Prince George Citizen June 13, 2024 by Prince George Citizen

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High-five at the Finish Line

Locally Owned-Community Focused | On the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh

B.C., which will be holding the 2025 Special Olympics B.C. Summer Games in Prince George July 10-13 next year, with more than 1,100 athletes participating. Safety Bear was in attendance to entertain runners and passersby, as well as acting as the unofficial finish-line greeter for the event.

James Brasse, 4, leaps up for a high-five from Safety Bear as he leads his father, RCMP officer Alex Brasse, across the finish line at the Law Enforcement Torch Run Thursday, June 6 in Prince George, B.C. The 3.5-kilometre run started and ended at the downtown RCMP detachment. Special Olympics athletes joined RCMP, corrections and sheriff members to take part in the run to raise funds for Special Olympics

Another tiny home destroyed by fire at Moccasin Flats

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Another night, another fire in Moccasin Flats. The blaze left a tiny home in ruins early Monday morning at the Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment.

The area has been plagued by at least nine separate structure fires since May 20.

“It’s certainly an odd number of units (being burnt) in a short period of time,” said Prince George Fire Rescue Chief Cliff Warner. “It would seem there’s something odd going on, for sure.”

The latest happened at about 1 a.m. Monday when fire crews were dispatched to extinguish a fire in a tiny home near the centre of the camp on the east side of downtown.

The fire had already consumed most of the building when the first firefighters arrived at the scene.

“The crews arrived and found one of those tiny homes fully involved and extinguished it,” said Warner.

“There was nobody around that claimed occupancy of it. We drove by this morning and saw there was a burnt-out bed frame and not much else pulled out of there. Whatever else was in there was consumed.”

Eight of the 17 tiny homes built by volunteers over the past year at Moccasin Flats have now been

destroyed by fire.

“Of the nine (fires since May 20), all have been tiny homes, except one which was a large (10-foot X 30-foot) structure built last fall,” Warner said. “When this one burned, it also consumed two of the structures included in the count.”

Warner said the cause has been determined in just two of the

encampment fires over the past month.

“One of them was an occupant burning inside for warmth, another was a small fire started by an occupant using an unapproved heating source and the remaining have been fully involved fires (with) no occupants around for these fires,” he said.

Warner said because none of the homes are insured, there are no forensic tests done by fire investigators to determine if accelerants were used to purposely set them on fire. He figures some of those fires were no accidents, but without investigations it’s impossible to know that for sure.

“Some of them we would deem suspicious because there’s no logical reason to burn. However, most of them are deemed undetermined just because of the general nature of the way they’ve been built, not following building code or fire code, it could be a manner of things causing these to burn,” Warner said.

BATTLE IN THE NORTH

Chris Cormack, 32, of the Dawson Creek team Father Figures seems to levitate above the mat as he skips during the final team challenge at Battle in the North 2024, a crossfit competition featuring intense fitness challenges for individuals and teams. It was held at Masich Place Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. See more photos at www.princegeorgecitizen. comgreeter for the event.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Another tiny home at Moccasin Flats was lost to fire on Monday. There were no injuries.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

City spent $42.2M on

capital works in 2023: draft annual

MARK NIELSEN

Special to the Citizen

The city spent $42.2 million on capital projects last year, according to a report from the city’s financial officer included in a draft annual report released Friday.

The work was spread over 99 projects, with 10 of them accounting for slightly more than $25 million and led by road rehabilitation at just under $6 million. In all, 58.5 lane kilometres were resurfaced.

Next largest was a construction of a new water storage reservoir on Boundary Road to serve the Airport Industrial Lands and Logistics Park and to enhance “fire flow storage” for the Danson and BCR industrial areas.

Some $3.8 million had been spent on the work as of the end of 2023, leaving about $2.8 million in the budget. Tank delivery was expected to occur over the winter months with installation and construction continuing in spring 2024.

report

station and forcemain project was a priority with the Danson and BCR lagoons listed as future projects under the program for which $6.6 million has been budgeted.

New watermains accounted for $2.05 million. Second phase of the Vista Ridge project was completed in 2023 with final connections scheduled for this year. In total, $2.96 million has been budgeted.

Watermain replacement cost $1.9 million. The work included replacement of the watermain along 3rd Avenue from Vancouver Street to Victoria Street and along 5th Avenue between Ospika Boulevard and Highway 97 as part of the Stuart Drive project.

The annual report is open for public comments which will be included along with the report in city council’s June 24 regular meeting agenda package.

Mobile equipment replacement cost $3.4 million, including three backhoes, a tandem axle dump truck, three sidewalk machines, a parks mower, and two pickup trucks. One fire pumper unit, one street sweeper, five parks mowers and two garbage packers were tendered in 2023 for delivery in 2024. Slightly less than $2.2 million went to sanitary sewer re-routing from the city’s lagoons to the wastewater treatment centre in response to new federal discharge regulations.

The ongoing West Acres pump

An upgrade of the refrigeration system at Kin Centre added up to $1.6 million with $2.6 million remaining in the budget. The refrigeration portion was completed in 2023 with heat recovery install beginning in the first quarter of 2024. A grant from the Clean B.C. Communities Fund covers 73 per cent of the cost, leaving $1.2 million on the city’s tab.

Stormwater drainage maintenance costs were $1.57 million. Projects completed include catch basin cleaning and inspections, erosion control measures, relining, design, ditching renewal, Queensway dike work, and catch basin and cross culvert replacements. The new roundabout at Foothills Boulevard and 18th Avenue cost $1.3 million. It was opened at the end of September 2023 with a performance review scheduled to be ready by the end of this year.

Another $80,141 went toward the work prior to 2023.

In all, 3.3 kilometres of sidewalk were rehabilitated at a cost of $1.15 million. Key projects included 3rd Avenue, McGill Crescent, Johnson Street, Victoria Street, Austin Road West, Strathcona in concrete and Foothills Boulevard and 20th Avenue in asphalt.

The city’s reserve funds totalled nearly $169 million, up $23 million due in part to the addition of $13 million from the provincial government’s BC Growing Communities Fund to aid municipalities with infrastructure projects.

For 2022, $14.1 million went to debt servicing. Based on 25 per cent of $188.6 million of “controllable revenue” (property taxes; payments in lieu of taxes; user fees; and unconditional grants), the city’s limit stood at $47.1 million

of which $33 million remained available.

Figures for 2023 were not available at the time of the report.

The annual report is open for public comments which will be included along with the report in city council’s June 24 regular meeting agenda package.

Paper copies are available for viewing at the Service Centre on the first floor of City Hall and at the Legislative Services Division on the fifth floor during regular business hours.

Written submissions about the report should be forwarded to the corporate officer by 5 p.m. on June 18 to be included in council’s agenda package. Submissions received after that will be provided to council on the day of the meeting for their consideration.

Submissions may be sent by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca.

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE PHOTO

Road rehabilitation was the biggest expense for the City of Prince George in 2023, according a new financial report.

Prince George will see two new air ambulances as the province upgrades its existing fleet.

The addition of the new Beechcraft King Air 360CHW planes was announced Friday. Nine will be in regular use by B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) with three serving as backups.

“When someone you love is critically ill or injured, they deserve the best and fastest care possible,” said Premier David Eby. “Throughout this vast province, we are building new hospitals, cancer-care clinics and urgent primary care centres. By deploying new air ambulances, we are ensuring patients get the quality care they need quickly.”

The province provided $673 million in funding over 10 years for the purchase of the planes.s

Air ambulances allow paramedics to treat people in flight, often

Two new air ambulances for Prince George Tyner Boulevard to close June 18-20

The 12 new King Air 360CHW air ambulances being added to B.C.’s fleet – including two in Prince George – feature a top speed of 325 knots, a flight ceiling of 35,000 feet and a range of 3,345 kilometres. They will be operated by Carson Air.

from remote or hard-to-reach areas. They’re used in emergency situations and to transfer patients between hospitals.

“B.C.’s air ambulances make sure that patients, often with the most critical-care needs, can quickly access the health care they need,” said Adrian Dix, minister of health. “Upgrading B.C.’s fleet with next-generation airplanes means

the full, unabridged version of many of these stories at

patients will have improved comfort and care during transport, while paramedics benefit from consistent features and layout across the fleet.”

