Council sends Sikh temple bus stop relocation controversy to staff
MARK NIELSON Citizen staff
A controversial proposal to move a bus stop away from a spot outside a local Sikh temple was referred to staff during a city council meeting on Monday, but not before one council member expressed opposition to the move.
BC Transit wants to relocate the stop from Davis Road, west of the Guru Nanak Darbar Temple, to Ospika Boulevard.
The Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Society has responded with a a 280 signature petition opposing the step and emphasizing the safety of seniors as a reason it should be rejected.
The move is part of its changes to several routes. One of these will see routes 88 Westgate and 89 Hart become 80 Hart/
Fire at Moccasin
Flats
Spruceland, 81 Spruceland/Westgate and 82 Westgate.
The petition concerns the new route 81, which will remain on Ospika and no longer provide direct service along Davis and Baker roads.
Civic operations director Blake McIntosh said the changes were developed jointly by the City and BC Transit. Details concerning the changes and how they can be reversed will be provided in staff’s report to council and it should be ready by the end of June.
In a report, BC Transit states the changes will “improve service frequency along the new route 81 to 20 or 15 minutes through most of the peak hours (11 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Route 81 will travel via Ferry Avenue to Ospika rather than Range Road.
The report states that the changes
BC Transit plans to relocate this bus stop, located on Davis Road, to Ospika Boulevard as part of changes to city routes. The members of a nearby Sikh temple have raised concerns about the change.
could begin in September.
In a letter accompanying the petition, the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Society lays out the effects the planned move of the bus stop from Davis Road to Ospika Blvd. will have on people in the area.
“As you are aware, this bus stand
City firefighters were called to Moccasin Flats late Monday afternoon to deal with a structure fire at the homeless encampment. One of the tiny homes, which had been built by volunteers, was gutted. No injuries were reported. The fire occurred across from the location where a class C Motorhome and 14 foot enclosed trailer suffered extensive damage on May 11 of this year.
is heavily used and subscribed to by many residents of the area, especially for seniors with mobility impairments that use canes and walkers to get along,” the letter states.
It goes on to note that the current top is convenient for members of the temple, particularly seniors, and points out other concerns.
“This relocation will almost certainly result in negative environmental consequences, as it will become increasingly inconvenient for residents and will result in the increased use of individual motor vehicles on the road, the opposite goal of public transportation,” the letter states.
The Ospika location poses risks to pedestrians, the letter continues.
“The fear is that the relocation will result in an increased risk to the public, should they choose and are able to go to the new location.”
JUNE 1 5:30 TO 8 P.M.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Is it time for another look at bear-resistant garbage bins?
MARK NIELSON Citizen staff
City council was encouraged Monday night to take a second look at the outcome of a pilot program to test the viability of bear-resistant garbage cans.
In early 2019, 300 bear-resistant garbage cans were provided to residents in the Hart Highlands, known for a history of bear problems.
had to get out of their vehicles to manually unlatch each malfunctioning cart, slowing down the collection process.
Cost was also cited as a problem. Replacing all 25,000 regular cans with the bear-resistant versions would run up a $7-million tab and represent a 5.8 per cent increase to the property tax levy.
Bear-resistant bins are the best way to make a difference.
Three years later, the cans were deemed a failure.
The cans had unreliable latches, particularly in cold weather, which caused problems with the automated arm system on the collection trucks. Drivers
However, during a presentation, representatives of Northern Bear Awareness said better-performing models are now available.
They also contended that not every household in the city needs one. They’re needed in key areas where the animals tend to frequent,
LIVE VEHICLE AUCTION
An example of bear-resistant garbage that can be deployed in a three-year pilot project.
and the containers could be phased in over a couple of years.
From a bear safety perspective, the program was a success, they argued. Calls to the Conservation Officer Service were reduced in the pilot study area, compared to
the control area, despite increased calls city-wide, council was told.
“We have gone as far as we can with public education,” council was told. “Bear-resistant bins are the best way to make a difference. They’re easy for people to use. They’re proven to successfully prevent bears from getting garbage.”
Northern Bear Awareness will have a further chance to make their case.
A representative will sit on a seven-member advisory committee on bear awareness that will meet for up to four months to research and form recommendations to council regarding opportunities to increase bear-proofing and reduce bear attractants throughout the city, according to terms of reference council approved later in the evening.
80-100 Automobiles
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
SHINING LIKE STARS Katie Rox (vocals / banjo / acoustic guitar), and Brandi Sidoryk (vocals / bass) of Nice Horse light up the stagfe Saturday night, delighting a wet but energetic crowd as the headline act of the first of three CrossRoads Summer Street Fest events planned for this year.
Prince George to mark BC Trails Day
Citizen staff
Prince George is gearing up to celebrate BC Trails Day on Saturday, June 1. The annual event is a province-wide celebration highlighting the importance of trails and outdoor recreation to physical, mental, and environmental health. BC Trails Day also recognizes the contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to maintaining and enhancing these trails.
Organized by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), in collaboration with local recreation and stewardship organizations, municipalities, and land managers, BC Trails Day will feature more than 60 community events across the province, including group hikes and rides to trail cleanups, campouts, educational sessions on trail building and responsible recreation, and
Follow a trail
activities introducing new trail users to outdoor recreation. In addition to Prince George, participating communities include Black Creek, Burnaby, Burns Lake, Chilliwack, Christina Lake, Clearwater, Colwood, Courtenay, Creston, Cumberland, Delta, Denman Island, Elkford, Fernie, Gabriola, Gambier Island, Golden, Grand Forks, Grasmere, Hope, Invermere, Jordan River, Kamloops, Kelowna, Kimberley, Langley, Logan Lake, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pemberton, Port Alberni, Powell River, Qualicum, Revelstoke, Rossland, Saanich, Salmo, Salmon Arm, Saturna Island, Scotch Creek, Sicamous, Spruston, Squamish, Surrey, Terrace, Vancouver, Victoria, Williams Lake and others [see complete list of registered events hereplease don’t publish spreadsheet as it contains email addresses].
Here are some ways you can celebrate BC Trails Day on your own, with your family or friends:
• Find a local event or register your own event.
• Go for a walk, ride, or paddle and have fun. If you’re taking any four-legged friends along, remember a leash and waste bags.
• Pack a small garbage bag and some gloves, and pick up any trash you see on the trail. This helps keep trails clean and safe for other users
“We are thrilled to see BC Trails Day grow each year, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate and care for our incredible trail systems,” said Louise Pedersen, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC. “Trails not only provide opportunities for physical activity and recreation but also serve as vital connections to nature and the communities around us. This Saturday, we encourage everyone to head outdoors, explore their local trails, and discover the beauty of British Columbia.
“Volunteers truly form the backbone of our trail system,” said Pedersen. “Their dedication and tireless efforts are essential in ensuring our trails remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable. BC Trails Day provides a platform to recognize their invaluable
contributions to our communities. For trail users looking to give back, consider joining a local recreation group and contribute to ongoing trail maintenance and advocacy for the trail systems in their local community.”
The exact number of volunteer trail stewards in BC and their hours have not been comprehensively counted. However, Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), under the Forest and Range Practices Act, has 388 partnership agreements with recreation groups, covering over 1,000 sites and trails. They collaborate indirectly with 8,812 volunteers who contribute nearly 400,000 hours. ORCBC’s survey data shows that only 60 per cent of outdoor recreation groups formally work with RSTBC. As such, thousands of volunteers and their hours likely remain unaccounted for.
and the wildlife who live nearby.
• Become a member of a local outdoor group to show support for your favourite trails. Your membership will support trail maintenance and advocacy for your community’s trail systems.
• Share a social media post on why you’re celebrating trails for a chance to win some great prizes.
Tag #BCTrailsDay and the ORCBC (Instagram: orcbc.ca) to be entered to win.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Visitors to Cottonwood Island Park check out the sights. Saturday is BC Trails Day.
Former MMA fighter Travis Galbraith dies while rafting on Willow River
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Former mixed martial artist
Travis Galbraith has been identified as the missing Prince George man found dead Tuesday afternoon after a rafting incident on Willow River, 35 kilometres east of the city.
Prince George RCMP and Prince George Search and Rescue confirmed on Wednesday that a search that began Saturday - his 43rd birthday - when he was reported missing by his family in Prince George, had ended tragically.
Friend David Mothus started a Go Fund Me page to help Galbraith’s wife Sharon and their sons deal with huge loss of a devoted family man who was well-respected in the community. The
site has already raised $30,000.
“There are no words to say how tough this is,” Mothus wrote. “He passed away in the bush, which is where he lived life to the fullest. He leaves behind a wife and his boys and this is just to give them some breathing room to grieve without considering money. There is no amount of money that will replace Trav. There is no goal… there is just a world of pain.
pride. So thank you for loving her and Trav. I will be helping them plan a memorial after some time passes and some of this money will help with that.”
He had a heart of gold and would be the first to help anyone who needed it...
“Thank you to each of you for stepping up. I know beyond any doubt Travis would be there for us and this would mean the world to him. I know Sharon would not have asked for this, she was his
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Galbraith was 21 when he took on MMA legend Georges St-Pierre on Oct. 11, 2002, in Montreal, a fight at UCC 11 that was stopped 2:03 into the first round when GSP won by elbow submission. St-Pierre, also 21 at the time, improved his pro record to 3-0 while handing Galbraith only his second loss in seven pro fights. He ended his 10-year fight career May 29, 2010, with a win over Kelowna’s Brian Coldwell,
finishing with an 18-7-0 record.
