Prince George Citizen June 27, 2024

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New fences going up around Moccasin Flats

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The city is putting up a new perimeter fence around Moccasin Flats.

The chain-link fence will legally define the location of what’s also known as the Lower Patricia Boulevard Encampment, which has expanded eastward since the B.C. Supreme Court ruling in October 2021 that allowed the Lower Patricia encampment to remain open until suitable housing and daytime facilities were available.

In that ruling, the encampment was vaguely referred to the area as a “green space at the end of Fifth Avenue.”

In a report to council discussed at Monday’s public meeting at city hall, administration recommended the fence be reestablished on the east, west and south boundaries, not as an immediate attempt to move people out of the camp, but as a way for city staff to engage with residents currently camping outside the boundaries and encourage them to move voluntarily into the area within the fence.

Council acknowledged the existing fence is cut regularly by residents to allow easier access but agreed to fund the as-yet-undetermined cost to secure the property. The city will also establish signs in the camp which outline expectations for the residents and reinforce existing bylaws.

The report stems from the May 28 town hall meeting and open house on community safety, held at the Prince

Prince George city council has voted to have new fencing installed around the Moccasin Flats encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard, along with signs in the camp that outline expectations for the residents and reinforce existing bylaws.

George Conference and Civic Centre, which drew 220 people.

Public participation included 40 feedback forms, 20 emails sent to the city website, 94 questions submitted online through the Slido app and 43 questions/ comments received at the forum.

Questions raised at the town hall centred on housing, encampments and

air quality from campfire smoke and campsite structure fires. Those were the most common discussion topics in the public submissions.

In response, administration recommended the city and its partners continue to build supportive housing capacity and provide suitable daytime facilities and low-barrier housing for

community members in need of those services. That includes B.C. Housing’s work to convert the former North Star Hotel at 15th Avenue and Victoria Street to low-barrier housing and the city’s transitional shelter facility now under construction at 397 Third Ave., slated for completion in the fall.

City plans to secure and clean encampment

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Eric Depenau, the city’s director of administrative services, reported to council there are now 550 supportive housing units in the city, including 349 that are now open and 107 available later this year, with 27 slated to open in 2025.

Building capacity in the community will allow the city to demonstrate to the B.C. Supreme Court that it is meeting conditions to support the transition of Moccasin Flats residents to other forms of housing, including the possibility of temporary overnight sheltering being permitted in designated areas. That next phase of the city’s management of the site could be achieved by as early as October.

Once that happens, the city plans to secure the campsite, clean the area and will prevent future occupation in areas not designated for temporary overnight sheltering. Moccasin Flats will

be included in the review of parks and open spaces where the city might allow sheltering. The transition will not occur until after the city receives a court order and has exhausted efforts to offer housing to occupants.

That could occur by as early as the first quarter of 2025.

Until the existing camp is closed, the city will step up its cleanup efforts,

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS

PEOPLES DAY

Acknowledging the

especially in cases in which one of the camp structures have burned and staff will continue to remove destroyed or abandoned structures. Based on the success of the April cleanup at Moccasin Flats, supported by community members, and the positive feedback received by the city, a second community cleanup is being discussed.

In the final phase, the city will work

with community partners to forecast needs and build capacity to address changes in the community and will be proactively trying to prevent any campsites from becoming entrenched. That will help the city address air quality complaints from nearby residents in the Millar Addition and Connaught neighbourhoods.

To promote coordination of partner agencies the city will devote existing staff resources to the Community Safety Hub which will issue quarterly updates on management of social issues. The city will engage in public safety discussions with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, B.C. Housing and Northern Health.

City manager Walter Babicz recommended that any planning for regular town halls be deferred to the strategic planning sessions in September and council agreed to set a schedule in late October for the twice-a-year public consultations.

City could see a record year for housing starts

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Although there were just five single-family home permits worth $2.5 million issued last month, Prince George is on pace for a record year for construction starts,

A total of 33 permits worth $41.5 million were approved by the city in May, and three multi-family dwelling projects accounted for $34.9 million of the total, which also included six permits for commercial alterations worth $2.5 million.

In 2022, a record $116.3 million was tallied from 194 permits.

In other news, council on Monday approved signing of a shareholders agreement to provide a $300,000 grant for the Northern Sport Centre gymnasium/fieldhouse facility on the UNBC campus. The city has a 50 per cent

share of the building’s ownership, in partnership with UNBC’s 50 per cent share, and has provided $300,000 annually since the building opened in 2007.

Council heard details of a six-year, $75,000 sponsorship agreement to secure the naming rights of the NSC gym between UNBC and a yet-to-berevealed sponsor, which will help pay the $150,000 cost of replacing the 16-year-old hardwood floor of the gym. The sponsor will receive $25,000 worth of sponsorship benefits, including a sideboard and Wolf Club passes. Of the remaining $50,000 the city will receive 20 per cent of that ($10,000) and the remaining 80 per cent ($40,000) goes to UNBC.

Council agreed to a request by the NSC board to direct the city’s $10,000 sponsorship portion to the NSC capital reserve fund to help pay for the new floor.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Volunteers help clean up Moccasin Flats in this 2022 file photo.

Local company comes up with a new way to protect rail lines from wildfires

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

A Prince George construction company is pioneering the use of an environmentally friendly method to prevent rail lines from burning in wildfires.

It’s a water additive sprayed from a heavy-duty hi-rail truck that runs along the rail lines to protect bridges and other infrastructure.

On May 14, LinkBuild Construction owner Phil Toma got the call to respond to the Crescent Spur wildfire burning near McBride, about 160 kilometres east of Prince George.

It was the first time in a real fire situation that LinkBuild was able to demonstrate the capabilities of FireRein Eco-Gel. The biodegradable vegetable-based substance sticks to wherever it lands and coats even vertical surfaces to act as a fire suppressant and shortterm retardant.

Mixed with 95 per cent water, it leaves a thick white goo that swells to retain water and maintain its fire-resistance properties.

LinkBuild sprayed 14 rail trestle bridges threatened by the Crescent Spur fire and none of them caught fire.

That led to a week-long deployment to Fort Nelson the following week and the company worked 17-hour days, spraying rail structures and road bridges close to huge fires that forced the evacuation of the town.

“We sprayed track, sprayed bridges, sprayed accesses and B.C. Wildfire phoned me one night and said, ‘What have you been doing and what have you been spraying?’ and they would love to use the product,” said LinkBuild construction manager Ryan Schuck.

“What we know is no bridges caught fire, no rail lines caught fire. Everybody was able to access all the work up there. It works, and it’s working well.”

The 10-tonne tridem truck carries a 7,500-litre holding tank for the mixture and a 1,000 l tank that contains the

equipped with a small water tank that draws from 20-litre pail of Eco-Gel.

Schuck said Eco-Gel will seal a creosote-soaked rail tie and prevent off-gassing of flammable hydrocarbons that produce a noticeable smell, especially on hot days.

A spark from a train wheel or brakes can ignite that gas in a flash fire that can lead to a wildfire.

Because it is not toxic to the environment, the company sees Eco-Gel as a better alternative to PhosChek, an ammonium phosphate-based chemical mixed with corrosion inhibiters and thickening agents and iron oxide that’s commonly used in B.C. as the bright-red fire suppressant dropped by aircraft.

concentrated gel.

If the main tank is drained all that’s needed to a water supply to replenish it and keep the truck operational.

The gel product costs $10,000 for every 1,000-litre tank.

LinkBuild partnered with Tharrow Crane of Prince George to mount a grapple crane on the back of the truck used to lift storage tanks and remove any trees or other obstructions that might fall on the rail line.

The four-person crew also uses a 150foot hose to apply the mixture to the underside of structures.

The gel contains organic clay that has surfactant qualities, like a detergent, which when added to water reduces surface tension and increases the mixture’s spreading and wetting qualities. It retains its fire retardancy for at least 72 hours.

“It attracts water, so it makes water go farther,” said Schuck. “When we spray it that water stays around because it is being bound in those gels and the organic clay.”

A spreader bar attached to the back of the truck sprays the mixture directly to the rail bed while jets mounted on either side spray beyond the track at a

“What we know is no bridges caught fire, no rail lines caught fire. Everybody was able to access all the work up there. It works, and it’s working well.”

45-degree angle to create a wider path of fire resistance.

“We’re not doing miles of track,” said LinkBuild Construction owner Phil Toma.

“We’re doing 50 feet at either end of the trestle and then 100 feet along the trestle and just letting it drain down and using a hose to spray some timbers that got missed.

“There’s thousands of trestles in northern B.C. A lot of them are steel structures but it’s the approaches they’re concerned about because they’re timbered (wood)  approaches.”

As a backup unit, LinkBuild has a hi-rail pickup truck that runs on the rail

“That big fire last year in Kelowna is basically where I grew up and that whole mountain is dead,” said Schuck. “The whole mountain has been covered by salts and ammonium phosphate and they’ve killed everything.

“We have to save our water and save our environment. We want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.”

The rainy June has slowed business but with summer just beginning this week they are ready to respond to the next call.

The pump and gel tank can easily be detached for helicopter transport to a remote location.

The cost of replacing a mainline rail trestle can easily amount to millions of dollars, and when combined with the lost revenue from downtime repairing that bridge that makes structure protection that much more important, said Toma.

Toma says it costs as much as $200,000 to replace one electrical power pole and he’d like to explore the possibility of working with B.C. Hydro to devise a plan on structure protection using Eco-Gel to help save its infrastructure from fire damage.

“This is exciting stuff,” said Toma. “It could make a serious impact. We’re kind of on the cusp of it.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Construction manager Ryan Schuck (left), and general manager Phil Toma of LinkBuild Construction demonstrate the spraying abilities of the structural protection unit they have developed to deploy EcoGel fire suppressant and shortterm retardant.

OPINION

It’s another made-in-Prince-George solution

It’s people’s stories that matter most

Citizen Staff

GDid you know the beer can is a Prince George invention? Well, sort of.

ordon 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.”

In the 1960s, Ben Ginter of the Caribou Brewing Company here in Prince George came up with a new idea: A pilsener beer sold in a can, not a bottle. Beer had been sold in cans for decades in a few U.S. markets by that point, but in Canada, the major breweries had long stuck with reusable brown glass bottles. Ginter gave the cans a try and when things took off, the big breweries followed suit. Now you can buy almost anything in a can, thanks to a little P.G. ingenuity.

This is an example of the kind of innovative, outside-the-box (or bottle) thinking that we’re used to here in the Northern Capital.

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 Throw back 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.

One of the things that makes Prince George so special is its isolation. We’re eight hours from everywhere, tucked away in our bowl, and that’s how we like it. Our geography has given rise to a certain kind of mentality, a do-for-ourselves spirit that grew out of the community’s origins as a scrappy pair of rival townsites and the following century of resource-fuelled success.

Living here means being aware of certain realities, one of which is the threat of wildfire. So far, 2024 has been wetter than usual, but that’s no reason to be complacent about the very real danger that forest fires can pose.

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.

people if they keep “go bags” ready in case of a sudden evacuation, and it was interesting to see how many resourceful people are set up to flee in minutes if need be.

sparked by a passing train.

It isn’t just towns and villages that are threatened by fire. The rail lines themselves are at risk.

A lot of B.C. railroad infrastructure is made of old, dry timber, much of it soaked in creosote. This makes it extremely flammable. Rail trestle fires can choke the sky with black, oily smoke and are particularly difficult to extinguish.

Not only that, a rail fire can cripple much-needed transportation in rural parts of the province.

The LinkBuild team gave its concept a successful try earlier this year on that same Crescent Spur fire, and then was contracted to spray and protect an area near Fort Nelson.

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.

We ran a poll a few weeks back asking

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

That’s one indicator of that PG preparedness. Here’s another: A local construction company has created Eco-Gel, a new environmentally friendly claybased substance that can be sprayed along rail tracks to prevent wildfires caused by sparks from trains. A truck is fitted with a 1,000-litre tank that holds concentrated Eco-Gel; all the crew has to do is add more water to it and keep spraying. A second unit is designed

to ride on train tracks. The tank can even be detached and transported by helicopter to more remote areas. It’s an efficient system.