The planes, operated by Carson Air, have increased engine power and the ability to land on gravel runways. They feature expanded capabilities for specialized care, including life support, neonatal and bariatric care. The planes can transport patients in EpiShuttles, an isolation unit for patients with certain infectious diseases, something limited with the existing planes.They can also accommodate power stretchers, eliminating the need to move patients from stretcher to stretcher.

“This airplane allows us to land in more remote communities and reduces the time a patient spends in transit,” said critical care paramedic Christopher Singh in a statement provided to media by the province. “We’ll have the capability to load a

patient directly onto the airplane without putting them through an uncomfortable stretcher transfer. As flight paramedics in British Columbia, we now have more capacity to care for very ill patients with specialized medical needs.”

In addition to the two planes coming to Prince George, replacing existing air ambulances, there will also be one in Fort St. John. Others will be at Carson Air bases in Vancouver and Kelowna. There’s also a base in Calgary.

The health ministry reports that in 2023-24, paramedics, dispatchers and call takers responded to 596,014 emergency medical events and completed 71,198 interfacility patient transfers throughout the province, including 8,290 patient transports involving air resources, 6,177 of which were by airplane. About 70 per cent of calls for air ambulances use airplanes and 30 per cent use helicopters.

this time.

Stormwater work by the city will mean the closure of a section of Tyner Boulevard from June 18 to June 20. In addition to motorists, this will also affect transit users and pedestrians, with detours in place.

The work zone extends from west of the UNBC entrance at Ceremonial Road to University Heights Drive.

To access the university campus during this time, use University Way from Foothills Boulevard.

The path adjacent to the road will be closed to pedestrians with a detour route available on Rowe Street.

To access the university campus during this time, use University Way from Foothills Boulevard. The path adjacent to the road will be closed to pedestrians with a detour route available on Rowe Street.

Visit BC Transit alerts page for up-to-date route information as buses will be impacted during

The work involves finalizing the storm main crossing and repairing two existing patches. People are advised to exercise caution in and around the work zone and to pay attention to signage and directions from the construction crew.

Tourism summit returns

The Northern BC Tourism Summit is coming back this fall for the first time since 2019 and registration is now open.

The Summit takes place Oct. 22-24, 2024 at the Ramada Plaza in Prince George, states a press release.

The summit brings together industry experts, travel enthusiasts, and local businesses to discuss the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities in Northern B.C.'s tourism sector.

Citizen staff

JUMP SHOT

Summer Toor, 16, hits 11 baskets in one minute during Rotary’s first ever Hoop-AThon in Prince George on Saturday, June 8. Local Rotary clubs, Rotaract and Interact teamed up with the UNBC Thunderbirds to raise money for various charities and community projects in a freethrow basketball challenge.

CITIZEN

AQUATIC CHAMP

Finn Boyle of the Prince George Pisces Swim Club powers ahead during the butterfly portion of his 200 metre Individual Medley event Saturday, June 10, finishing over a length (25 metres) ahead of second place during the 2024 Lincoln James Whitehead Memorial Swim Meet at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.

DENTAL TRIUMPH Ashley Shannon, Dental Hygiene Diploma Program graduate, talks with College of New Caledonia President Cindy Heitman as she crosses the stage to receive her diploma during convocation ceremonies Thursday, June 6 at CN Centre.

A CLOSER

LOOK Dave Mehner and Chris Balardo of Vernon enjoy the sunny morning and examine the Alexander Mackenzie commemorative display at Lheidl T’enneh Memorial Park Friday, June 9 after attending their grandchild’s graduation from Duchess Park Secondary School the day before.

It’s people’s stories that matter most

Citizen Staff

Gordon Dondale was visiting family in Prince George over the weekend when his sister opened the last week’s edition of the Citizen and spotted a familiar face in a grainy black-and-white photo.

“This looks like you,” she said, tossing him the paper.

After looking at the photo, he laughed in surprise. “It is me.”

By sheer coincidence, Dondale happened to be in town at the same time that a Citizen editor chose a photo of him for our weekly Throwback Thursday page. And his sister, Luella Lund, happened to notice it.

Dondale was photographed while playing for a team called the Legion Grads in a ball game here in June 1962. It’s a black-and-white photo of the then-17-year-old at the bat, a gleam in his eye, confident and ready to swing, and it’s pretty clear who it is.

Now living in Penticton, Dondale doesn’t play ball anymore. “Golf is my sport now,” he says, chatting with the Citizen at Carrie Jane Gray Park’s fastball field, with that same gleam in his eye as he mentions the game.

Throwback Thursday is our weekly look back at the people, places and events of decades past. When we heard Dondale’s story we headed out to meet him and his wife Edna at the field, bringing along a vintage wooden bat

Gordie Dondale, took bat in hand at the plate while visiting Carrie Jane Gray Park Sunday, 62 years after having his picture taken during a game he played in for the Legion Grads versus Prince George Tire.

(from the garage of veteran sports reporter Ted Clarke) and photographer Chuck Nisbett set up the shot to mimic the original.

Dondale, who went on to work for the City of Prince George, doesn’t remember the original photo being

taken, or if he was aware of it running in the paper at the time. In fact, he doesn’t remember playing for the Grads, but said it wasn’t uncommon for him to step in to round out the rosters of other local teams back then. “The funniest thing is that I don’t remember that team name and I can’t make out what the uniform is,” as he puts it.

What he does remember is the fairly regular presence of the Citizen at his sporting events. “We were in the paper for 10 years. Fast pitch was really bit in town, and we got really good articles.” He notes that the paper’s sports editor at the time also played fastball, so that probably helped.

He spent much of his amateur

ball career playing for teams sponsored by Geddes Contracting and Hart Construction. In 1966, he travelled to Rock Island, Illinois, with the local Columbus Hotel Softball Club, which represented Canada at the World Softball Tournament. A Citizen advertisement from that time indicates that Dondale was sponsored by the City of Prince George. He remembers that the team had several players from Prince George as well as a few imports. Canada came ninth in that tournament, which was won by the U.S. Dondale later played on teams that won back-to-back provincial championships.

So that’s one man’s decades-old connection to his hometown paper. You’re reading about it because of a couple of coincidences strung together by that sense of community, as word got to us that he was in town, and he was up for a chat. This is a perfect example of how much of a connection a local newspaper can have with its community. By telling people’s stories, we record those moments for history. It’s also a reminder of how important amateur sports can be to our city. Anyone can look up vintage game results and player stats online, but it was the Citizen sharing the pictures and stories of people like Dondale and others that mattered then and now.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

CITIZEN FILE 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.

Two new air ambulances coming to Prince George

As a retired person, who’s career was in the ER, these 2 medical units are an EXCELLENT addition to the whole medical team, that strives to do one thing....”SAVE LIVES”.

– Bonnie Kenyon

New carbon pricing rule benefits big industry, hurts small operators

This is actually good news If big companies that produce our goods get relief from the carbon tax scam then maybe prices will stabilize, maybe even reduce.

– HeeHaw

Prince George under thunderstorm watch

I recall thunderstorms in this area, at least powerful one’s tended to happen more towards end of summer. Now we see them in spring and even late fall. The same could be said for strong winds.

Weather is basically the redistribution of heat. More heat means more energy. More energy means more powerful weather events.

– Lou Mauric

New carbon pricing rule benefits big industry, hurts small operators

Government is taking care of their FRIENDS.

And if they want to get rid of carbon, the tax won’t do it, trees will however they love carbon.

– bcracer

Lawrence Hewitt warns city of Prince George about fire danger

Well I don’t disagree that the way forests have been replanted, has exasperated the fire hazard, there is not much that can be done at this point, except wait for the forests to sort themselves out.

I think as all the dead and dying trees you reference fall, they will rot and turn to mulm eventually. And dense vegetation will grow in its wake and trees will space themselves naturally, it will just take a few generations.

There is a reason that old growth forests are untouched by fire and exist for thousands of years, because they are a soggy, mucky mess.

The forests are in the state they are in, from human meddling, we should probably just leave well enough alone and be thankful for the rain.

