Prince George Citizen February 15, 2024

The Prince George RCMP says charges have been approved by the BC Prosecution Service over an early morning shooting on Jan. 5 at the former UNDU clinic in the Lower Patricia encampment known as Moccasin Flats.

“Following the recent death of the victim as the result of his injuries, this investigation has now turned from an attempted murder investigation to a second-degree murder investigation,” noted Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

The suspect, Fabian James Charlie, remains in custody as the investigation continues by the Prince George RCMP’s serious crime unit.

Anyone with information about the shooting can contact the RCMP detachment at 250-561-3300 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.

TOM SUMMER Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Prince George RCMP on the scene of a shooting on Jan. 5 at the Moccasin Flats encampment. The victim later died of his injuries.

[F]or He was teaching His disciples, saying to them, ‘the Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill Him, and three days after being killed, He will rise again.’ But they did not understand what He was saying and were afraid to ask Him. - Mark 9:31-32

Easter is right around the corner! Easter is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, which is the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum, and the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the Paschal full moon.

At Ave Maria Specialties we have all your Easter and Lent needs, from books to cards, crucifixes, and anointing oils and even Easter advent calendars! a

He has risen, have faith in Him and He will always be there for you! Have a blessed and happy Easter, from all of us here at Ave Maria Specialties.

MLA blasts NDP for hospital expansion delay

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

In September 2020, the provincial government announced its approval of a concept plan for a new surgical tower for Prince George at University Hospital of Northern B.C.

Three-and-a-half years later, there is still no sign of when ground will be broken on construction to upgrade operating rooms, create a cardiac care ward and a mental health/addictions unit.

The design of the building and what it will contain has yet to be publicly released.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, the BC United opposition health critic, says it’s time for the government to stop dragging its feet and get underway with the $700 million project. She said the NDP has had ample time to move the tower project forward and it’s now looking like it won’t be complete until 2030.

“We are seven years into this government’s term and we are no closer to seeing a date for a revitalized University Hospital of Northern B.C. and that’s not acceptable,” said Bond.

“I remain deeply concerned about the fact we’re still discussing a business case instead of having shovels in the ground. When you think about the overcapacity at the hospital, the professional and medical staff are burnt out,” she said. “Prince George needs to be at the top of the priority list and I’m going to continue to advocate

with Minister Dix and Premier Eby to make sure we get the resources we need here at UHNBC.”

Health Minister Adrian Dix announced the new tower for Prince George in 2020 a day before then-Premier John Horgan called a snap election.

“There was a profound need for an upgrade project at UHNBC, which has become a major hospital in British Columbia - it doesn’t just serve Prince George but of course the whole region,” said Dix, in his announcement. The new tower, expected to rise six stories, will be built on the site now occupied by the Northern Interior Health Unit just east of the main hospital building along

Edmonton Street.

In late December, Northern Health spokesperson Steve Raper announced there was no provision in the surgical tower business plan to construct a rooftop helipad to land critically-injured and acutely-sick patients brought by helicopter to the hospital.

“It just shows how out of touch the government is with the people that live in this part of northern British Columbia,” said Bond. “We are a major regional referral centre and if we’re going to revitalize UHNBC it needs to have all the things that serve the people who live in the north, and of course it should have a helipad.”

Volunteers needed

The City of Prince George is looking for a number of volunteers for two of its committees. Seven of nine positions are open on the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion.

Three positions are open for a one-year term and four positions are available for a two-year term. This committee meets quarterly in January, April, July, and October on the third Thursday of the month

from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The deadline to apply for this committee is 5 p.m., March 7 and the term begins on April 1.

There is also one vacancy for a twoyear term available on the Tourism Prince George Society Board of Directors.

The deadline to apply for this position is 5 p.m. March 14 with the term also beginning in April.

The Northern Interior Health Unit on Edmonton Street adjacent to UHNBC will be demolished to clear the way for construction of a new six-storey surgical tower.

Exploration Place CEO announces retirement

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

The Exploration Place is bidding farewell to its long-serving CEO Tracy Calogheros, who is retiring after her 30-year tenure at the museum, with 20 of those years at the helm.

Calogheros came to the Exploration Place in 1994. With a fine arts background, her initial role as the Fraser Fort George Museum’s marketing and graphics coordinator marked the start of a remarkable career that has seen the institution undergo many changes.

She then guided the museum to significant expansions alongside groundbreaking and meaningful work with Indigenous communities.

Calogheros emphasized the importance of the museum’s commitment to reconciliation, a principle that has been integral to the museum’s operations long before it became a national conversation.

“The Fraser-Fort George Museum was a very different place in 1994 than it is

today,” she said. “But even then, the museum had a seat for the Lheidli T’enneh on its board, and it was that visionary approach to reconciliation before anyone had even heard the word that has shaped this award-winning, community-centred approach to museum work.”

She has served on multiple boards and dedicated her time to countless organizations, including the Canadian Museums

Association, where she is a Fellow and currently sits as President. She has also served as President of the Canadian Association of Science Centres board and has been a strong champion for science literacy.

“No kid wakes up at 18 and decides they want to be an engineer or an epidemiologist unless they have grown up excited about scientific endeavour,” she said.

Reflecting on her retirement, Calogheros expressed profound gratitude toward the collaborative efforts that have propelled the museum’s success.

“This organization and this community have given me opportunities I would never have dreamt of in 1994 when I first interviewed for an unemployment insurance program position. Flash forward 30 years, and I am humbled to have played my part in this museum’s development.”

As of June 30, Calogheros will embark on a new chapter, chasing the seasons on Iowna Island at Francois Lake with her husband John.

“Under Tracy’s leadership, The Exploration Place has evolved into a leading museum and science centre,” said The Exploration Place Board of Trustees President Helena Trudel. “On behalf of the Board, I extend my sincere thanks to Tracy for her devoted service to the organization and the museum sector spanning the last three decades. The Board is commencing the search for a new CEO.”

Exporation Place museum CEO Tracy Calogheros played a Fort George Railroad conductor featured in the Little Prince segment made by Alberta videographer Peter Hays for the Telus Landmarks video series.

First Nations applaud Supreme Court decision

Citizen staff/The Canadian Press

Carrier Sekani Family Services and its 14 member First Nations in the B.C. Central Interior are celebrating last week’s Supreme Court decision upholding the right for Indigenous Nations to provide their own child and family services.

Based in Prince George, Carrier Sekani Family Services, along with four Carrier Sekani nations, were granted intervener status in the case.

The Carrier Sekani interveners argued that the case-by-case approach has created unreasonable barriers to self-government.

The federal government passed a new act in 2020, establishing national minimum standards for the delivery of child and family services.

The Quebec government challenged the act on constitutional grounds, arguing that Canada cannot hold Indigenous laws above provincial laws.

“We have advocated and worked very hard to change the system, we finally have our right to care for our children our way and is protected by the constitution of Canada,” Carrier Sekani Family Services Board President and Saik’uz First Nation Chief Priscilla Mueller said in a release.

“Now the BC government has no choice but to ensure that it has a process to support First Nations autonomy and inherent rights in all aspects of Indigenous well-being.”

“This decision clears the way for our Nations to devote their time and resources to the work that matters: caring for our children,” Warner Adam, CEO of Carrier Sekani Family Services, said.

Assembly of First Nations national chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak called the decision a significant step forward, especially as First Nations have never surrendered their jurisdiction over their children and families.

The decision received multilateral support among federal political parties, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledging the harms caused by child welfare systems, including the loss of identity, language and connection to communities.

Asked whether, if elected, he would stand by the law, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said his party believes in “more autonomy for First Nations communities and less paternalistic control by government.”

He said the federal Conservatives would “respect the rights of First Nations families to raise their own children.”

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RCMP bust 3D printed firearms operation

3D printed firearms and other items were seized in Prince George by officers with BC’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) and the Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team (IFET).

TOM SUMMER Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

One man been has been arrested in Prince George after items associated with a 3D printed firearms operation were seized recently by officers with B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) and the Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team (IFET).

Together the units launched a firearms trafficking investigation, with combined forces initiating the investigation in January.

On Feb. 5, investigators executed search warrants on a residence in Prince George. They seized several items from the home, including:

• one (1) 3D printer

• one (1) loaded and fully assembled 3D printed firearm with an auto sear

COME CELEBRATE WINTER! Veterans Plaza – City Hall Saturday, Feb 17, 2024 11am to 4pm

• numerous 3D printed frames, slides and magazines

• one (1) rifle with an obliterated serial number

• prohibited devices such as suppressors and extended magazines

• ammunition

• US currency believed to be counterfeit

A man associated with the residence was arrested and released, pending further investigation and potential criminal

charges.

“The collaborative work by CFSEU-BC and partner agencies is key when developing strategies to mitigate criminal activity associated with organized crime,” wrote Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC, in a press release.

“3D printers, when used for a nefarious purpose puts public safety at risk. CFSEU-BC, along with our partners, utilize all enforcement and investigative strategies that speak to the overall effort to ensure public safety,” she added.

HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff

The BC Wildfire Service said it is monitoring holdover fires from the 2023 fire season, as in some areas they are smoldering and producing visible smoke. This is expected on fires of considerable size or in areas experiencing ongoing drought conditions and BCWS says it will determine appropriate courses of action as spring approaches.

A holdover fire is a fire that remains dormant or undetected for a considerable time after it starts. It is possible for large fires to move deep underground

through winter across region

and “slumber” undetected for a period of time. Heat can simmer underground for days, weeks, or even months and, then as the weather dries out and temperatures rise, these fires can flare up.

The BC Wildfire Service has protocols in place to patrol large fires when weather conditions could allow holdover fires to show themselves. Ground and air patrols may be conducted to look for smoke and/ or heat (via thermal imaging).

