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Prince George Cougars forward Oren Shtrom breaks into the Kamloops Blazers zone between Bryce Minten, left and Ashton Ferster during Saturday’s game at CN Centre. The Cougars went on to beat the Blazers 5-2 and clinched their first-ever WHL Western Conference title. SUPER BINGO
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How good are these Prince George Cougars?
Good enough to sit on the WHL throne as Western Conference regular season champions.
They applied that icing to the cake Saturday night at CN Centre with a 5-2 win over the Kamloops Blazers, fittingly in front of a record-breaking crowd of 6,029.
This has already been a season of shattered records for the Cats, who set team standards for wins (49) and points (103) in a season and their victory over the Blazers locked up first place in the West, the first time in the history of the Prince George franchise that's ever been accomplished.
“It feels amazing, I’m so proud of the group in there,” said Cougars captain Hudson Thornton. “We earned it, it’s been a long season and we’ve worked so hard from the beginning of the year to get to where we are now.
TOM SUMMER Local Journalism Initiative
With files from Ted Clarke
After being denied a request to opt out of the province’s ShortTerm Accommodations Act, Prince George city council is planning a trip to Victoria, April 9-11, to discuss the issue personally with Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon.
Councillors Garth Frizzell, Kyle Sampson, Susan Scott and Brian Skakun, and city manager Water Babicz, who form the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, will try to convince Kahlon that Prince George rental vacancy does indeed meet the criteria to be exempt from new provincial government rules that require owners of short-term rentals to live on the property being rented.
An opt-out option is only available for municipalities with a population of more than 10,000 in the 2021 census and a rental vacancy rate of three per cent for more for
two consecutive years, as per data published by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Prince George had a rental vacancy rate of 3.7 per cent in 2022, but a rate of 2.8 per cent in 2023, meaning they don’t meet the requirements and are not eligible to “opt-out” of the principal residence requirements in 2024.
“We disagree on some of the stats,” said Mayor Simon Yu.
“We told the ministry a large portion of our Air B’n’Bs are used for hospital staff, visiting doctors and tradespeople and Prince George is in a unique position because we will perhaps be seeing some big projects in the months and years ahead and without that service it would not be good for us.
“We did lose quite a bit of our lower budget hotel rooms (being converted to social services housing). We feel these (short-term rental) services are essential to our citizens and the longterm economic development of the city.”
Council voted in favour of opting out during a Feb. 26 meeting. In his response letter dated March 18, Kahlon said the city told the province that they’re in a “unique position as a hub in Northern BC” and claimed the 2023 CMHC data for three bedrooms plus row housing in Prince George was “not statistically reliable” and that apartment housing data for three bedrooms plus apartments was not suppressed, with a vacancy rate of three percent, suggesting to use that data instead to meet the opt-out threshold.
“The total overall vacancy rate (2.8 per cent for Prince George in 2023) reported by CMHC has a data quality rating of ‘Very Good’’, which makes the vacancy rate statistically reliable,” wrote Kahlon. “The inclusion of the 3 bedrooms + row home units in the total vacancy rate does not make the total vacancy rate statistically unreliable; to the contrary, it makes the rate more reliable as the sample size is larger.
City council boosts budget for myPG grant program to fund arts groups, not-for-profits
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Arts groups and non-profit organizations who depend on municipal grants to enhance the services they provide will benefit from a decision Prince George city council made
to increase the budget of the city’s myPG Community Grant Program.
The city will shift $263,152 from the myPG budget and add that amount in its own budget to sustain the current multiyear funding agreements for the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Theatre NorthWest, Folkfest/Coldsnap
and the Community Arts Council of Prince George and District.
Taxpayers will provide $313,152 in myPG grant enhancements, to be phased in over the next three years, which will allow increased funding to not-for-profit groups. The revised program gives council a role to provide
oversight and direction and a new mechanism will allow quick-response grants to a maximum of $2,500.
Mayor Simon Yu said he’s “embarrassed” the program budget has not kept pace with the rate of inflation and has remained unchanged at $500,000 since 2017.
See COUNCIL, Page A4
Continued from Page A3
Referring to the four arts groups that receive 52.6 per cent of the myPG grants through multiyear service agreements, Yu said the annual grant budget program should be 10 times what it is.
“It’s too small for the size of the community and the work they all do,” said Yu.
The remaining 47.4 per cent of the grant budget is disbursed to other notfor-profits in the spring and fall intakes of the myPG grant cycle.
While endorsing administration’s preferred option of three proposals for a revamped grant distribution program, Coun. Kyle Sampson told council he served as an MC at last week’s Prince George Dance Festival, which for eight days brought hundreds of dancers and their families to Vanier Hall and he spoke of how that impacted the local economy by filling hotel rooms and restaurant seats.
Dancers from Excalibur Theatre Arts perform at the Prince George Dance Festival last week at Vanier Hall. Local arts groups stand to benefit from city council’s decision to increase funding and revamp its myPG grant program.
“It’s really key that we give some stability…and leave no uncertainty to particularly those four groups that are relying on that consistent and stable funding from us, but also the other organizations that are planning multiple years in advance looking at the myPG grants and wanting to know those funds are going to continue to be there,” said Sampson.
“This is the kind of stuff municipal dollars should be spent on, not these other things that are other levels of government’s responsibility. We
should be spending it on our arts community, our parks, our trails, not on the social services that are a provincial responsibility.”
Theatre NorthWest artistic producer Marnie Hamagami attended Monday’s public meeting at city hall and was pleased the direction city staff and council have provided to increase grant funding.
“It was great to hear all the support for the arts being demonstrated by mayor and council, I was really excited by the report in general, staff has obviously given it a lot of thought,” said Hamagami.
“The arts community has always existed on a shoestring and we’re really good at amplifying the money we’re given. That said, we definitely need more, especially in the face of inflation and in the wake of COVID 19. I saw some numbers from my sector nationally and costs are up about 35 per cent across the board (since the pandemic) where people were staying home and got in the habit of staying home.”
TOM SUMMER
Local Journalism Initiative
Quesnel’s Board of Education has issued a statement to denounce the book Grave Error-How Media Misled us (and the Truth about Residential Schools), expressing their support for First Nations.
who lived and still live these atrocities, which includes generational impacts. We live with the responsibility to show care and compassion and most importantly to ensure a better future for all our students,” reads the statement.
concern over the circulation of the book, which was being distributed by the Mayor’s wife, Pat Morton.
copy all the same information off of the attached ad and change the date to March 30.
“The truth of residential schools impacts all of us, especially those
The issue was brought to the attention of the community when the Lhtako Dene Nation sent a letter to the City of Quesnel, expressing
Members of city council addressed the issue during a March 19 meeting, seeking to address the harm done, unanimously passing a motion to reaffirm the terms of an Memorandum of Understanding with the Lhtako Dene Nation.
“The Quesnel School District is
tasked with the responsibility of teaching children, along with the rest of us, about the atrocities of the past in order to grow and heal. We do this with resources that are vetted for accuracy and integrity by partners such as FNESC (First Nation Education Steering Committee) and our local Aboriginal Education Council,” adds the statement.
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PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 86 of the Community Charter,PrinceGeorgeCityCouncil is proposingtoseekapprovalofthe electors of the City of Prince George by AlternativeApproval Process. Thequestionbeforethe electors is whethertheyare opposedtoPrinceGeorgeCityCouncil adopting theproposed“City of Prince George EquipmentFinancing BylawNo. 9451,2024” at theregular Council meetingscheduled for Monday,May 27,2024at6:00p.m in theCouncil Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George,BC, withoutfirstobtaining assent of theelectorsbya referendum vote
•“City of Prince George EquipmentFinancing BylawNo. 9451,2024”
Theannualreplacement andadditionofvehiclesand capitalequipment arefinanced throughthe MunicipalFinance Authority(MFA) EquipmentFinancing Program. The estimatedcostofthe projects associated with this Bylawisthe sumoffive million two hundredand thirty nine thousand dollars ($5,239,000).
Theloanagreement with theMunicipal FinanceAuthority (MFA)willbefor atermno longer than fifteen (15) yearstomatch theexpectedservice life of thenew mobile equipment. Theannual debt servicingcosts forborrowing thefullamounts is estimated to be sixhundred andforty sixthousandninehundred andseventy sevendollars ($646,977) andwould result in 0.46%offuturetax levy increases.