“RIP Travis ‘The Gladiator’ Galbraith. I am at a loss; never did I ever think I would say those words in my adult life,” posted Shara Vigeant, Galbraith’s MMA trainer when he was based in Edmonton.
“Travis was a Canadian MMA pioneer who fought GSP and fought in Pride and Elite XC, going on to open his own BJJ school. I owe my career to Travis. He was the first MMA fighter I ever trained. Not only was he a beast of an athlete, and super talented (anyone who has ever fought or trained with him, can attest to that), he was a beautiful human being. He had a heart of gold and would be the first to help anyone who needed it.
See PRINCE, Page A7
Vitreo Minerals Ltd. is proposing an open-pit silica sand mine with project components 10km east of Bear Lake, for use in natural gas production.
Prince George family, friends and fans mourn the loss of one of their own
Continued from Page A6
“My heart is broken for his family, his sons and Sharon. The world lost a good one.”
As a black belt master, Galbraith was owner and head instructor of Galbraith Jiu Jitsu based at the Northern Capital Judo Club. He was an inspiration to longtime friend Karm Manhas, owner of Kaiten Mixed Martial Arts in Prince George, who also posted a Facebook tribute.
“Today we mourn the massive loss of PG martial art history with the fighter, the absolute legend, the family man and an amazing friend Mr. Travis Galbraith - pioneer of MMA in Prince George,” said Manhas.
“It’s very difficult to explain what an exemplary man he was in every way, that has given the shirt off his back many times. Raised a beautiful family and made sure to never leave anyone behind. Born LEADER born WARRIOR. Condolences to the entire family and all friends on this devastating loss.”
The outpouring of support as word of his death becomes known around the community is helping Galbraith’s son Gabriel deal with
the sudden loss of his father.
“I would personally like to thank each and every single person that has donated to the go fund me, no matter how big the donation is,”
Rescheduled: Notice of Public Hearing Meeting
Temporary Use Permit No. 287
Subject Property: part of South West 1/4, District Lot 7372 and part of District Lot 7373, Cariboo District
Purpose: to permit Preliminary Resource Processing use for a three year period on the same conditions as previous Temporary Use Permits
Next Steps: the in-person public consultation meeting originally scheduled for May 30, 2024 will now be held June 5 at 6:30 pm at the Canoe Valley Recreation Centre
For more information visit rdffg.ca/landuseapps
he said. “Thanks to the 70+ people there has been $30,000 raised just in the last 24 hours. My father isn’t here to see this but it would have made him very happy to see how
many people he affected in his short life on earth.
“I know he can’t be here to relay this information to you so I’m hoping me saying it will suffice. Thanks for supporting my family my Mother is just blown away with the amount of support she is receiving. Thanks a million.”
The four-day search involved friends, family, frontline police officers, an RCMP helicopter and 18 Search and Rescue members who spent 150 man-hours looking for Galbraith along the river Initial hopes that he would be found alive when tracks were found in the mud next to his overturned rubber dinghy were dashed when his body was finally located at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
“Prince George RCMP would like to thank all of the agencies and Search and Rescue volunteers that were involved in this search and the subsequent recovery of the missing rafter,” said RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Jennifer Cooper. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”
This investigation has been turned over to the B.C. Coroners Service.
Prince George Folkfest Society (PGFFS) would like to invite existing and new members to attend our Annual General Meeting to discuss the continued success of coldsnap - the prince george winter music festival! Join us for coldsnap 2025 and other upcoming events
Wednesday, June 26th - 7:00 pm Knox Performance Centre (Lower Hall) - 1448 5th Ave
Prince George Folkfest Society (PGFFS) would like to invite existing and new members to attend our Annual General Meeting to discuss the continued success of coldsnap - the prince george winter music festival! coldsnap returns february 2 to 10, 2024! Thursday, June 22nd - 7:00 pm Knox Performance Centre (Lower Hall) - 1448 5th Ave
www.coldsnapfestival.com @coldsnapfest
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY GREG ASHMAN
Hometown favourite Travis Galbraith, left, on his way to defeating Chris Peak on a first-round submission during the King of the Cage Anarchy MMA fight card Feb. 11, 2006 at CN Centre in Prince George.
Gravel trails and other half-measures
The City of Prince George recently announced that the trail at Cottonwood Island Park from the Cameron Street Bridge to the Replica Bridge near the Central Interior Railway Museum would be closed from May 21 to June 14, while crews tear up the heaved and cracked asphalt and replaces that asphalt with gravel. One could argue that had the site had been prepared properly before that original asphalt was placed, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all, but I digress. For residents and visitors who are lucky enough to walk, run or ride a bicycle on the new gravel portion of the trail, the difference will be negligible. For residents pushing children in most strollers, or those in many makes of wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aides, this portion of the trail will now be inaccessible. For those of us who have been to the Cameron Street portion of the trail, parents with strollers are a regular sight.
While this portion of the trail does need remediation, why are we looking at it in isolation, rather than the trails throughout Cottonwood Island Park in their entirety? The asphalt trail closer to the train bridge is also cracked from weather and tree roots. Once it reaches a point
of disrepair that the Cameron Street Bridge portion is in, are we going to rip of the asphalt and lay gravel for that portion too?
We live in an age where accessibility and inclusion are often mentioned when discussing any project. Doesn’t removing asphalt and replacing it with gravel, rendering it unpassable to many, fly in the face of accessibility?
For many of us who live in the core of the city, parks such as Cottonwood are an oasis; they’re
places to recharge and connect with the splendor of nature, often with our family and loved ones. Outings such as walks or rides along the river in Cottonwood are hugely beneficial to our mental health.
One can look to Kamloops for a blueprint on how to properly address one of our premier waterfront parks. Their recently completed Riverside Park, on the shores of the Thompson River, features a fully asphalt-resurfaced trail throughout, as well as riprap
along the shoreline to prevent further erosion. Looking in our own backyard, the asphalt trail that lines Tyner Blvd all the way to Domano is what we should be planning for Cottonwood.
Cottonwood Island Park, our gem where two rivers meet, deserves a plan that devotes the resources to make it accessible for all of us, for generations to come.
Curtis Armstrong is the publisher of the Prince George Citizen.
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
OPINION
The online version of the Prince George Citizen sees a million plus page views each month. Here are a few of the posted comments from our readers in reaction to our local stories.
A case for splitting atoms
in Prince George
To add, solar and wind are extremely costly methods of generation.
During those cold events mentioned in Alberta and Texas wind generation was basically zero as it is during every extreme heat and cold event everywhere wind generation is used.
Greenhouse gases, lol. Every molecule of C02 we emit came from the atmosphere and oceans in the first place. The added C02 is making the world greener.
As the world requires more electricity, nuclear is the only option into the future. Over 400 nuclear power plants are under development around the world.
I find it interesting that Hydro seems to hide its generation output by source. Could it be to hide the fact how poorly the expensive wind and solar generation actually performs. Who are the subsidy miners behind Independent Power Producers?
– HeeHaw
Vaisakhi celebration draws crowd to Prince George
A nice addition to the Prince George community and a indication of how large the Sikh community is now in our city. I will join next year for a first hand experience.
– BC Benny
A case for splitting atoms in Prince George
Nuclear is great with one large problem: the time to build a nuclear plant is immense. It takes well over a decade. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it, but it requires massive, massive, massive long term investment.
All other forms of renewables can be built much quicker and much cheaper than nuke. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it, it may very well be, but the province can’t write blank checks the way the feds can.
My greatest fears, and a justified fear of you look at our Green Hydrogen concept, is billions of public investment for the benefit of a private corporation. So sure, let’s go nuclear- but only if the people of the province can collectively own the spoils leading to reduced bills and increased spending in other sectors towards the public good.
– SpencerLGI
Former MMA fighter
dies in rafting accident
Man was a legend. MMA pioneer and one of the toughest people I ever met RIP Travis
– Mike Trout
Little Prince trail proves popular in Prince George
A HUGE HUGE THANKS to the GREAT volunteers that make this happen and not to the city.
– Sea K
Former MMA fighter
dies in rafting accident
So very sad for the young man and his family. Condolences go out to them. The Willow has taken numerous lives over the years, not just the terribly tragic canoeing accident in 1974 that took so many young lives but there have been other tragic incidents on it that claimed lives as well. So deadly in the spring. Please remind your family and community members that it is not safe at this time of year as many aren’t aware of the dangers.
– Tanglewood
Throwback Thursday: Week of May 23
Parkwood was a great mall for its time.
Woodwards dept. Store and food floor where after buying your groceries you would pull up your vehicle outside and Woodwards employees would load your car with your purchase. The theatre, where on Saturday matinees, the theatre manager would stand in front of the seated kids and tell them to behave and enjoy the show while ushers walked the aisles with flashlights ensuring good behavior.
Different times for sure.
– BGeez
Travis Galbraith
Travis Galbraith
Fires sparked by trains raise rural concerns
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Residents of the Robson Valley community of Crescent Spur, site of a 174-hectare wildfire that prompted an evacuation alert two weeks ago, are convinced that fire was sparked by a passing train.