– Zangief

Action before disaster, not the other way around

The taxpayers of Prince George do not need or want another tax; they are getting tapped out. No one can plan for weird weather events, trying to, is just money down the drain. The downtown core from the railyard on First Avenue southbound to the Hudson Bay Slough; westward to the Parkwood Mall and south to the Carrie Jane Gray park area are all floodplain. Look at some old maps and see that Connaught Hill was an island. The Courthouse built in 1996 was built on a twohundred-year flood plain. The underground parkade next to City Hall proved all this. The old downtown is built on gravel fill, and the railyard on First Avenue has been built up with gravel fill at least four times since 1914 to mitigate flooding. So this new tax is just a scheme to free up money from already overtaxed people to create a slush fund for pie-in-the-sky ideology.

– Ed Denicola

Province seeks anti-racism advocates for provincial committee

If you could bring a racialized person from the fifties to present, I wonder what their opinion on modern day racism would be?

Race today, is simply being used to divide people and as a vehicle to advantage certain races and has little to do with actual racism.

Sure, there is still racism, carried out by idiots and degenerates. Certain people do all sorts of unsavoury things everyday and that will continue no matter how many committee’s we assemble.

And this committee, is just politicians pandering to its far left supporters. It will accomplish nothing, but it sure looks good!

Don’t worry about the ailing medical and education system, that is failing everyone, that would be hard to address. Let’s make a committee to fight quasi racism, that will have little to no effect on anyone!

– Zangief

What’s happening in PG

Citizen staff

POEM, Reflective Music for Flute and Harp, comes to the Christian Reformed Church at 1905 Willow Street from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14. It’s an evening of musical poetry, where the timeless beauty of the classical period intertwines with the innovative spirit of contemporary expression. The enchanting sounds of flute and harp weave a tapestry of melody and meaning, taking listeners on a journey through the realms of imagination and emotion. Shoshanna Godber, harp & Ariane Jarosch, flute. Admission is paywhat-you-can. Tickets available https://shoshannagodber.com/ event/5547258/677999071/poem-reflective-music-for-flute-and-harp

Primetime Wrestling Live happens Friday, June 15 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Scrapbook zone on 18th Ave or at J&A Stereo+. 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. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and with the bell at 7 p.m. sharp ***

Medieval Market happens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 at Studio 2880, and runs until 4 p.m. The event a variety of medieval themed artisans, musicians, activities and foods inspired by the middle ages. This event is held on the grounds of Studio 2880 and inside the arts council buildings.

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Country star Clint Black comes to the CN Centre on Saturday, June 15. The 30th Anniversary of Killin’ Time Tour show begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs to 11:30 p.m. The multi-million selling country icon is on a tour commemorating the 30th

anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album Killin’ Time. Tickets are available at bandsintown.com. Opening the show is Alberta singer Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

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Singer-songwriter Cole Malone performs Saturday, June 15 at Exhibition Place, 8:30 p.m.. His Prince George Rodeo Cabaret Dance features his blend of country and contemporary music. Late last year, Malone unveiled his fifth single, Ain’t No Way She’s Coming Back, a collaborative effort with Dan Davidson, produced at the esteemed MCC Recordings studio

in Calgary under the guidance of Johnny Gasparic. Tickets are available at bandsintown.com.

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It’s Father’s Day at Huble Homestead on Sunday, June 16. Visitors can explore the area’s history with a guided tour. There’s a free pancake breakfast and an afternoon ice cream sundae, croquet and horseshoes. It runs from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the historic site north of Prince George. Visit hublehomestead.ca for more information.

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A Golden Age Social will be held at the Civic Centre on Monday,

June 17 from 1:30-4 p.m. The free afternoon event for seniors sees live music start at 2 p.m.

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Coffee and Cars is a weekly event held every Saturday from 7 to 9 a.m. until Sept. 29 at Tim Horton’s, 612 East Central St., where people can meet up during this family friendly event that brings Prince George’s diverse car culture together. Time to bring out those projects.

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Craft & Chat at the Prince George Public Library is presented by Great Northwest Fibre Fest organizers who host 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.

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The Omenica Centre’s Coffee House Open Stage is held every 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 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 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.

Country star Clint Black comes to the CN Centre on Saturday, June 15. The 30th Anniversary of Killin’ Time Tour show begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs to 11:30 p.m.

Trail user says failure to thin Pidherny forests could result in catastrophic wildfire

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Lawrence Hewitt lives on a heavily forested property on the northern outskirts of the city and like many Prince George residents he’s worried about wildfires.

Those are real fears after an unprecedented 2.8 million hectares of B.C. forest burned in 2023 and the lingering hangover of extreme drought conditions that have persisted this spring through much of the northern half of the province.

Hewitt caught wind of the new FireSmart BC fire mitigation program the provincial government has introduced to encourage people to take charge of making their own homes less likely to burn and he’s been busy doing exactly that.

“I’m worried about it because I live in a bushy area and I’m dealing with it and thank God it’s been raining,” said the 70-yearold Hewitt.

“I had three people from the regional district come by last week and give me advice. There’s a protocol for distances from a residence so the first two metres has to be barren ground, like a concrete patio of gravel, no combustible material.”

Hewitt was also told to cut off the lower limbs of trees within 10 metres of his house to lessen the chance of a fire creeping close to the ground and to remove the smaller trees within a 30 m radius. The program advises removing leaves and conifer needles from roof gutters and planting types of shrubs and plants that are less likely to burn.

Hewitt’s five-acre property is surrounded by his neighbour’s

350-acre parcel and another 40-acre property across the street. The forests that make up the area are a mixture of poplar, birch and conifers and he’s hoping his preventative measures will keep his homestead untouched by fire.

“You can’t weed the province, but you’ve got to take care of what you can,” said Hewitt. “A lot of what was logged off around Prince George (before and just after the Second World War) has grown back very randomly and two feet apart, skinny deadbranched trees that are so close to each other fire could really take off easily once it gets going.

“Hopefully it’s not going to happen but if it does you’ve got to do something to be ready for it.”

Hewitt used to go for walks with his friends in the city and likes the trails at Pidherny Recreation Site. But what he observes in the surrounding forest of the 620-hectare former woodlot scares him.

He sees too many dead or dying trees growing inches apart and branches on or close to the ground stacked on top of each other teepee style, just waiting for a source of ignition that could spark a potential disaster on the steep Pidherny slopes.

“It’s pickup sticks, there’s trees down everywhere, that whole hill, and if something catches at the bottom of the hill, it’s a nightmare,” said Hewitt.

“I can’t imagine a worse situation, all that dead wood ready to go and sweep up the hill. It’s quite mindboggling when you see it. It’s got to be cleared out.”

Hewitt knows there will be costs incurred by thinning the forest to reduce the fire hazard and the risk of a crowning fire that moves

from treetop to treetop but it’s worth it if it leaves the city less likely to burn like Fort McMurray did in May 2016.

The Ministry of Forests conducted a thinning project on the lower trails of Pidherny in 2022-23, which opened up trail sightlines and cleared some of the dead or decaying wood, with plans to tackle the upper half of Pidherny within the next two years.

Hewitt is hoping the money will be there to complete the project.

He said a fire at Pidherny could easily jump Foothills Boulevard and threaten houses in the Hart Highlands.

“You’ve got to do something to

be ready for it, so just clean up,” said Hewitt. “Yeah, they have to check their priorities, and so clearing out a greenbelt in College Heights is probably more of priority because it’s surrounded by housing and fences.

“It’s unfortunate but a lot of it has to be done,” he said. “It’s a point that needs to be raised.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Mountain bike rider Russell Phillips stops to check out the scenery on the Shady Lane trail, one of the lower trails affected by logging to reduce fire risk at Pidherny Recreation Site in 2023.

UNBC grad goes from logger to law student to law professor

Murray Sholty (UNBC MBA 2010) and his wife, Gabriela Sholty (UNBC MBA 2012) are looking forward to the UNBC Business Dinner - Celebrating 20 Years of MBA this weekend in Prince George.

It was the University of Northern British Columbia’s MBA program that helped him go from logger to law student to law professor, says Murray Sholty, explaining that it allowed him to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to advance in higher education and business.

Sholty, a Hagwilget Village member, and former longtime resident of Fort Fraser, recently received a cross-appointment as a tenure-track assistant teaching professor to the Faculty of Law and the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics at Thompson Rivers University (“TRU”).