Theapproved projects from the2024– 2028 CapitalPlanthatwillbepartofthe EquipmentFinancing Programrequest include:
•#0431 –MobileEquipment Replacement- $3,476,000
•#3208 –JanitorialEquipment –Replace Floor Scrubbers -$42,000
•#3388 –FireSrv –Rapid Deployment Tents- $44,000
•#3405 –FireSrv –Thermal Cameras– $125,000
•#3406 –FireSrv –HosePackage -$52,000
•#3426 –FacilityMaintenance FleetVan New- $100,000
•#3430 –FireServicesApparatusPumperTruck New- $1,400,000
AcopyofproposedBylaw No.9451, 2024,a more detailed summaryofthe Equipment Financing, anda copy of theproposedloanagreementswiththe MunicipalFinance Authorityare availablefor public inspection at City Hall during each business dayofthe week between8:30a.m.and 5:00 p.m.
Forany questions, please contactthe LegislativeServicesDepartment at (250)561-7793orcityclerk@princegeorge.ca.
INSTRUCTIONS
If youare notopposed to theadoptionofthe abovenoted Bylaw, youneedtodo nothing.
If youare opposed to theadoptionofthe abovenoted Bylawwithout theBylaw first receivingassentofthe electors by areferendumvote, youmay sign andsubmitan ElectorResponseFormindicatingyouropposition
Apersonmay notsignmorethanone ElectorResponseForm.
Theareatowhich theAlternative Approval Processapplies is theentireareaofthe City of Prince George.The municipalCouncil mayproceed with theadoptionofBylaw No.9451, 2024 unless before thedeadlineof 5:00 p.m.,Tuesday,May 14,2024,atleast 10%ofelectorssubmita complete andsignedElector Response Form indicating that Councilmustobtainassentofthe electors by areferendumvotebeforeproceeding with theadoptionofBylaw No.9451, 2024
Forthe purposeofthisAlternative Approval Process, Councilhas determined that there are56,480registeredelectorsinthe City of Prince George.The municipalCouncil may thereforeproceed with theadoptionofBylaw No.9451, 2024 unless at least5,648 electors submit acompleted copy of an ElectorResponseFormtothe City of Prince George before thedeadlineof 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May14, 2024
RESIDENTSAND NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS:
In ordertosignanElector Response Form,a person must either be aresidentelector or anon-residentpropertyelector of theCityofPrinceGeorge. Forthe purposes of theAlternative ApprovalProcess, an electorisa person whomeets thequalifications referred to in section 65 or section66ofthe LocalGovernmentAct if assent of the electors were sought,eitherasa resident electorornon-residentpropertyelector
To sign an ElectorResponseFormasa resident elector apersonmust:
•bea Canadian citizen;
•beatleast 18 yearsofage;
•havelived in BritishColumbiafor at leastthe last six(6) months before signingthe ElectorResponseForm;
•livewithinthe City of Prince George;and
•not be otherwisedisqualified from voting by the LocalGovernmentAct or by other law.
To sign an ElectorResponseFormasa non-resident property elector apersonmust:
•bea Canadian citizen;
•beatleast 18 yearsofage;
•havelived in BritishColumbiafor at leastthe last six(6) months before signingthe ElectorResponseForm;
•havebeena registered ownerofpropertywithinthe City of Prince George foratleast thelastthirty(30)days; and
•not be otherwisedisqualified from voting by the LocalGovernmentAct or by other law.
An ElectorResponseFormmustbeinthe form approved by theCouncil of theCityof Prince George,oranaccuratecopyofthe form such as aphotocopy.Elector Response Formsare availableonthe 1stFloor or the5th Floor of Prince George City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George,BC, betweenthe hoursof8:30a.m.and 5:00 p.m.,onMondaytoFriday, excluding statutoryholidays. ElectorResponseForms arealsoavailable on theCity’swebsite:www.princegeorge.ca/aap
Thedeadlinefor submitting an ElectorResponseFormis5:00p.m.onTuesday, May14, 2024.
An ElectorResponseFormmustbefully completedand hand-signed. Allthree (3) pagesofthe completedElector Response Form must be submittedinorder to be counted.
ElectorResponseForms maybesubmitted by hand delivery,mail, facsimile(fax),or emailasa PDFdocumentattachment, as follows:
Addressfor delivery or mail:Attention:Corporate Officer City of Prince George LegislativeServicesDivision 5thFloor -1100PatriciaBlvd. Prince George,BCV2L 3V9
Facsimile(fax) number:(250) 561-0183 PDFsubmission viaemail:cityclerk@princegeorge.ca
If submitting theElector Response Form to theCityofPrinceGeorgebyfacsimile (fax) or by emailasa PDFdocumentattachment, please ensure that thetransmission was completed.
This notice is publishedinaccordance to section86and 94 of the Community Charterand City of Prince George Public Notice BylawNo. 9329,2022.
DATEDthis22ndday of March, 2024
EthanAnderson, CorporateOfficer/Manager of LegislativeServices City of Prince George
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 86 of the Community Charter, Prince George City Council is proposing to seek approval of the electors of the City of Prince George by Alternative Approval Process. The question before the electors is whether they are opposed to Prince George City Council adopting the proposed “Stormwater System Renewal Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 9452, 2024” at the regular Council meeting scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, without first obtaining assent of the electors by a referendum vote.
• “Stormwater System Renewal Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 9452, 2024”
The annual stormwater system renewal program and includes activities that return the service capability of an asset up to that which it had originally provided, this includes relining, full replacement of existing assets and disposal of old assets, lowering of operating costs, and bringing an asset up to current code/standards. Renewing the stormwater system is essential to prevent flooding, erosion, sedimentation/degradation of water quality and negative impact on aquatic life.
The Loan Authorization Bylaw is for two million five hundred and fifty thousand dollars. ($2,550,000). The loan agreement with the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) will be for a term no longer than twenty (20) years. The annual debt servicing costs for borrowing the full amount is estimated to be two hundred and fifteen thousand nine hundred and thirty eight dollars ($215,938.00) and would result in 0.16% of future tax levy increases.
The approved projects from the 2024 – 2028 Capital Financial Plan that will be part of the stormwater system renewal program will include, but not limited to, stormwater green infrastructure, ponds, outfalls, storm mains, culverts, armoring, recharge chambers, catch basins, manholes, service connections, flood pumps, oil grit separators, ditch renewal, electrical, SCADA, communications, property acquisitions and necessary encumbrances.
A copy of proposed Bylaw No. 9452, 2024, a more detailed summary of the Loan Authorization, and a copy of the proposed loan agreements with the Municipal Finance Authority are available for public inspection at City Hall during each business day of the week between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
For any questions, please contact the Legislative Services Department at (250) 561-7793 or cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.
If you are not opposed to the adoption of the above noted Bylaw, you need to do nothing.
If you are opposed to the adoption of the above noted Bylaw without the Bylaw first receiving assent of the electors by a referendum vote, you may sign and submit an Elector Response Form indicating your opposition.
A person may not sign more than one Elector Response Form.
The area to which the Alternative Approval Process applies is the entire area of the City of Prince George. The municipal Council may proceed with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9452, 2024 unless before the deadline of 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at least 10% of electors submit a complete and signed Elector Response Form indicating that Council must obtain assent of the electors by a referendum vote before proceeding with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9452, 2024. For the purpose of this Alternative Approval Process, Council has determined that there are 56,480 registered electors in the City of Prince George. The municipal Council may therefore proceed with the adoption of Bylaw No. 9452, 2024 unless at least 5,648 electors submit a completed copy of an Elector Response Form to the City of Prince George before the deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
In order to sign an Elector Response Form, a person must either be a resident elector or a non-resident property elector of the City of Prince George. For the purposes of the Alternative Approval Process, an elector is a person who meets the qualifications referred to in section 65 or section 66 of the Local Government Act if assent of the electors were sought, either as a resident elector or non-resident property elector.
To sign an Elector Response Form as a resident elector a person must:
• be a Canadian citizen;
• be at least 18 years of age;
• have lived in British Columbia for at least the last six (6) months before signing the Elector Response Form;
• live within the City of Prince George; and
• not be otherwise disqualified from voting by the Local Government Act or by other law.
To sign an Elector Response Form as a non-resident property elector a person must:
• be a Canadian citizen;
• be at least 18 years of age;
• have lived in British Columbia for at least the last six (6) months before signing the Elector Response Form;
• have been a registered owner of property within the City of Prince George for at least the last thirty (30) days; and
• not be otherwise disqualified from voting by the Local Government Act or by other law.
An Elector Response Form must be in the form approved by the Council of the City of Prince George, or an accurate copy of the form such as a photocopy. Elector Response Forms are available on the 1st Floor or the 5th Floor of Prince George City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., on Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Elector Response Forms are also available on the City’s website: www.princegeorge.ca/aap.
The deadline for submitting an Elector Response Form is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
An Elector Response Form must be fully completed and hand-signed. All three (3) pages of the completed Elector Response Form must be submitted in order to be counted.