Danielle Alan, the Robson Valley-Canoe (Area H) regional district director, said with the region still experiencing near-record drought conditions there’s a growing threat of more fires in the dry conditions and a need for residents and authorities to be more vigilant about finding ways to prevent wildfires like the one that got out of control at Crescent Spur.
“About two weeks prior to that there was another fire at that same location (near Prospect Road), that was put out much more quickly, and it was sparked right along the tracks,” said Alan, who raised the issue of train-caused fires at Thursday’s Regional District of Fraser-Fort George public meeting.
“The people whose properties were affected said it more than likely was a rail fire. They would definitely know. There was another fire in the Red Rock area (which started May 11) and as far as I know there’s been four or five rail fires started in the Robson Valley between Tete Jaune (Cache) and Dome Creek in the spring dip, before the green has come up and the grass and winter debris is super dry.”
When it was reported to BC Wildfire Service on the afternoon Friday, May 10, temperatures were in the mid-20s, one of the hottest days of the year so far.
That same weekend about 20 km south of Prince George near Red Rock, Hxon resident Tamara Colebank spotted three fires along the CN track on the east side of Highway 97 where a train was stopped. Colebank and Hixon Volunteer Fire Department chief Gerald
Thompson are both convinced those May 11 fires were caused by the train. Volunteer firefighters responded from the Red Rock and Pineview halls and put the fires out.
The Crescent Spur fire burned out of control until May 15, when the evacuation alert was rescinded. Aided by significant rainfall, it’s being held by BC Wildfire firefighters and is not expected to grow beyond its current perimeters.
Train-sparked fires have been an ongoing issue for Alan since she was first elected to represent Area H in 2014. After the most recent Crescent Spur fire, she relayed her concerns to Anita deDreu, the RSFFG emergency programs coordinator, who met with officials
from CN Rail.
“CN is saying they have three water tankers ready to go and talked about what they are doing to combat fires, but it’s been challenging working with CN,” said Alan.
“They are a law unto themselves. They’ve got a federal mandate and a lot of money is tied up in those rail lines and I’m sure that CN does the best they can, however, they don’t allocate to keep these tracks safe, especially in a changing climate. I’m sure they can do it and it’s just a matter of making it more costly for them not to do it, whether that will be through publicity or federal intervention.
“Public pressure will cost them
in terms of PR, especially with everyone terrified of fires these days, or the government needs to step in and start enforcing their own regulations.”
The area where the Crescent Spur fire was centred is about 60 km east of the Ancient Forest, where giant cedar and Sitka spruce trees continue to grow year-round in a moist climate. Because it is a wet climate, lightning-caused fires usually don’t spread to the surrounding forest. But with this year’s continuance of the extreme drought conditions that plagued the central Interior has raised concerns there will be more out-ofcontrol fires this summer.
HANDOUT PHOTO
Volunteers douse a wildfire believed to have been caused by a passing train on April 14 near Endako, about 165 km northwest of Prince George.
Elected officials want more from CN
Continued from Page A10
“We live in a rain forest and nothing has caused any damage, but as we saw in the Crescent Spur fire, things have changed,” said Alan. “We were really lucky to get moisture when we did, but we can’t count on that.
“So much of the train tracks run through unincorporated communities without access to a fire service. I would love to CN being more proactive and work with communities so they can have fire caches. Donate trailers and fire equipment so that they can help and be a part of the solution.”
Gary Wallace, a retired firefighter and medic who administers a FireSmart fire prevention program from his home base at Tete Jaune Cache, said outlying communities connected by the CN east-west track in Dunster, McBride and Crescent Spur each used to have access to firewagon equipped with a 50-or-60-gallon tank that could be hauled to fire sites by volunteer firefighters. But he said CN discontinued the wagon service because the company said people were using them to water their lawns.
the fire station here and one of the assistants had a satellite map and you could see a train going south that was starting fires all along because the bearings were going, heating up embers to fly out.
“Since I’ve been around we’ve seen between a dozen and two dozen (train-caused fires) and the thing is they don’t seem to want to take any responsibility for this. We’ve been lucky lately in our area, but in the past I can’t see why CN wouldn’t support some volunteer groups going out to fight the fire because they aren’t able to respond that quickly.”
If a train does cause a fire that wipes out a small community, we want to make sure that they can be held accountable...
In the Fraser Lake district, 160 km northwest of Prince George, at least seven fires have been attributed to trains over the past two years. The most recent happened April 14 in nearby Endako and it was extinguished by Yellowhead Road and Bridge employees working in the area.
“Ours has never been used for that,” said Wallace. “We looked at buying it three or four years ago. The wagon used to be in our hall in a separate area where we all had access to it and we could go pull it and put out spark fires or whatever and it was very handy.”
Wallace and his wife moved to Tete Jaune Cache from Alberta and have lived in the area since 2004. He says he’s helped put out four train-caused fires in the time he’s been there but he knows there have been a lot more.
“Just four that I was involved in, but my wife and I had a contract at
Quick responses from Coastal Gas Link fire suppression crews and equipment stationed on the outskirts of the village put out most of those fires near the tracks in 2022 and 2023, but now that the pipeline project in completed the work crews have left the area and that worries Fraser Lake Mayor Sarrah Storey.
“Our goal is to make sure that whatever is causing the repeated fires near railway tracks is addressed,” said Storey. “We do not need any more wildfires in the region of B.C.”
Alan oversees a vast sparsely-populated territory that has just 2,500 people living outside the municipalities of McBride and Valemount. She continually offers FireSmart advice to residents on how to make their properties more resident to wildfires and be
watchful, especially when trains move through the area.
She wants residents to keep records of all the fires started by trains and make that information available to the regional district, which can then be used to put pressure on CN to step up its fire mitigation efforts and help prevent disasters like the June 30, 2021 fire that destroyed the village of Lytton.
“What if there’s a catastrophic fire like there was in Lytton?” said Alan. “There’s conversations around whether that was cause by
a train. If a train does cause a fire that wipes out a small community, we want to make sure that they can be held accountable. If we have a record of all the track fires in the area it makes it easier to hold them to account to say this is not an uncommon occurrence.
“We need an all-province approach to fire safety and fire management around here. It’s become more dangerous. There are more interface fires, more people on the landscape and more chances of a fire causing more damage.”
A volunteer firefighter turns a hose on a fire believed to have been sparked by a passing train on April 14 near Endako.
Prince George court docket for May 21-24
Chase Joseph Riley Cardinal (born 1992) was sentenced to 21 days in jail for causing a disturbance and theft $5,000 or under and to time served for a separate count of theft $5,000 or under and to 18 months probation on all counts. Cardinal was in custody for 35 days prior to sentencing on the first two counts and for 14 days following his arrest on the third.
- Jesse Orlando Ferguson (born 1994) was sentenced to 12 days in jail for breaching probation.
- Steven Laurent Filteau (born 1989) was sentenced to time served and one year probation for possessing stolen property under $5,000 and theft $5,000 or under. Time served was not available.
- Aaron Trond Skuggedal (born 1991) was sentenced to a six-month conditional sentence order for assault causing bodily harm and assault. Skuggedal was also sentenced to one year probation on
Crews tackle vent fire
Prince George fire crews were called out Sunday afternoon to stop a fire in the vents at a city business.
The dust collection system at Onyx Stone and Custom Cabinets, located at 558 4th Ave., was engulfed in flames, with crews putting out the fire before taking steps to extinguish anything left smoldering.
Onyx president Bikram Sahi, who was at the scene, told the Citizen that he estimated the damage at $300,000, possibly more once the building's machinery is inspected.
There were no injuries reported.
the counts as well as for a separate count of assault and ordered to provide a DNA sample and assessed $300 in victim surcharges.
- Montana Singer (born 2003) was sentenced to time served and one year probation for possessing weapon for dangerous purpose and breaching a release order. Singer was in custody for 124 days prior to sentencing.
- James Edward Martin Smith (born 1961) was sentenced to 40 days in
jail and one year probation for break and enter with intent to commit an offence. Smith was in custody for two days prior to sentencing.
- Collette Anne Alexander (born 1995) was sentenced to seven days in jail for mischief $5,000 or under and to time served for breaching probation and to one year probation on both counts. Alexander was in custody for 14 days prior to sentencing.
- Miiko Max Joakim Louhenkorpi
(born 1993) was sentenced to 31 days in jail and one year probation for break and enter with intent to commit offence, to 20 days in jail for theft $5,000 or under and to 15 days in jail for theft $5,000 or under. Louhenkorpi was in custody for 37 days in jail prior to sentencing.
- Darryl Stanley Ireland (born 1982) was sentenced to 31 days in jail and one year probation for break and enter with intent to commit an offence. Ireland was in custody for 44 days prior to sentencing.
- Lyle Robert Suter (born 1980) was sentenced to five days in jail for escaping lawful custody or being unlawfully at large. Suter was in custody for five days prior to sentencing.
- Preston Harold Watts (born 1998) was sentenced to time served and one year probation, issued a one-year firearms prohibition, ordered to provide a DNA sample and assessed a $50 victim surcharge for assault. Time served was not available.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Prince George Fire Rescue Capt. Halovich shows Onyx Stone & Custom Cabinets owner Bikram Sahi the damage caused by an apparent sawdust fire Sunday. The three attending engines received the call at noon and found the shops dust collection system engulfed. Sahi estimated the damage at $300, 000 or more depending on damage to machinery.