He recently attended the 10th-year reunion for the inaugural TRU Law Class of 2014 May 17-19, and says this important law school milestone would not have been possible without first attending the UNBC MBA Program.

of

After attaining his juris doctor in 2014, he continued to pursue higher education in law, obtaining his Master of Laws (specializing in Business Law) in 2019 and Master of Laws (specializing in Energy

A report on the Regional District’s 2023 Statements of Financial Information will be made at the Board Meeting on June 20, 2024 at 1:30 pm at the Valemount Community Hall at 101 Gorse Street, Valemount BC.

This meeting will be livestreamed on the Regional District website and the report is also available online or for in-person viewing at 155 George Street, Prince George BC call 250-960-4400.

and Infrastructure) in 2021 from Osgoode Hall Law School.

He now teaches in the areas of First Nations Governance and Economic Development, First Nations Business and Taxation, Environmental Law, and co-coaches the Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot team.

Prior to going back to school, he worked in the natural resource sector, first as a tree planter, then running his own silviculture crews, and eventually owning and managing a timber harvesting company in northern B.C.

Since graduating from TRU Law, he has been able to combine his experience and education by founding SV Management Services Ltd., a consulting firm focused on working with First Nations. Much of his current consulting work has been concentrated around First Nations governance, economic development, business, and taxation issues.

Murray noted that the MBA program program emphasized both the hard skills and soft skills that are required in business, but also that are require in general management in different organizations (i.e., government, not-for-profit, First Nations, etc.). Examples of hard skills, can include evaluating financial statements, creating strategies, marketing research, establishing key performance indicators, etc. Soft skills can include leadership, management, project management, strategic thinking, etc.

Sholty has been active in Kamloops, serving as a board of director for the Kamloops Hospice Association and was the TRU Law chair for the Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot 2024. In addition, he has been recently appointed to the board of the International Intertribal Trade and Investment Organization, and the TRU Qelmúcw Affairs Committee.

Citizen staff

Lawyer and professor Murray Sholty got his start in the forestry industry. His education includes an MBA from the University of Northern British Columbia.

Tour de North cyclist in Cops For Cancer training for 850-km ride

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

With six kids aged nine to 13 in her household, Prince George RCMP Cpl. Meghan Driscoll has a busy life.

It’s a full-time job tracking down criminals as a general duty supervisor at the downtown detachment and her duties as a mom to all those kids is a 24/7 occupation that doesn’t leave her much time to pursue her own hobbies.

But this year is different for the 43-year-old.

Driscoll has found the perfect vehicle that allows her some regular “me-time” – riding her road bike while she trains for the Cops for Cancer fundraiser.

The 20-year veteran cop is part of the 16-rider Tour de North. From Sept. 20-26 they will follow Highway 97, riding from Dawson Creek to Williams Lake raising money to help send young cancer survivors to Camp Goodtimes.

“Everybody has somebody in their family that’s been touched by cancer and for kids suffering with pediatric cancer it gives them and their families the opportunity to go to camp and talk to their families and not feel alone,” said Driscoll.

RCMP Cpl. Meghan Driscoll (left) and Cpl. Jennifer Cooper discuss the Tour de North ride while setting up a booth for Denny’s Grand Slam Day to raise money for Cops for Cancer. From 7 a.m .-2 p.m. Wednesday, proceeds from Denny’s Grand Slam breakfasts sold will be donated to Tour de North which raises money for children and families living with cancer and beyond cancer.

“This is my first ride, this year, but it’s been my dream for 20 years. When I was at depot we did a shaving-our-heads fundraiser for Cops For Cancer, so this is my full-circle moment,” said Driscoll.

I’ve been kind of eyeing up the ride for a few years and luckily with my supportive spouse this year it was a good reason at the 20-year mark, kind of special.

“I have an uncle and aunt that have passed in the last five years from cancer and my mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor.”

Driscoll first got involved in a cancer fundraiser while going through RCMP depot training in Regina.

Driscoll rides a mountain bike and often goes for regular rides at Pidherny with three of the kids she and her wife Nikki are raising.

“It’s 850 kilometres in seven days with a 1,500 (metre) elevation gain and we’ve been out training since the start of May,” Driscoll said.

“I’ve been kind of eyeing up the ride for a few years and luckily with my supportive spouse this year it was a good reason at the 20-year mark, kind of special.”

Driscoll and training partners

Megan Lee and Allie Fenske, both of North District RCMP, have been training regularly and just completed an 80-km ride. They’re working up to a 120-km trip and plan to race in the Kris Yip Fondo, June 22 at Tabor Lake. Their longest day during the Cops for Cancer ride will be 190 km.

“I’d never ridden a road bike before I started training for this,” said Driscoll. “I’m learning about clipless pedals and the brakes are

in a different spot.

“I actually love the road riding. You get to go out there and see the beautiful city and beyond the city. We’ve got the whole summer to train.”

A native of Qualicum Park, Driscoll also worked with the RCMP on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland before she transferred to Prince George.

Three other RCMP officers are riding in Tour de North, including Brandon Jones (Fort St. James), Robert Orlowski (Burns Lake) and Owen Vrbos (Terrace).

The team also includes B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics Douglas Furlong, Jamie McPherson and Sydney Steinbach; David Horvath of B.C. Sheriffs, Sharleen Bast and J.J. Bast of 150 Mile House Fire Department; Terry Jackson of Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Andrew Simpson of B.C. Hydro, and civilian riders Jacob Koomen and Ron Gallo.

Some of the Prince George riders gathered Wednesday morning at Denny’s restaurant on East Central Street. Proceeds from each Grand Slam breakfast sold from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. were donated to the cause.

Driscoll has so far raised $3,343 - tops on Tour de North. The team has so far raised $27,153 of its goal to collect $200,000.

RCMP honors officers, staff, civilians

Citizen staff

The North District RCMP honored officers, police civilian staff and public servants during an awards ceremony Tuesday.

In all, 19 people received recognition. The RCMP provided details on the awards that were issued.

There were five award recipients for meritorious service to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their country, having served for 20, 25 and 35 years.

Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, district advisory media relations officer for North District RCMP, was awarded the 35-year Gold Clasp and Certificate as well as a Commanding Officer’s Citation. The Long Service Medal and Clasp

are not awarded in recognition of a single act or one specific incident but are awarded in recognition of all those occasions where the recipients had to display courage, daring, bravery, tenacity, patience and good judgment.

Saunderson was awarded the Commanding Officer’s Citation for

professionalism exercised by the members of B.C. RCMP’s Communications Team during the search for the suspects in a triple homicide in northern B.C. in July 2019.

The Commanding Officer’s Citation was awarded to Sgt. Kyle Ushock, Cpl. J.R. Gohn and commissionaire Shawn Standbridge, for their actions in Vanderhoof on Nov. 25, 2021 when a man started shooting into the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment, causing police officers and civilian employees to take cover and attempt to monitor the gunman’s movements.

Const. Hayden Fehling and public service employees James Dyck and Kathy Morin were awarded the Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation for their actions both during and in the months

following the same event.

Const. James Dela Torre with the Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit was awarded the Commanding Officer’s Commendation and Insignia for Outstanding Service for his actions in rescuing an individual from a submerged grader that was in approximately 12 feet of water.

I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to all of the deserving awards recipients for their outstanding contributions and achievements. The dedication, bravery and selflessness that are exemplified in these awards is a testament to the hard work and success of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in B.C, states Chief Supt. Brian Edmonds, commanding officer for the North District RCMP.

Kids help send white sturgeon on a Nechako River journey

Area elementary school students had the opportunity to help send young white sturgeon back into the Nechako River in Vanderhoof Friday.

The kids and their teachers joined representatives of the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative along the river for the annual Juvenile Sturgeon Release. It’s meant to provide an opportunity for students to have hands-on experience as juvenile white sturgeon, spawned at the Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre, were released.

It was held at Riverside Park and was hosted by the initiative along with Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C., School District 91 and the District of Vanderhoof, and involved students from public, private and First Nation schools, as well as home-schooled children.

This was the 10th anniversary of

the event. Several elected officials were on hand, including Prince George-Valemont MLA Shirley Booth, Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Chair Mark Parker, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Chair Lara Beckett and Houston Mayor Shane Brienen. Cullen is the province’s minister of water, land and resource stewardship.