Ground patrols focus on smoke plumes and can be done by staff from areas with good visibility of the area of concern. Air patrols also look for smoke plumes but also use thermal imaging to locate heat

signature. At the end of 2023, much of northeastern B.C. remained in Drought Levels 4 and 5, indicating that adverse impacts were likely and/or almost certain.

Snow pack has also remained a factor. The February 1 Snow Survey reported that “the provincial snowpack remains very low, averaging 61 per cent of normal across British Columbia.”

While the survey also notes that there are still two to three months left in the snow season, and that conditions may change slightly over this period, the current trends in low snowpack are expected to persist. At this time last year, the average snowpack across the province was

79 per cent of normal. This year’s current totals are lower compared to 2023 due to dry and warm conditions experienced through the snow accumulation season; however, regional variation in snowpack can be expected. BCWS says personnel are currently monitoring existing fires as conditions allow and are establishing response priorities.

For anyone in the vicinity of a holdover fire (or other incident) and have additional concerns, the BC Wildfire Service asks that you make a report by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone, or directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

Anti-racism forum brings out best... and worst

As most longtime Citizen readers know, I moderate the online comments made below stories before they appear on the website.

But sometimes that’s not enough and every once in a while, I have to close comments entirely.

For the first time in quite some time, I did that last week for a story headlined ‘Forum on the impact of racism coming to Prince George.’

The majority of the comments that came in complained that they were tired about hearing about racism, that they were tired of hearing about people of colour complaining about racism, and/or that they thought this was just another gathering of people of colour to plot against white people.

That’s the polite summary.

Posting what was actually sent would have likely led to the opening of an RCMP investigation into whether the Citizen had violated Canada’s hate speech laws, which I, publisher Curtis Armstrong and the Citizen’s new owner Cameron Stolz would have been held legally responsible for far more than the people actually making the comments.

I arrived at Saturday’s forum (full disclosure: I moderated a similar forum for the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) in 2020) with a heavy heart but my spirits were lifted by what I saw and heard.

About 150 attended to celebrate (it was Chinese New Year, after all) the fantastic progress that has been made in Prince George, in B.C., and in Canada. As Mayor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

GATEWAY GETTING BETTER

It’s been some time since the 24-hour convenience store on 20th Avenue closed its doors permanently and since then there has been a noticeable difference in the population of homeless, drug dealers, addicts and others who would frequent the area and how much theft has drastically decreased in the surrounding area as well. Since the convenience store closed, most of the aforementioned people have since moved on to other areas of the city.

It was not uncommon to see groups of as many as 40 people hanging around 20th Avenue and you sure didn’t

feel safe being near them.

Simon Yu proudly pointed out, 100 years ago the Chinese Exclusion Act was Canadian law and now a Chinese man was the mayor of Prince George.

More work needs to be done, of course, but there was no public discussion about white oppression, white responsibility, or white guilt, itself a stereotypical racist belief that that’s all people of colour ever talk about.

The sad irony is that too many white people spend too much time talking about how it’s “they” that are racist against white people, it’s “they” that don’t love Canada and Canadians, it’s “they” that feel they are entitled to more than their fair share.

There are real and imagined reasons behind that fear and anger, which can’t be discounted (and have been discussed

While it sucks for those areas, the Gateway has seen a noticeable improvement in safety, cleanliness and no big groups of users hanging around many of the businesses in the area.

While it has not wholly disappeared as there are still several addicts and dealers in the area, they are considerably less noticeable now.

Overdoses and thefts were a daily occurrence and caused no end of headaches and grief for both businesses and local residents and now instead of daily ODs, one employee stated they went two weeks without an OD on their premises.

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

extensively elsewhere) but I digress.

Saturday’s conversation showcased Prince George (and humanity) at its very best.

Nothing but good comes from a peaceful gathering when we optimistically and respectfully discuss how we – whoever we are, whatever our skin colour is and wherever we came from - can all work together to make Prince George a better place to live for everyone, from the Lheidli T’enneh people, the original inhabitants of this land, to longtime settlers to the newest arrivals from Ukraine or wherever in Canada and the rest of the world.

Seriously, why would anyone be against that?

Neil Godbout is the editor-in-chief of the Prince George Citizen

It is amazing how closing the doors of one business has improved the local area and improved the outlook of many people.

I hope it continues to get better as time goes on but I am also understanding that it can just as easily return to a disaster again.

We all know the city, band councils, provincial and federal governments still won’t do anything but point fingers but maybe somewhere someone will take notice of what happened here and actually be pro-active but then again it’s a pipe dream that any of those can or will do anything.

Dean Soiland, Prince George

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Land Act kerfuffle points way to reconciliation

After sifting through the sands of Engage BC last week – what passes for the citizen engagement process – Vaughn Palmer found something for his column: a change to the Land Act that would make it possible for First Nations to collaboratively govern their traditional territories that have been designated “Crown Land” (i.e. nearly the whole province).

And this innocuous column has led to a proliferation of hyperbole from Palmer and others – Nathan Cullen was attempting to sneak through legislation that would lead to First Nations having a veto over development; First Nations having a say over how their traditional territories are governed is a threat to democracy; this will spell doom for potential resource projects. Chicken Little comes to mind, especially considering the track record of the province when it comes to actually sharing power with First Nations. Cullen’s response was that these changes were part of the implementation of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which itself implements the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in BC. Moving forward with reconciliation means sharing decision-making with the people who were here first. And, of course, Cullen’s mea culpa focused on the importance of engagement with British Columbians. What I want to explore is how this

mess, in which First Nations are once again being used as political footballs in an election year (and which in some possible worlds could turn into a “Gordon-Campbell-referendum-on-the-treaty-process” embarrassment), could have been avoided.

The real issue in my opinion is that the provincial government has not articulated a clear vision of what reconciliation means, why BC needs to enter into it, and how the outcomes will benefit everyone.

If I were to piece together a vision for BC from this government, it would be a province where the pre-existing jurisdictions and decision-making processes of First Nations are reconciled with the Crown’s jurisdiction and decision-making processes. The result would be a coordination of these systems to produce legitimate, sustainable decisions, and involve the people living in the places impacted by those decisions. Basically, settlers and Indigenous peoples work together to make decisions, and decisions about the land are made closest to where they will be felt. Democracy, baby.

The reality is, even if this vision of harmony were well-articulated, there are plenty of people who don’t want to see First Nations increasing their jurisdiction and authority. They may see First Nations as inherently anti-business. They may think that First Nations have only gotten in the way of expedient resource

extraction in the past, and therefore should be excluded from decision-making in the future.

At bottom, our colonial propaganda machine that began for many of us with the public school system, and continues to inform many systems, is really behind why many of us settlers have an aversion to collaborating with First Nations when it comes to decision-making on the land. For this mix of reasons, at least one vocal segment of settler society continuously claims that First Nations are in no position to make decisions about their own lands.

So part of communicating this vision of reconciliation needs to include the reality of why First Nations may have been doing things like blockading logging roads. It’s pretty simple: it’s their land, and not only have they have been excluded from any decisions about what to do with it, they have been excluded from the economic benefits of the resources extracted from it. Increasing First Nations authority in decision-making isn’t some good will gesture from bleeding heart socialists. It’s a legal and economic imperative.

Legal because time and time again the Canadian courts, using Canadian law, have found that, basically, the BC government doesn’t have the receipt for most of the province. They have been making decisions since at least 1871 without the authority to do so, and therefore the

courts continually pile on conditions on these decisions that logically lead us to just sharing decision-making.

In a recent court decision at the BC Supreme Court -- Thomas and Saik’uz First Nation v. Rio Tinto Alcan Inc -- Justice Kent went so far as to say Crown sovereignty is a legal fiction used to justify the dispossession of lands from Indigenous peoples. But since he’s a judge in the Canadian court system, whose authority is based on that fiction, he had to set that aside and make a ruling.

And economic, because if there isn’t some way of First Nations actually getting to decide what happens on their own lands, then they are going to go back to the blockades – and the courts. And the BC government knows that if First Nations go back to resorting to lengthy and costly legal proceedings, the government will just keep losing.

So, the vision for the future of BC that the NDP government really needs to be communicating is one where decisions are made by the people who are most impacted by those decisions, and who also have the most knowledge of what’s happening on the ground. In order to bring everyone along on this bumpy road of reconciliation, we need greater communication about the vision that is being accomplished by things like a revision to the Land Act.

Andreas Krebs is a Prince George writer.

Youth will show talent at regional science fair

The Central Interior Science Exhibition is scheduled for March 9th in the Bentley Science Centre at UNBC.

Like last year, it is an “in-person” event – students of all ages presenting their science fair projects to judges. No more virtual fairs where students present online.

Why an in-person event? Because students can present much more information when on campus and perhaps more importantly, they get to see what other science-minded students are doing. Plus, various student clubs and organizations at the university will have

hands-on activities and displays.

All in all, it will be a celebration of fun and science for everyone involved.

I have been part of the CISE for the past 28 years but the exhibition has been going on for much longer. CISE is one of the 12 regional fairs in British Columbia under the auspices of the B.C. Science Fair Foundation.

Every year, we try to send five students to the Canada-wide Science Fair, which will be in Ottawa this year. (If anyone would like to help support these students, please let us know at CIScienceExhibition@gmail.com! Any support would be gratefully received!)

During my time with CISE, I can say we have had some amazing students carry on to Canada-wide. They are part of the BC Team which typically has around 75 participants. And our students are competitive with the best from all the other regions. Some have had amazing inventions.