Elector Response Forms may be submitted by hand delivery, mail, facsimile (fax), or email as a PDF document attachment, as follows:
Address for delivery or mail: Attention: Corporate Officer City of Prince George Legislative Services Division 5th Floor - 1100 Patricia Blvd. Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Facsimile (fax) number: (250) 561-0183
PDF submission via email: cityclerk@princegeorge.ca
If submitting the Elector Response Form to the City of Prince George by facsimile (fax) or by email as a PDF document attachment, please ensure that the transmission was completed.
This notice is published in accordance to section 86 and 94 of the Community Charter and City of Prince George Public Notice Bylaw No. 9329, 2022.
DATED this 22nd day of March, 2024
Ethan Anderson, Corporate Officer/ Manger of Legislative Services City of Prince George
CLAIRE NIELSEN
Those who know me know I am a big fan of being quiet and meditating when life gets hard to navigate. I do not think we were meant to make it through without support from each other, from our spirit and the loving universe. It’s all in the language but the language all leads to the same place –getting out of our heads and into our hearts. Being still in the present moment (or many present moments) and connecting to our spirit within our breath, relaxing into the body with gratitude, surrendering what is not serving us, opening our minds to solutions and opening our hearts to reconnection – this is what resonates with me as I find my way.
I have recently been gifted with a beautiful book called Living Without Fear written by a local author Lee Purcell. I have had the pleasure of meeting Lee a few times.
He is the embodiment of light and has a beautiful aura of loving energy. I have been reading his book but have to set it down every few pages to process, absorb and embody the messages. The words seem to have flowed through him rather than just from him. His creative mind has been able to communicate ideas in such an eloquent way that I seem to be feeling the poems rather than just reading them. Having worked with plant medicine myself and understanding the great teaching potential it contains, I sense
some of the experiences that inspired Lee’s beautiful and magical words.
If one makes a practice of sitting quietly in contemplation, this book is a ‘must read’. I am enjoying it immensely and will be gifting copies to several people I love.
Here is one of my favourite poems by Lee Purcell.
Another wave of relief
Created outside of belief,
The thief was the Ego
Taking the moment away
While angelic vibrations
Begin to sift through the night
Healing the world
With pure harmony
And unconditional acceptance
Reminding me that Love is Effortless
Thank you, Lee, for blessing us with this collection of beautiful contemplations and philosophical insights.
Claire Nielsen is a health coach, author, public speaker and founder of www.elixirforlife.ca. The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional health and medical advice. Please consult a doctor or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses and/or treatment.
We’ve got a new layer of bureaucracy for local vegetable producers and it raises some big questions about local food security.
On January 1 the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission (BCVMC for short) expanded its jurisdiction to include the northern half of British Columbia.
Prior to this, northern producers north of the 53rd parallel were technically not allowed to sell their produce to Lower Mainland markets, which affected a couple local producers, but the new rules create more regulation for local growers selling locally.
Anybody selling more than 2000 pounds or $5000 worth of vegetables will have to be registered with the marketing commission for a production and delivery allocation. This will cost producers $250
a year and some extra paperwork.
These thresholds are 40 years old and should be increased, to ease the burden on small producers, but the system needs updating in other areas as well.
The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission was established in 1934 to help maintain minimum pricing for growers to avoid damaging boom and bust cycles and limit the dumping of produce. The concept is similar to the dairy and egg marketing boards minus the hard quotas on production.
I appreciate the argument for the existence of marketing boards, although I’ve criticized how it works in practice. One of the problems is how these marketing commissions become a hammer of redtape that benefits the large multinational vertically-integrated retailers and food processors, not the local producers.
You could argue the vegetable marketing commission made sense when food production was local and the same rules applied to everyone. But nowadays a company like Costco can bring in produce from Alberta, Saskatchewan,
or points beyond, grown by producers not subject to the same rules and fees as local BC producers. Same deal with American-grown produce, although these imports are regulated by federal food inspection rules.
If we want to reduce the carbon footprint of our food, it doesn’t seem like this is how you do it.
Another issue are the marketing agencies.
Marketing agencies were originally groups of farmers who came together to share the costs of advertising and marketing their produce. They are now licensed and regulated by the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission. If you want to sell vegetables to the big retailers, you need to do so through a marketing agency like BC Fresh.
Prior to February 2nd, large retailers in Prince George could sell local PG produce without going through an agency. Not that they did that much to begin with, but they now have a legal requirement to stock shelves through one of the 11 marketing agencies in the province, none
of whom are local.
Presumably local producers can start a local marketing agency dedicated to local produce, like what the Okanagan and Vancouver Island have, but to start a marketing agency, the application costs $21,000, is not guaranteed to be approved by the BCVMC board, which currently has no northern representation, and would be subject to significant regulation and reporting.
Local growers are expressing a lot of concern with what is happening. Local growers have new fees they have to pay, and the opportunities to access local markets will be impacted. While some local producers will be able to sell their goods down south, without a local marketing agency, access to the big local markets will now be bogged down by more red-tape.
I’m not sure our local food security and local farmers are going to all benefit from this new arrangement, but it’s not like we have any say in the matter absent more regional autonomy over our local food security and independence.
Sarah Taylor, an independant distributor with the Bemer Group, explains to Gail Lindley how the Bemer Evo works during an eight-minute demonstration of the health technology at the Wellness North & Business Expo held at the Civic Centre Saturday. Lindley is awaiting a hip replacement and took part in the demonstration to see if the health technology, which sends a low intensity pulsed electromagnetic field into the body, helped with her pain.
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
This isn’t the retirement she planned.
Monica Murphy, 77-year-old Prince George resident, lines up at the food bank every week and only shops at the thrift stores because she’s on a fixed income, just like most Canadian seniors.
“Last week there were 80 people in the food-bank line up and – there are wonderful people at the food bank – but with my health issues it’s a bit of a hardship to wait so long,” Murphy said. “A lot of people who are on a fixed income are struggling
to make ends meet and I’m one of them.”
Murphy is not alone as a report from the BC Seniors Advocate reported a 78 per cent increase in food-bank use by seniors over the last five years.
Murphy said she’s squeaking by at the end of each month as she waits for her next pension cheque to come. It’s nothing new, she’s lived like this for a very long time and is often humbled by having to ask for help from various organizations. She was quick to say she’s always treated with respect that keeps her dignity intact but it’s still a difficult ask.
Murphy was spurred to take action when she heard about the Seniors’ Tin Cup protest held the morning of March 21 in front of the local MPs office on Third Avenue in downtown Prince George.
Murphy joined a small but mighty – and peaceful – group that gathered with signs that said ‘seniors deserve respect’, ‘end senior poverty’, ‘we are tired of being poor’.
Murphy’s sign said ‘pensions are too low’.
The small Prince George contingent led by organizer Ken Aitchison joined the call to government for pension reform so that low-income seniors can reach Canada’s poverty line of about $25,000 a year. Most live on about $17,000 a year.
“So many seniors are on fixed incomes, living below the poverty line, they can’t make ends meet and a light needs to be shone on that,” Natalie Mcquary, peaceful protester, said. “I know people who, after retirement, feel they have to go back to work to survive. These people
have raised families and worked all their lives and to be struggling in their golden years isn’t right.”
The Prince George demonstration took place on March 21 in conjunction with similar events around the province including Terrace, Kamloops, Vernon, White Rock, Vancouver and Ladysmith.
Carol Fawcett, a Vernon senior started the grassroots group called Tin Cup, Seniors Rights Matter, in partnership with Sharon Elliot in Vancouver.
“There’s a lot of seniors living below the poverty line and that’s not really fair,” Aitchison said. “Because of circumstances beyond their control seniors are suffering.”
Aitchison added many seniors’ incomes are so low they are forced to make tough choices between getting their medications or groceries each month.
“We’re hoping to bring some attention to the situation,” Aitchison said.
For more information about Tin Cup visit https://www.seniorstincup.org/wp/.
TOM SUMMER Local Journalism Initiative
The BC SPCA says they’re preparing to take more than 200 cats and kittens into their care from a home in Houston.
Despite their extensive experience and ability to support large animal intakes, the SPCA said the situation is ‘unparalleled’ and will draw on all of their resources to care for the felines in need.
“There is so much coordination and resource allocation that goes into caring for a number of cats this significant, especially given that many of them are very young kittens,” explained Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA in a media release. “The last time I remember us involved in a single intake of kittens this large was back in the late 1990s.”
A request for assistance from the animals’ current guardian through a helpline, who told the SPCA that people had began dumping stray cats in his yard several years ago, bringing them into his care, but he became overwhelmed with the sheer number of cats and kittens, with most of the kittens
and their moms are living inside the home.
The SPCA has already visited the home, bringing food, supplies, and litter to help support the animals’ needs while coordination efforts are underway to bring the cats and kittens into their care.