Area criminal cases are heard at the Prince George courthouse.
Chris Thalmann (left) and Ashley Servatius of the Prince George Kiwanis Club serves Carmen Brown (with daughter Florence, 2) a bowl of Kiwanis Club Beer Chili at the Great Northern Chili Cook-off held in front of Knox Performance Centre Saturday.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK
Walkers start the 2.5km loop during the 2024 Prince George MS Walk last Sunday at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park in Prince George, B.C. The event saw 92 people take part, raising $19,790.
Britt Meierhofer and Cal Hilde of Britt AM perform last Friday at the Knox Performance Centre’s Northern Hospitality show in Prince George, B.C. The entertainment continues Saturday with the Great Northern Chili Cook-off at 11 a.m., a Kym Gouchie Children’s Concert at 2 p.m. and an evening featuring three bands beginning at 7:30 p.m.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
NISBETT
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
UNBC honours two valedictorians
Behrouz (Bruce) Danesh, top photo, is one of UNBC’s two 2024 valedictorians. He graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours degree. Fellow
Will Hanlon (bottom photo) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in a joint major of Geography and Political Science.
Citizen staff
The University of Northern British Columbia will have two valedictorians at its convocation ceremonies on May 31.
At the first ceremony, the valedictorian is Behrouz (Bruce) Danesh, who received his Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours degree in September. Bruce has just finished his first year in UBC’s Masters of Occupational Therapy – North cohort program at UNBC’s Prince George campus.
The second ceremony’s valedictorian is Will Hanlon, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with a joint major in Geography and Political Science. He has been accepted into the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto in the fall.
UNBC provided the Citizen with information about both valedictorians.
Danesh arrived in Toronto from his home in Yazd, Iran in 2017. Knowing he wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare industry,
he learned of the challenges faced by northern and rural communities in attracting healthcare professionals and was drawn to UNBC.
“Prince George seemed like the ideal place – full of opportunities – and I wasn’t wrong,” he says. “I have loved the small class sizes at UNBC and have been touched by the strong sense of community.”
Accepted as an international student in 2018, Danesh quickly became involved in community development at the Prince George campus and in the broader community. His volunteer contributions range from mentorship roles to establishing cross-cultural groups and creating supports where gaps exist.
“I have worked closely with students, faculty, and various departments to ensure that we are all working towards the common goal of providing the best possible experience for UNBC students,” says Danesh, who completed his coursework in his Bachelor of Health Sciences
Honours degree last spring and his undergraduate honours thesis over the summer of 2023. His degree was conferred in the fall and he will cross the stage with graduates from the fall, winter, and spring conferrals.
After completing his thesis, Danesh seamlessly completed the first year of the University of British Columbia’s Master of Occupational Therapy – North cohort program at the Prince George campus.
Will Hanlon was born and raised in Prince George, and graduated from College Heights Secondary School in 2020.
On May 31, he will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a joint major in Geography and Political Science. Interested in climate change, sustainable development and land rights, he will go to Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto in the fall.
“As I head off to law school in the fall, I will take the strong sense of community from UNBC
with me and hope to foster similar sentiments wherever I end up,” he said.
While in the third year of his degree, Hanlon partnered with political science professor Dr. Gary Wilson through the Undergraduate Research Experience program to research the impact of Brexit (the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union) on three small islands: the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The collaboration resulted in a co-authored paper published in a peer-reviewed journal Small States and Territories. It’s rare for an undergrad to have an academic paper published, the university reports.
“One thing I hope other students take away from my experience is that you don’t have to be a graduate student to get involved in research,” said Hanlon, who joined UNBC’s Research Ambassadors Program this past year to encourage undergraduates to seek out those opportunities.
valedictorian
What’s happening in PG
Citizen staff
Fallen Stars and Dangerbox will perform at the Omineca Arts Centre on Friday, May 31 along with Infectious and Hot Boii Summer. Showtime is 7 p.m. Fallen Stars is a female-fronted Vancouver LGBTQ2IA+ hard rock and pop metal band, while Dangerbox plays heavy pop-punk. Joining them will be local hard rockers Infectious and pop-punk band Hot Boii. Tickets are $20 at Black Sheep Gifts. The Omineca Arts Centre is located at 369 Victoria St.
***
Music and more comes to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on Saturday, June 1 from 5:30-8 p.m. Sponsored by City of Prince George local unions CUPE 399 and 1048, the event features live music on the bandshell as well as plenty to eat from Afro Caribbean Cuisine, Baller Food and Chaá Tayo Bubble Tea and Wings. Musical acts include the local folk duo Cottonwood Kids at 5:30 p.m., kazoo-powered oldtime one-man band Rabbitt Soup with environmental and political resistance and liberation songs at 6:15 p.m. and the dance party band Good Juju with pop, country, rock and more from the 1990s to today
at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the show.
***
The Wild About Lheidli Keyoh
Prince George (WALK PG) outdoor festival happens at Cottonwood Island Nature park on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The festival features the Lheidli Elders Society, Poetree walk, Lheidli history and stories, Indigenous plant gathering and preparation, fish skin tanning, yoga, mycology walk, intro camping, birding, face painting, food trucks, and more. Admission is free, and there’s a free shuttle bus from UNBC to downtown and then to the park. Learn more at wildabout.ca.
***
Learn to prepare health, fun meals at an Outdoor Cooking event on Thursday, June 6. Hosted by REAPS (Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society) at the Prince George Library, 888 Canada Games Way, the free onehour session offers a chance to “Learn some fun, healthy meals and snacks that will ensure you have less food waste and enjoy your environment.”
***
Coffee and Cars is a weekly event held Saturdays from 7 to 9
a.m. until Sept. 29 at Tim Horton’s, 612 East Central St. Car buffs meet up during this family-friendly event to talk about their love of the classics.
***
Craft & Chat at the Prince George Public Library, presented by Great Northwest Fibre Fest, is a fibre crafting group that meets 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 of all ages and all experience levels is welcome.
***
Omineca’s Coffee House Open Stage happens Sunday at 369 Victoria St. 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 on site. There are some house instruments provided but feel free to bring your own. 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.
***
If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@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.
Drugs and crime are downtown’s costly new reality
TED CLARKE
Citizen staff
Drug use, vagrancy, biohazard cleanups and property crime in the city core have forced a shift in focus for the Downtown Prince George Business Improvement Association.
That sudden about-face has taken some of the fun out of the work DTPG does to make Prince George a better place to be, says its president.
“The services we offer have changed over the last few years into things more reactive to deal with negative issues, as opposed to be more proactively creating positive experiences,” said Eoin Foley, owner of Nancy O’s, Birch and Boar and
Betula Burning restaurants.
“We used to focus more on beautification, events, artwork, things like that, that are creating a more pleasant environment downtown to live and work and do business. We still do some of those things (Summerfest, Winterfest, Fall fest, Plaid Friday) but it’s not the primary focus anymore. Now we have to so many reactionary things, cleaning up, like the enormous amount our Clean Team did, that drains a lot of our resources.”
In a May 8 meeting at city hall, Foley urged city council and staff to continue working with all levels of government, social agencies and the RCMP to try to address the systemic issues such as affordable housing,
poverty, drug use, mental health and crime that led to disorder on the streets of downtown.
“There’s only so much we can do locally but we can do a lot more locally than we have been,” said Foley. “I know there are some things in the works with housing, whether it’s temporary or permanent.
“We have to recognize all the efforts we’ve been doing locally, collectively, as important as they’ve been, it’s still always falling short. Everything that we’re doing – (city council), us, RCMP, every organization, health authorities, we are continuously falling short and continuously going into a deeper hole.”
The budget for events and
promotions dropped to 11 per cent of DTPG’s total in 2023, from 27 per cent in 2019. In the same four-year period, the group had to increase funding for its clean and safe programs. That spiked from eight per cent of the budget in 2019 to 32 per cent in 2023. DTPG secures grants and partners with the City of Prince George, PG Brain Injured Group, Drug Awareness Recovery Team (DART), Groundworks PG and ACME Janitor Services to keep the downtown area free from litter, biohazards, needles and graffiti. The cost of funding those cleanup operations jumped from $43,210 in 2018 to $186,230 in 2023 – nearly onethird of the entire budget.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Members of the Downtown Prince George board say their efforts to address homelessness and addiction have cut into their ability to promote the downtown.
Discarded needles, biohazards keeping DTPG busy
Continued from Page A10
Last year they rid city streets and alleyways and entrance ways of 8,383 discarded needles, cleaned up 4,743 sites polluted with biohazards (human waste), picked up 5,140 bags of garbage, 112 shopping carts and 162 wood pallets.
“We never really thought of keeping track of how many needles and biohazards there were in past years but it’s just become so amazing on the amount that we do as an organization with other organizations,” said DTPG chief executive officer Colleen Van Mook. “It does make us wonder what would happen if these great groups were not part of our partnership.”
On its website, DTPG provides its members a When To Call guide so they know what situations require the RCMP (emergency or non-emergency), Prince George Fire Rescue, RCMP Car 60 (for mental health intervention), city bylaw enforcement, BC Conservation officers, Northern BC Crime Stoppers, Northern Health needle disposal, outreach worker assistance and biohazard removal services.
Since personal use of hard drugs was decriminalized by the provincial government on Jan. 31, 2023 in a three-year pilot project to determine if that reduces the number of toxic drug deaths, downtown business owners have seen a marked rise in the number of people using drugs in storefronts and in entranceways to stores and restaurants.