The learning experience started several weeks prior, with classroom sessions on the biology of the prehistoric-looking fish, their life cycles, and conservation. At the event itself, each class names and releases a sturgeon into the river.

This year, the initiative is releasing the fish at their two-year mark, with organizers noting that releasing them at the one-year mark, as

was done in the past, put the fish at increased risk from predators like otters and osprey. At two, they are larger and have a better chance of success.

The fish have PIT (passive integrated transponder) tags that provides a unique identification number so that if the sturgeon is caught later during juvenile monitoring program, that sturgeon can be traced back to the student or class.

The growth and movement measurements are then recorded and reported on the Where is My Fish database, allowing kids to track their progress.

Once the class’s fish is released the students can learn more through a series of educational stations set up at the park. The children learned more about the sturgeon, including the fact that they spawn only in a two-kilometre section of the river nearby and that some have been known to grow to as much as seven feet long.

RCMP PHOTO

Cpl. Madonna Saunderson receives her award and certificate.

Citizen staff

Students from Nusdeh Yoh Elementary School in Prince George take part in the Juvenile Sturgeon Release on Friday, June 7, 2024 in Vanderhoof. The annual event is part of the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative.

Treasure Cove pulls in a record $62.37M in revenue

MARK NIELSEN

Special to The Citizen

Treasure Cove Casino brought in an unprecedented $62.37 million in revenue during the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to a B.C. Lottery Corporation report.

It was the first full year of operations post-pandemic. Next-most lucrative was 2019-20, when $50.92 million was generated despite a year shortened two weeks by the pandemic.

No report was provided for 2020-21

when casinos were shut down across B.C. They were reopened three months into 2021-22 and Treasure Cove pulled in $43.78 million.

Slot machines accounted for $56.79 million in 2022-23, followed by bingo at $3.35 million and table games at $2.23 million.

Treasure Cove was the ninth-highest earner among B.C. casinos but ranked No. 1 among venues that provide bingo. Planet Bingo in Vancouver was next at $2.82 million.

The operator’s commission

amounted to $17.09 million, compared to $14.19 million for 2019-20. Under their agreements with BCLC, casinos receive 25 per cent of net win (revenue after prizes) from slots and electronic table games, 77.5 per cent of net win from poker and craps, 62.5 per cent of net win from low-limit blackjack, 40 per cent of net win from highlimit tables (except for high-limit craps, 75 per cent of net win) and 42.5 per cent of net win from all other table games.

Looking at bingo, operators receive 90 per cent of bingo sales (after prizes are paid) on the first $10,000 per week, 45 per cent of bingo sales (after prizes are paid) greater than $10,000 per week, 60 per cent of weekly net win from bingo games (paper bingo only) and 25 per cent of weekly net win from electronic pull tabs

The pandemic had forced Treasure Cove to close in mid-March 2020. Some 15 1/2 months later it reopened on July 1, 2021.

Driver narrowly escapes after transport trailer hits bridge

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

A Prince George woman narrowly escaped injury when she swerved in her car at the last second to avoid colliding with a boom lift crane that hit the CN Rail bridge on Foothills Boulevard on the afternoon of June 1.

“I’m very lucky to be alive right now,” said Laura MacDonald.

She said she was northbound on Foothills when a truck carrying the crane struck the bridge. The impact caused the 120-foot boom lift to be detached from its base, sending it directly into her lane in front of her.

“If I didn’t swerve to the left it would have crushed my car,” she said. ““It completely dismantled in the air. It caused the whole contraption to fall off the trailer. The arm slammed into the bridge, swung left, and that caused the base of the boom lift to slide off and that impact on the ground caused the tire to come off and the boom lift to disconnect at the base and land in front of me.”

MacDonald avoided the

PHOTO BY LAURA MACDONALD

Laura MacDonald took this photo of a boom lift crane that was knocked off its trailer when it hit the bottom of the CN Rail bridge at Foothills Boullevard Saturday afternoon.

flying machinery but her car, a Volkswagen Jetta, did not come out of it unscathed.

“I quickly swerved to the right and I was successful in avoiding everything and the only thing my car got hit by was a huge splash of hydraulic oil, it just completely drenched my car,” she said.

“I was in shock about what happened. It felt like everything was coming at me in slow-mo, so I was swerving

hard, swerving left, swerving right, it was the craziest incident I’ve had in a long time. It was a huge crash.”

MacDonald, an RCMP dispatcher who works at the downtown Prince George detachment, pulled over and waited for emergency crews to arrive.

The truck driver immediately came over to find out if she was all right.

The incident, at about 4:45 p.m. Saturday, forced the closure of Foothills Boulevard while a crew worked to

clear the boom lift, which was blocking three lanes of traffic on the roadway.

MacDonald estimates the truck hit the bridge at about 10 or 15 kilometres per hour.

The clearance on the underside of the rail bridge for the northbound lanes is 4.65 metres.

The 120-foot boom lift, owned by TW Industrial of Prince George, was destroyed.

City spokesperson Claire Thwaites confirmed the roadway bridge at Otway and Foothills for vehicle traffic was not involved in the collision. Thwaites said a CN Rail inspector responded to the scene to check the rail bridge for damage and the rail corridor was reopened.

CN spokesperson Ashley Michnowski confirmed the truck hit the bridge at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday and that the track was closed and reopened within a couple hours.

The Citizen has yet to determine which trucking contractor was moving the machinery from the TW Industrial yard on Otway Road and is also awaiting a response from the RCMP to determine if there were any charges filed against the truck driver.

MARK NIELSEN

Special to The Citizen

A man doing federal time for leading police on a wild chase following a bout of drive-by gunplay will have to wait awhile yet before knowing if he can serve the rest of his sentence in his home community.

In a decision issued May 17, a parole board panel member determined that Eric Vern West should remain in a halfway house for four more months while a more detailed plan for release into his home community has been worked out.

The community’s chief and band council are supportive of his return, the panelist acknowledged.

“However, specific living arrangements have not yet been identified and arrangements for counselling support and supervision have not been confirmed,” the decision reads.

“Caution is being exercised in this regard given the fact that many of your violent offences occurred in your home community and victims of these offences still live there.

A cautious approach to release is further merited by your lengthy and serious criminal history which has included much violent behaviour.”

In December 2022, West, 43, was sentenced to a further two years two months and 15 days for his role in the Oct. 8, 2020 incident in which he acted as the “wheelman” during a drive-by shooting at the home of a well-known figure in the city’s drug trade.

The home in the 200 block of Bellos Street had been the target of previous shots-fired incidents over the span of two weeks for which no arrests have

been made. But this time, neighbours, who had been on high alert, quickly contacted RCMP upon hearing the gunfire.

When an RCMP officer spotted the vehicle at 5th Avenue and Ospika Boulevard, West hit the gas pedal and wove the car in and out of traffic as he raced along Fifth. He then turned onto Central Street, nearly sideswiping several vehicles, then headed south and through a red light at 10th Avenue where he turned east.

The officer became lost in the traffic and another RCMP officer took over the pursuit which continued along 10th until West crashed into the front yard of a 2300-block McBride Crescent home. The three got out of the car and one of two co-accused fired off a round at the RCMP cruiser, then

dropped the shotgun and ran.

All three were quickly apprehended. West was found underneath the deck of a nearby home.

In February 2022, Bradley Andre Ouelette was sentenced to a further six years in prison. That same month, Kenneth Ricardo Munroe was sentenced to a further 3 1/2 years.

In January, West was released on day parole to participate in a residential substance abuse treatment program. In March, he was transferred to a community residential facility, more commonly known as a halfway house, in the Northern Interior.

Remaining at the facility will also allow West to complete the programs currently offered, the decision says.

“These programs will further strengthen your release prevention skills and help you build a support network.”

West will still have leave privileges.

Wheelman in drive-by shooting to remain in halfway house Man ordered to pay Telus $186,952 for damages to building in Houston

MARK NIELSEN Special to The Citizen

A man is facing a $186,952 bill for damages caused after a B.C. Supreme Court justice found he was behind the wheel of a car that crashed into Telus’s central office in Houston.