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.

And it’s something B.C. needs.

Trains run on steel wheels, and on steel tracks, so there’s always the potential for sparks from the metal-onmetal contact.

(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

Sparks flying into dry grass and underbrush can, and have, started serious forest fires. In May, residents of Crescent Spur, east of Prince George in the Robson Valley, told the Citizen that they were sure the 174-hectare wildfire that threatened their homes was

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

Once again, it worked. No fires, and the trains ran on schedule. Now, LinkBuild is eying other rural infrastructure, like utility poles, that could use some gel protection during fire season.

“This is exciting stuff,” Linkbuild owner Phil Toma told us. “It could make a serious impact. We’re kind of on the cusp of it.”

“A made-in-PG solution” is a great thing to be able to say, and while the beer can story is a fun piece of bar trivia, this latest invention will save lives and property.

Eco-Gel is a clear example of how strong that PG spirit is here. LinkBuild did what Prince George’s people have always done: Spot a problem, think of a way to fix it and get it done.

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.

505 Fourth Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

FRONT DESK AND CLASSIFIED frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250-562-2441 NEWS AND SPORTS news@pgcitizen.ca PUBLISHER publisher@pgcitizen.ca 250-960-2757

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@pgcitizen.ca

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Citizen staff

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

LinkBuild Construction demonstrates the spraying of its Eco-Gel fire suppressant and short-term retardant.

OPINION

Zest for life gives Prince George horse a chance to thrive despite physical challenges

That last picture with her arm around Milton perfectly captures the unconditional love between the two.

The look of comfort, trust and love on Milton’s face is priceless.

Great photography.

BGeez

Prince George company comes up with a new way to prevent rail line fires

A positive “preventative” solution like this, is a great start to something bigger, because it’s all about “prevention.”Congratulations Team Prince George!!! Let’s take this product further.

Bonnie Kenyon

Serving on a board of directors is a huge responsibility

There should be an independent audit of the Exploration Place. If their financial self-reporting is raising questions there might be more to it.

PG Local

Serving on a board of directors is a huge responsibility

This! Boards also need to be more transparent and less secretive, it’s public and donated money, they owe it to the shareholders and stakeholders. Are the Exploration Place meeting minutes public, when do the meetings take place and can anyone attend?

Exploration Place also received government funding for “childcare” during the pandemic and renovation, which none took place. They only recently started up summer care again, did they refund any of that money?

RReader

RCMP seek suspect in Vanderhoof Pride vandalism

If this were any other type of vandalism, it wouldn’t get nearly as much attention. Small businesses get vandalized and robbed all the time, and there’s rarely any resolution or significant media coverage. This level of attention and resources should be applied equally to all acts of vandalism and thefts, not just ones that make sensationalistic news. Facts don’t care about feelings

Cruisin’ Classic Father’s Day Show and Shine attracts more than 13,000 Fabulous day out at the park. Everyone having fun. Need more events like this.

Fleeter

Cruisin’ Classic Father’s Day Show and Shine attracts more than 13,000

The energy, time and money put into these vehicles shows the love and passion for each one.

Well done ladies and gentlemen. Have attended every Father’s Day car show for many many years.

Jim John

New grocery store reports 12 thefts in three days

Well this is why we lost 7-11 downtown... gotta love the catch and release of vagrants! Maybe this store should implement a Costco style of entering and leaving their store. As you cannot enter Costco without a membership card and cannot leave unless you show a receipt. Let’s face it you don’t see the vagrants milling about the entrances at Costco. Iam down for that as we need a grocery store in the downtown core.

Leslie Ann Tomei

Cirque du Soleil is coming to Prince George

We’ve seen four different Cirque du Soleil shows and they’re all very impressive. A bit surprised that Crystal is returning to PG, as that one was already here in April 2018. A good show to take in especialy for those that missed it the first time. We’ll pass on this one while waiting for one we haven’t seen yet to come to town.

B.C. government announces 34 new transitional units for Prince George

I’m still waiting for Kahlon to address the housing shortage for seniors too. I also notice crickets from the City of Prince George mayor and council when any controversial subject comes up.

Lyn Grandma

B.C. government announces 34 new transitional units for Prince George

So when is Ravi going to be announcing housing for seniors that can manage on their own? There is a two year waiting list to get in anywhere. The North Star Motel on Victoria Street we own has about 65 units that have wheelchair access, Ravi still has not answered. My questions is there going to be security 24/7and security cameras ?? It should be named the Money Pit on Victoria St. FHR

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Pedal power at Kris Yip Fondo

More than 150 riders took part in one of two races during the second annual Kris Yip Memorial Fondo Saturday, June 22 on Canada Games Way. 120 km to Eaglet Lake and back or a 60-km race to Tabor Lake and back.

Construction association issues alert about changes to public project funding policy

Nicole Bryant, chief executive officer of the Prince George-based Northern Regional Construction Association.

The B.C. Construction Association (BCCA) is raising alarm bells over a change in the province’s public-sector procurement policy.

That policy establishes the framework that allows private-sector builders and contractors to bid on taxpayer-funded projects.

The removal of Contract A provisions which set the rules on project deadlines, evaluation criteria, privilege clauses and the security/privacy of bid proposal is seen by the BCCA as a grave concern which could lead to unfair treatment from public owners to general contractors and trade contractors who would be left with no legal recourse to argue discriminatory practices.

“This industry alert raises a red flag as we see a trend where public owners are increasingly opting for the explicit removal of Contract A in procurement, undermining the duty to fairness,” said

Contract A was established as a precedent in 1981 in a Supreme Court of Canada ruling in favour of Ron Engineering and Construction (Eastern) Ltd., which clarified the law on tendering for contracts. It enshrined the rules and has been used ever since to ensure fair, open and transparent procurement.

“This trend heightens risk and erodes the bedrock of open, fair and transparent bidding practices, veering away from the established precedence set forth by Ron Engineering,” Bryant said.

“As an association we owe it to our members to stand firm to uphold integrity and equitable opportunities within our construction community.”

BCAA president Chris Atchison called the removal of Contract A “the most significant violation of public sector procurement processes that the construction industry has seen to date. When a public sector owner wilfully removes an obligation to act fairly in its dealings

with you at the start of a project, you have to ask yourself: do you really want to bid on that project and work with that government entity?”

The BCCA provided a list of 44 examples of construction procurement documents which show that Contract A provisions from a growing list of public owners have been removed.

It lists three City of Prince George projects, including a request for proposal for the Kin Centre heat energy recovery (dated June 23, 2023); an invitation to tender  for the reroofing for the Wastewater Treatment Centre on Landsdowne Road (Feb. 6, 2024);  and a request for proposal of the LED Light replacement at Spruce City Stadium (May 15, 2024).

Three College of New Caledonia projects are also highlighted, including: an RFP for the Medical Laboratory Science expansion (May 14, 2024); a request for quote for sidewalk construction projects (April 3, 2024); and a quote for an LED lighting installation (Jan. 30, 2024).

Procurements missing Contract A

were also identified in proposal notices issued by B.C. Housing, B.C. Transit, B.C. Securities Commission, BCIT, Capilano University, City of Kelowna, City of Vernon, Corporation of the District of Saanich, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Interior Health, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Simon Fraser University, Thompson Rivers University, and several school districts.

B.C. has more than $160 billion worth of construction projects currently underway with another $170 billion scheduled.

The construction industry accounts for 10.3 per cent of the province’s annual gross domestic product and is the top employer of B.C.’s goods sector, employing about 229,000 people.

The BCCA and the province’s regional construction associations issued an industry-wide alert to warn its members and other businesses of the risk associated with the changes to the procurement process.

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Recycling paper products and packaging has been a bit of challenge over the past three weeks for residents of communities in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, including Prince George.

The contractor that used to operate the district’s recycling, Cascades Recovery, stopped providing the service when its contract with the regional district ended May 31.

The regional district is working out details of a new contract with Recycle

B.C. to set up collection depots at the Quinn Street transfer station in Prince George, as well as transfer stations in Mackenzie and Valemount.

“It will still be some time before we have anything in place. There’s a lot of logistics to sort through,” said Renee McCloskey, RDFFG’s manager of external relations, adding it will likely be early fall before there’s a new contract finalized.

“It’s a significant service gap right now that we’re working very hard to try to get restored,” she said. “We don’t like it any more than the public does.”

The paper collection bins located at

the transfer stations around the district were removed as of May 31. McCloskey said that paper and packaging is likely getting dumped in with the general trash, which ends up in landfills.

In Prince George, curbside collection of recyclables has not been affected.

Residents who do not have curbside service are being encouraged to drop off paper and packaging material during business hours at the Prince George Recycling and Return-It Centre at 2614 Petersen Rd., and Hart Return-It Centre at 6665 Hart Highway. Those locations are closed on Sundays and holidays. Cardboard compaction is still

available at the Mackenzie, McBride and Valemount transfer stations.

The new service will allow expanded recycling service that would include paper packaging, cardboard, cartons/ paper cups, plastic/aluminum/metal containers, glass, flexible plastics and foam packaging.

“Glass collection would be one thing under Recycle B.C. that would be coming on line that we don’t have now,” said McCloskey. “So once we get there, the amount of items that will be accepted will actually increase from what we had before, but there will be some growing pains between now and then.”

Abstinence is the solution, says ex-addict

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

If former drug addict Dave Barber had the power to solve the homelessness crisis that’s become the most contentious hot-button issue in downtown Prince George, he knows a good place to start: Get more people in abstinence treatment centres that won’t allow them to keep using drugs.

It might not work for everybody, but it worked for Barber, who lived half his 41 years as a drug user who stole cars to pay for his addictions. He discovered there was an alternative waiting for him when he kicked his habit a year and a half ago while serving his third jail sentence at Prince George Correctional Centre.

Being locked up weaned Barber off drugs and made him eligible for help from the Integrity Recovery Society, which provides addicts the support they need to integrate back into society.

From his jail cell there was a landing pad waiting for him in Integrity’s residential treatment house in suburban Prince George, which gave him a chance to stick with the cold-turkey approach

Turning off the tap to brush your teeth saves up to 8,300 litres a year. *

and turn his life around.

He now has a steady job as a labourer, working full time for DART (Drug Awareness Recovery Team) doing yardwork and snow removal, and for the first time in 20 years he’s mapped out a future that doesn’t revolve around what goes up his nostrils or into his lungs or veins.

incentive to stop,” said Barber.

Barber is convinced abstinence substance treatment, without any government-supplied harm-reduction or safer supply substances, is the most effective way to cure addictions and get people back on their feet again.

“I love drugs but I can’t do them anymore because of the consequences,” he said. “So if we don’t create consequences we’re never going to solve the problem, ever. You don’t think word of mouth gets to every other junkie this side of the Mississippi that you can come to Prince George and get a free place to live and free dope? You can’t fix the problem that way, it won’t work.”

What he sees happening in Prince George, he says, is not the answer.

The city is spending $468,000 to set up a 44-unit provincially operated transitional housing complex off Third Avenue and an ongoing B.C. Housing project is converting the former North Star Inn on Victoria Street into an alternative for people living in tents and under tarps. Residents of both sites will have some rules to follow but in B.C. hard drugs are still legal as the result of a three-year pilot project to decriminalize them. Residents of those transitional homes will be allowed to continue using drugs with no provision that they enter treatment programs and Barber says that will only perpetuate the problem.

“You’re giving them a free place to live, free food, a free cheque and free drugs - you’re giving them zero

Barber’s familiarity with the drug culture, the people and lifestyle that goes with it, has given him insight into homeless camps that are becoming more widespread and more obvious in every big city.