On May 7, the province backtracked on its legal exemption from the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to once again make it illegal to use or possess illicit drugs in public spaces, such as hospitals, businesses, transit busses and parks. It’s still too early to determine if that’s had any effect on improving the downtown business environment.
“A lot of the issues that we’ve been facing in the last year and a half since the decriminalization of that open drug use happened is it’s not necessarily needles,” said Foley. “There’s a
lot more smoking of meth and crack in common spaces where you should be able to walk freely and not have to deal with that as you walk along.
“The only real enforcement ability that the city, bylaws, or RCMP has had for the last year and a half is the rule about smoking within six metres of a doorway. Now, with that specific rule change it gives our officers more of an ability to free up our corridors for our customers and staff to come and go freely.”
DTPG treasurer Derek Dougherty works downtown as an accountant at MNP and on any given morning, while walking a few blocks from where he parks his car, he encounters at least a half-dozen people using drugs on the street. He knows that almost everyday occurrence of seeing people smoking crack in plain sight scares away visitors and hurts downtown businesses.
“That shouldn’t happen, and I get that it’s an addiction,” Dougherty said. “In Oregon, they’re recriminalizing (hard drugs) now and they’re
talking about offering you either one year in jail or treatment.”
DTPG formed as a non-profit society in 1999 and on June 10 it will celebrate its 25th year of operation.
The group represents 242 properties worth an estimated $327 million operating within a 41-block perimeter of the downtown core. That includes a public swimming pool, arena, art gallery and library, 35 restaurants, 70 retail shops and five major hotels.
“It’s kind of like we’re running a mall here.” said real estate owner Kirk Gable, a founding DTPG director.
“The mom-and-pop businesses are local entrepreneurs invested in each of those little pieces, but the mall owner is the city of Prince George.
“They’re running the transportation, the parking and the washrooms and other ancillary services you would get if you went to Pine Centre. Sometimes the relationship between the tenant and the mall owner is a bit dysfunctional.”
In 2018, city council approved a tax
levy bylaw that allows the organization to draw operating funds from downtown businesses designated C1 commercial properties. The current seven-year bylaw will expire on March 31, 2025.
A public notice is required to renew the tax levy bylaw and each individual property owner will be contacted by mail in October and will have 30 days to petition against the bylaw. The results of the petition will be presented to council in December. If that is insufficient to prevent the establishment of a business improvement association (at least 50 per cent would have vote against it) council will be asked to renew the bylaw, which would be required at the end of March 2025 for DTPG to continue its community charter functions. The tax levy amounts to one per cent of each businesses’ assessed value and it’s capped at $12,500. The levy brings in about $350,000 annually and DTPG accesses grants to leverage its budget to about $600,000.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE
Downtown Prince George board members, from left. Kirk Gable, Derek Dougherty, Colleen Van Mook and Eoin Foley gathered at city hall after making a group presentation to city council and staff at a May meeting.
The need for speed
Josiah Wilkinson heads out on one of his eight laps on his bike as he competes in the Men’s Sprint 16-19 division of the PG Northern Triathlon held Sunday at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.
The race route was changed when there was a problem with traffic control forcing modification of the 20KM cycling course. Wilkinson won the M Sprint 16-19 with a 9:45.2 swim and a 56:58.8 overall time. In second was Sebastian Botten with a 9:32.3 swim and a time of 1:05:55.9.
College launches new Indigenous education strategy: lhk’enazdulkat
The College of New Caledonia has launched a new Indigenous education strategy.
lhk’enazdulkat (pronounced ken-naz-dul-kat) was introduced Monday at the Prince George campus, as representatives of the college gathered with partners from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and other organizations gathered to learn more.
“We have much to do to create a better future for all Indigenous students. This starts with an acknowledgement of harm and a demonstrable commitment to change,” said CNC president Cindy Heitman, CNC’s president. “Through meaningful conversations and hard work with First Nations and many voices, lhk’enazdulkat will help us to make changes so Indigenous students can thrive in any path that they choose.”
lhk’enazdulkat is a five-year strategy that supports truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization at CNC for all students and staff.
• Feel that they belong in the CNC community and are safe and welcome;
• Believe in themselves and their unique talents and gifts; and
• Realize their potential and achieve their dreams.
healthy, thriving, and vibrant communities; and
“lhk’enazdulkat provides a clear path forward for the College to address the needs and aspirations of Indigenous students and communities. We are very grateful to all who participated over the past year. Our collaboration with communities showed the common vision for all: that students succeed in their education and career goals,” said Ben Berland, co-chair of the Yinka Dene Council which includes representatives from the advisory committees of each CNC campus.
For the next five years, lhk’enazdulkat and its related changes will seek to help students:
lk’enazdulkat spotlights three key areas on which Indigenous communities and students want the college to focus to increase learner success and work towards systemic change:
• Connect: CNC commits to building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities not just through dialogue but by recruiting more students to the College and hiring more Indigenous employees to increase representation at CNC;
• Understand: CNC commits to increasing cultural understanding by improving cultural awareness and humility for all employees. We will also take steps towards reconciliation by working with communities to meet their education and training needs, thereby helping achieve their hopes and aspirations of
• Empower: Most importantly, communities want their students to succeed in their educational and career goals. This involves providing access into programs; Indigenizing academic curriculum, delivery and assessment; and providing relevant and culturally appropriate supports throughout their learning journey.
The first year of the plan will see CNC focusing on launching an Indigenous understanding and learning series and hosting a People of this Place seminar. CNC will also work toward more proactive outreach to potential Indigenous applicants, more responsive services for Indigenous students, and greater collaboration with school districts to engage Indigenous youth earlier in their high school studies.
The full plan is available at https://cnc.bc.ca/ about/initiatives/ indigenous-education-plan
CNC PHOTO
The College of New Caledonia has launched a new Indigenous educational strategy.
Prince George eyed for hydrogen fuel facility
MARK NIELSON Citizen staff
Prince George is among three B.C. communities where a Vancouver company plans to establish new hydrogen production plants to supply a network of fuelling stations.
Aided by a $337-million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, announced Friday in North Vancouver, Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation’s $900-million H2 Gateway project will also include up to 20 hydrogen refuelling stations, 18 of them in B.C. and the others in Alberta, as well as Burnaby and Nanaimo were named as the two other communities where production plants are in the works.
In Burnaby, construction of a plant has begun at 6120 Trapp Ave. and it expected to be operational in late 2024, according to a fact sheet. For Nanaimo, HTEC is developing a a twotonne-per-day facility scheduled to be operational by late 2025, according to another fact sheet.
An operational date for the proposed Prince George plant was
A company is looking at Prince George as a possible home for a hydrogen production facility that would be used to provide fuel to a network of filling stations for hydrogen-powered transport trucks.
unavailable. No specific fact sheet was produced for the city and it is mentioned just once in the fact sheet for the H2 Gateway project as a whole.
However, HTEC president Colin Armstrong mentioned Prince George during a media event on Friday while saying that developing an “ecosystem” of
supply and fuelling stations was the first step in creating demand for hydrogen adoption in the transport industry.
“We can’t quite drive up to Prince George today, but our goal is to connect up there, particularly on the heavy-duty side of things,” Armstrong told The Canadian Press. “But once we do this, we
believe we can take (hydrogen) certainly across the country and to the rest of the world.”
Another facility to liquefy 15 tonnes of byproduct hydrogen would be built in North Vancouver. No timeline was provided.
Fourteen of the 20 new stations will enable refuelling of up to 300 heavy duty vehicles per day.
More than 280 full-time jobs will be created to build, operate and support the network, according to an estimate.
The loan from CIB “will help accelerate the implementation of hydrogen technology and help mitigate uncertainty in the rate and pace of hydrogen adoption, which have historically been barriers to private investment in sustainable fuel production and infrastructure,” CIB and HTEC said in a joint press release.
The provincial government is also backing the project through four low carbon fuel standard agreements valued at up to $133 million.
The H2 Gateway could reduce emissions from the transportation sector by an estimated 133,000 tonnes annually.
With files from The Canadian Press
Completion of Hydra hydrogen project
delayed by two years
now slated to be open by fall 2026. It had previously been scheduled for completion by early this year.
Completion of what has been dubbed the “world’s largest hydrogen refuelling station” has been moved further down the road.
lhk’enazdulkat (pronounced Hydra Energy spokesperson Katherine Arnett confirmed Monday that its refuelling station and hydrogen production facility is
“Hydra’s flagship refuelling station in P.G. is still on track, and while our team has made a lot of progress the reality is that the project requires a few long lead items and new requirements from BCER (BC Environmental Review) that have slowed down the schedule,” Arnett said in an email.
Specifics on the new
requirements were not provided.
“We are still very positive and see no problems with the station moving forward. Hydra has been very fortunate to receive a warm welcome in the Prince George community and look forward to working with fleets in the region soon,” Arnett added.
The $62-million facility will be located on five acres at the intersection of Sintich Road and Northern Crescent and is to produce
3,250 kilograms of hydrogen per day and refuel as quickly as diesel and up to 24 converted trucks each hour across four bays.
The station’s low-carbon hydrogen is to be produced from two on-site, five-megawatt electrolyzers with electricity coming from BC Hydro.