“When we initially attended, our teams were quite surprised to see how well the animals have been taken care of, all things considered, but without a quick intervention the chance of their welfare suffering is very high. The cats mostly appear to be in good shape and seem quite social,” added Drever.
However, while appearing healthy, the cats and kittens will need a considerable amount of veterinary care to ensure appropriate assessments, vaccinations, a spay or neuter surgery, and tailored medical treatment as required. In addition to supplies, costs are also anticipated for transportation for the animals and the staffing needs to oversee the intake through to the animals’ eventual adoptions.
The BC SPCA is currently considering rental of a large indoor space as a temporary accommodation, while arrangements are made to safely transport the felines to animal centres across the province.
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The Prince George School District (SD57) will receive $1.3 million dollars for upgrades and enhancements, as part of $291.9 million budgeted by the Province for school maintenance projects.
“This is an investment to help make schools more energy efficient, climate resilient and better able to support their school communities,” notes a press release by the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
$23.8 million is being given to purchase school buses, with $9 million allocated to buy electric buses. $26.8 million in energy and electrical upgrades are planned across 51 school districts through the Carbon Neutral
Capital Program.
Through an annual facility grant, $150.2 million is available for school districts to address maintenance needs.
Interior construction upgrades at Ecole Lac Des Bois, HVAC upgrades at Beaverly Elementary, and a delivery vehicle for a food infrastructure program at Prince George Secondary are listed as the items the funding will be put towards.
Neighbouring communities such as Quesnel School District (SD28) will receive $1,743,000, $2,431,000 for the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District (SD27), $1,853,800 for the Bulkley Valley School District (SD54), $1,350,00 for the Nechako Lakes School District, and $300,00 for the Stikine School District (SD87).
In Quesnel, the funding is for
exterior wall systems upgrades at Bouchie Lake Elementary School, electrical upgrades at Parkland Elementary, and kitchen equipment for Correlieu Secondary School, Ecole Red Bluff Lhtako Elementary, Riverview Elementary, and Voyageur Elementary School.
In the Bulkley Valley, the funding is for interior construction and roofing upgrades at Smithers Secondary, exterior wall systems upgrades and kitchen equipment for Twain Sullivan Elementary, and kitchen equipment for Muheim Memorial Elementary.
In the Nechako Lakes, the funding will be used for exterior wall systems and electrical upgrades at Mapes Elementary, roofing upgrades at Fraser Lake Elementary-Secondary, kitchen upgrades
at Evelyn Dickson Elementary and Nechako Valley, electrical upgrades at David Hoy Elementary and Mouse Mountain Elementary, HVAC Upgrades at Fort St James Secondary, and four new buses.
The Stikine School District will use the funds for interior construction upgrades at Atlin School.
“I am proud of the work our government continues to do, making historic investments in upgrading schools throughout BC,” said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care in the release. “As we support school districts to undertake school renovations and add infrastructure, we are ensuring that our kids have clean, safe, modern places to learn and grow.”
Whenyou get new electronics or other valuable items it is often the last thing on your mind to record its particular information; the desire to use your new item overrides the need to record its serial number. However, it only takes a few seconds to write down the information that could result in you getting your property back in the unfortunate event it is stolen.
The make, model and value of the item are important bits of information that will help an investigation, but the serial number of the item is vital if you become a victim of property crime. Police add the serial numbers to a national database that any police officer in the country can check. For example, it is likely that you are not the only person who bought a particular make and model of television. If your home is broken into and the police catch someone with the same make and model of television that you just had stolen, without identifying markers it may be difficult to prove in court that it belongs to you. A serial number is one of a kind and virtually indisputable piece of evidence in court. Even if there is no
evidence to support a Break & Enter charge, it is solid evidence to support a Possession of Stolen Property charge.
The RCMP would like to encourage the public to take a few minutes and record this information in the event that someone steals your belongings. Details such as the make, model, purchase price, serial number and accurate description will assist police immensely. Another great step is to take a photo of your valuables. A photo also helps police get information out about your stolen item. Media outlets like newspapers and television stations are more likely to publish or air articles with photos than without.
This information, including photos, will also help in the event you need to make an insurance claim. Insurance companies will usually keep copies of this information and photos on your file at no charge.
The RCMP would also like to suggest that property owners engrave their driver’s licence number on their valuables. This allows the police to
access the property owner’s information from anywhere, possibly even before the owner knows it is missing. The police often locate known criminals with property we believe is stolen, but it has not been reported. In the absence of other evidence, the officer may have to let the person go with the property. An engraved driver’s license number would give the officer a chance to contact that person and make enquiries. Even if the owner is not home, police would have grounds to hold that property until they can speak with the owner of the item.
If you have any information about property related crimes in the Prince George area, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
The RCMP is encouraging the community to help protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. When it comes to having vehicles broken into for the sole purpose of stealing the contents inside, there are a number of things that people can do to ensure that they don’t fall prey to criminals.
Theft from autos continues to be an occurrence in Prince George that the RCMP is committed to extinguishing. The fact that criminals break into vehicles to steal anything of value from inside is nothing new. This isn’t an issue that is unique to Prince George. Police are committed to doing what we can to bring the number of these occurrences down.
The RCMP meets as a collaborative effort to reduce crime within the community. Officers discuss everything from identifying “hot spots” for criminal
activity to ensuring officers are aware of the prolific offenders and the crimes they commit.
As much as the RCMP focuses on bringing criminals to justice and making the community safer, the police need your assistance in order to achieve success. Theft from vehicles is a crime of opportunity and is preventable.
By following a few basic rules, you can eliminate the likelihood that you will be a victim. The key is to get into the habit of consistently following the rules until it becomes second nature.
Help the Prince George RCMP eliminate theft from vehicles by doing your part to safeguard them. Together we can make the community a safer place to be.
Remove valuables from your vehicle. Never leave any items in plain view as doing so provides an easy target and attracts attention. Valuables may include loose change, sunglasses, cigarettes, lighters, charging cables and clothing.
Park in well-lit, open areas when you are out.
When at home, park in your garage (if available) and lock both your vehicle and your garage.
Remove portable accessories such as GPS units or satellite radios. It is important to remember that GPS units are usually programmed with your home address.
Opt for a garage door opener that fits on your key ring or program the built-in version on newer model vehicles, instead of a model that clips on your visor and is easily removed.
Continued from Page A1
We knew coming into this year we had a team that had the potential to do something like this and we knew it was going to take a lot of hard work and we executed that.
“First in B.C. and first in the Western Conference, we can’t complain. Good teams have good depth and we don’t rely on just one person to score goals and when you have natural goalscorers like Funk, with 67 goals, that obviously helps and we have four or five 20-goal scorers too, and the best fourth line in the league.
“We also got six really good D and two really good goalies. It’s a recipe for success.”
The Cougars start the playoffs Friday at home against the Spokane Chiefs and if they keep winning they’ll have home-ice advantage for at least the first three playoff rounds. The fans gave the Cougars goose bumps with a standing ovation in the final minute.
“We knew the crowd was going to be pretty good but we didn’t expect it to be as good as it was and it was important for us to experience kind of what it’s going to be like in playoffs,” said Thornton.
“We’re just so excited to get back and play in front of those fans again. When the CN is packed it’s the best place to play in the league and we have the best fans in the league and we’re looking forward to it.”
On the day he signed an NHL contract with the Minnesota Wild, Riley Heidt’s picked an opportune time to deliver his first hat trick of the season and second of his career. It was the perfect capper for a team that heads into the playoffs on an 17-0-1-1 roll.
Heidt’s back-to-back goals 2:16 apart in the second period kickstarted the Cougar offence and ignited the fans.
First, Funk spotted Heidt breaking into open ice on the right side and fed him a saucer pass that sent him into the clear at full flight and he ripped a low shot to the far side behind Jesse Sanche.
Then right after a Cougars’ power play, Ondrej Becher gained possession of the puck and fed a shot-pass into the deep slot that hit the blade of Heidt’s stick for
a perfect deflection and a 2-1 lead.
“That goalie’s got our number a bit this year but once we got one it just seemed to follow it a bit and it’s just nice to be back here with this kind of crowd and end the year off right,” said Heidt. “The points were massive for us, clinched home ice for us and that’s huge for us and we’re proud of it."
Sheer determination on the part of Funk and Keaton Dohaniuk, who pressured the Blazers to cough up the puck, led to Heidt’s third of the game. With nine minutes left, Funk put it into turbo to create the turnover in the Cougars' end and his bullet pass caught Heidt at full flight for a breakaway deke he deposited into the net through Sanche’s legs.
“He was coming off that contract so I knew he was in for a big one and I gave him the puck there and he’s great in tight, he can make things happen and obviously he’s a heck of a goalscorer,” said the 20-year-old Funk.