For example, Ashley Anderson and Forrest Tower are just two of the students selected from our region over the years to represent British Columbia (and Canada) at the Taiwan International Science Fair in Taipei, Taiwan. They earned a third place showing in the environmental category for their project “Application of Biofuel

Technologies for Third World Countries” which consisted of a system to generate cooking fuel from compostable material. Last year, Prabhnoor Sidhu earned a silver excellence award at the Canada-wide Science Fair for her invention of a system to lessen the effects of fast moving landslides. While she didn’t get a trip to Taiwan (no international in-person fairs yet), she certainly attracted the attention of the media and engineering firms. So please join us at the CISE and get a glimpse of the next generation of science superstars.

Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.

City of Prince George great at wasting money

Afew weeks ago, we spent around 14 hours sitting in the city council chambers for the budget deliberations, as our elected officials and administrative leadership sweated it out under the blazing lights of public scrutiny.

Apparently, we were lucky we had lights.

They looked like regular fluorescents to me but I guess they couldn’t be maintained.

Parts were unavailable.

There were vague murmurings they could quit at any moment.

And as director of civic facilities Andy Beasley said, if they did quit, there wouldn’t be a budget to replace them.

The council chambers could be immersed in indefinite darkness, and how would that serve public accountability?

The pressure was on to approve the $336,000 line item to replace the lighting in probably a 1,500 square foot room and an adjacent meeting room.

And approved it was, although Coun. Kyle Sampson did propose a successful amendment to look at ways to reduce the cost.

Never mind reduce the cost.

Those council chambers could be lit up at a tenth of the cost of what got approved.

The price tag needed a complete overhaul.

But wasting money seems to be one thing our city is great at.

We had an entire fleet of dump trucks out last week hauling snow in 12 C heat.

I guess they were in a rush to burn up that budget before the snow melted?

Then we have the mowers on the boulevards I counted four times before the 1st of June last year. If you can believe this, I saw them mowing the lawns on Oct. 23.

More significantly, we keep approving irresponsible developments with stormwater management issues the rest of us have to subsidize to the tune of tens of millions of dollars.

The consequences of this can’t be ignored for much longer.

City taxes are going up 6.78 percent, part of a 20 percent increase over the past four years.

It’s not sustainable.

But at times I’m not sure our council is all that concerned.

On one of the nights, Coun. Garth Frizzell left the meeting to teach a class.

That left city council without a tie breaker and the $270,000 CN Centre executive suite upgrade passed

because of it.

But even if Frizzell’s schedule hadn’t got in the way, I’m not sure the process is set up to meaningfully reduce costs.

According to the 2022 city financial statements, if I counted it right, we have 168 city employees earning more than $100,000 a year.

That’s almost half the total unionized workforce of 375.

I ascribe to the “public choice” theory of public administration, which is that bureaucracy of any sort is naturally a parasitic entity whose primal drive is expansion.

Its impulse is more employees, more management, more administration, more salaries, and more responsibilities.

I’m all for a well-paid, happy and effective bureaucracy but it’s the politician’s job to ensure it doesn’t get out of hand.

There needs to always be a check on relentless bureaucratic creep.

That means some tough questions, informed scrutiny, and perhaps a bit more skepticism that those fancy bells and whistles, or in this case lights, are really needed.

James Steidle is a Prince George writer.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WHITES SINGLED OUT

Am I the only one who took exception to Neil Godbout singling out white people (see page 8)? What Neil said is true. We do complain about some, not all, minorities complaining when they come to

letters@pgcitizen.ca

being racist because I did not give free rides to some. I have heard minorities complain about others. So racism exists in all races but to single out white people is wrong and almost sounds racist. Roland Hill, Prince George

Hall of Fame inductees named

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Athletes Amanda Asay, Kenny Lally and Megan Tandy and coach/builders Edna Stitt and Joe Rea are this year’s inductees into the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame.

They will join a select group of 83 previous inductees into the Hall at a banquet set for Saturday, April 6, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel.

Asay, who died in a skiing accident in January 2022, was a multisport star who played on the women’s national baseball team for 17 years, while also excelling as an NCAA hockey and softball player.

Lally was a boxer and current coach with the Inner City Boxing Club who won 11 provincial championships, seven national titles and fought internationally in his

14-year career.

Tandy, a product of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, climbed the national biathlon team ranks and went on to compete in 108 World Cup events from 2008-2019. She represented Canada at three Olympics, in 2010, 2014 and 2018.

Rea, an accomplished provincial-level curler, coached Canada’s wheelchair curling team to three consecutive Paralympic gold medals, winning in 2006, 2010 and 2014.

Stitt, a former hockey/fastball player, continues to fuel her lifetime passion for sports as a dedicated volunteer timekeeper/scorekeeper in hockey and baseball.

The five were chosen from a list of 16 submissions sent to the nominating committee.

Fourteen young athletes will also receive Rising Star awards that night. Those names will be announced later this month.

Riders make their way around the Supertrak BMX track during the first practice of the season in 2017.

BMX club gets grant for rebuild

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

The Prince George Supertrak BMX Club has received $76,513.17 from a Prince George Community Foundation and Downtwon Rotary Club grant.

The amount was what was left of the proposed mega park project grant that included the proceeds from the Prince George Cougar’s Mega 50/50 jackpot.

The funds are enough to complete the entire rebuild of the BMX track, located across from Masich Place, that will allow the club to host national events and open the possibility of a training site for Olympic qualifying athletes.

Right now, the club has between 300 and 350 members ranging in age from one-and-half years old to some who are in their 70s and 80s.

“We’re so excited and grateful to have been awarded the funds to grow our sport in Prince George and the North,” Samuel Dean, vice president of the Supertrak BMX of Prince George said. “These funds will be put to good use supporting the sport of BMX and our youth/ adult athletes in Prince George and the surrounding areas.”

The upgrading will take place in early spring, just in time for the regular season to start in May, Dean said. Long-term goals include creating an indoor facility for year-round activity.

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Former local journalist to lead CBC initiative

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

A former Prince George journalist is the new senior director for the CBC’s National Indigenous Strategy.

Robert Doane, a Gitxsan journalist and former producer and host of CBC’s Daybreak North show based in Prince George, will lead the implementation of the new three-year plan geared to improving its employment and representation of Indigenous peoples moving forward.

Before Doane started his career at CBC in 2006, he studied journalism at the University of Calgary and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

During his time at CBC, Doane held the roles of researcher, associate producer, reporter, host and producer.

He completed his masters in business administration with a specialization in leadership at Royal Roads University in 2017.

He also graduated from CBC’s Developing Emerging Leaders program and co-chaired CBC’s All Nations Employee Resource Group.

Doane earned several national and provincial Radio Television Digital News Associaton awards.

When Doane left CBC in 2018, he joined Carrier Sekani Family Services in Prince George as director of communications.

“I owe a ton of gratitude to them because they really taught me about reciprocity and engagement,” Doane said.

Doane returned to CBC in December 2020 to take on the role of Indigenous Advisor which was a newly created role. The Indigenous Advisor supports ongoing and increased Indigenous representation and the amplification of Indigenous voices at CBC which is crucial to the organization’s overall strategy of building a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace, a news release said at the time.

“This position must be one that creates space for Indigenous employees of today and the future,” Doane said at the time of his appointment in 2020.

“The challenges facing Indigenous staff are many and I think it is imperative to ask ourselves what we can do to support those who are now here and those to come. A key piece to this position

A

is engagement, to learn from and celebrate those who are already here, and to engage with those communities and territories on which we conduct our day-to-day business. It will be my job to listen, learn and to develop a strategy to tackle the challenges we collectively face: from how we recruit, train and retain staff, to how we are portrayed in media, and how we can collectively educate to ensure we are all walking on the same path together.”

Further developments since then resulted in the creation of the CBC’s National Indigenous Strategy whose aim is to better reflect, respect and amplify diverse Indigenous perspectives across the public broadcaster, Doane said.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Doane said about the creation of the strategy.

“We started the work on this plan about two and a half years ago. A large group of us came together – First Nations, Metis and Indigenous folks and non-Indigenous folks and we came together as a team to do the work.”

The first step was to look at the organization as it stood and then the team conducted engagement sessions across the country, which was challenging because of the pandemic, Doane added.

“But we met with hundreds of First Nations, Metis and Inuit folks and then we got writing,” Doane said.

The three-year strategic plan was approved by the board in September and it was released on Feb. 6.

“It’s really a document that provides information around governance, the people that we hire, around relationships, how we establish and build relationships

The challenges facing Indigenous staff are many and I think it is imperative to ask ourselves what we can do to support those who are now here and those to come.’

with Indigenous peoples across the country and many other things,” Doane said.

“There’s 14 objectives and 49 actions that will be leading us over the next three years.”

Doane said he thinks it’s incredible that

he can be part of the work being done.

“It’s been a learning journey for me – I am just one perspective – but I’ve got to meet so many people and learn along the way and build on those learnings,” he said.

Doane knows his education and work history has brought him to the position he is in now.

“And I will continue learning,” Doane said. “It’s exciting to be at this point –we’ve got a lot of work to do – it’s not going to be easy – but for the first time the public broadcaster has a plan they never had before, so it’s exciting.”

Doane said he knows they’ll make mistakes along the way because it’s a learning journey for everyone.

“But it’s really about making a better place for everyone,” Doane said.

“I hope everyone’s excited to see what comes of it and I hope it creates more opportunities for more First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples to get more equitable opportunities in the organization and I think it will also help us shape our programming in a good way – not just on the radio but in the podcasts realm and TV, streaming – all those things, because this really builds on the work that many people have been doing already.”

former Prince George journalist is the new senior director for the CBC’s National Indigenous Strategy.

Quilt raffle inspired by friend’s experience

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Knowing what hospice care meant to her dying friend during the last month of her life, Jennette Scott has always thought highly of the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society and the work they do to bring comfort to guests and their families.