According to a decision issued May 27, A.J. William Fuller denied responsibility, but Justice Jasmin Ahmad determined that on a balance of probabilities he was indeed the driver.

Shortly after midnight on June 29, 2017, a resident living near the intersection of Pearson Road and Hagman Crescent in the community of about 3,000 people 307 kilometres west of Prince George heard an “incredibly loud” noise and saw two people running away from the scene when she

went outside to investigate.

An RCMP constable had soon arrived on the scene and found tire tracks leading from the road and through a dirt area and a grass embankment.

It appeared to the constable that the vehicle had “travelled from the road without braking or attempting to turn to avoid the building,” Ahmad commented. Photographs showed one of the building’s walls had been breached, “resulting in what appears to be significant damage to the exterior wall and the interior of the building.”

The constable had recognized the car as one Fuller had been known to drive. The same evening, the constable contacted the registered owner, who turned out to be Fuller’s mother. She confirmed Fuller was in possession of the vehicle and gave the name of

the other person who was with him. Fuller went to the RCMP detachment the next day but declined to give a statement and when Telus sued for damages, he denied liability, arguing in part that the company failed to produce an eyewitness to the collision.

But even without such a witness, Ahmad found there was sufficient evidence Fuller was the driver. During an examination for discovery, Fuller admitted that while it was still under his mother’s name, he had purchased the vehicle. Combined with the evidence given by the constable and Fuller’s mother, Ahmad was satisfied Fuller was responsible based on a “balance of probabilities,” the threshold of proof for a civil matter.

(For criminal matters, a much higher standard of proof beyond

reasonable doubt must be met for a judge to find a defendant guilty).

Much of the decision is taken up with determining a dollar figure for the amount of damage Fuller caused.

The building was described as a “critical facility” that provides 911 emergency services as well as landline, internet, and cellular communications services for the region.

As a “starting point,” Telus argued it had cost $288,517.89 to restore the building to its former condition. Fuller, in turn, maintained the damage amounted to $127,973.90, based on an expert’s report procured on his behalf.

Ahmad found shortcomings in both parties’ positions and, in the end, awarded damages in the sum of $186,952, plus interest against Fuller and in favour of Telus.

RCMP PHOTO

Eric Vern West

Kodiaks will be bigger and better, coach promises

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

In less than a month, training camp starts for the Prince George Kodiaks and this time around, as they embark upon their third B.C. Football Conference season, they’ve never been more prepared.

Heading into his second season at the helm of the city’s junior football team, head coach Jamie Boreham is feeling confident the fans in Prince George will have a lot more reason to show up for the games to watch a competitive home team at Masich Place Stadium.

The Kodiaks are developing a critical mass of players aged 18-22 who live in the city and are becoming solid citizens while they hone their football talents.

“We’ve done a lot of resurfacing our foundation — got a lot of really good players last year and some of those guys needed a years of experience, a year of working out on the weight room,” he said.

“We’re returning over 50 per cent of our players, which is amazing. We don’t have to change anything, so we can continue with what we did last year and that continuity and consistency from year to year will help the guys understand their jobs better. After an off-season in the weight room, our guys are 15 pounds heavier and 40 pounds stronger.”

Of the roster of about 80 players expected this season, close to half live year-round in Prince George, where they attend post-secondary school at UNBC or CNC, or they’re holding down full-time jobs in the city.

Twenty-three players on the roster are Prince George high school football graduates. Boreham said only a handful are coming out of this year’s graduating class but he expects there will be eight or 10 local products each year in successive years who want to keep playing football once their high school days are done.

The Kodiaks announced earlier

Prince George Kodiaks quarterback Sawyer Thiessen gets chased out of the pocket by defensive lineman Weston Shiels during a spring camp scrimmage May 26 at Masich Place Stadium.

this week they’ve signed quarterback Sawyer Thiessen – who backed up highly-touted potential CFL draft pick Jackson Tachinski while playing in three U SPORTS games last year with the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Thiessen, 21, a six-foot-two, 200pound native of Mitchell, Man., passed for 288 yards and one touchdown with an efficiency rating of 47.8 per cent. He brings the type of experience at pivot the Kodiaks have lacked in their previous two seasons. Although he didn’t play much, he practiced daily against a university-level defence.

“He was the scout quarterback against Manitoba’s defence, which is was good, so playing against that speed, he has good decision-making skills,” said Boreham. “He has more competitive reps than our guys here right now and that’s part of what we were missing.”

Thiessen will have a bunch of big bodies to protect him in the pocket with the lineup Boreham has assembled to play on the offensive line.

Kemper Wells, a recruit from Cardston, Alta., tips the scales at close to 400 pounds. Local product Connor Sherlock stands six-foot-three and weighs 315 pounds and he also will be tough to knock off his assignments.

“We’ll rely on Sawyer and O-line has to be better,” said Boreham. “Our D-line is a whole lot bigger and that’s a nice thing. We have enough depth on the D-line to rotate two groups.”

Four Brits who played NFL rules last year in England for Filton Pride have landed in Prince George to play Kodiaks football this season.

J.J. Aboagye, a big athletic defensive lineman transferred from the Westshore Rebels and brought with him receiver Jordan Brady-Williams, linebacker Gabe Lizio and defensive back Jerome Darko.

Boreham said the four Europeans will help run the Kodiaks’ youth programs this spring and summer.

Backed by speedy locals Aidan Lewis, Armandeep Bansal and six-foot-seven Kayle Cowley, the Kodiaks have depth at receiver with 12 guys Boreham says could step in and play effectively.

The linebacking corps and secondary are also in good hands with the likes of Prince George high school products Nicholas Krawczyk and Jackson Kolody and Jason Kragt of Hixon, back for his third BCFC season.

Teegan Morin of Calgary and Airdrie, Alta., product Colter Cannon will lead the defensive backs as a returning team captain and team MVP.

The Kodiaks were heavily weighted last year with 18-year-old players and they’re a slightly older team now with a more even distribution of 19, 20, 21-year-olds.

“We have the potential to almost bring back everybody (in 2025) and if we do a really good job as a coaching staff and as a group of players they’re going to love what happens here,” said Boreham. “That makes it tougher to leave when you feel you have something special.”

June 12, 1987: Treeplanter Andrew Ellis, 29, strums his guitar while waiting for a ride back into the bush. His photo was part of a Citizen story profiling people who travel to the area to plant trees each year, and the economic impact they had on the Nechako Inn, which rented rooms for $40 a night, four planters to a room. This saw the motel at 95 per cent full that year.

Citizen photo by Lisa Murdoch

June 15, 1953: Forty pupils who watched Connaught Elementary School be razed the ground in an early-morning fire two years afgo will start to attend Prince George Junior-Senior High School next September.

But the young graduates aren’t very happy about it.

First, they’ll never have the opportunity to attend the fine new school under construction near their homes and, second, they’ll be saying goodbye to their favourite teacher, Ron Brent.

Last year the students circulated a petition to have Mr. brent return for his third term at the school.

Since the fire the Grade 6 boys and girls have been attending shift classes in very crowded quarters at the High School Annex.

Front row (left to right) are Sandra Jack, Mary Lawyer, Lynda Nash, Maye Bird, Lyla Mahon, Mr. Brent, Joan Clements, Doreen Balaski, Alice Griffin, Naomi Esau and Mavis Owens. Middle row: Martin Blackburn, Michael Watt, Carol Bater, Cynthia Foxcroft, Bonnie Baines, Grace Bjarmnson, Teresa Elgert, Lorraine Solnik, Jean Mounkley, Carl Loland and Garry Wray. Back row: Eric Allen, Donald Hanson, Harold Wade, Donale Krenn, John Kennedy, Fred Ceal, Kevin Smale, Laurie Gray, Harland Viberg, Buddy Shaw, Keith White, Keith Almgren, Leslie Bricker and Gary Dinsmore. Missing are Sharlene Trombley, Lynne Nicol and Zelma Lemp.

Photo by Wally West Studios

June 13, 1978: Heidi, a seven-year-old St. Bernard, looks as though she’s just paid a visit to a local taxidermist. But she’s just visiting a South Fort George friend who has understanding masters. The Guise family left a hole in their fence so their dog can keep an eye on what’s happening. Heidi belongs to Penny Balaski.