“This (Western Conference banner) means everything to us, the work we put in on and off the ice all year, it goes
to show how good of a team we have. Just getting that reward at the end of the year, having a successful year like this, it’s awesome.”
Funk and Heidt were reunited on a line with Koehn Ziemmer, in his second game back from an ankle injury, and they showed some of the chemistry that made them such a deadly trio earlier in the season.
The Blazers started the third period with a minute left of carryover time on a power play and just after the penalty expired Tommy Lafreniere dug the puck out of the corner and centred the puck through the crease where Ashton Ferster was waiting for a high tip-in over the shoulder of Joshua Ravensbergen.
Ferster, one of three Blazer 20-yearolds playing in his last junior hockey game, opened the scoring early in the second period with a similar closerange high deflection and with a similar tip-in tied the game 2-2 early in the third period.
Becher replied four minutes later with the gamewinner, jumping on a loose rebound in the crease after Sanche tried
to catch Dowhaniuk’s long shot from along the boards. Becher heads into playoffs on an 18-game point streak.
Borya Valis capped the scoring late after a face-of win from linemate Matteo Danis.
Ravensbergen was denied his chance to set the WHL record for shutouts by a rookie but he blanked six teams to tie the league record he now shares with several other netminders. He finishes the season with an impressive 26-4-1-1 record.
The Cougars’ other super rookie, winger Terik Parascak, was held off the scoresheet but still finished with 43 goals and a 105 points.
Funk, who had a pair of assists, finished the season with 67 goals and 123 points, both Cougar season records. He started the game tied with Jagger Firkus of the Moose Jaw Warriors atop the WHL scoring race but Firkus was on fire in the Warriors’ season finale against the Regina Pats and had a fivepoint night with three goals and two assists in an 11-1 rout. Firkus will get his name on the Bob Clarke Trophy as the scoring champion.
LOOSE PUCKS: Before the game, Cougars president John Pateman presented Thornton, Funk and defenceman Chase Pauls with a plaque to thank them for their services as the graduating 20-year-olds… Logan Bairos and Blake Swetlikoff are the other two Blazers overagers who played their last game Saturday…The Cougar crowd saluted Blazers equipment manager Colin ”Toledo” Robinson, who is retiring after 2,938 regular season games over 29 years with the team…. The Mega 50-50 draw in support of the Spirt of the North Healthcare Foundation went over $177,000, meaning one lucky fan will go home with a cheque for $88,000… The Cougars will also host Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Saturday before it switches to Spokane for the next two games on Tuesday, April 2, and Wednesday, April 3. If Game 5 is needed, that would be played in Spokane that Friday, with Games 6 and 7, if needed, on Prince George ice on Wednesday, April 10 and Friday, April 12.
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Yoga Family Workshop goes Friday, March 29 at 10 a.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St., with Artist in Residence, Erin J. Bauman, at Omineca Arts Centre! Enjoy a fun and mindful time while learning basic yoga and relaxation techniques suitable for all ages. Bring the children and other family members for a rejuvenating experience. Participation is by donation with a suggested fee of $10. To register email info@ominecaartscentre.com. Don’t forget to bring your own yoga mat for this relaxing session. ***
94th annual Kelly Cup Men’s Bonspiel goes April 4 to 7 at the PG Golf & Curling Club, 2515 Recreation Place. Opening ceremonies and banquet are on Saturday night, with DJ every night. There is a 32-team maximum with four games guaranteed. Registration is through the PGGCC Curling office or on their website. ***
Cars and Coffee Prince George goes Saturday, March 30 from 7 to 9 a.m. at Tim Horton’s, 612 East Central St. The event is presented by Daniel Forbes and the Cruisin’ Classic Car Club. Easter weekend is the Season Opener. Hoping to have a family friendly meet that brings PG’s diverse car culture together. Time to bring those projects out! This is a weekly event that goes every Saturday until Sept. 28.
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Loki’s birthday at The Exploration Place goes Sunday, March 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 333 Becott Place. Loki’s turning 9 and everyone is invited to join in celebrating the birthday of Loki, beloved Black-billed Magpie and one of the most interactive and popular Animal Ambassadors at The Exploration Place. Loki’s intelligence and cheeky personality have made him a favourite among visitors and staff alike since 2015. To honour his special day, there is fun activities to celebrate this clever corvid companion. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about these intelligent birds, make a birthday card for Loki, sing happy birthday, check out special
guests, and more. It’s a day of fun, education, and festivities dedicated to Loki, feathered friend, conservation, and the amazing world of birds.
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Miracle Theatre Presents: A Comedy of Tenors by Ken Ludwig goes until April 3 at ArtSpace above Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave. This is a laughout-loud production. All proceeds go to purchase Structural Protection units to keep Prince George safe in the event of a wildlife. Tickets are $37.50. Purchase at Books & CO., or by phone at 250-563-6637.
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Live Pro Wrestling presented by Primetime Entertainment goes Friday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Scrapbook zone on 3899 18th Ave. or at J&A Stereo+, 1839 1st Ave Unit 5. General Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. VIP tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. VIP limited to 100 tickets.
***
Open Mic Nights are presented at Cait’s Sweet Bites & Beanery, 3831 Austin Road West in the Hart Shopping Centre, from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month. People are invited to share their songs and music, poetry, comedy in a casual setting to try something new. Everyone is welcome to attend as a participant or a supportive audience member. For more information email devon.w.flynn@gmail.com. ***
Craft & Chat at the Prince George Public Library is presented by Great Northwest Fibre Fest organizers who are hosting this fibre crafting group every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second floor in the magazine corner. This is a free drop-in group and everyone – all ages, all experience levels
- are welcome to attend.
***
Omineca’s Coffee House Open Stage every Sunday 369 Victoria Street from 3 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to step up and share their talents, stories and art forms of all kinds including but not limited to musical, literary, comedic and performative expressions of our diverse community. Refreshments and snacks by donation. Sign up is on site. There are some house instruments provided but feel free to bring your own creative tools for expression. First timers and emerging artists are encouraged to experiment and collaborate with others. Please share and invite friends and family to build audience, engage and cheer on local artists in a fun, relaxed and safe environment.
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If you’ve got an event coming up email me at cdalgleish@pgcitizen. ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too.
March 27, 1924: $.50 to see a feature film
One hundred years ago this week, The Silent Command starring Bela Lugosi premiered at the Rex Theatre. The film centres on a plot to blow up the Panama Canal, as well as the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. As you can see, tickets were $.50 for adults and $.15 for kids.
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March 29, 1934: Kellogg’s AllBran to keep you regular
Ninety years ago, an ad for Kellogg’s All-Bran can be found on page four of that day’s six-page edition. Kellogg’s pitch to readers is to replace the traditional tonic of taking sulphur and molasses with All-Bran, to ward off this listlessness of spring, usually caused by constipation. All-Bran, along with many other Kellogg’s cereals, were made in their factory in London,
Ontario. That facility has since closed and is now an amusement park.
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March 28, 1974: Everything comes full-circle
For our first photo from this edition, “little Lynda Roberts” and her dog, Taku, were captured while out for a rainy stroll in Connaught Hill Park. Judging by the lack of snow in the photo, March of 1974 looked to be in-line with what we’re experiencing this spring.
Further down the front page from the same edition as Lynda and Taku at the park is an item about the Greater Prince George Master Plan, which was unveiled to the public in draft form for comments by the residents it would affect. The draft plan was touted as a “general concept for future growth of the urban area which could accommodate more than 150,000 people in 20 years.” Speaking of full-circle, the city of Prince George is hosting two Official Community Plan open houses on April 9 and 10, from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at the House of Ancestors.
Lastly, fifty years ago this week, Prince George Minor Soccer advertised their registration for the 1974 season. Registration cost $6.00 for the season, plus a $5.00 uniform deposit, and was open to boys aged eight to 17. According to the PGYSA’s website, registration costs for the 2024 season range from $100 for U3 (children born in 2021), to $325 for U-12 up to U18.
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
West Fraser Timber announced on Jan. 22 it was permanently closing its Fraser Lake Sawmill, which will result in the loss of 175 jobs.
That means 17 per cent of the 1,000 people who live in Fraser Lake, 158 kilometres west of Prince George, will no longer have jobs.
If that happened in Greater Vancouver, a city of 2.6 million, that would mean 442,000 people would be out of work.
That comparison, to highlight the impact of a mill closure in an isolated resource industry-dependent community such as Fraser Lake, was included in a report compiled by the three largest forestry unions in the province who gathered for a one-day conference last week in Victoria to voice worker concerns about the ailing forest sector and how it is being managed by the provincial government.
About 80 representatives of the Public and Private Workers of Canada, United Steelworkers and Unifor attended the March 12 conference and met with Premier David Eby, Forests Minister Bruce Ralston and Andrew Mercier, Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation to discuss the future of forestry and let the government know what workers think should be done to stop the bleeding.