Scott knew she’d found a treasure in the Hospice Resale Shop in Tabor Plaza when she picked up a queen-sized quilt that had a sticker price of $18. The store clerk gave her a seniors discount that reduced the price to just $15.

She knows it was worth a lot more than that, knowing it probably took dozens of hours to make it. Somebody told her a similar-sized quilt sold for $700.

So Scott came up with an idea to use it as a raffle item to benefit the hospice society.

In January she started selling raffle tickets for a toonie each in the River Bend Manor seniors lodge where she lives and has since collected $833.

“I know what the value of quilts is, you pay a lot for them, and when I saw that, I really don’t need it and maybe we could do something with it as a fundraiser,” said

Scott.

“It just took off. People are just so grateful. A lot of people have lost family members and the staff at the hospice house helped them through that.”

She’s hoping that total will climb over a thousand dollars before the Valentine’s Day draw date on Feb. 14.

Her friend Cathy who died in hospice care was going through cancer treatments and one day she offered to take Scott out to lunch and on her way into the restaurant she slipped on a patch of ice and the impact knocked the wig she wore off her head.

“She said, ‘Jennette, my biggest fear was that somebody would see me with my bald head,’” said Scott. “I kissed the top of her head and said, ‘your head is beautiful.

“Her daughter wanted me to share that story at her memorial.”

Scott is a breast cancer survivor and is familiar with the service provided by the hospice and the BC Cancer Centre for the North. She keeps a sign up in her house that reads: “I think I’ll just be happy today.”

“I live by that because I had breast cancer nine years ago and I just know the people not only at the cancer clinic but at hospice are amazing,” Scott said.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

River Bend Manor resident Jennette Scott shows off the quilt she’s raffling to raise money for the Prince George Palliative Care Society.

Sports legend Joey Potskin mourned

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Prince George has lost one of its greatest athletes.

Joey Potskin died Friday near his home in Horse Lake, Alta., after an extended illness. He was 53.

Referred to as the “Native Gretzky,” Potskin excelled in every sport he tried and his knack for playing the game made him the envy of his peers.

Off the playing field and away from the rinks, Potskin’s magnetic personality and sense of humour drew people to him, as childhood friend Scott Cunningham recalled, “like Elvis.”

Potskin made his mark in junior hockey as a scoring star with the Hobbema Hawks, Chilliwack Chiefs and Prince George Spruce Kings. For decades, he was the dominant infielder and top hitter in the Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association and the Prince George Senior Baseball League and his baseball skills earned him a tryout with Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves.

“We were like brothers and I loved him, for sure, but very jealous in a lot of ways because, naturally, he could play anything,” said Randy Potskin, who was a year older than Joey, his first cousin and constant companion growing up in the VLA neighbourhood of inner-city Prince George. “I played tennis a little bit and he picks up a racquet and kicks my ass. Badminton was the same thing, kicked my ass, golf, he picked it up so easily.”

Randy was 16 and Joey was 15 when they attended their first junior A hockey camp in Hobbema.

Both realized early on they weren’t ready to play against guys with beards who used their size and physical style to intimidate.

After one day on the ice, they asked Joey’s dad Joe to come and bring them back to Prince George.

The following season they returned to Hobbema and Joey went on to be the team’s rookie of the year, while Randy played for the junior B team.

Joey returned to the Hawks for his 17-year-old season but after that he got homesick and chose to stay in Prince George.

The Hawks didn’t want to give up his

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Joey Potskin and his son Tre hold up one of the trophies Joey won during his time as one of the city’s best-ever fastball players.

playing rights and he had to sit out half of the 1988-89 season before he was allowed to suit up for the Spruce Kings.

That half-season with the Kings was brief but productive. Playing centre on the “Bannock Line” with Randy and his cousin Chad Ghostkeeper, Joey put up 17 goals and 38 points in 27 regular season games and led the team with five playoff points.

“It didn’t matter if you were on a cardboard box on the ice or the ball field, you were the best at whatever it was and we all wanted to be as good as you,” said Ghostkeeper, in his Facebook tribute to Joey.

“Because of you I got into sports late at a young age playing hockey downstairs in the basement and going to watch you play rep hockey. Who knows where I’d be today without you. On the ice watching you not even moving your feet just doing some breakdancing moves with your head and shoulders making those D-men look so stupid, we just shook our heads.”

As a 19-year-old, Joey attended the Kings’ training camp but the offer of a salary and his own apartment in Hobbema convinced him to leave Prince George suddenly and he turned in an MVP season in the AJHL with the Hawks, totalling

59 goals and 59 assists for 108 points in just 47 games as well as 16 playoff points. When he was 20, Potskin jumped at the chance to play for the Chilliwack Chiefs in their inaugural B.C. Junior Hockey season, knowing the league’s reputation for attracting NHL scouts, and it turned out to be a good move.

Playing on a line with his good friend Marc Gagnon, Potskin won the BCJHL scoring title with 60 goals and 86 assists for 146 points, one point more than Gagnon.

The Chiefs finished first in their division and lost in the 1991 league semifinals.

In 2022, Potskin was one of 12 forwards named to the BCHL’s 60th anniversary team.

“Joey was an electrifying player to watch who had fans on their feet every time he was on the ice,” said former Chiefs president Barry Douglas.

After he was cut from his Prince George 15U Babe Ruth baseball team, Joey never played minor baseball again, sticking to softball. But his ability to throw a baseball 90 miles per hour caught the eye of Atlanta Braves scout Bill Clark at a tryout camp in Prince George in the summer of 1990.

Before leaving to play hockey in Chilliwack, Potskin signed a pro contract with the Braves, committing him to a season of rookie ball with their Gulf Coast League affiliate.

He joined the Braves instructional team the following April in Bradenton, Fla., as soon as his hockey season ended. Joey had plenty of raw skill for baseball but just needed more practice time and he was out of his comfort zone in the searing Florida heat.

“I’m learning so much about playing shortstop I can’t believe it,” Joey told Citizen sports reporter Lee Anderson. “They’re teaching me how to grab the ball, bring it to my belt, pop it into my throwing hand and release it. It’s one, two, three. I had a little trouble with it at first but I’m doing alright now. I didn’t realize it, but I didn’t know anything about playing shortstop.”

Joey played just one game in the Gulf Coast League, had three at-bats – all line drives hit to second base - and batted in one run. After two months he was released.

“If he stuck with ball seriously, who knows, he might have played triple-A, he was that skilled,” said Randy.

“I’ve seen things that just made me wonder, what did you just do, like some the catches, throwing from his knees, throwing across his body - you only see that at the elite level. Guys trying out for our team at first base would quit because he threw too hard.”

Joey came back to Prince George and for years was an integral part of the Lumber/River Kings Softball Club, helping them bring home the Canadian Native Fastball Championship six times. On some weekends he’d earn $2,000 as a hired gun playing for other teams in big fastball tournaments.

In 1996, competing against teams from Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver, Potskin won the Nor-West Major Fastball League batting crown ahead of national team players, playing for his hometown Prince George River Kings.

After a nine-game stint in the ECHL with the Roanoke Valley Rebels, Potskin moved to Horse Lake, Alta., and played senior hockey with the Peace River Stampeders, Horse Lake Thunder, Fort St. John Flyers and High Prairie Regals. He stayed close to minor hockey rinks and loved to share his secrets with kids.

Prince George hockey parent Alex Schmeisser was there that day he put on his skates as a guest coach of a team his cousin Randy was coaching.

“Joey was teaching the kids how to shoot the puck and he had the kids point to different parts of the net,” said Schmeisser.

“Amazing thing was Joey never missed where the kids pointed to. Crossbars, posts, top corners, low corners, five hole. He could hit them all. As a parent watching, it was amazing. Never seen anything like it before or since. The kids were in awe and learned a lot about shooting the puck that day.”

Predeceased by his mother Patsy and sister Marlene, Joey is survived by his wife Denise Horseman, son Tre, daughters Cree and Krysandra, his father Joe, and sisters Angela and Mailyn.

His family in Horse Lake is planning a private service and a celebration of Joey’s life will follow sometime this summer in Prince George.

Snow, ice conditions hold up for Iceman

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Despite a scarcity of snow and very little ice, the 37th annual Prince George Iceman went off without a hitch Sunday.

An unusually warm and dry winter forced organizers of the multisport endurance race to make contingency plans in case the two outdoor venues – the ski trails at Otway Nordic Centre and the skating rink at the Exhibition Park ice oval – weren’t available.

Thankfully for the 382 competitors who entered, that wasn’t an issue.

Closure of most of the ski trails at Otway resulted in a course change for the cross-country ski segment that started the race and it was shortened from the usual eight kilometres down to six kilometres. The 116 skiers did six laps on a one km loop and despite the congestion of a mass start all that traffic on the trails resulted in no major catastrophes.

“It went very smoothly and it gave us some ideas of creating a new route that’s shorter so the spectators and teams can see the skiers more,” said Iceman chair Julie Ubdegrove.

“The whole event went well. The oval got skated out pretty good because there were so many skaters on it but it was awesome. There were so many spectators watching and cheering on. The whole day was pretty epic. A week before we thought it would be a run-run-swim. It was good we got to keep the ski and the skate.”

From Otway, the race turned into a running event for the 10 km jaunt to Exhibition Park, where skaters completed a five km course that led into a five km run. Iceman ended at the Aquatic Centre for the 800-metre swim segment.

After the ice oval melted down to bare dirt last month, it was touch and go whether volunteer ice crews could build the ice thick enough to withstand all those blades but they did it. If not for artificial snow machines the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club invested in years ago, there would not have been enough snow to host the race.