Citizen photo by Tim Swanky

June 13, 2005: A Rolling Mix Concrete worker guides a concrete pumper hose into a form for a house on Bliss, in the Hart area. In the background is a new subdivision being developed bounded by Foothills, East Austin, Vellencher and Burkitt.

Citizen photo by Dave Milne

Duplicate

Through

HOW TO PLAY:

Donate

Doorway rug

Fodder

Nurse’s helper

Punted

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

Flagrant

Vote into office again

Go away!

Strong twine

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.

Fling

“____ Dove”

Gape

Noose

ACROSS

1. Ebb and ____ 5. Happy 8. Flounder’s cousin 12. Talk wildly 13. ____-man band 14. Place 15. North Atlantic perils 17. Tiny fly 18. Basketball’s

Golfer’s peg

Unzips

Chip’s companion

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

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.

Life Events

Helsoe,

Dr. Brent Morash DC February 8, 1970 – May 26, 2024

Hearts are broken. We are saddened to announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Brent on Sunday, May 26th in Bettendorf, Iowa. Leaving to mourn are his sons, the ‘lights of his life,’ Ethan and Parker, his loving mother Judy Taylor, his stepfather Ed Taylor, brother Scott Morash, sister Tracy LoCascio (Toni), nephews Luca and Elia LoCascio. Brent was predeceased in 2017 by his father Dr. Ralph Morash.

2023 her final wish was to have her and her Husband, Kjell

who passed away November 17th, 1986 their ashes on her Daughter Trine’s Property at 4679 Old Summit Lake Road (off Northwood Pulpmill Rd).

Bernice Helsoe, who passed away October 5th, 2023 her final wish was to have her and her Husband, Kjell Helsoe, who passed away November 17th, 1986 their ashes on her Daughter Trine’s Property at 4679 Old Summit Lake Road (off Northwood Pulpmill Rd).

She didn’t want to be in the Cemetery. On their OSLR property is a hill called University Hill, because if you climb to the top of it, you can see UNBC.

Born in Prince George, BC, he began Lacrosse at age five, playing into his 20’s, and he was with the Purden Ski Team through his teenage years. He will be remembered for his kindness and his sense of humour.

This will take place Thursday, June 20th at 4pm. This Picture is in front of his brother’s cabin during their visit to Norway for their 25th Wedding Anniversary in July 1986

January 27, 1988

June 16, 2007

What Trine discussed with her was that we grow food on our property and wouldn’t be comfortable if their ashes happened to be blowing around where we grow. Agreed was that Mark & Trine will bury their ashes somewhere with a view where they can keep an eye on us because we are there, in close with the garden soil and the root house, all year long to be in their company. She didn’t want to be in the Cemetery. On their OSLR property is a hill called University Hill, because if you climb to the top of it, you can see UNBC. This will take place Thursday, June 20th at 4pm.

In Loving Memory

Gairett MacIver and Bill MacIver

Not a day goes by without thoughts of you both, You are loved, You are missed, You are forever in our hearts.

Love Lori & Josh (Kate), Betty-June Gair (Don), Michael Gair (Kelly)

September 24, 1953

June 17, 2023

This Picture is in front of his brother’s cabin during their visit to Norway for their 25th Wedding

He graduated from Brentwood College School and completed his undergraduate studies in Atlanta, Georgia before graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2005. Brent gained clinical experience as a Doctor of Chiropractic in the US and Canada. At his untimely death, Brent had been Medical Education Manager for over a decade with a large distributor of Arthrex products, conducting labs for the surgeons of Eastern Iowa and West Central Illinois.

His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 22nd from 2-5pm. Contact taylor04@shaw.ca for details.

Bernice

who passed away October 5th,

Helsoe,

Naegelin, Hans

February 21, 1930 - May 27, 2024

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to our very special dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, Hans Naegelin, who passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the age of 94.

He was born in Winterthur, Switzerland, on February 21, 1930, the eldest of two boys. He and his brother were raised in the city but dad pursued a career at farm school where he met his wife of 66 years, Agnes. He immigrated to Canada in 1953, and in 1957, Agnes joined him and they made a loving home in Prince George and Quesnel where they raised their three daughters, Marianne, Rita, and Christine.

He loved his hobby farm, fishing on Dragon Lake and Cluculz Lake, and was always up for a good debate about politics over an ice cold cider. They also enjoyed travelling the world and made many trips back to their homeland to visit family.

Hans was predeceased last summer by his loving wife, Agnes; his brother, Roland; and all his brothers and sister-in-laws. He was the last man standing.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Anne (Jim), Rita, and Christine (Terry); grandchildren, Derek (Bridgette), Shelby (Adam), Bethany (Erik), Devin (Danielle), and Jake; great-grandchildren, Mira, Easton, and baby “K” (due in July); along with step-grandchildren, Ella and Jack.

Thank you to the health care teams in Prince George, the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert, and Everitt Gardens Seniors home for their exceptional care, as well as their longstanding friends, neighbours, and Nelly.

A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date. For those who wish, donations in memory of Hans, may be made to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.

To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.

Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home St. Albert Chapel • (780) 458-2222

DANIEL COLLINS

1944 - 2024

Passed away at home with his loved ones by his side. He is survived by his wife Claudia Nesbit, daughter Tammy Willier, niece and nephew; Elvina and Albert (Darlene) Collins

A Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

A celebration of life for the late David Pearson will be held at Art Space above Books and Company 1685 3rd Ave. between 12 and 3 o’clock on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024

Celebration of Emma Hyette’s life

Everyone is welcome to come raise a glass to celebrate the life of Emma Cornelia Hyette with family and friends.

Come share stories, laughs and tears as we get together in memory of Emma at the Coast Inn of the North from 1pm - 4pm, Saturday June 22, 2024.

We would love to see you there... Sincerely the Hyettes

If you are unable to attend and/or would like to share a memory of Emma, please email ehyette@shaw.ca

It is with sad hearts we announce that Abe Doerksen passed away peacefully after a long battle with Leukemia.

He grew up in Carrot River, Saskatchewan and at the age of 20 moved to the Prince George area in 1955. He married Mary in 1963 and had just celebrated 60 years of marriage last fall. After working in the sawmills and as a photographer for W D West Studios, he settled in for a long career driving fuel trucks and then logging trucks. His heart was in farming and enjoyed living on a hobby farm near Willow River for nearly 50 years.

He will be remembered as a man of faith and integrity and a loving and patient husband, father, Grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his wife Mary. His Children Susan, Robert (Loida), and Janet (Fred). His 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Predeceased by 7 siblings, a granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.

MARTIN, Leslie Joseph

October 1, 1957 – June 4, 2024

Leslie Joseph Martin was born to Joseph and Winnie Martin on October 1, 1957. On June 4th, 2024, Leslie Joseph Martin passed away peacefully surrounded by his siblings after a courageous battle with cancer. Les was a dedicated Montreal Canadiens (Habs) fan, a great brother and a great uncle. He loved trucks, logging equipment and his coffee crew friends.

Survived by: Joyce (Randy), Lianne (Dave), Colleen (Peter), George (Lurinda), Brian (Lorri).

Nieces and Nephews: Dustin (Chrystal), Danny (Reena), Kourtney (Ben), Dinah (Cory), Darren (Becky), Kris (Ashley), Karmen (Jesse), Kolby (Risi), Ashley (Kevin), Colin, Hayden (Sophia), Britt (Cait) and Brent (Bal).

Great Nieces and Nephews: Abigail, Ainsley, Aveleigh, Braiden, Hunter, Nolan, Lauchlan, Sawyer, Arlen, Callaghan, Scarlett, Camden, Jordie, Jae, and Elliot

The Family would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to Dr. Wooldridge and staff, the BC Cancer Center of the North, the Rapid Mobilization Team, the Home Care Palliative Nurses and the UHNBC Emergency/ HAU staff for the exceptional care they provided Les throughout his journey. A special shout out to Jim, Chris, Brent and staff at Hart Drugs for always making sure Les had what he needed!

Les was passionate about healthcare in the North. In his memory please donate to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation (www.spiritofthenorth.ca).

The Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 3285 Cathedral Avenue, Prince George, BC on Thursday, June 13th at 11am followed by a reception luncheon at the Prestige Treasure Cove Resort located at 2005 Highway 97 South, Prince George, BC.