“At a systemic level, they’re calling it one thing when it’s another; it’s not a homeless problem, it’s a drug problem,” he said.” Look what they’re doing, they’re building them shoeboxes to kill themselves in. Is that a solution? It clearly isn’t.”

He says if you combine sobriety with mental health counselling, then you’ve at least got a chance of trying to reduce the number of people living in the downtown encampments that have become the ghettos of Prince George.

“Go to Moccasin Flats and what do most people think? Get a job. Stop stealing. They’re putting the carriage before the horse,” said Barber.

Integrity Recovery Centre clients Dave Barber, left, and Mike Widenes, centre discuss with Integrity executive director Rick Edwards how they’ve beaten their addictions to lead productive lives working on a yard maintenance crew for DART (Drug Awareness Recovery Team).

Drug strategy offers ‘zero incentive’ to quit

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

“We have to deal with why they’re homeless and why they’re jobless. Where do you start? For most of us, because the addiction is so powerful, you’ve got to go to jail.

“There needs to be something to move them from the streets into a place where they can get real recovery.”

Barber disagrees with the province’s safer supply policy to give addicts prescription drugs that mimic the intoxicating effects of opioids to prevent overdose deaths and he says those prescribed drugs, paid for by taxpayers, are being sold on the street.

“A good friend of mine was on that safe supply and he would save it up until he had 10,000 pills and he would go to his dope dealer and trade it,” said Barber. “Where do you think those drugs are going to? These pills are going to the teenagers experimenting with drugs and getting them hooked and then down they go.”

He’s also critical of B.C.’s harm reduction policies that supply drug users with agonist therapies such as methadone or suboxone prescription drugs that take away the cravings for hard drugs so they can function during the day and go about their work. He saw how easy it is in jail to get suboxone prescribed by a doctor, which inmates readily take, even if they aren’t addicted to opiates, because it gets them high or can be used as currency to trade for other commodities behind bars.

Barber’s drug problems started with weed and alcohol when he was 18 and he says his first addiction was getting high on pot. That led to a 20-year cycle of being a slave to hard drugs – barbituates, cocaine, heroin and crystal meth.

“It’s a slow descent, and I’d say for every single one of us it started out as fun,” he said.

“I prided myself on not discriminating, I did manage to avoid fentanyl, but pretty much anything I could get my hands on. It got to the point where we couldn’t stop, and the result was incarceration, misery, all the things that come with addiction. It ruined my life

and everyone who cares about me.

“I have kids, and you don’t think I wanted to stop for them? Of course I did. They were not enough. The drugs become more important than anything else.”

Going cold turkey was the only way to quit drugs for Integrity executive director Rick Edwards. After 25 years of addiction he found the support he needed to get substance-free at VisionQuest Recovery Centre in Chilliwack. He lived there as client and stuck to the 12-step recovery program that gave him control of his own life again and four years later was overseeing a staff of 27 employees as VisionQuest’s executive director.

He moved to Prince George to open Integrity in 2018 after seeing how many of his clients from northern B.C. had to travel to the Lower Mainland for abstinence treatment.

“In reality, myself and one other place on the coast are the only complete abstinence programs left,” said Edwards “I’m a firm believer that it works, because it worked for me and I’ve seen it work for others.

“When I entered a program it was a complete abstinence program, I wanted methadone, I wanted to be able to smoke weed and all the other meds just to ease the sickness. Thank God they didn’t give it to me, because I might not be here today because I was looking for the easiest way out.”

Integrity houses eight men aged 19 and older making the transition from jail. Six clients live at Integrity House downtown on Fourth Avenue and two are living at Clarity House in College Heights.

They each pay $1,000 a month for their room and board and are required to stay with the program for six months, with a maximum stay of two years. They have chores and responsibilities to keep the place clean, take turns cooking, and are required to make their beds every day to show they’ve accomplished at least one task every day.

Aside from doctor-prescribed suboxone, a drug combination prescribed to prison inmates that lessens opioid

withdrawal symptoms, Integrity allows no other drugs. Alcohol is strictly forbidden.

“When you come to recovery you don’t come because you’re tired of using dope, you’re tired of the consequences that come with using dope,” said Edwards.

“As we start sobering up we start gaining things back in our life that we take for granted before.”

All Integrity clients go through the 12-step recovery program and they are held accountable to a sponsor, a senior member of the Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous program who has been in recovery at least a year. The idea is to have a friend in the group who will be there to talk them out of it if and when they are tempted to revert to their old habits.

Edwards said if he was granted a meeting with Premier David Eby, he’d tell him the province needs to be less rigid in its funding criteria and be willing to endorse abstinence-based recovery programs.

As it is now, B.C.’s recovery centres are expected to accept clients using harm reduction medications and when they do not Edwards says that excludes them from some funding sources.

“We need more places like this; we need to still continue to support harm reduction but we also need to have another avenue for individuals where harm reduction doesn’t work, which is a complete abstinence program,” said Edwards.

He’s convinced a more stringent approach to tackling drug problems would get more people to turn them away from property theft and dealing drugs to feed their own habits.

“Recovery is crime prevention from rehabilitation,” said Edwards. “Take the dope out of the system and they no longer need to do crime.”

Edwards says the 50-unit BC Housing complex at 160 Ontario St., now being run by Connective Support Society, allows clients to continue to use drugs in their residences and is considered “no-barrier.”

If it were up to him, he would run that

complex with a different set of rules.

“I would love to have an opportunity for a place like that,” said Edwards. “I’d fill it up and every single one of those guys would be working. Every one of those guys would be going to school, doing something. That’s just another band-aid.”

When Barber was growing up in Parksville, his father was also a drug addict, in and out of jail constantly, and when he was 15 his dad was murdered. Barber’s mother and sister had their lives in order and still do, so it wasn’t a case of a bad upbringing that steered him to a life of substance abuse and car theft to pay for those addictions. He promised to himself again and again he would quit using but he could not do it on his own.

While serving a four-month jail sentence in Prince George, Barber was made aware of Integrity and what the society has to offer with its abstinence-based recovery program.

He said without having a place to live where he has the support of like-minded people, all of whom have conquered drug and/or alcohol addiction, he would not have been able to stay sober long enough to get himself well again.

“There is a way out, and despite all the treatment centre programs it was never the solution for me,” said Barber. “Rick has been through all that himself and he gives us a safe place to get our lives back together. There’s stability, there’s accountability and from that I was able to go through the fellowships and go through the 12 steps.”

For Barber, being totally drug-free is the only way to stay off drugs or alcohol.

“It’s like an allergy, an abnormal reaction to an external substance,” he said.

“People can have one beer and go home, that baffles me. I don’t know how you do it, I’m different. When I have one, I don’t know when I’m stopping, I don’t control it. You set off this allergy and now the drugs become more important than anything else. Harm reduction makes no sense. It doesn’t work. Look at it, are people getting better? No. People are still dying.”

Roof leak, water damage forces closure of Nechako library branch in the Hart

The Nechako branch of the Prince George Public Library, located in the Hart Shopping Centre, is closed until further notice after a leaky roof caused extensive damage to the library’s collection.

“The mall owners had begun work to repair existing roof damage on June 17, but heavy rainfall on the weekend caused water to leak through the ceiling, damaging books, shelves, ceiling tiles, and flooring,” states a press release.

The closure impacts 8,400 library members and eight employees

There are more than 24,000 items in the collection, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, video games and other materials. Library and City of Prince George staff were on site on Sunday to start the cleanup process, and to begin

The

assessing the impact to the collection and library operations.

PGPL has leased the space since 1995. The branch has closed unexpectedly

for facility issues seven times since the start of 2023, including for water leaks and damage on Nov. 15, 2023, as well as Jan. 15 and May 6 of 2024.

“The Nechako Branch is an important part of PGPL’s library services,” said director Paul Burry.

“It offers collections, programs for all ages, wireless internet and computer access, and community space for Hart residents.”

It isn’t just local residents who use the library, either, he added.

“The accessible store-front location is also the preferred branch for many living outside the Hart. 125 people visit the Nechako Branch every day, so we know it impacts our community members when we have to close the branch.”

In 2023, there were nearly 34,000 visits to Nechako Branch. Patrons borrowed 85,200 items last year and there were 2,328 participants in branch programs

Pride vandalism suspect caught on video

Police are looking for a man caught on video near where one of several Pride banners was recently damaged in Vanderhoof.

The “Share the Love” banners were installed on light standards in the community. Damage to them is estimated at several thousands of dollars.

A man has been caught on video climbing a ladder where one of the banners was found damaged.

“While the video does not capture the damage being done to the banner, police would like to identify and speak with the individual shown in the video,” Vanderhoof RCMP state.

“It should be noted that the vehicle shown in the video is not related to the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vanderhoof RCMP at 250567-2222 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Vanderhoof RCMP released a video showing a man suspected of involvement in the vandalism of Pride banners in the community’s downtown. Police note that the car in the video is not involved in the investigation.

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

Nechako branch of the Prince George Public Library was closed Monday after the weekend’s heavy rains caused damage.

City eyes upgrades to Carrie Jane Gray Park

Carrie Jane Gray Park is being transformed so that it meets premier athletic park standards which includes ball diamonds, the BMX track, beach volleyball courts, Masich Place Stadium, a skate park and more all located in the 40-hectare sports hub.

In May, the city engaged with key user groups through a focus group, including representatives from Prince George Youth Baseball, Spruce City Men and Minor Boys Softball, Prince George BMX, and Senior Men Baseball, as well as other sport field users including representatives from football and soccer.

The city is now seeking broader community input to ensure the chosen concept plan aligns with public needs and preferences. Residents can review the concept plans and participate in an online survey on the city’s website from June 27 to July 31.

This refurbishment plan is designed to enhance the park’s ability to host local, provincial, and national sports competitions, making it a central part of the Prince George sport and athletic community.

Phases of the Project:

• Phase One: Concept plan development, currently in progress.

• Phase Two: Creation of a construction-ready design package.

• Phase Three: Construction contingent on Council’s approval during the 2025 budget deliberations.

For more information about the project visit www.princegeorge.ca/ carrie-jane-gray-park-upgrade

Off-leash dog park

A new off-leash dog park in College Heights is now open for pets and their owners.

The city has advised that, with the exception of some line painting in the parking lot, the park on Southridge Avenue is ready. It’s located between St. Anthony Crescent and Dakelh Ti (formerly O’Grady Road), beside the existing ice rink. It’s on city-owned property and has off-street parking.

The rules for the dog park:

• Dogs must remain under the owner’s control and supervision.

• With the exception of designated off-leash park areas, all pets must be on a leash when in public.

• Owners must carry a leash with them at all times.

• Use the pet waste stations.

• Observe pet etiquette rules and all other rules and regulations when visiting a park with pets.

The project included general utility and earthworks, new signs and a dog bag dispenser, along with other amenities.

The dog park is surfaced with nontoxic engineered wood fibre chips specifically made for dog parks that knit together to avoid splinters and sharp edges, the city states in a release. The chips help to reduce mud puddles, craters and dust and dirt in a dog park.

Chancellor Park

With Chancellor Park in line for an upgrade, the City of Prince George is asking the public how that should go.

The park, located in University Heights between Chancellor Boulevard and Maurice Drive, may be updated next year. It’s 17,000 square metres.

Residents can have their say online by submitting suggestions online at https:// getinvolved.princegeorge.ca/chancellor-park or by email at getinvolved@ princegeorge.ca using the subject line “Chancellor Park.” Feedback is open to all residents until July 31.

Parks staff will review the input before completing the capital project request, which will go to council as part of the 2025 budget review.

“This park in University Heights has been on our radar for a long time, now we want to hear from the community what they would like to see there,”

Mayor Simon Yu stated in a press release.

“Whether it’s a playground, picnic tables, or walking trails, we want to gather input to guide the designs. Of course, all these enhancements will depend on the budget availability, but we are all very excited about this project.”

Following the feedback period and budget approval process, detailed design and site regulatory approvals are expected to take place in early 2025.