In March 2023, Hydra signed up eight fleets adding up to 80 heavyduty trucks to long-term purchasing agreements.
MARK NIELSON Citizen staff
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
On May 31, 1954, the Citizen featured two sisters who were serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Quebec. Here’s the story:
Prince George Girls Have Exciting Air Force Career
Over 45,000 RCAF personnel serving across Canada and in foreign countries will make the annual change from blue winter dress to light khaki summer dress on June 1.
May 30, 2006: Children from the Malaspina elementary choir perform in their school’s gym. No names are listed – do you recognize anyone?
Two sisters, members of the RCAF’s Air Transport Command based at Lachine, P.Q., symbolize the change by posing together in the two uniforms.
On the left, Leading Air Woman Shirley Carter, 22, and on her right, Corporal Barbara Carter, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Carter of 1850 10th Avenue, Prince George.
The sisters joined the RCAF together in April 1953 but parted company after Manning Depot training at St. John’s, P.Q. They reunited several months later when they took trade training at Station Aylmer, Ontario.
On completion of the clerk stenographer course at Aylmer, the sisters again parted, Shirley going to
Station St. Hubert, P.Q., home of Air Defence Command Headquarters and screaming jet fighters, while Barbara was posted to 426 transport squadron, Dorval, some 20 miles away.
Recently, Shirley rejoined her sister when she transferred to Air Transport Command Headquarters and now both girls live at Station Lachine. Shirley has been working as personal secretary to the Air Officer Commanding while Barbara works in the orderly room of the squadron checking records and statistics on the famous Korean airlift flown by her squadron. Since joining the Air Force both girls had an opportunity of travelling, recently they spent over 12 days in New York and Florida and last year were able to fly home to Prince George for Christmas leave.
On May 23, Barbara celebrated her 21st birthday and the women members of the RCAF at Lachine held an informal party to honour the occasion. Usually inseparable, the sisters will shortly part company via the marriage route. Barbara is engaged to be married and will leave the service.
Citizen file photo by Brent Braaten
Prince George sisters Shirley (left) and Barbara Carter model the summer and winter uniforms they wear while serving in the RCAF in this 1954 photo
May 31, 1989: Ron Brent elementary students leaped and hopped their way through a variety of novelty events at their sports day Tuesday. Kevin Lake, 9, keeps a firm grip on the ball as he hops. Danielle Denluck, 10, gives everything she’s got to a girls’ tug-of-war against the boys and Jeannine Hornby, 11, scuttles swiftly across the grass in a snowshoe race. District schools are taking advantage of this week’s warm weather to hold their sports days.
Citizen file photos by Lisa Murdoch
Bother
“Romeo ____ Juliet”
Like the Sahara
Volcanic fluid
More glum
Not moving
Seem 24. Hither’s mate 26. Icky stuff 27. Suit to a ____
Large deer
Nosed (out)
Murmur sweetly
37. Winter toys 39. Young woman
Liquor in a daiquiri
Gobbled down
Harsh 45. Wide smile 48. Elevate 50. “Skip,” e.g. 52. Having footwear on
56. Thirst quencher
57. Spends
58. ____ of duty
59. Say “I do”
60. Camping shelter
61. Lively
1. Pathetic 2. Mine material
3. Not well lit 4. Certain brick house
5. Prepared a cake pan 6. Carry on 7. Each 8. Roofing liquid 9. In the sack 10. Playwright Coward 11. Brave 17. Basin 19. Final 21. Long timespans 22. Voter sampling 23. Jab 25. Lots 28. Breakfast favorite
30. Ranch unit
31. “Paint ____ Wagon”
32. Several 35. Least difficult
38. Unpleasantly damp
42. Wipe away 44. Suit pieces 45. Nibble
46. Theme-park attraction 47. Froze 49. Prayer ending
Kook 53. ‘50s dance party 54. “____ Town” (play) 55. Without moisture
PUZZLE NO. 976
ACROSS
Duo 5. See ya!
Petty argument
Land unit
Smoked salmon
Small ensemble
High schooler
Umpire’s cry
Motored 18. Flow back
Obliterated
Grimace
Make beer
In what manner?
Geometric corner
Prune
Leg hinge
Crinkly cloth
Wading birds
Took food
Dreary
Have title to
HOW TO PLAY:
Dress cut: hyph.
Passe
Mine product
Of sound
Hair gel 35. Offbeat
Shirt part
Donate
Doorway rug
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
China’s locale
Went very fast
Hurricane part
Brash
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
Butter
Life Events
Celebration of Life for Bette Marshall
Monday, June 3rd, 10am-1pm at Grama’s Inn - 901 Central Street W
Please feel free to join us in remembering and celebrating Bette’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Northern BC Hospital Auxiliary.
Dear family & friends, please help us honour
Pulham, James R. January 5, 1957 -May 7, 2024
It is with our deepest sadness to announce the passing of our beloved father, brother and friend, James Roy Pulham. Throughout his life, James faced many challenges with courage and determination, and after a hard-fought battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully on May 7th in his sleep with family by his side. Throughout it all, he showed immense strength and resilience. He is survived by his four children, Ariel (Rob), Tyler, Willow Pulham, and Murray Ferguson; brother Steve (Tami); sister Melissa (Rich); much-loved granddaughter Brixton; nieces Alyson, Jennifer, Emma and Sabine; and nephew Ben. He was predeceased by his father Donald, and sister Lynn. James will for his unwavering love for his family, zest for life. He leaves behind alegacy of that will continue to inspire all who
AVERIL ANNE (Bunny) OSTEN
September 6th, 1947 – May 4th, 2024
Celebrating the life of Elsie Stobbe
August 6, 1927 - February 10, 2024
Service to be held June 1, 2024 1-3pm
Westwood Mennonite Brethren Church
2658 Ospika Blvd. Prince George
memorial service will be held to celebrate honour his memory. James will be deeply forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.
Charles Milton Naef
March 22, 1938 – April 15, 2024
Charles (Charlie), born in Giscome, BC 86 years ago, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024 at UHNBC, Prince George, BC.
He is survived by his wife Vicki Naef; his sister Carol Haugland; many loving nieces and nephews along with other family and friends who were lucky to share his life.
Keep his memories close to your heart! There will be no service upon request.
A Celebration of Life is to be determined.
Condolences may be offered at www.FraserviewCrematorium.com
Bunny passed away peacefully at age 76, with family by her side, the evening of May 4, 2024 at the Prince George Rotary Hospice House. Bunny is survived by her loving family: sister Barbara, brother and sisterin-law Brian and Janet and nieces Kristy and Kim. Bunny also has a large extended Aimhi family and many friends from having lived almost 34 years in Prince George. She is predeceased by her father Murray, mother Edith, grandparents, aunts, uncles and two cousins.
Bunny grew up on a small farm in Sardis, BC. She loved farm life and especially the animals. Riding her horse Smokey was one of Bunny’s favourite activities. She had excellent posture on a horse just like her Grandpa Osten and her dad. Bunny also loved to laugh, walk, swim and travel with her family. She enjoyed family outings to Cultus and Chilliwack Lakes, and spent many wonderful summers with her family in South East Saskatchewan at cottages on Carlyle and Moosomin Lakes.
Bunny moved to Prince George in July 1990. In Prince George, she lived at three Aimhi Homes: Stirling, Eton and Ospika. Her family wishes to thank Aimhi for their support over the years and especially all staff who worked with Bunny, making her time in Prince George so enjoyable. Her family would also like to thank Dr. Prigmore and the doctors, nurses and care aides at UNHBC.
Special thanks from Bunny’s family goes to her friends, to Aimhi and her Ospika family for their unending support during her very short illness, also to the nurses, care aides, other staff and volunteers at the Prince George Rotary Hospice House for making Bunny’s final days comfortable and peaceful.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society or a charity of choice. A celebration of life will follow in the fall.
REMEMBRANCES
Beverley Ann (Bev) Ramage
March 20, 1947 – May 15, 2024
Bev, also known as Bev Brooks, passed away with her husband Phil by her side at Gateway Lodge – Critical Care in Prince George early in the morning of May 15, 2024 after a lengthy illness.
Bev was born in London, Ontario and is survived by her loving husband Phil Ramage of Prince George; her son Stephen (Connie) Brooks of Toronto; stepdaughter Kendra (Duane) Brownlee of Calgary; stepson Michael (Betty) Ramage of Vancouver; sisters Dolores (Rob) Kochel of Oakville, Ontario, Linda Sproul of Brantford, Ontario, Nancy Holtman of London, Ontario; nieces Kirsten Kochel of Toronto, Cayley (Russ) Mills of Toronto, and Breanne (Jan) Bicz of Brantford, Ontario; grandsons Charlie Brooks, Henry Brooks, Aaron Brownlee, Matheson Ramage, Emerson Ramage, and granddaughter Amelia Brownlee.
Bev was predeceased by her son Michael Wade Brooks who passed away September 13, 1986 in Prince George. Bev was also predeceased by her mother Shirley Messom of Toronto; beloved aunts Marjorie Gray and Dorothy Lamont, sister Mary Holtman and niece Megan Sproul all of London, Ontario.
Bev worked for many years in Human Resources at Northwood before retirement and was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of New Caledonia. She was an accomplished cook and baker of delicious pies. She loved to entertain her friends and was a person who lit up the room. She will be forever loved and missed.