Special thank you to John Major for his generosity towards providing the luncheon venue.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Gail Gibson-Pelland 1932 - 2024

It is with sad and heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of our beautiful Mother and Grandmother, Gail Gibson-Pelland at the age of 91.

Mom was born in Mayo, Yukon to Edward Kimbel and Lula Belle Palmer-Kimbel. She married Wilbur Gibson and moved to Prince George and raised her family in South Fort George. Mom passed away on May 1st at Gateway Complex Care surrounded by her family.

Mom was a self-taught handywoman and extremely creative in many accomplishments during her lifetime. Her favourite time of year was Christmas Eve when all her family would gather at her home for an evening celebration and potluck feast.

Survived and greatly missed by her children: Reta Herrick (Dwaine), David Gibson, Don Gibson (Ida), Shelly Bencher (Frank), Raymond Gibson (Colleen), Brenda Pederson (Dwayne), Michelle Pelland (Martin), Linda Carter (Chuck) and 47 grandchildren Predeceased by: son, Edward Gibson, grandchildren, Raylene Gibson and Ryan Gibson, husbands, Wilbur Gibson, Harvey Pelland and Norman Mervyn, sister, Lillian Joyce Guimond and brother, Norman Douglas Hartnell.

Richard John Anderton

Born December 31, 1950 in Victoria BC, Departed May 29, 2024 in Prince George BC.

With broken hearts and great sadness, we announce the passing of Rick after a long battle of cancer

He leaves behind his loving wife Diane, his children Sharon (Rob), Richard Jr (Diane), Kristina (Ryan), his grandchildren Hailey, Samantha, Blake, Haiden, Naomi, His brother and sister Ronald and Darlene(Joy) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.

Predeceased by parents John and Delma Anderton, and his brother and sister Stephen and Bonnie.

Richard was born in Victoria, BC where he met his love of his life Diane, they were married for 49 years. Richard had a love for trucking his personal quote “Shiny side up, dirty side down and keep on trucking.”

A celebration of life will take place at the Prestige Treasure Cove Hotel in the Grand Trunk Ballroom, 2005 HWY 97 South, June 23rd, 2024 at 3:00pm.

Norman Patrick Ferris

February 23, 1946 – February 27, 2024

He was loved by all. He was our father.

Cecil Albert Gray

February 21, 1955 – May 30, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cecil Albert Gray on May 30, 2024.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Dawn Clark-Gray, children Rebecca, Christian, and Alexander ClarkGray, siblings Susan Gray and David (Glenda) Gray, aunts, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and one great nephew. He is predeceased by parents Rose Gray and Henry Munro Gray and son Cameron Clark-Gray. Born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Cecil moved across Canada with his family in a converted school bus in 1963 to arrive in Prince George, where he stayed for the remainder of his life. In his youth, Cecil enjoyed his time in the Air Cadets which led to him obtaining a private pilot’s license. Cecil pursued a career in Forestry, attending the College of New Caledonia and University of British Columbia where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Forestry in 1978. Cecil went on to work at Lakeland Mills as a registered forester until his retirement in February 2020. Cecil and Dawn met in Singapore in 1995 and married in Dawn’s home country, England in 1996. Cecil and Dawn connected in their shared love of travelling, which continued throughout their time together. Cecil was passionate about history, cooking, the outdoors, and tending to his vegetable garden. He will be dearly remembered for his dedication to his family, witty sense of humour, and unwavering warmth and kindness.

A Funeral Service for Cecil will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 1 pm at Assman’s Funeral Chapel. His burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Classifieds

Skilled Help

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Culligan is looking for a Service 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 a Territory 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 seeking Experienced Welders for shop and field work in Chetwynd, BC. Must be a ticketed welder and have a minimum 5 years experience. Must be a Canadian 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

Services for Hire

FREE REMOVAL of unwanted cars, trucks or equipment. Call George (250) 614-8915

For Sale

14’ Lund wide beam, 14hp Mercury outboard, comes with trailer.

$6000

Please call 250-563-5581

Hay Bales For Sale

5X5 round hay bales, $275 each- net wrapped, barn stored. 250-614-6667

Collectibles & Classic Cars

For all gold, Estate jewelry, coins & currency, antiques. Unbeatable pricing, privacy assured. (250) 612-1808 24/7

Wanted

Genuine Rolex watches, all models, old, new, damaged or parts req’d. Top prices paid subject to viewing. Gold, two-tone, tri-color & Stainless. Available 24/7 250-612-1808

Houses For Rent

20060 Upper Fraser Rd, 2 bdrm house on 1 acre, FS, $1750/mo plus utilities. Call 250-614-6667

Property For Sale

45.5 ACRES Corner of Upper Fraser Rd & Beaver Forest Rd. with good driveway & building pad. $210,000. 250-614-6667

Duplexes for Rent

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

Booking deadline: Friday noon

Approval deadline: Monday at noon

frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca

250.562.2441

Negotiable on all five.

3 Bedroom house for rent near Spruceland. One bathroom. No Smoking, No pets. $2000 per month plus add and Utilities. Call 250-596-0104

Furnished Apartments

1bdrm & bachelor cabins, fully furnished, Apply in person- 867 17th Ave.

Firewood

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250- 614-6667

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. Springbok 12’ deep V aluminum boat. Good condition comes with with rod holders. $575.00 OBO Call 250.960.8002

PUBLIC NOTICE: FOREST OPERATION MAP REVIEW

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: 1561, 1562, 1568) 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 July 14th, 2024, and ending on June 14th, 2027. We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting June 14th 2024. Please submit your comments by July 14th, 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): 5162 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

ARIES

Having shared goals is the key to a happy and healthy relationship. Taking a step back will enable you to better appreciate what you have and what you want so you can move forward together.

TAURUS

You’ll deal with some rather stressful ne -gotiations this week. Someone will con -fess their feelings to you, but you won’t know how to react, especially if you’re in a relationship, as they won’t be let down easily.

GEMINI

Sometimes, you must put your ego aside to reach your goals. It can be chal -lenging to stand in front of a crowd of people. Learn to trust yourself.

Biophilic connectingdesign: your living space with nature

Homes & Living

Biophilic design incorporates elements of the natural world into homes and businesses to foster a sense of tranquility and vitality. Urbanization is causing people to spend more time indoors, leading to disconnection from the natural world. Biophilic design aims to bridge this gap by bringing nature indoors.

Here are some examples of biophilic design elements:

• Visual details. Elements could include views of nature through large windows, indoor plants or artwork depicting nature.

• Non-visual elements. Auditory cues, such as birds chirping or a waterfall, or natural materials like wood or stone can bring nature to all the senses.

• Dynamic and diffuse light. Consider allowing natural light in whenever possible or using artificial lighting to create a similar effect.

• Connection with natural systems. Incorporating living plants into a space or using sustainably harvested materials evoke that sense of connection.

• Replicate natural shapes. This could include using natural patterns and shapes, such as curved lines or organic forms.

Studies have shown that biophilic design has several benefits for human health and wellbeing, including:

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved mood and cognitive function

• Increased creativity and productivity

• Boosted immune system

• Reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs

Visit your local stores to find everything you need to create a living space that promotes well-being, reduces stress and reconnects you with the beauty and serenity of the natural world.

3 eco-friendly types of insulation

Insulation

However, traditional fibreglass insulation contains hazardous fibres, and its manufacturing process is highly energy-intensive. Here are three green insulation options to consider.

1. Sheep’s wool. When sheep’s wool fibres are compressed, they form millions of tiny air pockets. These pockets trap air to keep your home at the perfect temperature all year round. Moreover, wool is breathable, so the material’s inner layer can absorb moisture without feeling damp or affecting its ability to retain heat.

2. Cellulose. Cellulose insulation is made of recycled newsprint and other types of paper. It’s a dense product that provides high heat resistance. Plus, it’s treated with boric acid, making it fireresistant.

3. Cork. Cork insulation is made from the outer bark of oak trees and is natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Once produced, the finished product has a negative carbon footprint. Cork is also hypoallergic and has sound-deadening qualities.

Visit your local hardware store to explore insulation options for your home.