Owen Usually Sings Baritone

Citizen staff

The City of Prince George wants to make improvements to Carrie Jane Gray Park to attract provincial and national sports events.

FEATURING

MULTICULTURAL FOOD AT THE FOOD PAVILION

BOUNCY CASTLES, FACEPAINTING, FUN AND GAMES IN THE KIDS ZONE

ENTERTAINMENT

LHEIDLI T’ENNEH MEMORIAL PARK

PRESENTED BY IN THE PARK

Prince George Community Band

Opening Ceremonies

Chinese Benevolent Association

Zahirah Dance Studio - Troupe Zahira

Ivan Paquette

Khast'an Drummers

Excalibur Theatre Arts

Rogers & Sargent

Bollywood Dream Dancers

UHNBC Drum Group

Twasome Highland Troupe & Lorna Carbutt

School of Dance

Fraser Lyric Opera

Mariaelena Delgado

Sandi Araquil & Jezer Narcisco

Judy Russell's Enchainement Dance Centre

Thaìs & Beni

Goodbye!

Schedule and performers are subject to

New art at pool

Artists Ray Desjarlais and Kym Gouchie unveil a new art piece called Talukw Bah Bedukaih/ Dipping for Salmon at the Canfor Leisure Pool on Friday, June 21. it measures three metres by seven metres and depicts an elder dipping a net at twilight on the Nechako River. The new work was introduced on National Indigenous Peoples Day with the artists on hand, along with Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan, Mayor Simon Yu and representatives of Canfor.

Canada Day celebrations happening Monday at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The City of Prince George is hosting Canada Day at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Monday and everyone is invited to join in the celebration.

With 17 multicultural food vendors on site and about 15 entertainment groups on the bandshell stage, along with bouncy castles and bigger-than-life games for the kids to play and a marketplace filled with local artisans’ wares on display, it’s shaping up to be better than ever.

Historically the Multicultural Heritage Society took on the challenge of presenting the event to the Prince George community and for the last two years the City took over its planning.

“The Multicultural Heritage Society came to us to ask if we could assist and we said absolutely,” Doug Hofstede, City of Prince George community coordinator, said.

“This is an important event for our community. Props go to the Multicultural Heritage Society for creating this event for the last 50 years, I think it is.

They’ve made it into a unique event and because it’s so multicultural and not so much Canadiana, we’ve tried to keep the spirit of what they were trying to achieve.”

To that end there will be several familiar multicultural food vendors on site, along with some food trucks offering interesting things to eat with modern twists.

There will be a mix of multicultural entertainment as well as some community groups who will entertain audiences at the bandshell.

Hofstede said his family has a tasting-menu plan when they go to the park to celebrate Canada Day.

“I know for our family it’s kind of a tradition to grab a plate from one place and we share it and then we go to the next one and we share it and that way we get to take a walk around the world, to taste different food from around the world,” Hofstede explained.

The celebration usually sees between 15,000 and 20,000 people attend and this year will be no different.

“We would like to thank the people who support this, including Canadian Tire, which is presenting the whole event and Canfor, which is sponsoring the entertainment, while Aaron Switzer Realty is sponsoring the Kids’ Zone, which will be a ton of fun for kids. We have more bouncy houses than we had last year and Engage Sport North and the Y will be playing big games with the kids with parachutes and balls and things like that to keep them quite active and we have Mandy the face painter, who always has a line up because she’s just so good at it. New this year we have the Prince George chess club.”

People can play a game, learn to play, or compete in the tournament.

“And there’s even an opportunity to challenge a champion - we have a person there that’s really good a chess and you can see how long you last,” Hofstede laughed.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Canada Day activities return to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on July 1, with music, food and more.

Live music, family fun and plenty to eat

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

People can expect the same robust event as it was in its heyday, he added. “People love what it is so we’ve tried to enhance it a little bit each year and use the Multicultural Heritage Society template for the event because they always did such a great job,” Hofstede said.

Here’s a look at what’s happening Monday at the park.

Canfor stage schedule

• 11 a.m. Welcome

• 11:05 a.m. Prince George Community Band

• Noon: Opening ceremonies

• Greetings from Lheidli T’enneh Elder Edith Frederick, Chief Dolleen Logan, MP Todd Doherty, MP Bob Zimmer, and Mayor Simon Yu

• 12:30 p.m. CBA lion dancers and singers

• Cake cutting sponsored by Save on Foods

• 12:50 p.m. Zahirah Dance StudioTroupe Zahira

• 1:15 p.m. Ivan Paquette

• 1:40 p.m. Khast’an Drummers

• 2:05 p.m. Excalibur Theatre Arts

• 2:30 p.m. Rogers & Sargent

• 2:55 p.m. Bollywood Dream Dancers

• 3:15 p.m. UHNBC Drum Group

• 3:40 p.m. Twasome Highland Troupe & Lorna Carbutt School of Dance

• 4:05 p.m. Fraser Lyric Opera

• 4:25 p.m. Mariaelena Delgado

• 4:45 p.m. Sandi Araquil & Jezer Narcisco

• 5:10 p.m. Judy Russell’s Enchainement Dance Centre

• 5:40 p.m. Thaìs & Beni

• 6 p.m. Closing

• Food pavilion vendors include:

• Booster Juice

• Chaá Tayo Bubble Tea & Wings

• Chee Kong Society

• Chinese Benevolent Society

• The Cook Shack

• Dana Mandi

• Franco’s Italian Concession

• Island Flava

• Japanese Students Association

• Kali Mandir - Indian Food

• Mapal Ice Cream

• Mini Donuts

• Mountain Air Kettle Corn

• Northern Hindu Society

• Rocky Mountain Chocolate

• White Goose Bistro

• White Goose Desserts

Last year was the 50th Prince George Canada Day celebration.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The day will feature 17 multicultural food vendors on site and about 15 entertainment groups on the bandshell stage.

Lheidli T’enneh, Prince George celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Chief Dolleen Logan understands the Dahelh language, the first language of her nation generations ago.

Understanding it is one thing. Speaking it is entirely different, and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation chief admits she struggles to get the right words out.

“It’s amazing to hear the language and everyone speaking it, that’s the core of the culture,” said Logan. “Lheidli T’enneh, we’re trying to bring it back, with our elders, and hopefully we’ll all be able to speak it fluently soon.

“I did the course and got an A-plus but I’m not fluent,” she laughed. “I can hear it and I kind of know what they’re saying, but for me to repeat it, my mouth doesn’t work properly. It takes a lot of practice.”

It’s by design that National Indigenous Peoples Day happens at the start of summer and the weather co-operated, with Friday the hottest day of the year so far with a sunny high of 26 C with no chance of rain.

“That’s perfect,” said Logan, “because that’s what First Nations do, they all get together to celebrate the first day of summer. I jokingly say that we all get to celebrate the first day of summer preparing for winter.”

In an interview with the Citizen before National Indigenous People Day, Logan provided a glimpse of some of her community’s issues, events and achievements, as well as the organizational efforts of Lheidli T’enneh band council to make Prince George a better

place to live.

There was something for everybody, from the music of Kym Gouchie, Dani Lion and Mimi O’Bonsawin, to traditional dancers, singers and drummers dressed for the occasion, special attractions at The Exploration Place museum, and plenty of activities to keep kids occupied, including the Little Prince train rides, the park playground and the Rotaract water spray pad.

“The culture is amazing because every nation has something different – it’s so neat to see how many first nations that live so close together have

different cultures,” said Logan. “The Dakelh language is everywhere but what we speak here is different even in Fort St. James/Vanderhoof, just slightly different dialects.

“When you go to Prince Rupert, they do the longhouses (traditional residential dwellings and we don’t. It’s interesting. Metis, Inuit, everybody does something different and it’s like a learning experience every time you get together.”

Nine years ago, Prince George city council voted to rename the city’s premier greenspace from Fort George Park

BC UNITED MLA, CARIBOO NORTH PHONE: 250-991-0296

EMAIL: coralee.oakes.mla@leg.bc.ca #401-410 Kinchant St., Quesnel Serving Cariboo North since 2013

to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. The park is the original site of the Lheidli T’enneh village.

“Everyone knows that’s the aboriginal village site so for them to change the name back to Lheidli T’enneh was a very proud moment, letting the world know that this is where our original site was,” said Logan.

“The city’s is there for a partnership saying, yes this is the original site and we’re going to rename it to honour you.”

Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan greets the public at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park during the 2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Friday, June 21.

Three governments sign updated agreement

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Logan, Regional District Chair Lara Beckett and Mayor Simon Yu signed a memorandum of agreement at the park Friday afternoon, renewing the existing agreement between the three governments.

Visitors saw that the new 60-bed capacity daycare in the southeast corner of the park to be operated by the nation is nearing completion. It’s set to open this fall. Known as Daycare In The Park, Logan says there’s a plan to have it open 24 hours per day to accommodate shift workers.

“We will need a lot of staff and we’re already discussing having elders come in to have storytime,” said Logan. “It’s going to be open for everyone, not just (Indigenous people).”

The Lheidli T’enneh Elders Society is now in its second year of operation and that group is actively involved in welcoming/opening ceremonies and efforts to revitalize the language and culture and the adoption of Dakelh names to existing buildings.

Logan, 56, a mother of two adult children and grandmother of five, was re-elected to a second term as Lheidli T’enneh chief on April 8, 2023.

“It has its ups and downs but I love it,” said Logan, who also served seven years as a band councillor.

“I love planning and thinking about the future. You plan for 50 years in a two-year term.”

In November 2022, Logan oversaw the opening of the Lheidli T’enneh Health Centre in the Northside subdivision. The centre employs a full-time nurse, student nurses and an on-call doctor and she says that has raised the level of healthcare significantly at the Shelley reserve.

“The main positive is we have elders who have a hard time getting out of their home and the doctor actually goes to see them at their house,” said Logan. “The nurses are there to visit and say hi and check on them. It’s been a huge success.”

There’s more housing about to be built in Shelley. Three new smaller

by city council earlier this month.

The House of Ancestors café, under head chef Tracey Speed, is open to the public for breakfast and lunch, and the nation also generates revenue by renting out the building’s hall space and conference area.

“I want to stop any rumours that we’re going to tear down those buildings and put in a casino, well no, we’re not,” said Logan.

“We’re going to continue doing business as we are.”

On Tuesday, the street in front of the House of Ancestors will be closed to vehicles for an all-day barbecue/street party, which will include the unveiling of the clan sign of the Lheidli T’enneh.

Friday marks the start of the threeday John Cho Cup fastball tournament at Carrie Jane Gray Park.

detached homes will be ready in August and the band council is considering construction for an elders’ housing complex and apartments on the reserve.

“The houses that exist there are for families and we don’t have anything for single people or couples,” she said.

“We have a lot of people that want to move home but there’s no housing until we get the infrastructure in place.”

Plans are also in the works for digging new water wells and next on June 28 a groundbreaking ceremony will officially launch a new wastewater treatment system project built on the Northside to serve the entire village. It will replace the existing holding tanks/drain field system.

A bridge over the Fraser River is the biggest item on Logan’s wish list. Estimated to cost $42 million, it would connect the two subdivisions and pave the way for fire protection from ShellGlen Volunteer Fire Department for the entire community.

Logan’s office in downtown Prince George in the Lheidli T’enneh office building at 150 Brunswick is the former home of the Prince George Citizen. That building and the House of Ancestors

(Uda dune Baiyoh) at 355 Vancouver St., and adjacent parking lot off Fourth Avenue may soon be added to the nation’s reserve lands, an addition to the reserve’s federal agreement endorsed

“Baseball is huge and our membership loves going to it, it’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” said Logan. “It’s pride for watching their kids or family members play. Once a year everyone comes to that tournament because it’s such a huge success and it’s fun.

“Just make sure you bring a seat cushion because those benches are hard.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Tazzy Fraser with Tessa Fraser Gomes singing, Tina Fraser on guitar and Lincoln Gomes, 14, looking on, provided entertainment at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park during the 2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Friday, June 21.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The Old Fort Traditional Dancers, from Babine Lake, brought their dancing, drumming and singing.