“With the state of the forest industry in general both softwood and pulp have taken some major hits over the last five years when we’ve really noticed it,” said Chuck LeBlanc, president of PPWC Local 9 and millwright at Prince George Pulp Mill.
“We want a say in what’s happening in our industry. We’ve been left out of the table at a lot of the talks around deferrals and that type of thing and as workers we want our time to have our voice heard. For the three unions to get together that really tells you the state of our industry right now
Members of the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) Local 9 forestry union attended an Environmental and Forestry Seminar in Vancouver in February, where they took part in a tour of the Lower Seymour Restoration Forest.
and we’re going to step up and do a lot of lobbying and a lot of talking to government officials to make sure we’re part of that solution going forward.”
Last summer’s wildfires burned three million hectares of forest, the most destructive fire season in B.C.’s history, which further restricted access to fibre, yet another obstacle that cumulatively has cut softwood harvesting in half over the past seven years from 30,000 tonnes in 2016 to 15,000 tonnes in 2023.
Fires, the end of temporary access to beetle-killed wood and falling lumber prices has led to mills being closed permanently or curtailed and has reduced engineered wood and other types of wood manufacturing activities.
LeBlanc said better access to timber in the immediate area could have prevented Canfor’s decision to close Polar Sawmill at Bear Lake for six months starting in January, which he said resulted in layoffs for another 175 workers.
“BC Timber Sales haven’t put out any permits for coming on two years in the Prince George area and we really pressed the government on getting BC Timber Sales to get that wood out,” said LeBlanc. ”That’s 20 per cent of the (province’s) allowable annual cut and that’s a lot of wood that could be coming into our mills feeding the Polars, which then gives the pulp mills the residual chips.
“Certainly the allowable cut is down but there is still wood out there that isn’t being brought in and that tells us that the system isn’t working. Sustainably they set the cut, let’s make sure that all that wood is going to get into the mills so we don’t have to shut sawmills down and pulp mills down.
“They heard us and they are trying to get that moving quicker but things like that, it’s quick and easy stuff.”
Discussion at the conference centred around the report, A Better Future for BC Forestry, created the BC Forestry Workers union collective.
The report identifies a combination
of factors contributing to depleted fibre supplies and reduced forestry activity in B.C. over the past two decades, including unsustainable harvesting practices, the pine beetle infestation, climate change and wildfires, the ongoing softwood lumber trade disputes with the U.S., and the mass-media’s shift away from buying newsprint.
The three unions want the province to form a permanent Forest Sector Council that would formulate forest strategies and policies drawing from the expertise of leadership from all stakeholders, including business leaders, service sectors, union members, post-secondary schools, public utility operators and representatives of all levels of government.
The council would work with the government to design, implement and evaluate forestry strategies and would come up with a plan to create a stable and sustainable fibre supply that would make project investment profitable.
The unions say fibre supply could be enhanced through more intensive collection, better capture of waste from forest and downstream operations, fiscal incentives/de-risking to ensure economic viability of more costly fibre sources, more recycled fibre and partnerships with First Nations and private forest operators.
To maximize value from the forest manufacturing sector the report suggests the province should guarantee benchmark prices for input/output that reduces the risk to companies investing in value-added projects. As difficult as it has been for forest companies to operate profitably with diminished supplies of economically-viable fibre, B.C.’s forest sector, which includes harvesting, paper product manufacturing, and wood product manufacturing, still provides 44,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs and those workers contribute billions annually to the economy in wages, exports and government revenues.
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
She went from believing that running a marathon was impossible at 62 years old to completing the Big Six marathons of the world at 69.
Marie Chapman has traveled the world to run the Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo marathons.
“It was a wonderful experience,” Chapman said, who just turned 70.
“The Big Six is a big deal for marathoners and it’s really quite sought after. I don’t know why because the medal is quite ugly – it’s really heavy, you don’t want to wear it, but it is quite sought after.”
The medal is sponsored by Abbott and is called the Six Star medal.
Chapman’s belief that it was impossible to run a marathon was altered when a friend completed one.
“And then I thought ‘well, maybe’ and then I tried a couple and got injured and then the next time I tried it, it worked out.”
After a couple of failed attempts because of over use, things seemed to smooth out for Chapman.
“The second time I completed a marathon I got a Boston qualifying time so that was pretty encouraging,” Chapman said.
“And it just carried on from there.”
Since those fledgling attempts
Chapman has run the Boston marathon twice, and also the Philadelphia marathon.
Her favourite was her most recent and that was Tokyo she just ran on March 3.
Marathon qualifying times are age graded and categorized in five-year age brackets.
“I just went into a new age category on March 7 so I ran Tokyo in the 65-69 women’s age group and now I am in the 70-74,” Chapman said.
“Tokyo was the most memorable because it was so far away and so big. It was fabulous going to Tokyo. I so enjoyed the whole trip. It was so nice being immersed in the culture, the food was so good and the whole trip went wonderfully - even the weather was perfect at eight degrees with sunshine. It was just a perfect day.”
Chapman will be running the Boston Marathon on April 15.
She has also qualified for the Abbott World Age Group Marathon Championships 2024 which are embedded in the Sydney, Australia Marathon in September.
Chapman is planning to attend this major event.
Prince George Cougars superstar Riley Heidt moved another huge step closer to his dream of playing hockey in the NHL.
The 18-year-old centre has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, the team that picked him in the second round, 64th overall in last year’s draft. The news came to light hours before Heidt scored a hat trick to help
the Cougars beat the Kamloops Blazers 5-2 to clinch the Western Conference title in the final regular season game for both teams.
Heidt is already established as the most prolific point producer in the Prince George Cougars’ 30-year WHL history.
“It’s super exciting for me and my family,” Heidt said.
“There has been a lot of hard work since I was a little kid. This is another step to reaching my dream. I can’t thank my teammates, coaches, and staff around me who have developed
me as a player. That being said, there’s big things ahead right now with our team here and now I’m just focused on that.”
Heidt finishes the season ranked third in WHL scoring with 117 points, including 37 goals and 80 assists. Now in his fourth season with the Cats, through 221 regular season games the Saskatoon native has 85 goals 195 assists and 280 points. In 12 playoff games, Heidt put up three goals and 11 points.
Touted as a potential first rounder leading up to the 2023 draft in
Nashville, Heidt was the last player chosen in the second round and the Wild considered that a steal. Considering what he’s done to put the Cougars into first place in the Western Conference heading into their last game, it’s hard to argue that.
“It was only a matter of time,” Cougars general manager and head coach Mark Lamb said. “He’s a very motivated player who leads our team in many categories on and off the ice. He’s a special person who takes great pride in being the best he can be.”
Northern Clinical Dietitians Erin Branco (PrinceGeorge) andRobyn TurnerKloepper(Vanderhoof)havebeen chosen to presentatthe International CongressofNutrition andDietetics (ICND) in TorontoinJune 2024. This is a majorevent that will bringtogethermorethan1,000 professionals in dietetics andnutrition from aroundthe world. Read more about theirGreen Thumb initiatives focussedonbringinglocally grownfood to NH facilitieshere: stories.northernhealth.ca/stories/march-nutrition-month-bringing-green-thumbinitiatives-northern-health-facilities
The Northern Health Virtual Clinic is open andavailable to helpyou, 7daysa week(10am to 10pm Pacific). Whetheryou need medical helpafter hours,or youdon’t have afamily doctor,you can getthe help youneed from the Virtual Clinic.
Call 1-844-645-7811 to speaktoa family doctor or nurse practitioner by phone or video. Find out more on our website: northernhealth.ca/services/digital-health/virtual-clinic
Callingall community organizations,schools, Indigenous organizations,and localgovernments! Areyou planning aproject that focusesonmentalwellness, community diversity, harm reduction, climateaction, food security,activeliving, or community safety?Applyfor up to $10,000 throughNorthernHealth’sIMAGINE Community Grants: northernhealth.ca/services/healthy-living-in-communities/imagine-grants. Applications openApril 1.
Anew divine inspiration will guide you toward a promising life project. Making the right decisions will enableyou to build afulfilling retirement. Remember thatthe futureisbuilt one stepata time, so it’s timeto get started.
TAURUS
Aspontaneous getaway with friends could be on the horizon. Travelcould turnout to be morecomplicated than expected and communication could be difficult withcertain people. Learntolet go when you’refaced with obstacles.
GEMINI
If you needtofinance aproject, avisit to the bank could be enough. Your determination will help you meetthe right people. Aromantic soul will stir your heart, even arousing atouch of jealousy
Harmonysometimes requires compromise. Prepare yourselffor ademanding event at work that may not receive aquickresponse, even in an emergency Acertainsituationwill requireyou to be tactful and diplomatic
LEO
You’ll be approached by numerous clients, some of whom maybedifficult to please. Don’ttake this personally anddoyour best. In your love life, avoid bot -tling up yourfrustrations.
