION DU PUBLIC
PROPOSED ROGERS
72 METER WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GUYED TOWER INSTALLATION
The proposed installation is composed of a 72-meter telecommunications guyed tower, including the antennas and a lightning rod
Coordinates: N53 82173 , W -122 65308
Location: 11700 Old Cariboo Hwy
Prince George, BC
PID: 009-326-936
Objective: To improve wireless coverage along the Cariboo Highway and communities of Buckhorn and Pineview and meet rising demands and needs for wireless services
Details: An equipment shelter will also be installed at the base of the proposed tower and the tower and equipment compound and the tower base will be surrounded by a security fence with a locked gated access point.
Site Location Map/ Carte de localisation du site Legal/Public Notices
The public is invited to provide written comments by end of business day 17:00 PDT December 15, 2023, to the contact information shown below. Please include a return address.
Le public est invité à fournir des commentaires écrits avant la fin du jour ouvrable 17 :00 PDT 15 décembre 2023, aux coordonnées indiquées ci-dessous. Veuillez inclure une adresse de retour.
Tower Installation Project
Projet d’installation d’une tour de télecommunication
Reference/Référence: W3057 Pineview
Rogers Communications Inc.
C/O Core One Consulting Ltd.
229 – 18525 53rd Ave
Surrey, BC V3S 7A4
Email: comments@coreoneconsultants.com
Please Reference W3057 Pineview in the Subject Line/ SVP veuillez faire référence au W3057 Pineview dans la ligne d’objet
ROGERS PROPOSE L’INSTALLATION D’UNE TOUR HAUBANÉE DE 72 MÈTRES POUR TÉLÉCOMMUNICATIONS SANS FIL
L’installation proposée est pour une tour haubanée de télécommunications de 72 mètres, incluant les antennes et un paratonnerre
Coordonnées: N53 82173 , W -122 65308
Lieu: 11700 Old Cariboo Hwy
Prince George, CB PID: 009-326-936
Objectif: Améliorer la couverture sans fil le long de la route de Cariboo et dans les secteurs de Buckhorn et de Pineview pour répondre à la demande croissante et besoins de services sans fil
Détails: Un abri d’équipement sera également installé à la base de la tour proposée et l’abri et la base de la tour seront entourés d’une clôture de sécurité avec un point d’accès verrouillé
What to look for in your next front door
Plain, glass, bulletproof; made of wood, PVC or fibreglass; neutral or vivid; square, mosaic or half-moon windows — when it comes to picking the right door for your main entrance, you have virtually endless possibilities to choose from. So what should you look for?
Of course, the style of your front door should harmonize well with the architecture of your home. Whether classic or cutting-edge, your door can be used as its own decor element to add personality to your façade. When you shop, bring along a photo of your house and the measurements of the space your door has to fit into. You may also choose to have a door custom made to your specifications for a final product that
matches your exact vision and needs.
From a practical standpoint, choose a door with good insulation properties and a low air leak rate. A good rule of thumb is to shop for Energy Star certified models. Make sure the weatherstripping is effective and durable.
Your ideal front door should be sufficiently soundproof, resistant to shocks and easy to maintain. It also needs to be secure: the lock and glass components should be strong enough to stave off an intruder’s attempts to enter your home. Finally, the best way to ensure that your door plays its part flawlessly is to leave its installation to the experts.
4 factors to consider when converting a basement into an apartment
Do you want to convert your basement into an apartment? If so, you should know this is a major renovation project that requires proper planning.
How to make your stairs safer
Falling down a flight of stairs can lead to a serious injury. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of unintentional injuries worldwide, behind only motor vehicle accidents. To make sure the stairs in your home are safe, consider implementing the following strategies.
• Add some grip. Stairs made of wood, polished concrete or tile can be slippery. Add some tread using carpet, stair runners or rubber mats. If you prefer the look of bare stairs, there are non-slip coatings available that are simply brushed on like paint.
• Keep the light on. Make sure the lighting in your stairway is at least as bright as that of the surrounding hallways. It’s also a good idea to install nightlights so you don’t miss a step at night.
• Don’t forget handrails. If possible, install handrails on both sides of the stairs. These should extend slightly from the top and the bottom, be between 34 to 38 inches (85 to 95 centimetres) high and strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult.
• Use a gate. If there are young children or pets in your home, you may want to consider using gates around the stairs. The best ones are attached directly to the wall and
don’t have any bars that can be used to climb over.
Most falls on residential staircases happen because there’s something in the way. For this reason, be sure to keep the steps clear at all times.
Here are four factors that are important to keep in mind.
1. THE LEGAL ASPECT
The first step is to contact your municipality to determine whether this type of renovation is permitted and, if so, what standards you’ll need to meet. Among other things, you may be required to have a minimum ceiling height, a fire separation between the units and a certain number of windows and exits. You should also find out what permits you’ll need.
2. THE BASIC COMFORTS
In order for a basement to be truly livable, you need to make sure the space has proper ventilation and that dampness isn’t an issue. You should also maximize the amount of natural light that
enters the apartment, and make sure the space is adequately insulated and soundproofed.
3. THE DIVISION OF SPACE
If you’re converting an unfinished basement, it might be more cost-effective to design a studio apartment. If your basement already has rooms, consider which walls to keep or remove in order to create a functional kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom. You should also incorporate sufficient storage space and, if possible, a laundry room.
4. THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Since basements tend to get less natural light and have lower ceilings than the rest of the house, it’s a good idea to favour light colours and materials for the walls, flooring and cabinets. This will help make the space feel bigger, brighter and airier.
Finally, be sure to work with certified professionals to ensure your renovation is a success.
HOMES
GO FOR GOLD.
Should moulding be the same colour as the walls?
When it comes time to paint a room, the moulding (or trim) presents an interesting conundrum: should it be the same colour as the walls?
The answer: it all depends on the desired effect — and the look of the moulding. Plain doorframes without any particular aesthetic features, for example, are usually best left to blend in with the surrounding wall. The same goes for a door that’s poorly framed — drawing attention to crooked trim is sure to disrupt the visual flow of the room.
If your moulding is quite plain, you might still choose to make it subtly stand out by painting it the same shade as the walls, but in a glossier, light-catching finish.
If your moulding is ornate, don’t hesitate to make it pop! Create contrast by using white, grey or black. If you decide to go with white, make sure you choose a shade that
matches the rest of the room’s colour palette — in other words, don’t use a crisp, cool white to trim a wall that’s painted in a rich, warm hue.
Finally, remember that if your moulding is of a different colour than your walls, it’s a good idea to paint all the moulding in your home the same colour. This is especially true when it comes to creating a harmonious overall look in an open-concept space.
Experiencing some drain-related drama? Camera inspection is a safe and effective way to assess the state of your foundation drain. Here’s how it works: a camera is inserted inside the drain and records all visible details, allowing a professional to precisely determine the origin of the problem. This makes
Blocked drain? Camera inspection to the rescue!
it easy to proceed with targeted repairs while keeping damage to the rest of your property to a minimum.
Backed-up sewers, punctured pipes, sluggish flushing… to wash away all your drainage problems, call your local experts without delay.