This was the start of the Prince George Iceman with 116 skiers leaving the stadium in a mass start at Otway Nordic Centre.

The weather Sunday was pretty much ideal, with no snow and mild temperatures that hovered near the freezing mark.

“It was just a great year overall and we’re hoping this builds some momentum so next year we can have an even bigger Iceman,” said Ubdegrove.

Alex Nemethy of Vanderhoof captured the Iceman overall male solo title, completing the course in 1:49:03.6, followed by Josiah Wilkinson (1:57:23.6) and James Sader (1:58:14.3).

Lindsay Van der Meer was the fastest female soloist. Competing in the female masters category, Van der Meer stopped the clock in 2:09:40.7.

Sarah Newton, the grand masters category winner, was second overall in 2:28:12.8.

Cianna Pawluk, who won the open women’s solo title, had the third-quickest solo female time (2:36:59.1), followed by masters category winner Shelly Martland

(2:38:03.5).

There were 35 soloists in the race.

Barry Nakahara won the masters male title (2:01:45.0), while Richard Harrison topped the male veterans list (2:29:35.9).

Seventy-two adult teams and 13 junior teams competed in the relay.

Freeze My Body Into the Ice Oval (Cam McNamara and Elizabeth Hirsch) got to the finish quicker than any other team, while winning the open mixed title in 1:41:16.5).

Moms Snow Everything (Lynda Foreman, Amy Rowe, Kristy Maclean) posted the quickest female relay time (2:05:37.8) while winning the masters team title.

Slinky Slinksters (Christy Blackburne, Jill Sader, Erin Sketchley) won the open female relay category (2:06:48.2).

ZATOG (John Bowes, Zach Matyas, Josh Van der Meer, Bryce Gladdish,

Johnny Enemark) set the winning pace (1:43:27.8) in the male open relay.

Ice Force (Wanda Nemethy, Brian Nemethy, Terry Lazaruk, Jason Mclean) won mixed grand masters relay (2:05:33.2), while Duchess Park Snazzy Staff (Ali Cadell, Miriam Green, Will Cadell, Gillian Russell) topped the mixed open relay list (2:08:26.2).

Junior (16-and-under) relay winners were:

Female – Chicks With Kicks (Mika Hara, Kiah Thiessen-Clark, Brenna McCleary, Madalyn Lazurak, Isabel Simoes, Lyric Kessler – 1:46:02.7; Male – Ice Boys (Graham Pearce, Callum Seabrook, Nikita Yakhymchuk, Magnus Roy – 1:47:32.8; Mixed – Duchess Park Golden Warriors (Sullivamn Nelson, Mac-Donald Osuji, Eli Carlson, Ava Rivard, George Trosky, Emmett Simpson – 1:44:44.0).

The high cost of children’s exposure to violence

CLAIRE NIELSEN

Special to The Citizen

There are countless reasons to protect our children and their impressionable developing minds from violence in the media. In a previous article I talked about media violence and the effects on our psyche, and this article will focus on the long-term psychological effects of continued exposure to media violence on our children.

How media violence affects the minds and mental health of our children concerns me greatly. I have always been outspoken on this topic, having censored what my children watched or listened to (on tv, movies, music) or played (on video games) but it is a hard position to uphold, as media violence is so popular and mainstream. And once my kids were old enough to go to friend’s homes where it was permitted the battles began and eventually, even though I was able to delay the inevitable, my kids were exposed to mainstream media through their peers and at school. And of course, they came home and put pressure on me for access to the violent movies or video games. I held fast with my older children and suffered through many complaints that I was withholding and denying an entertainment venue that was so much fun – and ‘all the other kids had it’. Unfortunately, by the time my youngest came along a dozen years later, my older kids exposed him to shows and games that I did not allow them to watch at his age. Keeping on top of his media influence was an exercise in futility, especially as he learned to hack into my computer when he was three.

Before internet content was regulated there were some terrible videos going around, but nothing like what is available today on the totally unregulated Dark Web (including real live videos of murders, rapes, torture…). I suggest all parents set up a good program to monitor and control what their children are exposed to. And when your kids go to other homes to play, make sure they also have these restrictions in place. We used Disney Circle 15 years ago and I am not current on how many are available now but Google Family Link seems to be popular. Sadly, my youngest with his clever mind hacked our security system continuously, and by the time he was 15 or 16 we couldn’t stay ahead of him. I had to hope that convincing him of the dangers to his impressionable mind was enough to keep him safe. It wasn’t. He told me last year (at 17 years old) that there is nothing he hasn’t seen. Heartbreaking to say the least.

The long-term effects of exposure to media and gaming violence on children is a topic of ongoing research and debate and it is important to note that individual experiences and reactions can vary. Following are some potential long-term effects:

Desensitization to Violence: Exposure to violent content in media and games over time can lead to desensitization, where children become less emotionally responsive to violence and its consequences. This may make them more accepting of aggressive behavior in real life.

Aggressive Behaviour: Exposure to violent media and an increase in aggressive behavior, both in the short-term and

potentially in the long-term.

Decreased Empathy: Exposure to violent media may reduce a child’s empathy and compassion for others, making them less sensitive to the suffering of others, causing potential long-term implications for their interpersonal relationships and moral development.

Fear and Anxiety: Children who frequently watch violent media content may experience increased fear and anxiety, particularly if they are exposed to graphic or realistic violence. These feelings can persist into adulthood and contribute to anxiety disorders.

Cognition Issues: Excessive exposure to violent video games may impact cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Success in school can be affected negatively.

Normalizing Aggressiveness: Violent media can introduce aggressive scripts and norms that children may internalize, affecting their perceptions of acceptable behaviour and conflict resolution strategies.

Sleep Problems: Being exposed to violent media, especially before bedtime, can lead to sleep disturbances and nightmares, which can have long-term consequences on a child’s physical and mental health.

Increased Risk of Bullying and Aggressive Behaviour in Peer Groups: According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children exposed to media violence are more likely to be aggressive, engage in bullying behaviours or associate with other kids who have aggressive tendencies.

There are many publications regarding video game addiction and it is important

to understand what makes violent media stimuli (particularly violent video games) so popular and also addictive. This site offers some excellent information.

It’s important to emphasize that the relationship between media (and gaming) violence and real-world behaviour is complex, and not all children will be equally affected. I feel that children with neurodivergent issues are more vulnerable. There are many good articles on the internet attesting to this as well as several books, articles and podcasts.

What can parents and caregivers do? We can stick to our guns with monitoring and limiting children’s exposure to violent content; we can educate our children on the long-term negative effects of media violence; we can promote a healthy balance between screen time and other activities; we can read to, or play with our kids more. This is easier with younger children but finding a common non-screen interest, hobby or sport to do with our teens is a great way to initiate quality time and guidance opportunities. Additionally, fostering open communication and providing a supportive environment can help children process and understand the content they encounter in media and games.

The parents of my generation did not realize the negative impact media and gaming violence would have on our children’s mental health. We did not foresee the progression and outcome of this addiction.

I urge the new generation of parents to be diligent in protecting their children from the harmful effects of violent media and gaming, and hold on to their kids’ innocence a little longer.

Healthy North

Heart Health

February is Heart Month Lifestyle changes, big and small, can help reduce your risk of heart disease Eating healthier, getting proper sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, managing your weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting your alcohol intake can all have positive effects on your heart health Learn more about the risk factors for heart and disease and make healthy living a priority! Visit: heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/riskand-prevention to learn more.

Cervix Self-Screening

Cervix self-screening kits are now available in BC as an alternative to the Pap test. The Cervix Self-Screening kit allows you to screen for human papillomavirus by performing a simple test at home. Screening is recommended for people ages 25-69, with a cervix, who are not experiencing any symptoms. You don’t need a health care provider and it is free of charge. To find eligibility requirements, and to order your self-screening kit visit: bccancer.bc.ca/screening/cervix.

Postpartum depression and anxiety

A new baby can bring joy – and anxiety, depression, and sadness Postpartum depression and anxiety can be debilitating, and it’s surprisingly common A Terrace mother of two shares her experience. Read the full story here: stories.northernhealth. ca/stories/new-baby-can-bring-joy-and-anxiety-depression-and-sadness.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

You’ll speak honestly this week. However, this could lead to some criticism. Therefore, it’s important to consider being more tactful in certain situations. If you’re in a relationship, a spontaneous activity could allow you to have a wonderful experience together

TAURUS

If you’ve been thinking about buying a property, an opportunity that fits your budget and your family’s needs will reveal itself by the end of the week If you take your finances seriously, you’ll stop worrying about them.

GEMINI

Action is on the agenda! You’ll be on the move and must drive your loved ones around. Renewing certain communications contracts will be a challenge but will allow you to pay the right price.

CANCER

You could be suffering from seasonal depression. Fortunately, getting physically active will be an effective remedy You could even discover a new winter sport you love.

LEO

Accumulated fatigue is taking its toll on you. However, a visit to a massage therapist or doctor will restore your vitality If you’re single, some people may lack manners, indicating they’re not the right match for you.

VIRGO

Stress could be getting to you. Making a few adjustments to your lifestyle could improve the situation. You’ll be rewarded for being bold. You must identify your goals so that achieving them will become child’s play

LIBRA

Your friends will invite you on an exciting adventure. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll feel particularly romantic this week. If you’re single, someone could show a keen interest in you, especially if you participated in a Valentine’s Day activity

SCORPIO

This week will be an emotional rollercoaster If your financial situation is troubling you, take the necessary steps to fix it. It may be easier than you think! This will help you regain your zest for life.

SAGITTARIUS

You may receive an unexpected declaration of love from someone close to you. At work, you’ll organize an event that will bring together more people than you expected. The changes you suggest will be well received.