Young athletes learn from the best at this year’s Spruce Capital Track Meet

Kasieobi Udumaga competes in the long jump at the Spruce Capital Track Meet Saturday at Masich Place Stadium. The meet is designed for younger athletes to get comfortable with competition while allowingMaster athletes also get a chance to participate and set records in their events. It’s a B.C. Athletics-sanctioned event.

Caleb McIntosh (above) makes a 5.54-metre shot put Saturday during the Prince George Track and Field Club’s Spruce Capital Track Meet. Kai Legut-Petersen (right photo) makes a 6.66 metre shot put.

Citizen photos by Chuck Nisbett

Up, up and away for local pole vaulters

Tuomas Ukonmaanaho (left photo) flies over the bar at 2.30 metres during pole vault competition. Adam Hogarth (centre photo) easily clears the bar at 2.30 metres while Carson Cserhazi, 14, (right) curves over the bar as he attempts a pole vault of 2.40 metres. They were among the athletes competing in the Prince George Track and Field Club’s Spruce Capital Track Meet Saturday, June 21.

What’s happening in PG

LooPS at Deadfall Brewing goes Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at 1733 Nicholson St. South. LooPs features lead singer Kevin Roy and instrumentalist/vocalist Jon Fennell who are a Canadian acoustic-pop duo based out of the Interior British Columbia, and are quickly making a name for themselves as the top acoustic-pop duo in BC since they formed in 2019. With a style best described as what would happen if Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi had a musical baby, LooPS use loop pedals/acoustic guitar for high energy sets (which range from original tracks to unique mashups of classic covers or current hits) and piano for powerful ballads and soaring harmonies. Get tickets at www.eventbrite.ca/e/ loops-live-at-deadfall-brewing

Trivia Night at the Museum goes Thursday, June 27 at 5:30 p.m. at The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Pl. This is Exploration Place’s first ever trivia event to test knowledge on everything from local history to science to win awesome prized. On Thursdays enjoy 2-for-1 admission, classic cars, train rides and the Thirsty Thursday special at Origins Kitchen.

Chris Goodwin Solo & Acoustic from Nelly’s Pub goes Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at 2274 John Hart Hwy. Goodwin will perform live acoustic country music.

Kiwanis June Pub Night goes Thursday, June 27 at 4:30 p.m. at CrossRoads Brewing, 508 George St. The Kiwanis Club invites current and future members to gather for a drink. Future members will be treated to a beverage.

Calling All Captains and the Burden and Keeper goes Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Calling All Captains is bringing their Petal to the Metal tour to Omineca Arts Centre with support from The Burden and Keeper. Tickets are $25 at www.

ollienorthproductions.ticketspice.com/ calling-all-captains-in-prince-george

Canada Day at the Park presented by Canadian Tire goes Monday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Enjoy multicultural food and entertainment, games, bouncy castles and check out the marketplace. On the Canfor stage there is a full roster of entertainment after greetings from Lheidli T’enneh Elders and Chief, and local politicians. Entertainment starts off with the CBA lion Dancers and singers followed by the cake cutting. There will be 18 food vendors on site during the celebration.

***

UNFOLD Exhibition of Emerging Artists goes Monday, July 1 at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This is the fourth annual event to celebrate emerging artists in Northern BC to showcase diverse art forms, including sculptures, paintings, songs, stories and more.

***

Sweet Summer Market goes Saturday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at CN Centre with local vendors and artisans to shop along with some of the city’s food trucks.

***

Legends Live is presented by OM Pizza Bar Café on Saturday, July 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. at 1970 Ospika Blvd. Experience the thrill of seeing award-winning impersonators in fabulous costumes pay tribute to a couple of favourite icons, starring Kat Fullerton as Almost Marilyn and Cory Hicks as Elton Enough. From timeless classics to chart-topping hits, these music legends will take you on a journey through the decades. Call to make a reservation at 250-562-9888 after getting your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ legends-live ***

Miracle Milton and his Magic Legs book launch goes Friday, July 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Books and Co., 1685 Third Ave., for Prince George author Dustie Hall’s children’s book. Chat with

Downtown Summerfest goes Saturday, July 20 at Veteran’s Plaza at City Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hall, who is a local equestrian, early childhood educator and now author who has written about Milton the horse who was born with deformed legs that weren’t supposed to be able to work but through determination he overcame his challenges.

2024 Pride Picnic presented by Northern BC Queer Connection Society

goes Sunday, July 7 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park where there will be live music, food trucks, crafts, a market and community resources. Dress in your brightest rainbow attire and pack picnic essentials including chairs, baskets, and sunscreen.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Community Art Days goes Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Canada Games Plaza. This is a free, all-ages event presented by the Two Rivers Gallery and BMO. Everyone is invited to attend this event filled with free art activities, artist workshops, live music and performances, community booths and food trucks.

P & R Organic Farms is celebrating 25 years with an appreciation day on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 12800 Salmon Valley Road. Enjoy a family and friends filled day celebrating 25 years in the community. The farm will have vegetables for sale (cash only) while there will be a food truck and face painting by donation, hayrides, a petting zone, games and a bounce house.

Mid-Summer Eve Artisan Market at Studio 2880 goes Thursday, July 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. This event is presented by the Prince George & District Community Arts Council. Sweet summer air, an evening stroll and an artistic vibe await guests during this evening artisan market. Explore the grounds of Studio 2880, find a variety of makers, foods, while enjoying eclectic music.

Downtown Summerfest goes Saturday, July 20 at Veteran’s Plaza at City Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is one of Downtown Prince George’s signature festivals. Every year guests can enjoy Summer Fun For Everyone and join the party to celebrate fun, food, activities, and entertainment.

***

Kids Carnival at Huble Homestead goes Saturday, July 20 from 10:30 to 4 p.m. Venture north to the homestead for a whirlwind of fun, as you and your family test your skills at carnival games with guaranteed prizes. Magic shows, old-fashioned games, the always-popular parachute, story time and crafts are on offer. Located on Mitchell Road.

Admission is by donation. ***

Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. There’s something for everyone. The winning team gets a custom Nancy O’s Trivia trophy and a round of drinks, their photo on

the wall that goes into the winners’ book after two weeks. Those caught cheating will be publicly shamed and labeled as cheaters – good wholesome fun. Book your spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066.

***

Open Mic Nights are presented at Cait’s Sweet Bites & Beanery, 3831 Austin Road West in the Hart Shopping

Centre, from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month. People are invited to share their songs and music, poetry, comedy in a casual setting to try something new. Everyone is welcome to attend as a participant or a supportive audience member. For more information email devon.w.flynn@gmail.com.

***

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.

***

Craft & Chat at the Prince George Public Library is presented by Great Northwest Fibre Fest organizers who are hosting this fibre crafting group every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second floor in the magazine corner. This is a free drop-in group and everyone – all ages, all experience levels - are welcome to attend.

***

Omineca’s Coffee House Open Stage every Sunday 369 Victoria Street from 3 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to step up and share their talents, stories and art forms of all kinds including but not limited to musical, literary, comedic and performative expressions of our diverse community. Refreshments and snacks by donation. Sign up is on site. There are some house instruments provided but feel free to bring your own creative tools for expression. First timers and emerging artists are encouraged to experiment and collaborate with others. Please share and invite friends and family to build audience, engage and cheer on local artists in a fun, relaxed and safe environment.

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.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kat Fullerton brings Almost Marilyn to the OM Pizza Bar Cafe on July 3, along with Cory Hicks as Elton Enough.

Local volunteers take care of Cottonwood Island Park ducks who didn’t fly south

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

Super volunteers Paul Cailleaux and Brock Bailey had a few challenges earlier this year when it came to feeding the Cottonwood Island Park ducks who chose to winter in Prince George instead of making the long trek south to warmer parts of the world.

Each of the volunteers had major surgeries earlier this year that hindered their ability to go to the park.

Friends and family took up the cause while Cailleaux recovered from knee replacement surgery and Bailey recovered from hip replacement surgery.

This was the shortest feeding season in the eight years Bailey and Cailleaux took on duck-feeding duties as the winter was so mild.

The volunteer pair only started feeding the ducks in early January.

There were about 500 ducks who

stayed in Prince George over the winter months this year.

Keeping the ducks alive at Cottonwood Island Park is a priority for Cailleaux and Bailey, volunteers from Ducks Unlimited Canada, but it takes the community to make that happen, they said.

To help ease the burden of the cost of feeding the ducks Pacific Western Brewery and Four Rivers Co-Op once again helped out as much as they could, with individual members of the community donating as well.

Baily and Cailleaux were very grateful for the continued support to keep the ducks fed so they could have a strong start to their summer season.

“We would like to thank everyone who helped following our surgeries,” Cailleaux said.

“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoy these birds and their antics over the season.”

Ducks at Cottonwood Island Park are seen here in mid-January. Volunteers Brock Bailey and Paul Cailleaux only started feeding them at the start of the year because winter was so mild.

Fresh food project gets some new green

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

The Connaught Youth Centre Society in Prince George has received $58,000 to support their Northern Fresh Food Centre project, which will help provide food security to the neighbourhood.

“What we’re purchasing is an indoor grow unit where we can grow food for the community all year long,” said Catharine Kendall, executive director of the Connaught Youth Centre Society.

The unit, which costs about $150,000, will be used to produce up to 480 fresh greens every four to six weeks.

These will be distributed to high-risk children, youth, and their families, a crucial need for those struggling with food security.

Funding came from the Community Spaces Program by Federated Co-operatives Ltd., which offered 14 organizations across western Canada support this year.

The local Four Rivers Co-operative recently presented the $58,000 cheque to the Connaught Youth Centre Society (CYC).

“We really appreciate the funding,” Kendall said.

“It’s going to be a bit of a journey for us to find the rest of the money. We’ve explored a few options and it’s looking really good. Food security is on the high priority list for lots of places in the north.”

The CYC is hoping to secure the rest of the funds for the hydroponics unit within the next year, she added.

“We’re super-excited about it,” Kendall said.

Food security is a growing concern in the community, where many individuals have no reliable access to enough affordable and nutritious food.

“Supporting the Connaught Youth Centre Society in their mission to provide youth with essential healthy greens is a step towards addressing this crisis,” Federated Co-operatives Ltd. stated in a press release.

“By ensuring that young people have access to nutritious food, we help to build a foundation for better health and development.”

If anyone would like to contribute to the fundraising effort for the hydroponics unit contact connaughtyouth@gmail.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Connaught Youth Centre Society recently received funding that will go towards the purchase an indoor hydroponics grow unit like this one.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Exploration Place names new exec. director

Citizen staff

Alyssa Leier, who has been part of the Exploration Place team for 11 years, is its new executive director.

Leier is taking over for Tracy Calogheros, who is retiring.

“As a member of Okanagan First Nation, I am passionate about reconciliation and the decolonization of the museum sector. Museums have a public responsibility to our communities to tell a more comprehensive and representative history that is relevant, engaging, and educational. The Exploration Place has been an industry leader in this work, and it is my privilege to continue guiding it.”

Leier majored in archaeology and minored in First Nations studies at Simon Fraser University. She has also completed numerous courses in cultural resource management,

museology and conservation with other organizations, including the University of Victoria.

“The Exploration Place is such a valuable part of our community’s culture and shared heritage,” Alyssa says. “Under the leadership of Tracy, the impact of The Exploration Place’s work is not only recognized within our own community but provincially and nationally as well. It is my honour to lead this organization into this next chapter.”

She joined the Exploration Place in 2013 as a summer student and became an assistant archivist later that year. In 2016, she was promoted to curator. “As part of the organization’s leadership team, she has played a crucial role in

guiding the museum’s direction over the past decade,” states a press release.

In 2017, the Hodul’eh-a: A Place of Learning gallery was awarded the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Community Programming in partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh, also receiving the B.C. Museums Association Award of Merit for Exhibitions.