VIRGO
If you’re single,sudden popularity could lead to love at first sight.Takethe time to get to know the person beforegetting carried awaybyyour feelings. You’ll greatly improve your efficiencyafter making certain changes in how you work
You’ll finally succeed in selling your house or finding your dream home. If you’ve lived in the same home for several years, expect afew waves of nostalgia. The opportunity to take over amanagement positionison the horizon.
SCORPIO
Your words, ideas and opinions will bring many people together around common interests. Others will listen to you attentively.You may also enjoy moments of levity with some people.
SAGITTARIUS
Financial concerns may put your relationship to the test. However,make sureyou leave room for affection, even in times of worry.Your love will be able to soothe all uncertainties.
CAPRICORN
Despite the challenges that come with starting fresh, don’tlet anyone upset you. Concentrate on your priorities. Your time investment will be appreciated and inspireyour inner artist.
AQUARIUS
Aperiod of deep reflection about your personal aspirations is on the horizon. Improving your health will lead to aless stressful lifestyle and apromising new start in spring.
PISCES
Your social life will be lively this week. Therewill be lots of people around you and plenty of activities to take part in. Your laughter will be contagious, and you’ll have the opportunity to make the most of these moments with some of the most exciting people around.
In Loving Memory of Arnie Arp
August 13, 1964March 31, 2021
Arnie is predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Bernice, his brother Leon and his sisters Cindy and Kelly. He is missed every day by his wife Louise, daughter Drue, brother Rob, sister CarrieAnne, brother in-law Calvin, sister Audrey, nieces Jordan and Amber, nephews Mitchell and Tyler, his wife Laine and their daughter Isla. He is also survived by too many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends to name them all.
Arnie was the life of the party, with his sense of humour and wit he would always have a story, joke or comeback that would have the whole room laughing. He was an animal lover and had different pets over the years but always owned a doberman. Arnie also had a love of games, badgers and pools. He would get everyone playing betting on the backyard croquet match or MarioKart race or crib game or whatever. Arnie liked sports, hated to miss a Montreal or Raiders game. A favourite pastime of his was playing a round of golf with some buddies then going for a few beer.
Arnie loved his family and he loved his friends like family.
He is loved and missed by us all.
Tim Zerr
August 28, 1962March 25, 2021
Beverly Smith
February 2nd, 1945 – March 31st, 2021
“Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud, And the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide… I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.”
-e.e. cummings
Missing you always, Darryl, Kristi, Shannon, Trinity and families
December 11, 1970 March 28, 2002
November 3, 1940 – February 20,
It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth (Ken) Carroll announce his passing. Ken passed away February 20, 2024 in Prince George at UHNBC.
He leaves behind Dee, his loving wife of 50 years; his 2 daughters Shannon and Lisa (Ken); 3 grandchildren Megan, Liam and Jackson. He also leaves behind his best buddy Puffin.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held later this summer with family and friends.
It is with heavy hearts we wish to share the passing of our mother Lenora (Nora) Jobson; she left this world peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 16th 2024.
Our mother was a remarkable woman known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength. She dedicated her life to her family and touched the lives of all who knew her with her gentle spirit, wittiness, and boundless love.
Lenora will be dearly missed by her children; Shaun (Dion), Gordon (Nikki), Richard (Darcy), her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Words cannot express the depth of gratitude our family feels for the exceptional care and compassion during her time with the whole team at the Hospice House and all who cared for at UHNBC Hospital.
There will be graveside service at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 28th, 2024 at the Prince George Memorial Park Cemetery for family and friends. We will be celebrating her life and sharing memories on a future date this year.
July 20, 1957 -March 12, 2024
Joanne Renee Rebagliati passed away on March 12, 2024, after abrief battle with cancer.
Predeceasedbyparents, Rene and Elaine Piche, and brother, Denis. Joanne leaves behind son Richard Rebagliati; daughter Rebecca Demers (Corey); son Joseph Rebagliati (Julie); grandchildrenNathan, Tanner, Jake, Joelle, June, and Piper; brothers Robert and Richard Piche; sister Suzanne Andres (Ken); nephews Dustin, Tyler, and Ben; and nieces Jenneth, Kirsten, Erin, and Kayla.
Joanne loved her life as awife and mother and then becamea nurse at age 45. She loved to garden, travel (35+ countries), camping, fishing, hiking (Andes, Himalayas, Rocky, 3volcanoes), kayaking (75+ lakes), curling and playing slow pitch.
She just loved life and people.
Her motto was be positive, live life to the fullest and when things are down, think of butterflies andrainbows. She will be missed dearly and touched the lives of so many.
June 20, 1942 - March 14, 2024
It is with deep sadness we wish to share the passing of our dear mother Mildred (Millie) Allen who left us peacefully in the early hours of March 14th, 2024 at the age of 81.
Born in South Fort George in 1942 to Gordon and Myrtle Wade, Millie graduated from Prince George High School in 1960. Together with her husband Larry, they owned and operated the Dairy Queen Restaurants in Prince George from 1970 until her retirement in 1997.
An avid fan of Tiger Woods, Millie took up golfing in her 40’s and was a member of the Prince George Golf & Curling Club. In 2015, Millie was recognized with a bravery award for saving the life of her neighbor during an apartment fire.
Predeceased by her parents and brother Harold, Millie is survived by her son Gary (Mary Lou), daughter Gale (Stephen); her former husband and friend Larry Allen; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Thank you to the staff at Simon Fraser Lodge for their care and compassion during Millie’s final months.
Safe journey Mom. You worked hard all of your life, it is time for a rest. We will miss you.
In accordance with her wishes there will be no service held.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
1936-2024
Clerissa ‘Marie’ (Underwood), Harmon, Marie born September 28, 1936, Hants County Nova Scotia passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024 Prince George BC at the age of 87. Marie was predeceased by her loving parents Stanley and Clerissa Burton and 8 siblings.
Marie moved west in 1955 to follow her first love, Marie and George Underwood married 1956 had 7 children. Marie leaves behind a legacy of love through her devoted children: Beverly (Bill), Rodney (Wanda), Sandra (Neil), Sheila (Richard), Derrick (Yvonne), Deanna, Barbara, Stepson Lyle (Debbie), 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren.
In 1985 Marie married Clarence Harmon. Predeceased by George in 1982, Clarence 2019.
Marie was involved for many years as a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a proud volunteer for downtown Prince George Senior Activity Centre. Marie was known for her generous spirit, her love of family gatherings, her laughter filled many rooms, her passion for nurturing and supporting those she held dear. Marie loved to play bingo, loved to knit many items for family and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cabage, staff at Rainbow for Mom’s care over the last 6 years.
A celebration of Marie’s life to be held May 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm as a tea at Prince George Senior Activity Centre- at 425 Brunswick Street.
Mom’s spirit will live on in our hearts forever.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs & tributes
Our dadpassedawayonhis own termsand in hisown bedonthe morningofMarch 14, 2024 just 10 days away from his85thbirthday. He relished everyminuteofhis time on earth.
Born on thehomequarter of their farm at GarthlandnearDuckLake Saskatchewan to hisparents Emmetand EvaVaughan,dad wasthe eldestof4 children, andhad an additional 4siblings from hisfather’spreviousmarriage. His BirthCertificate indicates hisbirthplace as “Section 3,Twp47, Rge3, W3rd, Sask” –whichisthe legaldescription of the family home quarter, andtestament to thehumblebeginnings of ourdad
Born in 1939, Dad’slifestory began at thestart of WWII –the year Hitler invadedPoland, andatthe tail endofthe GreatDepressionand theDirty Thirties Hisearly yearswereshapedbynot only thoseglobal events butalsothe hard workingfamilytradition
Ken’sgrandfather JL Vaughanleft West Virginiaand headednorth,settlingon theGarthland farm in 1910.JLwas abook-keeper, acarpenter by trade, andasawyer. Hisfamilyhad no access to educationsoin1913 he decided to buildaschool. JL wasavisionary andan entrepreneur,and theVaughan successes were in no small part duetothe hard work thefamilycontributed. Thefarm grew andKen’s dadEmmet became a farmer andsawyeronthose landsaswell. TheVaughan family work ethic was
ingrainedonKen at an earlyage.Dad was forced to grow up early.
At age8the family movedfromthe farm to BigRiver,and it wasthere Kenfound apassionfor hockey.Atage 14 he would hang around therinkand if thesenior men’steam(TheBig RiverBraves) were short playersthey’denlistKen on to the roster.His best pal andyoungerbrother Lesrecalls thecoach warningbothteams “thisplayeris just a14yearold kid–do nothurthim”.