CAPRICORN

You’ll take the time to finish what you’ve started and kept putting off. You’ll also find an effective treatment to improve your quality of life. In your relationship, small gestures are always appreciated!

AQUARIUS

You may face intense pressure at work that requires you to work extra hard to finalize contracts. You’ll commit to regular exercise to boost your vitality or lose weight and will see results quickly

PISCES

Work will take up most of your time, but a promotion will follow You’ll also engage in exciting hobbies or sports. This will make your social life more active and dynamic.

cl assi fi eds

Your spirit will never die it shines like the stars I know you’re sleeping in heaven but you’re living in my heart.

Rest in peace my dear Maurice

It is with great sadness that the f Randy Rensby announces his sud passing on Friday, February 2, 20 at the age of 67

The youngest of five children, Randy was born and raised in Burns Lake, BC. His love of cars star ted at an early age, working par t time jobs during high school to save up for his first car

After graduation, he put in millions of miles during his thir ty-year career as a professional truck driver travelling BC, Alber ta, Yukon an Nor thwest Territories

In loving memory of Randy Rensby

In 1983, Randy married Darlene Krakana and they star ted their family in Palling, raising their children Amie and Jordan. In the summer, they enjoyed spending many weekends at the family lakeside cabin in Francois Lake, and having backyard wiener roasts.

In 2002, Randy met the love of his life, Kristi McCrindle, and they married in 2004 They were active in the car clubs, creating Burns Lake Classic Cars and travelling to many car shows including Dawson Creek, Cache Creek and Red Deer. Randy suppor ted Kristi in her horse ventures and together they made multiple trips to Alber ta for clinics and shows,

avelling as far east as Brandon, He was always ready for the xt driving adventure!

Randy’s biggest passion was building his 1969 Nova and 1966 Chevelle from the ground up. At the end of 2019, they moved to Campbell River in search of shorter winters and a longer car season. Randy ended up driving school bus as a semi-retirement job, enjoying his summers off with camping, car shows, kayaking, and other activities.

ndy will be lovingly embered by his wife of 19 years, Kristi; children, Amie (Justin) and Jordan (Marlise); grandchildren, Kane, Tyson, Asher, Raina, and Frankie; siblings: Mona (John), Kim (Don), Ken (Bets), and sister-in-law, Vicky ; and numerous other family members and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Dan; and his parents: Ken and Susanne.

An Open House will be held on Saturday, Februar y 17th from 11 am - 2 pm at the Eagles Hall in Campbell River, BC. A private family ser vice will take place later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please send a stor y or photo of your favorite memor y with Randy to CRChevelle@outlook com

Obituaries

Knight, Richard (Rick)

January 24, 2024

Rick passed away suddenly on the morning of January 24th at the age of 66. He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Trish Knight; children Sierra, Milan (Chandler), and Matthew (Stephanie); grandchildren Theo and Layne; and brothers Dave, Ron (Becky) and Derek (Allison) and their families. Rick is predeceased by his parents, Stan and Reggie Knight, and his sister Eleanor Wall.

A celebration of life will be held on March 15th at the Nelly’s Pub Banquet Hall from 1-5 pm.

Dale Marcien Fisher

1961-2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dale Marcien Fisher, our beloved father, brother, uncle, son, and friend. Dale passed away at the Hospice House on January 26th, 2024 held by his sons, and surrounded by loved ones. He was a dedicated and loving father, and adored by all his family. He was a constant pillar of strength and support, and known for his sense of humour. Dale was a hard working man, and was a talented floor-layer for over 40 years. If you knew Dale, you knew what it was to be unconditionally loved and accepted. Dale was one of a kind; he has left a huge impact on all our lives, and he will be greatly missed.

Dale was born August 23, 1961. He is survived by his 4 sons Ryan (Kassidy), Keaton, Jaden, and Connor; Keely (the mother of his boys); his brothers Tim (Katie) and Dwayne (Ruth); his sisters Lori, Holly (Rob), and Janet; his brotherin-law Kelly, and all of his nieces and nephews.

Dale was predeceased by his father Marcien Fisher, his mother Josephine, his sister Sandra, and his brother Mark.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 24th, 2024 from 12:30pm - 3:30pm.

The service will be held at the First Baptist Church at 483 Gillett Street in Prince George, with a luncheon to immediately follow.

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

David (Bryan) Enns

It’s with a heavy heart we announce the passing of David (Bryan) Enns Jan 25, 2024. Bryan is survived by his beloved wife Jean of 55 years as well as his children David (Tracii) and Denise (Kevin) Doerksen. Bryan was very much a family man who cherished time spent with his granddaughters Alicia, Cassidy, Lillee, Miranda, Abby, as well as his great grandchildren Savannah, Colton, Weston. We the family would like to thank everyone who supported us during this difficult time. No service as per his request.

Obituaries

Claire Spencer

Claire Spencer passed very suddenly after a major stroke on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

His service will be held on Saturday, February 17th at 2 pm at PG Funeral Services - 1014 Douglas St.

August 15, 1928 - February 2, 2024

It is with great sadness and loss we said goodbye to our father, John Pavich, on February 2, 2024.

Dad was born in Gibbons, Alberta. He grew up on the Alberta Coal Branch where he spent time fishing, hunting and worked as a heavy equipment operator.

Dad married mom, Rose Lukach, in 1951. They later moved to Prince George in 1964 where they raised their family and operated their family run businesses.

Our father was a family man and loved being with us all, his children Marney (Yvon), Jo-Ann (Rolf), John (Donna), and Candice. He especially loved seeing his grand-daughters RaeAnne, Aiden and Raina.

Dad had a love for nature and we have many fond memories of family gatherings and enjoying the outdoors together. He was a hard worker with an entrepreneurial and resourceful spirit.

Dad is predeceased by his loving wife, our mother, Rose, in 2012.

A private family service will be held at a later date in Edson, Alberta where John and Rose will be reunited at their final resting place.

It is with great sadness and loss, we say good-bye to Matthew Donald Grant Galbraith who passed away on January 27, 2024 at the age of 41 in Prince George, BC.

He is survived by his son Lukas Galbraith (mother Rebecca Gaudet), brothers Travis Galbraith (wife Sharon Galbraith), Jody Fowler, Barry Fowler, step brothers Cory and Chris Kirchner, mother Doreen Fowler and father Randy Galbraith.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 2lst at 2:00 p.m. at Assman’s Funeral Chapel with John Neufeld officiating.

John Pavich

Matthew Donald Grant Galbraith

BUTTICCI, Faith

May 27, 1942 - January 31, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Dear Mother, Faith Butticci, on Wednesday January 31, 2024, at the age of 81 yrs, at the Prince George Hospice House.

Faith was the second youngest of six children, born to Muriel (Groome) and Robert Hubbard, in Kenora, Ontario on May 27, 1942. In her mid-teens the family moved to BC. Faith lived most of her life thereafter in Kelowna, BC, where she and wonderful husband Bill Butticci raised their two daughters, Maureen and Maxine.

Mom relocated to Prince George, BC in 2015 to spend time with her grown grandchildren, and the great grandchildren who were yet to come.

Faith is pre-deceased by Robert and Muriel Hubbard, sister Beryl Lucy Hubbard, brother Robert Hubbard and husband Bill Butticci. She is survived by sisters Norine Goulet, Enid Bastien and Kaye Marie Yuckin, daughters Maureen (Richard) Cox, Maxine (Jeffrey) Boulding, grandchildren Brock (Alanah) Cox, Mitchell (Rikki) Cox, and great grandchildren Brody, Barrett, and Dallas Cox.

Faith will be sadly missed by family, friends and neighbours.

Forever in our hearts Mom. We love you.

Condolences may be offered at www.LakewoodFH.com

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightening they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

by Dylan Thomas

December 31, 1947 - January 24, 2024

We are heartbroken to lose our John. Born in England to Irish parents, John came to Canada in 1974 to be with Jackie. He was our anchor and we loved him very much.

John was the life of the party. A warm and gregarious man he made friends easily. He was active in his union and is fondly remembered by his mates from Northwood Pulp, the soccer fraternity, golf, skiing and the Celtic Club. John was an ‘Englishman’ but Irish at heart, enjoying the friendly banter and the ‘craic’ that he was ‘neither fish nor fowl’. A ‘foot in both camps’ he often remarked.

John coached Brian’s soccer team for many years and was a regular at the soccer club until the age of 70 when he hung up his boots. An ardent Chelsea supporter, he also kept up with the “gallant, unlucky Cobblers” from Northampton, his birthplace. He loved downhill skiing and the many ski holidays. Journeys to see family in the U.K. would include a European trip and he travelled often to Mexico and California. Summers since 1976 would mean a holiday in the family’s favourite happy place, Naramata. John enjoyed the trails around PG and in December was still walking at UNBC Greenway. Famous for his fish and chip parties and industrial sized deep fryer he delighted in serving family and friends. He frequently quoted Shakespeare, Yeats and other poets and knew the lyrics to every Irish song. He loved Dylan and Cohen. Daughter Moira and John shared the bond of poetry, music and humanism. They had long philosophical discussions on many topics and had the same sense of humour.

He was a loving husband and father, a proud ‘Papa’, an uncle and brother in law. John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jackie, daughter Moira Clare, son Brian (Danielle) precious grandchildren, Conlan and Anna. Left to mourn sister Maureen (Pete), daughter Laura, sister Margaret (Chris) sons, Steven and Nick, brother Jimmy, first cousin, Tom (son Jamie and Emma)) nephew Derek (Deanna) daughters Peyton, Kaitlyn and Henley, niece Kiera, sister in law Moira, brothers in law Kevin (Linda ) and Eddie Devlin. Also Michael McLaughlin (Edith) son, Shawn and Janice, Lisa and Tracy. Many relatives as well in England, N. Ireland, Ireland and the U.S.A.