In 2020, The Exploration Place and the Gouchie family were the recipients of the Jeanne Clarke Award for Outstanding Service for the Mary Gouchie: Hubodulh’eh exhibit.

In 2023, Leier was recognized by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce as one of the community’s Top Figures Under 40.

B.C. government announces new housing

Mothers from across northern B.C. who are seeking a safe place to stay for themselves and their children will soon have access to 34 new transitional housing units in Prince George, along with parenting and cultural supports.

“These 34 new homes show our government’s commitment to keeping families together and ensuring everyone, no matter how difficult their personal circumstances, has a roof over their head,” said Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon in an announcement issued by the province. “Harmony House is keeping children out of foster care, connecting families

with their Indigenous culture, and ultimately giving women the skills and confidence they need to be successful parents.”

Harmony House has 22 transition beds and 12 second-stage housing units for women and gender-diverse people who are at risk of, or have experienced, intimate partner violence in Prince George and surrounding area, and their children. Occupancy is expected to be complete by mid-July 2024.

“These new homes represent fresh starts for women and their children,” said Kelli Paddon, parliamentary secretary for gender equity. “The program

at Harmony House will provide a safe space and culturally appropriate care so that people leaving intimate partner violence can rebuild their lives in a supportive home.”

Operated by the Phoenix Transition Society, the transition house has private bedrooms and bathrooms with a shared kitchen and common spaces. It will function as one large home where families can live for six months to one year. The second-stage housing units are self-contained suites where women and their children can live independently.

“Harmony House has saved my life,” said resident Alisha Poole.

Ninety per cent of Harmony House clients are Indigenous women who come from remote communities across northern B.C., so programming is focused on providing culturally appropriate safe care, while preserving cultural knowing and providing life skills that contribute to sustainable changes.

The new building will allow Phoenix Transition Society to expand its current program, which has a long wait list and high demand.

Twenty-one per cent of the units are accessible, and the entire development is designed with universal design principles.

UNBC offers summer research internships

UNBC is inviting high school students to apply for a free week-long research internship this summer.

SPARK Discovery Week runs from July 22-26 at the Prince George campus.

Open to students who will be entering Grades 10, 11 or 12, the week features hands-on experience in science and engineering.

It’s an opportunity for high school

students to explore an area of research interest, learn more about how a university lab operates and gain experience that will help them with their high school studies while preparing them for post-secondary education.

“UNBC has state-of-the-art research laboratories, and this program allows young, enthusiastic minds to work with cutting-edge technology and equipment that they might not otherwise encounter

until much later in their academic careers,” says School of Engineering assistant Prof. Chinchu Cherian.

“This early exposure can spark a deeper interest and understanding of different research fields within science and engineering. This networking can also open doors to the students for future academic and professional opportunities at UNBC.”

Students can choose from four

streams:

• Civil engineering

• Environmental engineering

• Natural product chemistry

• Optics and photonics

Interested high school students can apply online and submit a brief expression of interest statement.

For more information, visit the university’s website at www.unbc. ca.

Alyssa Leier is the new executive director of The Exploration Place.

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

Inner City boxers ready for Bronze Gloves

The competitive season is now behind them, but members of Inner City Boxing PG won’t be going into relaxation mode as summer begins.

They can’t afford to chill out, because they’ve already got a major fight card on their minds – the B.C. Bronze Gloves, Sept. 13-15 in Chilliwack.

“It’s a novice tournament and we’re looking to bring about 10 fighters there,” said Inner City coach Kenny Lally. Lally and fellow coach Jag Seehra are former Inner City fighters who combined for dozens of provincial and national medals during their careers. They rebooted the Inner City club earlier this year, and ended the season with a roster of four competitive boxers. With several other fighters continuing to hone their skills, Lally said “everyone’s geared up” for the B.C. Bronze Gloves.

The four boxers who have already worn Inner City colours into battle are Joshua Greenwood, Thunder Innis, Cartel Niedermayer and Michael Brooks. Greenwood, Innis and Niedermayer were all in the ring last Saturday (June 15) in Quesnel for the Rumble 32 fight card, while Brooks had an exhibition match cancelled because his opponent was a no-show.

In Quesnel, Greenwood dropped the second close decision of his fledgling career. The 17-year-old traded punches with a boxer from White Rock. Lally said the fight unfolded like a chess match.

“He did amazing,” Lally said of Greenwood. “We won the third round. It’s cool to see that we made the adjustments, we just made them a little too late. So, we were on the right track.”

Greenwood was happy with how he performed, especially how he “kept

pushing” until the end of the bout.

“I didn’t let fatigue get to me,” he said.

“It was a really hard fight and I got a lot of experience out of it. I need to work on my footwork a lot more, get more comfortable popping around the ring.”

Innis, meanwhile, took on a Quesnel

fighter in a hugely entertaining exhibition match – one that included a little surprise for the 15-year-old Inner City member.

“In the beginning it was hard because I thought I was fighting an orthodox (opponent), and he came out southpaw,” said Innis, who was making his ring debut. “I had to adjust. It went good. It was exhibition, but I would say I lost the first round and won the last two. I felt that I adapted well to a southpaw, and a very long guy, too.”

Innis said he loved the whole experience.

“It felt awesome,” he said. “The crowd, everybody chanting my name, it really reminded me why I love this sport.”

Like Greenwood and Innis, the 17-year-old Niedermayer had a good night inside the ropes in his first taste of exhibition action.

“I’m so proud of all the guys,” Lally said. “They blew us away. Even their warmups, in between rounds the way that they were able to recover and catch their breath, it was fantastic. The biggest thing was how well they listened to us. They see the fight one way, through their eyes, but Jag’s on one side of the ring and I’m on the other – two pairs of eyes, looking. And so we see different stuff. And every one of the guys, they did their best to try and listen to our instructions. It’s hard in live action with the crowd, and you’re tired, but they did awesome.”

Stewart joins Timberwolves’ Wall of Honour

One of the most beloved teammates in program history, Stewart’s growth as a player helped him leave his name all over the UNBC record books, while helping to elevate the program to new heights.

Stewart left a legacy of commitment, competitiveness, and pride, making him a fitting choice for the Timberwolves Wall of Honour.

UNBC outlined his record in a recent

press release.

A highly regarded player in Prince George, Stewart rose through the youth ranks competing for PGYSA. After a year with the Calgary Foothills program, he returned to Duchess Park Secondary School and was recruited ahead of the 2016 Canada West campaign by UNBC head coach Steve Simonson.

Stewart’s rookie campaign did not disappoint, as he set the tone for a tremendous career with his first season.

Despite often being the smallest player on the pitch in physical size, he used his innate soccer IQ and relentless competitiveness to make an impact. In year one, he started 15 of the Timberwolves’ 16 games, scoring his first career goal on Sept. 4 2016 against UBC, and notching his first game-winning goal on Sept. 18 against the Winnipeg Wesmen.

“Owen came in as a starter in his very first year and never looked back,” said Simonson. He was immediately a

versatile attacking player for us. You could see how much pride he had in playing for his hometown team.”

Stewart continued to establish himself in 2018-2019, as the Timberwolves moved to Masich Palce for their home games. With his growing flair for the dramatic, it was fitting that it was the Prince George product became the answer to a trivia question, scoring the first goal in the stadium’s history on Sept. 14, 2018 against the Victoria Vikes.

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

INNER CITY BOXING CLUB

Michael Brooks is one of the four Inner City boxers who’ve worn the club’s colours into battle. The others are Joshua Greenwood, Thunder Innis and Cartel Niedermayer.

Local athletes O’Dine, Bichon and Graham returning to snowboard cross national team

Canada Snowboard announced its national snowboard cross teams Thursday for the 2024-25 season and that list of exclusive company includes two Prince George athletes and one from Mackenzie.

Meryeta O’Dine, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist at the 2022 Games in Beijing, is back on the national snowboard cross team.

The 27-year-old is entering her ninth season as a full-time World Cup competitor and is ranked 22nd in the world standings heading into 2024-25.

Last year, O’Dine posted a season-high 10th-place result in Montafon, Austria, on March 6 and was 11th the following week in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, site of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Mackenzie native Evan Bichon, 25, is coming off his best season in seven years on the World Cup circuit. He ended the 2023-24 season with a seventh-place result in Montafon, Austria on March 17, then topped that the following week on Canadian snow in Mont. St. Anne, Que., where

Team Canada snowboarders Meryeta O’Dine of Prince George and Eliot Grondin of Sainte-Marie de Beauce, Que., celebrate after winning bronze in the mixed team snowboard cross event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

he advanced to his first-ever Big Final and finished a career-best fourth. He heads into the new season ranked 19th in the world.

NextGen team member Colby Graham of Prince George, 22, also finished strong in 2023-24, posting his best World Cup results, 31st and 36th,

on the final race weekend in Mont St. Anne.

Graham is ranked 137th in the FIS standings heading into 2024-25.

The eight-stop World Cup snowboard cross tour starts Dec. 13-15 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The tour also visits Georgia, Czechia, back-toback stops in Italy, Spain and Austria before it wraps up with the season-ending races April 4-6 in Mont St., Anne, Que.

Eliot Grondin of St-Marie de Beauce, Que., will be back to defend his Crystal Globe title as the 2023-24 FIS points champion, following in the vapour trails of Canada snowboard crossers Jasey-Jay Anderson, who captured the world crown in 2001, 2002 and 2006, and 2007 champion Drew Nielson of North Vancouver.

The national team also includes Audrey McManiman of St-Ambroisede-Kildare, Que., coming off an injury-plagued season.

Joining Graham in the NextGen snowboard cross team are  Tristan Bell of Gatineau, Que., James Savard-Ferguson of Baie-St-Paul, Que., and Hannah Turkington of Whistler.

Spruce Kings move to Coastal Conference

The British Columbia Hockey League has released its regular-season schedule for the 2024-25 campaign.

The league will have a new configuration this year with the addition of the Alberta teams, which make up their own division. They’re migrating from the Alberta Junior Hockey League. The Prince George Spruce Kings move from the Interior Conference to the Coastal Conference’s East Division. Meanwhile, the Merritt Centennials left the BCHL for the KIJHL.

The league’s 21 teams will play 54 games each for a total of 567 league games in the regular season.

The 2024-25 schedule includes 91 per

cent prime night games on Fridays, Saturdays or team-preferred holiday dates.

“2024-25 is set to be a monumental season for the BCHL, in more ways than one,” said commissioner Steven Cocker.

“The full integration of our five new members, soon-to-be-announced event alliances and an elite group of incoming athletes are going to set the stage for an incredible year.”

The current schedule does not include exhibition games, BCHL Showcase games or Road Show event games, all of which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Coastal Conference

Coastal West: Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Cowichan Valley Capitals, Nanaimo

Clippers, Powell River Kings, Victoria Grizzlies

Coastal East: Chilliwack Chiefs, Coquitlam Express, Langley Rivermen. Prince George Spruce Kings, Surrey Eagles

Interior Conference

Interior West: Penticton Vees, Salmon Arm Silverbacks, Trail Smoke Eaters, Vernon Vipers, West Kelowna Warriors

Interior East: Blackfalds Bulldogs, Brooks Bandits, Cranbrook Bucks, Okotoks Oilers, Sherwood Park Crusaders, Spruce Grove Saints

The BCHL will continue with its existing playoff structure with the first seed in each conference playing the eighth seed in the first round, the second

playing the seventh seed, and so on. Five teams will not make the playoffs –two from the Coastal and three from the Interior.

“2023-24 saw league attendance increase by 8.1 per cent year-over-year and, with our amount of prime-night games hitting a historic high, we expect continued excitement in BCHL communities,” said Cocker.

Important Dates

Sep. 20: Opening night

Sep. 20: First Alberta vs. B.C. matchup

– Penticton Vees @ Spruce Grove Saints

Oct. 13-17: BCHL Showcase (location TBA)

Jan. 17-18: All-Star Weekend (location TBA)

Citizen staff

Citizen staff

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.