At Bev’s request, there will be no service and her ashes will be interned in Prince George beside her beloved son Michael.
To place an Obituary, In Memoriam, or Memorial Service, please call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca
Sharon Diane Berg
On May 22, 2024 we lost the strongest woman we’ve ever known.
As a medical anomaly she survived terminal pancreatic cancer for 11 years while facing innumerous battles and complications. With FIERCE determination she persevered to meet 7 great grandchildren and another grandchild in that time.
She considered it a great victory to celebrate her 70th year.
Sharon was born August 27, 1953. She loved her idyllic childhood in Longworth BC and was the last of her family.
She worked as a home care aide and was a surrogate mother / doctor & confidante to many people and horses over the years.
She is survived by her 3 children; Everett (Lori - #1!) Spoklie, Nadine (Jason) Hall & Dana (Brad) Spoklie and their children; Chelsea (John), Brittany (Chris), Alicia (Stuart), Dylan (Nicolle), Jennifer (Josh), Randy (Morgan) and Kai (surprise!) as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, many great nieces and nephews and beloved friends.
Sharon is predeceased by her parents Torsten & Ivy Berg, siblings Carl, Toodie and Randy, uncles, aunts and cousins.
A celebration of life will be announced for a later date in August.
The family would like to thank Dr’s Turski, S. Knoll, Wankling, Siemens, Boutcher, Colleen and the many other health care professionals, friends and family who helped and cared so much for Sharon over the years.
photographs and tributes
Chris Kirby
March 19-1968 – April 26, 2024.
Chris passed away suddenly in his home from natural causes . He left behind two siblings, and four nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Jud and Mary Kirby.
Chris was born and raised in Prince George. In his early life, he loved to ski and water ski competitively as well as many other activities. A serious car accident in 1991 resulted in paraplegic/quadriplegic injuries. He consequently moved to Vancouver where he made many friends and acquaintances.
The physical limitations that resulted from his accident did not impact Chris’s strong desire to live life to the fullest. He loved concerts, sporting events and was active in wheelchair rugby and sit skiing. His most enjoyable activity was on his sit bike which provided him immense physical and emotional freedom.
Chris also liked to travel and despite many physical challenges he visited many countries.
One of his favorite destinations was Las Vegas where he owned a timeshare.
Chris was a generous friend who was known in many circles. Despite recent challenges, family was always there for Chris.Over the years there were many happy holidays and events spent together. Chris will be greatly missed by the family and friends that remain holding on to the many memories of their time spent with him.
Rest in peace Chris. Love all of us.
In lieu of flowers,donations may be made to the Spinal Cord Injury of B.C.
REMEMBRANCES
Obituaries
Evelyn left us peacefully Friday, May 10, 2024 surrounded by her family.
Evelyn was born in London, Ontario in 1941, the eldest of four children born to John and Frances Mardlin. During her youth Evelyn could be found on the farm working with her Dad or spending time with her Mom in the kitchen. Frances and Ev were like sisters and what one didn’t think of the other did. Evie was the big sister and no one knew better than brother Jack how important that role was to her. Hazel recalls her big sister being vibrant, passionate, fashionable and sewing the latest styles - “simply incredible and much loved by family and friends”.
Evelyn met her true love Bill in 1956 at the age of 15, graduated from Medway high school in 1958 and began her career with the Bank of Montreal. Ev and Bill married in September 1960 and in 1963, with the prospect of employment within the forestry industry and the opportunity for Bill to play for the Prince George Mohawks they travelled to Prince George. The trip out west was memorable and Brad was born in November that same year. Bart soon followed in 1965.
In 1965, Bill and Ev discovered Parrens Beach at Stuart Lake. Weekend trips to the lake were routine in the summer. Ev and Bill enjoyed boating, fishing and playing cards with their summer friends who soon became year-round, lifelong friends.
Family was everything to Ev. Brad and Bart remember well the early morning hockey practices in the “frozen” station wagon with their Mom bundled up and a cup of coffee in hand. She spent innumerable hours spectating, supporting and fundraising for their various activities.
Evelyn Jean Crossan
March 12, 1941 - May 10, 2024
In 1988 Ev was diagnosed with cancer, a battle she bravely fought and won! It was that which encouraged Bill and Ev to live life to its fullest. They loved to travel and were fortunate to make many trips to Mazatlan, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Disneyland and Yuma. They fell in love with Yuma and in 2008 Country Roads became their annual winter home. Ev loved the social life of Country Roads and could be found line dancing, hoola hooping and singing in the choir, sometimes all three in one day. Ev loved the stage and found her niche with the drama group. In 2019 the play was sold out with over 500 in attendance. She became quite the celebrity and loved every minute of it. Clearly, this was just one of her many callings.
In 2006, after 28 years Ev retired from the Prince George Regional Hospital, a job she loved.
Evelyn is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 64 years, her sons Brad (Donna) and Bart (Deborah). Grandchildren Kelsey (Jeff), Jared (Taylor), Erika (Vasko) and Noah. Sisters Hazel (Wayne) and Marlene and Brother Jack (Wilda). Ev’s most recent treasure is her Great Granddaughter Millie Evelyn. Millie put another sparkle in “GG’s” eyes who loved FaceTiming and sharing books with her.
Ev, Evie, Mom, Grandma and GG we miss you. Words can’t describe how much we will miss you. Our love and thoughts are with you. We will always cherish your memories and the fine example you set for us.
No service by request.
Obituaries
Robert Charles DuBois
February 7, 1936 – May 10, 2024
With great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father, father-in-law, grandpa, great grandpa.
Survived by loving wife Evelyn, Son Jack (Michelle), daughter-in-law Kris, cherished grandchildren Jordan (Samantha), Aaron (Brecken) and Aly (Brett), precious great grandchildren Izzabelle, Lily, Robbie, Everleigh, and Jack. Brothers Jim (Edna), Ken (LauraLee), special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Predeceased by – Son Brian, brothers Bruce, Maynard, Terry, baby Jack, Mother Clara, Father William.
Robert (Bob) was born and raised in Giscome, BC where he met the love of his life Evelyn, they were married for 67 years blessed with two sons Brian and Jack.
Bob loved the game of baseball, playing with the Giscome Imperials, watching his sons and grandson play, attending all ball tournaments in town. Trapping and hunting the North Fraser area was a great passion of his shared with many. Spending time with family and friends, visiting brought great enjoyment, Grandpa Bob always had stories to tell capturing highlights of his day in his journal. Forever in our Hearts.
REMEMBRANCES
Norman Patrick Ferris
February 23, 1946 – February 27, 2024
He was loved by all. He was our father.
Memorial Service
Assman’s Funeral Chapel
June 15, 2024 • 1pm - 2pm
1908 Queensway, Prince George
Bob (Robert) Anderson
October 8, 1948 - May 19, 2024
Born and raised in Dawson Creek, B.C., Bob and his young family moved to Prince George in 1972.
Survived by the love of his life, wife Louise, his children Rob (Gerri), Jackie (Jeff), his grandchildren Randy (Paige), Derek, Madison (Josh), Jayce and Brady and many nieces and nephews. Dad loved the outdoors. He loved camping, quading, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and being on the water in his beloved jet boat, “Whiz Kid”. He was at home and happy in the bush. We love you and we will miss you, we will carry on with your adventurous spirit. See ya around that next corner Dad.
There will be no service per his request
There are no words to express our gratitude to everyone at PG Hospice & Palliative Care Society. Every one of you are very special and took the best care of Dad. In lieu of flowers please donate to PG Hospice in Dad’s name.
Classifieds
Classifieds
MERCHANDISE ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Prince George Activator Society
June 25, 2024 at 7pm 770 2nd Ave, PG
Skilled Help
SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Culligan is looking for aService Technician at our Prince George location. Superior customer service skills & plumbing experience preferred. Send resume to: recruiting@culliganwater.ca www.culligan.com
TERRITORY SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Culligan is looking for aTerritory Sales Representative to promote our water filtration and softening systems in the Prince George Region. Send resume to: recruiting@culliganwater.ca www.culligan.com/
Trades Help EXPERIENCED TICKETED WELDER
Peace Valley Industries is seeki ng Ex pe ri en ced Welders for shop and field work in Chetwynd, BC. Must be aticketed welder and have aminimum 5years experience. Must be aCanadian Citizen. Not willing to train.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent.
Pay: $35.00 -$45.00/hr Accommodations provided Email resume to peacevalley@uniserve.com No phone calls please
(250) 614-8915
Booking deadline: Friday noon
Approval deadline: Monday at noon
250.562.2441
Abandoned Property
2 Weeks Final Notice 2004, Ford F350 Pick-Up Truck 1FTSW31PX4ED19273
Justin Wilson - amount owed $1851.01
Due by 9:00AM, June 13, 2024 at 2113 Ogilvie St. S Prince George, B.C.
Legal Notice:
To anyone related to BOYD, ALBERT JAMES about the trailer MHR#041907, Serial#1920, 1969, Glendale, located at #2 - 3370 LANDSDOWNE AVENUE., PRINCE GEORGE, BC. 0868732 B.C. Ltd., the owner of Sunrise Valley MH Park, 251-3381 Cambie St., Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4R3 (604-248-7505), will dispose the above-mentioned trailer unless the person being notified takes possession of the property and establishes a right of possession of it within 30 days from the date the notice is served on that person.