Life will never be the same without our ‘Handsome John from London’ a nickname he embraced wholeheartedly! We shall miss his deep love, his laughter and his wit.

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Clinic, ER and Family Medicine Unit, University Hospital of the North. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Spirit of the North HealthCare Foundation, in John’s name, gratefully appreciated.

No service by request. John’s ‘sendoff ‘ to be held at a later date.

“Will it alter my life altogether?

O tell me the truth about love.” (W.H.Auden)

John Jude McLaughlin

Jim Imrich 1935-2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Paul “Jim” Imrich on February 9th. Jim was a loving husband to Meg Imrich for 61 years and amazing father to Brad (June) Imrich, Kathy (Mike) Finch and Doug (Fern) Imrich. He was also a proud Grandpa to 9 grand children.

Jim was born in Dawson Creek in 1935 and was raised on his family farm until he left to attend UBC where he studied math and science before completing his education degree. He started his 37-year teaching career in Kitimat, B.C. where he met his Australian bride Meg.

Together they moved to Prince George in 1961 where they raised their three kids and had an outstanding life. Jim moved through the education system from high school teacher to Vice Principal and Principal. During that time he completed his Masters of Education from the University of Victoria. In 1982 he moved to the board office and eventually retired in 1995 after 11 years as the Superintendent of SD 57.

Both Jim and Meg believed in giving back to the community. Jim was a long standing Rotarian, a dedicated volunteer at Camp Trapping and the Prince George Community Foundation. Jim also volunteered at every level of the sports or activities his children participated in.

Jim loved to fish and hunt at the family cabin on Stuart Lake and later in life he loved to fly fish with his fishing partners. He was a builder for his family and friends (over 20 beds reside in our homes along with dining room tables, shelves and benches to name a few). Amid these hobbies Meg and Jim travelled the world together, spent time with family and enjoyed a long retirement.

Our family would like to acknowledge the amazing care given to our father in his last few months by the nurses and staff at The Gateway Care Home. Your kindness is truly appreciated.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our parent’s incredible friends. Jim and Meg are ever so thankful for your presence in their lives. The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.

Thomas Matthew Smith

October 1, 1929 to November 13, 2023

REMEMBRANCES

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Thomas Matthew Smith at age 94 in Prince George British Columbia. He will be dearly missed.

Matt was born in England and at an early age he enlisted with the Royal British Army and served overseas in the Berlin airlift, as well as at the Suez Canal in Egypt. He spoke fondly and with great pride of this period in his life. Between deployments he met his first love and wife of many years Florrie (Flo).

In 1966 the family immigrated to BC Canada, settling in Surrey / Delta area before eventually setting roots in Prince George where they were surrounded by their many children, grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren.

His hobbies were Ham/Amateur Radio, Ballroom Dancing and Travel. His love of travel led to becoming a snowbird and commuting back and forth from Canada to Arizona and eventually settling down in Arizona with his second love and wife Patricia (Pat).

He is predeceased by his two wonderful wives, Florrie (Flo) and Patricia (Pat), son Duncan and daughter-in-law Anna.

He is survived by: Daughter Susan (Tom), and Sons Anthony and Robert. Grandchildren; Tamara, Sarah (Don), Tara, Bryan, Lisa (Anthony), Danica (Jason), Jodi, Angela (Jayden), Alyson and Colin, Dustin and Travis. Great Grandchildren; Tristan, Kyra, Adam, Riley, Xavier, Keagan, Kieran, Elijah, Jason, Matthew and Noah.

To respect Matt’s wishes a service was not held however, family members were able to assemble for a celebration of his very full life.

We would like to pay special thanks to all those who cared for Matt in his later years at Two Rivers Senior Lodge, and Gateway Lodge. The care and compassion shown to Matt never went unnoticed. For that we have many thanks.

We love you forever and always dad/grandad.

In loving Memory

Linton and

Della Walker

Long term Prince George residents Linton Deane Walker and his loving wife of 66 years Della Beatrice Walker (Brownscombe) both passed away in 2023. Della passed away on May 15, 2023 and Linton passed away on December 21, 2023.

They are survived by their loving daughter AnnaMarie Barnes, grandson Robert Deane Ratlzaff (Chelsea Madsen), Della’s brother Bruce Brownscombe (Coralita), nieces and nephews and many cousins, and ex son in law Michael Barnes. They were predeceased by their son’s Robert Bruce Walker and Deane William Walker in 1978, Linton’s Sister Tremmarie Yourchek brother in law Ernie Yourchek, brother William Walker and sister in law Verna Walker.

Linton was a long term employee of CN Rail where he developed his love of cribbage and he played in many different cities across North America.

Della worked at Sears in Prince George for 22 years, and was a member of the Royal Purple Ladies for over 40 yrs, she loved to sing in the church choir and she also traveled with Linton and played cribbage.

Their 67th wedding anniversary would have been on December 29, 2023, and although they were not here to celebrate it with us, they were reunited together for it!

A Celebration of Life for both of them will be held on Friday February 23, 2024 at the First Baptist Church at 483 Gillett Street, Prince George, BC at 12:00pm, there will be a reception to follow at the church.

They will both be dearly missed by family and friends, but they will live on in our hearts!

Until we meet again, we love you and miss you both!

Kristopher Allen Bjarnason

1972-2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing from this life of our dear son, brother, nephew, cousin and honorary uncle Kris. He left his earthly home at 5:25 pm Mountain time on January 26th, 2024 in Cottonwood, Arizona with his dad, Bart, his mom, Sheila and his Auntie Dana at his side. Kris spent many months in Patzcuaro, Mexico with his sister Jennie and we are in constant contact with her so that we can support each other through this trying time. We were overwhelmed by the care and treatment he received from the team at Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood. Their professionalism, compassion, and caring for him was evident as they expressed the connection they made with him

Kris was born January 15th, 1972 in Prince Rupert BC to Bart and Sheila Bjarnason. His family moved to Campbell River later that year and he grew up and attended high school there. He went on to further education at UBC and graduated with a Forestry degree in November of 1998. He earned his Professional Forester Certificate in December of 2000 while living in Fort St. James. In July 2012 Kris was awarded a Certificate in Project Management from the Sauder Business School at UBC and was a Professional Project Manager (PMP) from July of 2013. During his life he made many enduring friendships with a lot of very nice people. Kris had a thirst for knowledge and traveled a lot with his friends and family, most recently he travelled to South Africa for an African Safari.

Kris is survived by his mother Sheila, father Bart and his sister Jennifer. He is also survived by his grandmother Margie Blandford of Powell River, BC and aunts, uncles, cousins and wonderful friends too numerous to mention.

He was a very special man and will live on in our hearts forever.

Toys/Games/Puzzles

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Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work

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

Serious Enquiries Only

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

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

Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.

Transition support available for the right buyer.

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

Mills/Equipment

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

The positions are at the main base in Nelson, British Columbia Field work, including specialty charters, occurs in Western and Central Canada for a variety of industries including exploration, forestry, search and rescue, utility, wildlife management, and wildfire suppression, Class D. Endorsements and experience on our fleet of the Bell 206, Bell 205

Sheds/Outbuildings

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

Jewellery

Duplexes for Rent

264 Ruggles St, 3 bdrm, fridge/stove. Avail Feb 15th, $2000/mo + utilities. No pets, references required. (250)614-6667

1/2 DUPLEX- 2bdrmAvail immediately on the Hart Highway in Prince George, BC. 4 Appls, quiet area, responsible adults only. N/S, Ref’s req’d. Call Theresa 250962-5570

house with 9 acres irrigated pasture All Amenities Next to Eagle Point Golf (Kamloops) 985K Will carry mortgage View Realtor.ca 250-573-3346 e-mail biffsbenson@yahoo.ca

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 17 of the Woodlot Planning and Practices Regulation, that a Woodlot Licence Plan has been prepared for Woodlot Licence #1554 held by Forrest Resources Ltd. This Woodlot Licence is located west, south and northeast of Prince George. If approved by the Ministry of Forests, this plan may apply for a term of 10 years

Out Of Town

Kitchen cabinets that aren’t white

For years, many kitchen renovations have focused on white cabinets. While popular, this choice can be uninspiring and often difficult to keep clean. Here are three ideas for your kitchen cabinets that will stand the test of time but have a bit more personality than white alone.

1. BLONDE

WOOD

Naturally pale wood combines the fresh, airy feel of white cabinets with the warm, homey feel of a cottage kitchen. Think light-coloured Nordic influences rather than the dark, lacquered stains from decades past.

2. GREY

Grey cabinets are great for kitchens because they’re neutral but add the kind of visual interest that you can’t get with

white. No matter your style, there’s a grey that will work for your kitchen. Go for an almost-white tone for an unexpected twist or try a charcoal hue for a more dramatic, elegant look.

3. TWO-TONE

There’s no rule that says all cabinets have to be same. Double down on the grey trend by painting the lowers charcoal and the uppers a pale grey to make your ceilings look higher. Or experiment with colour by pairing a bold-hued island with natural wood cabinets.

Choosing one of these stylish options will add character to your kitchen in a way that white cabinets alone can’t.

If you have trouble winding down at night, your bedroom may be part of the problem. Here are four tips on how to organize your bedroom to achieve optimal sleep.

1. Invest in your bed. Don’t skimp when it comes to the quality of your mattress your comfort directly affects the quality of your sleep. If your mattress is over seven years old, shows signs of wear or simply doesn’t feel comfortable, it’s time to invest in a new one. You should also select quality bedding; choose sheets with high thread counts made from materials like Egyptian cotton or satin.