Throwback Thursday: Week of June 27

June 25, 1993: Wolfgang Seida holds a 19-pound puffball mushroom that he found on his parents’ Cranbrook Hill dairy farm while checking the cattle. Seida says the mushrooms are good eating if you get them before they get too big and the interior is still light-coloured. Citizen photo by Chuck Nisbett

June 27, 2011: Fifty-five people take part in a flash mob to mark 100 days until the Run for a Cure breast cancer fundraiser at Pine Centre’s Centre Court on Saturday at noon. Ranging from six to 57 years in age, most of the members were from Judy Russell’s Enchainement Dance Studio and danced to two numbers. Citizen photo by Chuck Nisbett.

June 27, 1973: These Grade 1 students are some of the more than 10,000 Prince George-area elementary school children who are footloose and fancy-free today as schools close for the summer recess. A number of classes held picnics with weiner roasts in Fort George Park (now Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park) to put a happy conclusion to 10 months of studies. Citizen photo by Dave Milne

June 27, 1986: Tim Mueller of the Fort George Falcons takes a rip at the ball as spectators watch from the almost-completed covered stands on the first side of Spruce City Stadium. Citizen photo by Lisa Murdoch

Life Events

SCHOLANDER, Erik

October 20, 1940 – June 5, 2024

Waiting to greet Darcy with open arms, was his mother Sharon, father Lawrence, grandparents Louella and Howie Johnson, Mary Barnes and Lorene Barnes. A celebration of life will take place at the Pineview Hall, 6470 Bendixon Road, July 6th, 2024 at 12 pm.

MARGARET GORDON HUFTY

A Memorial for Margaret will be held on Saturday July 6, 2024 at 1:00 pm At Assman’s Funeral Chapel 1908 Queensway Street

Erik Scholander, 83, of Mackenzie, BC, passed away on June 5, 2024 at Mackenzie District Hospital and will be dearly missed by his wife of 55 years, Brenda; sons Larry (Cindy) and Rob; grand daughters Teagan and Abigail; sister-in-law Roxanne (Brendan); cousin May (Benny) and many extended family and friends. Erik was born in Woodpecker, BC, on October 20, 1940, to Einar and Stephanie Scholander and spent a large portion of his life in Prince George, BC. He married Brenda Smith in 1968 and had two sons; Larry and Rob. In 2013, Erik retired at the age of 72 after many years of service with PNR, Sky Train and BC Rail. In 2019, He and Brenda moved to Mackenzie, BC where he lived out the rest of his years enjoying retirement, home renovations, time with family and friends and gardening. Erik was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mabel. The Scholander family would like to extend their immense gratitude and appreciation to Dr. L Dobson, Dr. Mann and the incredible doctors, nurses and hospital staff at Mackenzie District hospital for their exemplary care of Erik over the last 18 months.

Condolences may be offered at

WAITE, Shelley Leigh (nee Shields) July 27, 1957 · March 23, 2024

Shelley passed away peacefully in Palliative Care at Nanaimo Regional Hospital surrounded by her lovIng family. She was predeceased by her parents Dennis and Dorothy Shields and is survived by husband Robert Waite, her children Jackson and Haley. brother Dave (Wendy), sister Debra (Mike) and her nieces and nephew along with aunts, uncles and many cousins on the Island.

Shelley grew up in Burnaby, eventually attending SFU and then UBC in order to begin her teaching career. She started in the Langley School District but later moved to Prince George where Shelley and Rob raised their family. Shelley thoroughly enjoyed teaching kindergarten until her retirement.

Over time Shelley became more accustomed to the long, cold Prince George winters. She came to know and love some wonderful friends and close colleagues who made the winters shorter, the days warmer. Every summer Shelley and the kids returned to Burnaby to spend several weeks with the grandparents, enjoying their backyard pool and joyful time with her brother and sister and their families.

Shelley was devoted to being a loving mother, a dedicated and caring teacher and a productive member of the community. Her great sense of humour and loud laugh made her a school and neighbourhood favourite. She had a contagious zest for life and her laughter would fill every room she entered. Shelley will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank those who brightened Shelley’s days with love and laughter. Special thanks those visited, and the brilliant staff and devoted volunteers at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit who helped Shelley and her family immeasurably with their endless kindness, care and professionalism. A celebration of life will be held in Prince George on July 27, 2024. Please email shelley27@proton.me for details.

Prince George’s locally owned funeral service. We offer personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements. You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one.

Classifieds

Skilled Help

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

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)

Services for Hire

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

Firewood

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

Trades Help

EXPERIENCED

TICKETED WELDER

LEGAL NOTICE

Pursuant to section 17 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, notice is hereby given that W0233, held by Livingston Timber Ltd has prepared a woodlot licence plan (WLP). W0233 is located east of the Kiskatinaw River, near the highway 97 crossing. If approved by the District Manager of the Ministry of Forests, this plan may apply for a term of 10 years from the date of approval.

The WLP is available for public review and comment July 26 th. Any written comments can be emailed to melissa@dragonflymanagement.ca or to discuss, view or receive a copy contact Melissa Steidle, RPF at (778)675-6616.

Booking deadline: Friday noon

Approval deadline: Monday at noon

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

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/

Furnished Apartments

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Pursuant to section 17 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, notice is hereby given that W1157, held by Parsnip Holdings Ltd has prepared a woodlot licence plan (WLP). W1157 has private land located on McBride Timber Road East and crown land located on the Bobtail Woodland FSR. If approved by the District Manager of the Ministry of Forests, this plan may apply for a term of 10 years from the date of approval.

The WLP is available for public review and comment July 26 th. Any written comments can be emailed to melissa@dragonflymanagement.ca or to discuss, view or receive a copy contact Melissa Steidle, RPF at (778)675-6616.

LEGAL NOTICE

Pursuant to section 17 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, notice is hereby given that W1725, held by Walter Steidle has prepared a woodlot licence plan (WLP). W1725 has private land located on Punchaw Road and crown land located on the Blackwater Road in the vicinity of Punchaw Lake. If approved by the District Manager of the Ministry of Forests, this plan may apply for a term of 10 years from the date of approval.

The WLP is available for public review and comment July 26th. Any written comments can be emailed to melissa@dragonflymanagement.ca or to discuss, view or receive a copy contact Melissa Steidle, RPF at (778)675-6616.

CANOE FOR SALE

By Sam Mazotta

16ft F/G Canoe, wooden seats, holds 4 adults. Very fast! Today’s replacement cost $1600. Get it for your use now $1100. Call 250.564.8791 evenings.

Top lock and locking back slide doors 36” wide X 42” high 5 Available.

$350 each Negotiable on all five. 250-612-1828

Senior cat’s arthritis is impacting his quality of life

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: While checking my little Terrier, “Fritz,” after a walk, I found one small tick just hanging on his fur. I don’t know what I would have done if it had attached itself to his skin. What’s the procedure? Should I rush him to the vet if a tick attaches itself? -- Carla in Albany, New York

DEAR CARLA: Excellent work in checking Fritz’s coat right away after your walk! Ticks are so common now that it’s important to check after every outdoor foray, even if your dog never leaves the sidewalk. A tick check is a fast way to make sure -- just by running your hand along your pet’s coat, down and then up.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My cat “Sticky” is 14 years old and still in great shape. He loves chasing after a laser beam and rolling around with his toys. However, I’ve noticed that when he comes over to leap up on my lap, he hesitates and just puts his paws on my leg and meows. I have to encourage him to leap, and he doesn’t seem happy about it. Could something be wrong with him? —

Janine in Gulfport, Mississippi

You do not need to rush your dog to the vet for an embedded tick. You can remove it yourself. Here’s how:

-- Grab a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass. If you have surgical gloves and a tick remover tool, even better.

-- Have another person hold your dog still while you locate the embedded tick.

DEAR JANINE: At age 14, Sticky is definitely a senior cat, and it sounds like he’s beginning to develop a common senior cat problem: arthritis. Just like us, cats can suffer from stiff, achy joints as they get older.

-- Carefully grasp the tick with the tweezers as close to the dog’s skin as possible, near its head.

-- Slowly, steadily pull the tick out. Don’t jerk. Place the tick into a plastic bag with a little isopropyl alcohol.

-- Clean the dog’s skin with a dab of isopropyl alcohol and apply antibiotic ointment.

You’re doing a great job of observing his behavior and spotting changes in the way he interacts. Arthritis (typically osteoarthritis, sometimes abbreviated as OA) is progressive, and sometimes not noticeable right away. There are four key things to watch for:

Running — Does your cat run with a fast, fluid motion, or in stops and starts?

After removing the tick, monitor your dog for a few days and keep an eye on the bite area to make sure an infection doesn’t develop. If you notice changes in his behavior, signs of illness or the bite area gets infected, then it’s time to see the vet, and bring the tick along in a plastic bag.

Jumping — Does your cat hesitate to take jumps that were effortless in the past?

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Climbing — Does your cat walk or run confidently on the stairs, or hesitate on each step?

Playing — Does your cat keep up with the laser pointer, or start to lag behind?

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Bear’s

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

HOROSCOPES

(March 21 – April 19)

ARIES

Money problems could stress you out this week. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Remember that there are more important things in life. Stay hopeful and focus on what brings you happiness.

TAURUS

You’re an energetic and ambitious person who loves a challenge. You’ll achieve something extraordinary at work or home that will lead you to success or bring you closer to your dreams.

GEMINI

This week, you may be troubled by some -thing like a secret you don’t want to keep. Think it over carefully and seek the advice of your guardian angels.

CANCER

Limit how much coffee you drink to prevent anxiety and unrest. Stop trying to control things that are out of your control. You’ll have to manage your priorities and deal with unexpected situations at work.

LEO

You’ll soon face a professional challenge that will make good use of your skills and experience. You’ll have to adapt but will manage to achieve your goals and improve your financial situation.

VIRGO

A spiritual quest could bring you immense fulfillment and help you expand your horizons. You’ll align with your principles and beliefs and feel a profound sense of peace.

Don’t be ashamed to seek professional help when dealing with emotional problems or other worries. A professional can help you heal. You deserve to feel better and live life to the fullest.

SCORPIO

Your relationship may be going through a rough patch. Your partner must show you more affection. Don’t overlook small details during a negotiation at work, as they could change everything.

SAGITTARIUS

Many healthcare professionals believe that mental health is essential for physical well-being. If you have a chronic illness, try to find out if it stems from your life experiences or your subconscious.

CAPRICORN

You must boost your self-confidence to achieve success. Learn to value yourself and exhibit infectious charisma to attract admiration and respect.

AQUARIUS

You’ll have a busy week. Between moving and taking on a project close to your heart, you’ll need the support of your significant other. An organized space makes for a clear mind. Make sure yours is clean and uncluttered.

PISCES

You’ll have the courage to speak your mind, even if it makes some people mad. With your charisma and eloquence, you can persuade and inspire people to support your ideas. Art is a powerful means of communication that can touch hearts and minds.

LIBRA

likely require repair. fits

4 signs you need to replace your soffit and fascia

Applying fresh caulk to your shower can instantly brighten up the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Your home’s soffits and fascia boards protect your attic and roof from water infiltration and keep pests out. Here are four signs it’s time to have yours repaired or replaced.

• Choose a caulk. There are two types of caulk for tubs and tiles: silicone and acrylic latex. Silicone caulk is durable and flexible but tricky to apply. Latex caulk is easy to apply but may need to be redone more often.

1. The paint is peeling or flaking. Once the paint on your soffits and fascia begins to deteriorate, it creates an opening for moisture to permeate the boards. This can result in water damage to the roof, interior walls and siding.

3. Pests are hanging around your home. Your soffits and fascia boards are designed to keep rodents, bugs and other small critters from getting into your home. Therefore, bite marks, nesting materials or droppings in your home’s attic often indicate that your soffits and fascia must be repaired.