In 1956 Evaarrived by traininHixon, BC with herfourchildren Ken, Les, Huey andAnna. Emmet wasto arrive laterthatyear, andEva gained employment runningarestaurant called CruisesDiner. Kenwas now16years old. He soon thereafter metWilma Wilson, they were married in Januaryof1958, andbyMay of 1961 Kenand Wilmahad theircompletefamilyofthree children. Kendrove busfor afew yearsout of Smithers,and then logging trucks out of 150 Mile Housebeforereturning to Hixontostart hisown log hauling business. Thefamilylived in “Camp”, near theWilsonsawmill on NaverCreek for3-4 years, before finallypurchasing andmovingintotheir ThorleyRoad home in Hixon. Kenspent therestofhis life in that home.
Sports were always alarge part of Ken’s life.Along with Les, he played senior hockey with theQuesnelKangaroos, andastimewentonhejoinedthe old timers team outofPrinceGeorge named theRusty Nuts TheRusty Nuts played both locallyand internationallyinold timers tournamentsincluding theSenior Winter Games.Ken rarely missed an ice time,and thoseplayers formed a
friendshipthatlastedfor therestofKen’s years. Kenalsoplayedfastball,and was active notonlyplaying,but also coaching hisson’s team.Additionallyhefound the time to be part of thepit crew forDoug Larson’s No.2 SuperModified race car whichracedinthe CAMRAcircuit
Kenand Wilmapurchased amotor home anditseldomsat idle.For many yearstheywould travel with it to destinationslikeAlaska, outoftown hockey tournaments, CAMRAraces, and each spring thehostsiteofthe Memorial Cup–the latter usuallywiththeir close friends Dave andMarionBellamy. Thetriptothe Memorial Cupbecame aspringtraditionand together with Cougars season tickets, both Kenand Wilmawerehugesupportersofjunior hockey
love of dogs also helped fill that void,and when he didn’t ownone he’d adopt oneof theColebank’sfromacrossthe road.Dad missed ourmom,but wasnever lonely. Dadloved hisfamily, andhis family,in turn,loved him.
Ken’smorningnormallystarted by heading down to theHixon Shoppers to meet up with Lesand afew of their buddies -all characters -for coffee and gossip.Tothisday on most mornings if youweretowalk in to theShoppers between8:00and 9:00 you’ll seeagroup at thetable under asignthatreads “Hixon Senate”. Feel free to payfor their coffee
Kenhad an infectioussense of humour andtogetherwithhis wittynaturehe usuallyhad us alllaughing. He kept that “cup’s half full”attitude to theveryend
We lostmom in 2020, butdad was fortunateinthathewas surrounded by hisfamilyand friends whoalways made him feel comforted. Ken’syounger brotherLes wasalwaysnearby, and simply hisbestfriend. To Ken’slastdays that relationship neverwavered.Ken’s
Kenwas preceded in deathbyhis wife Wilma, andgrandsonCorey,and is survived by histhree children Darl (Cathy), Amber(Tony)and Jo-Anne (Scott), his5grandchildren and4great grandchildren.
Dad’swisheswereveryclear –hedid notwanta funeralservice –and we will honour that.Heloved life, andwants to be remembered in that sense. Thefamily will have aprivate gatheringthissummer to sayour farewells. In themeantime, anywell-wishers arewelcome to reach outand sharesomestories. We aresure thereare some we’venever heard.
Dad’slegacy is awonderful,successful storyand it is nowhis surviving family’s responsibility to ensure that this incredible individual will never be forgotten. He will be missed,but ourmemories we will hold dear to our hearts.
Mulch-
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Sale -Two (2) 2018 Kenworth T800 Tri-dem IXS550 Cummins dump trucks . 21.5” gravel boxes & wet kits, near new rubber. $230,000.00 each. (250)614-6667
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Tuesday, May7,2024
4:30pm -6:30pm
The Exploration Place 333 Becott Place
PrinceGeorge,BC
Please join us forthe presentation of the 2023 Annual Reportand Operational Review. This meeting will also include aCommunity Consultation Committee meeting.
In accordance with the Forest Range and Practices Act, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor) invites the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 1251, 1252, 1253) in the Prince George Natural Resource District. The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years starting on May 2nd 2024 and ending on April 2nd 2027 We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting April 2nd 2024 Please submit your comments by May 2nd 2024
The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices
Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be completed at the following location during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM):
Northwood Pulpmill Road, P.O. Box 9000, Prince George BC V2L 4W2
Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or submitted via phone or email at: 1-250-962-3512; pg.fom.comment@canfor.com
How to write a classified ad that works.
Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.
Writing an effective classified ad is easy when you use these time-tested principles.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, ser vice offered or the job title.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond. Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
PAGE
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
To advertise, call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
Lying down
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Fail to amuse
Taste property
Lordship’s jurisdictions
It cools your home
Dismounted
Collapsible shelter 53. Commercial
Charge in a court of law
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Think the space beneath your staircase is lost? Think again! There are 1,001 smart ways to turn it into a useful part of your home, regardless of the configuration of the space. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.
1. STORAGE SPACE
Take advantage of the space beneath the stairs to create storage — you can never have too much storage! Between kitchen cabinets, alcoves, modular storage units, baskets, bookshelves and beyond, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to neatly tucking away items of all kinds out of sight. You could even turn each individual stair into its own practical drawer.
2. EXHIBITION SPACE
Have enough storage? Then why not put in a glass display cabinet or some shelves to display souvenirs from your travels, family photos,
artwork, or whatever else you’d like to showcase?
3. COZY SPACE
A well-defined space like the one under your stairs is ideal for a home office, a reading nook, a minibar or a cloakroom (with a cubby for each family member, for example), among many other potential uses.
4. SECRET SPACE
Hiding a powder room under the stairs is without a doubt an ingenious use of space. A secret playroom is another option that’s sure to stir up your little ones’ imagination.
Does your home have wood panelling that needs to be updated? If so, here are some great ways to modernize it.
• Paint it. This is the quickest and easiest way to update your wood panelling. White or bright colours will look fresh and clean, while darker ones will feel moody and sombre. Or, consider whitewashing the wood using watered-down paint. This will lighten the panels while preserving the grain.
• Camouflage it. Use drywall compound to fill in the grooves between panels. Follow this with a coat of primer and your choice of paint. No one
will be able to tell that the walls are panelled.
• Refinish it. Solid wood panels can be sanded and stained like any other wood surface. Choose a lighter tone for a Scandinavian feel or opt for a stain that mimics mahogany for a more luxurious look.
If you love wood panelling and want it in your home, be sure to choose wide panels over thin ones and stay away from orangey tones, as these tend to look dated. Also, consider mounting your panels horizontally or diagonally instead of vertically for a more modern design.
Plain, glass, bulletproof; made of wood, PVC or fibreglass; neutral or vivid; square, mosaic or half-moon windows — when it comes to picking the right door for your main entrance, you have virtually endless possibilities to choose from. So what should you look for?
Of course, the style of your front door should harmonize well with the architecture of your home. Whether classic or cutting-edge, your door can be used as its own decor element to add personality to your façade. When you shop, bring along a photo of your house and the measurements of the space your door has to fit into. You may also choose to have a door custom made to your specifications for a final product that
matches your exact vision and needs. From a practical standpoint, choose a door with good insulation properties and a low air leak rate. A good rule of thumb is to shop for Energy Star certified models. Make sure the weatherstripping is effective and durable.
Your ideal front door should be sufficiently soundproof, resistant to shocks and easy to maintain. It also needs to be secure: the lock and glass components should be strong enough to stave off an intruder’s attempts to enter your home. Finally, the best way to ensure that your door plays its part flawlessly is to leave its installation to the experts.
An accent wall is a striking way to make a room more dynamic. Here are three ways you can add one to your home.
1. Paint. This is the easiest way to create an accent wall. For a subtle difference, opt for varying tones of the same shade. If you prefer a dramatic look, choose a colour that contrasts nicely with the rest of the room.
2. Wallpaper. If you prefer a patterned or textured accent wall, wallpaper is just what you need. Choose a pattern with a colour scheme that matches the rest of the room for an effect that’s pleasing to the eye.
3. Bricks. Exposed brick walls look great in almost any type of room. If your home doesn’t already have this feature, you can create your own using regular bricks and mortar, or you could mimic the look with textured wallpaper or thin bricks intended as decoration.
Accent walls are the perfect way to play with colour, texture and design in your home. And because they only occupy one wall in a room, they won’t over power the space they’re in.
LOT1 WESTERNRD.,$219,900
1.2Acres -198 Ft.Frontage
LOT2 WESTERNRD.,$219,900
1.13 Acres-198 Ft.Frontage
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