2. Pay attention to lighting. Darkness is vital for allowing your body to go into sleep mode. Make sure your curtains and blinds adequately block out natural light (buy blackout curtains if necessary) and choose light bulbs with lower wattages.

3. Get rid of clutter. A cluttered bedroom can create anxiousness so it’s therefore best to keep your room well organized and accessories to a minimum. Don’t forget that your bed should

Interior designer vs. interior decorator

You’ve probably heard the terms interior designer and interior decorator used interchangeably. However, they actually describe two different but similar professions.

Interior designers complete two- or four-year degree programs that involve studying subjects like colour theory, architecture, computeraided design and spatial planning.

They work with architects and contractors to plan and renovate spaces and can be involved in every step of the remodelling process, from drawing up floor plans to adding the final touches.

Interior decorators focus on esthetics. They help transform spaces that are already built by making recommendations about paint colours, furniture styles, lighting and accessories. They’re not required to complete professional training (though many decorators do), and they usually work directly with businesses and homeowners.

Should I hire a designer or a decorator?

If you need help with designs during a renovation, it’s best to go with an interior

designer. They’ll help you create a space that serves your specific needs and aligns with your particular tastes. However, if you’re mainly looking to update the appearance of a space, a decorator can help you achieve a whole new look by rearranging and redecorating.

In the end, what matters most is not the job title, but the skills of the designer or decorator in question. Choose a company or professional with a reputation for high-quality designs and expertise in the type of work you’re looking for.

be the focal point of the room.

4. Limit electronics. Electronic screens emit a blue light that can keep you awake. Avoid placing a TV in your bedroom and consider charging your phone in a closed drawer when trying to sleep.

One final tip: if you regularly struggle with sleep, think about getting an air purifier for your bedroom. Not only do they make it easier to breathe, but they also create white noise that blocks out disruptive sounds.

Three top reasons to convert to a bidet toilet

Bidets are widely used in many countries, but they’re almost impossible to find in North America. That may be changing now that Japanese-style bidet toilet seats are gaining in popularity.

Here are three reasons to install a bidet toilet seat in your bathroom:

1. They’re environmentally friendly. A bidet toilet seat with an air-drying feature eliminates any need for toilet paper, which can save millions of trees.

2. They’re more hygienic. Cleaning yourself with water is more effective than wiping with toilet paper and can help stop the spread of bacteria.

3. They reduce plumbing issues. Using less toilet paper means there’s a decreased chance of clogging the toilet.

If you’re interested in having a bidet toilet seat in your home, there are many options available to you, from inexpensive nozzles that attach to a

normal seat to high-end, heated seats with controls for the temperature and flow of water and even a dryer.

One thing’s for sure, once you’ve used one a few times, you’ll never want to go back to a regular toilet.

Five tips for surviving a home renovation

Home renovation projects are almost always stressful, but with a little preparation, you’ll survive. Here are five tips for getting through your home renovation with your sanity intact.

1. Plan everything: make a timeline, buy all the materials you’ll need and line up all the contractors before starting.

2. Flexibility is key: projects almost always take longer and cost more than

expected, and there’s always a chance that something won’t go according to plan.

3. Be ready for dust: it will get everywhere. Remove verything from the room, cover furniture and electronics and clean every day.

4. Splurge on a dream item: whether it’s a professional gas range in the kitchen or the perfect soaker tub for your bathroom, a splurge like this is great motivation for getting through the renovation.

5. Make a construction free zone: you’ll need a place to relax that’s free of dirt and dust, especially if you live with children or pets. If you’re without a kitchen for a while, include a bar fridge and microwave.

When all else fails, try to get out of the house for a weekend to take your mind off of what’s happening at home.

Everything about the kitchen sink

To find the perfect sink for your kitchen, you need to determine what type of sink you want, what kind of material it should be made of and the size and configuration that will best meet your needs. Here’s what to consider regarding each of these key points.

TYPE

There are two basic types of sink: topmount, which sits on top of your counter and undermount, which rests underneath.

If you long for a country kitchen, choose a rustic farmhouse sink, which has a front wall that extends slightly past the cabinets.

MATERIAL

Most sinks are made of stainless steel but there are other options available. For example, farmhouse sinks are fabricated from cast iron and there are integrated sinks that are made of the same material as your counter-

top (granite, quartz, soapstone, SIZE AND CONFIGURATION

Depending on the size of your kitchen, you can choose either a single or double bowl sink. Alternatively, you can install a single bowl that’s the size of a double.

By taking these things into consideration, along with your cooking habits, kitchen style and budget, you’re sure to find the perfect sink for your kitchen.

The three types of lighting you should have in your home

Most design experts agree that the key to good lighting is having multiple layers of light that complement each other and fulfill different roles in the space. In general, homes require three basic types of lighting:

1. Ambient lighting. A room’s main source of lighting, often provided by chandeliers, pendant lighting or ceiling-mount lights. This layer sets the overall tone of the room, but it should only be the starting point of your lighting design.

2. Task lighting. A type of lighting that illuminates areas where you need extra brightness for performing specific tasks, such as reading, cooking or working at a computer. For instance, you could install a hanging light fixture over the kitchen sink or install a lamp next to

your preferred reading chair.

3. Accent lighting. Lighting used to highlight unique architectural features or certain objects, such as paintings, sculptures, decorative accessories or antique collectibles. Accent lighting should be concealed as much as possible since its purpose is to illuminate without being too obvious.

Using different types of lighting in each room allows you to change the intensity of the light according to how you’re using the space at the time and keeps you from relying on a single overhead light that may be too bright or create a lot of shadows.

BOHO-INSPIRED DESIGN: eclectic, exotic and nostalgic

Boho-chic is shaping up to be this year’s must-have design trend. Short for bohemian, this relaxed style draws its inspiration from the eclectic 70s — an era known for peace, love, hope and inclusiveness. Road trips, rock music and sun-drenched summers — those were the days! If you’re feeling nostalgic, travel back to a more carefree time by following these five basic boho design tips.

1. Choose decorative elements inspired by the desert and Native American culture — for example, cactus plants, cow skulls, dream catchers, arrows and tepees.

2. Invest in vintage furniture and pieces that look delicately worn, staying away from anything too clean-cut and modern (sorry, Ikea won’t work!).

3. Don’t be afraid to mix pastels, psychedelic patterns and bright, neon hues. The more eclectic, the better!

4. Incorporate items made of earthy, organic materials like macramé, rattan, wood and wicker. Adding a braided hamac is the perfect way to nail a 100 per cent bohemian design.

5. Add a touch of nature to your boho-ins-

pired décor with a collection of succulent plants like aloe, agave and cacti.

Need more inspiration? Here are a few other items that perfectly complement boho-inspired interiors:

• Woven wall art

• Beaded curtains

• Shells

• Ethnic masks or figurines

Give your old furniture A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE

• Tassels

• Terracotta pots

• Floral print

• Tie-dye

• Folding fans

If you’re inspired by the eclectic 70s, a boho-inspired interior might be right for you!

The arrival of spring inspires many homeowners to redecorate one or several rooms in their homes. Does your outdated dresser make you cringe? Do your stained pillows leave you feeling embarrassed every time you have company? Do your bedside tables clash with the delicate, romantic design that you have in store for your bedroom? Before donating your old furniture to charity or leaving it by the roadside, consider upgrading its look instead.

The idea is simple: give your old pieces of furniture a fresh new look by changing the colour, adding decorative elements (new knobs, stencilling, etc.) or giving them a new purpose altogether. One of the best things about reconditioning your old household objects is the money you’ll save. Needless to say that restoring your current

TRUST A PROFESSIONAL

If DIY projects aren’t your forte, know that there are a number of design professionals that specialize in this line of work. They can transform your furniture to match current trends or your design preferences — the choice is yours!

furniture is significantly less expensive than buying brand-new items.

For example, wooden chairs that are still solid but showing signs of wear (chipped paint, stained or torn seat cushions, etc.) are not automatically condemned to the junkyard! All you need to do is sand, repaint and reupholster the seats with a fabric that complements your dining room décor.

Is your outdated dresser looking a little too shabby? Restore it with a few coats of paint and some new knobs!

WOOD: a natural and versatile material

If you want to create a backyard oasis, consider using wood. This renewable resource is a timeless and durable material that’s well-suited for building patios, decks, pergolas and other structures that can enhance an outdoor space.

THE TYPES

With so many varieties on the market, there’s a type of wood for every budget. The most affordable options include treated wood, such as pine, which is often used to construct decks. However, more expensive choices like cedar, ipe and torrefied wood will hold up better against the elements and add character to your landscaping.

THE STYLES

Although it requires regular maintenance, wood is one of the most widely used landscaping materials. This is because it can be matched with nearly any design style. In addition to being ideally suited for a rustic or Scandinavian backyard esthetic, wood provides warmth and balance to modern and contemporary spaces.

To ensure you select the right wood for your next outdoor project, consult a professional. Landscapers and experts at your local home improvement store can help you create a beautiful yard.

Hemp, which is used to manufacture a number of consumer goods, including paper, food, skincare products, medicine, textiles, biodegradable plastics and biofuel, is a surprisingly versatile plant; yet, many of its uses remain largely unknown to the general public.

Today, more and more households are making use of woven hemp fibre and its exceptional properties. Soft, lightweight, breathable and ecofriendly, hemp has been cultivated extensively throughout history for myriad industrial uses. It’s incredibly durable and largely favoured for its anti-UV and antibacterial properties.

To benefit from all that hemp has to offer, opt for products that have undergone as little processing as possible, such as those with chemical-free dyes. From tablecloths to dish towels, rags, aprons and curtains, hemp is a staple fibre found in many common household items.