NOTICE TO REMOVE PRIVATE LAND FROM WOODLOT LICENCE W0624
Please be advised that Jumbo Resources Ltd. is proposing to remove 260 hectares of private land from Woodlot Licence W0624 located in the vicinity of the McBride Timber Road, west of Prince George. Inquiries/comments to this proposal must be submitted to Julie Hogness, RPF at 1579 9th Ave, Prince George BC, V2L 3R8, by June 9th, 2024. Only written inquiries received by the above date will be responded to. Information about this proposal can be obtained by contacting DWB Consulting Services at 250-562-5541.
MINES ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT APPROVING THE NEW MINE PLAN AND RECLAMATION PROGRAM FOR Tamarac Lake Sand and Gravel
Take notice that John Paolucci of Rolling Mix Concrete (BC) LTD. has filed with the Chief Permitting Officer pursuant to Part 10.2.1 of the Health and Safety Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia, a proposed mine plan together with a program for the protection and reclamation of the land and water courses related to the proposed Sand and gravel.
located at: BLOCK B, DISTRICT LOT 8501, CARIBOO LAND DISTRICT, EXCEPT PLAN H789, & EXC PL BCP45302
A copy of the permit application, including supporting documentation, is available for public viewing at Public Library, Community Centre, Government office or other.
Any person affected by or interested in this program has 30 days to make written representation to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, c/o 350-1011 4th Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H9 or email: northwestMinesDivision@gov.bc.ca, with a copy to: mmd-princegeorge@gov.bc.ca
Application information and instructions for submitting comments to the Ministry are also available on the Mines Public Engagement Portal at www.gov.bc.ca/minesengagement or scan the QR code below.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
You could have a sudden epiphany or dream that reveals a solution to your financial or emotional problems. You’ll gain a better perspective on your situation, and everything will fall into place.
TAURUS
You’ll take the necessary steps to move forward and improve your situation. Inaction isn’t the answer. You’ll overcome your fears and move towards your aspirations and ambitions.
GEMINI
You may discover new artistic talents. Your creativity will shine, and you could volunteer for a cause close to your heart. You could find new skills by following your intuition.
CANCER
It’s time to get rid of friends who don’t respect you. Avoid lending money to those close to you. Transparency will help strengthen any relationship.
LEO
You could be given more stimulating responsibilities at work. A promising op -portunity will present itself if you’re look -ing for a job. A friend could also help you professionally.
VIRGO
A summer getaway is on the horizon. You’re on a tight deadline, so don’t over -look your preparations. All forms of learn -ing will lead to contentment. Your social life could lead you towards physical, psy -chological and spiritual well-being.
LIBRA
You’ll be determined to rise to any chal -lenge despite feeling some intense emotions. Moving house or changing jobs could bring you closer to a dream. Sometimes, you must step out of your comfort zone to change and grow.
SCORPIO
You’ll be thinking a lot about your love life. Thoughts of love may make you feel anxious. Relationships involve commit -ment, and you’ll take time to reflect be -fore taking this all-important step.
SAGITTARIUS
Your health is top of mind, and you’ll start a diet better suited to your goals. Although you’re considering starting a home-based business, it will take some time and patience to turn it into a stable source of income.
CAPRICORN
You’ll experience a boost in your selfesteem, making you more aware of your worth. This will increase your selfconfidence. Your nearest and dearest will express their appreciation for you, helping you to feel better about yourself.
AQUARIUS
You’ll focus all your attention on your family this week. You may have a spat with someone close to you and need a little distance to calm down. If a move is imminent, anxiety could increase as time goes on.
PISCES
If you’re worried about something, you’ll find someone to confide in. You won’t go out of your way to talk about what’s bothering you, knowing you can use words that won’t hurt anyone.
Homes & Living
A recipe for saving for your down payment
Buying a home is a process that takes time, energy and money. The larger your down payment, the better the interest rate on your mortgage. How can you save that kind of money quickly?
GAUGE YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION
Start by making a list of your income, expenses and debts. This gives you a clear idea of your financial health and helps you determine how much you can save each month. Your debttoincome ratio also plays a critical role in determining your borrowing capacity and, therefore, the amount required for your down payment. Consult a financial professional if you need help managing your savings or improving your credit rating.
Look into a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) to help you save for a down payment.
REVIEW YOUR LIFESTYLE HABITS
Look for areas where you can cut back on your expenses. This could include eating out less, cancelling streaming subscriptions or not shopping as much. Small changes can add up over time and help you save more for your down payment.
SET UP SCHEDULED WITHDRAWALS
One of the easiest ways to save money is to set up automatic transfers from your chequing account to your savings account. By doing this, you won’t have to think about saving money each month, and you’ll see the amount grow over time. This can be a great motivator to spend less and save more.
Remember, every little bit counts when building up your down payment. Happy saving!
Trend: create an at-home coffee bar
Have you recently purchased the coffee machine you’ve had your eye on for a few months? Do you want to add a modern touch to your decor? Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect coffee bar.
FIND THE PERFECT SPOT
The kitchen is ideal for a coffee bar, but you can also create one in your dining room, living room or on a sideboard in the hallway. It’s a great way to display your most beautiful furniture, such as an antique wooden chest of drawers. Additionally, a retro glass-door sideboard could help maximize available space, especially if you don’t have much counter space.
USE VERTICAL SPACE
Barista accessories can quickly accumulate, creating a cluttered look on your coffee bar.
Consider placing shelves above the machine to hold jars and other items. You can also install hooks on the wall to display your collection of mugs. These simple solutions will help tidy your space while creating an appealing visual effect.
CHOOSE YOUR MUGS
Your coffee machine may be the hub of your coffee bar, but your choice of mugs adds a unique touch. Handmade ceramic mugs are perfect if you prefer a minimalist or natural look, while clear glass cups are a great option if you like the classic Italian style.
Whatever your style, setting up a coffee bar can enhance the look of your home. Make yourself an espresso and draw up your plans!
3 winning tips for designing your child’s workspace
Creating a calm space and encouraging concentration is an excellent way to promote your child’s healthy development. Although they need to move around and express themselves in a playroom or the backyard, a workspace that reflects their personality will help them deepen their learning at school. Here are three tips for designing your child’s study area.
1. Let them choose the decor
Whether you’ve decided to set up a workspace in your child’s bedroom, upstairs or in your open-plan living room, it’s important to remember that the choice of decor should be primarily up to your child.
Encourage them to choose frames, wall stickers or even small plants. They’ll be more motivated to use the workspace if they decorate it themselves. Are you thinking of repainting the walls? Choose the colour together. Turquoise, pastel colours and neutral shades such as cream and grey encourage concentration.
2. Focus on ergonomics
Proper posture is crucial for comfort and effective learning. Get your child a height-adjustable chair so they don’t have to tilt or lift their head to look at
a computer screen. For homework and lessons that don’t require writing, it’s beneficial for your child to vary positions. For example, they can read while sitting on a ball, the floor or an exercise mat.
3. Avoid distractions
Do you have pets? If so, set up your child’s workspace in an area where your furry friends can’t access it. This will help keep your child focused. You should also avoid placing the study area near potentially noisy areas, such as the kitchen or laundry room.
Your child’s workspace should reflect their personality and be where they want to spend time. By getting involved in its creation, you’ll be showing an interest in your child’s success, helping to build their confidence.
Renovating your fireplace: how to go about it
Has the style of your fireplace changed? Is your old-fashioned fireplace keeping your living room from entering the 21st century? If so, you should think about renovating it. Where should you start? Here’s a quick guide.
Determine your needs
Before starting any work, identify your needs. Do you want to save space in your living room? Do you want to match other recent improvements in your home? These specifics will influence the choice of materials and the scope of the work.
Refurbishing
After removing the outdated components of your fireplace, thoroughly clean the exterior to get rid of accumulated dirt and debris. You should also clean the hearth and have a professional inspect the chimney for leaks. This ensures your safety and compliance with regulations.
Enjoy your hard work
Whether you choose to repaint, refresh or completely redesign your fireplace by replacing your woodburning unit with an electric appliance (which requires less maintenance), you’ll quickly notice
positive results. Your fireplace will have a longer lifespan, and you’ll limit heat loss. Hello, savings!
Not sure how to go about renovating your fireplace? Call a professional to do the work.
Happy reno-ing!
GO FOR GOLD.
Eco-friendly homes: addressing various issues
The housing industry significantly impacts the environment, mainly due to the energy consumption involved in manufacturing and transporting building materials. However, constructing or renovating a “green” home can help to minimize this impact.
Here’s how:
• Buy local. Building a “green” home means utilizing locally sourced materials like wood or stone from nearby areas. This helps reduce emissions by minimizing the amount of fuel required for transportation.
• Reduce energy use. Incorporating technologies like solar panels and heat pumps into your home design can help reduce strain on the grid and lower your monthly utility bills.
• Focus on indoor air quality. Using natural and non-toxic materials in your living space and ensuring proper ventilation can significantly improve your indoor air quality. This can help prevent potential health issues such as headaches, fatigue and asthma, often caused by humidity and poor air quality.
• Be water-wise. A single person can use up to 350 litres of water a day. Eco-friendly homes feature low-flow taps, showerheads and toilets to limit water waste.
While eco-friendly homes often require a higher initial investment than traditional buildings, they offer valuable energy savings, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
Pankaj Sharma