• Remove the existing caulk. Use a utility or putty knife to scour the edges of the old caulk. Once separated, firmly pull it away from the surface. Be careful not to scratch or damage your shower while doing this.

2. The gutters are loose. The soffit and fascia boards act as the support system for your gutters. Consequently, if you notice your gutters are wobbly and unsteady, the fascia or soffits likely require repair.

• Apply the new caulk. Cut the tip the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and insert it into the caulk gun. Hold the nozzle at a 90-degree angle from the surface you want to caulk. Apply steady pressure to the trigger and move your nozzle down the entire surface length. Keep the gun moving consistently, so the caulk doesn’t thin out or pile up.

• Smooth the caulk. Take a damp cloth and gently press a small area of the material into the caulking line with your finger. In one continuous motion, drag your finger down the length the seam to create a nice smooth surface.

4. There’s little to no ventilation Soffits provide ventilation and prevent condensation in your attic. If you notice that your home seems stuffy, your soffits are probably blocked or damaged.

• Clean the area. Remove any remaining caulk residue with a dry, non-abrasive scouring pad. Then, wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.

Contact a local roofing contractor to inspect your soffits and fascia and make any necessary repairs.

Finally, let the caulk set for 24 hours before using your shower. You can pick up everything you need for this quick fix at your local hardware store.

• PVC windowsills are the most common because they’re affordable and come in various colours. PVC sills are also moisture- and fade-resistant. Additionally, you need to wipe them with a damp cloth only periodically to keep them looking new. However, they aren’t as durable as other materials and can’t be recycled.

materials materials which add a home. Stone retain their maintenance. properties ceramic, glass for bathdurability. Moreoendless cuslabour-intensive

• Solid wood sills are elegant and durable and provide good thermal insulation. You can choose from various wood species, including oak, mahogany, pine and ash. However, wood is sensitive to temperature extremes, high humidity and UV rays, so it requires regular maintenance to protect it against rot and mould.

and can be expensive.

• Tile sills come in materials such as ceramic, glass and concrete. Tile is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of its durability. Moreover, selecting a tile windowsill gives you endless customization options. However, tile is labour-intensive to install, and the grout can become dirty quickly.

Talk to a contractor in your area to help you choose the right windowsill material for your home.

Pros and cons of windowsill materials

Pros and cons of windowsill materials

Windowsills are an essential element of your home because they secure the windows and can serve as shelves for decorations. You can choose from a wide variety of windowsill materials to complement your home. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each.

Windowsills are an essential element of your home because they secure the windows and can serve as shelves for decorations. You can choose from a wide variety of windowsill materials to complement your home. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each.

4 signs you need to replace your soffit and fascia

Your home’s soffits and fascia boards protect your attic and roof from water infiltration and keep pests out. Here are four signs it’s time to have yours repaired or replaced.

• PVC windowsills are the most common because they’re affordable and come in various colours. PVC sills are also moisture- and fade-resistant. Additionally, you need to wipe them with a damp cloth only periodically to keep them looking new. However, they aren’t as durable as other materials and can’t be recycled.

• PVC windowsills are the most common because they’re affordable and come in various colours. PVC sills are also moisture- and fade-resistant. Additionally, you need to wipe them with a damp cloth only periodically to keep them looking new. However, they aren’t as durable as other materials and can’t be recycled.

1. The paint is peeling or flaking. Once the paint on your soffits and fascia begins to deteriorate, it creates an opening for moisture to permeate the boards. This can result in water damage to the roof, interior walls and siding.

• Solid wood sills are elegant and durable and provide good thermal insulation. You can choose from various wood species, including oak, mahogany, pine and ash. However, wood is sensitive to temperature extremes, high humidity and UV rays, so it requires regular maintenance to protect it against rot and mould.

• Solid wood sills are elegant and durable and provide good thermal insulation. You can choose from various wood species, including oak, mahogany, pine and ash. However, wood is sensitive to temperature extremes, high humidity and UV rays, so it requires regular maintenance to protect it against rot and mould.

• Natural stone windowsills are made of materials like granite, limestone and marble, which add a touch of luxury to the interior of your home. Stone sills resist damage from sunlight and retain their appearance for years with very little maintenance. However, they don’t have heat-insulating properties and can be expensive.

3. Pests are hanging around your home. Your soffits and fascia boards are designed to keep rodents, bugs and other small critters from getting into your home. Therefore, bite marks, nesting materials or droppings in your home’s attic often indicate that your soffits and fascia must be repaired.

• Natural stone windowsills are made of materials like granite, limestone and marble, which add a touch of luxury to the interior of your home. Stone sills resist damage from sunlight and retain their appearance for years with very little maintenance. However, they don’t have heat-insulating properties and can be expensive.

How to re-caulk a shower

• Tile sills come in materials such as ceramic, glass and concrete. Tile is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of its durability. Moreover, selecting a tile windowsill gives you endless customization options. However, tile is labour-intensive to install, and the grout can become dirty quickly.

• Tile sills come in materials such as ceramic, glass and concrete. Tile is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of its durability. Moreover, selecting a tile windowsill gives you endless customization options. However, tile is labour-intensive to install, and the grout can become dirty quickly.

Talk to a contractor in your area to help you choose the right windowsill material for your home.

4. There’s little to no ventilation. Soffits provide ventilation and prevent condensation in your attic. If you notice that your home seems stuffy, your soffits are probably blocked or damaged.

Talk to a contractor in your area to help you choose the right windowsill material for your home.

How to re-caulk a shower

How to re-caulk a shower

2. The gutters are loose. The soffit and fascia boards act as the support system for your gutters. Consequently, if you notice your gutters are wobbly and unsteady, the fascia or soffits likely require repair.

4 signs you need to replace your soffit and fascia

4 signs you need to replace your soffit and fascia

Contact a local roofing contractor to inspect your soffits and fascia and make any necessary repairs.

Your home’s soffits and fascia boards protect your attic and roof from water infiltration and keep pests out. Here are four signs it’s time to have yours repaired or replaced.

How to re-caulk a shower

How to re-caulk a shower

Windowsills are an essential element of your home because they secure the windows and can serve as shelves for decorations. You can choose from a wide variety of windowsill materials to complement your home. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each.

1. The paint is peeling or flaking. Once the paint on your soffits and fascia begins to deteriorate, it creates an opening for moisture to permeate the boards. This can result in water damage to the roof, interior walls and siding.

• PVC windowsills are the most common because they’re affordable and come in various colours. PVC sills are also moisture- and fade-resistant. Additionally, you need to wipe them with a damp cloth only periodically to keep them looking new. However, they aren’t as durable as other materials and can’t be recycled.

2. The gutters are loose. The soffit and fascia boards act as the support system for your gutters. Consequently, if you notice your gutters are wobbly and unsteady, the fascia or soffits likely require repair.

•

3. Pests are hanging around your home. Your soffits and fascia boards are designed to keep rodents, bugs and other small critters from getting into your home. Therefore, bite marks, nesting materials or droppings in your home’s attic often indicate that your soffits and fascia must be repaired.

Applying fresh caulk to your shower can instantly brighten up the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Pros and cons of windowsill materials

• Choose a caulk. There are two types of caulk for tubs and tiles: silicone and acrylic latex. Silicone caulk is durable and flexible but tricky to apply. Latex caulk is easy to apply but may need to be redone more often.

• Natural stone windowsills are made of materials like granite, limestone and marble, which add a touch of luxury to the interior of your home. Stone sills resist damage from sunlight and retain their appearance for years with very little maintenance. However, they don’t have heat-insulating properties and can be expensive.

4. There’s little to no ventilation. Soffits provide ventilation and prevent condensation in your attic. If you notice that your home seems stuffy, your soffits are probably blocked or damaged.

• Solid wood sills are elegant and durable and provide good thermal insulation. You can choose from various wood species, including oak, mahogany, pine and ash. However, wood is sensitive to temperature extremes, high humidity and UV rays, so it requires regular maintenance to protect it against rot and mould.

Contact a local roofing contractor to inspect your soffits and fascia and make any necessary repairs.

• Tile sills come in materials such as ceramic, glass and concrete. Tile is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of its durability. Moreover, selecting a tile windowsill gives you endless customization options. However, tile is labour-intensive to install, and the grout can become dirty quickly.

Talk to a contractor in your area to help you choose the right windowsill material for your home.

• Remove the existing caulk. Use a utility or putty knife to scour the edges of the old caulk. Once separated, firmly pull it away from the surface. Be careful not to scratch or damage your shower while doing this.

• Clean the area. Remove any remaining caulk residue with a dry, non-abrasive scouring pad. Then, wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.

Applying fresh caulk to your shower can instantly brighten up the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

• Apply the new caulk. Cut the tip of the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and insert it into the caulk gun. Hold the nozzle at a 90-degree angle from the surface you want to caulk. Apply steady pressure to the trigger and move your nozzle down the entire surface length. Keep the gun moving consistently, so the caulk doesn’t thin out or pile up.

• Smooth the caulk. Take a damp cloth and gently press a small area of the material into the caulking line with your finger. In one continuous motion, drag your finger down the length of the seam to create a nice smooth surface.

Finally, let the caulk set for 24 hours before using your shower. You can pick up everything you need for this quick fix at your local hardware store.

Applying fresh caulk to your shower can instantly brighten up the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

4 signs you need to replace

• Choose a caulk. There are two types of caulk for tubs and tiles: silicone and acrylic latex. Silicone caulk is durable and flexible but tricky to apply.

• Choose a caulk. There are two types of caulk for tubs and tiles: silicone and acrylic latex. Silicone caulk is durable and flexible but tricky to apply.

• Apply the new caulk. Cut the tip of the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and insert it into the caulk gun. Hold the nozzle at a 90-degree angle from the surface you want to caulk. Apply steady pressure to the trigger and move your nozzle down the entire surface length. Keep the gun moving consistently, so the caulk doesn’t thin

• Apply the new caulk. Cut the tip of the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and insert it into the caulk gun. Hold the nozzle at a 90-degree angle from the surface you want to caulk. Apply steady pressure to the trigger and move your nozzle down the entire surface length. Keep the gun moving consistently, so the caulk doesn’t thin out or pile up.

Homes & Living

Welcome to luxury living in one of the most desirable neighborhoods, where breathtaking views await you from the top floor. This luxurious home features spacious bedrooms, three of which boast walk-in closets, and laundry on this level ensures convenience. The open kitchen design connects the dining area and living room, anchored by a stunning three-sided gas fireplace. Granite countertops and a massive island with seating for six, the kitchen is a chef’s delight. Through the garden door is the fenced backyard, where a beautiful stone patio beckons for outdoor living and entertaining. The unfinished basement, with an outside entrance and roughed-in plumbing, presents endless possibilities, perhaps even a suite.

7 ways to make the most of your basement

Are you thinking about finishing your basement? While this can be an expensive project, you’ll increase both your living space and property value. Plus, you can easily adapt this versatile space to suit your family’s needs over time. Here are seven types of basement conversions.

1.Workshop. Whether you enjoy sewing, woodworking, scrapbooking or wine making, you’ll have the space you need to store all your supplies and tools.

2.Home office. You’ll probably find it easier to concentrate in a room that’s cut off from the rest of the house. Plus, you’re less likely to be disturbed during conference calls.

3. Guest bedroom. This is an ideal way to offer your visitors more privacy. And if there’s enough room to fit in a bathroom, all the better.

4. Cellar. Whether you want to store wine, root vegetables or canned goods, make sure the space is well ventilated and the humidity level is controlled.

5.Personal gym. For this to be a practical option, the ceiling should be high enough to accommodate stretching and jumping jacks.

6.Playroom. Give your kids plenty of space to run around and store their toys without cluttering the main living areas of the house.

7.Laundry room. In addition to freeing up space in the bathroom, you’ll finally have the room you need to fold and iron clothes.

Keep in mind that natural light is limited in a basement. Therefore, you’ll want to opt for an open-concept design or glass doors and partitions if possible.